Thursday, October 23, 2008

Chautauqua Suites: a great place to get away to

I attended a meeting last week at the Chautauqua Inn and Suites and was really impressed with what I saw. The AAA Diamond Hotel, which overlooks Chautauqua Lake, has 91 guest rooms, including several two-room suites. I had a tour of the facility and the guest rooms looked nice, as did the banquet facility and restaurant. The food was really good too. I think that this would make a great place for a mini-vacation or weekend getaway any time of year.

They're located at 215 West Lake Road, Mayville. For more information call 716-269-7829 or e-mail stay@chautauquasuites.com

Halloween trick or treat at Amherst Museum

Children ages 3 – 10 will trick-or-treat at the Amherst Museum’s gently spooky, historic buildings Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. Each of the buildings will be decorated, but not frightening, for Halloween. Costumed volunteers will hand out candy and prizes to the children as they follow the route around the grounds. Children and their parents will finish trick-or-treating with refreshments. This is a popular annual event and tickets sell out quickly.

Admission is $4 for Adults, $7.00 for Children and reservations are required. Call 716-689-1440 for information and tickets.

The Museum is open to the public Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Open year-round, Amherst Museum is located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, corner of New Road, in Amherst, midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The Museum is just minutes from I-990 or Millersport and Transit Road. Visit the Museum at www.amherstmuseum.org .

Amherst Museum

3755 Tonawanda Creek Road

Amherst, NY 14228

Phone: (716) 689-1440

Fax: (716) 689-1409

Queen of Bingo at Fredonia Opera

Here's another press release for an event at the Fredonia Opera House.

The Queen of Bingo is a Real Hoot! –

Zany, Interactive Comedy to Play Fredonia Opera House



FREDONIA – In the tradition of the hilarious Harvey Korman/Tim Conway sketches from the classic “Carol Burnett Show,” the 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the hit stage comedy The Queen of Bingo, hailed as a real “hoot” by the “Sacramento News and Review,” on Friday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.

Sis and Babe are two sisters “on the other side of 50,” who want to add a little zest, fun and excitement to their lives … but where to find it? BINGO! Sis is a good loser who just loves to play; Babe is a player who must always win. Sis is fit and trim; Babe fights the battle of the bulge. Sis is a widow; Babe is still looking for love. Together, these seemingly opposite siblings will keep you in stitches.

In this interactive comedy the audience gets to join in on the fun during the “Middle Bird Special” – a real Bingo game where one lucky audience member wins a 10-pound frozen turkey! Theatergoers of all ages will howl with laughter as two zany guys (portraying two crazy gals) light up the stage in this madcap comedy hit.

Written by Jeanne Michels and Phyllis Murphy, “The Queen of Bingo” had its world premiere in November 1993 at Chicago’s Buckingham Theatre and opened off-Broadway at the Greenwich House Theatre in November 1996. The show began a national tour in October 2004 which continues through the Opera House performance and beyond.

Shane Partlow, who plays Sis, has been starring in “The Queen of Bingo’s” national tour for the past two seasons. He also has appeared in numerous notable stage productions including “Superzeros” with Noah Wylie’s Blank Theatre Company and “The Sunshine Boys” starring Dick Van Patten & Frank Gorshin at Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre. He also has the distinction of playing “Roper” in 22 separate productions of “The Will Rogers Follies” with such stars as John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Perry Stephens and John Davidson.

Partlow also has appeared on television on the hit series “Will & Grace” and “Gilmore Girls.” His feature film work includes roles in the low-budget cult classic “Beauty Queen Butcher” and more recently in “Princess Diaries 2” and in “Georgia Rule” with Jane Fonda and directed by Garry Marshall.

Rowan Joseph stars as Babe. Joseph has worked with seven Academy Award-winning best actors during the course of his diverse career, including Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Spacey, Holly Hunter, Geraldine Page, F. Murray Abraham, Julie Andrews and the legendary Katharine Hepburn. His off-Broadway credits include Soroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” and Gorky’s “Children of the Sun” at the Mirror Repertory Company and in the New York premiere of “The Queen of Bingo.” In Los Angeles, he has played in the Falcon Theatre production of “An Evening with Jack Klugman.” He made his big screen debut as used car salesman Ralphy Newman in the feature film “Raising Helen” starring Kate Hudson. He also played Lord Periot in Disney’s box office hit “The Princess Diaries 2.” On television, he has played guest-starring roles on “Gilmore Girls,” “Arrest & Trial” and “Boston Legal.
Variety calls “The Queen of Bingo” a “terrific group outing, suitable for the entire family!” and says “the laughs are plenty.” The Chicago Tribune calls it “a 90-minute charmer!” Tickets to this one night only-comedy are selling fast at $22 Reserved Seating ($20 for seniors and $18 for Opera House members). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.

This performance is part of the DFT Communications Spotlight Series, sponsored by DFT Communications. It also is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org

Julie Zickefoose at RTPI

Here's a press release from the RTPI

RTPI Presents: Writer, Artist and Naturalist Julie Zickefoose

69 original works of art from her book

Letters From Eden

October 25, 2008 - January, 2009

Artist’s reception October 25th at 5:00 PM

Julie Zickefoose-writer, artist and naturalist

"I am a writer, artist and naturalist at home in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio...I have finally convinced myself that hiking in the woods is my work. Naturally, I love my job." - from Julie's bio at www.juliezickefoose.com

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute welcomes the artwork of Julie Zickefoose beginning on Saturday, October 25, 2008. This unique exhibit, based on her book entitled Letters From Eden, will give visitors a look into this exceptional compilation of essays and original artwork that document Julie’s experiences within nature, based on her daily walks and observations near her home in Southern Ohio.

An artist’s reception and free public program will be held at the Institute on October 25th starting at 5 PM.

A short biography, taken from Julie's website, www.juliezickefoose.com reads, "I am a writer, artist and naturalist at home in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio. Every day, I roam our 80-acre wildlife sanctuary, and every day I find something new. This deep relationship with the land is the wellspring for my writing and art. Since 1896, I've made a living from natural history illustration and writing. I'm writing and illustrating my own books now, providing commentary for National Public Radio, and bringing the natural world to many readers with a daily web log. I have finally convinced myself that hiking in the woods is my work. Naturally, I love my job."

Julie began her career as a field biologist for the Nature Conservancy. She eventually became a magazine and book illustrator. Then, her work shifted to illustrating her own stories, taken from experiences with wild birds and animals. She has had more than forty articles and seventeen cover paintings published by Bird Watcher's Digest magazine since 1986.

What others say about Julie...

“Julie's writing is like the song of a Swainson's Thrush: it's utterly natural, it's beautiful, and it climbs to a higher plane. I wish I could write like that.” - Kenn Kaufman, author of Lives of North American Birds and the Kaufman Focus Guide to North American Birds

“Step into Julie Zickefoose’s world, and you feel as if all your senses have come suddenly alive. Julie welcomes the reader on a vivid, vicarious journey out to the country. She’s wonderful company.” - Melissa Block, cohost of NPR’s All Things Considered

“It’s hard to say what part of Letters from Eden is more effortless and magical – Julie Zickefoose’s fluid writing or the drip and swirl of her watercolors and field sketches, which together bring the Appalachian foothills to surging, riotous, fascinating life. There is joy in this book, and humor, and a great deal of wisdom, the clear-eyed wisdom of a woman who knows the land in all its moods, hard and soft by turns, and always surprising. Letters from Eden is a glorious delight.” - Scott Weidensaul, author of Return to Wild America

Letters from Eden will be featured at RTPI through January, 2009.
Julie’s book is available in the RTPI Nature Store.

