The New York State Department of Labor reports April’s rate is 3.2% compared with 4.2% in March, and is down from April 2022’s rate of 3.5%.

Cattaraugus County’s unemployment rate was also 3.2% for April compared with 4.3% for March. This is also down from a year ago when the unemployment rate was 3.8% in April 2022.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said there are great concerns across the various hiring sectors in the county, “It’s good that our numbers are that low, but, yeah, if you have low unemployment and you’re still looking for 500 to 1,000 jobs for the upcoming tourism season, that’s a big concern. Chautauqua (Institution) talks about it all the time. Michael Hill, you know. And that’s only one small, it’s kind of a microcosm. They’re kind of a concentrated area. They used to have hundreds of college kids who would come in and converge and live in the Institution and work on the Institution grounds. Those numbers are diminished.”

Wendel added he doesn’t have an answer for how to solve hiring issues but encourages all residents who are able to work to apply for summer jobs.

Jefferson Project research on Chautauqua Lake (photo provided by Chautauqua Institution)

Chautauqua Institution is applauding the County Legislature‘s approval of funding for the Jefferson Project.

The approval of $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds to continue research in 2020 has received $4 million in funding from Chautauqua Institution.

Institution President Michael Hill said in a statement, “The work of The Jefferson Project is informing mitigation efforts that will eventually save Chautauqua Lake. Chautauqua Lake will not survive unless we make the right decisions now.”

The Jefferson Project is a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM Research, and the Lake George Association that exists to collect and process massive amounts of data on freshwater bodies to create a new model for environmental monitoring and prediction.

The group is working on efforts to reverse negative environmental conditions, including Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and invasive weed growth, include watershed conservation, weed harvesting and targeted herbicide applications.

According to a release by the Chautauqua Institution, The Jefferson Project researchers compile data using platform buoys, called vertical profilers, that are situated in selected locations in the lake to take measurements at increments from the surface of the water to the bottom of the lake. The funding from Chautauqua County will enable the expansion of this effort to tributaries that feed the lake. They said the next step is to create a “smart lake” to allow for real-time monitoring and analysis leading to short- and long-term solutions.

Researchers also are using boats to conduct water sampling every two weeks.

Chautauqua Lake was designated as impaired by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the early 2000s because its phosphorus levels were, and continue to be, too high.

Hill said the Institution is still seeking additional financial support for lake work from private and public sources.

Governor Kathy Hochul speaks at Chautauqua Institution on August 14, 2022

“So wisdom will always prevail over this. I’ll also say that tolerance will always prevail over hate. Courage will always prevail over fear. And the pen will always prevail over the knife.”

Governor Kathy Hochul spoke those words at Chautauqua Institution‘s Hall of Philosophy Sunday following a tumultuous few days after the attack on author Salman Rushdie at the Amphiteatre.

Hochul, joined by Institution President Michael Hill and County Executive PJ Wendel, said Chautauqua Institution stands for the values of education, free speech, and inclusion, “New York State will always stand up to protect freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and we condemn the cowardly attack on Salman Rushdie. And we condemn any individual, or any group, that dare violate the sanctity of a place like Chautauqua, to attempt an assassination on a world leader. That cannot happen in New York.”

Hochul said she had the chance to meet with the staff and people who assisted when Rushdie was attacked on Friday just before he was to deliver a lecture at the Institution. She also was able to meet with the State Trooper who arrested the suspect.

Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill said at Friday’s press briefing that this is an incident unlike anything in the institution’s nearly 150 year history, “We were founded to bring people together in community to learn, and in doing so, to create solutions through action. To develop empathy and to take on intractable problems. Today now, we’re called to take on fear and the worst of all human traits – hate. Our job right now, though, is to continue to support police and others. To be a resource for Mr. Rushdie and Mr. (Henry) Reese’s family and to begin to imagine a pathway to healing.”

Salman Rushdie’s family’s statement on his condition (Twitter)

Rushdie remains in critical condition at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he is continuing to receive treatment.

