Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Sports Facility Committee is a tax exempt not-for-profit organization. Purpose: To establish, operate, and maintain indoor turf fields, an outdoor hockey rink and other sports-related facilities within the Chautauqua County and Chadwick Bay Region for use by its residents.
News
- CMUSF Press Release - January 30, 2010
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee is happy to announce that Mark Wojcinski has joined the group as a General Board Member. Mark has a Masters Degree from Ball State University in Sports Administration as well as a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from Brockport State. He is currently the Head coach of the University of Rochester woman’s club hockey team, Assistant coach for the Buffalo State women’s hockey team, as well as a coach for the N.C.C.Y.H.A.
The group recently held a fundraiser at Pizza Hut and wants to thank Pizza Hut and all the supporters who contributed to this event. The group is continuing to solicit funds to help pay for land appraisals, web site fees, Chamber of Commerce dues, postage, tax preparation costs, NYS Charity registration fees, Post Office box charges, as well as printing costs. Tax deductible donations to this 501 C-3 non-profit organization can be made to: Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc., P.O. Box 724, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
This organization plans to apply for a NYS Parks Acquisition Grant for the next cycle, with applications expected to be due in June. Phase 1 of the project is slated to include an outdoor rink, activity field, disc golf, bocce ball court, walking trail, picnic area, playground, volleyball court, and a small building for rentals, storage and concessions.
A site must be secured in time for the June grant deadline. They are looking for 25-40 acres of land to be located in the Dunkirk/Fredonia/Brocton/Sheridan area. Land owners must be willing to sign an Option to Purchase agreement, sell the land for no more than the appraised value, and be willing to wait until the grant is secured and the deal closed with New York State. Land owners with property available for this purpose can call President Don Horton at 640-7457.
New members are always being accepted and the group meets monthly at the JCC North Training and Conference Center. Please contact Horton at dhorton625@roadrunner.com or view the web site at www.cmusf.com for more information.
- CMUSF Press Release - January 21, 2010
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee conducted their Annual Meeting on January 20 and the following Officers were re-elected: President- Don Horton, Vice-President- Ned Divine, and Treasurer- Sandy Dayton. A Special Election for Secretary will be held at the February 10 Meeting.
Final plans were made for the upcoming January 25 fundraiser at Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut will donate 20% of each guest check that day providing diners bring in one of the authorizing slips. Please call Don Horton (640-7457), Sandy Dayton (679-9185), or Evie Sievert (673-1051) to participate. Take-outs will be allowed for this all-day event.
The group continues to move forward with a planned NYS Parks Grant Application that should be due in June. Most importantly they need to select a suitable site. Area realtors have been contacted for help in finding a 25-40 acre site to accommodate the planned phased construction of the sports complex. Area landowners are encouraged to contact Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com should you have land for the group to consider.
New members are always being accepted and if interested contact Horton or the group’s web site at www.cmusf.com for more information.
- Pizza Hut Fundraiser - January 25
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee is having a fundraiser at Pizza Hut in Fredonia on Monday, January 25. Pizza Hut will donate 20% of each guest check on that day for diners who present one of our flyers. A copy is attached for you to print and use and I encourage you to share it with your friends and relatives.
Our group has been working for 8 years to build a sports complex in Northern Chautauqua County. At this point, we plan to apply for a NYS Parks Acquisition Grant in June in an attempt to build Phase 1. Our first stage will include an outdoor skating rink, playground, walking trail, disc golf course, multi-use playing field and other things. If we are successful with Phase 1, we will them move on to the 2ndphase which will include our long desired indoor sports complex.
We have several expenses that we are now raising funds for. They include real estate appraisals, Chamber of Commerce membership fees, tax preparation costs, printing expenses, as well as a fee for our Post Office Box.
If you cannot make it to Pizza Hut on January 25, but would still like to help out, donations are being accepted. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation so your donation would be tax deductible. Please make donations payable to: Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc., P.O. Box 724, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Thank you for your support!
See Flyer - CMUSF Press Release - posted October 15, 2009
At their monthly meeting in October, the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee discussed several new potential sites for their planned project. The group was able to lower the list to 8 sites to look at and a tour of these sites is planned for later this month. Sites under consideration were referred to the group by realtors, Board members, as well as members of the community.
