Explore Western New York

Festival of Lights at Fatima Shrine

2011-12-31T00:06:00.003-05:00

A few days ago we headed up to Niagara Falls to check out the Holiday Market. I wasn't too impressed; perhaps it was better before Christmas. We did, however, enjoy the festival of lights at the Fatima Shrine in Lewiston. The shrine looks really nice, with some of the renovations completed. The lights will be on for about another week; check them out if you are in the area.

2011-12-19T20:58:00.002-05:00

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Western New York Explorer's Guide!

If you are looking for a last minute gift suggestion for that someone who is hard to buy for, consider the gift of western New York. Western New York Explorer's Guide is available in book stores, museum shops, and online.

Author Wayne Brown shares his life story on December 7th at Daemen College

2011-11-30T17:05:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd pass along this press release from local author, Wayne Brown, about his upcoming event. I wrote an article about him last year for the Daemen alumni publication. He is a truly inspirational person.

Local Author Shares His Life Story For Anyone To Hear- And Ask Questions

Buffalo, New York (November 29, 2011) Wayne Brown, author of Alone in My Universe: Struggling with an Orphan Disease in an Unsympathetic World will be presenting his book openly and honestly on December 7, 2011. A Daemen aumnus, Brown, is proud to be returning to Daemen to discuss his book, and additionally teaching a class on “Navigating Life with Rare Diseases” in Spring 2012.

The event will be held on Wednesday, December 7th, from 7-9 pm in Daemen’s Alumni Lounge inside the Wik Center. Please join us!

This evening is for anyone who has ever experienced feelings of loneliness. Life is wrought with endless challenges for most of us, but in 2004, Wayne Brown was diagnosed with a tumor in his pituitary gland right by his brain. If that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wayne had lost his father to brain cancer a mere decade before. As if that still wasn’t enough, the disease was so rare that he had never heard of the disease he was just diagnosed with; and would not meet anyone like him for another five years.

Since 2004, Wayne Brown took his loneliness and despair, and used it to grow one of the world’s leading advocacy groups for patients dealing with Acromegaly, a rare pituitary disorder that affects only about 20,000 in the United States. Acromegaly Community started out as a MySpace group, which migrated over to Facebook as its popularity grew. Now, with a freestanding website, AcromegalyCommunity.com, Wayne has helped to develop a global network of support for people battling confusion and loneliness that is associated with this rare disease. In Wayne’s career as a patient advocate, he has developed relationships with the biggest names in endocrinology and neurosurgery, he has worked with every major pharmaceutical company that produces drugs associated with Acromegaly, and has directly offered support and intervention services for patients in Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and all throughout North America.

Wayne has consulted with countless medical professionals on everything from patient needs to product packaging and patient pharmaceutical support. He has been published in the Buffalo News, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, and has been a feature of various media outlets, including NewYorkTimes.com, ESPN Magazine, ABC News (both at WKBW and national ABC News) and CBS Radio in Los Angeles. Most recently, Wayne was a guest speaker at Stanford University’s Endocrine Education Day, at the request of their Director of Endocrinology. In addition to hearing about Wayne’s book, Alone in My Universe, you will find out how Wayne met his life challenges and used them to change the world for a small, but significant segment of the population.

This event is free, and open to the public.

AcromegalyCommunity.com’s mission is to provide and emotional and communal support network for people touched by acromegaly. We offer a central location for medical information on issues including: surgery, medication, radiation and and post diagnosis support. Most importantly we provide a network of emotional support for acromegaly patients, their friends and their family.

Contact: For more information contact
Wayne Brown, Exec Directory, Acromegaly Community
wayne@acromegalycommunity.com
(716) 844-8780

Local author signing on Saturday

2011-11-24T23:37:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that the annual local author signing will be held at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, 25 Nottingham Court, Buffalo this Saturday, Nov. 26 from noon-2:00pm. Over 30 Western New York authors will be there. Hope to see you there!

Stained glass window tour

2011-11-22T16:25:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday my sister-in-law and I went on our annual stained glass window tour of churches bus tour with Buffalo Tours. It is amazing to see all the beautiful stained glass windows in Buffalo's churches.

As with previous tours, this one started at the Buffalo Religious Arts Center in Buffalo's Black Rock section. We then rode the bus to St. Paul's cathedral and Trinity Episcopal. Next, we had lunch at Chef's and after lunch two more churches, First Presbyterian and Church of the Good Shepherd. Above are just a few of the photos I took.

Next year's tour will take place in November or early December.

Learn about Polish traditions at Castellani exhibit

2011-11-14T17:18:00.003-05:00

If you have any Polish roots in your background, you'll want to check out the exhibit of Polish folk art at the Castellani Art Museum on the campus of Niagara University. This exhibit is on display until November 27, 2011, so you only have a few more weeks to view it.

The exhibit, which features the work of the late Alice Wadowski-Bak, takes you through the traditions for each season of the year. From the traditional Swienconka at Easter, including the blessing of the foods, to the Christmas Eve Wiegalia dinner. Each pen and ink drawing is accompanied with a written explanation. I thought I knew quite a bit about Polish traditions, but I learned even more by viewing this exhibit.

Also featured in the exhibit is a display of Polish paper cutting (wycinanki). In addition to the Polish folk art exhibit, there are several other exhibits at the art gallery, including their Underground Railroad exhibit

One thing I like about the Castellani art museum is that admission is free. For more info go to http://www.castellaniartmuseum.org/ If you want to make a day of it, you can also go to the Power Vista, located adjacent to the campus. Admission is also free there.

Vereran's Day Ceremony at Forest Lawn

2011-11-11T14:34:00.004-05:00

This morning I went with my youngest son, a Cub Scout, to the annual Veteran's Day Ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery. I was amazed at the number of people there, veterans, Scouts, ROTC students, and just everyday citizens, who volunteered to place flags at the graves of veteran's who have been lad to rest at Forest Lawn's "Field of Valor."

I found it to be deeply moving to be involved in this simple act of remembering veterans who gave their lives so that we could enjoy freedom. Many of the older graves are probably only visited on Veterans Day by the volunteers, as the soldier's friends and families are most likely long gone themselves.

Articles to help you get into the holiday spirit

2011-11-09T18:14:00.005-05:00

Want to get into the holiday spirit? Well you could go to the mall, the grocery store, or any other store, because THE DECORATIONS ARE ALREADY UP!!!!. I don't know about you, but what's the matter with waiting until Thanksgiving?? (I know, money, profits, etc)

I have an article about holiday light decorations in the November 6th edition of the Democrat and Chronicle. Find out about the Winter Festival of Lights in Canada, The Lights at the Fairgrounds, and more. I also have an upcoming article about the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston in the November 20th issue of the National Catholic Register. Both these articles can be read online. The Democrat and Chronicle article is up now, the National Catholic Register article should be online in a few weeks.

Also, if you are looking for walkable shopping districts, as opposed to the shopping malls, check out my article in the November issue of Forever Young, available for free at Wegmans, some drug stores, and other retail outlets.

Seminar in Ellicottville

2011-11-01T19:45:00.003-04:00

Today I went down to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville with other members of the Niagara Frontier Tourism Task Force. for a Get Listed seminar about websites, social media and google places. It was very interesting but a lot of information all at once. It was a nice day for a drive and one of our members owns a limo service, so we went together in a limo bus

The restaurant at Holiday Valley had really good food as we had lunch before the seminar began.

Glad I was in NYC last weekend and not tonight!

2011-10-15T22:18:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I went to New York City as a chaperone for a band trip from my daughter's school. We were in Times Square last Saturday night. I'm so happy we were there last week and not this week with all the protesters, as it would have been pretty scary, especially when trying to keep track of teenage girls who wanted to shop!

I might add that the weather was wonderful and we had a really nice time, exhausting, but nice.

Victorian Experience in Elmira

2011-09-22T15:35:00.001-04:00

Below is a press release that I received from folks in Elmira. Sounds like a unique event!

The “Victorian Experience”
Elmira, New York
PRESENTED by www.HistoricNearWestside.com
FRIDAY September 23rd - MONDAY 26th

Friday 23th: Elmira’s Victorian Experience Tour 11AM cost
Saturday 24th Elmira’s Victorian Experience Tour 11AM cost
Sunday 25h: Victorian Show
4PM at the Park Church, Downtown Elmira, NY Details below cost
Monday 26th: Woodlawn Cemetery Tour Monday at
11AM Details below NO CHARGE

Tour PRICE $12.00 per person.
No charge for Mondays Cemetery tour.
Friday’s Elmira’s Victorian Experience Tour and Saturday’s tours start 11AM Corner of Main and Gray Street, Downtown Elmira, NY.

Sunday Victorian Show at The Park Church in Beecher Hall 4PM $12. Starring Lisa Lewis. INSIDE EVENT

Lisa Lewis (actress)
About Lisa The Passion Projects, Victoriana Lady, Victorian MourningI should have been born 100 years ago! Lisa Lewis The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it. (Unknown) My passion for Victorian history and over 25 years of collecting antique clothing inspired me. As an author I share my one of a kind antique traveling museum, circa 1850-1920, around the country.Director of the Victorian Friends Society of PA http://www.victorianalady.com/victoriansociety.html
Monday Cemetery Crypt/Mausoleum tour starts at 11AM
John Thomas Grant (cemetery photographer)
About John "Final Thoughts" - the first book of my photographic work will be released in 2011, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.Join me at my blog or gallery - http://grantscemetery.blogspot.com/http://www.johnthomasgrant.com/
More INFO phone 607-732-1436

Niagara County Peach Festival

2011-09-10T22:56:00.003-04:00

Went to the Niagara County Peach Festival in Lewiston today. My daughter's school marching band was performing in it. The peach festival is a nice event and Lewiston is one of my favorite places. The best food is the peach shortcake. Yum!

Field days in Youngstown

2011-09-06T07:27:00.003-04:00

On Labor Day we went to the parade at in Youngstown, NY for the Fireman's Field Days. we had never been to this event before, but since my daughter was going to be in the parade with her school's marching band, we decided to check it out.

I have to admit that I've never seen so many people in Youngstown before. we arrived early and put out our chairs to save our spots. We had a snack at Ashker's Cafe, which is right on Main Street. They have baked goods salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and coffee drinks.

The parade was very nice; lots of fire trucks! The marching band did a good job; I'm probably biased, but I'd say they gave the best performances in the parade! Afterwards we had something to eat and the kids went on some of the rides. Good thing the rain held out.

Wing Festival

2011-09-06T07:20:00.003-04:00

One of the major events that signals the end of the summer festival season is the National Chicken Wing Festival, which was this past weekend. My family has been to all ten of them and it is one of our favorite festivals.

The chicken wings were good and the eating contest is really a crazy event, but everyone loves it. We even stayed to watch the Ridiculously Hot wing eating contest.

Take a tour to learn about Buffalo

2011-09-06T06:56:00.004-04:00

One of the best ways to learn about Buffalo's history and architecture to to take a tour through Buffalo Tours, which is run by Preservation Buffalo Niagara. This past Sunday my husband and I went on the Millionaire's Row walking tour along Delaware Avenue, which was very interesting. We had previously gone on their War of 1812 boat tour back in July.

There are still a variety of tours remaining in 2011, you can check the website http://www.buffalotours.org/ to see descriptions, dates and times. Some tours are walking tours, while others are by bike, bus or even boat

Weiner dog races at Batavia Downs

2011-09-01T10:11:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday my family went to the races at Batavia Downs. While the horse races were interesting, I've never been to them, what we really went for was the wiener dog races at the end of the racing program. My daughter really likes that type of dog, so we thought it would be a cute thing. The dogs were adorable and I never knew there were so many different types of wiener dogs.

Afterwards, were were going to eat at one Mexican restaurant in Batavia that we had enjoyed a few years ago, Margaritas, but were saddened to see that it closed. However, a new Mexican restaurant just opened up in Batavia on Ellicott Street. I think the name was something like Ranchero Viejo. The food was pretty good. It is located at 12 Elicott Street in Batavia

Norman Rockwell exhibit at George Eastman House

2011-08-22T16:50:00.004-04:00

On Saturday my husband and I took a day trip to Rochester to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the George Eastman House. this was especially timely for us, as we visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA two weeks ago.

The exhibit at the George Eastman House is very well done; I think it's actually more comprehensive than the exhibits at the Norman Rockwell Museum. The exhibit runs through September 18. Admission is $15, which includes the Rockwell exhibit, plus admission to the George Eastman House and Gardens. Above is a photo of the gardens. Note:photos are not permitted in the exhibit area. www.eastmanhouse.org

Afterwards, we had dinner at the Crescent Beach Restaurant, which is located north west of the city of Rochester, along Lake Ontario. The view of the lake is wonderful and so is the food. www.crescentbeachinn.com

If you love Lucy, you'll love this

2011-08-01T15:11:00.002-04:00

Here is a press release I received from the Chautauqua County Visitor's Bureau that I thought I'd pass along.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD TO BE SET IN JAMESTOWN , NY ON LUCILLE BALL’S 100TH BIRTHDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy
JAMESTOWN, NY - Aug 1, 2011. Contact: Office of Executive Director Journey Gunderson, 716.484.0800 ext. 201, jgunderson@lucy-desi.com, www.LucyComedyFest.com
On August 6, on Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday, her hometown of Jamestown , New York sets out to become the home of a new world record, governed and affirmed by the ultimate authority on record-breaking achievement, Guinness World Records.

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy invites everyone - men, women and children - to participate in the setting of a new world record for “most people dressed as Lucy Ricardo in one place, at one time.”

The “BE A LUCY: Guinness World Record” (Sat., Aug. 6, 12-2pm) event is part of the Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy and 100th birthday celebration, Aug. 3-7. The festival includes headliner comedians Joan Rivers (Aug. 4), Paula Poundstone (Aug. 6), kids comedy troop Story Pirates (Aug. 6), eight comedians from San Francisco-based festival co-producer Rooftop Comedy, and the world’s best Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel impersonators.

“We anticipate some very quality look-alikes to be on-hand. Our Lucy Fans come from around the world for this festival and they do not disappoint when it comes to donning a Lucy resemblance,” said Lucy Desi Center for Comedy Executive Director Journey Gunderson.

The official criteria include the signature red up-do hairstyle, red lips, and dress/attire corresponding with something Lucy Ricardo wore on an episode of I Love Lucy.

“We’ll have Lucys from Australia , Great Britain , Japan , Canada , and of course a large contingent coming from California and a number of states in between. We expect a minimum of between 500-1000 participants on August 6.”

While the $5 registration fee includes a basic qualifying costume – the iconic blue and white polka-dot dress -- participants are also encouraged to wear their own costumes. “We’ve got qualifying get-ups for everyone; all ages and all sizes,” added Gunderson.

The record registration begins at noon at Lucy Fest’s “Party on the Plaza” at Jamestown ’s City Hall, with the officially-required photograph moment -- with all Lucys in position -- at 2pm. An aerial photograph and video footage are required and planned.

Qualifying mask will satisfy the lips and hair criteria for anyone not wearing red lipstick and a red up-do hairstyle. A large quantity of Lucy-red lipstick has been donated by Benefit Cosmetics, a sponsor of the “Be a Lucy” world record. “This will be high-quality lipstick in the right Lucy-shade, so we’re very appreciative of Benefit’s support.”

The mission of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Center for Comedy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is to preserve the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter through its commitment to the development of the comedic arts.

The four-pillar Legacy of Laughter vision for the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy includes a festival of comedy, a comedy film festival, a comedic arts education program, and a the first real national comedy hall of fame in Jamestown, New York.

Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., the children of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, had this to say of the Legacy of Laughter vision:

"On this, the 100th anniversary of our mother's birth, we are very happy to support the new Board and Staff of The Lucille Ball - Desi Arnaz Center For Comedy, in whose forward thinking and capable hands Mom's original desires for her professional legacy might finally be truly realized- a festival of new comedy, seminars and master classes to train the comedy talents of tomorrow, outreach programs to prove the healing power of love and laughter in our communities and the inauguration of the first ever Comedy Hall of Fame named in honor of her and our father, Desi Arnaz. On August 6, 1911 Desiree Eveline Hunt Ball birthed a comedy legend in Jamestown , New York . It's fitting that, 100 years to the day, Jamestown christens itself as the birthplace of legions of comedy legends to come and the hometown of legacies of laughter. Congratulations to the good and patient people of Jamestown for thinking BIG with us and utilizing the gift of Lucy and Desi to its highest potential. They would be so very proud.”

Lewiston Art Fest August 13-14

2011-07-27T16:33:00.003-04:00

Here's a press release I received about the Lewiston Art Festival that's in a few weeks
MEDIA RELEASE: July 26, 2011
FROM: Lewiston Council on the Arts
716-754-0166
enicklas@artcouncil.org>
www.artcouncil.org
RE: 45th Annual Lewiston Art Festival

(Lewiston) Lewiston’s reputation as a thriving arts community and cultural epicenter is due in no small part to the annual Lewiston Art Festival. Now in it’s 45th year, the festival has been named “Top Cultural Destinations,” First Sunday Magazine; “Summer Festival Showcase Event,” Bi-National Niagara Tourism Alliance; and “Top 100 Attractions Along the Seaway Trail,” by Journey Magazine.