Visit Julie’s website at www.juliezickefoose.com .

For more information about this or other exhibits at RTPI call (716) 665-2473 ext. 232, 800-758-6841, visit www.rtpi.org , or email janejohnson@rtpi.org

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is located at 311 Curtis Street in Jamestown.

Beer & Wine Fest at Peek'n Peak

Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa to host Beer & Wine Festival

Findley Lake, N.Y., October 16, 2008 – Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will host its annual Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2008. The festival will take place from 3 to 7 pm and will feature a combination of microbreweries, and local & regional wineries. Breweries scheduled to attend include Magic Hat, Southern Tier, Erie Brewing Co., Flying Bison Brewery, Great Lakes Brewing Co., Saranac and several others.

Peek’n Peak is pleased to feature new wineries from the Finger Lakes Region including Heron Hill Winery, Catharine Valley Winery and Four Chimneys Organic Winery. Local favorites from the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail will also participate including Mazza Chautauqua, Noble Winery, Quincy Cellars and several others.

Tickets are $25 pre-sale and $30 day of the event. This includes a tasting glass and 25 sampling tickets. You must be 21 years or older to attend the event. Tickets may be purchased online at pknpk.com or at your local Wegmans.

Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will once again host America’s only ski slope Trail of Lights November 23 – December 23, 2008. Guests ride chairlifts and are taken high above fourteen separate themed areas of large colorful and animated light displays. The twenty minute ride will leave guests with an everlasting memory of Peek’n Peak! Tickets are $5 per person; rides will be available Wednesday-Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Special group and fundraiser options are available.

For more information about these upcoming events and more, visit pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141.

About Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa
Established in 1964, Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, in Findley Lake, NY, is a regional destination for golf and snow sports, 30 minutes east of Erie, PA and 30 minutes west of Jamestown, NY. The resort features two highly acclaimed golf courses, 27 ski slopes and trails, 10 miles of cross country terrain, exquisite day spa, fine dining, and a vast selection of accommodations and other amenities, as well as a prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating. Each year, the Peek welcomes over 450,000 visitors. For more information, visit www.PKnPK.COM.

Man on Wire at Fredonia Opera House

Opera House Cinema Series to Feature “Man on Wire”

FREDONIA – The fascinating documentary “Man on Wire” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Oct. 25, at 8 p.m. and again Tues., Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m.

On Aug. 7, 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out onto a wire illegally rigged between New York’s World Trade Center towers, then the world’s tallest buildings. After nearly an hour walking, dancing and kneeling on the wire suspended 1,350 feet above Manhattan, Petit was arrested, taken for psychological evaluation and brought to jail before he was finally released.

Petit had spent six and a half years dreaming of the towers and eight months planning the execution of his daring walk. Aided by a team of friends and accomplices, Petit overcame numerous challenges: he had to find a way to bypass the World Trade Center’s security, smuggle the heavy steel cable ad rigging equipment into the towers, pass the wire between the two rooftops, anchor the wire and tension it to withstand the wind and the swaying of the buildings. The rigging was done by night in complete secrecy. At 7:15 a.m., Petit took his first step onto the high wire 110 stories above the sidewalks of the city.

John Marsh’s documentary brings Petit’s extraordinary adventure to life through the testimony of Petit himself, and some of the co-conspirators who helped him create the unique and magnificent spectacle that became known as “the artistic crime of the century.”

The film is one of those rarities that scores a full 100% on Rotten Tomatoes’ critic summary. Carrie Rickey of the Philadelphia Inquirer calls the film “a heart-stopping, knee-buckling and transcendent account.” Peter Howell in the Toronto Star calls it “a celebration of human achievement. It soars with the promise that we are shackled to the ground only by lack of imagination and will.” Ty Burr of the Boston Globe calls it “a spine-tingling memorial to recklessness as art.” A.O. Scott of the New York Times calls it “thorough, understated and altogether enthralling.” Rated PG-13 for some sexuality, nudity and drug references, “Man on Wire” runs 94 minutes.

Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. The Series continues with “Burn After Reading” on Nov. 1 & 4; “Bottle Shock” on Nov. 8 & 11; “The Duchess” on Nov. 15 & 18 and “Flash of Genius” on Nov. 22 & 25.

Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org

Discover the Shoppe on Main in Newfane

Fall is here and Shoppe On Main is ready
to help you decorate outside, inside and all around your home.
Our artists have brought in their very best for your Thanksgiving table;
jewelry for your fall wardrobe, scarves to ward off the cold
and tea to warm you by the fire. If you love to knit or crochet,
you must stop by to see all the new yarns
we now carry. Lisa has brought in new yarn from different companies,
if you do not see what you are looking for, ask and we can order.

We have a full calendar of classes going on:

October 22, 6:30pm "Fresh Floral in a Pumpkin" $25

October 23, 6:30pm Beaded Bracelet Class $15

November 5, 5pm-9pm Ladies' Night Out
"Getting Ready for the Holidays" $35

November 12 monthly wine & book club

Nov. 13, 6:30pm Dried Hydrangea Wreath Class $40

November 22-23 10am-5pm Holiday Art Trail (stop by for trail map)

Nov. 22 5-7pm Holiday Meet The Artist Evening
with free wine tasting from
Schulze Winery and jam & jelly tasting from
Murphy Orchards and Blackman Farms

Dec. 5, 5:30-8pm Holiday Light Up & Parade

Yoga every Sunday & Tuesday 7 - 8:15pm

Crochet lessons every Thursday $5 3:30pm, 4:30pm

Each Month Shoppe On Main will showcase two of our artists. October
features artists of the month: Greta Spring, of Spring Bead Design Greta
designs beaded jewelry of all types. Greta teaches beading classes at Shoppe
On Main. Julie Szurgot, of Jewels of the Earth, specializes in pyrography.
Come in to learn how these artists got started and see their newest fall
pieces.

Shoppe on Main Street
2714 Main Street, Newfane
778-5273
www.ShoppeOnMain.com

Events at the Riviera Theater


Here's a press release I got from the folks at the Riviera Theater on Webster Street in North Tonawanda.

Don't miss out on any of the great events scheduled over the next 10 days at the Riviera Theatre.

Agatha Christie's Play "Mousetrap" continues this week and great seats are still available but going fast!

On Tuesday the 28th at 7:00pm we are showing the original 1922 silent film "Nosferatu" starring Max Schreck with live organ accompaniment provided by Ivan Docenko on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Then at 9:00pm we are showing the original 1925 silent film "The Phantom of the Opera" starring Lon Chaney with live organ accompaniment provided by Bruce Woody.

On Wednesday the 29th you won't want to miss O'Connell & Company's "Diva by Diva, A Celebration of Women", WNY's longest running show in it's 9th year.

