On the 75th anniversary of I Love Lucy’s historic October 15, 1951 premiere, the National Comedy Center today announced the acquisition of one of the most significant collections of original I Love Lucy production material to emerge in decades — including hundreds of rare, previously unseen behind-the-scenes photographs, Lucy and Desi’s personally owned 35mm film prints of the series, and a rare original script draft representing the earliest known revisions to the formative I Love Lucy pilot episode. The photographs offer an intimate view of the day-to-day working environment of one of Hollywood’s earliest and most influential television production facilities.

The newly preserved photographic collection provides an extraordinary visual record of I Love Lucy behind the scenes, revealing the close collaborative working relationships among the series’ principal creative architects. Candid images capture Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, writers Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll Jr., and crew members including cinematographer Karl Freund at work bringing the series to life, along with audience members, Hollywood executives and family members who visited the set during the series’ historic run. The collection is being digitized and preserved in collaboration with Desilu, Too, the family company that manages the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

A rare original script draft representing the earliest known revisions to the formative I Love Lucy pilot episode is now being preserved by the National Comedy Center’s Carl Reiner Department of Archives and Preservation and exhibited at its Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown, New York. The script reveals the creative groundwork for the landmark series — when it was still titled “The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Show” and its central characters were named “Lucy and Larry Lopez.” This rare record offers a revealing look at the development of the characters, structure and dialogue that would become familiar to generations of television audiences. From the personal collection of original series writer Bob Carroll Jr. and generously provided by his daughter, Christina Carroll, the script is part of the broader Bob Carroll Jr. collection preserved at the museum, featuring thousands of annotated creative papers and scripts documenting his writing partnership with Madelyn Pugh and their decades-long collaboration with Lucille Ball, from My Favorite Husband through Life with Lucy.

The National Comedy Center is unveiling selections from this substantial collection publicly for the first time with a new exhibition at its Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown, New York — Lucille Ball’s hometown — planned for 2027.

Also being added to the Museum’s collection are 35mm film prints of I Love Lucy personally owned by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz for private home viewing, and provided by Desilu, Too. Screened privately for family and friends as well as for professional purposes, these prints offer a tangible connection to how Lucy and Desi shared and revisited their work beyond its original television broadcasts.

All of these historically important materials will reside at the National Comedy Center’s Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, where they will be preserved and shared with audiences for generations to come.

“In honor of the 75th anniversary of the premiere of I Love Lucy, Desilu, Too, LLC and the National Comedy Center in Jamestown are joining forces to digitize hundreds of heretofore unseen backstage photos from the I Love Lucy years (1951–1960),” stated Lucie Arnaz, CEO of Desilu, Too and daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. “The photos feature candids of the cast and guest stars as well as the crew and writers, and even ordinary Americans who stopped by the set.”

Pictured: rare behind-the-scenes photographs from I Love Lucy and a page from an early I Love Lucy pilot script. Submitted photo.

Jamestown resident James B. McIntyre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award, which is presented annually by United Way of Chautauqua County.

Now in its 46th year, the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes the exceptional community involvement and volunteerism of a local union member. McIntyre will be recognized with the award during United Way’s annual “Salute To Labor” dinner, scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.

Named for Joseph H. Mason, a long-standing United Way board member who exemplified labor’s commitment to community service, the award honors an individual whose commitment to serving others reflects the important role organized labor plays in strengthening communities.

A retired member of IBEW Local 106, McIntyre spent more than 39 years with Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric in Jamestown, beginning as an apprentice electrician in 1987 and progressing through roles as a journeyman, small and large project foreman, and ultimately Senior Estimator and Project Manager. He retired from the company in March 2026.

His commitment to service extended well beyond his career with Ahlstrom Schaeffer. For more than three decades, McIntyre has dedicated his time and expertise to training future electricians through the IBEW Local 106 apprenticeship program, while also serving approximately 12 years on the union’s executive board. He also developed and taught a foreman’s program, giving leadership instruction to apprentices in the final year of their apprenticeship.

McIntyre’s volunteer service includes work through his church, for the local food bank, youth programs and community projects.

“Jim represents so much of what this award is about,” said Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director. “His commitment to his union and to helping others has carried through every part of his life. Whether he is teaching and mentoring the next generation of electricians, helping families access food, serving through his church or putting his skills to work wherever they are needed, Jim has consistently found ways to make a difference.”

McIntyre was nominated by Dean Roe of IBEW Local 106, who also highlighted McIntyre’s longtime commitment to both organized labor and community service.

Born and raised in Busti, McIntyre comes from a multi-generational family in Chautauqua County and graduated from Southwestern Central School District in 1984 and Jamestown Community College in 1986. A member of Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church for 30 years, McIntyre has served as a trustee and member of the church’s leadership team, volunteered on building maintenance and construction projects, and started and led the church’s Holiday Valley Ski Club for nearly 20 years.

