Ellicottville's Relay For Life date set

Written for The Villager

With the kick-off meeting last Wednesday, Feb. 9, Relay For Life of Ellicottville launched its new season.

Welcoming new comers and recognizing veteran team captains, the 2011 Relay season got underway. Besides acting as the start for the new fundraising season, the gathering was also a chance to have an informational meeting for the new members of the Relay For Life team.

So far, nine teams have registered, but Mike Porpiglia, community executive for the American Cancer Society, hopes that they will meet or exceed last year’s 26 teams.

This year’s Relay For Life will be held on June 4, 2011 from 12 p.m.-12 a.m. at the Ellicottville Central School track.

Anyone interested in creating a team or joining one can either log on to www.relayforlife.org, or call the 24/7 toll free number 1-800-227-2345.

Bonaventure to install new computer program, increase its Internet advertising

   ST. BONAVENTURE (Jan. 30) — One year ago, Xavier Galindo of California Googled private schools on the East Coast and found St. Bonaventure University. Galindo sought more information about Bonaventure after discovering the number of different majors offered at the private school by receiving e-mails and mailings. After a few weeks, Galindo knew Bonaventure could allow him to be far away from home while attending a small university.

   For the past three years, the university has adapted its integrated marketing framework to incorporate Facebook, Twitter, other social media sites and the Internet in general, said Emily Sinsabaugh, vice president of university relations who has a doctorate.

   Integrated marketing, Sinsabaugh said, aligns different media outlets (such as the Web, TV, flyers, etc.) to build on the activities occurring around campus in a cohesive manner.

Local ski shop wins award

Written for The Villager

The popular ski shop, The City Garage, won the national award for “Best Vibe” by Skiing Business, an online magazine.

Sean Lowes opened The City Garage with his wife in 1999. The ski shop is open year round and specializes for each season. During the winter, the store specializes in skis: alpine skis, Nordic skis and Twin Tip skis, just to name a few.

In the summer, the shop switches gears to provide people with the best in technical summer gear; including, sunglasses, footwear and The City Garage is the only one in the area to offer stand up paddle boards. The latter is a growing trend on the West Coast that is slowly but surely migrating to the East Coast where The City Garage is fully embracing it.