On Thursday the 30th join us for “Ghostlights:Folklore, Skepticism and Belief,” The evening will begin with a Haunted Happy Hour cash bar from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by the screening of the film at 8 p.m., and a Q&A session with the filmmakers at the conclusion of the film. “Ghostlights” examines ghost stories told by theater personnel from six performance spaces in WNY that claim to be haunted, including The Riviera Theatre, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, The Ghostlight Theatre, The Town Ballroom, The Lancaster Opera House, and The Allendale Theatre. The film also features two paranormal groups investigating the theaters, Erie County Ghost Hunters and Niagara Falls Paranormal.

On Friday the 31st you will want to be here for one of the sexiest, gender-bending Halloween parties of the season, "THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE PARTY". Doors open @ 9:00 PMFeaturing Performances By:· Eye Candy Burlesque· Ladies of Club Marcella· DJ spinning a Halloween groove· Dancing onstage· Costume Contest and Prizes for best Rocky themed and best overall · Cash barFull Audience Participation movie event with Live Cast begins at Midnight. Shown in the tradition of the cult classic but better!Props will be available for sale at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the historic Riviera Theatre.

Check out all of these great shows and more on our website. http://www.vendini.com/e/rd.php?id=6930757&cid=8152&u=http://www.rivieratheatre.org.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Niagara by Design-Doors Open Niagara

Check out the annual Doors Open Niagara this weekend October 18-19. There are many sites on both sides of the border, some not normally open to the public, that will be participating in this event. Some are museums, some are architecturally significant buildings, or just places of interest. It's a nice opportunity to see places not normally viewed by the general public or to get into museum free that you would normally have to pay admission to. Sites are located in Erie, Niagara and Orlean County in New York and in several towns in Southern Ontario. For compete information, visit http://www.doorsopenniagara.com/ or call 888-849-5834,

Events at Peek'n Peak

Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa to host Beer & Wine Festival


Findley Lake, N.Y., October 16, 2008 – Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will host its annual Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2008. The festival will take place from 3 to 7 pm and will feature a combination of microbreweries, and local & regional wineries. Breweries scheduled to attend include Magic Hat, Southern Tier, Erie Brewing Co., Flying Bison Brewery, Great Lakes Brewing Co., Saranac and several others. Peek’n Peak is pleased to feature new wineries from the Finger Lakes Region including Heron Hill Winery, Catharine Valley Winery and Four Chimneys Organic Winery. Local favorites from the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail will also participate including Mazza Chautauqua, Noble Winery, Quincy Cellars and several others.

Tickets are $25 pre-sale and $30 day of the event. This includes a tasting glass and 25 sampling tickets. You must be 21 years or older to attend the event. Tickets may be purchased online at pknpk.com or at your local Wegmans.

This weekend, October 18 & 19 from 12 to 5pm is the final weekend to enjoy Fall Fest at Peek’n Peak. The event features 90 crafters, a farmer’s market, ski lift rides to enjoy the fall foliage, Frisbee Dogs, kid’s activities and crafts, a pumpkin cannon, a rail jam on Saturday beginning at 1pm with three winter movie premieres starting at 5pm and more. Admission to the event is free.

Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will once again host America’s only ski slope Trail of Lights November 23 – December 23, 2008. Guests ride chairlifts and are taken high above fourteen separate themed areas of large colorful and animated light displays. The twenty minute ride will leave guests with an everlasting memory of Peek’n Peak! Tickets are $5 per person; rides will be available Wednesday-Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Special group and fundraiser options are available.

For more information about these upcoming events and more, visit www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141.

About Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa

Established in 1964, Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, in Findley Lake, NY, is a regional destination for golf and snow sports, 30 minutes east of Erie, PA and 30 minutes west of Jamestown, NY. The resort features two highly acclaimed golf courses, 27 ski slopes and trails, 10 miles of cross country terrain, exquisite day spa, fine dining, and a vast selection of accommodations and other amenities, as well as a prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating. Each year, the Peek welcomes over 450,000 visitors. For more information, visit www.PKnPK.COM.

November events sponsored by GVCA

Here's a press release I received from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts

Arts & Cultural Events for November 2008

Provided by: Genesee Valley Council on the Arts

4 Murray Hill Drive, Mount Morris NY 14510

585/243-6785 * mail@gvcaonline.org

Full calendar available at www.gvcaonline.org/calendar



These events are Genesee Valley Council on the Arts’ programs or are funded in part by the New York State Decentralization Regrant Program, administered by the GVCA.



Tuesdays Needles at Noon
12-1pm. Location: Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, Livingston County Campus, 4 Murray Hill Drive, Mount Morris. Needleworkers are invited to bring their handiwork (and brown bag lunch if desired) to the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts' offices each Tuesday for an hour of conversation and sharing. Free/open to the public. Information: 585/243-6785, mail@gvcaonline.org

1-29 Trisha Koomen Exhibit: "Vessel 11: Heal(th)"
12-7pm Saturday, 12-4pm Sunday. Location: School House Pottery, 5569 East Avon Road, Routes 5&20, East Avon. Trisha's passions—nursing and art—create work that is visually interesting, intellectually provocative, and not without a sense of humor. Layers of Living: Therapeutic and other comments on the notion of personal health. A Series in Clay. Opening reception: Nov. 1, 5-7pm. Free/open to the public. Information: Mike Carroll, 226-3030

3-21 Capstone Exhibition
8:30am-9pm Monday-Thursday; 8:30am-4:30pm Friday; 8:30am-noon Saturday. Location: Genesee Community College, Robert Hart Drive (Zerfass Road & Route 63), Dansville. Group exhibition of upcoming Mini Gallery Program participants: Avon High School Art Club, Barbara Haritonoff, Mary Skillings and Tamara Stopinski. Free/open to the public. Information: Salome Farraro, 585.243.6785, salome@gvcaonline.org

3-26 GVCA's Mini-Gallery Program
9am-3pm Monday-Wednesday; 9am-closing Thursday & Friday. Artists display their work at KeyBank in Geneseo, Five Star Bank and Community Bank in Mount Morris, and M&T Bank in Nunda. This rotation includes Bob Oswald (Five Star Bank), Anne Clements (KeyBank), Liesl Gaesser (M&T Bank), and Sally Sakshaug (Community Bank). Free/open to the public. Information: Salome Farraro, 585/243-6785, salome@gvcaonline.org

7&8 Artful Holidays Art & Fine Craft Show & Sale
10am-6pm Friday; 10am-4pm Saturday. Location: The Campus House, 17 Main Street, Geneseo. Genesee Valley Council on the Arts' annual fundraiser featuring work by regional artists, fine crafters and food artisans. Something for everyone, for the upcoming holidays and other gift-giving. Visa and MasterCard accepted. $3 admission donation benefits GVCA's Young Artists Program; free parking; building fully accessible. Information: 585/243-6785, mail@gvcaonline.org

19 Application Deadline for Dick Smith Young Artists Grant
5pm. Applications must be delivered to Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, 4 Murray Hill Drive, Mount Morris NY 14510. Information: Chris Norton, 585.243.6785, chris@gvcaonline.org

21 Capstone Exhibition Closing Reception
5:30-6:30pm Friday. Location: Genesee Community College, Robert Hart Drive (Zerfass Road and Route 63), Dansville. Group exhibition of upcoming Mini Gallery Program participants. Features: Avon High School Art Club, Barbara Haritonoff, Mary Skillings and Tamara Stopinski. Light refreshments served. Free/open to the public. Information: Salome Farraro, 585.243.6785, salome@gvcaonline.org

###

Storytelling Festival at Fredonia Opera House

Fredonia Storytelling Festival to Feature Noted Storyteller Willy Claflin

FREDONIA – Spoken word performances are drawing crowds in recent years thanks to events like poetry slams and hip-hop inspired jams. But the forerunner of all these events – good, old-fashioned storytelling – also is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity.

