Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Look below for news and events for October 8-15, 2008 as well as upcoming Chamber events and reminders
In This Issue:
2009 Travel Guide Advertisers - Important Announcement
Falls Harvest Festival
Cheese Tour
October After-Hours Mixer
Message from the Business Education Committee
Message from Finger Lakes Wine Country
Hot Tip from I Love NY
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance Information Request
Upcoming Events
2009 Travel Guide Advertisers – Important Announcement
Dear Advertisers:
We are excited to announce that we are well on our way to sending the 2009 Travel Guide out to print! But first, we would like to let you know that you should have received a letter in the mail from the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce.
The letter contains a copy of your advertisement proof. When you get this, please be sure to go over it very carefully; as this is your only opportunity to make changes to your advertisement. If we have not heard from you after the deadline of FRIDAY October 10, we will assume your ad is fine and we will proceed with printing.
Please be sure to send the memo back with the information filled out saying whether you have ad changes or not. Also note that no major changes can be made to the ad at this point. Edits are only for typos or pertinent information changes.
Thank you for your cooperation and participation in the 2009 Travel Guide!
Falls Harvest Festival
The Falls Harvest Festival will cap off a day full of activities on Saturday, Oct. 11 with fireworks over 156 foot high Shequaga Falls in the heart of downtown Montour Falls, the festival’s location. The fireworks finale will follow a free concert performance by Ithaca-area band “The Common Railers” from 5 to 8 p.m.
This year’s festival runs from 1 to 8 p.m. and features seasonal activities and contests galore, including Grape Stomping, Pie Eating, Edible Art, Scarecrow and Pumpkin Carving Contests. Seasonal activities include Schuyler Hospital’s Straw Maze, an Antique Tractor Display; Artistic live demonstrations, such as glass flame working by cMog artists, pumpkin carving by a master carver, live chainsaw sculpting by Mark Watson, lace-making, and fiber spinning. Live music acts perform throughout the day while attendees shop a market of food, craft and farm vendors. Kids will especially delight in free fire truck rides, an inflatable “jumpy” castle, face painting, and Guthrie’s ‘Healthy Happenings Fun Tent’.
The always popular Ghost Walk- a dramatic historic walking tour led by the Lake Country Players, returns again with tours every half hour from 5-8pm, at the Montour Falls Library. A nominal fee is charged to help raise money for the historic library’s continued operation.
Sponsored by Cargill and financed by many area businesses and individuals, this event is coordinated by the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce/Watkins Glen Promotions.
For more information or to obtain contest information, please call (607) 535- 3003 or visit the festival's web page at www.watkinsglen.com/promotions.
Cheese Tour
Everyone knows the Finger Lakes region for its great wines, but now the Finger Lakes is also becoming known for its cheeses. On October 11, 2008 the Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will be sponsoring the Finger Lakes Artisanal Cheese Open House.
This will be your chance to go to the following four local locations between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Individuals will have the opportunity to learn how cheese is made, taste some of the creations, and learn how flavors are chosen. The open house is free to the public so be sure to check out one of these four locations!
Lively Run Goat Dairy
8978 County Road 142, Interlaken, NY 14847 607-532-4647 www.livelyrun.com Lively Run Goat Dairy is home to many goats including, Alpine, Nubian, and Saanen, as well as cross breeds. Our cheeses contain no preservatives, or artificial additives of any kind. Our Chevre is made in the traditional French style, and presented in small logs, plain or herbed. Our Cayuga Blue has been featured in many national publications and our Greek-style Feta has a devoted following.
Sunset View Creamery
4970 County Road 14, Odessa, NY 14869 607-594-2095 www.sunsetviewcreamery.com e-mail: FarmersWife@SunsetViewCreamery.com Family-owned Hoffarm’s Dairy has raised registered Holsteins and Ayrshires since 1905. A variety of cheese curds, pressed cheeses, and gift baskets are available at Sunset View Creamery.
