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Brandon Wade - General Manager - DoubleTree Jamestown

Posted by Chris Anderson on Feb 08, 2019

Pictured L to R: John Lloyd, President Katie Geise, and Brandon Wade - DoubleTree Jamestown

Brandon gave Rotarians a nice sneak peek at the inside of the new DoubleTree Jamestown that is slated to open on March 1. Brandon walked the room through a nice mixture of pictures that really showed the true character on the new hotel.

Some highlights include:

Unique focal wall with new chandelier made out of pipes in the entryway of the hotel. There are 300 different types of lightbulbs in the hotel. Very artistic look to the lobby area.
Second floor restaurant will be called the Pearl City Hops Restaurant and Tavern (more on that later). There will be over dozen local craft beers on tap and tasty and unique cuisine even featuring a bison rib! The restaurant will feature a brand new kitchen and all new equipment as well.
A great Ball room with 4,100 square feet of space. The ball room can be utilized for meetings, tradeshows, conferences, and weddings, etc. The room also features a state of the art Bose sound system embedded into the room.
Brand new Pool – heated to a nice 72-75 degrees! The pool ended up being a larger project than expected but the end result is beautiful.
The World-Famous DoubleTree Chocolate Cookie!

Brandon said the DoubleTree will employ 60-70 employees at the hotel. He also shared that a lot of local companies contributed to the building whether through renovations or fixtures. Local companies such as Artone, Ahlstrom Schaeffer, Serta, and others were involved in the renovation of the hotel.

Pearl City Hops Restaurant – Brandon mentioned that this restaurant is not a typical hotel restaurant. He wanted to create an environment where anyone can afford to eat there. Everything is under $13 for lunch. Chef is Matt Ingrao. Some of the lunch cuisine includes burgers, beef on weck, gluten-free pasta. Dinner entrees include Bison ribs, shrimp and grit cake, etc. Restaurant is open to the public and Brandon invited all Rotarians to come check it out!

The Hammister Group invested over $18 million in the project. There are 147 guest rooms and 2 suites on the top floor. Entry ways have tile and the rooms are carpeted.

Brandon was very excited to share a sneak peek with Rotary and we were very appreciative. It is nice to see all the wonderful building and additions that are taking place in downtown Jamestown.

For more information on the DoubleTree Jamestown, please visit their web site at:

https://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-york/doubletree-by-hilton-jamestown-JHWDTDT/index.html

Viking Building Update

Posted by Joel Keefer on Jan 18, 2019

Pictured L-R: Jim Schwab, Katie Geise, John Lloyd

Ongoing work within the former Viking Building along Washington Street in Jamestown was the topic of discussion this date. Building owner Jim Schwab was introduced by John Lloyd. Jim spoke to the club in 2018 to introduce the work that would be taking place at the building, and wanted to give us all an update.

Needless to say, the former Viking Temple has a lot of history connected to it, and Jim provided each table with some pictures of the inside and the outside of the building from the 20th Century. Originally built as a Ford dealership, the building has several levels, and even has the original elevator used to move vehicles from street level to what was once the showroom. Jim told that Henry Ford himself contacted the Mayor of Jamestown to arrange for the dealership to be built here. President Roosevelt visited the building along with his son back in the 1920's.

Pictures of the building when it was the Viking Temple would be greatly appreciated, Jim said.

Jim had hoped to show us some architectural drawings of the plans for the 2nd and 3rd floors of the structure, but assured us that what he's seen is very exciting. Environmental studies on the building have already been done, and lead paint and asbestos has been found that will need to be abated. While expected, Jim noted that it will be an expense to take on.

The plan, according to Jim, is to fully restore the building to its original status. However, that will take funds to do so.

Phase One of the project has been completed, which was the opening of the highly touted "The Beer Snob". "Focusing on delicious and unique craft beers from all over the country, the 36 tap draft system inside the store will keep your glasses full," according to their website. The Beer Snob also sells 6-packs and Growlers to go, along with food.

Phase Two will focus on the 2nd level of the building, with a top priority being the restoration of the passenger elevator. Jim hopes to update it in order to pass inspection, while still maintaining the historic charm. The 2nd floor of the building offers wood paneling/trim, a full bar and five rooms that could be rented out for gatherings/meetings. The 3rd floor is where the gorgeous ballroom sits, just waiting to be renovated.

Jim told us that the City of Jamestown has provided a $1 million grant, however, he still needs over $1 million more in order to finish the project. He has provided much of his own money to pay for the work already, but has reached out to local groups/foundations for funds as well.

We all wished Jim the best of luck on the project!

