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PsychoBuells Draw Record Crowds

The Third annual Thunder in the Streets motorcycle rally was held on July 7th, 8th and 9th.  The Porcelain Busdrivers kicked off the weekend entertainment on Friday night with the street full of fans.

Third Street was packed with spectators who watched the PsychoBuells motorcycle stunt team   perform as they defied the laws of physics on their 400lb., 100+ horsepower Buell Firebolts. The team performed numerous shows throughout the weekend attracting a record crowd at each performance. Kids and adults alike were able to meet and take pictures with the team, get team autographs and buy PsychoBuells merchandise. 

The Scenic Dice was a huge success with over 100 participants.  The top driver was Thomas Hesson with 108 points and Lynda Howard was the top rider with 104 points.  Over 300 bikes lined Second Street, Lafayette Street and a portion of Third Street during the weekend. Visitors gazed over the eclectic selection of bikes that filled the small section of downtown Patrons were able to enjoy the auxiliary concessions and the variety of motorcycle vendors that were on site. 

Thunder in the Streets is becoming another great event for Jamestown, by bringing young, old,  professional and nonprofessional people, of all ethnic groups, to our downtown for a great time! stated Lee Harkness.

Thousands Attend Cruisin

Classic cars, motorcycles, hot rods, antique trucks and cars filled the JCC parking lot and cruised through the downtown to line the streets of Jamestown during the 14th annual Diet Pepsi Jazz Downtown Cruisin'.  Over 300 vehicles participated in this annual event. 

Thousands packed the streets of Jamestown to admire these magnificent vehicles.  No rain this year - Hooray! Hooray! shouted Lee Harkness. Cruisin' has become a signature event bringing thousands to downtown for this great family event.

The Untouchables performed making it an exciting evening with dancing in the streets and reminiscing with musical oldies. 

Banner Benefit Tickets

There are still tickets available for the chance to win up to $5,000 in cash.  The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation will be awarding $20,000 in cash prizes to help raise money for the downtown banner program.  A total of 500 tickets will be sold for $100 donation per ticket.

As we continue our beautification efforts in downtown Jamestown a proper banner program is of great significance, mentioned Lee Harkness, This is a program set up to improve the appearance of downtown so everyone can be involved and have some fun while doing it.

All proceeds from this benefit will go towards purchasing higher quality and more durable banners to display downtown.  The drawing will take place at the end of the 2006 year with a party to announce all winners with food, entertainment, cash bar and door prizes.

DJDC is looking for individuals to help sell tickets. To purchase a ticket or to help sell tickets contact DJDC at 664-2477.

DJDC Purchases Pocket Ashtrays

One of our most discussed problems downtown is cigarette butts! stated Lee Harkness.  The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation is always trying to find ways to keep Jamestown beautiful.  DJDC has discovered a way to remind smokers to be conscious about the environment and   dispose of their cigarette butts in the proper manner rather than pollute Jamestown's landscape. 

Pocket ashtrays are a growing trend among environmental enthusiasts. We have tried everything from buckets to fancy ash trays - some of these have helped but we still have the problem.  We saw an article about pocket ashtrays and thought these might help by giving them to violators! said Harkness. 

These tiny ashtrays help protect the environment by preventing the careless disposal of cigarette butts.  Each ashtray can hold up to 5 butts.  After the ashtray is full, the cigarette butts can be disposed of properly instead of being thrown on the ground

These ashtrays can fit into a pocket, purse or bag.  They make a useful solution for smokers to      discard their cigarette butts.

DJDC has purchased these pocket ashtrays in an effort to help local smokers keep Jamestown        beautiful. Harkness feels now everyone will have a place to put their butts - even if it is in their pockets!

Every Employee, Every Community

Cummins has implemented a community service program for all employees to take advantage of. Every Employee, Every Community is a community service initiative provided by Cummins, Inc. which allows employees the opportunity to volunteer in their communities on company time.

On Friday, September 8, 2006, twelve employees from Cummins Inc., Jamestown Engine Plant volunteered their time to help in the efforts of restoring the Erie Lackawanna Train Station.  Volunteers included Jamie Warden, Sarah Young, Scott Schang, Michael Perry, Jen Leister, Gerald Possai, Gordon Dahlbeck, Carol Kranock, Robert Sisley, Matthew Bennett, Bob Daneshkhah, and Brian Feldman.