The group is now projecting Phase 1 of the project to have an outdoor rink, activity field, disc golf, bocce ball court, walking trail, picnic area, volleyball court, and a small building to be used for concessions, bathrooms, rentals and storage. If Phase 1 is a success, the group will then attempt Phase 2 which would include an indoor sports facility that would have 2 indoor turf fields and other amenities. Phase 2 is estimated to cost $4-6 million and no financial partner or donor has been identified to date to cover this cost.
They plan to apply next year for an Acquisition Grant through the NYS Parks Department. If successful with the grant application, they could receive up to $600,000 and be responsible to match 25% of the grant. The NYS Parks Department then allows groups to apply for additional grants in subsequent years for funds for planning and development of the site. As part of the grant application, groups must purchase or secure an Option to Purchase for any land they target for their project. NYS will only reimburse a group for the appraised value of the land.
Funds are needed to pay for appraisals, postage, printing, and other regular expenses this 501(c) (3) non-profit group incurs. Tax deductible donations can be sent to: Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc., P.O. Box 724, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
The Board approved some changes to their membership at the October meeting. They inactivated their Special Events category and advanced Valerie Pawlak to General Board Member and Stephanie Pulvino to Advisory Board Member. Valerie is retired from Fredonia State where she was employed as a house mother and is best known for being selected as the #1 Buffalo Bills Fan, which included induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. Stephanie is President of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce and is employed by Lake Shore Savings Bank in Dunkirk.
New members are always accepted and if interested please contact Don Horton, President, at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com. More information can also be obtained at www.cmusf.com. The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7P.M. @ JCC in Dunkirk. - CMUSF Press Release - September 22, 2009
Above: Sham Bahgat
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee is proud to announce that Sham Bahgat has joined their Board of Directors as an Advisory Member. Sham is part of Bahgat and Laurito-Bahgat of Fredonia and his company has provided tax and accounting services as well as fundraising advice to the non-profit group.
The non-profit group plans to apply for an Acquisition Program grant from the New York State Parks Department in 2010. Right now the group is searching for a new site for their planned park development. Sites need to be 18-30 acres and be near Exit 59 of the NYS Thruway, plus interested landowners need to be willing to sell the land for no more than the appraised value and be willing to sign an Option to Purchase agreement.
New members continue to be recruited for the Board of Directors, and the group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at JCC North at 7 P.M. If you are interested in joining the Board or would like more information, please contact President Don Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com. You can also get information from their web site at www.cmusf.com.
- CMUSF Press Release - posted September 21, 2009
Updated Project Phases
- CMUSF Press Release - September 15, 2009
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. is proud to announce a new Phase 1 for its planned park project. The components of this phase include an outdoor unrefrigerated rink (for summer and winter skating), walking trail, volleyball court, playground, disc golf, bocce ball court, picnic area, large multi-use activity field, and a building which will house concessions, bathrooms, rentals and storage.
The group had been very active identifying 16 potential partners in their attempt to build an indoor sports facility in this area. However, they were unable to find a financial partner to help build this type of facility, estimated to cost $4-6 million. The group has not abandoned their desire to build such a facility, but since funding has not been identified at this time, it was decided to start with a less expensive and more attainable Phase 1.
The Board of Directors discovered grants available through the New York State Parks Department. For the past several weeks the group was preparing to submit an application for the Acquisition Program for 2009. This grant program awards grants up to $600,000 in all counties of New York State. The Board tried to get a signed Option to Purchase for a site located in the Town of Dunkirk, however the group could not come to a financial agreement with the landowner in time for the September 14 application deadline. They then decided not to file a grant application for this year but to forge ahead, find another site and submit for 2010.
Letters of support for the park project were received from the Northern Chautauqua Soccer Association, County Executive Greg Edwards, State Assemblyman Bill Parment, Dunkirk School Superintendent Gary Cerne, State Senator Cathy Young, Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Jody Briggs, Chautauqua Opportunities Executive Director Roberta Keller, Silver Creek School Superintendent David O’Rourke, Congressman Brian Higgins, and SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner.
