BEMUS POINT – Jason Sivak, a Youngsville, Pa., native, celebrated the grand opening of his new business, the Sivak Stone Center, Friday.

Sen. Catherine Young; Arden Johnson, Town of Ellery supervisor; and several other dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, and offered their thanks to the Sivak family for investing in Chautauqua County.

“Thank you for taking interest, having an entrepreneurial spirit, providing jobs and more economic growth – my hat is off to you,” said Young. “I salute you for everything that you are doing, and I wish you congratulations as well as much success.”

Sivak, who also owns Sivak Stonemasonry, a local custom stone carving business that was featured in the national magazine “Log Home Living,” is the co-owner of the new Sivak Stone Center. Sivak’s wife, Trish, father, Tom, and mother, Linda, are also co-owners.

The Sivak Stone Center specializes in stone products for all tradesmen, business professionals and homeowners. At the center, patrons will find a variety of high-quality stone products such as: natural and manufactured, granite, flagstone, limestone and more. Pavers and fireplaces for indoor and outdoor living are also available.

“Whether you’re designing a rock garden or building a castle, Sivak Stone Center works with you in creating the most beautiful, timeless living spaces,” said Linda.

Sivak said he has grand ideas for the Sivak Stone Center, which he plans to implement over many years. The goal, he said, is to create a stone village, such as the 15th century Inca city in Peru called Machu Picchu, which he hopes will last for thousands of years.

“I want to build the village I want to live in,” said Sivak. “I want every home to be custom built.”

Sivak is also the president and co-founder of Stones Throwing Association, the governing body of the game of Stones. According to Sivak, the game is a variation of bocce and golf that can be played on any terrain. Stone courses are created to feature natural obstacles, and players utilize a set of balls, or “stones” to navigate through the course.

A number of private courses are located in the northeast corner of the United States. The first of its kind was built by Sivak at the Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood. It is a public course which is located on the hillside rising behind the stage of The Empty Pint. A league meets on Wednesday nights at the Empty Pint. For more information visit www.stonesthrowing.com.

The Sivak Stone Center is located at 4320 Bayview Road in Bemus Point. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are also welcome. For more information call 386-2059 or visit www.sivakstone.com.