He and his wife, Julie, have also participated in multiple mission trips to the Juarez, Mexico area with Harvest Hands Ministries of Westfield. Over the years, their service has included helping with the construction of an orphanage and school for children in the area.

Their experience serving communities in Mexico also inspired the McIntyres to become more involved in addressing food insecurity at home. Jim and Julie currently serve as directors of the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, which partners with the Salvation Army of Warren and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.

Last year, the food pantry served approximately 1,600 client visits and distributed nearly 80,000 pounds of food to local families with limited incomes.

McIntyre also intentionally maintains a large garden each year so that he and Julie can provide fresh produce to the food pantry.

Following his retirement, McIntyre has continued looking for opportunities to put his skills to work in service to others. He and Julie are members of Servants On Wheels Ever Ready (SOWER), a Christian RV organization that partners with organizations across the country to provide skilled maintenance and other assistance. Their first project following Jim’s retirement was completed in June at Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania, with additional service trips planned.

McIntyre has also participated in numerous community projects through IBEW Local 106, including the original construction of St. Susan’s Center and the relighting of the Jamestown Boys & Girls Club. He previously served on the design committee for the Southwestern Central School District during the development of its new elementary school.

While the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes McIntyre’s individual record of service, much of that work has been shared with his wife, Julie. The couple has been married for 38 years and have worked together in their food pantry ministry, church service and mission work.

Julie, now also retired after nearly 30 years as a high school biology teacher, has been an active volunteer through Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church and served for many years as treasurer of the NYSUT union representing her school.

Jim and Julie have two adult children, Steven and Nicholas — both of whom are married and live in the area. Steven is currently finishing up his IBEW LU #106 apprenticeship program and Nicholas is a former member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which was Joseph H. Mason’s own union. Nicholas now works at BETTS Industries in Warren, Pa.

Tickets for the 2026 Salute To Labor Dinner can be purchased by contacting United Way of Chautauqua County. Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. For questions, or to RSVP for the event, contact Nick Dean by calling (716) 483-1561 or emailing ndean@unitedwaychq.org.

About the Joseph H. Mason Award

Joseph H. Mason was the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 65, representing southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Joe’s reputation for standing up for the causes of labor impacting the day-to-day lives of working men and women of our area is well known. Joe was recognized nationally for serving as the first co-chair of the labor management committee, a locally initiated revolutionary approach to labor relations.

Joe Mason was a long-standing member of the United Way Board of Directors. Joe exemplified labor’s commitment to serving our community through his devotion to the United Way campaign.

After Mason’s passing, the United Way Board of Directors created the award in recognition of labor’s critical contribution to the success of United Way. For 46 years, the Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award has recognized local union members who demonstrate that same commitment to their workplaces, their fellow workers and the communities they call home.

Previous recipients have represented a wide range of local unions and professions, including public service, education, law enforcement, manufacturing and the skilled trades.

About United Way of Chautauqua County

United Way of Chautauqua County mobilizes the community to help every person and family improve their lives. For more than 100 years, United Way has been the trusted nonprofit locally and a pillar — strengthening the systems families rely on and expanding solutions that create lasting change.

As October brings shorter days and Halloween decorations to western New York, bats are often on our minds — but not for the reasons you might think. While neighborhood decorations celebrate them as spooky icons, our local bats are currently preparing for their long winter hibernation. Across our region, they are known as fleeting shadows soaring across the twilight sky. To some, they are eerie. To local bat biologist Jon Townsend, they’re a marvel of nature.

“I have been fascinated by bats since I was a young child,” says Townsend, a familiar face in our local conservation scene. He’s taken on many roles in Chautauqua County and the surrounding areas, serving on the board of Greystone Nature Preserve for over a decade, acting as the President of the Northeast Bat Working Group, co-owning the Royal Fern Nursery LLC, and volunteering as the Executive Director of Buffalo Bat Habitat Inc. He also works full time as a bat biologist with the consulting firm Environmental Design and Research.

Townsend’s penchant for bats began at home. “My parents bought an old hunting cabin that had been a horse stable and renovated it into our home. There were always bats in our attic, and they’d frequently come into my bedroom. I remember looking at them as they roosted on my wall and marveling at how incredible they were.” That childhood curiosity turned into a lifelong mission to protect a creature that our community desperately needs — even if we don’t realize it.

You don’t have to love bats to appreciate what they do for our local economy and health. All nine species of bats found in New York State are strict insectivores. They are, quite literally, nature’s best pest control. Take for instance the big brown bat, a species you’ve likely seen around Fredonia or Buffalo. “A study from 2001 identified and quantified the diet of a colony of 150 big brown bats,” Townsend explains. “Each big brown bat is capable of controlling 250,000 insects each season. This includes a large list of agricultural pests that impact our food resources.”