Under New York State Parks guidelines, they will not reimburse a group for any land purchase over the appraised value of the land. The group has reached out to area realtors for assistance in finding land that is suitable and landowners willing to sign an Option to Purchase for the appraised value of the land. After the Acquisition Program, there is a Park Planning and Development Program grant that the group can apply for to help with the costs associated with actually building the planned park. Should the group be successful in actually receiving the Acquisition grant, they will be responsible for coming up with 25% in matching funds that they must raise through their own efforts.
The group is presently searching for sites for its project to build a park in Northern Chautauqua County. Potential sites need to be 18-30 acres to allow for the possible construction of all planned phases and located near Exit 59 of the New York State Thruway. A sub-committee headed up by President Don Horton and Secretary Karen Davis is working to identify all potential sites.
The Board of Directors continues to meet on the second Wednesday of each month and additional information is available at www.cmusf.com or by contacting Horton at 640-7457. - CMUSF Press Release - April 14, 2009
Above: Sandy Dayton and Kurt Warmbrodt
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee recently added Sandy Dayton and Kurt Warmbrodt as new General Members on the Board of Directors.
The group is still active in their quest to build a new sports complex in Northern Chautauqua County. The facility is estimated to cost between $4-6 Million and the group feels they can raise about $1.3 Million through their own efforts with grants, donations, etc. The remaining funds for construction costs must come from a financial partner.
In recent months, the committee has reached out to 16 potential partners/key users to find a financial partner for this project. At least one potential partner has been identified and that potential partner is currently evaluating the level of their interest in the project.
Surveys have been mailed to the 16 potential partners/key users to get their input on what sports should be incorporated in the design of the building. The surveys are due April 30 and then the Partnership Exploration Committee will evaluate the results.
The Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 7 P.M. at the JCC North County Training and Conference Center. If you would like to join the group or just want more information, please contact President Don Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com. You can also find information on their web site at www.cmusf.com.
- Chautauqua Star and Bulletin Board - April 10, 2009
Effort to Build Athletic Facility Continues in North County
By Jason Sample
Star News Editor
For most of this decade, a group of residents in Northern Chautauqua County have been trying to get support to build a new multi-purpose sports facility. The facility would not only serve area schools, but also youth sports and the general public. Although the process has been moving forward slowly, the organizers, known as the Chautauqua Multi-Use Sports Facility Committee, aren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet.
“We’re working with 16 potential partners to try and secure the funding needed for construction,” says Don Horton, who serves as the CMUSFC Committee president. “We’re hoping that one of those groups can find the money to help pay for the construction through their own sources.”
Horton says the reason why the committee is seeking financial help from other groups is because the facility, estimated to cost between $4 and 6 million, would be too expensive to pay for through basic fund raising efforts. “We’ve already done a feasibility study and it said the project can be done. We did a second study that was a fund raising study and we found out we could raise up to $1.3 million.” Horton says that means they could see as much as a $4.7 million gap, which is why they are looking to various community groups to serve as a partner.
So far the group has met with several agencies, including Chautauqua Opportunities, Jamestown Community College, the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua, SUNY Fredonia, The Chautauqua Tennis Club, Erie 2-Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES and the Jamestown Family YMCA. Several north county districts have also been approached, including Chautauqua Lake, Ripley, Silver Creek, Westfield and Westfield Academy, Forestville, Cassadaga Valley, Brocton, Dunkirk and Fredonia.
In February, the committee met with five of the groups’ representatives, and it was determined that the design of the facility should reflect the needs of all interested groups. With that, a survey has been sent out to all 16 groups, seeking their input, with the results expected sometime next month.
Horton says the committee also has at least one prospect that could help pay for the project, although it’s still too early to know for sure. If funding is secured, the facility could either be built on Route 60 behind the JCC North in Dunkirk or along Brigham Road in Fredonia.
“One of the main things several groups have listed is the need for an indoor track,” says Horton. The only current facility that hosts indoor track is at SUNY Fredonia, but Horton says there is a greater need than what SUNY Fredonia can provide. The current configuration of the facility features two indoor turf fields, a concession stand, fitness center, locker rooms, game room, office space, indoor track, community meeting rooms and an outdoor ice rink.
Horton says right now they’re in a holding pattern as they don’t want to put any pressure on the group that could bankroll the construction of the project. If the funding doesn’t come through, the idea to construct the facility will have to be scrapped.