Finger Lakes Farmstead Cheese Company LLC
5491 Bergen Road, Trumansburg, NY 14886 607-387-3108 www.fingerlakes-cheese.com (website in progress) e-mail: nancy@bhcheese.com Using fresh, wholesome raw milk from our 40-head family Holstein herd, we craft aged Gouda-style cheeses by hand. Our flagship cheeses are the Gouda-like "Schuyler" and its natural-rinded cousin, the Gruyere-style "Red Meck." Herb- and seed-infused wheels and a beer-soaked cheese are also available.
Cowlick Farm
8865 Route 414, Lodi, NY 14860 607-582-6611 www.winecountrycabins.com/cowlickfarm/ e-mail: cowlick@empacc.net Cowlick Farm is a unique shop in the Finger Lakes area featuring Farmstead Cheese, fresh Gelato, and cream's favorite companion...Coffee! Stop by for a taste of the Finger Lakes' best. We are committed to fresh, local dairy products. Come see our cows - we are so proud of them, we give them waterbeds to sleep on.
October After-Hours Mixer
The next Chamber Mixer will be held at Schuyler Hospital from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.
This upcoming Mixer will hold two exciting purposes this month. We will be officially welcoming our new President/CEO, Crystal Ricks, to the Chamber team and to Schuyler County! This will be a great opportunity for the community to come and meet Crystal.
In addition to welcoming Crystal, we will be taking part in assisting Schuyler Hospital with celebrating the official opening of their new Rehabilitation Department. This will allow you to tour the facilities and to meet with some of the hospital staff.
For more information or to RSVP contact Carole Pierce at (607) 535-3003 or
Events@schuylerny.com
Message from the Business Education Committee
Coming up on November 5th, the Business Education Committee of the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce will be conducting its 2nd Annual Businessperson-Student Mentoring Program at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This year’s topic, titled “Txt 2 Talk 4 the Future… Communication and Presentation Skills for Life,” will focus on the importance of communication effectiveness and positive first impressions.
11th and 12th grade students from Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford Central Schools will be in attendance to listen to the presentation by Doreen Hettich-Atkins of Joint Education and Training (JET) Inc. Ms. Hettich-Atkins is the Coordinator of Special Services and Programs at Ithaca College. “She is an engaging and enthusiastic presenter who truly enjoys interacting with her audiences,” said Katie Strawser, Chamber Representative to the Committee.
The Committee feels that by having a business owner spend a few hours with a student, that it will enhance the student’s awareness of the importance of good business and communication skills. The Committee is asking local businesses to take his opportunity to sponsor a student for the day. They are confident that this session will leave a positive influence on everyone who attends. Katie Strawser also added that, “It’s essential that students realize the importance of how much one’s presentation skills apply to their life – whether in school or college settings, interviews or job settings, and even with one’s personal relationship-building.” The cost is $50.00 per student; which covers attendance for the business and the student, lunch, and an opportunity to make an impact on a young person's life. If your business is interested, please notify the Chamber at (607) 535-4300 or at reception@schuylerny.com to sign up for this worthwhile program.
About the Committee: The Business Education Committee’s vision is to support current and future businesspeople through networking & business-related educational opportunities, providing organized forums to discuss business issues and as appropriate; assist in developing ideas for resolving those issues, exposing young adults to life skills intended to enhance their chances for success in the work environment; and providing young adults the opportunity to meet and socialize with area businesspeople. The group meets on the third Friday of every month at 9:00 a.m. at the Chamber offices. The Committee also hosts monthly small-business owner roundtable discussions called “Eggs at Eight,” which are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at Classic Chef’s in Montour Falls.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining this group and their efforts, or would like more information, please contact Katie Strawser at the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce at 535-4300 or
reception@schuylerny.com.
Message from Finger Lakes Wine Country
Dear Members,
Are you listed on www.TripAdvisor.com? Many visitors to our region use this site for help in making vacation planning decisions.
