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Country Christmas Parade

Making it the second consecutive year, this year’s holiday parade was again postponed one week due to inclement weather conditions.  Originally scheduled for December 1st, The Resource Center and TRC Country Christmas Parade took place on December 8th at 6:30pm.  

Although the parade was postponed, it did not affect the number of groups participating in the annual parade. Over 150 units traveled West on Third Street to Tracy Plaza for the traditional tree lighting ceremony and the fireworks display with a newly added animation show.  Thousands of parade-goers lined Third Street to see the traditional Christmas floats, music groups, businesses and animal entries.  
The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation would like to thank The Resource Center & TRC Foundation for their gracious sponsorship, Time Warner Cable, MediaOne, the City of Jamestown, Jamestown Fire Department, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown Parks Department and all of the volunteers who helped make this year’s Country Christmas Parade such a huge success!

The winners of this year’s parade categories were as follows:

• Best All Around - Junior Guilders

• Best Downtown Business -  The Post-Journal

• Best Small Business -  Moore & Myott, LLP
• Best Large Business -  M&T Bank

• Best Large Industry -  Cummins, Inc.

• Best Horse Entry - Jackson’s Hobbie Farm
• Best Animal Entry -  Chautauqua County 4-H
• Most Community Involvement -  Rotary Club of Jamestown
• Best Fire Department -  Ellington Volunteer Fire Department
• Most Youth Involvement -  Jamestown YMCA Jets Swim Team
• Best Theme Related (Country Christmas) -  Jamestown Savings Bank

DJDC Announces New Corporation

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation has announced the new formation of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation to guide the implementation process of the Jamestown Urban Design Plan that has been recently adopted.  This is a Not-For-Profit corporation. 

Lee Harkness will conduct the daily operations of the newly formed corporation while continuing the duties as the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation Executive Director. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is co-chaired by Mayor Sam Teresi and Kenneth Strickler and it has established a Board of Directors.

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation will operate at 19 West Third Street in Jamestown.  The mission of the corporation is to work as the agency charged with implementing the Jamestown Urban Design Plan by:

• Continuing emphasis on public/private partnership
• Promoting economic development
• Establishing measurable goals and timelines for implementation
• Providing leadership
  

   
For more information regarding the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation contact Mike Sullivan at 716-357-6230.

 Thank You! To our 2006 Board of Directors

Free Income Tax Help Is Coming

Free income tax assistance will be available at a number of local sites for working, income-eligible taxpayers between January 27 and April 12.  The Chautauqua County Income Tax Coalition has established several VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites in the county.  Trained, IRS-certified volunteers act as tax-preparers, with a focus on helping income-eligible people file their returns and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.  VITA returns are filed electronically with refunds received by  taxpayers in as little as 10 days.

For more information about eligibility, income guidelines, required documents, and site dates and times, call United Way First Call for Help toll free at 1-866-733-3748.

Farmers Market Received New York State Grant

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation received a $10,000 Agri-Tourism Grant from the New York State Dept.  of Agriculture and Markets.  This grant will help provide additional advertising opportunities for the Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market.  In addition to advertising, the grant will help provide funding to have supplemental entertainment during the market and help in recruiting efforts for additional market vendors.

Each week local farmers sell locally grown produce for the Jamestown community and the surrounding area.  Jamestown’s market is registered with the New York State Dept. of Agriculture and Markets and participating farmers are certified to accept WIC and Senior farmers market coupons.  The market helps to educate the public on our local agriculture community and the great produce it provides.  
After a successful 2006 season, The market will return in June 2007 and operate through October 2007.       Participating farmers include The Busti Cider Mill and Farm Market, Abers Acres, Scotts Farm & Greenhouse and Anderson’s Produce.

On December 11, 2006, DJDC held a press conference at the Jamestown Holiday Inn to honor Senator Catharine Young for her efforts to help DJDC    obtain the Agri-Tourism grant.  Senator Young spoke on the importance of our local agriculture community, while Lee Harkness thanked Senator Young for all of her help and support of Jamestown.  “With this grant we will be able to combine agriculture education and recreation,” commented market manager Tiffani Reynolds. “DJDC and the farmers are very thankful for this funding and the opportunities it is going to provide for our local market and community members.”