“Without a financial partner we’ll fold up our tent and go home,” Horton says. “But we are encouraged because it’s a good stimulus project for both the state and federal lawmakers, one that can create construction jobs. We’ll just have to wait and see”
For more information, visit their Web site at www.cmusf.com or call President Don Horton at 640-7457. - CMUSF Press Release - March 18, 2009
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. is now working with 16 potential partners/key users in their attempt to secure construction funding for their planned new sports complex. The group has met with Chautauqua Opportunities, Jamestown Community College, the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua, SUNY at Fredonia, The Chautauqua Tennis Club, Erie 2-Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES, Jamestown Family YMCA, Chautauqua Lake School District, Ripley School District, Silver Creek Central School District, Westfield Academy and Central School District, Forestville Central School District, Cassadaga Valley Central School District, Brocton Central School District, Dunkirk City School District, and the Fredonia Central School District.
Some of these groups were represented at a joint meeting held on February 23, which included members of the Partnership Exploration Committee. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. John Earshen, who completed a Fundraising Feasibilty Study last fall for the organization. At least one potential financial partner was identified at the 2/23 meeting and that group is exploring the idea with their own administration and will report back when they are ready.
It was determined at this joint meeting that the design of the planned facility should reflect the needs of the interested groups and a survey was prepared and mailed March 16 to all 16 potential partners/key users for their input.
As presently configured the facility will have 2 indoor turf fields, a concession stand, fitness center, locker rooms, game room, office space, indoor track, community meeting rooms, and an outdoor ice rink. The estimated cost of the facility is between $4-6 million and the Fundraising Study showed the group could secure up to $1.3 million through their own efforts with grants, donations, etc. Earshen recommended that the group should seek financial partners and that is what the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee has been working on for the past few months.
For more information, visit their web site at www.cmusf.com or call President Don Horton at 640-7457.
- Buffalo News Article- January 22, 2009
Sports Center Group Looks for Partners
DUNKIRK — The Chautauqua Multi-Use Sports Facility Organizing Committee is looking for one or more partners to help build an indoor sports/conference center projected to cost from $4 million to $6 million.
During a news conference Wednesday night, committee President Don Horton said the grass-roots group has met with several organizations recently to determine interest in helping to build the complex and using it once the doors are opened.
Among the groups they have approached are Fredonia State College, Jamestown Community College, nine school districts in the Dunkirk area, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, Chautauqua Tennis Club, Chautauqua Opportunities and Erie 2 Chautauqua- Cattaraugus Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Horton said although all believed the project is a good idea, there are as yet no definite commitments, which has been on the drawing boards for seven years.
A fundraising study commissioned by the committee said the committee has the potential to raise about $1.3 million, including donations and grants.
The remainder of the project funding would have to be generated by signing on one or more partners committed to the success of the sports/conference center. One committee member suggested that Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson might be interested in helping to fund the facility.
The project’s first phase would include two indoor turf fields, locker rooms, a concession stand area, game room, meeting rooms, fitness center, office space, running/walking track and an outdoor ice rink.
Horton said these plans could be revised to win a partnership.
The committee is looking at two sites: Brigham Road near Fredonia State College and Route 60 in Dunkirk, adjacent to the North Campus of Jamestown Community College.
The committee has a completed feasibility study, business plan and architectural drawings. Anyone interested in learning more about the project may contact Horton at 366-3918 or go to the committee’s Web site at www.cmusf.com . - Observer Article - January 22, 2009
Above: Don Horton
Not Giving Up
In October 2008 it was going to be "fish or cut bait" in six months for the Chautauqua Multi-Use Committee regarding the exploration of potential partners. During the committee's special meeting Wednesday for area media members, it was announced the six-month deadline is now extended, based on preliminary meetings with potential partners.
"We're going to go after all the potential partners all at once because John Earshen (Mattison Group Fundraising Study) recommends a six-month timeline and we're going with that to fish or cut bait after six months. If we don't find a partner then we'll fold our tents and go home," Horton said following the committees meeting in October 2008.
"I think it's more flexible now," Horton said Wednesday. "We received such positive feedback that I think we'll keep going beyond April. By then I think we'll make some bigger decisions as to whether we have some separate meetings with the partners after we have this one general meeting with everybody. We'll get them all in at once with a facilitator and we'll have a much better idea of where we're going from there."
The Partnership Exploration Committee has met with 16 partner prospects over the past two months, according to General Board Member Jim Enser.