The family released a statement on Twitter saying the author was able to be taken off a ventilator Saturday and had been able to speak a little. According to his agent, Rushdie may lose an eye, has nerve damage to an arm, and that his liver was damaged after the stabbing attack on Friday. The other speaker at the event, Henry Reese, was treated and released for a head injury that occurred in the attack.

Governor Kathy Hochul speaks at Chautauqua Institution on August 14, 2022

“So wisdom will always prevail over this. I’ll also say that tolerance will always prevail over hate. Courage will always prevail over fear. And the pen will always prevail over the knife.”

Governor Kathy Hochul spoke those words at Chautauqua Institution‘s Hall of Philosophy Sunday following a tumultuous few days after the attack on author Salman Rushdie at the Amphitheater.

Hochul, joined by Institution President Michael Hill and County Executive PJ Wendel, said Chautauqua Institution stands for the values of education, free speech, and inclusion, “New York State will always stand up to protect freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and we condemn the cowardly attack on Salman Rushdie. And we condemn any individual, or any group, that dare violate the sanctity of a place like Chautauqua, to attempt an assassination on a world leader. That cannot happen in New York.”

Hochul said she had the chance to meet with the staff and people who assisted when Rushdie was attacked on Friday just before he was to deliver a lecture at the Institution. She also was able to meet with the State Trooper who arrested the suspect, Hadi Matar.

Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill said at Friday’s press briefing that this is an incident unlike anything in the institution’s nearly 150 year history, “We were founded to bring people together in community to learn, and in doing so, to create solutions through action. To develop empathy and to take on intractable problems. Today now, we’re called to take on fear and the worst of all human traits – hate. Our job right now, though, is to continue to support police and others. To be a resource for Mr. Rushdie and Mr. Reece’s family and to begin to imagine a pathway to healing.”

Rushdie remains in critical condition at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he is continuing to receive treatment.

Salman Rushdie’s family’s statement on his condition (Twitter)

The family released a statement on Twitter saying the author was able to be taken off a ventilator Saturday and had been able to speak a little. According to his agent, Rushdie may lose an eye, has nerve damage to an arm, and that his liver was damaged after the stabbing attack on Friday. The other speaker at the event, Henry Reese, was treated and released for a head injury that occurred in the attack.

Matar pleaded not guilty to charges of 2nd Degree Attempted Murder and 2nd Degree Assault at his arraignment Saturday afternoon in Chautauqua County Court.

Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt said the 24-year old residents of Fairview, New Jersey is in the Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

Schmidt said in a statement that search warrants have been signed by County Court Judge Dave Foley. State Police had stated on Friday that a warrant was requested for a backpack and digital device belonging to Matar.

Schmidt said his office has also been in communication with agencies in New Jersey, where Matar is from, to share information and try to determine what kind of planning or preparation might have proceeded the attack to determine what, if any, additional charges should be leveled against Matar.

Chautauqua Institution has announced updated security policies for those visiting or working on the grounds for the remainder of the season.

New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen said there will be an increased presence of State Police on the Institution’s grounds as well, “We’re going to do it in conjunction with the County Sheriff and in discussion with members of the Institution staff. Some of it you will see. Some of the commitment you will see will be in terms of uniformed troopers, troopers with K9s, and a lot of what will happen you won’t see. There’ll be investigators doing background work, threat assessments, and other sorts of things that we do.”

For those visiting the Institution, effective immediately, all gate passes and tickets will require identification. Sunday passes and will call purposes passes will now be issued as Ground Access passes, requiring patrons to provide a photo ID at the ticket office. Existing gate passes will be honored as is.

The Institution is also enforcing a “no bag” policy in the Amphitheater and at all indoor performance venues such as Bratton Theater, Norton Hall, Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall, Fletcher Music Hall and Hall of Christ. Only small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs no bigger than 4.5-inches by 6.5-inches will be allowed.

Additionally, all building contractors must present identification matching with an authorized contractor name for Grounds access. Contractors may enter through any Chautauqua gate.

New York State Police Troop A Commander Major Eugene Staniszewski at the podium with Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill and Chautauqua County Undersheriff Richard Telford in the back

A New Jersey man has been arrested in the attack on author Salman Rushdie at Chautauqua Institution.