When you scale that up to a county level, the numbers are staggering. A 2011 economic study calculated the monetary value of bats to agriculture across the United States. Right here in Chautauqua County, bats provide an estimated $10 million each year in free economic services. They save our local farmers millions by eating crop-destroying insects, and by eating mosquitoes and other forest pests, they keep our ecosystems healthy. “I was telling a farmer just last week,” Townsend says, “you don’t have to like bats, but you should recognize how beneficial they are.”

Unfortunately, our local bats are facing an unprecedented crisis. The biggest culprit is White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a devastating disease caused by a cold-loving fungus that infects bats while they hibernate in caves during the winter.

“When WNS first came onto the scene, biologists called it the most precipitous decline in wildlife in human history — far surpassing the rate of decline seen in the passenger pigeon and the American bison,” says Townsend. “It killed millions upon millions of bats within just a few years.”

The disease creates a cruel “double-whammy” effect. The fungus wakes bats up mid-winter, causing them to burn through their fat reserves and starve because there are no insects to eat. If they do survive until March or April, the female bats emerge weak and infected. Because they delay pregnancy until after hibernation, these exhausted mothers must recover while simultaneously trying to give birth and nurse their pups. Furthermore, bats are long-lived animals that produce only one pup a year, making their populations incredibly slow to bounce back.

This ecological crash affects humans, too. A recent study tied the decline of bats directly to an increase in chemical pesticides as farmers attempt to replace the lost natural pest control. This results in higher costs for farmers, as well as negative impacts on human health due to increased insecticide exposure.

The second major threat to bats in our region stems from wind energy development. Where cave-hibernating bats are impacted by WNS, migratory species are killed via collisions with spinning turbine blades. Three migratory bat species — hoary (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red (Lasiurus borealis), and silver-haired (Lasionycteris noctivagans) — account for about 75% of bat fatalities associated with wind turbines. This issue has been the topic of intense research in the past twenty years in an attempt to reduce this impact.

The last major threat comes from us. “Human persecution is another major issue,” Townsend notes. “People seem to revile bats. ... It seems they are targets of human enmity wherever they live.”

Much of this stems from exaggerated media fear-mongering about diseases. Townsend points out that while mammals like bats can carry rabies, the risk is highly preventable with vaccines. Misconceptions also peaked during the COVID pandemic, but Townsend is quick to clear the air: “There’s not a single case of a bat giving someone COVID or someone giving a bat COVID.”

The good news is that we can easily coexist with — and protect — our neighborhood bats. Townsend outlines three simple ways that our community can step up:

1. Educate: Help shift the narrative from fear and apprehension to respect and appreciation. Share facts and clear up myths with those in your community. If a bat accidentally gets into your house, don’t panic or harm it. “I have random people call me all the time,” says Townsend, who frequently helps local residents safely capture and release wayward bats.

2. Give Them a Home: Put up a bat house on your property to provide a safe, stable habitat for them to roost during the summer months.

3. Plant Native Plants: Native plants attract native insects, creating a rich foraging ground for bats to rebuild their strength. This is so crucial that Townsend and his wife, Jessica, started Royal Fern Nursery LLC in Fredonia for this exact reason. “For me, growing native plants was a direct way to increase the food resources that bats need,” he says.

Bats have been quietly saving us millions of dollars and keeping our summer nights bearable for generations. It’s time we return the favor. By planting a few native flowers, putting up a bat house, or simply spreading the word, we can ensure Chautauqua County’s night skies stay wild and healthy.

I suppose strolling through any graveyard puts one in a melancholic mood, but my walk today along the winding paths of the Lakeview cemetery casts a particular shadow on my mood. Around me, autumnal trees peacock themselves in fiery death, their foliage flatlining in vibrant oranges and yellows before dramatically twirling their way to the ground. The seasonal mortem is an active process around me, with curled leaves landing among the grass and gravestones, and laying there until buffeting winds (or my kicking feet) strew them away to clump in corners.

Autumn has always been a season of reflection for me. Among the leaflitter, I wonder what winds and kicks have led me to my spot, and whether I’ll rot here or be blown about to some other resting place. How many autumns will I spend in Jamestown? Around me, the weather is changing. A cool breeze blows by, carrying a shapeless tide of leaves, and I pull my coat tight around myself. I shake off my thoughts and continue walking, eager to move my mind to other things. To distract myself, I pick a random grave and stand before it.

HERE LIES PAUL STAUGHTON — FATHER, HUSBAND, MUSICIAN — BORN 1934, PASSED 2006

It’s a squat stone, gray, with its polished surface mottled with lichen and wear. I wonder why we give our rotting loved ones a rock to erode above them. Why must our memories pass through this stony conduit? Are we too immaterial to love without something physical to point that love at? Paul, oh Paul, who were you? How did you navigate this confusing life? What changes did you experience before your profound final one? I’ll never know. I’ll never meet you, Paul.