On August 13 & 14 from 10 am to 6 pm, this prestigious event will showcase the work of more than 175 professional and student artists from 13 states as far away as Alaska, Florida and Texas. Artists will compete for prize money awarded in 8 categories including; painting, photography, graphic arts, sculpture, artistic crafts (ceramics, wood, fiber, glass) and jewelry. Modern Corporation generously sponsors the “Modern Art Awards” totaling more than $5,000. Judges for the Festival are Mary Helen Miskuly and Patrick Robideau of the Birchfield Penney Art Museum.

Back this year is the pedestrian-friendly layout that will close Center St. to cars from 4th to 8th Streets, and fill the Village streets with art and music. On Saturday, watch the chalk fly as 10 teams of talented student artists representing schools from across the region converge at 5th St. for the 27th KeyBank Chalk Walk Competition. Watch art being made as they create spectacular murals depicting their interpretation of this year’s theme, "Chalk One Up for Diversity". Teams will compete for “Arts Are Key” awards, generously and exclusively sponsored by KeyBank. You get to be the judge for the People’s Choice Award, so be sure to vote for your favorite mural. Judging takes place about 4:00 PM on Saturday afternoon.

College Alley will feature the work of high school and college students in the KeyBank & Hunt Realty parking lot. A special addition to the Chalk Walk area (at 5th and Center Sts.) is a weekend long artist-in-residency for 3 nationally known Tuscarora artists Erwin Printup, Simon Brascoupe and Karen Hodge-Russel. Together they will create a mural inspired by a Printup design with the theme “ The Four Winds” . The Native American legend represents Bear as North Wind, Panther as West Wind, Moose as East Wind and the Fawn as South Wind. Watch the artists at work both days from noon to 4 PM.

Then, if you’re inspired by all that creativity, there are free art activities from noon – 4 PM both days, at the First Niagara ArtZone where kids of all ages can do a hands-on art activity or create a chalk mural of their own. On Sunday afternoon the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University hosts a free “Make & Take” workshop for children of all ages. Inspired by Printup’s mural theme of the Four Winds, create a windsock that you can take home. Stop by the Opera Hall (OH!) Gallery at 732 Center St. to view special weekend exhibits by the OH! artists, LewPort art student Rob Minicucci and artists from Niagara Cerebral Palsy.

Don’t forget to visit the Information Booth at 5th & Center to pick up this years colorful Art Festival t-shirt that features the new design by festival artist, Kelvin Henderson. Street musicians and performers are welcome to add their musical ambiance to the show.

Art Festival Sponsors: Modern Corporation, KeyBank, Mount Saint Mary's Hospital, First Niagara Bank, Tin Pan Alley & Niagara Falls Bridge Commission

Also contact: Fay Northrop, Chalkwalk Chairperson - (716) 282-6772
Karen Hodge Russell, Mural artist - (716) 432-0438 or (716) 990-2780

Entertainment at the Hennepark Park Gazebo:
Saturday, Aug. 13
11:00: Ilya's Belly Dance Studio
12:00: Lewiston Choraleers
1:00: Omni Puppett Theatre
2:00: Niagara Experience Players
3:00: Toast & Jam hosted by singer, songwriter, Dale Campbell
1:30 - 3:30 Strolling Center Street Musicians, the Mariachi Gringos!

Sunday, Aug. 14
11:00: Ilya's Belly Dance Studio
12:00: Hot Country Liners
1:00 Omni Puppett Theatre
2:00: Jena Abati (Opera)
3:00: Niagara Frontier Fiddle Club
4:00 Niagara University Repertory Theatre
11:00AM - 4:00PM: Apple Granny's - John (the Mighty) Quinn

1:30 - 3:30: Strolling Center Street Musicians, the 12/8 Path Band!
Image Below: "Always Love You" by featured 2011 artist, Kelvin Henderson

Artists in Residence: Simon Brascoupe, Karen Hodge-Russell & Erwin Printup

Niagara on the Lake getaway

2011-07-20T22:27:00.004-04:00

Friday my husband and I went to Niagara-on-the-Lake. We saw the play "My Fair Lady" walked around the historic district and along the lake and river. Had dinner at the restaurant at Queen's Landing. The next day we visited a couple of wineries,Jackson-Triggs and Chateau des Charmes and had lunch at Betty's Restaruant in Chippewa, Ontario. Betty's is known for their fish and chips and their homemade pies.

Buffalo waterfront on July 2

2011-07-03T22:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my husband and I went on the War of 1812 boat tour put together by the Preservation Coalition. The tour was very informative and it was nice to see so many people downtown at the waterfront.

After the tour we had lunch at The Hatch then walked along the waterfront. Lots of things were going on. Festivities continue tomorrow and the weather is suppose to be nice.

Taste of Buffalo next weekend

2011-06-30T22:25:00.002-04:00

Below is a press release I received about the Taste of Buffalo, which is next weekend, July 9th and 10th. It's a fun event, make sure you arrive hungry!

TASTE OF BUFFALO PRESENTED BY TOPS OFFERS “FUN BY THE FORKFUL” JULY 9 AND 10

Buffalo, NY – The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops Markets, the country’s largest annual two-day food festival, is preparing for its 28th year of whetting the appetites and filling the stomachs of thousands of food loving attendees. The delectable event returns to downtown Buffalo along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10. This year’s Taste features almost 60 restaurants and half a dozen wineries as well as a culinary stage, musical entertainment and plenty of special offerings from a host of national and local sponsors.

“If you love food the Taste is the place to be. We have 57 outstanding restaurants from all over WNY in one place,” said Mark Zawodzinski, 2011 Taste chairman. “You can visit your favorite restaurant and try somewhere new without even getting in your car. This year, each restaurant will be offering a smaller size portion of one of their signature items, allowing you to enjoy a taste item at ten different restaurants and only spend $20. Get a Taste of ten for $20, as we call it, is just one of the many opportunities festival-goers have to look forward to this year.”

New this year, each restaurant is offering a taste-sized item of their signature dish for only $2 or 4 tickets. For $20 attendees can get a “taste” of ten restaurants!

More than 200 food items, ranging from Asian to barbecue to Italian to sweet treats and everything in between, are available for sampling from 57 restaurants. Restaurants participating in their first Taste this year include: 31 Club, 58 Main, Alex’s Place, Byblos, Hog Wild BBQ, Laughlin’s, MaGavin’s, Melanie’s Sweets Unlimited, Molinaro’s Ristorante, Nitro Magic Ice Cream, Parings Wine Bar and Sample Restaurant.

Wine enthusiasts can sample vintages from Glenora Wine Cellars, Hazlitt Vineyards, Knapp Winery, Merritt Estate Winery, Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, Spring Lake Winery and Woodbury Vineyards.

"Tops is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Taste of Buffalo,” said Tops Markets' president and CEO, Frank Curci. “Not only does the Taste showcase the region's most talented food establishments, but also gives back to the Western New York community in a big way. This year we'll have more excitement than ever at the Tops tent as Taste-goers will enjoy delicious, freshly prepared signature dishes in addition to prizes and giveaways."

Presale food ticket vouchers, available in $10 certificates, can now be purchased right at the register at participating Tops Markets through July 10th. The certificates are redeemable at any ticket booth during the Taste. Stop by the Tops tent at the Taste to spin the wheel for a chance to win great prizes. All proceeds benefit Summit Educational Services. Tops pharmacists are also available at the Tops Pharmacy tent located inside Niagara Square offering a variety of free product samples while supplies last.

“After 28 years, the Taste of Buffalo has become the largest two-day food festival in the country, but it’s about more than just good food,” said City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “This event is one of the best summer festivals in Buffalo for food, families and fun. I welcome the visitors from around the country that will come to downtown Buffalo to support our local vendors and charities.”

Festival-goers can now text a vote for their favorite Taste item as part of AT&T’s Fan Favorite Food Award. Item numbers and texting information will be available during the event in the Taste’s festival guide and also on signage posted at every restaurant. Standard text messaging rates apply.

The Culinary Stage presented by Nickel City Chef, Artisan Kitchens & Bath and Buffalo Spree Magazine and sponsored by Jack Daniels EZ Marinader, is located in the New Era parking lot under a nice cool tent. Enjoy side-by-side, one-of-a-kind cooking competitions and demonstrations. Audience members will enjoy samples before each segment from Tops Markets and others, and Independent Health will present a Fresh & Healthy cooking demo. Audience members will be selected at random to help judge the competitions and the audience will get pom poms to help root for their favorite chef!

National and local sponsors have family-friendly activities and sampling planned throughout the two-day event, including:

Ford Drive One Tour returns to the Taste with the latest Ford vehicles, including the 2012 Focus and 2011 F150 EcoBoost. Demonstrations of the SYNC® with MyFord Touch™, which controls most devices in your vehicle using touch-sensitive buttons, thumb-wheel controls and voice recognition, will be held throughout the event.

Marking its fifth year, the Taste is still the only food festival in the country that requires all participating restaurants to offer a healthy menu item as part of the Taste and Independent Health Foundation’s “Healthy Options” program. These items are lower in fat, cholesterol and sodium.

The Lunchables Project Potential Tour is back for another year with fun and interactive activities for kids celebrating Lunchables’ new fruit products.

Visit D’Avolio Olive Oils and Vinegars for a free tasting of fresh, cold-pressed olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Cool down at the Lipton Lounge and enjoy delicious tea creations from Lipton’s master mixologist!

Take a closer look at the latest vehicles that the Chrysler Group has to offer, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and others on site. Be sure to sign up for the Lucky Day Car Giveaway Sweepstakes where one lucky winner will be drawn from the Northeast U.S. and awarded up to $30,000 towards the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM of their choice.

Grab a free sample of Green Mountain Coffee and have the chance to record a video, take a photo or send a text statement to capture your Green Mountain Coffee Revelation.

Be sure to stop by The Taste of Sugardale mobile kitchen to try some of Sugardale’s best summer recipes featuring ham, hot dogs, brats and bacon.

The Smurfs are making a comeback and they are slated to make their Taste debut between noon – 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday as they promote their new upcoming 3D live action film in theatres this summer and to show WNYers a smurfing time.

Other Taste sponsors include: Coke, Cabot Creamery Cheese, Fallsview Casino, Hamburg Casino on the Fairground, and New Era Cap Co. Limited-edition Taste caps will be on sale in the New Era flagship store. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tops 4th Annual 5K Run/Family Walk and 10K Run to benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

In addition to the food and special attractions, great live local music acts like Joyryde w/ the Hit Man Horns, Boys of Summer, Strictly Hip, Beatlemagic, Tom Sartori, Terry Buchwald's Tribute To Elvis and more will be presented on The Fashion Bug Stage at Delaware Avenue and Huron Street and the Tops Friendly Markets Stage at the south side of Niagara Square. Enjoy a DJ and karaoke at the Huron Street Labatt Blue Party Tent or play the bean bag toss game inside the Niagara Square Labatt Blue Party Tent!

The week before the festival, download the festival guide and restaurant map to plan your day at www.tasteofbuffalo.com. The festival guide also contains valuable coupons and some great offers and recipes! Guides are also available at the ticket booths.

The Taste is a not-for-profit organization with more than 1,000 volunteers helping to put on the annual event. More than $250,000 has been raised at the festival for local charities including Compass House, Hospice, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Meals on Wheels of Western New York and National Kidney Foundation. In addition, five $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to local high school seniors pursuing a culinary or hospitality-related degree.

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the nation's largest two-day food festival, attracting more than 450,000 people to downtown Buffalo. Festival hours are Saturday, July 9 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, July 10 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. There is no admission fee and food prices range from $1.00 - $4.00. Tickets are sold in $5 increments. Cash, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at the event. For more information, visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com. Check out the Taste on Facebook and Twitter for event details and contests!

Cuba Cheese and more

2011-06-26T21:02:00.003-04:00

I took a trip down to Cuba, NY with my daughter and youngest son today. I will be writing an article about the Cuba Cheese Museum. It is a very nice museum that gives an overview of the history of cheese making.

Afterwards, we visited the Cuba Cheese Shoppe, where we went waaay too much money on cheese and other stuff. We drove by the block barn in Cuba, which I think is one of the most unique buildings in western New York.

We had dinner in one of our favorite restaurants, Sprague's Maple Farm in Portville, about 15 miles south of Cuba. The article should be appearing in the Buffalo News in August.

Celebrity Interview

2011-06-21T14:33:00.002-04:00

I just got off the phone interviewing rock icon, Dion DiMucci, for an article about his new book for the National Catholic Register. The book, Dion the Wanderer Talks Truth is stories about his life and how he found truth through coming back to his Catholic faith. Dion is best know for his late 1950's and early 1960's hits like "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer"

It's a very good book and easy to read, no matter what your faith. Here is a link to the book http://catalog.americancatholic.org/product.aspx?prodid=T16999 and to his website www.diondimucci.com

I will post a link once the article is published.

Great Lakes Experience Festival

2011-06-15T19:31:00.002-04:00

Here is a press release about a new festival that one of my neighbors told me about. It sounds pretty interesting.

The Great Lakes Experience Festival is an event sponsored by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation at Canal Side, located on the Inner harbor in Downtown Buffalo. The festival, which takes place Saturday June 18th from 11am to 6pm, will focus on the environment and ecology of the Great Lakes and the heritage of our region.

There will be music and family entertainment, speakers, educational re-enactors and storytellers, and environmental film festival, environmental exhibitors, food vendors, a green business exposition, and lots of information about habitat, ecology, science, recreation, tourism, and fun.

Great place for outdoor furniture

2011-06-10T22:15:00.002-04:00

I have been looking for a round redwood picnic table for the last few weeks without luck. Today I let my fingers do the walking and looked in the yellow pages under outdoor furniture. I saw a listing for Fox's Lawn Furniture in East Aurora. I checked out the website and they had quite a nice selection of wooden outdoor furniture. I called and they had what I wanted in stock.

My husband and I took a ride out to East Aurora this evening and were very impressed with what we saw at this business. It appears to be a one man operation. The owner told us that he has been doing this for 31 years. He makes all the items in his shop behind the showroom. Everything seems to be of good quality and the prices are reasonable. We bought our table and will have it delivered next week.

In addition to all sizes of picnic tables he makes porch swings and gliders, chairs,benches, arbors, bridges, trellis, lazy susans for your picnic table, sheds, windmills, and many other things out of wood. I would definitely go back there if I needed other outdoor furniture items

Fox's Lawn Furniture, 7570 Seneca Street, East Aurora 716-652-3900, www.foxslawnfurniture.com

Choir Director opening at Brighton Community Church

2011-06-05T22:06:00.002-04:00

I am passing along information about this job opening at the church I work part time at.

Brighton Community Church (America Baptist) is looking for a part time choir director. The position begins in September, Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, approximately 5-8 hours a week. Resumes to bcc1225@hotmail.com

Book Review: Fruit of the Vine

2011-05-26T23:00:00.000-04:00

Book review: Fruit of the Vine

Cynthia Kolko’s novel, Fruit of the Vine, is set in the small rural town of Sawhorn in New York’s Finger Lakes region. This novel takes readers behind the scenes in wine country to explore love, betrayal, scandal, family secrets, and even a death or two.

Now I have to admit that my taste in books leans toward non-fiction, rather than novels, so I haven’t read many books of this genre. However, it was an interesting read and I have to compliment Ms. Kolko on her use of descriptive language and dialogue between her characters. I think it would be a good book to read as you sit and relax on a beach or lakeside park in the Finger Lakes region

Cynthia Kolko, a graduate of Hamilton College has worked as a corporate writer, as well as in advertising, editorial writing, and broadcast scriptwriting. To find out more about Cynthia and her book, visit www.cynthiakolko.com

St. Greg's priests shave heads

2011-05-24T18:08:00.002-04:00

At the beginning of April Father Joe Gatto, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Church in Williamsville issued this challenge to the congregation: reach the goal of $590,000 for Catholic Charities donations and the four parish priests will shave their heads.

Well, the people of St. Greg's were very generous and they actually exceeded that goal, raising over $620,000!!. This afternoon Fathers Joe, Paul, Dave, and Francis made good on their promise and shaved their heads. In addition, Father Francis, had also said if the goal was reached, he would paint his head blue....so his head is now blue!

Parkside Tour of Homes May 22

2011-05-16T16:12:00.003-04:00

Here's a press release I received a few weeks ago about the Parkside Tour of Homes. Sounds like a fun event!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parkside Community Association’s
13th Annual Tour of Homes

Contact: Ben Johnson
Address: 2318 Main Street
Phone: 716-838-1240
Email: http://us.mc1803.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=PCA_Director@verizon.net
URL: http://www.parksidebuffalo.org/

PARKSIDE, BUFFALO, NY

The Parkside Community Association presents the 13th Annual Tour of Homes on Sunday, May 22 from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. This popular tour will have TEN outstanding homes and TWO church rectories for you to explore. Visitors are promised a fascinating look inside historical residences in Buffalo’s Historic District of Parkside. Some of the homes reflect their 19th century origin in architectural style with their interiors and furnishings. Others offer an exciting contemporary approach to city living. Onsite docents will provide history of the homes and will be available for questions.

Come see for yourself why Parksiders and out-of-towners alike say this event “is the best tour”. The tour begins at the Church of the Good Shepherd, on the corner of Jewett Parkway and Summit Avenue in Buffalo. Information, tickets, and maps will be available at the start of the tour.

A mini tour of the Darwin Martin House Complex is included in the ticket price. This includes the Gardener’s Cottage, Barton House, and the Visitors Center. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour, and $13 for PCA members.