It is easy to register, and we encourage you to reach out to your best customers and ask them to post positive feedback on your restaurant, attraction/winery, or property.
To be listed and more information visit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/getlisted.html
Please take advantage of this FREE opportunity to get your business out there if you haven’t already listed yourself on this website.
Hot Tip from I Love NY
Florida International Magazine (Covers the lifestyle, culture, business and trends that shape society in Florida Circulation: 70,244) is looking for different and new takes on Thanksgiving standards. Recipes that employ holiday ingredients in an unusual way, ideas for new ways of presenting traditional dishes and any recipes that would make a great holiday addition to the Thanksgiving table are all welcome. Please send along details by Thursday, October 9 to Miranda O. Polmanteer at
tourism@schuylerny.com
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance Information Request
Our partner, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is currently working on a couple of editorial opportunities with their marketing firm, and they are looking for your input. Please respond to Miranda Odell Polmanteer with any information, and note that it is in reference to the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance request.
Green Tourism The Finger Lakes is well-known for the concentration of renewable energy efforts and green living initiatives. Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is looking for visitor-friendly places where someone could go to learn more about solar and wind generation, low-impact living, and the like. A great example is EcoVillage, outside of Ithaca, which attracts visitors from around the world. If you know any renewable energy, green livings, and organic farming sites, please let us know by October 31.
“Christmas Time is Here…” The title for this new project is “Greeting-Card Perfect Towns for the Real Holiday Shopping Experience.” The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is looking for “Dickensian” downtowns to bring in visitors to the countryside for their holiday shopping. So do you know a main street that has real holiday spirit? Please be sure to let us know by October 15.
Winter Veg-Out With summer certainly on its way out, fall is in full swing and winter just around the corner, some of us just can’t wait for our favorite winter activities. Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is looking for just that. Do you know a place (a restaurant, tea room, inn, B&B, etc) where it is just a perfect place to sit with a warm cup of cocoa and watch the snowflakes? If so, please let us know by November 1.
Come South This Winter The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance would like to promote winter events to the Toronto and Montreal media, that would be worth making a drive to the Finger Lakes Region. So if you know any great winter events or things to do in this area, please let us know by November 1.
Remember, please respond to Miranda Odell Polmanteer with any information. Thank you for your help!
Miranda Odell Polmanteer's Email
Upcoming Events
EVENTS:
October 6, 2008 - American Red Cross Blood Drive - 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Tyrone Fire Department - 3600 St. Rt. 226 - (800) 448-3543
October 11, 2008 - The Falls Harvest Festival - Main Street, Montour Falls 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - 607-535-3003 - www.watkinsglen.com/promotions/harvest
October 11, 2008 - Finger Lakes Artisanal Cheese Open House - 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Lively Run Goat Dairy, Sunset View Creamery, Finger Lakes Farmstead Cheese Company LLC and Cowlick Farm - October 11, 2008 - American Red Cross Blood Drive - 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. St. Mary’s of the Lake - 905 N. Decatur St - (800) 448-3543
October 11, 2008 - Historic Ghost Walk presented by the Lake Country Players and the Montour Falls Memorial Library - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – With last tour leaving at 7:30 p.m. - Guided tours leave from the Montour Falls Memorial Library - Main Street, Montour Falls - Meet the ghosts of the people who formed the village; including Queen Catharine and Charles Cook - Cost: $5/person or $15/family - (607) 535-7489 or (607) 535-7489
