Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development

September events will celebrate new public murals in four Chautauqua County communitiesCHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD) are pleased to announce that five world-renowned muralists are starting the work of painting four large-scale, public murals during the inaugural Paint CHQ mural festival. Announced in February, Paint CHQ is a new initiative intended to help focus on the important role public art plays in placemaking and strengthening local communities. For the inaugural year, four communities have been selected to host the new murals: Dunkirk, Falconer, Sherman, and Westfield. Coordinating the effort is Alexandra Hall from A H Public Spaces Consulting, LLC, who has assisted with other community mural project around the country. Official Paint CHQ events are scheduled to occur the week of September 7, with other adjacent community-related events also scheduled during the month. The commissioned muralists have begun work on their respective projects, and all four murals will be completed by the end of September. The public is encouraged to visit the participating communities during the mural installation process, but the public is also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from heavy equipment and also save any questions for the muralists until their respective Artist Talk and Dedication events. PAINT CHQ MURAL LOCATIONS The public murals wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation from four property owners, who each signed up to participate in the Paint CHQ mural festival. Those locations are: Dunkirk: The Coburn Block, 123 Central Ave. Falconer: State Lanes, 16 E. Main St. Sherman: The Cornerstone Restaurant, 104 E. Main St. Westfield:  Grace & Abe's Westfield, 14 N. Portage St. In each of this year’s PAINT CHQ communities, a local Steering Committee was formed, consisting of local business owners, local artists, municipal leaders, and invested community members. Over the last six months, these individuals have been highly engaged in the artwork development process. The Steering Committee participated in town hall meetings, promoted the public feedback survey, selected the muralist, created design themes, selected the artwork, and joined in festival event planning. As a sneak peek, the Westfield mural’s design statement, Where the Vines Meet, pays homage to the unique identity, heritage, and natural beauty of the region, blending vibrant, nature-based imagery with historical and figurative elements to reflect the community’s deep-rooted pride. The three other communities also developed their own design statement to help capture the theme for their respective mural. ARTIST TALKS Each community will also host an artist talk with their respective muralist. These talks will include presentations and discussions on the creation of the artwork, process, creative briefs that informed the artists, and the inspirations, providing insight into their creative choices and fostering a deeper connection with the public. It is an opportunity to get to know more about the artist and their artwork. The full Artist Talk schedule can be found online at ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. Monday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. The Corner Stone Restaurant, Sherman Emily Ding (Houston) and Justin Suarez, aka “Aerosol Kingdom” (Rochester, N.Y.) Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Eason Hall, Westfield Dom Laporte of DRIFT Mural Co. (Ottawa, Ontario) Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. - Falconer High School (Cafeteria) Mandi Caskey, aka “Miss Birdy” (Columbus, Ohio) TBD – Dunkirk Alain Welter (Luxembourg) DEDICATION EVENTS The Paint CHQ mural festival celebrations and mural dedications kicks off on Friday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. in Westfield. On Saturday, Sept. 13, two more dedications will take place at 1:30 p.m. in Sherman and 3 p.m. in Falconer, with other community events continuing all day. Due to changes in Dunkirk’s artist arrival, dates for the dedication and festival will be announced shortly. A full list of locally led events and Paint CHQ festivals and events schedule can be found online at ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. Paint CHQ has also created a Mural Passport program. Passports will be available at the Paint CHQ website, and hard copies will be available at the artist talks and dedication events. If you visit at least three of the four murals during the artist talks or dedication events, you will be entered to win a Live CHQ basket and Paint CHQ prize. Stamps will be provided at each site. PAINT CHQ APPRENTICE PROGRAM Paint CHQ also features an Apprentice Program. The Paint CHQ Apprentice Program offers professional artists and aspiring muralists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale murals. Participation in this project increases their artist network and helps artists build their resume. Local and regional artists were encouraged to apply to participate, and the local artists selected to be involved in this program are: Carrie Blitz,  Rose Crane, Pamela Corsoro, Jackie Damore, Jackie Doyle, Lily Foster, Sam Gast, Chris Labuskes, Kenneth Labuskes, Jewel Lin, Melissa Meyers, Sara Baker Michalak, Victoria Parker, Joseph Rice, Jenna Robino, Erin Ruffino, and Stacey Seleen. Funding for this project is allotted through CCPEG’s placemaking initiative, and additional funding has come from grant funding through New York State Council on the Arts, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Arts Services Inc., Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Lake Shore Savings, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. For more information about Paint CHQ, visit ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