Advance tickets can be obtained by visiting the PCA office, 2318 Main Street in Buffalo, or by calling the office at 838-1240 during regular business hours. Proceeds benefit the continuing work of the Parkside Community Association. No children under the age of twelve please. Event is held rain or shine.

The Parkside Community Association is Buffalo’s oldest, largest and most active neighborhood associations in the City of Buffalo. The Parkside area contains superb examples of such diverse architectural styles such as the American Four Square, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and the Arts & Crafts bungalow. The 1880 thru 1930 building period includes designs by prominent local architects E.B. Green and William Sydney Wicks.

Parkside is adjacent to Frederick Law Olmsted’s Delaware Park, The Buffalo Zoo, and the Main-Amherst business district.

Decorator Show House

2011-05-11T18:43:00.000-04:00

Last night my friend Mary, my daughter and myself went to see the Decorators' Show House. We had gone to see it for the preview showing before they did all the decorating, so we wanted to be sure to see it when it was done.

It looked really nice, although some of the items I couldn't imagine in my home. The most bizarre item of the night was the glass mobile over the crib in the baby's room. Not too practical! I was surprised by the number of people there on a Tuesday night...I can't imagine what it's like on the weekend.

The show house will be open until May 22nd, admission is $20. It is located at 360 Depew Avenue, Buffalo

Fun at the National Museum of Play

2011-05-03T17:49:00.004-04:00

A couple weeks ago my husband, me and our youngest son spent the day at the National Museum of Play (Strong Museum) in Rochester. Our son, who is almost nine, just loves that place. You really need to spend the whole day there to fully enjoy it.

One of the newer exhibits, e-Game Revolution, features video games from the last 40 years or so. My son just loved playing the vintage game..okay, my husband and I liked them too...only we remember them when they were new. sigh.

My son also enjoyed the Tinkertoy exhibit, since he loves to build things. And no trip to the museum would be compete without visiting the kid-size Wegmans, Reading Adventureland, and Sesame Street. The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame. For more info, visit their website http://www.museumofplay.org/

Upcoming events include the RIT Big Shot Project on Thursday May 5 at 7:45pm, an outdoor community photography project (bring a flashlight). There will also be a performance of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie at the museum Friday May 6 at 6pm and Saturday May 7 at 11am and 1pm.

National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 585-263-2700

Check out my articles in Longweekends Magazine

2011-04-26T15:12:00.002-04:00

I have four articles in the current issue of Longweekends Magazine, a regional publication which covers several states. My articles include the National Buffalo Wing Fest, Olcott Beach Carousel Park, Rock City Park and the Little League Museum in Williamsport, PA.

You can view these articles, along with many others, online at www.long-weekends.com. Click on New York and it will take you to the page with the first three articles; scroll down to the one you want to read and click on it. The Little League Museum article is under Pennsylvania

Good food in unexpected places

2011-04-14T17:10:00.003-04:00

Last week I mentioned that I had a good meal at the Grill at the Dome at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome. This week I found an even more unusual place to have a good meal...the car wash!

Delta Sonic at Maple and Niagara Falls Boulevard serves one of the best turkey sandwiches I've ever tasted. It's actually their signature menu item. It's piled high with REAL carved turkey, like the kind you'd eat on Thanksgiving. Yummy!

They have a store and cafe in the waiting area, so while you get your car detailed or get an oil change, you can enjoy a bite to eat. You could even come there if you weren't getting your car serviced. Take out is available.

You place your order via a touch screen, addling toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. Condiments include their cranberry mayonnaise, my topping of choice. Since I was having my car vacuumed and shampooed, I had time to have lunch. I've been here before and had the turkey sandwich, so I planned to take the car in at lunch time.

The other foods on the menu looked good too, pizza, sandwiches, salads, paninis, soups, and more. Someone was thinking when they put this cafe in here. If you re going to sit and wait, might as well have something to eat.

Good food at the Grill at the Dome

2011-04-08T20:30:00.004-04:00

Sometimes you find a really good restaurant in the most unlikely place. My friend Tess suggested that we go out for a fish fry today. I didn't want to travel too far from her house, so I googled restaurants in Amherst/Tonawanda and saw that the Grill at the Dome at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome was not too far from her home. A quick look at their website showed that they served a Friday only fish fry, so we thought we'd give it a try.

The food was really good! The fish fry was enormous and served with coleslaw and choice of potatoes. Several people at tables near us were enjoying wraps, lwhich ooked really good and also enormous. The menu also has burgers, sandwiches and other pub food, as it is sort of like a sports bar. Definitely a place I'd like to return to. One could even shoot a bucket of balls before or after lunch!

The Grill at the Dome, 175 Brompton Road, Tonawanda, 716-504-4745, http://www.thegrillatthedome.com/

Good restaurants to try

2011-04-06T16:10:00.002-04:00

In the past week my daughter and I tried out a couple of restaurants we had never been to before.

Uncle Joe's Diner in Hamburg is a '50's style diner with really good food and enormous portions. They have a variety of comfort foods including salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, wings, and home cooked diners like rotisserie chicken, roast beef, roast turkey with stuffing, and Joe's home-made meatloaf. They also serve pasta and seafood dishes. I had the hamburger, which in our opinion, was the best burger we ever tasted! My daughter had the chicken fingers, which were also very good.

Uncle Joe's Diner, 4869 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg 716-648-7154 www.unclejoesdiner.com

We ate at Salsarita's Cantina last night, a Mexican chain restaurant, which has 80 locations in 17 states. There are three location in the Buffalo area: 110 W. Chippewa in Buffalo, 3901 Union Road in Cheektowaga, and 4375 Transit Road in Clarence. Menu items include burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, Mexican pizza, and salads. Everything is made to order. I had a chicken quesadillas and my daughter had a salad in one of those big shells. Both were very good.

Wine and Art Weekend

2011-04-06T15:25:00.003-04:00

Here is a copy of a press release I received a few weeks ago about Wine and Art Weekend in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sounds like a fun event!

For Immediate Release March 16, 2011 Contact: Julie Pfadt, executive director (814) 746-8414 Lake Erie Wine Country to Host Popular Wine & Art Weekend

Lake Erie Wine Country, an association of 23 wineries between Silver Creek, NY and North East, PA, announces its annual Wine & Art Weekend which will be held Saturday, April 9th and Sunday, April 10th. Guests will enjoy wine tasting while perusing works of art by 37 member artists of the North Shore Arts Alliance in Chautauqua County and the North East (PA) Arts Council.

Many of the artists will be on hand at the 21 participating wineries to display, sell, and demonstrate - from painters and sculptors to photographers and glass artisans. Featured artists include eleven members of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail, the North Shore Arts Alliance’s signature event.

This is a FREE EVENT. No tickets or reservations are required! Event hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. Guests are invited to stop at any of the participating wineries in any order to enjoy wine and art--a natural pairing. For winery locations or other information, see: http://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/, www.facebook.com/LakeErieWineCountry . For more information on participating artists, see http://www.northshoreartsalliance.com/.

Lake Erie Wine Country, formerly the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, is a non-profit organization founded to “support and to market the wine and grape industries in Chautauqua County, New York and Erie County, Pennsylvania through the promotion of excellence in wine products, in winery and associate member facilities, and in the tourism experience in the region.”

Featured Artists at New York Wineries:

Blueberry Sky Farm Winery: Susan Wolfe (Painting) and Audrey Dowling (Painting)

Johnson Estate Winery: Lilla Johnson (Painting) and Sue Murphy (Jewelry)

Liberty Vineyard: Lori Deemer (Photography/Painting) and Susan Mackay (Painting)

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars: Linda Yates (Painting) and Denise Williams (Stained Glass)

Merritt Estate Winery: Patrick Del Monte (Wood Turning) and Barbara Del Monte (Photography) and Steve Lax (Photography)

Noble Winery: James Hoggard (Photography) and Susan Wolfe (Painting)

Quincy Cellars Winery: Trenton Lutes (Photography/Painting) and Nancy Nixon (Painting)

Schloss Doepken Winery: Featuring a work by Nancy Nixon (Painting)

Sensory Winery: Mo Ferree (Painting), Trenton Lutes (Photography/Painting), and Nancy Nixon (Painting)

Seven Vines Winery: Bill Karrow (Photography)

Sparkling Ponds Winery: George Petrella (Painting)

Vetter Vineyards Winery: Thomas Annear (Painting)

Willow Creek Winery: Steve Yunghans (Painting), and Sara McCutcheon (Jewelry)

Woodbury Vineyards: Thomas Janik (Photography)

Featured Artists at Pennsylvania Wineries:

Burch Farms Winery: Zach Cacchione (Glass Artist), Heather Hakel (Painting) and Jack Paluh (Painting)

Courtyard Wineries: Sue Rochester (Painting), Tom Ferraro (Painting), Sandi Elkin (Painting), and Christine French (Mixed-Media)

Lakeview Wine Cellars: Laura Nelson (Ukrainian Egg Painting), Peggy Campbell (Photography & Mixed Media), and Sara Frye (Stained Glass)

Mazza Vineyards: Bob Jensen (Metal Sculpture)

Penn Shore Vineyards: Mary Hamilton (Watercolor), Jason Abrams (Glass Artist), and Toni Kelly (Watercolors & Calligraphy)

Presque Isle Wine Cellars: Tajana Roehl (Photography), and Tamara Maas (Painting)

South Shore Wine Company: Vanessa Mazza (Mixed Media), John Ballard (Woodworking), Ed Bernik (Photography)

Julie Pfadt Executive Director Lake Erie Wine Country (814) 746-8414

Office Hours: part-time, generally mornings, or by appointment http://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/ www.Facebook.com/LakeErieWineCountry @LakeErieWines on Twitter

Edible Book Festival

2011-03-29T11:30:00.005-04:00

Here's an interesting event that's happening this week. The Western New York Book Arts Center is having their annual Edible Book Festival on Friday April 1 and this is no April Fool's joke. The April 1st date actually was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) a French gastronome who wrote the book, Physiologie du Gout.

Part of the International Edible Book Festival, which is held annually on or around April 1st, artists create an edible book that’s judged on appearance as well as taste; one can literally eat their words! The event, which takes place from 5-8pm, is open to the general public. tickets are $10. For more information, see their website www.wnybookarts.org/edible2011.php

The Western New York Book Arts Center is a unique store/gallery promotes printing and book related arts. They carry bookbinding supplies, papers for letter press printing, and decorative art papers, including Hahnemuhle papers from Germany, Armad papers from Montreal, and Thai rice papers. They also carry a selection of books, cards, and posters. In addition, they also offer lectures and workshops about printmaking, papermaking, illustration, design, writing, and binding.

WNY Book Arts Center, 468 Washington Street, Buffalo

Curious Kids Day this Saturday

2011-03-24T13:54:00.003-04:00

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Check out Curious Kid's Day, presented by Western New York Family Magazine at the Buffalo Museum of Science. The event takes place Saturday March 26 from 10am to 3pm, with all sorts of activities revelving around the museum's current exhibit, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibit."

Activities are free with museum admission, although there is an additional $2 charge to enter the actual Chronicles of Narnia exhibit, which is by timed ticket.

Read the article about this event in the March issue of Western New York Family, which can be found free at Wegmans, public libraries, day care centers, peditricians offices, and many other locations. You can also sign up to read the publication online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com

Maple Syrup How Sweet it Is

2011-03-17T16:50:00.002-04:00

Mmm... maple syrup, who doesn't like the sweet delicious taste of maple syrup? I'm talking about 100% pure maple syrup, not the 2% "pancake syrup" you usually see dominating the grocer's shelves. Not only does maple syrup taste good, it's actually fairly good for you. It's cholesterol free, and contains calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus.

Since New York's official state tree is the Sugar Maple, it's not surprising that the state is second only to Vermont in producing maple syrup, which is a uniquely American food.

Maple sugaring history

According to the New York State Maple Producers Association, maple sugaring is a "centuries old North woods tradition." Native Americans were the first to tap maple trees and collect the sap to make maple sugar to use for cooking. The early settlers, who learned the maple sugaring process from the Native Americans, used maple sugar as their sole source of sweetening since it was too costly to import sugar.

How syrup is collected and processed

Making maple syrup is a very weather dependent activity. The warm days and cool nights of Spring cause the sap to run. There are only a few short weeks in the "sugaring off" season when conditions are right for collecting the sap.

Years ago trees were tapped using wooden or metal spiles and buckets. Today approximately 75% of New York State maple producers connect their trees with plastic tubing and the sap flows directly into collecting vats; which are then taken to the "sugaring house" to be transformed into syrup.

At the sugaring house the watery sap is boiled until the water evaporates and the result is pure maple syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup!

Learn about how syrup is made at Maple Weekend

The annual Maple Weekend is going to be taking place this weekend, March 19-20 and next weekend, March 26-27 at over 100 maple producers throughout New York State. sample syrup, visit the sugarbush and see how syrup is made, enjoy pancake breakfasts, purchase maple products, and take part in other fun activities. For more info visit www.mapleweekend.com

Check out this blog post about Maple Weekend by fellow local travel blogger Carol White Llewellyn, a.k.a. The Travel Maven http://travelmaven.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/5326

Events happening this weekend

2011-03-09T22:11:00.004-05:00

Here are just a few of the events happening this weekend in western New York.

St. Patrick's Day Beer Tasting at the Burchfield Penny Arts Center. Friday March 11 from 5:30-7:30
Get ready for St. Patrick's Day by sampling some beer. Featured beers include Flying Bison, Ithaca Beer Company, Heineken Light, New Castle and Don Equis. There will be live music by The LeftOvers. Tickets are $20 members, $25 non-members call 878-4529 for more info. Burchfield Penny Arts Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, www.burchfieldpenney.org

Who Bounced the Bouncer: a 1920's Speakeasy Mystery on the Niagara Wine Trail. March 11, 12, 13
If you prefer wine over beer, check out this month's special wine trail event along the Niagara Wine Trail. For this murder mystery weekend, participants will collect a clue at each winery, along with a sampling of their wine. Visit all 13 participating wineries and see if you can solve the mystery. Tickets are $20/person. see www.niagarawinetrail.org for details.

Buffalo Home and Garden Show, Buffalo Convention Center. March 11-13 If you're looking to do some home improvements this year, don't forget to check out the home show www.buffalohomeshow.com

Winter Carnival, Holiday Valley. Mark the end of another ski season at this annual event which takes place at Holiday Valley Ski Resort and throughout the village of Ellicottville. www.holidayvalley.com

Great store for gamers

2011-03-02T19:24:00.002-05:00

I know I usually post items that are more touristy, but I want to share with people information about a store that I discovered. My sons had a game system that wasn't working and I enquired at one of the national chain game stores about repairs. They said "Go to Oogie Games."

At Oogie Games, which is locally owned, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, they have a large selection of reasonably priced games and used systems, and they were able to fix our game system for a lot less than buying a new one.

My boys also had a Game Cube system that wasn't working, but they still had a lot of games for it sitting around. Oobie Games doesn't fix Game Cubes because you can buy a used system from them for $20! Now my youngest son can play the games his brothers played when they were younger....the games are new to him!

They have two locations, one on Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda, the other on South Transit Road in Lockport. For more info see www.oogiegames.com

A wonderful lunch at Ruzzine's Rock Bottom Eatery

2011-03-02T14:17:00.005-05:00

Today is my dad's 95th birthday and I wanted to take him to lunch. We were looking for somewhere casual, affordable, and close to his house. Ruzzine's Rock Bottom Eatery fit the bill. I had read an article about it in the Amherst Bee a few weeks ago and it sounded pretty good.

The restaurant is located in a Victorian style home. The dining room is very cheery, with yellow walls and navy curtains. The restaurant is suitable for all; retired folks, business people, families, and couples. The food, which is made from scratch to order, was very good.

I decided to try a burger, since their burgers were rated "The best burgers on the planet" by Buffalo Spree Magazine a couple years ago. The burger was really big! I ordered the 7 ounce, I can't imagine how big the 12 ounce one was! It was pink and juicy inside and grilled to perfection. I opted for the sweet potato fries as a side, which were served with a honey butter dip. (The above hamburger image was taken from their website; I got mine minus the bacon and cheese.)

My dad decided on the reuben sandwich, which was loaded with layers of corned beef. Now my dad can eat a lot for a skinny guy, but I had my doubts that he would be able to finish such a big sandwich, however, he managed to eat the whole thing. He commented that it wasn't exactly a low calorie meal!

The menu features a variety of items from salads and sandwiches to pitas and wraps. They also have pasta, several dinner only selections, like steak and pork chops, as well as a Friday only fish fry.

Ruzzine's Rock Bottom Eatery, 6261 Transit Road, East Amherst, 716-204-4004, http://www.rockbottomeatery.com/

Winter fun this weekend

2011-02-11T16:22:00.002-05:00

I read a wonderful article in the Buffalo News Gusto about this weekend's Buffalo Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival. It sounds like a wonderful event and a great way to celebrate winter in Buffalo. I know that by now everyone is sick of this cold weather, but this is a chance to make the best of this wintry weather situation and have some fun. And it's suppose to be a bit warmer this weekend.

Here are links to the festival website http://www.buffalowinterfest.com and the Buffalo News Gusto article http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/entertainment-features/article338065.ece

If any of you go have a great time!