"We met with 16 partner prospects including both area colleges, the YMCA of Jamestown, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, nine different school districts, Erie 2 Chautauqua County BOCES and Chautauqua Opportunities," Enser said Wednesday. "If there was one central theme in each of those meetings it was that we never heard a negative word. Every single group was supportive. ... Now clearly, the money question lingers out there and that's why we created this partnership exploration committee, to see if we could drum up more dollars to make this thing a reality."
The committee will be making one more visit on Feb. 26 to the Conference of Mayors in Mayville. As great as it would be for the group to come back and announce that a large financial backer was found, Vice President Ned Divine said it would be an unrealistic conclusion following a single meeting.
"We've been doing this seven years and we've gone through a large process of first looking at whether it would work and whether we could raise the money in the community. For us, we can't expect potential partners to come back after one meeting and say yes we can do it now we have this funding ... we need to give them the opportunity to digest this," Divine said. "They have their processes to go through, much as we did, for them to figure out for themselves how we might fit with them."
Based on the list of potential partners/users it's clear the two area colleges could play a large role should they become involved financially. The group has been toying with two key locations - Brigham Road in the town of Dunkirk or on the JCC North campus on Route 60 - but that decision could be determined based on whoever partners up.
"JCC is obviously going to want something on their land, so if they were a partner they'd want it on their land. The other partners, just as long as it's up in Northern Chautauqua County," Horton said. "The Brigham Road site is a concern because there is no water or sewer but the land comes cheaper than the land at JCC, so we'd have to weigh those two along with the partners we would have."
As for potential layout of the facility, not much has changed. Phase one ($4-6 million estimate) could include two indoor turf fields, lockers rooms, concessions, game room, meeting rooms, fitness center office space a running/walking track and outdoor skating rink.
- CMUSF Press Release - January 21, 2009
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. has been very active over the past 2 months. Based on the recommendations made by Dr. John Earshen and the Mattison Group in his Fundraising Study, a Partnership Exploration Committee (PEC) was formed to explore what groups might be interested in partnering to help build a new sports complex in Northern Chautauqua County.
The PEC members are President Don Horton, Vice-President Ned Divine, General Board Members Jim Enser and Mark Twichell, Advisory Board Member Ellen Luczkowiak, and community member JoAnn Niebel. Presentations were given to Fredonia State, Jamestown Community College. The YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua Tennis Club, Chautauqua Opportunities, and Erie2-Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES. The PEC also presented to the following local school districts: Dunkirk, Fredonia, Brocton, Cassadaga Valley, Forestville, Westfield, Silver Creek, Ripley, and Chautauqua Lake. In February, The Partnership Exploration Committee will make a presentation to the Chautauqua County Conference of Mayors at their monthly meeting in Mayville.
All of these meetings were very positive with each group displaying a level of interest and all contributed helpful ideas that our group can use to attain our goal. Our next step will be to appoint a facilitator to bring these groups together so that we can move forward with our plans. - Observer Article - October 10, 2008
An article involving Dr. John Earshen's findings appeared in today's Dunkirk Observer, October 10, 2008. Observer Article. - CMUSF Press Release - October 13, 2008
The Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. voted unanimously at their October 8 monthly meeting to adopt the findings of Dr. John Earshen in his Final Report of his recent Fundraising Study. The group created a Partnership Exploration Committee (PEC) to explore the idea of having partnerships with other groups in an attempt to build a new sports complex in Northern Chautauqua County.
The members of the PEC will be President Don Horton, Vice-President Ned Divine, Treasurer John Olsavsky, General Board Member Jim Enser, Advisory Members Ellen Luczkowiak and Mark Maytum, as well as community member JoAnn Niebel. They have been given a six month time limit to see if a partnership (s) can be found with other groups and organizations in this area.
The Business Plan for the organization has been recently endorsed by The Mattison Group as well as by Irene Dobies of the Small Business Development Corporation at Jamestown Community College. Ms. Dobies has made some recommendations to the group and the Finance Committee will meet soon to work on those recommendations.
In the Business Plan, and at several meetings over the past years, the Board of Directors has stated their goal is to hire a professional management company to run the new sports facility. The Board recognizes the importance of having good management of any such facility, and the Board fully intends to take an advisory role should the complex be built.