This group of individuals devoted their time by helping to clean and pick up debris in the train station.  Work began at 9:00am and they continued until 12:00pm.  The train station was swept clean and debris was piled into one area where it could be discarded.  In the main lobby of the train station the floors were swept clean, broken marble was piled for future use and unnecessary items were removed to reveal a beautiful marble floor.

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation would like to thank these twelve individuals for taking time to help with the restoration of the Erie Lackawanna Train Station.

Country Christmas Parade

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation, and major sponsor, The Resource Center and TRC Foundation have announced that this year's parade theme will be Country Christmas. Old-fashioned traditions will be the highlight of the parade.

The County Christmas parade will take place on Friday, December 1, 2006.  Drawing a crowd in excess of ten thousand people to downtown Jamestown exemplifies how active the City of Jamestown can be.

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation has added an exciting competition to the Christmas parade.  There will be a high school and elementary school display competition.  Local high school student councils will be invited to participate in the Country Christmas parade and compete for cash prizes.  Local elementary schools will be invited to compete for a downtown Christmas party at one of our local restaurants. 

There will be First, Second and Third places prizes awarded for each divisionThe holiday committee will be working very hard to provide unique shopping opportunities and activities with our downtown businesses.  Downtown Jamestown will also be decorated to the maximum capacity during the holiday season.

Downtown businesses and DJDC will collaboratively work together to design advertising packages for the holiday season. Meet Santa will be one of the new additions to the holiday activities that the committee has begun to work on.  Wheaton's Place will have breakfast with Santa on select Saturday   mornings during the month of December. 

Other suggestions include having traditional horse and sleigh rides and showing traditional holiday cartoons for children to enjoy while waiting to meet Santa. Contact DJDC if you are interested in being a part of the holiday planning committee.


Windstream Green Truck Tour in Jamestown

The Windstream Green Truck tour pulled into Jamestown on Friday, September 15th. The 1953 Chevy truck was on display during the weekly farmer's market on Third Street and through the evening event.  Between 5:00pm and 9:00pm there were games, fun activities, free giveaways and concessions available.  At sundown the movie Little Rascals began playing on a huge, Blow-up Theater screen that blocked Third Street between Main and Cherry Streets. 

The evening movie, free activities, and free popcorn and pop coupons were brought to Jamestown by Windstream: Your provider of local and long distance phone service, broadband internet and digital TV.

DJDC Welcomes Two New Board Members

The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation is continuously growing.  During the summer season, the DJDC Board of Directors welcomed two new individuals to the board.

Jamestown resident John Whittaker has worked for The Post-Journal since 1996 as a sportswriter, general assignment reporter, education reporter, city government reporter and the city/region editor.  Whittaker graduated from Panama Central School in 1995.   He studied Political Science with a concentration in Constitutional Law at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA for four years.  John is also a director on the Babe Ruth World Series Board. Jamestown native, Andy Scalise went to Syracuse University School of Architecture. 

Now retired from Habiterra Architecture and Landscape Architecture, P.C., Scalise has over 50 years experience in the construction industry.  He presently serves as the Vice President of the      Southern Tier Builders Association, Inc. and previously served as President.  He has done  construction work in the Jamestown and surrounding areas including work at the Reg Lenna Civic Center.  DJDC is happy to have two great additions to the board.

Celebrate Jamestown Events

This summer was packed full of exciting events that took place throughout the downtown area.
The Gus Macker basketball tournament, Thunder in the Streets, Lucy's Birthday Celebration, Downtown Cruisin', the Downtown Jamestown Farmer's Market and the most recent Local Music Showcase were all successful events this summer drawing thousands of people downtown.
Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation hopes everyone who attended any of the events enjoyed their time spent downtown and look forward to a successful 2007 summer.