September event will celebrate new public murals in four Chautauqua County communities CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD) are pleased to announce that five world-renowned muralists have been selected to paint four large-scale, public murals during the inaugural Paint CHQ mural festival, slated for the second week of September 2025. Announced in February, Paint CHQ is a new initiative intended to help focus on the important role public art plays in placemaking and strengthening local communities. For the inaugural year, four communities have been selected to host the new murals: Dunkirk, Falconer, Sherman, and Westfield. Coordinating the effort is Alexandra Hall from A H Public Spaces Consulting, LLC, who has assisted with other community mural project around the country. “The Paint CHQ Mural Festival is more than public art, it is a placemaking strategy that activates underutilized spaces, celebrates a community’s cultural identity, and acts as a vibrant storytelling canvas that unties residents, artists, business owners, and visitors,” said Rebecca Wurster, Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development and CCPEG Planning Coordinator. After reviewing requests for qualifications from a number of candidates, the Paint CHQ advisory team settled on five different artists for this year’s event: Dunkirk - Alain Welter (Luxembourg) Falconer - Mandi Caskey, aka “Miss Birdy” (Columbus, Ohio) Sherman - Emily Ding (Houston) and Justin Suarez, aka “Aerosol Kingdom” (Rochester, N.Y.) Westfield - Dom Laporte of DRIFT Mural Co. (Ottawa, Ontario) “We’re excited to have these nationally – and internationally – recognized muralists coming to Chautauqua County in September to create public art for each participating community. It’s exciting to think that in less than two months from now, our county will have not one, but four separate pieces of public artwork created by professional muralists that will help to enhance our communities and generate renewed pride for our residents,” Wurster said. The muralists will begin work in late August, and all four murals will be completed by September 13.  The public is encouraged to visit the participating communities during the mural installation process. The Paint CHQ mural festival celebrations kick off on Friday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. in Westfield, with other community events in Dunkirk, Falconer, and Sherman continuing all day on Saturday, Sept. 13. In addition to the installation of the murals in each community, Paint CHQ will also feature Artist Talks from Sept. 8 through Sept. 11.  Each Artist Talk is a free event open to the public and the public is encouraged to meet with the muralists, hear about their careers, and ask questions. The full Artist Talk schedule can be found online at ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. PAINT CHQ MURAL LOCATIONS The public murals wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation from four property owners, who each signed up to participate in the Paint CHQ mural festival. Those locations are: Dunkirk: The Coburn Block, 123 Central Ave. Falconer: State Lanes, 16 E. Main St. Sherman: The Cornerstone Restaurant, 104 E. Main St. Westfield:  Grace & Abe's Westfield, 14 N. Portage St. “All four sites will be active from Sept. 4 through Sept. 12 and the public is encouraged to visit the mural sites to watch the mural progress, but we ask that the public maintain a safe distance from heavy equipment and save their questions for the Artist Talk events,” Wurster explained. In each of this year’s PAINT CHQ communities, a local Steering Committee was developed. Each Steering Committee consisted of local business owners, local artists, municipal leaders, and invested community members. Over the last six months, these individuals have been highly engaged in the artwork development process. The Steering Committee participated in town hall meetings, promoted the public feedback survey, selected the muralist, created design themes, selected the artwork, and joined in festival event planning. "The Steering Committees, made up entirely of local community members, volunteered hours of their time to ensure that the artwork installed during PAINT CHQ will resonate with locals!" Hall explained. "The themes we see in each piece were informed by those who live and work in Chautauqua County. Through the artwork, they wanted to highlight community assets and celebrate this region--themes that highlight native wildlife, the agricultural industry and the fishing are incorporated into these murals." PAINT CHQ APPRENTICE PROGRAM Paint CHQ also features an Apprentice Program. The Paint CHQ Apprentice Program offers professional artists and aspiring muralists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale murals. Participation in this project increases their artist network and helps artists build their resume.  