By JEFF MARTIN
Here’s a quick quiz everyone in Ellicottville can answer.
Who is that group of dedicated women wearing bright yellow hats and t-shirts working tirelessly to beautify the village through its flower displays and other assorted attractions? Here’s a clue: there are about thirty of them, ranging in age, and they’ve been volunteering their skills and abilities for over 40 years.
Don’t know? That’s hard to believe, according to Debra Yantomasi, a member of the Alley Katz of Ellicottville since 2008. These volunteers are part of the nonprofit organization that has been enhancing the village’s charm for over four decades.
“People know us – well, originally they were a group of volunteers that got together and cleaned up alleys behind businesses in town, if you can believe it,” she said. “The work has changed but the mission is still the same: helping keep the village beautiful through volunteers.”
The organization, supported by donations and volunteer work, is responsible for planting, weeding, watering, and maintaining the hanging flower baskets, barrel planters, and permanent garden beds throughout the village. Their efforts ensure Ellicottville remains a picturesque destination for both locals and visitors, according to Yantomasi.
The group is currently maintaining 58 hanging flower baskets, 20 flower barrel containers, and several garden areas around the village, including the Veterans Memorial, creekside beds, the area by Katy’s, the clock tower, and The Alley Katz garden. The group is also responsible for the design and seasonal decorating of the gazebo and other local spaces, including redesigning the library entrance and sprucing up gardens around historical buildings and the Episcopal Church.
Despite its many accomplishments, the group’s work is far from over. The Alley Katz organization has several projects on the horizon, though such projects depend on donations.
“We get all of our funding from the village and town, as well as Holiday Valley,” she said. “They are our biggest supporters.”
To complete the projects, the group needs about $8,000 for summer flowers, $5,000 for fall and about $1,000 for winter decorations. Yantomasi said it would be ideal to get $10 – 15,000 in donations for the year.
Upcoming projects include replacing wooden barrels with metal planters, redesigning and planting additional garden spaces at the historical buildings and Episcopal Church, and revamping the library’s back garden and signage area.
For Yantomasi, volunteering just makes sense. It’s a way to not only give back to a community she adores, but it allows her to engage in activities she already loves on a grand scale.
“For me, volunteering isn’t hard because I love gardening to begin with,” she said. “When I moved to the area, I wanted to meet people. I learned about this group and that was that. I’ve been doing it ever since.”
The work isn’t without its struggles, specifically recent damage done to some of the displays.
“I know it’s not villagers doing it,” she said, referring to flowers being ruined and/or destroyed. “It’s out-of-towners, but it’s still discouraging. Hopefully that situation will improve.”
There are multiple ways for the community to support ongoing efforts and projects, she said. Contributions can be made through monthly or annual donations, with all gifts being tax-deductible. Donations can be sent via check to Alley Katz of Ellicottville, PO Box 14A7, Ellicottville, NY 14731, or through recurring bill pay options via your financial institution. A QR code for donations is also available for easy access.
In addition to financial support, the group is actively seeking new volunteers. No experience is necessary, and just a few hours a week during the spring through fall can make a significant difference. Interested community members are encouraged to contact Debbie at evlalleykatz@gmail.com or by phone at 716-803-3388 for more information.