Things to do this weekend in the Finger Lakes

2011-02-03T10:19:00.003-05:00

Here are some things to do this weekend. I received this e-mail from The Travel Maven. Check out her blog http://travelmaven.wordpress.com

This week, there’s an extraordinary line up of activities, especially because there are many wine trail events in celebration of Valentine’s weekend.

ISOC – International Series of Champions at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (Snowmobile competition) Friday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, 3 p.m. Advance tickets: Children age 6-12 $10/day or $15/weekend, Adults $25/day, $40/weekend; Add $3 at door for children, $5 for adults. Farmington

Wintergrass 2011 at Smith Opera House with the Boxcars and Newfound Road/opening band Eva & the Dog Boys – Saturday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. $25 General Admission/ $20 Seniors & College Students / Free for Students Grade 12 and under. Geneva

Rochester City Ballet in Peter and the Wolf at Nazareth College Arts Center – Saturday, Feb. 5 and Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets $15-$20. Rochester

Little River Band at the Smith Opera House – Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. $30. Geneva

Dutch Connection at George Eastman House - Opens Friday, Feb. 11 – Saturday, Feb. 26. See also “Behind the Scenes of Dutch Connection with Curator Amy Kinsey” on Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. Admission to museum: adults $10, Srs. $8, Students $6, Children 5-12 $4, Under age 4 and Members FREE.

Cabin Fever Wine and Beer Tasting - Friday, Feb. 11, 5-8 p.m. $15 (Must be over 21). Corning

Chocolate & Wine Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – Friday, Feb. 11 – Sunday, Feb. 13, 1 – 5 p.m. (Must by over 21) $30, $20 for designated driver. Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Ski Dating: Mountain Match Up at Bristol Mountain – Saturday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. $15 event fee. Lift ticket, equipment rentals and dinner are not included in fee. Limited to 40 individuals. Canandaigua

Truffles and Tastes along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail – Saturday, Feb. 12, Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $27, $20.25 for designated driver. Keuka Lake

Disney’s Aladdin at the Nazareth College Arts Center – Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13 (also Feb. 19 & 20) 2 p.m. Tickets $14-17 (Grades K-6). Pittsford

Lakeside Winter Celebration and Polar Plunge/Chilly Chili Challenge - Sunday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (polar plunge registration starts at 9 a.m. in port building) – free, but there is a fee for some activities such as wine tasting, and for food. Rochester

Canandaigua Classic Antique Show & Sale at Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack - Sunday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5. Click HERE to download $1 off coupon. Proceeds benefit Granger Homestead. Farmington

And from last week’s 10+ Tips & Trips Post:

ZooBrrrrew! at the Seneca Park Zoo – Friday, Feb. 4, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Age 21 and over) – $20 for Members, $25 for Non-members. Rochester.

Ganondagan Winter Game & Sports – Saturday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Free. Victor. (Read Travel Maven Post about event)

I’ll be Geneseeing You: The Second City Does Rochester at Geva Theatre Center – Extended through February 6. See Calendar for times.$22-$59. Rochester.

New York Ice Wine Festival at Casa Larga Vineyards – Sat. Feb. 5, 12 Noon – 6 p.m. $40 advance, $50 at door. Fairport

Walking in a Winter Wineryland at Montezuma Winery – Sat. Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Adults is $20/person without snowshoes or $25/person with snowshoe rental. Kids under 12 are $15 without snowshoes or $18 with snowshoe rental (min. weight of 75 lbs). A portion of ticket sales donated to the Montezuma Audubon Center. Montezuma.

Winterfest at the Tanglewood Nature Museum – Sat. Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $2 adults, $1 child. Elmira.

Ski-O Competition presented by the Rochester Orienteering Club at Mendon Ponds Park – Sunday, Feb. 6, $3/map for Members, $6/map for Non-members. Mendon.

Corning's Chocolate Trail is a yummy adventure

2011-01-30T13:54:00.002-05:00

Like chocolate? Check out my article in today’s Buffalo News travel section (January 30, 2011) about Corning’s Chocolate Trail. Corning, about a two and a half hour drive from Buffalo is a fun day trip or weekend getaway.

http://www.buffalonews.com/life/travel/one-tank-trips/article328192.ece

Winterfest 2011 at Made in America Store

2011-01-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

The Made in America Store will be hosting Winterfest 2011 on January 29th from 11am to 6pm. Activities include a giant snowman construction, winter activities, live alpacas and a crocheting demonstration. There will be product demonstrations by vendors, chainsaw carving by Matt Hannah, and a hot dog BBQ.

Buffalo Bills alumni will be on hand and there will be musical entertainment provided by country singer Ricky Lee. There will also be special snowmobile events; snowmobilers are encouraged to come on their machines. Access Trail S45 is nearby.

Made in America Store, 900 Maple Street Elma, 716-652-4USA, http://www.saveourcountryfirst.com/

Yummy Thai food at Yummy Thai

2011-01-15T22:33:00.002-05:00

My daughter and I enjoy Thai food, so after reading the review in last night's Gusto, we decided to try out Yummy Thai on Webster Street in North Tonawanda. We got a late start going out today and did some shopping first, so we didn't get to the restaurant until about 3pm. It was a good time to go as the lunch crowd was gone and the dinner crowd hadn't arrived yet.

I had my usual Pud Thai and my daughter tied the sesame chicken. Both dishes were good and the portion size was enormous. We brought half of it home (for a snack this evening!) We also had the Thai fried chicken spring rolls, which were also very good. Naturally, we had our favorite beverage, Thai iced tea.

Yummy Thai, 92 Webster Street, North Tonawanda 716-694-1763, www.yummythairestaurant.com

News from Lake Erie Wine Country

2011-01-13T14:17:00.004-05:00

Below is a press release I received yesterday from Lake Erie Wine Country

For Immediate Release
January 12, 2011
Contact: Julie Pfadt, executive director (814) 746-8414

Lake Erie Wine Country Update: New Name, New Website, Wine and Chocolate Weekend and Visit Visa Program Announced

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail has been incorporated for more than a decade, and with the new year, the organization announces some big changes. To begin with, the Wine Trail is now officially known as Lake Erie Wine Country (LEWC), a consortium of 23 wineries located in America's Grape Country between North East, PA and Silver Creek, NY.

The mission of this non-profit organization is to "support and to market the wine and grape industries in Chautauqua County, New York and Erie County, Pennsylvania through the promotion of excellence in wine products, in winery and associate member facilities, and in the tourism experience in the region.

"Our local wine industry creates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact in the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies. With over30,000 acres of contiguous vineyards, we are the largest Concord grape-growing region in the world. The majority of our grapes are native varieties, but we also grow almost 3,000 acres of more than 30 varieties of wine grapes."We believe the new name better reflects our region and eliminates confusion," said Bob Mazza, current LEWC president and owner of three regional wineries.

"The new name will allow us to expand easily and become more inclusive in the future. 'Lake Erie Wine Country' will also benefit us on the internet, as search engines will pick us up more easily. "In addition to the new name, LEWC officials have named a new executive director, North East, Pennsylvania native, Julie Pfadt, and they have launched an exciting, new website at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. A 2011 brochure/map is now available and can be picked up at LEWC wineries or at brochure stands around the region. They can also be downloaded from the new website or ordered via phone at (877) 326-6561.

Lake Erie Wine Country's event season begins with "Bare the Barrels, a White Sale" January 14-17. The 2010 grape harvest was abundant, and wineries are eager to make room for upcoming vintages. Visitors are invited to the wineries during this four-day event to find bargains and stock up on favorite wines. Each of the wineries will promote special discounts on wine and merchandise, and many will provide snacks or entertainment. The event is free and no tickets or reservations are required.

LEWC's first ticketed event is their popular Wine & Chocolate Weekend,February 4, 5 and 6. New this year, Fridays have been added to the event schedule with no increase in cost. Now ticket holders have more time to spend at each of 21 participating wineries where they can enjoy a special wine paired with a delicious chocolate creation. Five "host wineries" will provide a non-chocolate food pairing to provide some savory stops. As in the past, ticket holders will receive a wine glass, recipe booklet, a $5 voucher for wine purchase and a gift. Tickets are now on sale for Wine & Chocolate Weekend at $35 per person. They may be purchased online at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org or by calling (877)326-6561.

Ticket holders will plan their own itinerary, enjoying each winery at their leisure on Friday, February 4 from noon-5 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Transportation is not provided. Wine & Chocolate Weekend is sponsored by Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Designated driver tickets are available for only $20 and include everything except wine and the $5 voucher.

Finally, LEWC's new Visit Visa, is now available! This first-edition Wine Trail coupon passport, valid for one year from purchase, provides generous discounts at wineries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, gift shops and other local businesses. The booklet contains over $500 of retail value in wine, merchandise, and services from businesses all over Lake Erie Wine Country.

The cost is only $20 each, and they can be purchased at any LEWC wineries,t he North East Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Heron Inn Gift Shop in Findley Lake, the Boston Bean Café in North East and on-line via PayPal at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. Funds earned through sales of the Visit Visa will help Lake Erie Wine Country sustain their marketing efforts of the region.

Currier and Ives Sleigh Rally

2011-01-07T17:14:00.001-05:00

Here's a press release about an upcoming event that sounds interesting

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE CURRIER & IVES SLEIGH RALLY at CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
Sunday, January 16, 2010

Classes begin at 11 am in the Parking Lot adjacent to the Welcome Center on Rt. 394.
“Currier & Ives” parade through the grounds at 1 pm; bobsled rides by the Stateline
Draft Horse Club from 1-3 pm (tickets required).

Sleigh bells ring – horses of all sizes (Mini to Draft) put to Portland Cutters, “teacup” sleighs,
bobsleds strut their stuff in pleasure classes, an obstacle course, timed trotting race, and
drive through the historic Chautauqua Institution – a unique bit of Americana and great
family fun! Free parking & free admission to the Sleigh Rally.

Re-positioned to this three day weekend (Martin Luther King holiday) to be featured along with

* Bare the Barrels" at all the Wine Trail Wineries (great discounts; free tastings) on Sat-Sun-Mon

* Mardi Gras Party at Zebro's Harbor House in Barcelona -- jambalaya, crawfish, frog legs & other New
Orleans favs -- great food & hot time on Lake Erie! (Sat & Sun)

* Bobsled rides through the Institution by Stateline Draft Horse Club (Sat & Sun). Tickets $4 adults &
$2 children available at the Chautauqua Bookstore.

* OPEN DOORS JAMESTOWN on Sat., 10 am – 4pm: free admission to Lucy-Desi Museum (including the re-creation of the sound stages for the I Love Lucy shows, nightclub, etc.), Fenton Historical Society (including the Festival of the Trees in the 1863 Mansion -- 4 floors of history from the underground railroad to steamers on Chautauqua Lake in the former home of Gov. Fenton), Jamestown Audubon Society (walking/snowshoeing trails; eagle exhibit; nature discovery room), Roger Tory Peterson Institute (including Charlie Harper Art Exhibit, Peterson's collection); Robert Jackson Center (honoring the Chief Justice who presided over the Nuremburg Trials after WWII).

Package options include:

BELLINGER HALL on the grounds of historic Chautauqua Institution -- absolutely beautiful in the snow with many homes still decorated for the holidays. Dormitory style rooms (double occupancy) with private baths and a lovely fireplace lounge common area. $69.99 plus taxes ($78.74 per room, dbl. occupancy, per night) includes continental breakfast and use of Turner REc facilities which is only a block away (pool, gym, fitness center) -- bring crosscountry skiis or snowshoes to hike around the grounds or golf course. Bookstore, diner, & some shops open on grounds. Horse-drawn bobsleds rides on Sat. & Sun. ($4 adults; $2 children).
For reservations: Christine Hawkins 357-6389 chawkins@ciweb.org

MAPLE SPRINGS LAKESIDE INN on Chautauqua Lake, near Bemus Point, is offering two nights lodging (dbl. occupancy) in their gracious inn plus two sleigh ride tickets for $179 per couple (includes taxes; coffee available but no other food service during the winter).
For reservations: Rose Stage, 386-2500 http://www.mslsi.com/

GREAT TREE INN & STABLES -- luxurious accommodations for people & their horses in Mayville, just up the road from Chautauqua Institution. Special Sleigh Rally rates: $90 per room (single or double occupancy) plus taxes ($11.25) includes a hearty country -style breakfast. $20 stabling (large box stalls, includes bedding).
For reservations: Samantha Alexander, 1 800-421-0082 http://www.greattreeinn.com/

CHAUTAUQUA SUITES -- new hotel near the Institution with lovely rooms, Olive's Restaurant and Bellini Lounge. Sleigh Rally Getaway Package for Two includes one night lodging (dbl. occupancy), two prime rib dinners, continental breakfast, two horse-drawn bobsled ride tickets for $143 per couple (taxes & tips included).
For reservations: 269-7829 http://www.chautauquasuites.com/

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE CURRIER & IVES SLEIGH RALLY
at CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
SUNDAY, January 16, 2011
Rt. 394, Chautauqua, New York
Judge:
Registration begins at 9:30 am -- $5 per class
Classes begin at 11 am
Please join us for a day of friendly driving competition!
Supported by the Lou Eibl Corral & Catt-Chaut. Chapter of the NYS Horse Council
Proceeds toward Horse Trail Development
Secretary/Info: Carol Lorenc (716) 962-3412 lorencfoxefarm@netsync.net
DIVISIONS: Draft Horses, Light Horses, Ponies and Very Small Equines, Junior
(Mules & Donkeys included in division by their size; Juniors pinned separately)
CLASSES:
Pleasure Driving – To be shown at the walk, collected trot, working trot, trot on (footing permitting; gaited horses welcome to show at their respective gaits). To be judged on way of going, apparent ability to give a pleasant drive & manners, including ability to stand quietly in line up. Sleigh & harness to be safe and well fitted.
1. Single Draft Horse
2. Single Light Horse
3. Single Pony/VSE
4. Team Draft Horse Hitch
5. Multiples Light Horses/Ponies
Obstacles - To be judged as a timed obstacle class; time faults given for knockdowns.
4. Single Draft Horse
5. Single Light Horse
6. Single Pony/VSE
7. Team Draft Horse Hitch
8. Multiples Light Horses/Ponies
Currier & Ives – To be judged on turnout & overall impression, appointments to count. To be shown in ring before departure for approx. 3 mile pleasure drive through the historic Chautauqua Institution grounds. Terrain is hilly. Approximately 1:00 pm.
9. Draft Horses
10. Light Horses
11. Ponies/VSE
Timed Trotting (or equivalent gait) Race
12. Single Draft Horse
13. Single Light Horse
14. Single Pony/VSE
15. Team Draft Horse Hitch
16. Multiples Light Horses/Ponies
Drive & Ride – Single horse to be driven at the walk, collected trot, working trot then unharnessed (headers and other assistance encouraged) & saddled to be ridden at the walk, trot, canter or lope (footing permitting), reinback. To be judged on performance, way of going, manners both in harness & under saddle. Gaited horses welcome (showing at equivalent gaits to trots).

ENTRY FORM

Owner’s name___________________________________ email____________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ phone____________________

Driver’s Name____________________________________________________________

Horse’s Name_________________________________ Breed______________________

__________________________________ ______________________

Vehicle Information_______________________________________________________

Division: ___Draft ___Light ___Pony or Very Small Equine ___ Junior

Classes: __ Pleasure __Timed Trotting __Currier&Ives __Obstacles __Drive&Ride

Number of classes @ $5.00: ___; total enclosed $_______
(check payable to Lou Eibl Corral)

Mail to: Carol Lorenc, Secretary
1880 Thornton Rd., Cherry Creek, NY 14723

Information: (716) 962-3412 lorencfoxefarm@netsync.net

Lodging & Stabling available at The Great Tree Inn, Mayville 800-421-0082.

A Day in the City

2010-12-30T22:11:00.002-05:00

We had a nice day in the City in Buffalo. After lunch we headed to the Buffalo Museum of Science to see the exhibit From Here to There. Lots of hands on activities. We also enjoyed some of the other exhibits; my eight year old especially loves the hands-on activities. My daughter and I were fascinated with the optical illusions (see the photo above of one of them).

After the museum we ate dinner at Pano's on Elmwood. The food was really good and my son said we should eat there often! We then headed to Delaware Park to see the Olmsted winter Lights Display. It was a nice evening to walk through the park and look at the lights. We enjoyed decorating cookies and making crafts at the Parkside Lodge. There was even live musical entertainment by the barbershop quartet, the Hynotes. I believe the light display goes until mid-January. Admission is $5/person.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from WNY Explorer's Guide

2010-12-21T17:54:00.005-05:00

Wishing all my blog readers, Facebook friends, and Twitter followers a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

And if you are looking for a last minute gift idea for that hard to buy for person, might I suggest a copy of Western New York Explorer's Guide! Give them the gift of Western New York this holiday season. Available at bookstores, museum shops and online.

Stained glass tour of Buffalo churches

2010-12-04T22:25:00.004-05:00

My sister-in-law and I went on the annual stained glass window bus tour of Buffalo churches offered by the Preservation Coalition. It is amazing to see the beautiful churches that we have in Buffalo.

Check out some of the photo I took. We went to the Buffalo Religious Arts Center, Blessed Trinity, St. Casmirs, Delaware avenue Baptist church and the Hellenic Orthodox Church. We also had lunch at Chef's. Yum!