I walk back towards the parking lot. Above me, a formation of geese flies south, led by instinct towards happier skies. I feel a pang of jealousy at their thoughtless resolve. They unquestioningly pursue joy. But I live to the north, and so I’ll drive north, and I have work in the morning, so I’ll never go far.

I suppose strolling through any forever field is meant to put one in a happy mood, but my walk today along the winding paths of the Lakeview Memoria casts an odd feeling on me. I’m surrounded by statuesque metal trees, their painted green details unwavering in the slight breeze. Our world is too fast, changes too much. The shiny statues are simple, natural landscaping that foreverize our complicated lives. As I meander beneath them, I lay my hand on one’s trunk. It is cold, as beauty must be, which should comfort me, but my unease remains. Against my better judgement, my mind is on the Unsubject.

It is taboo to admit, but the weather is getting colder. Anyone would notice the team of workers circulating to turn on the red-glowing thermoregulators, those coils hidden beneath the fake boulders and brick pathways. It is to combat the Unsubject, our world’s tragic imperfection. Lucky that humanity has solved that, I tell myself. I take my hand off the tree and continue walking, eager to move my mind to other things. To distract myself, I pick a random foreverscreen and stand before it.

HERE LIES PAUL STAUGHTON — FATHER, HUSBAND, MUSICIAN — BORN 1934, FINALIZED 2006

It’s a tall screen, vertical, with its inscription above the display. On the screen, a man smiles and waves to me. He is older, wrinkled, and generated in real time by an individualized program that processes all visual and characterizing data to predict how Paul would act. Never lost, never forgotten, he is foreverized. I wave back and try to smile. Shouldn’t I be happy for him? He’s accomplished the dream. When Paul turns to pick up his guitar, I quickly duck off to the side.

I walk back towards the parking lot. Above me, a flock of drones ensures the geese stay right where they belong. It strikes me as strange that such instinctual creatures would be so motivated by the Unsubject. It should warm me to remember that logical humans aren’t driven by such whims, and yet my shoulders ache as if they long to fly.

More than 100 attendees, including 50 developers from across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, gathered at SUNY Fredonia recently, for a Chautauqua County Developers Forum, hosted by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG).

Held at the SUNY Fredonia Williams Center, the event brought together developers, investors, property owners, economic development professionals, and community leaders from throughout the region to explore development opportunities across Chautauqua County and learn about the incentives, funding programs, and resources available to help advance projects.

The forum also provided an opportunity to showcase a dozen key development sites from communities across the county, with representatives available to discuss each property’s potential and connect with interested developers.

“Our goal with this forum was to bring the development community together, showcase the opportunities that exist throughout Chautauqua County, and demonstrate that we have the partnerships, resources, and tools in place to help turn development ideas into reality,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, CCIDA CEO, and CCPEG Advisory Board Chair. “The strong turnout, particularly from developers throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, demonstrates the level of interest in our region. We want developers to know that Chautauqua County is open for business, and our team is ready to help them move projects forward.”

The program began with welcoming remarks from SUNY Fredonia President Dr. Stephen Kolison, Jr., and Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel, followed by a presentation from Geise highlighting the advantages of investing and developing in Chautauqua County.

“Economic development in Chautauqua County is truly a team effort, and our success comes from working together toward a common goal rather than focusing on individual recognition,” said Wendel. “I’m proud of what our economic development team and community partners have accomplished, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. We appreciate the developers and investors who took the time to join us for this forum and, most importantly, for their interest in investing and reinvesting right here in Chautauqua County.”

CCPEG Program Manager Josiah Lamp provided an overview of available development sites, followed by a networking session that allowed attendees to meet directly with project representatives and learn more about specific properties and redevelopment opportunities.

The forum also featured a panel discussion, moderated by CHQ Chamber President Dan Heitzenrater, focusing on local resources and opportunities available to support development projects. Topics included economic development incentives, funding assistance, brownfield redevelopment, workforce development, housing, and other initiatives that contribute to a strong business and investment environment.

A featured presentation was delivered by Christian Mercurio, Senior Director of Site Development with Empire State Development (ESD), who discussed development tools and site readiness programs available through New York State. His presentation highlighted how ESD works with communities, economic development organizations, private-sector partners, and other agencies to prepare properties for future investment and accelerate sites toward industry-ready status.

New DevelopCHQ.com Platform Launched

A major highlight of the forum was the introduction of DevelopCHQ.com, a new online platform designed to connect developers and investors with available development opportunities throughout Chautauqua County.

The website initially features the dozen development sites showcased during the forum, providing a centralized resource for developers interested in learning more about properties and potential projects.

