The Bear Hug- Summer 2024 Events and Upcoming Construction!
Vision: The vision for the Friends of the Three Bears is to fully utilize the Seneca County Courthouse Complex buildings and become the heart of the community for fine arts and education, and as a hub of tourism for the Finger Lakes Region.
Mission: The mission of the Friends of the Three Bears is to preserve the buildings known as the (historic Seneca County) Courthouse Complex, implement art, music and other educational programs/events and provide historical building tours and area information to visitors. The Friends will accomplish this through fundraising and community outreach.
Dear Friends,
We are thrilled to announce that the cupola restoration project has been approved to move forward! The Seneca County Board of Supervisors has approved funding to restore the cupola, also known as the bell tower, and secure the weathervane. Over the years, the Friends have held several fundraisers earmarked for this project and we’re looking forward to it going out to bid. Thank you so much to everyone who supported this renovation project! We anticipate that construction will start in 2025. During construction, we may lose access to Papa Bear, but rest assured that any programs will be able to take place in Mama Bear, and we will continue to offer a variety of events and classes! We look forward to this exciting renovation. Please email threebearsovid@gmail.com or stop by Mama Bear during our open hours this Summer if you have any questions about this project.
On May 11th, the annual Mother’s Day Plant and Bake sale took place on the grounds of the Three Bears. It was a day full of swirling emotions. A springtime embrace of quiet beauty as our gardens come alive again, with plants that were gifts from friends joining with new plants to add to the collection of memories. Thoughts of dear friends and family, both treasured now or recently or decades gone. All of this is bundled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. One of the persons attending this weekend’s fundraising event wrote a thank you note which brought a new recognition of how much our amazing Friends of the Three Bears family have achieved, starting with the dream of Dan and Phyllis Motill alongside the charter members so many years ago.
On the 11th, Seneca County Manager Kyle Lovell and Ovid Supervisor Joe Borst dedicated the reopening of Papa Bear, with its new elevator and renovations. Seneca County is solidly behind preserving the Three Bears, with next year’s project being the restoration of Papa Bear’s cupola planned. The County’s financial recognition of Ovid’s historic courthouse complex came about because of our members, who have through these many years supported this wonderful organization. Thank you to all of you, to all of us!
Last year, trustees and community members donated countless volunteer hours. Multiple grant applications have provided generous funds have been promised to the Bears for our activities. Throughout the 2023 year, art, music and educational programs were presented. And this year’s events look as exciting. Please see our flier of events already planned for this Spring-Summer season. Please note that the farmer’s market will take place on THURSDAYS this year, and will be followed up with a concert! The farmers’ market will provide fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and healthy living items.
Please continue your support…it is so appreciated. Local talent and enthusiasm fuel our success. If you want to help out as a docent let our Operations Manager Sarah know by emailing threebearsovid@gmail.com. If you want to help with upcoming programs, come by! If you have suggestions for improving our presence in the community let the Board know.
We are family…and we are on a roll!!!