Willy Claflin, one of the country’s finest storytellers, will headline this year’s Fredonia Storytelling Festival at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Oct. 17 & 18. Claflin will be featured in a special free storytelling program for kids and an evening Storytelling Cabaret for adults. He also will offer a master class for tellers looking to hone their craft.

“Engage your imagination” is the underlying theme of the Festival. “After all, that’s what storytelling is all about,” says Rick Davis, Fredonia Opera House executive director. “Whether it’s to a child at bedtime, to a neighbor over the back fence or to an audience in a concert setting, storytelling is putting the imagination into words.”

Big Fish
The Festival kicks off on Friday, Oct. 17 with a special screening of the movie “Big Fish” at 7 p.m. In the movie, Will Bloom (Billy Crudup) returns to his family home in Alabama, having spent the past three years not talking to his father, Edward (Albert Finney). Dying, Edward recounts his life story in his own unique, exaggerated way, full of fantastic events. As Will tries to get to know his father and find the truth, he discovers that his father did indeed lead an extraordinary life and that his storytelling was his finest achievement.
The film also is part of Family Night at the Movies which features films based on books. “This film initially was scheduled as part of our Family Night Movie Series, but because a central focus of the movie is a father’s stories to his son, we thought it would be a great way to kick off this year’s Storytelling Festival,” says Davis. Admission is free.

Out of Thin Air: Making up Your Own Stories
In the master class “Out of Thin Air,” Claflin presents storytellers with a fool-proof recipe for cooking up their own original stories. Participants make lists of problems and characters (both human and animal), cut them up and shuffle them, pick random combinations and set their protagonists out to seek their fortunes. With unexpected plots in hand, a series of games and exercises add detail. And finally, tellers learn how to tell the tale in a confident fashion without having to memorize every word. This class is limited to 25 participants and will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9 a.m. The cost is $25.

Willy Claflin & Friends
In “Willy Claflin & Friends” Claflin and his sidekick, Maynard Moose, entertain the kid in all of us. A teacher in the 1960s and 70s known for his creative curriculum, Claflin created and utilized puppets; Maynard Moose, Boring Beaver, Socklops, Dr. Al and Gorf all invaded his classroom persona and made great teaching assistants. These puppets later criss-crossed the country as Claflin began his professional storytelling career.
This family storytelling event will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 18, and will feature some of Claflin’s most requested stories for family audiences. Admission is free, but tickets are required.


A Storytelling Cabaret
Capping off the Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. is A Storytelling Cabaret. Hosted by Doug Manly, this adults-only event features Claflin and includes regional storytellers Dennis Collins and Sharon Holley in an evening of wild and witty stories designed to tickle your funny bone and make you laugh out loud. The $10 ticket includes a post-show reception with the storytellers and light refreshments.

Claflin is a nationally recognized storyteller with a long list of credits. He has released nine recordings which have earned a combined total of two Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, two Storytelling World Awards, a National Parenting Publications Gold Award, a recognition by the American Library Association as a Notable Children’s Recording and a citation as a Recommended Release in Billboard Magazine.

In 2001, Claflin was in Jakarta, Indonesia, for a residency at the International School. That fall he was a headliner at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., where he returned as a featured teller in 2002, 2004 and 2006. In 2007, he headlined National Story Night which kicks off the Festival.

A hit at regional festivals all over the country and at the International Storytelling Festival in Cape Clear, Ireland, Claflin continues performing in concert venues and schools. Students of his from every corner of the globe have become teachers and storytellers, perpetuating his love of story and absurdity.

Manly is the former CEO of RHM Grocery Products, which owned Red Wing and three other food processing companies. A resident of Fredonia for more than 50 years, he became interested in doing stand-up comedy for retirement communities four years ago and has served as emcee of cabaret events for the Storytelling Festival for the past several years.

Collins is a retired elementary teacher, with experience telling stories for audiences ranging from preschool children to senior citizens. As a storyteller, he has toured libraries, schools and summer camps in New York and Pennsylvania for 15 years. Collins tells stories for all ages that attempt to unite, heal and illustrate the connection between people.

Holley is a storyteller and librarian who also performs with Karima Amin as part of “We All Storytellers.” Originally from High Springs, Fla., she is responsible for city branches and outreach services of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. A founding and performing member of Spin-a-Story-Tellers of Western New York and Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western New York, she is also a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, for which she has served on the Board of Directors.

Portions of the Fredonia Storytelling Festival are sponsored by the D.R. Barker Library and the Fredonia Teachers Association and by Ann & Doug Manly. Tickets for all events may be reserved or purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.

Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org.

"Big Fish" at Fredonia Opera House

Opera House to Screen “Big Fish” FREE as part of Family Night at the Movies

FREDONIA – The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the feature film “Big Fish” on Fri., Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the D.R. Barker Library as part of Family Night at the Movies, admission to the film is FREE.

Family Night at the Movies features films based on or that inspire books for children. The series was developed as a way for adults to share the excitement of reading and great family entertainment with the children in their lives. The Book Nook has donated several copies of the book, which will be given away in a drawing before the film.

The film also serves as a kick off to the Fredonia Storytelling Festival. “This film initially was scheduled as part of our Family Night Movie Series, but because a central focus of the movie is a father’s stories to his son, we thought it would be a great way to kick off this year’s Storytelling Festival,” says Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis.

“Big Fish” is a 2003 fantasy drama, directed by Tim Burton. Loosely based on the novel, “Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions,” the film stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Steve Buscemi, Helen Bonham Carter, Marion Cotillard, Danny DeVito and a host of others.

In the story, Will Bloom (Crudup) returns to his family home in Alabama after having spent the past three years not talking to his father, Edward (Finney). Dying, Edward recounts his life story in his own unique, exaggerated way, full of fantastic events (portrayed in the flashbacks by McGregor). As Will tries to get to know his father and find the truth, he discovers that his father did indeed lead an extraordinary life and that his storytelling was his finest achievement.

Random drawings at the start of each film award gift bags to lucky winners. The bags not only include copies of the book on which the movie is based, but other related prizes as well. For “Big Fish” the prizes also include storytelling and children's CDs and DVDs.

For more information, contact the Opera House at 716/679-1891 or visit www.fredopera.org. Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported, not-for-profit organization located in the Village Hall in downtown Fredonia

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Fall Festivals this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? The weather is suppose to be picture perfect. My favorite fall festivals include the annual Ellicottville Fall Festival, which will take place Oct. 11-12 in the village of Ellicottville. It features crafts, rides, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Contact the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce for more information 800-349-9099.

Another one of my favorites is the 33rd annual Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show, held at the Highbanks Recreation area at Letchworth State Park Oct. 11-13 from 10-5 each day. There will be over 300 vendors. Admission to the park is $6 per car. for more information call 585-237-3517

Gem and Mineral show at Rock City Park in Olean

Contact: Rock City Park
Phone: 886-404-ROCK
Fax: (716) 373-3601
E-Mail: rockcitypark@hotmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROCK CITY PARK TO HOST GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SHOW OCT. 12 & 13

Olean, New York- 9/24/08

Olean, New York- Rock enthusiast from all around will get the opportunity to view, purchase and learn about rare and common rocks found across the world at the 1st annual Rock City Park Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show on Sunday, October 12th and Monday, October 13th.