Upcoming Events:

October 6 and 7, 2006 - Downtown Sidewalk Sale Days and Fall Festival

December 1, 2006 - Country Christmas Parade

March 10, 2007 - St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Community Service Grant

For over 25 years, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has been providing grants and scholarships to various groups, organizations and individuals by playing an active role in the Chautauqua region.  In their efforts, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation awarded Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation a Community Service Grant in the amount of $9,000 earlier this year.

Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation works diligently to coordinate, as well as work with other organizations, to provide an eclectic schedule of events for the downtown annually.  This generous grant provides supplemental funds to develop and improve these events that are provided for the City of Jamestown. 

VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) needs volunteers to help income-eligible people to prepare and file their tax returns.  The goal of the program is to help taxpayers receive credits and deductions they may be   eligible for.  By volunteering for just a few hours a week you could help to provide thousands of dollars in benefits for working individuals and families.  Training begins in late November and is completed in early January.

For more information call United Way at 483-1561 or the County Department of Social Services at 661-8170 or 363-3512.

Get Your Ticket to Jamestown

For only $15.00 you could have your very own Ticket to Jamestown.  This special promotional offer is valid for one admission at each of the six participating attractions for up to one year.

Participating organizations include Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Fenton History Center, Lucy-Desi Museum, Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Robert H. Jackson Center and also the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena.  This ticket reduces each organization's admission fee in half when the ticket is used to visit any location. 

Representatives from each organization meet regularly to discuss the Ticket to Jamestown and other ways to promote its advantages.  This ticket allows community members and visitors to see what Jamestown has to offer at a reduced rate

Tickets are available at each participating location and at the Downtown Jamestown Development. Visit the display at DJDC to learn more about this great opportunity located at 19 W Third Street in Jamestown. For tickets contact DJDC at 664-2477.

Chautauqua Music

Located in downtown Jamestown since 1973, Chautauqua Music has provided musical    instruments, repairs and advice for local patrons.  John Davis purchased Chautauqua     Music a year after he was hired to manage the store and has owned the store since.  Previously located in the Fenton Building, Chautauqua Music relocated to 110 East Second Street where it presently operates.

This quaint music store is open Monday through Thursday 10:00am-5:30pm, Friday 10:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm.  Davis likes the fact that his store is behind the Chautauqua County Arts Council, near the Infinity Performing Arts Program and Jamestown High School.  He feels that he is in the middle of the theater district

Chautauqua Music provides the largest selection of musical equipment in the Jamestown area and also features VASA guitar amplifiers that are designed and hand built on site.  To learn more about Chautauqua Music and what is has to offer visit www.chautauqua music.com or call 716-484-0179.

Wheaton's Place

Sisters, Carol Rowland and Pattie Lukaszewski have always dreamed of owning their own restaurant and on July 17, 2006 this dream came true. Wheaton's Place, Wheaton being their maiden name, is located at 21 East Third Street on the third floor of the Willow Bay Commerce Center. 

This spacious restaurant includes a full menu    featuring home-style made pies, Reuben sandwiches, sweet potato fries and a Friday Night Fish Fry.  The restaurant is convenient for business meetings and Grandma, Grandpa, Everybody!commented Pattie Lukaszewski.  Advice for customers is to remember Good Eatin' at Wheaton's Visit Wheaton's Place Tuesday through Thursday 8:00am-2:00pm, Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm.  Catering is always available.  For more information contact Wheaton's Place at 716-487-3172 or send an email to wheatonsplace@aol.com.

FRAMEMASTERS

Kathleen and Ron Healey have over 50 years experience in the custom framing industry and 18 of those years have been spent in Jamestown. FRAMEMASTERS is able to custom frame certificates and awards, originals, diplomas, needlepoint's, photographs, heirlooms, prints and much more.  They can help add a special touch of your own personality to your home and most importantly frame your most cherished moments.

We appreciate sharing their special moments in their lives.  This is what we get to do everyday of the week, commented Kathleen Healey.

Located at 100 East Third Street, FRAMEMASTERS offers an affordable alternative to framing referred to as SuperPLAK and also features an art gallery that displays work from local artists.  This charming frame shop is also a source directory for purchasing items and offers layaway, bridal registry and consulting for corporation or residential purposes

Questions? Contact FRAMEMASTERS at 716-665-3421 or visit Monday through Friday 9:00am 5:00pm or Saturday 9:00am 12:00pm.