Local and regional artists were encouraged to apply to participate, and the local artists selected to be involved in this program are: Carrie Blitz, Angela Caley, Rose Crane, Pamela Corsoro, Jackie Damore, Jackie Doyle, Darcy Farkas, Lily Foster, Sam Gast, Jessica Joy, Chris Labuskes, Kenneth Labuskes, Jewel Lin, Melissa Meyers, Sara Baker Michalak, Victoria Parker, Joseph Rice, Jenna Robino, Erin Ruffino, and Stacey Seleen. “We are very grateful to all of these amazing local creatives!” Wurster added. “I've never done an outdoor mural, and I would like to learn how it's done while contributing as a volunteer to create art for my community to enjoy,” shared apprentice Jackie Damore, who lives on Chautauqua Lake and volunteer for a couple of lake-related organizations.  She is also a member of the North Shore Arts Alliance and the Tri-County Arts Alliance and participates in their events, as well as the RTPI Plein Air. Funding for this project is allotted through CCPEG’s placemaking initiative, and additional funding has come from grant funding through New York State Council on the Arts, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Arts Services Inc., Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Lake Shore Savings, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. For more information about Paint CHQ, visit ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

RFQs from Prospective Artists due March 16CUTLINE: The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is launching the PAINT CHQ initiative to help focus on the important role public art plays in placemaking and strengthening local communities. Coordinating the effort is A H Public Spaces Consulting, LLC, who has assisted with other community mural project around the country, including the one pictured here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. (Art by Jeremy Stroup) (Credit: Rachel Von Stroup) JAMESTOWN, NY – The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development (CCDPD), is pleased to announce a new public art initiative intended to highlight and bring new interest to local communities. The PAINT CHQ mural program will focus on holding a County-wide festival later this year that involves the creation of large public murals in various Chautauqua County communities. For 2025, the communities of Dunkirk, Falconer, Sherman, and Westfield will participate, with a PAINT CHQ Festival planned for the second week of September. As part of the initiative, Professional artists are being sought to create the artwork and are being asked to submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by March 16. Full details, including a link to the RFQ form, can be found at ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. To help coordinate and oversee PAINT CHQ, CCPEG will be working with A H Public Spaces Consulting, owned and operated by Alexandra Hall. Hall is an award-winning professional studio artist and muralist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hall has worked on public art projects across the country, including Upstate New York.  The consulting group will work with CCPEG to select artists, seek public input and feedback, hold community engagement workshops, and also develop and coordinate a PAINT CHQ Mural Apprentice Program. “The goals of PAINT CHQ follow those of other art mural festivals around the country,” Hall explained. “They include highlighting community assets, embracing the value of public art investment, bringing visitors to participating communities, encouraging economic growth, building a foundation for more public art investment, and improving quality of place. It will also help in the effort to grow regional pride, while garnering significant attention and exposure nationally.” Each PAINT CHQ mural will be installed simultaneously as part of the inaugural festival in the second week of September 2025, with events taking place throughout County. According to Hall, the festival atmosphere will draw media attention and outside visitors, while inviting local residents to be part of the public art creation. The festival will culminate on the final day of the event, Saturday, September 13, when all the murals are complete and celebrated. As part of the buildup to the PAINT CHQ Festival in September, steering committees are now being developed in each of this year’s participating communities, with a goal of developing a design brief to help the artists better understand what makes Chautauqua County unique and to ensure certain elements and themes are incorporated into the final mural design. PAINT CHQ Community Workshops are also scheduled at the following dates for each respective community: Tuesday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at the Cornerstone Restaurant, Sherman Tuesday, March 11 at 5 p.m. at SUNY Fredonia Center for Innovation and Economic Development, Dunkirk Wednesday, March 12 at 11 a.m. at the Patterson Library, Westfield Wednesday, March 12 at 5 p.m. at the Firemen’s Exempt Hall, Falconer Anyone who wants to provide input, but is unable to attend the workshops, is encouraged to provide their thoughts by completing the PAINT CHQ Public Art Feedback Survey. As noted earlier, an RFQ has also been issued for the initiative, with local and regional artists strongly encouraged to apply. Local artists who are interested in learning more about