Show hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Rock City Park 505 Route 16 South, Olean, New York. General Park admission of $4.50 per person will include Gem Show. Group and senior discounts applied at entrance.

The show will include vendors displaying rocks, gems, minerals, jewelry, rock information and much, much more. Park and Gem Show available to the general public.

Rock City Park is home to one of the largest natural displays of quartz conglomerate in the world and attracts thousands of global visitors each year. For vendor registration please contact Theresa Smith at rockcitypark@hotmail.com or (716) 560-8562. Park information, history, directions and general rates can be found on our website at www.rockcitypark.com or contact us at 866-404-ROCK or (716) 372-7790.

Parkside Walking tour on Saturday Oct. 11

Parkside Community Association's

Architectural & Historical Walking Tour of Parkside

Contact: Kathleen Peterson

Address: 2318 Main Street

Phone: 838-1240

Email: pca2318main@verizon.net

URL: www.parksidebuffalo.org


The Parkside Community Association and Buffalo Tours presents an approximately 2 hour guided walking tour of the historic Parkside neighborhood on Saturday, October 11, beginning at 10 am, rain or shine. Learn about the architecture, lifestyle, and history of this fascinating area. The walk is easy, the pace leisurely. Many of the historic structures and landmarks in the neighborhood are highlighted, including the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Pierce Arrow Building. Walk past beautifully manicured gardens and learn to appreciate the different architecture. As breathtaking as North Buffalo is, few visitors ever get a chance to experience the real beauty and history of its neighborhoods. This walking tour begins at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 96 Jewett Parkway. Admission to the tour is $10. Payment can be made by cash or check the morning of the tour. For further information, contact the Parkside Community Association at 838-1240 during normal business hours.

Walking tour admissions support the continuing work of the Parkside Community Association and Buffalo Tours.

Peek 'n Peak fall festival Oct. 11-12, 18-19

1405 Olde Road . PO Box 360

Findley Lake, NY 14736-0360

716-355-4141 . PKnPK.COM


Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa to host 21st annual fall festival


Findley Lake, N.Y., October 3, 2008 – Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will host their 21st annual Fall Festival on October 11-12 and October 18-19. This popular event runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and activities for the entire family!

The festivities include a craft show with over 90 vendors, a snow sports equipment sale, lift rides to enjoy the fall foliage, a farmers’ market, kids events and activities, horse drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. Guests will once again enjoy the infamous pumpkin cannon, watching pumpkins fly up one of the ski slopes from a giant cannon!

Returning again this year each Saturday during the festival will be the rail and box jam, a popular pre-season event for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts. The event will take place from 1-5 p.m. each Saturday. Registration is free, but riders must pre-register before noon to participate in the event. New this year, Peek'n Peak will hold a film premier for winter sports enthusiasts at Pizzaiolo's Restaurant, following the rail and box jam. The film "Ready" from Absinthe will be featured on October 11th and the films "Autumnline" and "Think Tank" will be presented on October 18th.

Enjoy a weekend getaway at Peek’n Peak! Overnight rooms are available at great fall rates. Reserve online at pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141 ext. 7154.

Save 10% on all season passes through November 6, 2008, including the ever popular Peak Five! Buy four lift tickets get one free! All individuals who purchase their full season, student season or weekday season pass during Fall Fest will receive 10 pool passes as an added bonus. New this year, Peek’n Peak will debut the Peak Advantage Card. Save 40% every time on daily lift tickets and group lessons! The more you use it, the more you save!

For more information on Fall Fest at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa or the upcoming ski season, please visit www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141.


About Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa

Established in 1964, Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, in Findley Lake, NY, is a regional destination for golf and snow sports, 30 minutes east of Erie, PA and 30 minutes west of Jamestown, NY. The resort features two highly acclaimed golf courses, 27 ski slopes and trails, 10 miles of cross country terrain, exquisite day spa, fine dining, and a vast selection of accommodations and other amenities, as well as a prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating. Each year, the Peek welcomes over 450,000 visitors. For more information, visit www.PKnPK.COM.

Fall programs at the NY State Parks Niagara region

Here is some information I received from the Regional Park Interpretive Programs Office

Regional Park Interpretive Programs Office -Niagara Frontier Region
Prospect Park, P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls, New York 14303-0132

If you wish to receive our quarterly Public Programs schedule please send your email and / or postal address to maureen.curry@oprhp.state.ny.us
Call for information (716) 826-8895.


October 3rd, Friday
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
October 4th, Saturday
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Traditional Hand Weaving
Woodlawn Beach State Park
Using our hand made wooden lap peg loom, you will weave with yarns, ribbons and cloth. On the second day you will create a beautiful woven hand bag that you can embellish with beads, jewels or buttons! For ages 8 and up. There is a $15.00 material fee per person. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.


October 10th, Friday
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Goat Island Evening Falls Walk
Niagara Falls State Park
Join a park naturalist for a leisurely stroll around the island. View the oldest state park in the United States at night time and hear about “lunar bows.” Be awed by all of the beauty this park has to offer. For information and registration please call (716) 745-7848.


October 14th, Tuesday
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Twilight Full Moon
Woodlawn Beach State Park
Watch the sunset over Lake Erie as dusk fades into night. Listen for the whinny of an owl and see if the coyotes howl. Take an evening prowl as the full moon lights our way across the beach. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.



October 18th& 19th
Saturday & Sunday
“DOORS OPEN”- NIAGARA
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Niagara Falls State Park
FREE Niagara Gorge Discovery Center


November 1st, Saturday
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Historic Artpark Hike
Artpark State Park
Bring your coffee and join us on a leisurely walk through one of our most historic and picturesque parks in W.N.Y. Learn about the amazing cultural and geologic history that took place on this site. For information and registration please call (716) 745-7848


November 1st, Saturday
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Red Barn
Knox Farm State Park
A part of Americana is disappearing from the landscape as old wooden barns fall into disrepair. Learn about the unique construction, uses, and the history of Knox Farm barns. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.


November 8th, Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gorge at Low Water Hike
Whirlpool State Park
Enjoy the Niagara Gorge after the volume of water in the Niagara River is reduced by 25%. Join park naturalists for a guided hike that will take you past the Whirlpool to the historic Great Gorge Route station ruins. For information and registration please call (716) 745-7848.


November 14th, Friday
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Full Moon Adventure Walk
Beaver Island State Park
Take a shoreline walk with the light of the moon glistening on the Niagara River. Enjoy scenic night time views of the city while venturing through the woods and around the lagoon listening for night sounds. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.


November 15th, Saturday
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Knox Farm Fiber Program
Wool Braiding
Knox Farm State Park
Join us for an afternoon learning this traditional art form. Guest instructor Susan Judd, will teach us how to braid wool fabric that can be used for a variety of large and small projects including a simple hot pad. For ages 8 and up. $10.00 material fee for each person. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.


November 15th, Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gorge at Low Water Hike
Whirlpool State Park
Enjoy the Niagara Gorge after the volume of water in the Niagara River is reduced by 25%. Join park naturalists for a guided hike that will take you past the Whirlpool to the historic Great Gorge Route station ruins. For information and registration please call (716) 745-7848.