Developers, investors, and property owners interested in exploring opportunities in Chautauqua County are encouraged to visit ChooseCHQ.com or contact the CCIDA at 716-661-8900.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel is encouraging residents to learn more about his proposed 2027 Executive Budget ahead of the Chautauqua County Legislature’s scheduled vote on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

In a newly released video, Wendel discusses the proposal’s focus on affordability, maintaining essential county services and providing property tax relief while protecting the County’s long-term financial stability.

“I hear every day from families across Chautauqua County who are working hard to make ends meet,” said Wendel. “The cost of groceries, utilities and other everyday necessities continues to put pressure on household budgets. That’s why affordability is at the heart of my 2027 budget.”

Wendel’s proposed 2027 budget would maintain a flat property tax levy while lowering the County’s proposed property tax rate to $5.32 per $1,000 of assessed value. If adopted as proposed, the rate would be the lowest since 1975.

The proposal aims to balance tax relief with continued investment in public safety, road maintenance, local communities and the county services residents depend on. Wendel emphasized that maintaining accessible, responsive and effective services is especially important during periods of inflation and economic uncertainty.

Wendel also addressed the proposal’s use of fund balance to help maintain the flat tax levy, describing it as a one-time measure made possible by years of conservative budgeting and responsible financial management.

“Some may be concerned about this use of fund balance, but I believe using a portion of our fund balance one time to keep the tax levy flat in this challenging economic climate is a prudent and responsible decision,” Wendel said. “And just as we have strengthened our finances in the past, we will work over the next several years to rebuild those reserves and protect the County’s long-term financial stability. We can provide relief today because we have planned responsibly for tomorrow.”

The proposed budget reflects Wendel’s continued emphasis on fiscal discipline while responding to the financial pressures facing residents. However, the final decision rests with the Chautauqua County Legislature, which is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Oct. 28, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and contact their county legislators to share their thoughts ahead of the vote.

To watch Wendel’s video and learn more about the proposed 2027 Executive Budget, visit chautauquacountyny.gov/2027Budget. The video is also on YouTube at https://youtu.be/SMIgHiGuOvs.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Today, Tomorrow, Together Campaign is a community-wide effort to invest in our community’s future. Launched in 2021, the campaign’s goal was ambitious: to establish 50 new Community Funds and grow the endowment by $10 million. Why the focus on Community Funds? These funds create a permanent source of charitable support that will help local nonprofits serve our region not just today, but for generations to come. Because Community Funds are flexible, they allow NCCF to respond to emerging needs, new opportunities, and unexpected challenges as they arise. The community’s response to the campaign has been inspiring. As the 5-year campaign nears completion, donors’ generosity throughout our region has brought the Community Foundation within reach of its $10 million goal.

Double the Difference

Now is an especially meaningful time to support the campaign. Thanks to an anonymous donor and longtime friend of the Foundation, every new gift made to any Community Fund, or every new Community Fund established, will be matched dollar for dollar through the $100,000 Double the Difference Challenge. This opportunity is available only until the full $100,000 in matching funds has been claimed. Your gift can go twice as far in supporting our community’s future.

Creating a lasting impact doesn’t require extraordinary wealth. Every person can help shape the future. Whether you support an existing fund, establish your own, or include NCCF in your will, trust, or retirement plan, your generosity becomes part of a lasting source of support for the causes and organizations you care about most.

Your Legacy Begins Here

When you support the Today, Tomorrow, Together Campaign, you’re doing more than making a donation. You’re helping create a stronger future for northern Chautauqua County and ensuring the organizations that enrich our community have the resources they need for years to come.

Every gift tells a story of caring, community, and hope. Together, we can build a legacy that will benefit our families, friends, and neighbors for generations.

For generations, the people of northern Chautauqua County have come together to help neighbors, strengthen local organizations, and build a community we are proud to call home. As our region grows and changes, so do the opportunities and challenges we face. The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) exists to ensure our community remains strong, resilient, and prepared for whatever the future may bring.

To learn more about creating a Community Fund or taking advantage of the Double the Difference Challenge, contact Diane Hannum at 716-366-4892 or email nccf@nccfoundation.org. You can also learn more about the Today, Tomorrow, Together Campaign at nccfoundation.org/today-tomorrow-together-campaign.

The WMHF Finance/Investment Committee met to discuss the Foundation’s financial performance and investment strategies in addition to its upcoming Annual Campaign. A campaign mailing will be sent to more than 10,000 residents in the AHN Westfield Hospital service area, inviting the community to support the foundation’s mission and help advance the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare.

Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation (WMHF) Board President Kathryn Bronstein, chairing the meeting at the head of the table, is joined by WMHF Treasurer Dan Hocking to her right; Executive Director Patricia Gaughan DiPalma and Immediate Past Treasurer Chris Adams. To Dr. Bronstein’s left on the opposite side of the table are WMHF Board Members Rose Van Volkenburg, Immediate Past Finance/Investment Chair Jon Northrop, and Dr. Ralph Walton. Missing from photo is Dan Smith.

