OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Zen Olow, right, is seen presenting the D&F Wal-Mart employees Kathy Stewart Brad Ballentine with an appreciation award for the establishment selling the most Habitat stamps in Chautauqua County.

The OBSERVER  has proudly printed the accomplishments of individuals and establishments of our area. Small businesses in Fredonia, Athletes, scholars of all age groups, musicians… you get my drift.

It is with pride that I can herald the addition of one more, a new member to the New York Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. On March 3 at Marcy, NY the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame announced 10 sportsmen/sportswomen who will be inducted in the NYSOHOF. The hall’s motto is“it’s not what you take, it’s what you give.” The individuals who were selected have dedicated a lifetime of honoring and sharing the heritage of our states great outdoors with others, ensuring that these traditions are passed down for the next generation.

One of the winners of this award is a resident, who’s name you have seen repeatedly in his column. Fredonia resident Zenon Olow will be joining nine other inductees from around the state at the induction ceremony to be held on April 25, 2020 at Theodores Restaurant, formerly the Rusty Nail Restaurant located at 3231 Seneca Turnpike in Canastota. Zen, as his friends are prone to call him, is the current President of the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen. One of the most note worthy functions of the group has been providing over 50 lifetime Youth fishing/hunting or trapping licenses for our area youth. Olow is also the Region 9 Representative to the NYS Conservation Council. In that capacity Zen was one of the initial organizers of the Lake Erie VIP fishing Day which hosts county and state elected officials along with outdoor writers.

During the VIP event, guests are treated to a half day of fishing on Lake Erie courtesy of Eastern Lake Erie Charter boat Association members. Afterwards the group heads to the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club for a meal of a walleye fish fry with all the sides, and a discussion period touching on pertinent issues to the preservation and enhancement of lake Erie.

Olow is also actively involved in the Chautauqua County Sports Fishery Advisory Board which holds the annual Fish essay contest. Olow is usually available for handing out certificates and fishing poles to the Chautauqua County winners. Zen has been the chairman of the popular “Con Club Walleye Tournament, held annually at the beginning of August. He is the current Field Secretary of the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, and has been working along with Andrew Nixon representing the Chautauqua County Tourism. He has recently earned his Charter Boat Captains license, and working along with his friend, the dearly departed Captain Lance Ehrhardt, they would personally clean hundreds of walleye that were donated for the VIP day dinner. Olow attends the Dunkirk harbor Commission, adding constructive input and insight from the sportmans perspective. Olow has participated in the initial Lake Erie Experience planning sessions, offering his services and hands- on participation. The list goes on. Congratulations Olow, you deserve it.

Calendar: There will be a pistol course at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club on Wednesday, March 18 from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 P.M. There is an $80 fee for these courses. For more information contact Gary at 366- 3397.

The Lakeshore Longbeards our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will be having their next meeting on Monday, March 23 starting at 6 p.m. at Liberty Vineyards located on Route 20 in Sheridan. They will announce the winner of the annual scholarship award and will pick a date for the 2020 JAKES day event. Anyone who has any ideas for the day or who would like to volunteer, are encouraged to attend.

On Monday evenings the “Con Club” is looking for people interested in learning “how to tie their own fishing flies.” Several advanced fly-tiers will be on hand to give individual attention to persons who would like to learn this hobby. All materials and equipment are provided free. The learning area is secure and a controlled environment from 6 until 8 p.m. You get to keep what you make. Refreshments are usually provided and always free. No experience necessary, no sign up required. Just show up and have fun. This would be a great opportunity for scout leaders to bring their young charges in for a great learning experience. Call 366-1772 days if you need more information or a contact number.

Upcoming Gun Shows: March 21-22, 2020 at the Harborcreek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located 7275 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA, 16421 (Located US Route 20 between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA). Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

April 18-19 at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The show is located at the Ashtabula County Expo Center Building at 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information on any upcoming show listed call Larry Spicer at (716) 792-9972.

Children in the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, The group has resumed activities on Jan. 27 after a short recess over the Christmas Holidays. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free. Contact Alberto Rey for more information at 410-7003 or go to Alberto@albertorey.com.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.