November 28th, Friday
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Gobble Walk
Evangola State Park
Burn off your turkey dinner with a rigorous walk through the wooded trails where we may see Red-shouldered hawks, Ruffed grouse and perhaps even a wild Turkey! For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.


December 12th, Friday
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Full Moon Owl Prowl
Buckhorn Island
State Park Sanctuary
Calling all night owls! Take a journey through the woods and follow the shore of the Niagara River by the light of the full moon. Discover that there is more to the night then you may think. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.


These prescheduled programs are intended for individuals and families. Groups cannot be accommodated on these programs as space is limited for individuals.

ALL of these public programs are FREE.
There may be a material fee for Fiber Art programs.

For information on schools, scout and community GROUP programs, call 745-7848 or 826-8895 for detailed information.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Historical Society presents book discussion group

Here's some information that was sent to me from the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society

Dear Members and Friends of the Historical Society:
Once again, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society is teaming up with the New York Council for the Humanities to present two separate Reading Between the Lines monthly book discussion groups. One of the groups will be hosted at the History Museum, the other at Old Editions Book Shop. “Reading Between the Lines offers an unusual twist on the standard book group format with focused thematic discussions led by humanities scholars,” says New York Council for the Humanities Executive Director Sara Ogger.

The first session, titled “Travel and Tourism Narratives in the Empire State,” will take place at Old Editions Book Shop, located at 68 East Huron Street at Oak Street. The titles for this unit were selected by Gregory Young, a graduate student at the State University at Buffalo. Young will also moderate the series, which features the following dates and books:

Tuesday, October 7 at 4:30 p.m. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Tales by native New Yorker Washington Irving is the perfect American classic for readers looking to get into the Halloween mood.

Tuesday, November 11 at 4:30 p.m. The Artificial River: The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress, 1817-1862 by Carol Sheriff examines the impact of the Erie Canal on the lives of ordinary people.

Tuesday, December 9 at 4:30 p.m. The Second Greatest Disappointment: Honeymooning and Tourism at Niagara Falls by Karen Dubinsky looks at the cultural significance of the Falls.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. Taxi!: A Social History of the New York City Cabdriver by Graham Russell Gao Hodges explores the development of the city through this iconic profession.

The second session, titled “Finding Liberty in Literature,” will take place at the History Museum, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue. This session will use titles selected by Rachel Reichenbach, a graduate student in the Sociology Department of Cornell University, to look at the ongoing American struggle for peace, justice, and freedom. Shane Butterfield, a History graduate student at the University of Rochester, will moderate the series, which features the following dates and books:

Wednesday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m., Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil is a collection of writings by the early 20th century African-American scholar, educator, and activist W.E.B. DuBois.

Wednesday, November 19 at 1:30 p.m. Peace, Power, Righteousness: An Indigenous Manifesto by the Mohawk scholar Taiaiake Alfred calls on indigenous peoples to return to their traditions to train leaders committed to values.

Wednesday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich looks at the realities of minimum wage work in America and its effects on women’s lives.

Wednesday, January (date to be determined), 1:30 p.m. Common Sense by Thomas Paine was a seminal work in defining the fight for American independence from the British.

Both Reading Between the Lines sessions are free and the required books will be provided for loan. The sessions are open to the public, but the group sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. Past participants may not apply. To register, the public may contact Historical Society Adult Education Coordinator Kathleen Vogel Mathews at (716) 873-9644, ext. 317 or programs@bechs.org.

The last Pan-Am Walking Tour of the 2008 season is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 12:30-2:00 p.m. Cost: $10 per person includes souvenir guide map.
Let your mind’s eye imagine that fine time when, from May to November 1901, over 8 million people from all over the world traveled to Buffalo to witness marvels -- Electric lights! Distant cultures! Midway curiosities! Fountains and pavilions! – showcased at the Pan-American Exposition. Today, very little Exposition remains on these grounds, now one of Buffalo's most popular residential neighborhoods. Walk with us through this special area of the city, where triumph and tragedy marked Buffalo's greatest moment in history.
Guided tour begins from Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue. No reservations required. The tour will take place weather permitting, no rain date. Call 873-9644 ext. 301 to check schedule.
The tours will begin again next May.


Sally Treanor
Senior Director, Administration and Operations
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
25 Nottingham Court
Buffalo, New York 14216-3199
Ph. 716-873-9644 Ext. 320
Fax 716-873-1894

Happy Fall at Long Acre Farms

Here's an e-mail I received from Long Acre farm (located east of Rochester)

We are ready for fun at the farm this month. Every Saturday and Sunday Fall Admission will include unlimited access to the Amazing Maize Maze, Back 40 with all of its fun activities, Jumping Pillow, Hay Ride and Cow Train Ride - $10 for ages 5 & up, $6.50 for 2-4. There are plenty of opportunities to take great family pictures so don’t forget your camera.
There is no admission to stop by & visit the friendly goats, climb on the pirate ship or train, grab a snack at the market or even a meal at the grill. You can take a hayride for $2 or try the corn cannon for $1 (you may even win a pumpkin!). There is plenty to do to keep everyone busy and happy for a while.

Baked Goods: We have started making cider donuts for the fall season so be sure to stop by and buy a few to snack on at home along with a great glass of apple cider. There are also new treats such as Elephant Ears, Quick Breads and mini pies.

NEW Leo’s Pies:: This weekend we will be carrying a few of Leo’s pies from the “famous” bakery in east Rochester. You won’t have to drive far to try one of their grape seasonal favorites. Let us know what you think and if you would like us to carry them more often.

FALL Treats: Pumpkin Fudge, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Cider Slushies, Candied Apples, Caramel Apples, fresh New York State Apples – all the seasonal favorites that we wait all year for can be found right here – don’t miss out – stop by soon.

Wayne County Apple Tasting Challenge has begun – visit all participating markets will qualify you to win a great gift basket. It is a great way to discover Wayne County and see what is right in your won back yard. Click here for details.

Moonlight Mazes – every Friday night and the 1st & last Sat in October we open the ticket booth from 5-9 pm so you can challenge the maze at night. Remember last entry into the maze is at 9pm.

Long Acre Farms and the Amazing Maize Maze
1342 Eddy Road
Macedon, NY (about a half hour east of Rochester)
315-986-4202
www.longacrefarms.com

Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push plays at Fredonia Opera House October 4.

Here's a press release I received from the Fredonia Opera House

Rick A. Davis, Executive Director, 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., PO Box 384, Fredonia, NY 14063 716/679-0891 http://www.fredopera.org/

Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push –
Grammy Nominated Polka Band to Play Opera House

FREDONIA – Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, 12-time Grammy Award nominees for Best Polka Band, will bring their widely loved brand of Polka music to the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m.

Lenny Gomulka formed Chicago Push in January 1980. The band was inspired by Gomulka’s heritage and has evolved into the most progressive sound in polka music of the past two and a half decades. Noted for its unique arrangements and innovative musical techniques, Chicago Push has performed all across the country and internationally. Under Gomulka’s direction, the band has received countless awards from various radio stations across the country, booster clubs, promoters within the field and organizations such as the International Polka Association, United States Polka Association and the United Polka Association. The band has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards for Best Polka Band.