DJDC Receives State Grant for Erie Lackawanna Train Station

On September 18, 2006, the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation received notification and congratulations from Bernadette Castro, Commissioner of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and also the State Historic Preservation Officer.  The Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation had received a matching grant of $325,000 from the 2005     Environmental Protection Fund for the rehabilitation of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad Station located on Second Street in Jamestown.  This is a very competitive program and the need for this funding is demonstrated by very keen competition.

Statewide, for these programs, there were 3327 applications requesting $57.3 million.  For the Parks program 190 applicants requested $29.6 million; for historic preservation 122 applicants sought $24.9 million; and for Heritage Areas there were 15   requests for $2.8 million - all for this year alone.  All of these requests were made from the $14.9 made available for this program.

This grant will be used for development activities of the Erie Lackawanna Train Station - the     rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the spectacular historic structure.  The grant will be made final with the award of a contract coming to DJDC from the New York State Regional Grants Office in the near future.  The funds will be used for pre-development, acquisition, administration and actual construction.


Downtown Jamestown Farmer's Market Adds Entertainment

The Downtown Jamestown Farmer's Market has been extremely busy this season.  Patrons line the sidewalks to see what the local farmer's have to offer and to enjoy a new addition to the weekly market that is held every Friday at 19 West Third Street in Jamestown.

DJDC decided to spice up the market for this season by adding entertainment.  DJDC opened the market up to any local entertainers including singers, bands, and various performers.

The Junior Guilders of Jamestown were the first group to perform on July 21st.  The group of 30 kids took center stage on Third Street and performed for an audience on the sidewalk.

Singer/songwriter, Brian Tiny B Schaffer performed at the market the following weekend and made a return appearance at the Farmer's Market Youth day on September 1st.  Tiny B is known for his original R&B and blues collaborations.  Brian Hanna and Michael Salamone, Solo singer/songwriters, performed September 8th to help kick off the WORD Local Music Showcase that encased Jamestown during the 2nd weekend in September.

When there is not a performer or entertainment scheduled, DJDC livens up the downtown by playing music during the market.  Market-goers are able to enjoy an eclectic play list provided by Lee Harkness, DJDC Executive Director.

The farmer's market will continue to operate every Friday through October 27th with the Downtown Sidewalk Sale Days taking place on October 6th and 7th and a pumpkin carving contest on October 20th.

2nd Annual Farmer's Market Youth Day

August 25th was going to host the 2nd annual Farmer's Market Youth Day.  Due to inclement weather, DJDC was forced to postpone the fun-filled day to the following weekend.

The 2nd annual Farmer's Market Youth Day was a huge success on Friday, September 1st.  Third Street was lined with a variety of activities for the area youth to enjoy.

The Children's Museum of Jamestown filled the DJDC lobby with numerous interactive activities promoting healthy eating and exercising including a bounce house for the kids to jump around in.

Chautauqua Opportunities had a table with free gift bags and free giveaways promoting their new nutrition program. Head Start had a small trampoline for the kids to jump on and Eat Well, Play Hard featured Make-Your-Own Parfaits to eat.

The Chautauqua County Health Department provided games, prizes and balloons for the kids.  The milking cow from the Soil Conservation Service was also on site for kids to experience milking a cow.  DJDC provided free goodie bags that included free 5 A Day coloring books and pencils provided by the Jamestown YMCA and Steps to a Healthier New York.

Kids participated in the bubble blowing contest and received prizes for the biggest bubble.  Local farmers participating in the farmer's market donated baskets of fruits and vegetables to be raffled off during the day.  Free prizes were given away every half hour for those who entered into the free drawings.

Tiny B, solo artist, performed during the lunch hour while Lisciandro's Restaurant served hot dogs and Roberto's Restaurant served drinks and snacks

Featured guest, Jamestown Jammers Mascot, Bubba Grape the Baseball Ape was available for photographs, a meet and greet, and he also handed out free tickets to an upcoming baseball game.

Harvey the Balloon Man dazzled the kids with his unique balloon creations as the WRFA radio station did a live broadcast from Third Street.

