By Kate Bartlett
After serving Bemus Point for over seven years, Miss Joanie is ready to retire from her shuttle service. Her eight-passenger stretch golf cart limos have offered a fun, unique and convenient way to get around Bemus Point and the surrounding area as well as serving weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette parties, tours, and other special occasions. Joanie is hoping to find a motivated individual(s) to take over this business and continue to serve the community.
Joan (Joanie) Denn has lived in and around Bemus Point for over 30 years and has been serving the community with her shuttle service since 2019. Joanie was approached by Dan Dalpra (owner of The Italian Fisherman) in 2017 to drive for his restaurant. “Dan said he had a black limo for me to drive so I went to take a look,” explains Joanie. “When I arrived, I was surprised to find an eight seat stretch limo golf cart. Many people call these vehicles golf carts, but they are actually a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), meaning it is to run in a 35mph (or less) zone and is street legal. I was a little shocked as I was expecting a big black car but it was so much fun to drive and still is.”
Joanie began to realize the need for a shuttle service in Bemus Point partially due to the limited parking in the village. Mr. Dalpra sold The Italian Fisherman in 2017 to Mr. Tom Meyers and the limo went with the business, which opened in 2018 as The Fish. Joanie drove for Tom in 2018, and in 2019 Tom donated the shuttle back to Dan Dalpra at The Chautauqua Pops. Joan began parking the black shuttle in her garage to use for the Chautauqua concerts.
At the end of that season, Dan asked Joanie if she was interested in purchasing the shuttle, and Chautauqua Lake Shuttle, LLC, aka Miss Joanie’s Shuttle was born. In 2020, still living in Mayville, Joanie started advertising for special events, rides to and from dinner, rides around Mayville, picnics in the park and even trips to local stores. “The problem was Covid was occurring at the same time so it was a slow go,” explains Joanie. “I made the decision to move back to Bemus Point where people were familiar with the shuttle. I purchased a second shuttle in 2021, and now, six years later, there is a regular clientele who never have to worry about parking in Bemus Point.”
Over the years, Joanie has watched the events in Bemus Point increase, including concerts and The Celtic Festival, and has utilized her shuttle service to serve the community during these busy times. “There’s so much happening in Bemus Point that I’ve been busy without having to travel far,” explains Joanie.
She uses a 22-foot trailer to transport her shuttles utilizing a winch to keep them more secure. “It’s a process, but it’s worth it.”
Joanie has enjoyed getting to know many different people over the years. “It’s a lot of fun,” explains Joanie. “I’ve been fortunate to connect with many people and provide a unique service to the community. It’s helped the village of Bemus Point flourish: there’s no other community that offers this service. I’ve also helped keep people safe from drinking and driving. Not only is it convenient, but it’s kept our streets safer.” Joanie operates on mostly tips, except for special events, and all proceeds go back into the business.
Joanie has had the privilege of being a part of many different occasions. “I’m fortunate to have been included in some very special moments throughout the years,” explains Joanie. When the husband to be sees his bride for the first time and begins to cry, which makes me cry, or just so many special comments between loved ones that tell that other person what they mean to them. I try to make myself scarce and give people privacy, but I’ve seen very special moments shared. It has truly been an honor!”
The shuttle service has also offered a variety of tours over the years highlighting landmarks and the history of Bemus Point. “I take people down Lakeside Drive and through the village and tell them what I know about the area, explains Joanie. “There’s a lot of history here that many people might not realize. The Village Casino has been visited by such individuals as: Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Lena Horn and many more. It’s been fun to share my knowledge and help people gain a deeper appreciation for the area.”
Now that Joanie is moving on, she has not yet decided her next adventure. “I’ve enjoyed my time with the shuttle service but I’m ready to step down,” explains Joanie. She is looking for a motivated buyer for her company to take it even further; find someone that doesn’t mind working until 2am on weekends and special holidays, and continuing a legacy in Bemus Point.”
Joanie is grateful for her time serving the community and has fond memories of her time with the shuttle service. “I would like to say thank you to Bemus Point and the surrounding communities for letting me be a part of your village and for all the support from my clientele. I will miss you.”
Anyone interested in the shuttle service can contact Joanie by phone or email at (716) 338-5095 or email Joanie.davis@hotmail.com.