Our tour guide was Chuck LaChiusa, who pretty much knows everything there is to know about Buffalo architecture and history. Check out his website http://www.buffaloah.com/

Lots of holiday events this weekend, Dec. 3-5

2010-12-01T15:23:00.002-05:00

In looking over all the event information I have at my fingertips, it appears that this coming weekend, December 3-5, is the weekend to get into the holiday spirit. There are dozens of holiday events planned for this weekend that will get you in the mood for festivities. Of course, a dusting of snow on the ground lends to the holiday mood.

Here is a listing of just some of the events happening, in no particular order. I’m sure there are other events happening too that I’m not even aware of

Village of Lewiston Holiday Walk and Holiday Home Tour- Dec. 4-5, 10am-5pm

Christmas Stroll in Ellicottville -Dec. 4th 4-7pm

Splendors in Stained Glass bus tour of Buffalo churches, Preservation Coalition, Dec. 4 9am-3pm (by reservation only)

Holiday in the Park, Orchard Park Railroad Depot - Dec. 4th 4-7pm

Winter Centerfest, four Corners of Clarence Center – Dec. 4th, 2-6pm

Christmas at the Hull House, 5976 Genesee, Lancaster- Dec. 4th, 12-4pm

North Tonawanda Winter Walk – Dec. 4th, 10am-5pm

Light a Life, Hospice Foundation Tree Lighting Ceremony at CTG, 800 Delaware Ave. – Dec. 4th

Randolph’s Country Christmas Extravaganza, Randolph, NY (Cattaraugus County) Dec. 4th

Alden’s Christmas in the Park- Dec. 4th, 2-6pm

The Nutcracker Ballet, UB Center for the Arts, Dec 4-5

Yuletide in the Country Craft Show, Hamburg Fairgrounds – Dec. 4-5, 10am-5pm

Holiday Happening along the Niagara Wine Trail Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12

Seasons in the Village (Williamsville) Dec. 4-5, 10am-5pm

Roycroft Winter Festival, 430 Main Street, East Aurora, Dec. 4-5

Williamsville PTA Craft Show, 175 Heim Road, Dec. 4-5 10am-5pm

Christmas in the Park, Silver Creek, Dec. 4th

Homemade Holidays, Jamestown Audubon, Dec. 4th

Fenton Family days, Fenton History Center, Jamestown, Dec. 4th

Miracle on Main Street, Fredonia, Dec. 4th

Breakfast with Santa, Beaver Meadow Nature Center, Dec. 4th 9am-1pm

Holiday Delight Festival, Perry Dec. 4th

Holiday Open House, Attica Historical Society, Dec. 4th

Sleighbell Festival, Franklinville, Dec. 4th

A Night in Bethlehem, First United Methodist Church of Springville Dec. 4th

Aurora Historical Society Annual Christmas sale, Millard Fillmore House Museum, East Aurora Dec. 4-5

Victorian Christmas, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Delaware Ave, Buffalo Dec. 4-11

Niagara-on-the-Lake Holiday House Tour, Dec. 3-4

Fairground Festival of Lights begins November 26

2010-11-23T14:30:00.002-05:00

Here's a press release about a fun event to get you in the holiday spirit

Fairgrounds Festival of Lights Event Expands

HAMBURG, NY – The 6^th annual Fairgrounds Festival of Light will feature over one million lights in a drive through that spans nearly 2 miles featuring several new large displays. The Festival will run 29 days starting November 26 – January 1, gates open 5:30 – 9:30pm and grounds open until 10:00pm. (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Admission to the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is just $18 per carload.

Several new attractions have been added to the festival including an interactive Kids Game Show, “Everyone’s A Winner,” hosted by Rob and Carol Allen; window displays reminiscent of the nostalgic downtown shopping days at North Pole Village, and the newly redesigned sing-a-Long Winterific indoor animated light show. Returning with a new nightly show is the Holiday Magic Show featuring Kandy Kane and the Fabulous Darnells, Reindeer Carriage Rides on weekends, Santa, Holiday Characters and the kids can even take a ride on the North Pole Express or any of the other timeless and ageless restored rides at Santa's Magical Midway.

Harness your creativity to enter the Holiday Cookie and all new Tree Ornament Competition with some great prizes.

For more information on this event call 716-649-3900 ext. 404 or visit our website at www.fairgroundsholiday.com

Olean Santa Claus Lane Parade

2010-11-18T10:30:00.003-05:00

This sounds like a fun event for any of you in the Olean area. Here's a press release I received from the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce.

With just over a week to go till the parade, officials from Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce have registered more than forty-six units for the upcoming Santa Claus Lane Parade on Friday, November 26 in which Santa Claus lights thousands of lights in downtown Olean. The ever-popular Parade is the official kick-off to the holiday season in the area.

Pam Caldwell, GOACC’s Official Lights Coordinator stated, "We are fortunate that Santa will make his stop once again this year to the City of Olean and take part in the Santa Claus Lane Parade on Friday November 26th. Our gratitude and appreciation also go to the City of Olean's employees who have dedicated time and effort over the past 25 years to assist us in bringing joy and happiness to our residents and more importantly to our children."

Chamber officials have invited area residents to judge this year’s parade: Al Wager, National Grid Co.; Paula Snyder, Jamestown Community College; Max Bullers, Home Depot of Olean; and Lori Babcock of Microtel Inn of Olean. Winners will be announced the night of the parade. Seven awards will be presented in the following categories: The Elves Award, sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club, will go to the float or unit that best typifies the holiday through the eyes of a child; Angelic Spirit Award, sponsored by Mandy’s Flowers, will go to the most spiritual/religious float or unit. The Blitzen Award, sponsored by Times Herald will go to the most photogenic float or unit; Jingle Bells Award, sponsored by Brookside Community will go to the best theatrical (music/dance) float or unit; The Rudolph Award, sponsored by National Grid Co. and Microtel Inn of Olean, for the float with the most or best use of lights; The Seasons Greetings Award, sponsored by Community Bank, NA to the best newcomer to the parade, and one that typifies a welcoming theme - this unit must be a first-time entrant; and The Snowflake Award, sponsored by the Street Classics Car Club for the unit with the most participants in the parade.

North Union Street will close to traffic at 6:00 PM. The City’s downtown parking lots will be opened. The City Building’s restrooms will be opened the night of the parade from 6 - 8:30 PM. Extra uniformed personnel of the Olean Fire and Police Departments will be on hand. Lost children should report to the Chamber office, and a wheelchair only section will be roped off in front of the Chamber office/City Building.

The Parade is scheduled to begin at 7 PM on Friday, November 26, near the Burger King on North Union Street in Olean. The Parade will travel south on Union to just past Lincoln Park where units will begin to disperse once they arrive at Henley Street. For more information, call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com.

Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce120 North Union Street • Olean, New York 14760716-372-4433 • http://www.oleanny.com/ • http://www.oleaninfo.com/

Local author signing at Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Nov. 27

2010-11-16T13:38:00.003-05:00

Here is a press release from the Buffalo & Erie County historical society. I will be participating as one of the local authors.

LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK-SIGNING AT THE HISTORY MUSEUM, PART OF FULL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND OF PROGRAMMING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Buffalo and regional authors to sign and sell copies of their books.

Buffalo, N.Y. - Nov. 15, 2010 - The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society presents its annual Local Author/Buffalo Book-Signing on Saturday, Nov. 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the History Museum, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue.

The event, designed for shoppers looking for personalized gifts in a relaxed atmosphere, features over 20 local authors selling and signing their books. The wide range of publications-including cookbooks, neighborhood, regional and military history, novels and coffee-table books-makes this a perfect opportunity to shop for a variety of tastes. All that and an autograph, too!
This year's event includes the following authors:

Jim Arnone, Central Park, Buffalo, New York: A Neighborhood of History and Tradition (exclusively at BECHS!)

Dr. Joseph Bieron, Postcard Views, Orchard Park

Evelyn Brady, Peaceprints

Steve Cichon, The Complete History of Parkside

Gary Costello & Douglas Kohler, Hull Family Home & Homestead: A Bicentennial Celebration

Lorna Czarnota, Legends, Lore and Secrets of Western New York

Mark Donnelly, The Fine Art of Capturing Buffalo, Frozen Assets: The Beautiful Truth About Western New York's Fourth Season

John Edson, Hamburg: 1910-1970, Hamburg Revisited

Julianna Fiddler-Woite, Snyder: A Brief History, WNY and the Gilded Age

Catherine Gildiner, After the Falls: Coming of Age in the Sixties, Too Close to the Falls (New York Times bestseller)

John Koerner, Mysteries of Father Baker, Father Baker Code

George Kunz, Buffalo Memories

Elizabeth Leader, Buffalo Snow

Raya Lee, BPO Celebrates the First 75 Years

Donald Mang, One Nation Under God (a novel)

Nancy Mingus, Buffalo: Good Neighbors, Great Architecture

Martin Nowak, The White House in Mourning: Deaths and Funerals of Presidents in Office

Janice Okun, Buffalo Cooks with Janice Okun

Laura Pedersen, Buffalo Gal, Buffalo Unbound-a Celebration

John Percy, Buffalo-Niagara Connections, Town of Tonawanda

Joseph Ritz, Blood Along The Niagara - A Guidebook to Battles of the War of 1812 an Hour's Drive from Niagara Falls

Erno Rossi, White Death: The Blizzard of '77

Maria Scrivani, Brighter Buffalo

Christine Smyczynski, An Explorer's Guide to Western New York

Wanda Slawinska & Edward Szemraj, The Polonian Legacy of Western New York

Joel Thomas, Creature Comforts

Mason Winfield, A Ghosthunter's Journal, Haunted Places of Western New York, Shadows of the Western Door, Village Ghosts of Western New York, Spirits of the Great Hill, Ghosts of 1812

Aside from this fine collection of books, some of which can be purchased only at the Historical Society, the museum shop offers unique Buffalo-themed gifts, including jewelry, fine art prints, maps, educational toys. It is another excellent opportunity to peruse and purchase from our exclusive 1901 Pan-American Exposition-themed items.

The Local Author Book Signing is free and open to the public and parking is complimentary and plentiful. For more information, call the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society at (716) 873-9644 or visit http://www.buffalohistory.org/.

Corning's Chocolate Trail

2010-11-08T15:50:00.003-05:00

We drove down to one of my favorite places on Saturday, Corning, NY. I am putting together an article for the Buffalo News travel section on Corning's Chocolate Trail, so I had to do some research on it. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!!

There are over two dozen participating stores and restaurants in downtown Corning, mainly along historic Market Street. It was a lot of fun and I discovered several new places that opened along Market Street since my last visit.

My article will be appearing in the Buffalo News travel section after the holidays, just in time for Valentine's Day. To read more about the chocolate trail, see downtown Corning's website http://www.gafferdistrict.com/

Chautauqua Lake Erie Art Trail Nov. 13

2010-10-31T19:26:00.002-04:00

Here is a press release I recently received about an interesting upcoming event.

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail Set for November 13

The North Shore Arts Alliance presents its signature event, the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail (CLEAT), on Saturday, November 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Held for the first time in the fall, the November Art Trail offers the public an opportunity to visit the studios of northern Chautauqua County’s leading artists.

The trail extends from Silver Creek to Westfield along the Lake Erie shoreline,and moves inland to include artists’ studios in Sherman, Chautauqua Institution, Dewittville, Forestville, and South Dayton among other locations.The art trail occurs twice yearly (Memorial Day Weekend and Veterans Day Weekend), and incorporates professional sculptors, photographers,ceramicists, painters, jewelers, wood turners, stained glass and other mixed media artists.

There are 22 participating artists including Audrey Kay Dowling, James Hoggard, Alberto Rey, Tom Malinoski, Nancy Nixon, Cynthia Norton, Ron Nasca, and George Petrella.During the studio tours, visitors are invited to watch ceramics and jewelry demonstrations, see paintings and drawings in various stages of completion, and to view where artists live and create art work.

Hands-on demonstrations include opportunities for visitors to make their own hand-pulled prints and to manipulate photo film. Art work will also be available for sale.According to CLEAT President James Hoggard, the November trail was scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

“We’re hoping that people will see this as an opportunity to support the local economy. It also gives people a chance to purchase unique, high-quality pieces made by local artists,” Hoggard stated.“Besides,” Hoggard continues, “where else can you find that one-of-a-kind gift while also supporting the arts?”

Founded in 2008, the North Shore Arts Alliance is a co-operative marketing and promotional effort on behalf of 25 professional working artists. It has an open but juried regional membership, and it works to create and enhance year-round opportunities for the arts in western New York – especially opportunities to show work.

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail is a free, family-friendly event. A Google map of the studio tour locations, a downloadable printer-friendly version of the brochure, and information about all the participating artists can be found at www.ChautauquaArtTrail.com.The Trail also has a Facebook page. For additional information or to request a brochure, please call Thomas Annear at 716-679-9254.

Trick or Treat at the Amherst Museum

2010-10-29T23:28:00.003-04:00

Tonight we went to the annual Trick or Treat event at the Amherst Museum. It's been a few years since the last time we went, but now out youngest is at the prefect age to enjoy it. We were impressed with the number of people that were there and the nice quality of the decorations.

They have it again tomorrow. Admission is by timed ticket only. see http://www.amherstmuseum.org/ for more information. See some of my photos posted with this blog.

Creature Comforts book review

2010-10-27T15:57:00.002-04:00

Creature Comforts, a new book self-published by Erie County SPCA vet tech and naturalist, Joel Thomas, discusses nuisance wildlife and what we perceive to be nuisance wildlife. According to Thomas, behaviors we see as a nuisance are actually normal behavior for wildlife. In the book, Thomas, an East Amherst, NY native, offers some suggestions on how to remove some of these creatures from your property using natural animal behaviors, without having to call a trapper. He cites real life situations that he has actually experienced in his line of work. In addition, his tales are often told with a touch of humor.

For example, he writes about removing a family of raccoons from a picnic shelter by leaving on bright lights and a loud radio station on all night. By morning, the raccoons were gone, as they didn’t like these conditions. He also talked about getting a mother squirrel to move her babies by exposing them to the elements; she came back to move them to a place more sheltered.

There is a whole chapter on deer, as well as one on birds, which covers hawks, raptors, and even wild turkeys. In the chapter on opossums, he gives an example of playin’ possum that he experienced when he was a lad. Opossums are actually North America’s only marsupial.

If bunnies munching on your plants have gotten you down, mix up a batch of all natural and safe, “Bunny Stay Away” which is described in the chapter on rabbits. Rodents, raccoons, squirrels, and skunks are also discussed in the book. He also has a recipe for getting rid of skunk odors if your dog happens to tangle with a skunk.

In the chapter on snakes, Thomas describes the time when he was a youth and his black rat snake went missing in this house. After the family turned in for the night, he knew the snake had been found when the silence was pierced by this mother screaming his first and middle names. The reptile was located in her closet.

The book can be found on http://www.amazon.com/ and will also be carried at USA Bird Supply’s retail store, located at 11163 Main Street in Clarence. The retail price of the book is $14.95 For more information, see his website http://www.creaturecomfortsbook.com/

Made in America Store

2010-10-25T11:41:00.005-04:00

Yesterday my husband and I took a drive to Elma to see the Made in America Store. We have heard good things about it and thought we'd check it out. It's located just off the 400 Expressway at the Maple street exit.

What makes this store unique is that everything they carry is 100% made in America, including the packaging and even the shelves in the store! The idea behind the store is to promote America and save American jobs. They also support our armed forces; veterans and active duty military personnel get a 5% discount. They carry a variety of items, from jeans and T-shirts, socks, flags, candles, flag pole holders and more.

There is a selection of classic toys, like slinky, silly putty, crayons, playing cards, and even tiddly winks. There is a large section of food items, with locally made items, like Perry's ice cream, Webber's mustard, and Chef's sauce, along with items made in other parts of the Untied States.

They have hammocks and these unique metal chairs that were almost too heavy to move. They would never blow over in the wind! They also carry a handful of local interest books, including several of Mason Winfield's books and I'm happy to say that they carry my book, Western New York Explorer's Guide.

The store will be having a Veteran's Day celebration on November 11th, from 11am-8pm. There will be live musical entertainment by Nashville recording artists, Ricky Lee, along with a outdoor BBQ, a display by Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, and a shuttle bus to the Veterans Day parade in Buffalo (reservations 652-0024).

Made in America Store, 900 Maple Road, Elma 716-652-4USA http://www.saveourcountryfirst.com/ The store is open Mon.-Sat 8am-8pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

Grape Discover Center Progress

2010-10-20T11:02:00.002-04:00

Here is a press release I just got from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. Sounds like a nice event. I won't be able to get to it, but thought I'd pass the information on, as it is open to the public. They just ask that you RSVP so they can plan enough refreshments.

Viewing of Grape Discovery Center Progress Set

Westfield, NY - The Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association will hold a public viewing of the progress made on developing a regional Grape Discovery Center as it kicks off a public fund-raising campaign to complete the center.

The “Discover Our Grape Progress” event will be held on October 28th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the future home of the Grape Discovery Center located at 8305 West Main Road (Route 20), one mile west of the Village of Westfield.

The event will include a tour of the remodeled building and presentation on the progress and plans for the future. Refreshments made with local grape products will also be served. The viewing is open to the public. Reservations are appreciated to help plan for the event and can be made at www.concordgrapebelt.org.

