Bears in the News
On October 13, 2020 at the Seneca County Board of Supervisors meeting held in Ovid, NY at Papa Bear Dan Motill was recognized for his efforts.
In the early 2000s Dan Motill moved to Seneca County and took on the challenge to protect and restore the Three Bears. Dan felt that the history of the buildings and the architecture were too important to Seneca County and the people of the Village of Ovid to let them deteriorate. He used his qualities of determination leadership, love of history and artistic talent that was expressed through his paintings to save the Three Bears.
Through Dan’s dedication and leadership, the Friends of the Three Bears were formed and through hard work, dedication, grants, memberships and generous donation were able to provide over $1 million dollars to support restoration.
In recognition, The Seneca County Board of Supervisors established the Dan Motill Room at Papa Bear.
Special Announcements
Bulb Sale PR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2025
Contacts:
Lynne Doyle
President, Board of Directors
Friends of the Three Bears
Sarah Byers
Operations Manager
Friends of the Three Bears
Fall Bulb Sale at the Three Bears
OVID, N.Y. – This year, the Friends of the Three Bears have changed their plans, and will not be having their traditional Mother’s Day plant sale in May. With current construction in Papa Bear, there would not be access to facilities for sale attendees. The plant sale will return in 2026! However, there is no need to worry, you can still get your flower fix through them, as they are partnering with Dutch Mill Bulbs to do a Fall Bulb Sale! Dutch Mill provides a wide variety of bulbs including daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth, iris, and more. This sale will start in June and run through September, with the bulbs being delivered to you in time to get them in the ground before it freezes this winter. That way, you will have beautiful new flowers come next Spring. Beginning in June, the Friends of the Three Bears will have brochures with order forms available to pick up at Mama Bear during open hours from 12 to 2pm Thursday- Sunday, and at all of their art classes and concerts. They will also post ordering information on their website and social media, so sales can be completed remotely as well.
All funds collected through this bulb sale will be used to ensure the Three Bears are able to continue offering free art, history, and music programming to the community members in Seneca County. If you have any questions regarding the bulb sale or the lack of their traditional plant sale, please feel free to email threebearsovid@gmail.com.
NYS Pathways Through History PR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2024
Contacts:
Lynne Doyle
President, Board of Directors
Friends of the Three Bears
Sarah Byers
Operations Manager
Friends of the Three Bears
315-539-1614
History Presentation at the Three Bears
OVID, N.Y. – Seneca County has a rich and fascinating history, full of anecdotes and innovations from the old days. The Friends of the Three Bears invite you to join us on October 12 from 2:00 to 2:45 for a presentation on the History of Firefighting in Seneca County from Seneca County Historian Pamela Becker. This programming is part of the NYS 2024 Path Through History Weekend, and will provide some interesting insight on an important part of our local history.
The historic Seneca County Courthouse complex, today known as the Three Bears, will be open from 10am to 4pm on the day of the presentation for free tours of the jail, courtroom, and sheriff’s living quarters.
The presentation is open to all ages, and is free to attend. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Please email threebearsovid@gmail.com to request a registration form.
August Events 2024 PR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 1, 2024
Contacts:
Lynne Doyle
President, Board of Directors
Friends of the Three Bears
315-515-8422
Sarah Byers
Operations Manager
Friends of the Three Bears
315-539-1614
Upcoming August Events at the Three Bears
Willard Asylum Photographs (1984-Present)
Fri, Aug. 2, 6:30-7:30pm Photographer Carrie Smalser, “Willard A Time of Change” Artist Reception. Carrie has been capturing the image of the Willard since 2009 for the Romulus Historical Society. This show will be on display Thursday-Saturdays 10am-2pm; Sundays 12-2pm for the month of August. For more information on Willard, view Archivist Monica Kelly’s scanned history: https://nyheritage.org/collections/willard-psychiatric-center-collection
Sat, Aug 17, 11am-noon, Photographer Jon Crispin, “Suitcases of Willard,” discussion on preservation of the facility that changed mental health services. Registration is appreciated, seating is limited. For more information on Jon’s work: https://joncrispinposts.com/tag/willard-suitcases/
Vignettes: Reading & Reflections of on Local History
Sat. Aug. 3, 11am-noon. Presented by Seth Kircher, Ovid Historical Society. Enjoy tales of Ovid and discuss the preservation of local history. Registration is appreciated, seating is limited.
Duck Decoys: History & Collecting
Sat. Aug. 10, 11am-noon. Presented by Mike Martin, “A&M Decoys and Folkart.” Mike will share the history of duck decoy making, show decoys from throughout history, and for a suggested $5 donation to the Friends, Mike will appraise your duck decoy. Registration is appreciated; please indicate if you plan to bring a decoy for appraisal.
History of Beekeeping in the Finger Lakes
Sat. Aug 24, 11am-noon. Retired NYS Apiary Inspector and contributor to the American Bee Journal, Peter Borst will present a talk and photography of beekeeping in the Finger Lakes. Registration is appreciated, seating is limited.
For more information, please visit the Friends of the Three Bears Website: https://threebearsovid.org/ or contact Operations Manager, Sarah Byers: threebearsovid@gmail.com
Finn MacCool PR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2024
Contacts:
Lynne Doyle
President, Board of Directors
Friends of the Three Bears
Sarah Byers
Operations Manager
Friends of the Three Bears
315-539-1614
The Epic of Finn MacCool at The Three Bears
OVID, N.Y. – Once again, the Ovid Courthouse in the refurbished Papa Bear building will be filled with beautiful music and intriguing stories, as professional storyteller Jay Leeming joins us with a tale so compelling that you will be holding your breath for the outcome. Prepare for a tale of whimsy and magic.
The stories of the Irish hero Finn MacCool invite us into a dazzling wilderness of wizards, goddesses, and fire-breathing monsters in which Finn and his band of warriors must defend Ireland not only with their swords but with the arts of poetry and magic. These stories awaken us to the larger universe in which we dwell, where mythic action makes the land and even the briefest moment can be a doorway into worlds unknown.
This story-cycle will be presented in two parts, on November 8th and 15th from 7:00 to 8:30pm, though each half of the cycle may be enjoyed independently of the other. Attend as a series, or enjoy one-night of the tale. Storytelling is an art form, a tradition as old as humankind, and we hope you will join us to be part of that tradition.
This all-ages program is free, though seating is limited, so registration is required. Please email threebearsovid@gmail.com to request a registration form.
The Odyssey at the Three Bears
Shannon O’Connor and professional storyteller Jay Leeming went on Finger Lakes Daily News to promote the Odyssey performances.
Click play to see what they had to say!
Pomeroy Grant
Shipwrecks of Seneca Lake
Seneca County Tourism Site Now Open
Friends of the Three Bears receive grant
Three Bears buildings spiffed up and ready for summer
Three Bears and Town of Ovid recognized by CNY NEWS