how to install a mural anywhere in the County can also apply to participate in the PAINT CHQ Mural Apprentice Program. “Artists are strongly encouraged to apply to participate in this project. Local artists who are interested in learning more about how to install a mural may also apply to participate in the apprentice program, which is meant to offer aspiring artists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale murals,” Hall said. “This is an excellent resume builder for an aspiring muralist! Volunteer apprentices will be paired with experienced muralists and asked to help assist in the mural installation during the festival. Apprentices may learn how to scale a design to fit a building, learn about different mediums, and expand their artist-network.” “While we don’t always think about art as an economic development driver, it certainly can be,” said Nate Aldrich, County Economic Development Coordinator and CCPEG Manger. “As our team tackles multiple economic development priorities, projects like these can also help to improve our communities and create a sense of place by providing unique offerings that are interesting and attractive, while also being interpretive. PAINT CHQ, in conjunction with our many other initiatives, contributes to making our Main Streets more attractive and inviting, while also building community pride.” Initial funding for PAINT CHQ has been provided by CCPEG. Additional funding may come from grant applications, local foundation support, and corporate sponsorships. “Our overall goal is to make this a successful event for not only this year’s participating communities, but for all of Chautauqua County,” Aldrich added. “This will help ensure the initiative will return each year with other participating communities, making PAINT CHQ an annually celebrated and anticipated event for all of the County’s residents, businesses, and visitors.” More information about PAINT CHQ can be found at ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

$65,000 Awarded to CCPEG to Fund Improvements along Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland TrailLocal Foundations are Committed to Overland Trail Improvements CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) has been awarded $65,000 from local foundations to make improvements to the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Brokenstraw and Panama State Forests. The funding will also help with trail improvements on sections of private properties south of Titus Road in Sherman. The latest improvements are part of Phase IV of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project.  The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail is a 24 mile-long nature trail spanning four towns and six state forests – all within Chautauqua County. Located near Mayville, Sherman, and Panama, this scenic trail is well used and is one of the most challenging hikes and/or mountain biking trails in western New York.  The foundations that helped CCPEG reach its Phase IV fundraising goal include the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Jesse Smith Darrah Fund, the Lenna Foundation, and the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation. To secure these grants, CCPEG collaborated with the Chautauqua County Parks Department, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and private landowners to plan and organize the best approach for Phase IV of the project. In addition, CCPEG allocated $15,000 to help leverage funding for the project. “Phase IV represents the first instance where we will be working with private landowners to improve sections of the Overland Trail that run through their properties,” explained Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator. “I can’t express how lucky we are to have our local foundations believe in this project and how indebted we are to have private landowners who understand that the Overland Trails are an important recreational asset to everyone who loves exploring the county’s beautiful forests and countryside.” Like the previous phases, the trail upgrades for Phase IV will be completed by Trail Construction Associates, a trail building company located in Forestville, NY. Work will begin by the end of July and should finish by late September. “I am thrilled to see all of the work that is being undertaken on our county’s extensive trail system,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and Co-Chair of the CCPEG Advisory Board. “Maintaining our existing trails was one of the top ten recommendations put forth in the Chautauqua County Greenways Plan we developed back in April of 2012. Trails are one of the key assets we are promoting in our recently-unveiled branding campaign, and is the basis of the trails mapping initiative we rolled out last month. That being said, it is essential that we have a good product for our residents and visitors to experience. Thank you to everyone that is involved in keeping this initiative moving forward.” The Chautauqua County Overland Trails would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the Chautauqua County Parks Department, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and local landowners. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