The Grape Discovery Center was inspired by the Cranberry Discovery Center in Wisconsin and other similar attractions. When fully complete it will be a destination where visitors can learn about the grape heritage of the region, serving as the Visitors Center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Area under the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation.

It should also serve as a place where visitors can be directed to other attractions in the area, including shopping, dining, historic, recreational and natural areas. Plans for the Grape Discovery Center include a gift shop and retail area highlighting local arts and crafts, a tasting area for local grape products, and an exhibit area which will tell the story of the grape industry and local communities. Future plans include development of broader learning experiences for youth and adults, complimenting Chautauqua County ’s branding initiative as “The World’s Learning Center ”.

Later in the evening the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Awards Banquet with quest Roger Brooks who will be speaking about the new branding initiative. Persons planning to attend the Chamber’s dinner will have time to preview the future Grape Discovery Center on their way to the event.

Known as America ’s Grape Country, the Concord Grape Belt extends approximately 60 miles from Silver Creek , New York to Harborcreek , PA along the eastern Lake Erie shoreline. It is home to 30,000 acres of vineyards and is the oldest and largest Concord grape growing region in the world. The Concord Grape Belt industry directly employs over 2000 people and contributes an estimated $340 million annually to the local economy.

Old Falls Street Octoberfest Oct. 23

2010-10-18T10:51:00.002-04:00

Here is a press release I received from Jen Noble of the Conference and Event Center in Niagara Falls. It sounds like a fun event and I'm glad to see that downtown Niagara Falls, NY is offering events like this.

For immediate release
(Niagara Falls, NY) – Raise your beer stein high in the air as we “Prost” the announcement of the 1st Annual Old Falls Street Oktoberfest in downtown Niagara Falls USA, on Saturday October 23rd. The Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association, Inc (D.N.F.B.A) and Global Spectrum are teaming up to host an authentic German Oktoberfest.

Join us from on the newly rebuilt cobblestone Old Falls Street for great German beer, wine and food. Admission is free so bring a crowd. Friends, family, and having a GREAT time! That is what the “Ultimate Oktoberfest Experience” is all about. Check out the KIDTOBERFEST Kids Zone including a rock climbing wall, make your own craft stations, and more.

For the over 21 Oktober-festers, six different German beers and a variety of sausages, sauerkraut and other German delights are sure to please. Live from the Legends Stage polka down to “Buffalo’s Big German Band” the German American Musicians Association followed by traditional Alphorns and then Die Almudlers, a fun German ”yodel-rock band”, sure to rock your Lederhosen.

“The DNFBA is proud to host Oktoberfest and expand our annual festival season in the City of Niagara Falls. We intend for this festival to become an annual event with a growing number of attendees, while attracting future development and entrepreneurism in the downtown area.” Dominic Verni, DNFBA Chair & General Manager of the Hard Rock Café.

Mayor Paul Dyster will get the festivities started with the ceremonial tapping of the Keg at 12noon. Roll –out –the barrel and join us on Old Falls Street for the ultimate Oktoberfest in downtown Niagara Falls USA. For more information visit www.FallsStreet.com or join out page on facebook “Falls Street Oktoberfest”
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A few more scarecrow photos

2010-10-10T16:27:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more scarecrow photos from Lewiston

Fun day in Lewiston looking at the scarecrows

2010-10-10T16:07:00.005-04:00

Since my husband and our older two son were at the Bills game and our youngest son went to the Great Pumpkin farm with a friend, my daughter and I headed up to one of my favorite places, Lewiston, for lunch and a fall foliage drive.

We decide to eat at Ashker's Juice Bar and Cafe because we had a coupon and it looked like a nice place. The food was really good. She had a grilled chicken Caesar salad, while I had a grilled chicken and red pepper panini, which came with a delicious side salad. They have a variety of smoothies and fresh mixed juices on the menu. I tried the twister, a mixture of orange, carrot and spinach juices. It was pretty tasty.

Afterwards, we walked around Lewiston and looked at all the scarecrows some of the local businesses have on display along Center Street until the end of the month. See http://www.niagarariverregion.com/ for more details. See some of my photos above. We also stopped by the Lewiston waterfront, which is really pretty this time of year.

On our way home we stopped at Smith's Orchard in Pendleton to get some apples and cider. The cider was really fresh as the clerk said we'd have to wait a few minutes, as the cider was still being made. It's really good. They are located at 4960 Mapleton Road http://www.smithsorchard.com/

Official Grand Opening of USA Bird Supply October 2nd

2010-09-29T14:28:00.004-04:00

Things have been all a flutter at USA Bird Supply in Clarence since early June; however Saturday October 2nd is their official grand opening celebration. Located adjacent to the Great Pumpkin Farm, in the former Western New York Events Center building, USA Bird Supply carries everything a backyard birder would ever need or want, including a huge selection of birdhouses, from Purple Martin houses to hummingbird feeders.

They even have squirrel feeders, to keep those pesky squirrels out of the bird feeder! Naturally they carry birdseed and the ever popular seedcakes. As a matter of fact, that’s the name of their website http://www.seedcake.com/. Also in stock are bee keeping supplies, a selection of birding and outdoor related books, cards, nature-themed toys and games, gifts, and even flags in their USA Flag Supply section.

The grand opening celebration will have something for everyone, whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or not. There will be wildlife speakers, including experts from the Buffalo Audubon Society and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and even someone from the WNY Herpetological Society; that group’s all about reptiles and amphibians, in case you didn’t know. A master gardener from Cornell Co-operative Extension will also be on hand, as well as a representative from the wildlife rehabilitation division of the SPCA.

There will be several artists, including Melissa Mance who is noted for her nature paintings, particularly those of birds. See some of her work at http://www.myartspace.com/artistInfo.do?subscriberid=mwmiqlckqa3wwqq1&populatinglist=home Rick Pratt from Corfu, NY will be demonstrating his chainsaw art; see his work at http://www.chainsawartist.com/ Sculptor/painter Henrik Solderstrom will have his nature-inspired work displayed and Rochester’s Christine Marsh, who is a face painter extraordinaire, will be demonstrating her art. In the past, Marsh has worked for Steven Spielberg, Warner Brothers, and Disney. See her work on her website http://www.marshbodyart.com/index.php/face-art/

Yours truly, travel writer Christine Smyczynski, will be on hand from 11am-1pm to sell and sign copies of the book, Western New York Explorer’s Guide From Niagara Falls and Southern Ontario to the Western Edge of the Finger Lakes, the only comprehensive travel guide to the region. Read more about the book at http://www.westernnewyorkexplorersguide.com/

There will be tasty treats, including Yancy’s Fancy cheeses, wines from Passport Wine and Liquors, and food from the Carriage House. There will be drawings for door prizes, kid’s activities, musical entertainment, and more.

The USA Bird Supply grand opening celebration takes place Saturday October 2 from 11am-4pm at 11163 Main Street in Clarence.

NYS Power Authority Wildlife Fest

2010-09-27T18:33:00.003-04:00

Reptile
Poisionous snake

fishing

Liberty the Bald Eagle

Yesterday my husband and I went with our youngest son to the New York State Power Authority Wildlife Festival at the Power Vista in Lewsiton. It's in it's 25th year, however, this was actually the first time we've attended.

They had a nice aware of displays and booths both outdoors and inside the visitor's center that focused on wildlife and conservation. We learned about birds of prey, like hawks and eagles, along with owls. Our son had the opportunity to shoot a bow and arrow and fish. Since he is a Cub Scout, he was able to earn a patch by visiting ten of the displays and learning something from each.

Nickle City Reptiles and exotics put on a good show with a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. My son also had fun looking at the energy displays that are part of the Power Vista's permanent displays.

A visit to the George Eastman House

2010-09-20T16:46:00.005-04:00

Yesterday my husband and I took a drive to Rochester and went to see the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, which we haven't been to for a number of years. In my opinion, this museum is one of our region's treasurers. Eastman's mansion has been restored to it's grandeur and here are changing exhibits in nine galleries throughout the museum and home. There is also a theater here, the Dryden Theater, which shows vintage films.

The exhibit that brought us to Rochester was Colorama, which runs through Oct. 17. This exhibit focuses on the colorama advertisements that were put by Kodak in Grand Central Terminal from 1950 to 1990. It is a really interesting exhibit, which also includes a short video describing how the coloramas were made.

We also went on the guide tour of the house and the guided tour of the garden, which I highly recommend. These tours are included in the cost of admission. Admission is $10 for adults ($9 with AAA discount) It is worth every penny! The museum is open Tues.-Sat 10-5, and Sunday 1-5.

George Eastman House, 900 East Ave., Rochester 585-271-3361, http://www.eastmanhouse.org/

St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute celebrates 150 years

2010-09-17T14:23:00.003-04:00

This morning I attended the sesquicentennial opening liturgy at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute on Kenmore Ave. in Kenmore. St. Joe's celebrates their 150th year this year. It was a lovely outdoor Mass (it was a bit cold out, but at least it wasn't raining!) with Bishop Kmiec.

All the boys in the school,along with the chorus, alumni, teachers, and parents were in attendance. Near the endof the Mass, Bishop Kmiec blessed the sesquicentennial historic marker, which will be placed on the grounds of the school.

The celebration continues tonight with a tent party at 6:30, which kicks off the gift gathering for St. Joe's annual auction in February. Tickets are $15 at the door, plus a auction gift donation. (party for people 21 and older)You'll get a Chiavetta's BBQ dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks ,and music by the St. Joe's Jazz Lab Band.

Chautauqua Bon Vivant

2010-09-16T17:28:00.003-04:00

I received this press release the other day and thought I'd pass along information about this interesting fund raiser. The write up is kind of long, but take the time to read through it as it sounds like a nice event

CHAUTAUQUA BON VIVANT CELEBRATES FALL HARVEST FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Luxurious weekend features Masters of culinary, wine and spirits to benefit the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Facility in Chautauqua County

NEW YORK, NY, September 14, 2010 – The Chautauqua Bon Vivant is set to revel in the Fall season with a lavish weekend of tastings, seminars and luncheons beginning on September 24th through Sept 26th. Tickets are presale only and proceeds from the luxurious three-day event will benefit the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Facility. This not-for-profit organization provides services for riders with and without disabilities, in an integrated setting. Full details about the riding programs and the weekend events can be found on the website www.CentaurStride.org.

Karlyn Monroe, the festival’s founder and organizer states, “This County has so much to offer, and can collaborate to help sustain not only the riding center, but area businesses and the wine industry. It makes sense to generate buzz and celebrate its resources. It takes a few years to build this kind of event, and we’re confident that each year will add new elements. This year is going to be fabulous! We have some expert people on board, and are thrilled to expose them to the bounty of Chautauqua.

This event also allows people to experience the culinary and premium spirits cultures as well. Cocktails have become gourmet libations using fresh and premium ingredients, and the combinations of food and drink has become an art that even the most distinguished chefs and mixologists aspire to perfect. This festival is a taste of the newest trends in the world of food and drink”. Remy Cointreau USA is a lead sponsor in the event- donating premium brands such as Remy Martin Cognac, The Macallan Scotch, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and Mount Gay Rum.

Monroe was born and raised in Westfield and has spent the last 11 years in NYC working in the marketing field of the premium beverage industry. She has planned and executed successful experiential festivals in many large cities across the United States. She has been on the Board of Directors for Centaur Stride for the past two years, and has been instrumental in developing initial marketing tools such as the website, and proposed a sustainability plan for Centaur Stride. Thus was born the concept of “Bon Vivant”.

“Chautauqua County has great opportunity and is the ideal location for this year’s Bon Vivant. We have an expanding Wine Trail and rich agricultural heritage. This event can really promote our county. We already have great plans for next year’s event." says Monroe.

An impressive roster of talented culinary, wine and spirit professionals will entertain and enlighten guests at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel & Expo Center and other surrounding venues. This year, the Chautauqua Bon Vivant features Executive Chef Jonathan Haloua—of La Fleur, the first and only restaurant in Western New York to receive the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award two years in a row; Hush Professional Mixologists, Bek Allen and Erin Williams, who have opened some the most prestigious cocktail bars in the country and have trained with influential cocktail luminaries recognized world-wide; Heidi Merino and the Liquid Chef Team—the expert mixologists are noted for creating cocktails internationally- including cruise ship lines and Mayor Bloombergs own private events; and the illustrious Master of Wine, Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan—one of only five women in the United States to obtain that degree, the most rigorous and highest wine title in the world. ( The fifth woman joined the elite group last Friday!) Simonetti has trained thousands of industry experts and has been featured on Fox News, Bloomberg TV, and the New York Times and in Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She has also launched a 24 episode educational DVD series “The Everyday Guide to Wine”, and is about to release her first book.

The three-day festival will begin with ‘Vintage Cocktails and Artisan Discoveries’ at The Art Loft where guests will be enlightened by local artist, Al Newman, as he tells about his travel and studies with great artists. Johnson Estate Wine, The Macallan Scotch, Remy Martin Sidecar Cocktails and Hor d’oeuvres will delight the palate while the eyes and mind indulge in the appreciation of artistic expression. Local artist, Dan Swackhammer has donated one of his signature framed and matted photographs of the Chautauqua Institute Bell Tower for auction. Warren and Bonnie Beyer, of the Art Loft, will also graciously donate 10% of the evening sales to Centaur Stride. Guests can wander through five beautifully restored spaces within an early 1900’s lumber mill and discover the talents of over 100 local and national artists. Rustic beams, forty foot high rafters and country charm mix with contemporary sophistication to welcome you at every turn.

Saturday afternoon boasts a lavish lunch featuring wines paired exquisitely by Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, Master of Wine. Guests will enjoy a complete four-course lunch as Jennifer teaches you how to focus your palate, takes you through pairing “dos & don’ts”, and how to discern when to follow the “rules of thumb” to allow your senses to take you to the ultimate gratification. This is truly a unique educational experience, facilitating the greatest dining pleasure. Olive’s is a four season destination, AAA 3 Diamond Rated Dining.

“Wines of the Region” is an educational seminar featuring Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, Master of Wine and includes seven delectable New York wines, including wines from our very own Lake Erie Wine Trail. This seminar highlights the area’s grape and wine making history, the pursuit of quality, the unique characteristics given their distinct terroir, how far local wines have come and what to look forward to in the future. New York State is the third largest wine producing state in the US. Novices will learn to distinguish fine wines and connoisseurs will gain insight for new prodigies. This educational seminar is a must for any wine making enthusiast, vintner, consumer, as well as the discerning collector. Featured wines include:

§ Riesling, Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, Finger Lakes- NY
§ 2009 Traminette, Johnson Estate Winery, Chautauqua- NY
§ Pinot Noir, Red Tail Ridge Winery, Finger Lakes- NY
§ Seyval Blanc, Johnson Estate Winery, Chautauqua- NY
§ Gewurztraminer, Hermann T. Wiemer Vineyard, Finger Lakes- NY
§ Proprietors Reserve, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, Chautauqua- NY
§ 2006 Ice Wine of Vidal Blanc, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, Chautauqua- NY
Saturday evening is the Grand Reception and Tasting Event at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel & Expo Center. The monumental event takes place in the venue’s 20,000 square foot banquet hall. Guests will enjoy an array of enticing signature samplings at this festive walk-around tasting including delectable cuisine, fine wines and innovative cocktails created from the finest premium spirits-featuring the region’s best restaurants and wineries. Music will be featured by the debut of an entrepreneurial band, “Wild Card”, a young group of outstanding musicians. Each guest will also receive a complimentary gift bag filled with an assortment of useful and exciting items provided by the sponsors.

To further support Centaur Stride, guests will have the opportunity to bid on items in the silent auction and take chances on the various prizes offered during the Grand Reception and Tasting Event. One very special item is a painting created and donated by two of the facilities riders, Derek and Sophia, titled “Freedom Run”. ( made possible via the iExpress Art Program from The Resource Center)

On Sunday, the Grand Finale boasts one more day of culinary and cocktail delights. A short journey from the Suites to the Red Brick Marketplace, guests will enjoy a savory brunch prepared by Chef Jonathan Haloua, paired with Champagne, Champagne cocktails and Champagne punches, created by the Master Mixologists of Hush Cocktails. Discover and enjoy the unique atmosphere of La Fleur, set in a historic Victorian home adorned with French countryside décor and surrounded by lavish gardens. La Fleur has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for the second consecutive year and joins a select group of only 48 AAA Four Diamond winners in New York State. La Fleur utilizes the best seasonal ingredients sourced through a variety of local farms and suppliers or grown in their own garden!

Individual tickets to the event are available as well as all-access passes, which are priced from $25-220, advance purchases only. Tickets can be purchased online at www.CentaurStride.org, La Fleur, the Art Loft, Chautauqua Suites, Centaur Stride, or Johnson Estate Winery. Special hotel rates at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel are also available upon request for guests attending the Bon Vivant.

Then see how this all started. Tour Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Facility and see riders in action. Several riders have volunteered to ride during this tour, so that people can see first-hand just how beneficial and fulfilling this is.

The Bon Vivant’s beneficiary, Centaur Stride, is a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit therapeutic and recreational horseback riding facility. Located in rural Westfield, NY, in Chautauqua County, Centaur Stride provides access to the benefits of horseback riding to a broad spectrum of individuals with disabilities. Programs are designed to improve many facets of the lives of riders, their families and the individuals working with them. Today, more than 150 individuals benefit annually.