At the monthly meeting the Board of Directors was reorganized and have added Mark Maytum and Greg Lorenzo as Advisory Members and Valerie Pawlak for Special Events. They meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 P.M., and continue to accept new members. For more information, contact Don Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com. You can also get information at the group’s web site at www.cmusf.com.
- Observer Article - September 26, 2008
An article involving the Big Challenges of the CMUSF appeared in today's Dunkirk Observer, Friday, September 26, 2008. Observer Article. - Observer Article - September 21, 2008
An article involving the Informational Meeting of the CMUSF appeared in today's Dunkirk Observer, Sunday, September 21, 2008. Observer Article. - Observer - Don's Letter to the Editor - September 21, 2008
Don's letter to the editor appeared in today's Dunkirk Observer, Sunday, September 21, 2008. Letter. - CMUSF Press Release - September, 11, 2008
Above: Dr. John Earshen
Fundraising Study Completed
Dr. John Earshen, from the Mattison Group, has completed interviews for the Fundraising Study commissioned by the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee. He interviewed over 50 area elected officials, business and community leaders either by phone or in-person. Special thanks are extended to Frank Porpiglia and Jamestown Community College for the use of a room to conduct the interviews.
The purpose of the study was to find out if this community can financially support a new sports complex for Northern Chautauqua County. The estimated cost of the project is $4-6 million.
Phase 1 of the project involves the construction of 2 indoor turf fields, a walking track, concession stand, exercise area, meeting rooms, game room, and outdoor rink. If all goes according to plan, the new facility could open in 2011.
A public Meeting has been scheduled to present the results of the study. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 25 at 7 P.M. at the Fredonia Central School Auditorium. Anyone interested, especially those willing to donate for the construction costs, are encouraged to attend this important meeting.
For more information about the project, please contact Board President Don Horton at 640-7457, dhorton625@roadrunner.com or check out the web site at www.cmusf.com.
- CMUSF Press Release - August, 25, 2008
Left to right: General Board Member Lisa Speziale, Board President Don Horton
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. set up a tent at the recent Fredonia Farm Festival. The group handed out brochures, a map of potential sites, and flyers about the September 25 Public Meeting to announce results of the Fundraising Study.
The group has been active for 6 ½ years in an attempt to build a new sports complex in Northern Chautauqua County.
New members are continually being accepted and can get information about joining by contacting Board President Don Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com. The Board meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and the next meeting is September 10.
Horton will be Dave Rowley’s guest on WDOE’s Viewpoint Show on Friday September 12 from 9:30-10:00 A.M. For more information about the group and their project, please view their web site at www.cmusf.com. - Public Meeting to be Held - September 25, 2008
A public meeing for the Chautauqua Multi-Use Sports Facility will be held Thursday, September 25, 2008 in the Fredonia Central School Auditorium. Results of the fundraising feasibility study will be presented by Dr. John Earshen of the Mattison Group LLC. - Chamber of Commerce Interviews Don Horton - August 3, 2008
An interview of Don Horton appeared in the Dunkirk Observer, Sunday, August 3, 2008. Observer Article. - Observer Write-up Facility Plans - June 14, 2008
An article about site plans for the CMUSF facility appeared in today's Dunkirk Observer, Saturday, July 12, 2008. Observer Article. -
CMUSF Press Release - June 14, 2008
Left to right is Treasurer John Olsavsky and Vice-President Ned Divine. Unavailable for photo was Advisory Board Member Ellen Luczkowiak.