DJDC would like to thank everyone who helped to make this year's youth day such a success.  The kids who    attended had a great time.  If you are  interested in participating in next year's Farmer's Market Youth Day, contact Tiffani at DJDC. 

Chautauqua Region WORD's Local Music Showcase 2006
The Chautauqua Region WORD's Local Music Showcase is an annual fundraiser for the Infinity Performing Arts Program. All proceeds from the Local Music Showcase 2006 benefit the not-for-profit Infinity Performing Arts Program.

The showcase featured over 50 local musicians and musical acts that performed in a variety of venues throughout downtown Jamestown including restaurants, bars and night clubs. Formerly hosted in Bemus Point, the showcase was moved to Jamestown on September 8th, 9th, and 10th.

The weekend kicked off with singer/songwriters Brian Hanna and Michael Salamone performing at the farmer's market during the day and then the 10,000 Maniacs performed at the Reg Lenna Civic Center to celebrate their 25 years of success.

Performances continued throughout the weekend and culminated at the Chautauqua County Music Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony at Jamestown Community College.

We were proud that this was our most successful of our annual Local Music Showcases, said Chautauqua Region WORD editor and festival founder/organizer Michael Salamone. It is fantastic that our business and artistic communities have come together once again to raise money for the amazing kids of Infinity Performing Arts.  The move to Jamestown offered more venues which translates into more performances.  The event keeps   growing every year, and we are happy the City of Jamestown has become a  partner on this fine fundraiser.

Win A Free DJDC Membership.

Are you a member of Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation?  Have you thought about becoming a member for 2007? If you are, here is an incentive to become a member.  DJDC will be awarding three top level memberships at the end of the 2007 year. 
Here is how it works:

• You must be a member of DJDC.Every Downtown Business Planning meeting your business attends, the business receives 1 chance to win a membership.
• The top three membership levels will be awarded.
• The drawing will take place at the last Downtown Business Planning meeting in December 2007. 

Offering three free memberships at the top end of our membership scale, will help the businesses stay focused on our tasks at hand while offering these same businesses an opportunity to excel, stated Lee Harkness

The Downtown Business Planning meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month during the year.  These meetings are open to any downtown business and participation is highly encouraged.  Meetings are held at 19 W Third Street from 7:30-8:30am.  As a thank you, a complimentary breakfast is served at each meeting for those who attend.

These meetings are a great opportunity for any ideas, concerns, suggestions and opinions of the business owners to be voiced.  DJDC has been working diligently to connect the local businesses with each other and the city. 

The next Downtown Business Planning meeting will be on October 10, 2006.  Please join us for an informative meeting and breakfast.

JAMESTOWN WINDOW STICKERS NOW ON SALE!

Show your support of your local community. 
Purchase a Jamestown, NY window sticker for only $2.00 each. Stickers are available at the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation.  All proceeds benefit downtown events held each year by DJDC. 

Whenever I hear someone say, There's nothing to do in Jamestown,  my first reaction is to think that person has just come out of a cave.  The fact is that DJDC, with a total of 2 paid staff people puts on or is a major support for over 30 major events every year (and some of those events are weekly events).  That fact means a couple of things.  First, it means that the membership of DJDC ought to be very proud of the hard work and dedication of Lee Harkness and Tiffani Reynolds.  I would submit that DJDC is one of the most cost-effective and efficient organizations you would find anywhere.

Second, it means that kudos also need to go to the members of DJDC and the countless volunteers who serve on the board and committees and help Lee and Tiffani put on all those events.

How important are these events?  Ask downtown businesses and you will find that they are the fuel that feeds their business everyday not just during the times of the event.  Over 100,000 people will come downtown just for events in the course of a year.  The fact is that many of them who are attracted by the event learn about the businesses in the area and return countless times to the restaurants, retail shops and other services.  Just in terms of supporting the downtown economy, DJDC events would be considered a success.

Equally important might be the sense of pride and community spirit that is developed by holding the times people share together downtown.  DJDC events have a reputation for excellence.  They reflect the vibrancy of our city and are a key part of the growth of the area's tourism industry.  We can be proud of DJDC's role in making Jamestown a happening place.