Claudia Monroe, physical therapist and co-founder of Centaur Stride, says the improvement in a participant’s quality of life is awe-inspiring. “There’s a bond that every rider has with the horse. It’s so different than in a clinic. The horse is real, alive, interactive, non-judgmental, aims to please and is a great tool to facilitate great outcomes, across all domains- physical, social, emotional and cognitive. That’s something everyone should want to make sure we can sustain. ”

Fun time at the Lewiston Peach Festival

2010-09-13T16:47:00.002-04:00

Saturday we went to the Lewiston Peach Festival for the very first time. what a fun event! I'm sure we will go again next year. My daughter was marching in the parade with the Mount St. Mary Academy Marching band. I think it was the longest parade I ever attended...over two hours!

After the parade there were all sorts of things to do in Academy Park, including rides, games, food vendors, peaches for sale, and more. We even had peach short cake and peach pop. The weather was great too.

Get your copy of WNY Explorer's guide

2010-08-30T10:10:00.004-04:00

If you love learning about Western New York and don't already have a copy of Western New York Explorer's Guide, what are your waiting for? It is the first and only comprehensive travel guide to the region. It's the perfect companion to take with you when you go out for one last summer weekend or a fall drive. And it makes the perfect Christmas gift, if you are really planning ahead.

The book is available in local bookstores, museum shops, and online from http://www.amazon.com/ and directly from the publisher http://www.countrymanpress.com/titles/WNYEG.html

A few days at Niagara-on-the-Lake

2010-08-13T17:41:00.004-04:00

Streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Charles Inn

View from Brock Monument

Brock Monument

My husband and I celebrated a milestone anniversary this week, so we went up to Niagara-the-Lake for a few days. It truly is the "prettiest town in Canada."

On our way to Niagara-on-the-Lake we stopped at Queenston, where we climbed the Brock Monument and had lunch in Queenston Heights Restaurant. Then we stopped at a few wineries along the Niagara Parkway, as well as a stop at Willowbank, a Canadian National Historic site.

We stayed at the Charles Inn, where we had dinner that evening. Their tasting menu is wonderful, although it is pricey. The next day we saw the play Harvey and did some shopping. The following day, on our way home, we stopped at Niagara Falls.

2010-08-13T17:35:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago my daughter and I went to Olcott Beach, located along Lake Ontario at the end of Route 78 in Niagara County. It is a very nice beach side community, with shopping, dining, a beach and a carousel park for younger children.

We visited during Old Olcott Days, so we had the opportunity to learn more about Olcott's "Golden Era" in the early 1900's, when people flocked there from both the US and Canada for recreation and entertainment.

Learn more about the carousel park at www.olcottbeachcarouselpark.org

A fun day in Canandaigua

2010-08-13T17:09:00.003-04:00

I've been doing quite a bit of local travel the past couple weeks, so I haven't had time to post in this blog. Two weeks ago my daughter and I took a day trip to Canandaigua, mainly because I had to do research for an article I'm writing on the Granger Homestead.

After arriving in Canandaigua, we headed to the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum for a tour. It's a very interesting place with a lot of history. Next we headed downtown to shop along Canandaigua's Main Street. Lots of unique places to shop and eat along here.

Then we went down to the waterfront and walked around and had gelato at the Muar House, which overlooks the lake.

On the way home we stopped at Eastview Mall in Victor and checked out the new L.L. Bean store.

A day in Lewiston

2010-07-23T20:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my daughter and I spent the day in Lewsiton. I am putting together an article about the village for one of the publications I write for. We had a great time shopping and eating. Love the ribs at the Brickyard and the ice cream at Hibbard's!

Comments to this blog can only be posted in English

2010-07-18T17:48:00.002-04:00

Since my blog, Explore Western New York, is written in English, comments posted to this blog in any language other than English will be rejected, since I can only read in English. I will only allow comments that myself and other readers can understand. Thank you for your cooperation.

Some of my favorite ice cream places

2010-07-16T20:56:00.003-04:00

Tonight we went for a quick dinner and some ice cream at Pautler's Drive-in on Transit Rd. Opened in 1958, it's been around almost as long as me. Seriously, when I was a kid I lived close enough to walk or ride my bike there, so it's nice to take my kids there. Of course, the restaurant, as well as the menu has expanded since the '60's. Stop by on a Tuesday when they have their classic car cruise night. They are located at 6343 Transit Road, East Amherst.

Another place we frequent quite often is Frey's Tasty Treat in Lockport. They have a large selection of ice cream and ice cream treats. They have a park-like yard to sit and enjoy your ice cream in (there is no indoor dining). They even have a wooden train for the kids to play on. They are located at 6186 South Transit Road, Lockport.

Also in Lockport (on the north side of the city) is Reid's Ice Cream, which has been there forever. They have other foods besides ice cream, like burgers. They are right on Rt. 78, Lake Ave. near Clinton St.

Nina's Custard is also a nice place to go. They are open year-round and have burgers, chicken fingers, and other foods, in addition to their ice cream treats. You'll find Nina's at 2525 Millersport Hwy. just north of UB's North campus.

Of course Anderson's, which has multiple location in the Buffalo area, is noted for their beef on weck, and other sandwiches, as well as their custards. See their website http://www.andersonscustard.com/ for locations.

Just last week we visited Uncle G's Ice Cream for the first time. They are located at 7070 Washington Street in Pendleton, just north of the Amherst Museum. They have a large yard with picnic tables (no indoor seating). They have a nice selection of ice cream and other treats. See their website http://www.unclegsicecream.com/ for more info.

Taste of Buffalo 2010

2010-07-12T17:55:00.006-04:00

Well, I finally got the the Taste of Buffalo. While all the food I had was very good, it was such a mob scene, I'm not sure if I would rush back next year. I was pretty tired from it when I got home and fell asleep for 3 hours! Was it the heat, the food, or perhaps the Jack Daniels Lynchberg lemonade??

What drew us to the Taste of Buffalo this year was Adventure Base 100, a traveling exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts. Since my husband is involved with Scouting, as well as my youngest son, we wanted to see this exhibit, which is only going to 27 cities across the country. (My older two sons, while not involved with Scouting anymore, are Eagle Scouts).

We spent quite a bit of time at the exhibit and it was well done. My son even got to climb the ropes.

Fun at Fantasy Island

2010-06-24T14:29:00.007-04:00

Yesterday we went to Fantasy Island on Grand Island. We got half-price tickets through my youngest son’s school. Its fun taking my kids to a place I visit when I was a kid.

The kids spent a lot of time at the waterpark, especially in the wave pool. We had a hard time getting them out of the waterpark to go on rides. I was surprised that my son (age 8) rode on the Silver Comet alone with this friend…and they sat in the front seat. He’s braver than me.

We even tried the canoes. Although my daughter and I had a bit of trouble maneuvering it and it started pouring when we got in the canoe, so we got drenched. We of course had to see the shootout, a must see when you visit Fantasy Island.

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

2010-06-16T23:06:00.003-04:00

Last Friday I visited Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston on a field trip with my son's second grade class. While I've been to the shrine many times in the past, it's always fun to see it through the eyes of a child. I hadn't been there for awhile, so it was nice to see the progress of the renovation project.

The shrine is open daily, with free admission. There is a huge gift shop with all sorts of religious articles, like bibles, rosaries, statues, books, and more.

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 1023 Swann Road, Lewiston, NY 716-754-7489 http://www.fatimashrine.com/

Get Ready for Flag Day

2010-06-10T09:56:00.002-04:00

Here's an entry from the blog I write for USA Bird Supply

Flag Day is June 14 and USA Flag Supply, with a retail outlet located within USA Bird Supply in Clarence, carries a selection of flags to help you celebrate this often overlooked holiday, which is a day to honor the history and importance of our United States flag.

While July 4th is the birthday celebration for our country, we set aside June 14 to celebrate the birthday of our flag. Back in 1885, a Wisconsin schoolteacher Bernard Cigrand, had his students celebrate June 14 as “Flag Birthday,” as that was the date back in 1777 that the Continental Congress officially adopted the flag. Cigrand continued to encourage others to celebrate the birthday of the flag.

In 1894, New York State Governor Levi Morton declared that the flag should be displayed on all public buildings. The same year, the American Flag Day Association was formed in Illinois. Flag Day was established and proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and finally, on August 3, 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress declaring June 14th National Flag Day.

Located within USA Bird Supply, USA Flag Supply features official United States flags, as well as the New York State flag, the yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” flag, commonly referred to as the Gadsden flag, after American patriot Christopher Gadsden, and several other types of flags. USA Flag Supply carries nylon, poly/cotton and polyester flags, as well as flagpoles and other flag hardware.

Stop by the retail store at 11163 Main Street, Clarence, NY or visit www.usaflagsupply.com.

New store in Clarence is for the birds, really

2010-06-04T17:22:00.003-04:00

This past weekend USA Bird Supply opened in the former Western New York Events Center building. This shop carries everything a backyard birder would ever need or want. The have a huge selection of birdhouses, from Purple Martin houses to hummingbird feeders. They even have squirrel feeders, to keep those pesky squirrels out of the bird feeder!

They also have bee keeping supplies, a selection of birding and outdoor related books and even have flags in their USA Flag Supply section. Stop by the store at 11163 Main Street in Clarence, just east of Antique World or shop online at their website http://www.seedcake.com/

PS I will be writing for their blog, which can be found on the above website.

Posting comments to this blog

2010-06-04T11:41:00.002-04:00

I always appreciate my readers posting comments to this blog. However, in recent months there have been comments posted in languages other than English. Since this blog is written in English I would request that comments be posted in English only! All comments will now be moderated and if they are not in English, they will not be posted. Thank you.

Good Italian food

2010-05-14T09:34:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday, Mother's Day, we went to dinner at Carmine's in Williamsville. We had a gift card so this was a good opportunity to use it. I'll have to admit that Mother's Day is not the best day to go out to eat. The restaurant was very busy and the service was rather slow. But the food was great, so it was worth the wait.

They had a special Mother's Day menu with only limited selections. I had the seafood pasta, my husband and one of my sons had the chicken parmesan (I had my son's leftovers for lunch the next day!) My other two sons had the spaghetti and meat ball (a really big meat ball, I might add) and my daughter had the turkey dinner. My husband and I split a bottle of Salmon Run Riesling (I always like to order NYS Wine and this one was a Finger Lakes wine) All in all it was a good meal, but we will have to check them out some other time, when they have the full menu available and they aren't so busy.
The also do catering, so I will have to keep them in mind for my next big party.

Carmine's, 4715 Transit Road at Sheridan, Williamsville 716-632-2318 www.carminestogo.com

2010-05-07T15:01:00.002-04:00

I had a business lunch this past week at JoJo Bistro and Wine Bar in Williamsville. It has a really unique looking bar; the walls are of rough stone and then covered with glass and shelves of wine are attached to it.

The menu which is French inspired had a selection of salads, I was tempted to get the California Cobb, but ultimately went with a tomato sandwich, two hefty slabs of whole grain bread stuffed with tomato, romaine, avocado and brie. It was accompanied with what seemed to be homemade potato chips. Very yummy and filling. One of my dining companions also had the tomato sandwich and the other had the margherita wood-fired pizza, which was topped with fresh basil, mozzarella and tomato sauce. I'll have to go back some other time to check out the dinner menu and the wines.

JoJo Bistro and Wine Bar, 5493 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville 716-204-8663 http://www.restaruantjojo.ocm/

They also have another location in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford.

A day at the Karpeles Manuscript Museums

2010-04-20T23:12:00.003-04:00

Since my husband took a few days off from work, we decided to check out a few exhibits we wanted to see at the Karpeles Manuscript Museums in Buffalo. There are nine of these museum in the country, we are fortuante to have two of them in Buffalo.

We first went to the museum on North Street (at the corner of Elmwood Avenue) to see the exhibt on the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. It was a much smaller exhibit than we anticipated. The building itself is very impressive through. The Boy Scout exhibit runs through the end of April.

We then walked down Elmwood and had lunch at Cozumel Grill. Very good Mexican food and BIG portions!

After lunch we drove to the other Karpeles Museum on Porter Avenue. If we were ambitious we could have walked and worked off that lunch! At the Porter Avenue museum we saw the very impressive exhibit "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II & the Jewish People"

We probably spent close to two hours looking at this moving exhibit which chronicled the life of Pope John Paul II, his ties to his Jewish friends, the Holocaust, and more. No matter what your faith, this is a must see exhibit. This exhibit runs through June 30th.

Also at the museum is an exhibit on documents related to the Civil War and another exhibit on the assassination of President William McKinley at the 1901 Pan American Exposition.

For more information call 716-885-4139. Best of all, admission to the Karpeles Museums is free

Sesame Street the Body at Buffalo Museum of Science

2010-04-20T22:53:00.004-04:00

Yesterday me and my husband, along with our two youngest, went to the Buffalo Museum of Science to see Sesame Street the Body. It was a really cute exhibit, my seven year old was fascinated with a huge nose that you could make sneeze, along with an exhibit that showed how the digestive system worked. Since he is a seven year old boy he naturally loved the part that illustrated "poo" (complete with a fart noise no less). There was also a small maze to race through, a little grocery store to "shop" in, and a bunch of other hands on exhibits.

The kids also liked the new hands on exhibits on the third floor.

Sesame Street the Body runs through June 9 and it's included in museum admission. http://www.sciencebuff.org/

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Lockport

2010-04-20T22:44:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday my husband, me and our two youngest children went to see the Wizard of Oz at the Palace Theater in Lockport. It was a very nice and impressive production. There are several more productions this weekend. Thursday April 22 at 10:30 am, Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24 at 7:30pm and Sunday April 25 at 3pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children.

Lockport Palace Theatre, 2 East Avenue Lockport 716-438-1130 http://www.lockportpalacetheatre.com/

Fun outdoors things to do this spring

2010-04-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

Here's some info I received from the folks at Paths, Peaks and Paddles about fun outdoor things to do this spring.

Hi All:
Spring is here where a young man’s and a young woman’s fancy turn to what else but paddling! With this extra nice warm spell that we are having everyone wants to get out on the water. Our phone has been ringing off the hook “are you renting canoes and kayaks yet”? To my dismay I have to say “no we are not set up with our dock in the water yet, that will be happening in mid April”. However, with this blast of unseasonable weather don’t forget the water is still super cold. If you dump without at least a wetsuit on you are in a hypothermic situation yea, yea! I know you are not planning on dumping, no one ever does, but it does happen and always at the most inopportune time. Remember there are only two types of paddlers out there “those that have swam” and “those that will”. Choose your battles wisely! I’m a selfish person; I don’t have time to close the store to go to your wake or funeral.

Please remember:
The new law in New York State you must wear a PFD till May 1st after that you can be stupid and ignorant and not wear one so says NYS.
The hundred degree rule if the air temp and the water temp don’t add up to at least 100 and you tip, dump or swim you will be in a hypothermic situation.

April 2010 Events

Introduction to Kayaking on April 13, 2010
Join in the world’s fastest growing sport. Are you nervous or just plain scared about tipping over? Let us put your fears to rest in the warmth and safety of a pool with many instructors all around you. Learn that kayaks are much more stable than canoes. All equipment is provided. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides. This is a one-night class running from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Williamsville South High School Pool. Cost is $65.00. Please call Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 if you have any questions. Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the KenTon School District Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Kenton School System to sign up. You can sign up by phone at the KenTon Community Education Department. at 716-874-8500. You may also register online through us at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People”

Boom Days on April 17, 2010
Come join us at Boom Days a celebration of spring and the removing of the ice boom on Lake Erie. www.boomdays.com

Kayak & Canoe Safety & Rescue on April 27, 2010
What do I do now? You have bought a paddling craft and you have gone out paddling and then thought WHAT DO I DO IF I TIP OVER!! How do I get back in or how do I get someone else back in? I don’t want to be a statistic! Come join us for a 3-week class and learn to save yourself or someone else. All equipment is provided all you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides.These sessions will be conducted Tuesday evenings at Kenmore East High School, Tonawanda NY from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Classes will run 4/27, 5/4 & 5/11/10. Cost is $145.00Paths, Peaks & Paddles is teaming up with the KenTon Community Education Program to present this session. You do not have to be a member of the KenTon School System to sign up. For your convenience there are several different options that you can choose so you can sign up.Sign up by contacting the Kenton Community Education Office at 716-874-8500.
You may also register online through us at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People”

For more information on the class contact Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 or by email at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com

Tuesday Evening Stress Reducer Paddles Starts on May 4, 2010
Our annual Tuesday Evening STRESS Reducer Paddle continues!
Come join the guides and instructors of PPP every Tuesday evening for a paddle for either relaxation, stress relief or just plain FUN. It beats sitting in front of the tube and definitely beats yard work.
We meet at the store (1000 Ellicott Creek Rd. Tonawanda) at 6:00pm and take a paddling trip on Ellicott Creek up and around the big island.All are welcome; if you have your own boat (canoe or kayak) there is no charge.
It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come join us every week for good conversation and most importantly some fun, after all "You deserve a good paddling".
We have three Rules that we insist on:1. No drugs or alcohol on the water.2. You must wear a PFD properly3. You stay with the groupIf you need to rent one, the cost for a solo boat is only $25.00 per boat or $30.00 for a tandem. The boat rental includes paddle(s) and PFD(s). RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST IF YOU ARE RENTING CALL: 716-213-0350.