New York State Police say 24-year old Hadi Matar of Fairview, New Jersey was arrested after they say he ran onto the Amphitheater Stage and attacked Rushdie as well as guest speaker 73-year old Henry Reese. Rushdie suffered an apparent stab wound to the neck and was transported by helicopter to an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital.

Police say the 75-year old author is in surgery and his condition is unknown. Reese suffered a minor head injury and was treated and released.

A state trooper assigned to the event immediately took the suspect into custody. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt is assisting with the investigation and criminal charges are pending. Police do not have a motive at this time and believe Matar was acting alone.

A search warrant has been requested for a backpack and digital device belonging to Matar.

Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill said this is an incident unlike anything in the institution’s nearly 150 year history, “We were founded to bring people together in community to learn, and in doing so, to create solutions through action. To develop empathy and to take on intractable problems. Today now, we’re called to take on fear and the worst of all human traits – hate. Our job right now, though, is to continue to support police and others. To be a resource for Mr. Rushdie and Mr. Reece’s family and to begin to imagine a pathway to healing.”

Hill confirmed that Rushdie did not bring a security team with him but that the Institution had met with State Police prior to the beginning of the season, “We assess for every event what we think the appropriate security level is and this one was certainly one that we thought was important, which is why we had a state trooper and sheriff present there. We will assess for each of the events at the Institution, what we think the appropriate level of security is and that’s an ongoing process that we work in concert with local law enforcement on.”

While all programs were canceled at the Institution and in Jamestown on Friday, Hill said it is their intention to continue the season. There are two weeks of programming left in the Institution’s 9-week season.

Rushdie wrote Satanic Verses. Published in 1988, the author said the book was inspired by the Prophet Mohammed. In 1989, the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, then Supreme Leader of Iran and a Shiite scholar, issued a fatwa calling for the death of Rushdie and his publishers.

Governor Kathy Hochul issued remarks on the incident,

State Senator George Borrello also released a statement condemning the attack, saying, “This shocking attack on a celebrated and noted author, apparently prompted by fundamentalist extremism, has no place in America,” Sen. Borrello said. “The Founding Fathers fled tyranny and knew all too well the dangers of absolutism and religious zealotry. There is no room, in a free society, for beliefs that demand that you kill someone who disagrees with you.”

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel issued a statement,

“On behalf of all Chautauqua County residents, I extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Salman Rushdie.

The small tranquil community of the Chautauqua Institution has been shaken to its core by an act of violence, which has reverberated across Chautauqua County and Western New York. It is disappointing that we live in a society where we cannot listen to the differences of others, especially in a place like the Institution where thinkers and problem solvers from around the world come to share their stories.

I thank all of the emergency and law enforcement agencies who have done a tremendous job in responding to this horrific event. It is through their quick response that they were able to mitigate the situation and capture the alleged assailant.”

Chautauqua Institution

The investment will fund the 2021 work of The Jefferson Project, which launched a partnership with the region last year that resulted in new data and information about how lake water exchanges between the north and south basin. The next phase of work began in May, with researchers spending a week on the lake to collect samples that will be analyzed by Jefferson Project scientists to learn more about invasive species and the impact of mitigation efforts, including the use of herbicides.

Institution President Michael Hill said the investment is an indication of the Institution’s commitment to science-based solutions to lake conservation.

The Jefferson Project was among four research teams that presented findings from recent research efforts at the Chautauqua Lake Quality Research Panel, sponsored by the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance (CLWMA) and hosted on the CHQ Assembly Virtual Porch in April. This program remains available for viewing on-demand.

Chautauqua Institution will be hosting information sessions throughout the summer for property owners and others who wish to know more about the Jefferson Project’s work on Chautauqua Lake and lake conservation priority in general.

Depending on government and public health regulations and guidelines, the Institution may operate a limited range of facilities and services, such as dock installation and service, recreation facilities, and food service, targeted for property owners.