 Downtown Sidewalk Sale Days & Fall Festival

The Downtown Sidewalk Sale Days and Fall Festival was a great success on October 6th and 7th.  While local businesses and community vendors set up booths along the downtown sidewalks, The Crosspatch Horse Farm provided free stagecoach rides down Third Street.

Along with the sidewalk sales, the “Make your own Scarecrow” contest also took place on Friday afternoon.  Local businesses submitted homemade scarecrows to help decorate the downtown.  A group of local business people were brought together to judge the scarecrows.  Best Western of Downtown Jamestown won first place with their “Skippy Scare” Scarecrow, Sugar ‘N Spice Beauty Salon won second place and Windstream walked away with third place.  Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation would like to thank everyone who participated in the contest. 

Tim Mills from Timothy’s Café also hosted the first ever Apple Bake Off on October 7th.  Six homemade apple pies were entered into the contest that was held at the café on Third Street.  The minimal entry fee served as prize money for the winner. 

“Our hopes are to have the sidewalk sales as an annual event and grow each year into a nice fall festival,” commented Lee Harkness.  

The 2007 Sidewalk Sale Days and Fall Festival will be held October 12 & 13, 2007.  DJDC hopes everyone who visited this year’s event enjoyed their time downtown.  Anyone interested in participating in next year’s event is asked to contact DJDC at 664-2477.

 DJDC Receives Activities Grant

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation organizes, supports or is affiliated with over 40 events or activities every year.  Many volunteers, businesses and organizations work together to provide an eclectic list of events and activities for the Jamestown and surrounding community. 

On December 11th, Senator Catherine Young announced DJDC as the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Empire State Development Corporation.  The grant will assist DJDC in the numerous events and activities held in downtown Jamestown throughout the 2007 year.   

“The money awarded to us by Senator Young will be used to further develop and improve the quality of events we are able to provide Jamestown,” commented Lee Harkness, “and this is important as we need to bring as many people as possible to Jamestown and our downtown.

2007 DJDC Membership

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation is now accepting annual membership applications.  Membership is available to any business/organization or individual who is interested in becoming a member of the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation.  Each member will become part of the renewal that is taking place downtown.  

For more information on how to become a member and the benefits included in each membership, contact the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation at 664-2477.

1. Annual Membership Contribution Levels:
2. Foundation Member - $25.00
3. First Floor Member - $100.00
4. Second Floor Member - $250.00
5. Mezzanine Member - $500.00
6. Balcony Member - $1,000.00
7. Atrium Members - $5,000.00

Benefits vary depending on the membership level chosen.

 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Geer-Dunn
Family owned and operated, Geer-Dunn has been supplying Jamestown and the surrounding community with office furniture and supplies since 1913.  Open Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm, this store supplies new, used and scratch-and-dent items.  Geer-Dunn features 38,000 items in their catalog with same day or next day delivery.  A large parking lot is conveniently located alongside the building for convenient shopping at 309 Prendergast Avenue.   

Geer-Dunn serves a local, national, and international customer base.  This unique downtown business specializes in complete office design and furnishings and custom handcrafted hardwood furniture and cabinetry.

Stop in and check out the inventory Geer-Dunn has in stock or browse through their catalog and find exactly what you need for your home or work office.  To learn more about Geer Dunn and what they have to offer visit www.geerdunn.com or call 664-6616.

Christian Treasures

Todd and Donna Flinchbaugh are now the new owners of Christian Treasures located at 1635 West Third Street, Jamestown.  Originated in the mid 1980’s as the ‘Christian Book Cellar’ with its roots in Christian books, sheet music and a limited number of gifts, Christian Treasures has a whole new look.  Christian Treasures’ main focus is on inspirational gifts and faith focused reading materials.  They also carry special church supplies including bulletins and candles, contemporary Christian listening music, and cards. Custom imprinting Bibles is an additional “niche” of Christian Treasures.

With “Inspiration Stars Here” as their motto, Christian Treasures holds a bright future with a new move to North Main Street in downtown Jamestown in April 2007. 

