NOW this… by Brenda
NOW this…by Brenda
Welcome to Ski Season
After COVID-19 forced an early season ender last March, ski resorts across the country have been chomping at the bit to get those lifts spinning again. Skiers and snowboarders have been anxiously awaiting for those chairs to turn - an invitation to get out and enjoy a little bit of normalcy, albiet under abnormal guidelines.
And as if a pandemic wasn’t bad enough, the lack of help from Mother Nature has left many projected opening dates in limbo.
Enter the Snowmaker.
Thanks to these dedicated heroes of snow, Holiday Valley welcomed in the 2020-21 season on Dec. 10th, bringing automated euphoria across Western New York. (HoliMont follows suit this Saturday, Dec. 19th.) Snowmakers provide the behind-the-scenes magic that allows us to celebrate an elevated level of freedom on the snow with our friends and families. Snowmakers essentially are the creators of memories. They are the instant lift for our town the moment those snow guns are fired. If only we could give each and every snowmaker a hug. This season, air high-fives will have to do. #thankasnowmaker
Carefully adhering to state regulations, Holiday Valley has done an outstanding job providing a safe environment for both its visitors and its staff. How lucky we are to have a powerhouse to keep our spirits powered up. A friendly reminder that those visiting the resort are asked to wear their masks at all times unless actively skiing or snowboarding or seated to eat/drink. This means #maskup while in line to purchase lift tickets, while walking to lift lines from your vehicle, while waiting in lift lines, and generally everywhere else around the resort. (And don’t forget to social distance.) Let’s do our part to ensure that we can continue to enjoy the slopes.
This pandemic has been tough on everyone – mentally and physically. Add in WNY’s notorious cloud coverage and vitamin D deficiency across the board, and you’ve got a serious need for options. And yes, believe it or not, there ARE people who don’t frequent the ski slopes. No worries! ellicottvilleNOW’s fitness columnist and Core Performance personal trainer Kim Duke offers plenty of encouragement for those looking to stay active during the winter months. Look for her articles in each issue and on our website. Her recent articles target cooler weather workout options, including effective workouts that can be done in the comfort of your home, even in small spaces.
But sometimes, exercise just isn’t enough. A little shopping therapy, though …
You’ll find everything you didn’t know you were looking for within Ellicottville’s downtown business district - for yourself, and your loved ones. Christmas procrastinators can easily check off the entirety of their holiday gift giving list in just one afternoon. Many of our local business owners offer online shopping and curbside pick-up as well. Or opt for gift cards, which opens the door for others to come experience a fun day in Ellicottville. It really can’t get any easier than this! Browse the retailer ads within these pages and support our independent business owners. Shopping small business is BIG for the community! #supportsmallbusiness
You know what else will make you feel good? Purchasing a gift for someone (or for yourself) that also supports a good cause. Here at the ellicottvilleNOW/PaNDaGOAT Media office, we have a limited supply of Willygoat 2021 calendars available in various sizes. All proceeds will go to E.A.R.S. (Empire Animal Rescue Society) of Salamanca to help support all of their hard work in rescuing and caring for neglected and homeless animals in our area. Prices range from $12-$22. Those in the Jamestown area can purchase their Willygoat 2021 calendar at The BioDome Project or at Sunshine Health & Wellness, or message @willygoat_adventures on Instagram for shipping.
Another feel-good activity to combat the winter blues … LIVE MUSIC! If you’re reading this in time, you may still be able to reserve a table for Villaggio’s last installment of their “Save Our Music Series” Dinner and a Show, Thursday, Dec. 17th starting at 6:00pm. Your ticket price includes a four-course meal and a live performance by The Girls of Grosh featuring Megan Brown and Grace Lougen. They’ll be bringing their high energy rock to get your holiday spirits in gear. With influences such as Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam, you can bet this duo is coming to inspire. Additional info and reservations at takeout.villaggioevl.com
Ski. Shop. Dine. Celebrate. Many of us depend on ski season – whether it be personally (for our own sanity), or as a local business that relies on visitor numbers – shops, spas, restaurants, lodging facilities – we are all connected. Please practice the simple safety precautions that will keep Ellicottville going, and remember to #shoplocal #eatlocal #staylocal.
See you on the slopes.
Brenda Perks is the owner, editor and designer of ellicottvilleNOW and owner of DesignPerks, a graphic design company affiliated with the local media/marketing agency, PaNDaGOAT Media. You can reach Brenda at brenda@ellicottvillenow.com.