The Rotary Club of Jamestown will welcome Dr. Nabeela Patail, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua as their featured luncheon speaker on Monday, October 26, from 12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Jamestown.

Dr. Patail will discuss breast cancer prevention, early detection, advances in breast cancer treatment, and the importance of access to high-quality cancer care close to home.

Dr. Patail earned her medical degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She completed her residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and a Hematology/Oncology fellowship at SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine. Dr. Patail is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

The community is invited to attend this informative presentation and enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by the WCA Foundation. The program offers an opportunity to learn more about breast cancer care, screening recommendations, treatment advances, and the oncology services available locally at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua.

Reservations are required and must be made by October 22. To reserve a seat, contact the WCA Foundation at 716-664-8665 or email Emily Cama at camaes@upmc.edu with the number of guests attending. Buffet luncheon service begins at 11:45 a.m.

Almost 60 years after its Broadway debut, “Cabaret” remains a musical kept relevant by the times.

The Department of Theatre and Dance will bring this Kander and Ebb masterpiece to the stage for six performances from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1 at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Dates and times for this Walter Gloor Mainstage Series event are Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Robert W. Marvel Theatre. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.fredonia.edu/about/ticket-office or by phone (716-673-3501) and in person at the Campus Ticket Office in the Williams Center.

“Cabaret” made its Broadway debut in November of 1966 — a time when the United States was dealing with an escalating war in Vietnam, the Civil Rights Movement, urban race riots and a conservative backlash against the administration of Lyndon B. Johnson.

“It still feels extremely relevant,” Director Jessica Hillman-McCord, professor of Performance, said. “In 1966, it spoke to current issues, and I think it still speaks to the issues today.”

“Cabaret” is set in Berlin, Germany in the early 1930s — a time when the freewheeling, vibrant Jazz Age was waning, and the totalitarian Nazi Party was rising to power. The central storyline follows the relationship between an American writer (Cliff Bradshaw) and an English singer (Sally Bowles) at the popular Kit Kat Club.

The production is for mature audiences only. It contains subjects including political hatred, antisemitism, bigotry, genocide, abortion and depicts sexual content, substance abuse and violence.

For those interested in diving deeper into the production, there will be a talkback session with the production team after the Oct. 24 performance in the Costello Room, located off the atrium of Marvel Theatre.

“Cabaret” features a book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. It is based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. The Mainstage production is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

Following performances at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland and a recent appearance at the Rochester Fringe Festival in Rochester, New York, performer Brian Tomaszewski will bring Banjos & Juggling: A World Vaudeville Adventure to the Lake Shore Center for the Arts in Westfield. The show combines live music, juggling, storytelling, humor, and world travel in a unique one-person performance.

The show earned enthusiastic responses in Edinburgh, with one reviewer calling it an “excellent show” featuring “music and musical history from around the world along with some impressive juggling,” and describing Tomaszewski as “an engaging entertainer with some good stories and skills.” Another praised the performance’s chemistry and musical talent and its effortless blend of “skill, humor with a very warm heart,” noting the toe-tapping, hand-clapping response of audiences and the warmth and energy created by the live music.

Most recently, Banjos & Juggling was performed at the Rochester Fringe Festival, where the hometown audience enthusiastically called for “More banjo!” Rochester Overture described the show as a “fringe-worthy performance oddity,” highlighting its eclectic combination of live-looped music, juggling, and musical influences from around the world.

Banjos & Juggling: A World Vaudeville Adventure offers a kaleidoscope of creativity that transports audiences around the world through original music, juggling, and storytelling. Travel to the mountains of North Carolina with banjo playing and ball juggling; learn to count to ten in Kinyarwanda accompanied by Rwandan drums and devil sticks; journey along the roads of Europe with funky guitar rhythms and club juggling — and experience plenty of other surprises along the way.

Using live looping, Tomaszewski records individual instruments during the performance to create rich layers of sound in real time. Once the show is finished, those recordings are deleted forever, ensuring that every performance is unique to the people in attendance and will never be heard exactly the same way again. Banjos & Juggling combines music, juggling, and storytelling to create an original theatrical experience unlike a traditional concert, juggling show, or one-person performance.

Music and juggling can be found in cultures throughout the world. Tomaszewski created the show to use these universal art forms, together with connective storytelling, to celebrate creativity, cultural understanding, and the shared joy of human expression.

Described by his friends as “the most interesting man in the world,” Brian Tomaszewski is a multidisciplinary performing artist who began as a street juggler in his early 20s, later adding banjo, world travel, a Ph.D. in Geography, published books, exhibited photography, and even professional taco making — among other adventures — along the way.