This decision follows two months of analysis and consultation with government, public health and public safety officials, as well as analysis of the Institution’s capacity to operate safely and responsibly amidst a continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Alternatively, Chautauqua will convene online daily throughout its summer assembly season, presenting a multi-dimensional online experience in lieu of the on-grounds Summer Assembly as a means of continuing to serve its patrons and fulfill its mission to explore the best in human values and enrichment of life.

“We gave very serious consideration to a number of scenarios, from proceeding with the Summer Assembly as planned, to completely shutting down operations,” said Candy Maxwell, chair of the Institution’s Board of Trustees.

“The information and analysis pointed clearly to this decision. As challenging as it is to imagine a summer without the opportunity to physically gather at Chautauqua, we are focused on navigating the next several months in the most careful way possible to emerge on the other side of this pandemic strong and prepared to serve our many patrons and constituencies well into the future.”

Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill said the option of simply cancelling the season did not seem possible, since there has been a Chautauqua Assembly every year since the Institution was founded in 1874.

“We started our planning with the aspiration to find a way to assemble. While we will not be able to safely do that in the traditional sense, we will bring people together online to engage around some of the most critical issues of the day,” Hill said. “Many of our planned 2020 programmatic themes are emerging as even more critical amidst the pandemic crisis, and we are excited to explore these conversations with Chautauquans, new and familiar.”

“We recognize the impact of this decision on our regional and on-grounds businesses, property owners, seasonal staff and countless others who depend upon Chautauqua for their livelihoods,” Hill said. “We will remain safe, we will be back, and we will be strong, which are the very best things we can do for our whole community at this unprecedented time.”

Plans for the online Summer Assembly are under way, and will include as many experiences as possible, including education, religion, arts, and recreation programming. While many programs, including Chautauqua Opera Company and some Chautauqua Theater Company programs will not take place, artistic directors are imagining creative ways to engage constituents online in the art forms that they love. A schedule of programs to be presented online will be published as soon as possible. The online calendar of events will be updated starting next week to reflect programs and experiences that will be presented as well as those that will be cancelled or rescheduled.

The Institution is offering full refunds for services, gate passes, Athenaeum Hotel reservations, and single event tickets. The Chautauqua Ticket Office and Athenaeum Hotel will be reaching out to patrons via email to facilitate the refund process, which will include the option of donating all or a portion of the purchase value back to the Institution.

“We’ve already seen a tremendous amount of generosity from our patrons during this very difficult time,” Hill said. “These contributions mean so much and reflect the true love of our patrons for our mission, and we could not be more grateful.”

Patrons are asked to avoid contacting the Chautauqua Ticket Office or the Athenaeum Hotel via phone during this time as call volumes are expected to be very high, and our staffing is limited. If you have a specific question, please email the Ticket Office at ticketoffice @ chq.org and staff will respond as quickly as possible.

Plans for the online assembly and for accommodating property owners on the grounds remain under development and will be shared with the community as they are completed. Property owners who are planning to return to their Chautauqua residences from out of town are asked to honor the 14-day quarantine practice advocated by the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services. The Afterwords Café is offering free delivery of prepared foods and groceries to facilitate effective quarantining by returning property owners. To date, these quarantine efforts have proven effective for preventing disease spread.

The Institution will be posting frequently asked questions and responses on the webpage chq.org/update, where questions can also be submitted.

Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill poses on Thursday with Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, moments after Hill signed the memorandum of agreement for the Chautauqua Lake Weed Management Consensus Strategy on the Institution’s behalf.

CHAUTAUQUA – Chautauqua Institution has signed on to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Chautauqua Lake Weed Management Consensus Strategy.

The MOA is a document that was finalized and put forward by Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello last week. It was unanimously approved by the Chautauqua County Legislature on the same day it was made public.  The document seeks to bring together lake stakeholders so they can more effectively work together to manage invasive aquatic plants, nuisance native vegetation, and hazardous algal blooms in the lake.

Chautauqua Institution President Michael Hill said the MOA represents a comprehensive and scientifically sound approach for Chautauqua Lake conservation.