Jamestown Renaissance Corporation

Posted by Joel Keefer on Jan 31, 2019

Pictured L-R: John Lloyd, Pete Miraglia, Katie Geise

Stepping in for our regularly scheduled speaker, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation Interim Executive Director Peter Miraglia spoke to us this day. The JRC is a non-profit organization that supports the implementation of downtown, waterfront and neighborhood revitalization strategies in Jamestown.

According to the JRC website, Peter was appointed to his position on October 9th.

Peter was born in Jamestown and grew up in the local area. He holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Buffalo State College and completed 30 hours of graduate studies at George Washington University. Peter gained extensive project management and supervisory experience throughout a career that spanned more than 30 years in federal government agencies, including 5 years as an active duty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

In 2012, Peter moved back to Jamestown with his wife Melissa. He pointed out that he is among many of people who moved away from the area that have been moving back in recent years. Peter made a point to thank those that stayed and kept the city alive, and helped to start creating new things in Jamestown.

Peter is very happy that Jamestown has been recognized more and more in recent years, especially with the creation of the National Comedy Center. Many big name comedians have paid Jamestown a visit in recent years, including one of Peter's favorites; Lewis Black.

Jamestown has made the best of what it has, Peter said, and downtown businesses and tourist sites have profited because of that and the many collaborations taking place. The Connection, Digitell, and several other companies are also growing. Collaboration is key, and has led to the garnering of multi-million dollar grants.

Peter said that other opportunities to grow exist. He also mentioned that Jamestown Business College and Jamestown Community College both need to work on keeping graduates here in the area.

The JRC was established in 2006 to implement the Jamestown Urban Design Plan, offering business incentive programs, and financial help. We thanked Peter for providing us such a great deal of information.

Interestingly, Peter revealed that he owns the Chautauqua Music Building downtown, which was the former Nelson's Department Store. When he purchased the building for $1, it was in very rough shape. Since then he has refurbished intensely, and now 3 floors are occupied with businesses. A great success story downtown in and of itself.

Exchange Student - Brooke Almquist

Pictured L-R: Katie Geise, Brooke Almquist and Cheri Krull

After self-teaching herself Japanese, JHS student Brooke Almquist was well on her way towards her dream of visiting Japan. A dream that was fulfilled through the Rotary Youth Exchange program, to which Brooke was extremely grateful for.

Brooke spoke to our club this day, after being introduced by Youth Exchange leader Cheri Krull.

Going through a series of amazing pictures, Brooke led everyone on a journey through her time in Japan. One of them showed Kanazawa Castle, a large, partially-restored castle in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Brooke said that Kanazawa was a very quirky city. One of those quirks was having very narrow streets, which led to an adventure as she traveled with her host mom.

Kanazawa also produces 99% of Japan's high-quality gold leaf. One of the pictures Brooke showed was of ice cream actually covered in gold leaf that she and a friend bought. Amazing!

Some other things Brooke mentioned was that the Japanese people don't like to grow-up fast like Americans do. They embrace their childhood more. Case in point was that her bedroom was decorated with colorful cartoon characters which she showed a picture of.

Brooke was able to visit many wonderful locations during her time in Japan. She also attended school, which began with her having to speak in front of her classmates on her very first day. While some aspects of school in Japan were more stringent than in the U.S., Brooke did say some things at JHS were more stringent than in Japan.

She also visited several other Rotary clubs in her area in Japan, but said that they were mainly made up of businessmen that wore fancy suits.

In conclusion, Brooke thanked us and Rotary for the opportunity to go to Japan. Cheri also noted that she was very proud of Brooke for going as Brooke was very shy when she first met her, and that she took a big step going out into such a busy part of the world.

2018 Rotary Christmas Party

Jamestown High School A’Cappella Choir

Posted by Sue Jones on Dec 03, 2018

President Katie welcomed the many members, vising Rotarians and guests and introduced Norman Lydell, Conductor of the Jamestown High School A’Cappella Choir who is performing their 94^th concert series.

Mr. Lydell introduced the choir’s accompanist Brian Bogey, who preceded Mr. Lydell as its director. The choir will perform its annual Vespers concert at First Lutheran Church on December 9 and 16 at 4PM.

A’Cappella was started in 1924 by Miss Ebba Goranson and their Vespers performances have become a precious local holiday tradition. Additionally, The Rotary Club of Jamestown purchased the hand held electric candles the A’Cappella choir carried in 1959!

The choir performed Kyrie Eleison – normally a processional, but today, for the sake of time was performed with the choir standing in place on the risers. Other numbers performed included: Carol Noel, All is Well, Winter’s Night, Jesu Bambino, Little Innocent Lamb and several others. The concert ended with the traditional recessional to Silent Night.

A wonderful way to welcome in the Christmas holiday.

