Grandview Farms: A local business with a good message

Written for The Villager

Ten years ago, Dawn Samuelson and her husband transformed the family dairy farm into a horse-training program, and then five years ago added a life skills program to the mix.

The Grandview Farms Training Academy in Bemus Point, New York helps not only to train horses, but also train the riders on how to communicate with their horses.

“One thing that makes us extremely unique is that we don’t just train the horses; we train the riders to be a partner, unlike some places were you just come in, hug up on their back and just ride along – that’s not what we do,” Samuelson said. “We want to teach them about understanding the needs of the horse and how to communicate (and) how to watch their body language to anticipate a problem. So it goes a little deeper than your traditional riding academy.”

National Alpaca Farm Days: taking over western New York

Written for The Villager

Cute and curious, the Alpacas in western New York are sure to warm your heart this weekend as six local farms take part in the 4^th National Alpaca Farm Days.

Saturday the 25 and Sunday the 26, people will be able to get up close and personal with many alpacas across the region for free.

Alpacas are a cousin to the llama and are indigenous to South America. Most Alpaca items are imported from there, however the cottage industry is picking up pace.

“The goal is to have enough Alpacas so we can support (the demand) … but we can’t supply enough right now,” said Paul Mager, co-owner of Mager Mountain Alpacas in Little Valley, N.Y.

Mager Mountain has been up and running since 2002 and now has 30 Alpacas, along with two guard llamas.

A Young hero with a local connection makes the comeback of his life

Written for The Villager

For the past six years, Outback Kettle Korn has been providing Ellicottville with a delicious snack, but does anyone really know about the family behind the business?

On Aug. 15, 2009 the Stanzes’ life went from being focused on the business to being focused on something more important – their son. That day, John Stanz’s son Johnny, 27, was injured in Afghanistan.

While out on a mission to capture various members of Al-Qaeda during the time of the tense elections in Afghanistan last year, Johnny’s Humvee was exploded by and IED, an improvised explosive device.

“Returning out of the village they’d (Al Qaeda) been waiting for them and when his (Johnny’s) vehicle went over the landmine they exploded it,” father John Stanz said. “It threw his Humvee 50 feet with him in it and he hit the ground first and the Humvee landed about two feet from where he hit.”

As a result of the explosion, Johnny suffered severe traumatic brain injury, nerve damage to both arms, several broken bones, including multiple facial fractures, and a dislocated knee. His brain was swollen three times the normal size and was placed into a medical induced coma to try to reduce the swelling.

The Diva Show Band hits the high notes this weekend

Written for The Villager

Wearing poodle skirts, listening to The Supreme’s on the radio and rocking out to American Bandstand music – bringing back any memories? Well this Saturday, September 18, The Diva Show Band will be recreating some of the fondest memories from back in the day right before your eyes.

The seven-member band will be performing two sets on Saturday. The first will be from noon to 1 p.m. and the second from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“We try to put something in their for everyone,” said Chris McMahon, founder of the band. “We play a wide range of music … the 40s, 50s, 60s, disco, Motown, 80s and even some current music.”

Pumpkinville readies for another great season

Written for The Villager

Take a step back in time to the days of homemade apple cider, freshly baked pies and homegrown pumpkins brought right to you in Great Valley, NY.

Pumpkinville, open since the late 1960’s, has been bringing clean, family fun to people all over western New York and beyond.

“I think we give them (people) a chance to come to the country and just be able to relax … and unwind a little bit and see how things grow,” owner Dan Pawlowski said.

Pumpkinville not only provides people a place to come and pick out a pumpkin, but a place where families can spend time outdoors in activities especially suited for the fall. Kids of all ages, including adults, can enjoy hayrides, cow trains, corn mazes, a petting zoo and much more!

“Quilting Around Chautauqua” comes around for another year of quilting fun

Written for The Villager

Like quilts? Want to learn more about how to make them?

Then the Quilting Around Chautauqua Quilt Show is the place you want to be September 24 through the 26. This year, the festival will be held at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY.

Friday the 24 will kick off the show with some “pre-show” classes.

The main event starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday and goes until 6 p.m., as well as on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to millcreeksew.com.

People will be able to walk about the grounds and see over 60 different vendors, along with over 900 quilts on display – all over only $3.

For those interested in learning how to sew or quilt, or enhance their current skills, can attend different classes and lectures.