Banjos & Juggling: A World Vaudeville Adventure plays Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Shore Center for the Arts, 49 S Portage St., Westfield, NY 14787. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 716.224.2135 or visit lakeshorecenterforthearts.com.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center will present the live theater capture of the hit musical SIX, nominated for eight Tony Awards in 2022, as part of Arts in the Afternoon on Sat, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.

Captured live at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, SIX the Musical Live! brings audiences an electrifying cinematic event starring the six original West End Queens, each returning to the roles that helped ignite a global phenomenon.

Seen by more than 3.5 million people worldwide, the Tony Award-winning smash hit SIX has ruled the stage since its explosive debut, becoming one of the most successful and talked-about musicals of the past decade. Part concert, part musical, and all attitude, SIX remixes history through a high-energy pop soundtrack as the six wives of Henry VIII step out of their husband’s shadow to claim the spotlight, and their stories, on their own terms.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this bold, feminist musical for the ages transforms Tudor queens into modern icons as Catherine of Aragon (Jarnéia Richard-Noel), Anne Boleyn (Millie O’Connell), Jane Seymour (Natalie Paris), Anna of Cleves (Alexia McIntosh), Katherine Howard (Aimie Atkinson), and Catherine Parr (Maiya Quansah-Breed) battle it out center stage through infectious, empowering anthems, powerhouse vocals, and razor-sharp humor. Backed by the sensational on-stage band, the Ladies in Waiting, the show delivers nonstop hits with the feel of a stadium concert and the heart of a Broadway classic.

Still running on Broadway, the musical was nominated for eight 2022 Tony Awards including for Best Musical. It won the awards for Best Original Score, and Best Costume Design in a Musical. This production runs one hour, 35 minutes, with no intermission.

Individual general admission tickets are $15 ($10 students). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org. Arts in the Afternoon at the Opera House is sponsored by Dr. James M. & Marcia Merrins.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic 2 (Wed., October 21 at 7 p.m.) returns to a world steeped in moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic, as the Owens sisters must confront the dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all in a must-see cinematic event of fun, magic and mayhem. Practical Magic 2 is rated PG-13 and is 130 minutes long.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (Fri., October 23 at 7 p.m.) stars Matt Damon (The Martian, Oppenheimer) as the fabled Greek king Odysseus and follows his perilous voyage home after the Trojan War. The Odyssey is rated R and is 172 minutes long.

Upcoming movies at The Reg include: Zach Cregger’s (Weapons) horror film Resident Evil (Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.) - The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 30 at 10 p.m.) - Robert Pattinson as To Catch a Predator’s Chris Hansen in Primetime (Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.) - Cat Video Fest 2026 (Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.) - and a screening of A Christmas Story (Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.) hosted by one of the actors from the film - Scott Schwartz - who played “Flick.”

Tickets for most Movies at The Reg are $8 in-person at the box office and $10 online (reglenna.com) & by phone - 716.484.7070. Family showings are $7 in-person at the box office and $9 online & by phone. Special engagements are priced differently. The theater and box office at The Reg are located at 116 E. 3rd St. in Jamestown, NY. The box office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12 - 5 p.m. and one hour before movies and events.

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 37th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Tuesday, November 3.

The luncheon will be held at The White Inn in Fredonia from 11:30 to 1:00.

The awards recognize people with disabilities who have made significant accomplishments, as well as area residents and businesses that have improved the lives of people with disabilities. This year’s award recipients are: Henry Wesley Advocate of the Year, Raquel Carrion; Business/Employer of the Year, UPMC Chautauqua; Community Partnership Award, Jake and Abi Landean of 3 Lakes Cafe; Bruce Walford Community Service Award, Gateways PROS Program; Health Provider of the Year, Ryan Rice; Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year, Gregg Bender; Edwin Roth Mental Health Award, Trish McClennan; Outstanding Achievement Award, Josh Steffen; Personal Success Award, Jim Haenggi; Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year, Bruce Main; and Special Event Volunteers of the Year, Ray Graf and D.J. Wilson.

In addition, Donna Oyer will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled. NYSID is a non-profit organization that advances employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans by supporting The Resource Center and other rehabilitation agencies in obtaining government contracts. NYSID selected Oyer for recognition through its annual Outstanding Performance Award Program.

Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff and volunteers, and the general public are invited to attend the Ability Awareness Awards Celebration. The event is being sponsored by TRC, Fenton, Kinetic, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $35. Reservations are due by October 21. Online reservations can be made at resourcecenter.org. For more information, phone 716-661-1477 or email vicky.bardo@fillingthegap.net.

Those wishing to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients may do so at The Resource Center’s web site or by mailing a check to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701. Donations will be directed to The Resource Center’s TRC Excellence Awards Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Runners and walkers of all ages: Register by Monday, October 26 for Audubon Community Nature Center’s Wild 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, November 7 to receive a t-shirt to commemorate your participation.