The Finance Committee of the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee announced at the June 11 monthly meeting that they have completed work on the Business Plan for the organization. Composed of Treasurer John Olsavsky, Vice-President Ned Divine, and Advisory Board Member Ellen Luczkowiak, this group worked long and hard for the past 5 months to formulate a business plan that will work for this project. Since this local project is patterned after the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex in Cortland , NY, the Finance Committee used data supplied by that facility as well as from the Feasibility Study done by Paradigm Consulting and released to the public in November, 2005. Another key component of the business plan are the results of a survey the Board conducted in 2007 at various venues across the area. With the Business Plan in place the group is secure to go forward with the Fundraising Study to be conducted by the Mattison Group of East Amherst, NY. Case for Support documents will be mailed to key community leaders in early July. The committee is hoping to build 2 indoor turf fields, a walking track, locker rooms, a concession stand, exercise facility, and an outdoor rink in Phase 1 of the plans. The estimated cost of Phase 1 is currently between $4-6 million. The group’s next meeting is on July 9 and they will have Gary Cerne, Dunkirk School Superintendent, as a special guest. For more information about this project, contact Board President Don Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com. -
CMUSF Press Release - June, 11, 2008
Left to right: General Board Member, Mark Twichell, General Board Member Lisa Speziale, Mattison Group Principal Dr. John Earshen, Board President Don Horton
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the kickoff of the Fundraising Feasibility Study by the Mattison Group. The Board’s Fundraising Study Group, consisting of General Members, Lisa Speziale, Mark Twichell, and President Don Horton, have now met twice with Dr. John Earshen, Principal of the Mattison Group. Dr. Earshen is conducting the study to find if this community can financially support a new sports complex and learn if key community leaders support the concept. Mr. Earshen and the group are currently fine tuning a list of community leaders who will be mailed packets in early July. He is preparing a Case for Support document with the help of the 3 Board Members, to highlight the project and provide reasons as to why it can succeed in our area. The Mattison Group has conducted successful campaigns for the WCA Home, Dunkirk Free Library and several other organizations in recent years. According to Dr. Earshen a fundraising feasibility study is “an essential prerequisite to conducting a successful fundraising campaign.” After the packets are mailed, phone calls will be made and interviews set up with Mr. Earshen. A final report is expected to be presented to the Board of Directors at their September monthly meeting. Dr. Earshen and Don Horton will be Dave Rowley’s guests on his WDOE 1410 Viewpoint Show on Thursday, June 26 from 9-9:30 A.M. 
CMUSF Issues Press Release - Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. is proud to welcome new General Board Members Evie Sievert and Lisa Speziale to the Board of Directors. Evie is currently an aide at B.O.C.E.S., where she has worked almost 20 years. She has been a member of the Recreation Commission for the Town of Pomfret/Village of Fredonia for over 25 years. Evie has also done volunteer work for her church in Laona and has a puppet team called “Souls to Reach,” which travels to various places to perform. She enjoys working with children and feels this region needs a new sports complex.
Lisa has been a school teacher with the Dunkirk School District for 29 years and is currently teaching kindergarten at School 7. She was most recently a School Ambassador for the Board of Directors, but wanted to become more involved with the project and switched to a General Board Member. She has always been a fan of sports and takes great interest in the sports exploits of former students as well as the children of friends. She feels this community needs a new sports venue for the kids and adults of this region, and feels the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee is a great group of volunteers committed to making this dream become a reality.
The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the JCC North Training and Conference Center. If you would like to become a member, please contact President Don Horton at 640-7457 or dhorton625@roadrunner.com.-
CMUSF Visits AYSO Chautauqua Soccer Games
The Chautauqua Multi-Use Sports Facility Committee set up a table at Fredonia High School in the summer of 2007 during the AYSO Chautauqua soccer games. They handed out Community Interest Surveys aimed at measuring the community's opinions on the Multi-Use Facility project. Information pamphlets and drawings of the proposed project were available.
New members are being recruited. Interested parties should call Don Horton at 716-640-7457. -
CMUSF "VISIBLE" At The Chautauqua County Fair
Members of the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. (aka CMUSF) manned a tent at the Chautauqua County Fair all week in July 2007. The bright green shirts with the CMUSF logo were highly visible. Pictured from the left are President Don Horton and Board Member John Olsavsky. We want to thank those who stopped by to talk with us about our goals and plans and were willing to help us to better serve the community by completing one of our Community Interest Surveys. -
CMUSF Receives NYS Charities Registration Notice
Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc. received their notice of registration from the Charities Bureau of the NYS Office of the Attorney General. This registration along with their recent letter of determination from the IRS granting them 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization status opens the door for fundraising activities. -
CMUSF Survey Discussion On WDOE 1410 AM
Don Horton, Board President of Chautauqua Multi-Use Organizing Committee, Inc., and Board Member Jim Enser discussed the upcoming CMUSF Community Interest Survey with host Dave Rowley on WDOE's Viewpoint Show last summer 2007. If you missed it on 1410 AM in the Dunkirk/Fredonia, listen to it online here.