“I proudly signed this memorandum on behalf of Chautauqua Institution because it represents the comprehensive and scientifically sound approach for Chautauqua Lake conservation that we’ve been advocating for many years,” Hill said. “We are hopeful that all other agencies and municipalities will join us in signing the MOA and supporting this incredibly important strategy. We thank County Executive Borrello for his resolute leadership on this crucial issue. While Chautauqua Lake faces many challenges, we’re confident that with an independently sourced, science-based comprehensive approach and the support and leadership of a consensus of stakeholders, we will save and preserve Chautauqua Lake as the source of so much of our livelihood in Chautauqua County.”

The consensus strategy was developed through a collaboration of the County Executive’s Office, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, representatives from the Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), and the consulting firm Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E&E). E&E, which is headquartered in Lancaster, New York, facilitated three meetings earlier this year, where it met with key lake stakeholders to discuss their most pressing issues and concerns surrounding the management of weeds and harmful algal blooms in Chautauqua Lake. These stakeholders included representatives from Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Fishing Alliance, Chautauqua Lake Association, Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association, Chautauqua Lake Partnership, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Town of Busti, Town of Chautauqua, Town of Ellery, Town of Ellicott, Town of North Harmony, Village of Celoron, and Village of Lakewood. Other input, which was also considered in the development of the MOA, was communicated to the county executive during informal meetings and in written form.

As part of the information-gathering phase for the consensus strategy, Hill and Chautauqua Vice President of Campus Planning and Operations John Shedd accompanied Borrello and several other county officials and leaders on an October trip to Lake George, New York, to learn about a successful model for lake conservation. In just five years, Lake George stakeholders have united behind a consensus strategy that uses sound, validated science to spur decisions, greatly and demonstrably improving the health and water quality of a lake with challenges similar to Chautauqua Lake.

Last year Chautauqua Institution led an effort to sue the state, saying it didn’t follow proper procedure when approving an application to use herbicides in certain areas of the lake. That challenge took place in Erie County Supreme court and was dismissed near the end of December.
But the lawsuit was just one example of the infighting that has taken place in regards to lake Management and it lead to Borrello to call for a “cease fire” amongst the various stakeholders, via the consensus document.

The Institution is one of the first stakeholders to sign off on the MOA for the consensus. The deadline to sign on to the MOA is April 17.

Those that do not are in jeopardy of missing out on funding for projects they support to battle the weeds and algal blooms that have been occurring more frequently on the lake in recent years.

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. — Chautauqua Institution today announced the Winter Village at Chautauqua, set to launch Nov. 24 and running on weekends through New Year’s Eve. A new family-oriented initiative, the Winter Village showcases Chautauqua’s picturesque grounds and boutique shops, restaurants, spas and other businesses in a celebration of the joy and fellowship of the holiday season. Highlights include a holiday lighting display across Bestor Plaza, activities for children including visits from Santa, holiday shopping, treat-decorating classes, food and drink, outdoor fire pits and special events every weekend.

The Winter Village at Chautauqua will be held over five weekends from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 (excluding Dec. 22 to 24) on the Institution’s grounds, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission and parking are free for all weekends. A special “Light the Plaza” opening-night event will commence the festivities — and showcase the enhanced lighting display — at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24.

“Our grounds are a tremendous but underutilized year-round destination, and the Winter Village is a major first step as we seek to expand Chautauqua’s reach and world-class offerings beyond our usual summer season,” said Michael E. Hill, president of Chautauqua Institution. “We are excited to invite and welcome our friends and neighbors to help write a new chapter in the Chautauqua story, and to create new family traditions and memories.”

Each weekend’s activities will be centered on Bestor Plaza, the Institution’s town square, including the holiday lighting display, beverages and snacks with outdoor fire pits, horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides, and opportunities to meet or write letters to Santa.

In addition to the standard offerings, on selected dates, patrons can partake in Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Treat Decorating Classes with award-winning chefs, Wine Tastes and Small Plates pairing events, a Holiday Wreath Auction and Men’s Holiday Shopping Nights, along with a number of Chautauqua community events. See chq.org/winter for more details; pre-registration is required for some events.

