Fireworks, other July 4th activites, beat rain showers across Chautauqua County...
There was a full day of activities for the Fourth of July in the villages of Lakewood and Mayville. The big Mayville Parade was held on Route 394 under sunny skys... with the procession traveling from the Courthouse to Lakeside Park. In Lakewood... the day at Hartley Park began with the annual "Firecracker 10K Run..." which is a competitive race... but, also a homecoming for sorts for many people who come visit over the Fourth. It's put on by the Lakewood Family YMCA. "Y" Director Tom Anderson says it's a lot of work... but, also a good time. Anderson says they have about 42 of the 50 states represented in the run. In addition to the 10-K... the "Y" puts on kids races down by Lakewood Beach... and, a 2-mile run/walk. There was also a concert with Steve Davis and Marla Harris until last night's firework's put on by Zambelli fireworks.
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Back to Mayville... the rain held off for a full-day of activities at Lakeside Park before last night's fireworks. There were also fireworks in Bemus Point... and, at Midway State Park in Maple Springs.
Music, picnics and people clad in red, white and blue highlight Fourth of July at Chautauqua Institution...
The Chautauqua Community Band held its 26th annual Independence Day concert Monday at Noon on Bestor Plaza, playing "Your a Grand Old Flag" and other standards. The plaza was packed with people... many decked out in red, white, and blue... on a perfect summer afternoon. Among them was Maureen Rovegno, Associate Director of Chautauqua's Department of Religion. She says it's a joy to be there with family, and asked, "What's more American than that?" Following the Symphony Pops concert in the Amphitheater Monday night... Chautauquans gathered at the lakeshore for the flares and fireworks... and music from the Miller Bell Tower.
Chautauqua Speaker discusses need to get back to public financing of election campaigns...
The United States needs to get back to a public financing system to support election campaigns that'll restore integrity and sensibility to the system. Those are the feelings of the founding president of the Campaign Legal Center. Trevor Potter was yesterday's featured lecturer at Chautauqua Institution... and, tells our Dennis Webster that a lot of the current problem stems from the U-S Supreme Court's ruling in the "Citizens United versus Federal Election's Commission" court case. Potter says the court has said that the First Amendment says American's can "spend as much as they want" on campaigns... but, he feels that's not the best reading of the First Amendment because it excludes a large number of people who are also covered by that amendment. Potter says other nations that hold "free elections" do have limits on campaign fund-raising, and there is public money available to those campaigns. Current President Barack Obama was the first such candidate to refuse public financing, because he had the ability to raise more without it. Potter says there are public financing models in several larger cities... including New York City where public contributions are matched by a 6-to-1 government match. However... that program has been criticized by some who argue that the New York City system is complicated... and, frought with corruption.
City man arrested for allegedly obstructing police in investigating alleged man holding people inside apartment using a knife...
A Jamestown man is accused of trying to prevent police from gaining entrance to an eastside apartment using a knife early Sunday morning. City Police were called to the scene at 739 East Second Street... and, officers were able to make contact with the suspect... 24 year-old Edgardo Lopez. However... Lopez is accused of slamming the door shut, and not allowing police to check on the safety of others inside. Officers finally forced entry... and, arrested Lopez for second-degree Obstruction of Governmental Administration. He was sent to the city jail pending arraignment.
Deadline approaching for State Fair competitions...
The deadline is coming up for entering recipes, poems, paintings, quilts and other items in the annual competitions at the New York State Fair. Tuesday is the deadline to submit entry forms in all the arts and crafts categories. Those entering in the poetry category must also turn in their finished poems. Last year... more than 2,000 people entered at least one of the fair's dozens of competitions ranging from livestock to amateur wine. More than 1,000 people had entries in arts and crafts categories. The competition for jams and jellies is adding a new category -- jellies made without commercial pectin.
Brad Anderson's humility on display during unveiling of his and "Marmaduke's" statue...
The new statue of late Portland native Brad Anderson and his famous cartoon dog, Marmaduke, is as much about the fictitious dog as Anderson himself. That's part of the reason why Anderson liked what sculptor Don Sotille -- a Westfield native -- had created for the town committee. That from Anderson's son, Paul, who now carries "Marmaduke's" by-line with his late father. Paul Anderson spoke after the statue was unveiled last Saturday afternoon in front of the town hall... saying they wish his father was there. He says his father viewed himself not as a famous person... but, the person that brough a "famous dog" into the lives of the people who read his comic strips. Paul Anderson says his father would greet fans by saying he's "not so famous." He says he just happened to be the comic strip creator of a "famous dog. Brad Anderson was also remembered for the fact he never forgot Portland... or Brocton. State Senator Cathy Young says that was often seen in "Marmaduke..." with Brocton's "green arches..." and the name "Brocton" on a school bus.