Gomulka grew up in a predominantly Polish neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago near the stockyard district. The youngest of four children, he began playing drums at the age of 4 and trumpet at the age of 11. He recorded his first record album at age 12 and appeared on Ron Terry’s Amateur Hour on Chicago’s WGN-TV. At age 13 he mastered clarinet, sax, concertina & bass guitar and was granted an exceptional membership into the Chicago Federation of Musicians Union. At 14 he began playing & recording with Polka music legends such as Li’l Wally, Marion Lush and Eddie Blazonczyk. Twenty years later, at 34 Gomulka received his first Grammy Award nomination the first year an award for Polka music was presented. Four years later he was elected by his peers to the International Polka Music Hall of Fame.

Gomulka and Chicago Push created the “Push” style of polka music, which now is well-known among young musicians and Polka audiences as music that is both traditional and innovative, appealing to Polka fans of all ages.

“Polka is a special music, and Lenny Gomulka is a special polka artist,” notes Billboard magazine. “He’s one of the key purveyors of the high energy “Push” Polka style, and he has musically distinguished the sound in performance and also lyrically with his defining original composition ‘Chicago Style Music’.”

“Since 1980, Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push have been one of the most important polka bands in America,” notes Barry Sher, author of The Nostradamus Polka Page. “Lenny’s top-notch trumpet playing, beautiful voice and creative songwriting have set a high standard for others to aspire to.”

“Lenny Gomulka ranks among the best in the best field ... and that's saying a lot in a field that is filled with highly talented musicians. He and his Chicago Push have always been not only entertaining, but inventive, giving the polka a new, more modern image while still satisfying the tastes of polka purists,” adds Polonia Today. “If Polka music will survive and expand its base, it will be because of dedicated musicians such as Lenny,”

Tickets to Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push are $15 general admission ($13 for Opera House members) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at http://www.fredopera.org/.

This performance is sponsored by Arkwright Printing. It also is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at http://www.fredopera.org/.

Well-known children's author, Jim Arnosky at RTPI Oct. 4

Children’s author Jim Arnosky
Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 1 PM
The program is free—children, families, teachers, and students are all encouraged to attend.

The noted children’s author is coming to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) for a free public program on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 1 PM. Crinkleroot, created for his very first children's book, has proven to be a staple for Arnosky, who has introduced a multitude of animal facts to young readers through the guise of this grand-fatherly woodsman. RTPI is located at 311 Curtis Street in Jamestown, New York.

Jim Arnosky is an artist, naturalist, and dedicated environmentalist. He is self-taught in writing, art and the natural sciences. He began writing and illustrating his now popular books so he could share his enthusiasm for nature with kids. He has written and illustrated more than 91 books for children. He has also illustrated 46 books by other authors. Some of his well-known children’s books include the “All About” titles, such as All About Rattlesnakes and All About Deer. He is the author of the popular Crinkleroot series as well, which includes titles such as Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Birds. Some of his recent works are Babies in the Bayou (January 2007), The Brook Book (February 2008), and Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints (April 2008).

Of his work, Arnosky has said, “I prefer to show rather than tell, to teach rather than preach, to guide rather than simply warn. In showing my readers what I look for in my ramblings, I hope that they will keep an eye out for such things and make discoveries of their own when they are outdoors.” Mr. Arnosky is known for his detailed, accurate illustrations. He shares his techniques with kids in his drawing and sketching books, which is something he also enjoys doing with small groups of children. Mr. Arnosky has been awarded the Christopher Medal, Orbis Pictus Honor, ALA Gordon Award, and Outstanding Science book awards from National Science Teachers Associations. Besides writing and illustrating, Jim loves to fish, boat, and play his guitar. He lives on a 20-acre farm with his family in South Ryegate, Vermont.

“Making Nature Come Alive For Young People” is part of RTPI’s Nature Writer Lecture Series, sponsored by the Holmberg Foundation of Jamestown. Jim will be discussing his latest book, Crocodile Safari, which is due out in the spring of 2009. He will also be engaging the audience by playing his guitar and singing some songs that he has made into books, such as Gobble It Up (Fall 2008) and I’m A Turkey (Fall 2009). In addition, Jim will be debuting a new, original song to introduce his readers to the life and work of Roger Tory Peterson! Jim’s video and photography methods to study wildlife will also be discussed. The program is free—children, families, teachers, and students are all encouraged to attend.

Don’t miss this unique chance to meet the author at RTPI on Saturday, October 4th at 1 PM! Books will be available for sale and signing. Please visit the author’s website at www.jimarnosky.com. For more information about this or other events please contact the Institute at (716) 665-2473, (800) 758-6841, janejohnson@rtpi.org or visit www.rtpi.org. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is located at 311 Curtis Street in Jamestown, NY.

Niagara International Kite Festival Oct. 2-5

Here's an e-mail and press release I received from the folks that help promote Niagara county.

Kites from around the world will be flying high over the mighty Niagara Gorge and various other spots along the Niagara River throughout the weekend of October 2-5 during the 5th annual Niagara International Kite Festival. The event has already caught the attention of the national media; it has been featured on Good Morning America and was named one of the six best international festivals of 2008 by the London Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

Last year’s Kite Festival was attended by more than 25,000 kite enthusiasts from across the globe. This year’s festival highlights the 20th anniversary of the Revolution Kite. The ‘Rev’ for short, is a quad line sport kite, which is an engineering marvel that has revolutionized the sport of kite flying! The kite flies on four lines of spectra fiber with extreme precision and control. The amazing sport kite can stop on a dime in mid air, fly in reverse, and spin in circles http://revkites.com. In celebration of this anniversary, the world famous Team iQuad will amaze onlookers with their unique kite flying shows that feature up to twelve aerodynamic kites racing through the sky in complete synchronized motion, performing aerial maneuvers that can be categorized as high-flying ballet in the sky.

The Kite Festival is to commemorate both the rich history of kites in the region and Homan Welsh, a young boy whose kite flying skills in a kite contest made it possible for the first suspension bridge to be built over the Niagara Gorge. (He landed his kite on the other side of the gorge, establishing the first connection, allowing builders to eventually turn the kite string to metal suspension by building on the string over a period of time). The festival will feature a Homan Walsh kite contest re-enactment featuring local teams, an inspirational attempt to form an arch from the US to Canada made of kites to demonstrate a sign of peace, an indoor night kite flying show, on-site exhibits, a world record setting kite flyer and much, much more.

FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE:
September 16,2008
Contacts:
BenjaminRoberts
e3communications
(o)716.854.8182
(c)716.510.5827
KateScaglione
Niagara Tourism&ConventionCorp.
(o) 716.282-8992 ext. 310
(c)716.602.6255

KITES FROM FAR AND WIDE DECORATING THE NIAGARA SKIES WILL CAPTURE YOUR IMAGINATION!

Niagara Falls opens it skies to welcome the fifth annual
Niagara International Kite Festival

Niagara Falls, New York – The 2008 Niagara International Kite Festival will fill the skies October 2-5, 2008 at various locations around Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario, while swooping up the imaginations of event-goers of all ages. Last year’s festival drew more than 25,000 kite enthusiasts from around the world, and organizers are forecasting even larger attendance this year. The Festival was named one of the six best international festivals of 2008 by the London Sunday Times Travel Magazine and was recently featured on ABC’s Good Morning America.