OUTDOORS:
October 10, 2008 - Guided Walk Behind the Waterfalls - 2:00 p.m. - Watkins Glen State Park: Meet at the end of the parking lot at the main entrance - (607) 535-4511 - www.nysparks.com
October 10, 2008 - Wilderness Sleepers - 6:30 p.m. - Watkins Glen State Park: Meet at the end campground recreation building across from cabin #3 - (607) 535-4511 - www.nysparks.com
October 12, 2008 - Guided Walk Behind the Waterfalls - 11:00 a.m. - Watkins Glen State Park: Meet at the end of the parking lot at the main entrance - (607) 535-4511 - www.nysparks.com
MUSIC:
October 8, 2008 - Acoustic Newt: Maplewood Jazz Team - 7:00 p.m. - Red Newt Bistro - (607) 546-4100 - www.rednewt.com
October 11, 2008 - Live Entertainment: Meyer & McGuire - 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. - Belhurst Castle - Rte 14, Geneva - (315) 781-0201
WINE & CULINARY:
Tuesdays at Village Marina Bar & Grill – 2 for 1 drafts, $3.95 wings – 3 p.m. until close – (607) 535 – 7910
Wednesdays at Village Marina Bar & Grill – “Hump Day” 2 for 1 martinis – 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. – (607) 535-7910 Thursdays at Village Marina Bar & Grill – “Dinner for 2”; 12” pizza and a pitcher of beer for $12.99 – 4 p.m. - close – (607) 535-7910
Thursdays at the Red Newt Bistro- Wine lover’s Night - Any bottle of wine is half price with dinner - 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – (607) 546-4100 –www.rednewt.com
Fridays at the Red Newt Bistro- Bistro-made Pasta Night- Hand made pasta specials in addition to the full menu- 7:00 -9:00 p.m. – (607) 546-4100 – www.rednewt.com
Fridays at Village Marina Bar & Grill – Karaoke- 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Starting February 8 – (607) 535 -7910
Sundays at Village Marina Bar & Grill – Nascar Fans; Beer and Food specials with prizes for picking the winning driver – Start of the race - (607) 535-7910
ARTS:
October 9, 2008 - Lonesome Drum: An American Tale - 7:00 p.m. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport - Tickets are free but seating is limited Tickets may be reserved by calling (607) 962-9271
October 11–13, 2008 - Pumpkin Patch at the GlassMarket - Museum’s GlassMarket - (800) 723-9156 - www.cmog.org
MISCELLANEOUS:
October 8, 2008 - Save Energy, Save Dollars Workshop - 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tyrone United Methodist Church - Tyrone, NY - Pre-registration is required (607) 535-7161
October 11, 2008 - Spirit of Schuyler Gathering - 5:00 p.m. - Vickio Signs, Watkins Glen - (607) 535-6241 - www.spiritofschuyler.org
October 5-11, 2008 - 4-H youth from across the nation will be "Keeping It Green" as they celebrate 2008 National 4-H Week October 5-11 by raising awareness about environmental issues and initiating environmental projects that make a positive difference in their communities. The community is invited to support Schuyler County 4-H youth in Keeping it Green by participating in a new fundraiser by purchasing items through www.greenraising.org. Supporters will be able to buy environmentally responsible goods such as office supplies and water bottles while donating to Schuyler County 4-H. Watch for the official kick-off date on the Schuyler County 4-H Blog http://schuyleryouthdevelopment.blogspot.com/. For more information call (607) 535-7161
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Schuyler Hospital wants you to know that since 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. Make your mammography appointment with Schuyler Hospital today. www.schuylerhospital.org
Schuyler Hospital Thanks Community for Beating Blood Drive Goal -When Schuyler Hospital set their blood drive collection goal for 2007-08 with the American Red Cross, they hoped community members would generously give 69 pints of blood. Schuyler Hospital officials recently received word from the Red Cross that not only did the community meet the goal – they exceeded it by 236 percent!
Monday Night Knitting is Back - Take 20% off anything you buy while knitting with us on Monday evenings - Finger Lakes Fibers Yarn Store (607) 535-9710 - www.fingerlakesfibers.com
Cheer on your local school athletes:
http://www.watkinsglenschools.com/fallsportsschedule2007.cfm http://www.omschools.org/sportsschedule.cfm
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