Kayak Roll Clinic on May 5, 2010
Learn to ESKIMO ROLL and Handle a Kayak. Join in world’s fastest growing water sport. This class is for you if you want to learn how to roll a kayak for whitewater adventures or learn how to roll a touring kayak. Get introduced to the latest in boats and equipment. TOURING & WHITEWATER ROLLS TAUGHT. All equipment is provided! All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides.4 Week Class on Wednesday Evenings. 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 & 5/26/10 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. $150.00
Class size is small don’t wait to register and be left out in the cold.For Information on the class call: PATHS PEAKS & PADDLES, Inc at 716-213-0350 or email us at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com This class will be held at the Lancaster Central School at 5201 William Street Lancaster, NY Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the Lancaster Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Lancaster School System to sign up. You can sign up on line at: www.lancasterschools.org or by contacting the Lancaster Community Education Office at 716-686-3262 or sign up online at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People” (direct link).

Thursday Evening Stress Reducer Paddles Starts May 6, 2010
Our annual Thursday evening paddle out on Lake Ontario continues! This is a favorite paddling trip for everyone! Come join PPP and the guides and instructors for our Thursday evening STRESS reducer paddle for relaxation, stress relief or just plain FUN. It beats sitting in front of the tube and definitely beats yard work.We meet out in Wilson at the Wilson Tuscarora State Park (Route 18 East of Niagara Falls) at 6:30pm in the back parking lot. We will either take a paddling trip on either the East or West Branch of Twelve Mile Creek. To top off the evening we paddle out to Lake Ontario and watch a spectacular sunset over Toronto 38 Miles away across the lake. The vibrant colors across the sky and mirrored on the lake is breathtaking. Here you can really appreciate Mother Nature and the beauty she shares with us. We have three RULES in which we insist on:1. No drugs or alcohol on the water2. You must wear a PFD properly3. You stay with the groupAll are welcome if you have your own boat (canoe or kayak) there is no charge. If you need to rent one, the cost is only $30.00 per boat solo or $35.00 tandem delivered out to Wilson for you, includes paddle(s) and PFD(s). We will bring the rented boat out to you! RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST IF YOU ARE RENTING
CALL: 716-213-0350. It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come join us every week for a good paddle, conversation and most importantly some FUN. After all "You deserve a good paddling"

National River Clean Up on May 15, 2010
RIVER CLEAN-UP (Ellicott Creek)Rain or ShineThis event runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are looking for volunteers to assist in cleaning up debris on the waterway and banks of Ellicott Creek. Clean up will begin at Parker Blvd and extend down to the NYS 990. We will supply trash bags, gloves and some canoes. All are welcome who have their own canoe or kayak. We will have a cook out back at Paths, Peaks & Paddles following the cleanup. We would like to work as teams starting at Ellicott Creek Rd. and Parker Blvd. This is a great way to help clean up your neighborhood and Western NY. Our past volunteers have been friends, neighbors and scouts. Clean up is conducted on land, along the creek bank and the waterway of Ellicott Creek. Please sign up ASAP if you are willing to participate with the clean up.To sign up please contact Paths, Peaks and Paddles at 213-0350 or by emailing us at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com

Yours in the outdoors,
Oren D. Barris
Paths Peaks & Paddles, Inc.
"The Candy Store for Outdoor People"
1000 Ellicott Creek Rd.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Ph: 716-213-0350
Fax: 716-213-0351
www.pathspeakspaddles.com
pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com

“In twenty years, you will be more
disappointed by the things you didn't do,
than by the things you did.
So throw off the bowlines.... Explore, Dream, Discover…”
Mark Twain 1879

Maple Weekend

2010-03-18T13:14:00.004-04:00

This weekend and next head out to celebrate Maple Weekend. It's a lot of fun visiting the local sugaring houses and seeing how maple syrup is made. There are hundreds of places to choose from all over the state. Dates are March 20-21, 27-28 10am-4pm each day. For more info. see http://www.mapleweekend.com/

More Maple Fun

Beaver Meadow Audubon Center will be having a Maple Harvest Festival March 20-21 from 9am-4pm daily. Enjoy seeing maple sugar made the way Native Americans did, taste sugar on snow, take a nature walk, and enjoy pancake breakfast.

Admission is $7 adults, $5 children 12 and under, under 3 free. Admission includes pancake breakfast.

1610 Welch Road, North Java 1-800-377-1520.

Also this weekend

The New York State Regional Park Interpretive Programs office (Niagara region) will offer Maple sugaring 101 at Evangola State Park Saturday March 20 from 2-4pm. It is a hands-on outdoor presentation. Must pre-register 716-826-8895

New website

2010-03-12T11:50:00.003-05:00

I've been busy updating my new website www.westernnewyorkexplorersguide.com It's still a work in progress, but check it out. I still have to add photos and play around with the layout, but all the information is there. Plus I have to figure out all this SEO stuff, and put in meta tags and such.

My old website (http://explorewny.home.att.net) is no longer functional. ATT is doing some updates with their internet services and decided not to support the free webpages anymore.

Feel free to e-mail me any comments about the blog or website explorewny@att.net

I'm also on Facebook as WNY Explorer's Guide and on Twitter as www.twitter.com@WNYEG

Sledding at Chestnut Ridge Park

2010-03-03T19:39:00.004-05:00

This past Saturday we headed to Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park to go sledding with my youngest son's Cub Scout Pack. Even though only a few families showed up, we had a great time. It wasn't too crowded so the kids could go down the hill multiple times. My daughter even convinced me to go down the hill a couple times...going down was fine, it was walking back up that was a pain!

One of the other families brought a wooden toboggan, since the newly refurbished toboggan chutes were open. The kids and my husband tried it out. I would have tried it out, but alas, they closed the chutes at 4:00 and we ran out of time. Maybe next time. We brought hot cocoa and snacks, but they also have a concession stand in the large casino building on the top of the hill.

Chestnut Ridge Park, 6121 Chestnut Ridge, Orchard Park 716-662-3290

Snowshoeing at Bond Lake

2010-02-23T14:57:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday my daughter and I went on a snowshoe hike at Bond Lake Park, which was organized by the folks at Paths, Peaks and Paddles. We had breakfast cooked in a dutch oven and then set out with about 30 other people for a hike through the snowy woods. They have a few more weekly snowshoe hikes set for the next few Tuesday evenings, while the snow lasts.

For more information about those and other programs offered by Paths, Peaks and Paddles, see http://www.pathspeakspaddles.com/ or call 716-213-0350

Fun at the Strong Museum

2010-02-23T14:12:00.004-05:00

Last week the kids were off from school and one day we headed to Rochester to visit the Strong Museum of Play, one of our favorite places. Even my older two sons, ages 17 and 19 decided to come. The current exhibit, The Art of the Brick, is all about Lego building blocks, which they like to play with.

The museum was really crowded, as everyone who had off from school had the same idea. The parking lot was full and we had to park several blocks away. The kids had a great time. We spent about 4 1/2 hours there, could probably have spent more time, but the museum closes at 5 during the week.

Strong Museum of Play, http://www.museumofplay.com/ 585-263-2700, One Manhattan Square, Rochester

President's Day weekend in Mayville

2010-02-11T09:51:00.004-05:00

One of the more fun winter festivals in western New York is taking place this weekend. The President's Days Weekend Winter Festival, formerly known as the Mayville Ice Festival, will take place February 12-14 at Lakeside Park in Mayville.

I have been to this festival a few times in the past and there are lots of fun things to do for the entire family. Some of the events include a polar bear swim, snowboarding and snowshoe demos, kids activities, horse-drawn rides, chili cook-off and more. Of course the main attraction is the ice castle, which is built from blocks of ice cut from Lake Chautauqua. It's been pretty cold, so I think the castle will be a go!

For more information, visit http://www.mayvillechautauquachamber.org/

Something to crow about

2010-02-05T13:46:00.002-05:00

Here's a press release about an upcoming event at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

The Uncommon Crow: A Hidden Life" lecture with Kevin McGowan
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Program at 7:00
An informal reception for Kevin will begin at 6 PM.

You've seen them in your yard. You've heard them in the trees. Now here's a chance to learn a little more about one of the most conspicuous year-round residents of Western New York, the American Crow.

You're invited to attend a free illustrated lecture called "The Uncommon Crow: A Hidden Life" with Cornell University ornithologist Kevin McGowan on Saturday, February 13th at 7 PM at the Peterson Institute.

Kevin, affiliated with both the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and The Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, will talk about some of the fascinating but often overlooked aspects of crow life. Kevin has tracked hundreds of crows near and around Ithaca, New York by banding and wing tagging over two decades. His research has made him a world-renowned expert on crow behavior.

He will also briefly touch on his involvement as co-editor of The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State, published in December 2008 by Cornell University Press. The exhibit created from this book, entitled "Mapping the Birds of New York", is currently on view at the Institute, on loan from the New York State Museum in Albany, through February 28, 2010.

Kevin grew up in Ohio, receiving his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in zoology from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in biology from the University of South Florida for his work on the social development of young Florida Scrub-Jays. He came to Cornell University in 1988, and is an elected member of the American Ornithologists' Union.

For more information about Kevin McGowan and his research, please visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/. The Roger Tory Peterson institute is located at 311 Curtis street, Jamestown http://www.rtpi.org/

Thing to do along the Seaway Trail

2010-01-21T18:58:00.002-05:00

Here's a rather long press release I received regarding things to do along the Seaway Trail in January and February.

PRESS RELEASE: Immediate Use 1/5/10
Contact: Teresa Mitchell, 315-646-1000
High and web res jpgs - see http://www.seawaytrail.com/winterfun.html - on request: publicist Kara Lynn Dunn, 315-465-7578, karalynn@gisco.net

Attached: Children learn and practice 18th century military life at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY. The historic fort, located at the junction of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, is reached by traveling the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

Ice Climbing, Polar Bear Dipping, 1812 Battle, Bavaria on the Byway Make 2010 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Winter Fun Tips

Ready to climb sheer faces of vertical ice this winter, go back in time for a leisurely ski through a frosty pioneer village or a sleigh ride past venerable Victorian architecture, or jump into the shocking St. Lawrence River in February for a good cause?

These experiences, Olympian-owned ski slopes and cool places for sleigh riding, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing are in the 2010 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Winter Fun Tips for the 518-mile America’s Byway and National Recreation Trail.

Photograph Spectacular Ice Dunes
Waves surging inland from Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River form spectacular ice dunes all along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail’s shoreline. Presque Isle State Park along Seaway Trail Pennsylvania in Erie is perfect for photographing the dunes and hearty souls ice boating on Presque Isle Bay, or rent cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore 11 miles of natural and groomed trails. The Bay also offers outdoor skating and fishing, but know how to check the ice thickness for safety before stepping out. Check the Winter Report at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/winter/winterb.aspx?park=6200 or call 814-833-7424.

Sleigh Riding and Hot Tubbing
“Lake Effect” snows create Great Lakes Seaway Trail winter playgrounds when cold winds cross the warm freshwaters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Horse-drawn sleigh (or wagon) rides through Chautauqua Institution’s Victorian-era National Historic Landmark landscape in Chautauqua, NY, start at 1 pm and run about every half-hour weekends through January to February 28. Purchase same-day tickets after 12 noon at the Institution bookstore.

Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky dog sled demonstrations, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, winter camping and cooking will be outside at Jamestown’s Audubon Center’s Snowflake Festival on Saturday, February 6, 2010, with live bird, hand-quilting, Master Gardener demos and bluebird box building indoors. A $5 pre-event sale coupon book includes chances for a handmade Swedish afghan and one week of summer day camp for a child of your choice. For details: 716-569-2345 and http://snowflakefestival.wordpress.com/.

Where can you find 27 slopes and trails for crisp wintry downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing followed by a warm, relaxing dip in an outdoor hot tub? Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa, 1405 Old Road, Clymer, NY, 716-355-4141, http://www.pknpk.com.

Send Your Kids to 18th Century Winter Camp
Need your kids to burn energy on their mid-winter break February 16-18? Send them to camp on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. Old Fort Niagara offers three day-long programs for kids to learn how to light a campfire with flint and steel, write with a quill pen, cook a colonial-style meal, snowshoe and race with fur traders. The 8:30am to 4:30pm program includes an 18th-century puppet show and building a model of the historic fort at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Registration is $40 and limited to first 20 children/day. Call 716-745-7611 for details.

Hockey for Heroes in Buffalo
Travel the Great Lakes Seaway Trail to exciting Buffalo Sabres’ National Hockey League action! Military service members from Western NY can apply for “Tickets for Troops” to see a game courtesy of Sabres’ defensemen Chris Butler. Find application online at http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=501129. Not military, call 888-GO-SABRES for tickets.

Gateway to Snow-Cruising and Snow Strolling through Historic Landscapes
Snow-cruising aboard a snowmobile is a refreshing way to experience the byway’s beautiful wintry landscape and its historic architecture. For example, 8 miles west of Albion, NY, ride the only road that passes under the Erie Canal. Culvert Road is a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not highlight. Check out Trailwide snowmobiling and winter trail resources at www.seawaytrail.com

Ancient glaciers helped create a 19th century dolostone wall and extinct waterfall at the Nature Center at Genesee Country Village. On Saturdays and Sundays, for $5-10 rent skis and snowshoes, some small enough for 3-year-olds, to explore 6 miles of trails through chickadee- and deer-filled meadows and woodlands. Enjoy self-guided “snow strolling” 12 noon-4pm past the 40-plus historic buildings representing American pioneer life from 1795 to 1920. Call ahead to 585-538-6822 x262 to confirm conditions are right. Find more details online at www.gcv.org

Bavaria on the Byway
Check out Bavarian Ski Day on January 24, 2010 at Brantling Ski Slopes where now-retired Olympian downhiller Diane Roffe–Steinrotter once trained. The special event features music, traditional Bavarian food and drink: sausage, sauerkraut, German potatoes, German beer and wine. Lift, lesson and rental package is available for $33-$46. You can also snowboard here, 4051 Fish Farm Road, Sodus, NY, 315-331-2365, www.brantling.com

Outdoor Fun Galore
What’s your winter recreation pleasure? Fair Haven Beach State Park on Lake Ontario on Route 104A has it all – from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and winter birdwatching opportunities along trails and 1500 feet of beach. This historic park dates to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built cabins and pavilions here. Call 315-947-5205 or check www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks for details.

Ice Climbing at Salmon River Falls
Play It Again, Salmon; Mate, Spawn & Die; Shale We Climb – all names of ascents, some as high as 100 feet - for ice climbers at Salmon River Falls Natural Area in Altmar, NY. When crisp winter temperatures set, the frozen falls become a mecca for ice climbers. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages the area and requires that climbers observe strict safety precautions and register daily to climb. Call 315-298-7467 for ice conditions – generally best in February-March. Find more details and photos at http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/tn/MoreFun/IceClimbing.aspx.

Are You Crazy? Polar Bear Dipping in the St. Lawrence River
Ready to jump into freezing water for a good cause? The 20th annual Friends of River Hospital Polar Bear Dip is February 27, 2010. Hearty, and harnessed, souls from all over the U.S. will plunge into the St. Lawrence River through a hole cut in the ice off the Rum Runner’s Dock at Bonnie Castle Resort at Alexandria Bay, NY. Minimum entry is $100; funds raised purchase equipment for the hospital. Prizes are awarded for Best Costume, Best Dipping Technique, and Most Money Raised. The Bay’s resort hotels offer preferred or reduced rates. The celebration includes a Feburary 21st Snolf (snow golf) Tournament, and has raised more than $50,000 in a single year. More info: 315-482-5421, kvpeters@ridgeviewtel.us.

On February 20-21, 2010, the British Crown forces will slip across the St. Lawrence River to attack the Americans at Ogdensburg in a recreated battle of the War of 1812. Reenactors bring to life Forsythe’s Rifles Regiment at the future site of the recreation of historic Fort de la Presentation. Watch for details as the event approaches.

To reach Robert Moses State Park at Massena, NY, drive underneath the Eisenhower Lock that allows six-story-tall freighters to travel the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The Park’s Nature Center offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rental for exploring 25 km of tranquil trails along the St. Lawrence River. Park entry is free. Call 315-764-5630 or check http://www.rmspnaturecenter.org/contact_us.html for dates for moonlight skiing, family snowshoe hikes, and indoor “snowy meadow” painting and carving classes.

Learn more about traveling the Great Lakes Seaway Trail in your time, at your pace, in your style at www.seawaytrail.com http://www.seawaytrail.com or call 1-800-SEAWAY-T.

Lunch at the Palette Cafe

2010-01-15T18:07:00.003-05:00

Went out to lunch for my birthday with my friends Mary and Linda to the Palette Cafe in North Tonawanda. This cute little tea room and cafe is part of the Hodge Podge store and art gallery, which is right across the street from the Riviera Theater.

I had the daily special panini, which had a baked chicken breast with avocado and red onions; I also had the mushroom soup. Linda had a chef salad, which had a nice variety of greens, Mary had the mushroom soup and a turkey panini. For dessert, I had the cinnamon roll, served warm, while Mary opted for the lemon bar, which tasted just like lemon meringue pie.

Palette Cafe, 72 Webster Street (in Hodge Podge) 716-694-4091