Carol Fisher-Linn
10,000 Maniacs was started in 1981 by Jamestown natives, Robert Buck – listed in Guitar Player magazine as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, Dennis Drew, Steven Gustafson, Natalie Merchant and John Lombardo (called by the Buffalo News “a dominant force” in the Maniacs, he left in 1986; he is now back with the group). Recognized across the globe, the updated very successful 10,000 maniacs, Dennis Drew, Steve Gustafson, Jerry Augustyniak, John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey come “home” occasionally performing at the Reg Lenna in Jamestown and in Buffalo. Unfortunately, Buck died in 2000 and Natalie Merchant moved on her own. The group is still a powerful force on the music scene and has more breaking news for you – check it all out in upcoming issues of The Villager.
Case Knife Family: Case roots extend back to 1889, when four enterprising Little Valley brothers—William Russell (W.R.), Jean (grandfather to our village Mayor, John Burrell), John, and Andrew Case (a.k.a. “The Case Brothers”)—began selling handcrafted knives from the back of a wagon in upstate New York. John Russell (Russ) Case, the son of W.R., formed W.R. Case & Sons, as it is known today. Because they’re carefully crafted with the finest materials and twice tested for durability, Case knives are not only passed down for generations, but they have found their way into the hands of famous admirers and avid collectors, including some famous prize-winning bull riders, country music greats, and even former U.S. presidents. Who doesn’t have a Case knife in the family heirlooms. Today, Case is owned by Zippo Manufacturing Company where a collection can be seen. Case knives can also be seen at the Little Valley Knife Museum.
Mitchell Anderson: This Jamestown native born in 1961, attended Jamestown High, Williams College and Julliard. You may remember Anderson as the guy who portrayed Dr. Jack McGuire, a fellow resident of Doogie Hawser at Eastman Medical who followed the conventional path initially resented Doogie’s age and genius but eventually became a friend and colleague, often serving as a sounding board for the Hawser’s ethical dilemmas. In an unexpected career turn, he stepped away from acting in the early 2000s to pursue his passion for the culinary arts. He now owns and operates MetroFresh, a successful restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, where he happily serves as both co-owner and chef.
Two time Olympian and former 13-year member of the US Ski Team and US Cycling Team, Jillian Vogtli was born in Buffalo, New York, but spent her growing up years living in Ellicottville, attending ECS, skiing and racing (and winning) for Holiday Valley. She then went on to SUNY Brockport graduating in 1996. By winning the Moguls circuit on the Nor-Am Cup in 1996, she earned a spot on the US Ski Team. She is also a two-time US National Champion and one of the few women skiers on the Moguls World Cup who performs the very difficult D-Spin aerial maneuver (somewhat inverted 720). Now having a career in Holistic Health, this Certified Fitness & Wellness Coach is helping individuals to live brighter, in Park City, Utah. I share this quote from her website jillianrachellevogtli.com: “In order to obtain overall wellness, it is essential to find the balance of the body, soul and mind. If one is weak there is not balance and without balance, one cannot dream of reaching their potential.” Well, this girl certainly has reached hers.
Born in Jamestown in 1908, Roger Tory Peterson was an American naturalist, conservationist, citizen scientist ornithologist, artist and illustrator, educator, and a founder of the 20th-century environmental movement, where he was an inspiration for many. At age 10, his father died and he was sent off to the local mills to work, graduating from High School in 1925. One of his teachers, Miss Hornbeck, encouraged his interest in sketching and painting both birds and nature since he had no camera. He pursued his dream, going to NYC, and he met distinguished people in the field while he attended classes. Unable to attend Cornell, he became an art instructor in Brookline, MA. In 1934, his A Field Guide to the Birds was published. The initial run of 2,000 copies sold out within a week. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is located on 311 Curtis St. Ext. Jamestown. It has the largest collection of Peterson’s original artwork and related archival materials. Every Saturday until September 6, 9-10am, enjoy yoga with the birds, join trained instructors for an hour of breath and movement on the patio of the Lodge at RTPI. Check the RTPI schedule for guided walks and more events. rtpi.org.