Shopping experiences each weekend include: books and gifts at the Chautauqua Bookstore; stocking stuffers at the Pop Up Candy Shop; regionally sourced and organic products at Biodome Project; clothing and gifts at Chautauqua Wearhouse and GG My Love; salon and spa services and products at Vincenza and the St. Elmo Spa; and original fine art and photography at Gretchen’s Gallery.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the restaurants 2 Ames and La Familia, with lighter fare and hot beverages available from vendors on the plaza and the Full Moon Rising Bakery.

Overnight accommodations can be reserved at the Maple Inn or Spencer Hotel and Spa, just steps from Bestor Plaza.

Chautauqua and its restaurant partners are also able to accommodate catered office parties and other holiday social gatherings in several centrally located spaces around Bestor Plaza. Weekday and weekend dates are still open — contact 716-357-6306 or wintervillage@chq.org for availability and pricing.

For more information on the Winter Village at Chautauqua, or to register yourself or your family for special events, visit chq.org/winter. Admission is free for all weekends; free parking will be available in the South Lot on the Institution grounds, accessible via South Avenue at Route 394. A complimentary shuttle service to Bestor Plaza will be provided.

Jay Leno

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. (June 16, 2017) — Chautauqua Institution officials Friday announced acclaimed TV late night show host, comedian and Emmy Award winner Jay Leno will perform at Chautauqua Institution for the opening night of the 2017 season and the first performance in the Institution’s new Amphitheater.

Aretha Franklin was previously scheduled to perform. In a letter to Chautauqua ticket holders and friends, President Michael Hill said per doctor’s orders, Franklin cannot make the trip to Chautauqua for her scheduled performance.

“We, of course, express sincere get well wishes to Ms. Franklin on behalf of the entire Chautauqua family,” Hill said.

Leno is an admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder, philanthropist and Emmy Award winner.

Leno spent more than two decades as host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and has been widely characterized as “the hardest-working man in show business.”

Leno was last in Chautauqua County in 2014 when he was the headliner of that year’s Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown.

All tickets to the sold-out Aretha Franklin concert will be honored for the Jay Leno performance. Individuals wishing to return their tickets and gate passes for a refund due to this change in the schedule may call the Chautauqua Institution Ticket Office at 1-888-688-1960. The institution will not sell additional tickets to the opening night festivities unless it receives cancellations from current ticket holders.  For more information about the Jay Leno performance and updates on ticket availability, visit www.chq.org/Leno.

“Jay Leno is both a national and regional favorite, and we couldn’t be more excited that a talent of his character and accomplishment will help us to ring in the 2017 season at Chautauqua,” Hill said.

Hill said the Aretha Franklin performance will not be rescheduled this season.

More About Jay Leno

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”

Leno’s late-night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the #1-rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” – he never lost a ratings year in which he served as host.

Leno, currently produces and is host of the CNBC Television series “JAY LENO’S GARAGE” now in its third season. “Jay Leno’s Garage” explores the world of cars, never forgetting that it’s the people behind the wheel who provide the real stories.  The series debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history.  New episodes of “Jay Leno’s Garage” can be viewed on CNBC throughout the year.

The show is an outgrowth of JAY LENOS GARAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL which Leno produces and has an international following on the Web and has garnered several Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs.

His new product line JAY LENO’S GARAGE ADVANCED VEHICLE CARE launched in December of 2016 and has been well received by the Automotive Industry worldwide. Products are available on www.lenosgarage.com.

When he’s not on TV, Leno performs more than 100 stand-up shows annually across the country and internationally; participates in numerous charity and corporate events, does voice-overs for animated series, pens children’s books, and writes a monthly columnist in Popular Mechanics. And in his “spare” time (as if he has any), he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles. In fact, he has built a number of cars, including an acclaimed eco-car in his eco-friendly green garage.

Leno is the recipient of other honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards, Harris Poll selection as most popular star on television, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and being the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events.

He and his wife Mavis, an ardent human rights activist, live in Los Angeles.