jyoung@post-journal.com
Campers enjoying the 2020 expanded summer day camp sit in front of the newly-renovated Scandinavian Studies Program Arts and Learning Stuga at Camp Onyhasa. Improvements to the building were funded by the Scandinavian Studies Program.
Submitted photo
DEWITTVILLE YMCA Camp Onyahsa recently completed its $1.5 million “Our Fantastic Future” capital improvement project, and is preparing to welcome campers back to a bright future.
The campaign was launched in 2016 to improve and upgrade the infrastructure and facilities of the 123-year old institution, in addition to establishing permanent scholarship funds and creating a property endowment.
In total, $1,553,453 was raised for physical improvements, including over $500,000 in grants and contributions from non-local sources, alumni, camper families and national foundations.
Since 1811 there have been stumbling blocks and advancements with the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry.
Part of the legacy of this iconic link on Chautauqua Lake is it keeps moving forward. First one direction and then in the other.
For the past three seasons, the board of directors and volunteers have been disappointed and frustrated. Failing the 10-year hull inspection in 2018 was a punch in the gut. The ferry has been unlicensed to carry passengers since then. However, because of continuing support of fans of the ferry, board members have been determined to get the ferry back in service.
The major problem in getting the license was eroded metal in the hull caused by water and melting snow from the top metal deck leaking into the hull for decades. Additionally, beams on the metal deck needed to be replaced. In 2018 and 2019 crews from Hohl Industries and volunteers scrapped, cut, installed new hatch covers and replaced a lot of steel on the deck that was the source of the leaks.
John Whittaker
Pictured are Allie Burdick, Cattaraugus County commander; Jim Lemanski, Chautauqua County commander; Howie Van Rennselaer; Stan Kawski, 8th District chaplain; and Steve McCord, 8th district service officer and Cattaraugus County director of Veteran Services.
Submitted photos
Editor’s Note: The Post-Journal is looking back at the top stories of 2020 and the way they will shape the coming year. Today, 20 for 2020 looks at the municipal stories that were among the most-read in the newspaper this year.
Chautauqua County is home to 134,000 or so people, depending on the time of year and just about every one of them has an interesting story to tell.
John Whittaker
A few of the Third Street oak trees city workers are in the process of cutting down. Because of the potential danger and liability of the oak threes, with some being more than 100 years old, the city is cutting down 43 of them along Third Street.
P-J photos by Dennis Phillips
Editor’s Note: The Post-Journal is looking back at the top stories of 2020 and the way they will shape the coming year. Today, 20 for 2020 looks at the municipal stories that were among the most-read in the newspaper this year.
It only seems like COVID-19 was the only topic in the news this year.
Snowmobile Support
Dec 26, 2020
Smiling under their masks are Tory Irgang, executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and Boutwell Hill Ski Club board members, from left, Andy Dickson, president; Joe Bender; and Kevin Kind.
The Boutwell Hill Ski Club has purchased a new grooming ATV made possible through the support of local foundations and supporters.
The Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation, Lakeshore Savings Community Reinvestment Fund and Chautauqua Region Community Foundation provided funding for nearly 60% of the purchase price. Supporters and trail users provided the balance.
“We’re grateful to our local foundation for their confidence and support of our great winter recreation program on Boutwell Hill,” said Andy Dickson, Boutwell Hill Ski Club president. “Our new ATV is agile and powerful in deep snow and will mean more and better grooming of the trail system.”