NEW: Nature Connections, 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4: “Hiking Tips and Tricks”; monthly, especially for homeschoolers ages 5-10 and others. Register ages 4-12 by Nov. 9 for Wednesday, November 11 Day Camp on the school holiday.

And don’t miss all Audubon’s usual monthly events: First Sunday Story Time for ages 2-8 and their adults, 12:30-1 p.m. November 1; First Friday, November 6, 11 a.m.-noon, “Where the Wild Things Roam: Reconnecting Western New York’s Landscapes, with Marcus Rosten”; and Audubon Photography Club, 10-11 a.m., Saturday, November 7.

For details on all these and to register as needed, call (716) 569-2345 or go to AudubonCNC.org/Events. The Nature Center is at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.

The NSDAR Outstanding Teacher of American History for New York is Gregory Birner of Westfield Academy and Central School, nominated by the Jamestown Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. Birner has dedicated 28 years to teaching American history and related subjects, including criminal justice, economics, military history, and AP U.S. government and politics.

Throughout his career, Mr. Birner has worked to make American history and the Constitution accessible and meaningful to his students. As a project-based educator, he believes students should immerse themselves in history to understand not only how our nation was formed, but where we are today and how they can help shape its future.

That philosophy is especially evident in his work with We the People, a curriculum focused on the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States. The program gives students an authentic opportunity to engage with the Constitution through research, public speaking, civil discourse, analytical thinking, and simulated congressional hearings. His teams have repeatedly earned top honors at the state competition, including second place and an invitation to the national competition.

Mr. Birner’s impact also extends far beyond the classroom. His ability to make complex historical and constitutional concepts accessible has helped students develop confidence, critical-thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of their role as citizens. He also engages with the community through ongoing public speaking engagements about the importance of American history and government and previously received a fellowship with the Robert H. Jackson Center, where he helped develop lesson plans about Justice Jackson and his career.

His dedication to helping students understand our nation’s history, appreciate the Constitution, and see themselves as active participants in our democracy exemplifies the teaching this award celebrates. It was the honor of Jamestown Chapter, as well as the New York State Organization, to present Mr. Gregory Birner the 2026 Outstanding Teacher of American History Award.

The Chautauqua County Health Department, in partnership with the Town of Gerry, Town of Sherman, and City of Jamestown, will host three free rabies vaccination clinics to help protect dogs, cats, and ferrets, as well as the community, from this fatal disease.

Clinic dates and locations: Saturday, October 24, 2:00–4:00 PM, Town of Gerry Highway Dept., 4675 NY-60, Gerry. Tuesday, October 27, 5:00–7:00 PM, Sherman Town Buildings, 111A Mill Street, Sherman. Saturday, November 7, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Taylor Fire Training Center, 240 Harrison Street, Jamestown.

Eligibility: Dogs, cats and ferrets three months of age and older are eligible for a vaccination.

Pre-registration required: Visit HealthyCHQ.com/rabies to schedule an appointment. If unable to attend, please cancel via your confirmation email to open your spot to others.

Bring prior vaccination records: These are needed to determine if your pet is eligible for a three-year booster. Secure your pet: All dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be in individual carriers. Animal handlers will transport animals to the veterinarian for vaccination.

Under New York State Public Health Law, all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. These clinics offer a safe, convenient opportunity for pet owners to comply and keep their animals protected.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is most commonly spread by raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, and is transmitted through saliva — often via bites or scratches.

For more information about each clinic, contact the hosting facility or municipality. For general rabies information, visit HealthyCHQ.com/Rabies or contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481.

The Kiwanis Club of Falconer recently held its annual Charter Night at the War Vets Club in Fluvanna. Kiwanis International officially chartered the club in August 1973.

Past Lieutenant Governor and Past President Phyllis Belin installed the club’s officers: President Michele Turk; Vice President Mike Erlandson, outgoing president; Secretary Donna Barber, continuing for another year; and Treasurer Amy Bellardo, continuing for another year.

Belin also installed the club’s Board of Directors. Rosie Digirolamo and Dave Rowley were elected to three-year terms; Sue Erlandson and Jean Prechter to two-year terms; and Val Pierce and Mike Goon to one-year terms.

Representatives of the Cassadaga Valley Key Club, which the Kiwanis Club of Falconer sponsors along with the Falconer Key Club, also attended. Attendees included Advisor Karen Schrader, Tyler Anderson, Gabriel Cleveland, and Gabrielle Cunningham.

The Kiwanis Club of Falconer meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month and supports local youth programs. For more information, contact any club member.

Fessenden, Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, is proud to announce that Mary B. Schiller, a partner in the firm, was recently honored by being named as an Upstate New York 2026 Super Lawyer. Ms. Schiller was selected in the practice areas of personal injury and products liability.

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The Super Lawyers publication notes the objective is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. Only 5% of attorneys in the state are selected to receive Super Lawyers recognition.