Nature Inspired

It is said that April showers bring May flowers. However, as history has taught us this year in Ellicottville, June showers are bringing July flowers! As the beautiful, humid and wet beginning to our summer continues, what better way to recognize the changing of the seasons than by celebrating our gardening volunteers from the Alley Katz, and by pampering yourself and your backyard with a little something from Tangled Twigs. Join me for this nature-inspired spin “Around the Block,” won’t you?

 

 

Sure, Ellicottville is well-known for all of its cute shops, perfectly decorated streets and to-die-for restaurants. However, haven’t you ever wondered who was responsible for the 63 wooden barrels of fresh flowers, 50 hanging baskets and several curbside flowerbed arrangements that can be spotted everywhere around town? Wonder no more! Alley Katz to the rescue!

    

Alley Katz is a group of vivacious volunteers that plant and maintain the flowers in the village of Ellicottville and also decorate the gazebo with a tree and lights during the winter season. This group of ladies can be seen, at the very least, every Tuesday - planting, watering and maintaining the lovely flora and fauna that helps color our town with an extra hint of happiness. This spring, Alley Katz sent a spring fundraising letter around to merchants, friends and family to recruit financial donations as their resources began to dwindle.

   

“We are so incredibly pleased with the outcome of the spring fundraiser. We have received some wonderful donations that have put us in a position where we can replace damaged flowers this summer and continue beautifying our community through the month of September and into the winter,” said Debbie Yantomasi, Co-Chair.

  

The group, which began in 1979, still has a few originals left in it. At any given time, the “Katz” consists of about 20 ladies between the ages of 65 and 85. According to Debbie, these women are loaded with enthusiasm, pride and stamina; she is nothing short of honored to work next to them.

  

“The difference between today and yesterday is that we are blessed with financial donations from the town and village, which we are super fortunate for,” said Debbie.  “When Alley Katz began, the group was fueled by bake sales, quilt sales and similar fundraisers. Today, those efforts are one less thing that we have to be worried about; this way, we can focus on beautifying our village year-round without concern for next year.”

   

She continued, “We owe a big thanks to the town and village, the DPW crew for watering the plants daily, and our merchants.  It really is a group effort on all parts to make the adornment of our village truly come together. After our Tuesday meeting, Dina DiPasquale of Dina’s Restaurant gives us free coffee, which makes for a wonderful social time; what a kind and thoughtful gesture on her part.”

   

Alley Katz is always accepting donations as they continue working with pride and diligence to make Ellicottville visually unforgettable for years to come. Due to rising costs, their resources have dwindled to the point where they may not be able to do the work that they have done in the past.   

   

Alley Katz is accepting any financial assistance that you can manage. Anything would be greatly appreciated to help these ladies continue to make our village as captivating as it is. Donations can be made by check payable to Alley Katz, PO Box 1407, Ellicottville, NY, 14731. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Yantomasi at 716-699-5239 or 716-803-3388, or email evlalleykatz@gmail.com. If you are interested in joining the group, Debbie encourages you to join them on any given Tuesday.  Just look for them strolling through town with their gardening gloves on.

 

 

The ladies at Tangled Twigs believe that “Your home should be a refuge, a place that gives you peace, a place where you can draw in a deep breath and feel happy that you are there.” With that being said, it comes as no surprise that owner MJ Brown has carefully crafted her charming little shop on Monroe Street with custom made floral designs, whimsical home accessories and adornments for both your garden and you. Fun fact: over half the products at Tangled Twigs are locally handcrafted or Made in America.

   

Very reminiscent of a French Flea Market, MJ’s shop is super seasonal and busting with temptations for any girly-girl (or her manly-man). New items this summer include Duke Cannon Soap for men, which is modeled after the rough cut, "brick" style of soap used by GIs during the Korean War (part of its proceeds benefit the military); new floor mats with funny sayings such as, “Hi, I’m Matt,” and “A Shelter Dog Rescued This Family;” flask ties for men to get their drink on at work; and a line of Made in America art from cutlery, such as garden stakes and birds created from forks and knives. A few other new items include tripods, hanging baskets, bird feeders and houses, pots and “gathering baskets,” which are extremely unique and prevent bending down while gardening.

   

Recently celebrating their 10^th year in business, part of making the home magical with this style of décor are the custom made wreaths, swags and topiaries that Tangled Twigs is best known for. These items are made from the finest silk and dried products, at very attractive prices. “There really is no challenge that is too great,” said MJ, who has been handcrafting these items for over twenty years. The Twig Girls have designed things as grand as giant-sized items for barns, all the way down to the smallest customized décor for tabletops.

      

“When we get tired of designing gorgeous wreaths and need to go downtown for martinis and inspiration, the Twig Girls like to gussy it up a bit,” said MJ. The store might be bursting with brambles and bumblebees, but it also boasts a little something for every girly-girl out there.  Just a few of the brands they carry are Sister in Law jewelry (locally made), Saraye, a fair trade company that makes purses from Cambodia; MJK Scarves; Red Carpet Studio skirts, bags and flip-flops; Noelle Bling, Passion handbags, and amazing light-up LED Readers; Flower Flip Flops and Palazzo pants; Puzzle Lamps; and not to mention the hottest thing on the market - silicone lids by Charles E. Viancin, which are a green alternative to saran wrap … MJ boasts a huge selection.

   

Located in the heart of downtown Ellicottville on Monroe Street, you’ll find Tangled Twigs intermingled with several other boutique shops and beautiful Ellicottville residences. Peek through the fence for a visit with the doodles - Snickers, their new labradoodle and his cousin Goldie, a peppy goldendoodle. The best perk about Tangled Twigs? They are opened seven days a week from 10am-5pm and until 6pm on Saturdays. Contact the Twig Girls at 716-699-2736, or find them on the web at www.tangled-twigs.com. For questions, comments and inquires, email tangledtwigs@gmail.com.