NOW this… by Brenda
NOW this… by Brenda
First. I think we can all agree that the Buffalo Bills fan base is nothing short of AMAZING! Buffalo has reemerged as a city of hope. And the excitement for this football team has proven contagious - even for non-Bills fans. (Ahem, yes, I am a Steelers fan and I will always bleed black and yellow, but those Bills are my next in line. After all, I’m living in Bills country and I married into a Bills family. It’s inevitable.)
Second. I’ll be the first to admit that watching the enthusiasm the Bills have brought to Western New York and the team’s ability to rally community together … well, even if my Steelers had made it through to the next round, I’d have been ok with the Bills taking a victory over them … this year. (Did I actually say that?)
Buffalo has earned it. Western New York deserves it. Go Bills!
LEARN TO LOVE WINTER
What’s that saying? “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow.”
For so many of us, we LIVE for snow - whether it’s Mother Nature’s or manmade. (Thank you snowmakers!) Give us winter and let us play! Holiday Valley echoes the joy in learning to love winter, which is why each year they host ‘Learn to Love Winter Day’ with deeply discounted learn-to-ski/ride packages. This year’s event took place Friday, Jan. 8th, and according to Allie Doro, HV Snowsports Director, it was a resounding success.
“The day was amazing!” she said. “My team was beyond excited to introduce skiing and riding to people, and the turnout just fueled that fire. We had music, we had cliff bar snacks, and we had fun, as sliding on snow should be!”
Doro reported a record number 300 skiers and riders took advantage of winter fun on Learn to Love Winter Day, and she hopes that the activities of the day will encourage those participants to continue to love winter forever, through snowsports.
“My hope is that everyone had a smile from cheek to cheek,” she said. “And it is all thanks to our team of instructors. They are so in love with not just skiing and riding, but teaching and sharing. They make learning to love winter fun!”
If you missed out on Jan. 8th’s super deal, not to worry! The entire month of January is National Learn a Snowsport Month. Holiday Valley is offering half priced learn-to packages all month long. Head to holidayvalley.com/learn or call the Snowsports desk at 716-699-3505 for pricing and additional promos.
MOVIE NIGHT
A great way to finish off an epic day on the snow is with dinner and a movie … (You know, the kind where someone else cooks, someone else cleans up, and someone else is in charge of the movie reel. In other words, away from home!) Take a scenic drive out to The Station Bistro in West Valley where owner Emily Tingue and her crew have put together a farm fresh menu and stellar line-up of family classics on the projector.
“Our staff has chosen a variety of movies to feature on Wednesday nights for all ages,” said Tingue. “Some family, teen, kids and couples features have been planned for the next few months moving into spring to allow families a fun and safe experience.”
Of course, with a good movie comes good desserts! Popcorn is provided, and diners can anticipate a tasty selection of The Bistro’s homemade specialties - Southern style pecan, French apple, and mixed berry pies are house favorites.
With limited capacity, reservations are a must. Give The Station in West Valley a follow on Facebook for the movie line-up and a glimpse of their dinner menu, then book your table by calling 716-942-3040.
AVA GRACE ON THE MOVE
Jessica Gilbert, owner of Ava Grace Fashions, is looking to add some excitement to her business. Over the last several months, Gilbert has been working closely with the CCIDA to align her fashion boutique inside a new space. In talking with Gilbert just the other day, I can’t help but have the upmost respect for the passion and dedication she has not only for her business, but for her customers and for this community as well.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to operate my store in downtown Ellicottville for the last several years,” Gilbert said. “I’ve had to move around a few times due to leasing contracts and property sales, and now I find myself confronted with the same situation yet again. This time, I’m looking to find a permanent home for Ava Grace Fashions by investing in a building, and the IDA has been very supportive in guiding me along the way to ensure that Ellicottville doesn’t end up with another empty storefront.”
As Gilbert finishes up the details of her business plan - including a final decision on a new location - her faithful customer base can rest assured that come springtime, Ava Grace Fashions will be bigger and better than ever. Gilbert advised that her own label is also in the works, putting Ava Grace Fashions on the fast track to becoming a national brand. Don’t miss a beat! Get on the mailing list (avagracefashions.com) or follow Ava Grace Fashions on Facebook for project updates, special offers and new arrivals.
MOVING ON …
On a personal note, this month marks a special occasion - one that brings me joy to remember, yet at the same time I’m working on to forget. Following a one-year treatment to kick leukemia’s butt, last January I returned to Roswell to ring the Victory Bell. On all days - my birthday. It certainly gave extra meaning to “turning 40”. Fast-forward, here we are one year later and I am happy to say that all is back to normal (well, as normal as can be, despite a pandemic.) I’m healthy as can be, I’m more motivated than ever, and I am officially done looking back. I will continue to embrace each and every morning that the sun rises, with my family and friends and this wonderful community by my side.
Please remember, as we continue on this journey of life, that tomorrow is never promised. Take time to appreciate what you have and who you have, be good to each other, and get out there and move! Life is beautiful. Take advantage of it.
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.