Christian Treasures is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm.  For more information call 488-8470 and speak with the very knowledgeable staff to answer any questions or email christiantreasures@christiantreasuresonline.com

With its central location at 400 Lafayette Street, Jamestown, ADKO owner Denis Moore appreciates the affordability to maintain a downtown business.  “Promotion products are our business, not a sideline,” stated Moore.  With a national and international customer base, ADKO is active in national organizations including tradeshows and seminars to obtain the most current information of what is new and exciting in the industry. 

ADKO provides a complete service to fit each customer’s need including the product, logos, creating artwork and more.  With 18 years of experience, ADKO’s main focus is targeted marking - customer’s use ADKO’s product to target their audience.  Awards, Gifts and Custom Decorated Apparel are only a few of the 900,000 items that are available to be imprinted.   “Where our customers send their friends,” visit ADKO weekdays from 10:00-5:00pm.  Questions? Call 487-1610 or visit www.adko.com .

DJDC Hosts Volunteer Party

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation held its annual Volunteer Party on Friday, December 15, 2006 to thank all of the individuals who contribute to the success of the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation. The Downtown Jamestown                 Development Corporation works with downtown businesses and organizations, over 400  volunteers, community members and   numerous city officials to provide activities for the Jamestown   community and surrounding area.
 
Decorated to the maximum capacity, the Chautauqua Showcase lobby was transformed into a winter wonderland with delicious food provided by Elegant Edibles.  Razz and Friends entertained guests throughout the evening with numerous holiday classics. 

“This is our very small attempt to provide a very large Thank You to all the people who have been involved with our organization or events during the 2006 year,” stated Lee Harkness.  “Without all of the great volunteers we have, DJDC could not begin to do the things we do!”

Mike Sullivan, DJDC President, thanked everyone in attendance for their continued support of the Downtown Jamestown Development.  Sullivan also recognized Paul Fardink, DJDC Past President, for his numerous years of dedicated service to DJDC and the Jamestown community.  Paul was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation.

 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation will present the annual Jamestown Area Medical Associates St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade on March 10, 2007. 

At 8:00am Saturday morning, kids can join Jamestown’s famous leprechaun for breakfast at Lisciandro’s Restaurant located at 207 North Main Street.  Jamestown’s Leprechaun is sponsored by Jamestown   Mattress.  Parade participants will begin line up at noon at Baker Park. The parade will begin at 1:00pm traveling East on Fourth Street and South on Main Street to Brooklyn Square. 

Following the parade, free refreshments will be provided and the turning of the river green by Jamestown’s Leprechaun.  From 12:00pm to 3:00pm, entertainment will be provided including free train rides and stagecoach rides. The Jamestown Area Medical Associates will also be providing a Shamrock Hunt for the kids to enjoy.  Parade-goers can also stop by Jamestown’s own genuine “Blarney Stone” located in Brooklyn Square.  A dedication was held in March 2006 for the new Irish rock to honor the Irish heritage in Jamestown. 

Any business, group or organization interested in participating in this year’s parade is asked to complete the enclosed registration form and return to DJDC by March 7th. 

The celebration will continue at the Jamestown Holiday Inn with dinner and entertainment!  The famous Glengarry Bhoys will make another appearance in Jamestown for a spectacular performance. The 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums and O’Sullivan School of Irish Dance will also perform.  A traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner will be served at 6:30pm with the entertainment beginning at 7:15pm.  Refreshments will also be served throughout the evening.  Tickets are $35.00 per person and include dinner and entertainment.  Tickets will go on sale in February.  There will also be a raffle and free give-a-ways during the night.  The Jamestown Holiday Inn will also be providing rooms at a discount rate for those interested.  Rooms will be available for $60.00 for guests wishing to stay the evening of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.  Contact the Jamestown Holiday Inn at 716-664-3400 to reserve your rooms. 

Support the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration by purchasing an AVON St. Patrick’s Day pin and be entered to win a cash prize.  Visit Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation or participating downtown locations and purchase your pin for $5.00.
For more information contact the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation at 664-2477.

And now, a few words from our President...

Volunteers Making A Difference