The 94^th A’Cappella Choir

A great Christmas luncheon crowd

Brian Bogey, former choir director and present accompanist and Norm Lydell, A’Cappella choir director

President Katie presents a check to A’Cappella Director Norm Lydell

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History - Twan Leenders

Posted by Chris Anderson on Nov 26, 2018

Pictured (L to R) - President Katie Geise, Twan Leenders (RTPI), and Joni Blackman (RTPI and Rotary!)

Our very own Joni Blackman announced our speaker for today, Mr. Twan Leenders, President, Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Joni is also the Chief Operations Officer for RTPI.

Twan is a biologist from The Netherlands interested in animal ecology and conservation management. For more than twenty years his work with birds, mammals, plants and especially tropical amphibians and reptiles has taken him to various places on the planet, including Costa Rica and Panama.

As a former researcher at Yale University’s Peabody Museum and other institutions he participated in many international expeditions that helped gather data to better understand and protect biologically important areas and their unique species and habitats.

As President of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, he now applies his experience to our region and develops new conservation research and education initiatives that aim to spark increased interest in the area’s exceptional natural assets while providing economic incentives to promote good environmental stewardship.

Twan explained the life and contributions of Roger Tory Peterson. Roger was born and raised in Jamestown and is the inventor of the modern day field guide and word-renowned naturalist. Roger Tory Peterson brought the study of nature and natural history to the people. People were able to learn about nature in their own backyard.

Roger’s impact is worldwide. He was a very modest man as well. Born, raised and inspired in Jamestown, Roger’s whole career was inspired by resources in Jamestown which allowed him to become the influential naturalist we all know. This is a significant contribution to the natural world from a person who is a native son to our area.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute exists to honor Roger Tory Peterson and his legacy by focusing on art and education and conservation. RTPI is the official steward of Roger Tory Peterson’s legacy. RTPI exists to preserve Roger’s legacy and continue the important work that he started.

As the steward of Roger Tory Peterson's legacy, RTPI connects people with nature through Art, Education and Conservation.

Twan also explained how Jamestown is full of threatened bird species such as the Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swifts and Purple Martins. They are some of the fastest declining birds in the country and the planet. All three live in Jamestown.

To learn more about the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, please visit their web site at www.rtpi.org.

Gateway Lofts Project

Posted by Chris Anderson on Nov 19, 2018

Pictured (l to r): President Katie Geise, Jacqueline Chiarot Phelps, and Matt Mazgaj

Amy Rohler announced our two guests today to explain to new Gateway Lofts Project in Jamestown.

Matt Mazgaj – attorney at Phillips Lytle. Representing Community Helping Hands for the Gateway Lofts project. One of Matt’s important jobs is working to get proper permits secured from the city to make this project a reality.

Jacqueline Chiarot Phelps – Executive Director at the Jamestown YWCA and former representative for Congressman Tom Reed. Jacqueline’s roll in the project deals with transitional housing for women and children.

Matt explained that there is a housing problem in Chautauqua County. The problem includes financial and social costs and an uptick in needed services is being seen in the community.

The Gateway Lofts project is a multi-family housing complex, providing residents on-site services and support by community service organizations and non-profits, located at 31 Water Street (former Chautauqua Hardware Building), Jamestown NY. The project will utilize the 100,000+ square footage of undeveloped space at the Gateway Center.

The focus of Gateway Lofts is on the people it will assist. It is in close proximity to wrap around services like Mental Health Association, Community Helping Hands, St. Susan's, etc. The proximity of these agencies to the Gateway Lofts provide the best possible foundation to reduce poverty, address homelessness, overcome mental health and substance abuse barriers for individuals and families.

The Gateway Lofts will be a 4 floor project.

4th Floor – Non-violent offender rehabilitation program for Chautauqua County residents (25 units) – Men and Women – STEL operates and provides programming. 24/7 staffing.

3rd Floor – Permanent, supportive housing for homeless single parents and children (16 units) – YWCA of Jamestown provides the programming. 24/7 staffing.

2nd Floor – Affordable housing for the income-eligible (38 units), mostly 2 and 3 bedrooms.

1st Floor – Upgrade and rehab to non-profit space, including upgrades to parking lot, roof, flooring, HVAC, lighting, playground space for residents, and green space along the river.

The Gateway Lofts project will empower single families with children to transition out of generational poverty. The project will also provide services to people who need a hand up!

Benefits of the Gateway Lofts Project:

Meets a need for housing
Cost-effective
Neighborhood revitalization
Access to wrap-around care

Benefits to city of Jamestown:

Investment of nearly $31M into the City
Not an expense of the City or County
City will be paid property taxes
Remediate a brownfield
Extend the Riverwalk
First responder savings

The $31 million dollar price tag will be almost fully funded with various tax credits, community investment funds, supportive housing programs and Senator Cathy Young.