We work to highlight a partner or community organization that is doing great things in our county. This month, we are highlighting Findley Lake's Community ConnectionsDr. L.J. Baylis, is the executive director of Community Connections at Findley Lake, Inc. - a private not-for-profit, 501(c)3 corporation founded to give residents of Findley Lake and the surrounding communities both the practical means and confidence to live their lives to the fullest in their own homes as they grow older. 1. Tell us about Community Connections at Findley Lake. Community Connections at Findley Lake was inc. in 2013 as a 501C3 non-profit and designed to help community residents remain in their own homes safely and independently for as long as they choose. We serve the rural communities in western Chautauqua County. We provide services that support aging adults such as transportation, mail pick up and delivery, prescription pickup, shopping assistance and healthcare navigation. We also provide various educational programs such as health management and workshops to decrease social isolation. Our home care nurses and companions support our frail elderly in their homes. They also serve as advocates at doctor and medical appointments. 2. What are some recent accomplishments achieved by this group? Our first major accomplishment in 2013 was applying for and receiving an expedited 501c3 designation due to the recognized needs for an organization such as ours in rural NYS. Another accomplishment was the award from NYS Office for Aging. This was a 5-year grant given to us in recognition of our services we provide as a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community. We are 1 of only 2 NYS designated rural Neighborhood NORCs. 3. What are some exciting things you have planned? We are currently working with our partners to decrease the waiting list in the county for homecare senior services that are being requested. Our current exciting project is that of developing a Pocket Neighborhood. This is to address the shortage of senior housing in the communities we serve. The concept of a pocket neighborhood is to provide housing and a living area around shared common grounds. The pocket neighborhoods bring back the concept of front porch interaction and social connection while maintaining independent living. 4. Community Connections relies on community volunteers. Can you talk about the importance of community-driven efforts to improve Findley Lake? Or you can talk about Aging in Place? Your choice! According to AARP 90% of aging adults over the age of 65 choose to remain in their own home and community for as long as possible. Aging, retired community residents are a valuable asset to their community and by moving into a more livable environment such as a pocket neighborhood, housing becomes available for new families. Retirees contributed $13.5 billion to the economy of NYS in 2021 and can provide significant volunteer hours to town organizations. Community Connections’ volunteers alone provided 1,811 hours at a value of $56, 503 in 2023 and provided 4066 miles of transportation services. 5. What is something most people don’t know about your organization? Community Connections is a very efficient organization. We provide over 6,000 services/year with 4 fulltime employees, 4 parttime employees and our 13 volunteers. 6. What advice would you give to other community groups in Chautauqua County who are looking into launching a project similar to your Pocket Neighborhood effort? The three founding members of Community Connections determined that the success of our organization was to not assume we knew what the community needed. We depend heavily upon the feedback from our residents and advisory councils to guide us down a path that will be most beneficial to the areas we serve. A major project such as the pocket neighborhood concept requires solid partnerships with the county, town and local government. Do not assume you can do this without all their support and guidance if the neighborhood is to be developed successfully.

CCPEG will offer Letters of Support for Local ApplicantsRound XIV of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council Initiative and the 2024 New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process have been announced. State funding is now available from several agencies. Round XIV includes $445 million in core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with more than 20 programs from eight state agencies, including $100 million in grant funds from Empire State Development (ESD), available to projects on a continuous basis.  General information and resources can be found in the 2024 Available CFA Resources Guidebook. Most program applications are due by Wednesday, July 31st. While the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), and Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) are busy preparing applications for projects with county-wide impacts that align with the Chautauqua County Economic Development Strategic Plan, local businesses, municipalities, and organizations are encouraged to explore the available resources for their projects. If there is an effort to apply for one or more of the grant programs, applicants in Chautauqua are encouraged to contact CCPEG with a letter of support request or technical assistance as soon as possible. Those interested in applying can also contact Nate Aldrich, County Economic Development Coordinator and CCPEG Manager, at aldrichn@chqgov.com with questions by June 15, 2024.