The Niagara International Kite Festival promises to sweep festival-goers off their feet as the skies above the mighty cascades will be filled with magnificent kites of all colors and sizes, with more than 100 world-class kite flyers attending from 13 countries. A highlight of this year’s festival is the special appearance of the world-famous professional kite flying group, Team iQuad, which will help the annual Niagara International Kite Festival celebrate the 20th anniversary of the invention of the Revolution Kite. The ‘Rev’ for short, is a quad line sport kite, which is an engineering marvel that has revolutionized the sport of kite flying! The kite flies on four lines of spectra fiber with extreme precision and control. The amazing sport kite can stop on a dime in mid air, fly in reverse, and spin in circles http://revkites.com. In celebration of this anniversary, Team iQuad will amaze onlookers with their unique kite flying shows that feature up to twelve aerodynamic kites racing through the sky in complete synchronized motion, performing aerial maneuvers that can be categorized as high-flying ballet in the sky.

The weekend long festival will also include kite-making workshops, historical re-enactments, kite competitions and even Bol racing, kite buggying and mountain boarding, with professional teams from all over the world -- as far away as Japan and Tasmania -- participating. There will also be instructors from Revolution on hand at the Niagara event to give free ‘Rev’ flying lessons for those who catch the fever of this awe-inspiring kite-flying style.

Below are some highlights of the 2008 Niagara International Kite Festival:

TEAM iQuad:
The internationally acclaimed Team iQuad will be bringing their high energy, aerobatic kite-flying to the 2008 Niagara International Kite Festival. The team is a group of dedicated Revolution kite flying fans who came together in the spring of 2006 with one goal in mind, the promotion of quad team flying. Relatively new to North America, this type of kite-flying has been a mainstay of European kite flying for many years, starting back in the early 90s in England and eventually spreading to a handful of countries throughout Europe. Team iQuad is made up of nearly a dozen kite pilots from all over the USA and Canada who travel the world year round, performing and teaching. Revolution kite-flying is an exciting, family-oriented sport that is accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities in a wide variety of wind conditions. Today quad team flying is the hottest rage in kite-flying. Team iQuad is one of the best in the world and promises to amaze festival goers. For more information about Team iQuad and for video of the international team’s amazing kite flying skills, please visit http://teamiquad.com.


HISTORY:
Annual Homan Walsh 1848 Re-enactment Contest
Whirlpool State Park, Niagara USA
Thursday, October 2 & Friday October 3 from 11 am to 4 pm
**The exact time and location of this program is dependent on the wind speed and direction the day of the event.

In 1848 Niagara Falls residents decided a bridge spanning the great Niagara gorge would be a big boost to the local economy. The technology to build the bridge was not a problem, however locals were at a loss as to how to get that very important first line across the gorge. The steep cliffs, mighty swirling rapids, and frigid winds hindered boats or other conventional methods to establish the first line connecting the two countries. Homan Walsh, a fifteen-year old boy came to the rescue and attempted to fly the line over with his kite. After many hours of effort – darkness came and went -- Homan finally achieved his goal and was rewarded with the (then) princely sum of $10!

In celebration of this 160th anniversary and to honor this innovative young boy, several teams of kite fliers from both the US and Canada will attempt to re-enact Homan’s ingenious accomplishment. The re-enactment will occur simultaneously at various locations along the Niagara Gorge in both Canada and the USA. Kite fliers looking to feel the spray of the falls on their face, and increase their difficulty factor significantly, will attempt to fly their kites across the span of the gorge right next to the falls at Terrapin Point.

Arch Across the Gorge:
Whirlpool State Park, Niagara USA
Thursday, October 2 & Friday October 3 from 11 am to 4 pm
**The exact time and location of this program is dependent on the wind speed and direction the day of the event.

In what has become one of the Niagara International Kite Festival’s most anticipated tradition, an attempt will be made to fly a kite arch spanning the Niagara Gorge and connecting the United States and Canada. Due to the swirling and unpredictable winds of the Niagara Gorge, the attempt to connect the two countries with the arch is not an easy accomplishment; in fact it is one of the hardest feats in all of kite-flying and has only been done successfully a few times. This year’s kite arch will be flown by Iqbal Husain of Switzerland. The kite arch represents a symbol of peace and unity between the two countries and also shows support for the One Sky One World concept to which most kite fliers strongly subscribe. The exact location of the arch crossing will be determined by the wind speed and direction, but it will likely be the original site where young Homan Walsh achieved his magnificent kite flying feat, just north of the Whirlpool Bridge in Whirlpool State Park.


OTHER FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Reservoir State Park in Lewiston
Saturday and Sunday, October 4 & 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.) and 11a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.)


The Windy Daredevils: For centuries the lure of the mighty Niagara has drawn thrill-seekers and daredevils from around the globe. These risk-takers come to test their courage, skill and strength. The Kite Festival will recognize this lure of the falls by creating a unique daredevil in the form of Extreme Kite Flyers. The Niagara International Kite Festival will have kite and wind-powered buggies, landboards, and wheeled contraptions of all types, demonstrating the extreme power that can be harnessed from the wind. New this year, Bol Races; participants wearing harnesses will race across the field dragging parachute-shaped nylon bols behind them. These races are sure to be a favorite with event-goers.

Kites Fill The Skies: Amazing kites of every shape, color, and size will fill the sky over Reservoir State Park, all day on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a kite to catch everyone’s eye, ranging from enormous soft sculptures floating among the clouds to historic reproductions. There will be single-line kites, multi-line kites, sport kites, maneuverable kites, and traction kites…the skies the limit!

Workshops: In addition to the huge variety of beautiful kites filling the skies, there will be kite-making workshops for all ages given by professional kite makers on both days from 1 - 3 pm.

Demonstrations: There will be exciting kite traction demos with kite buggies and mountain boards, sport kite flying, plus an Indian and Japanese fighter kite exhibition.

Exhibits: Also included will be interesting, educational and entertaining kite exhibits. The scheduled exhibits are KAP (Kite Aerial Photography), Art Kites, Kite History, Miniature Kites, Kite Traction, and Kite Stamps from around the world.

Just For The Children: Fugu wrestling will once again entertain the most rambunctious children. A fugu is a huge beach ball-type nylon giant inflatable blow fish that can be tackled, wrestled, dived onto and be knocked over by.

For more information about the Niagara Kite Festival, visit www.niagarakite.com or call 1-877-325-5787.

Riviera Theater begins weekly children's movie series

Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Center - 67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY, 14120, (716) 692-2413

This Saturday kicks off our WEEKLY CHILDREN'S MOVIE SERIES with "The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian" at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Tickets are only $2.00. Check out our website for upcoming childrens movies every Saturday in the weeks ahead. At only $2.00 a ticket you can afford to take everyone in the family!

On Sunday @ 2:00pm we are featuring on the silver screen with dolby digital sound the opera "NORMA" performed at Teatro Comunale, Bologna.At 30, Bellini wrote Norma. It became his greatest achievement and is now regarded as an example of the supreme height of the Bel Canto tradition. The title role is generally considered one of the most difficult in the soprano repertoire and includes the famous Aria Casta Diva.Set in Gaul, at the time of Ancient Rome, Norma tells the story of the tragic love triangle between the aging priestess Norma, the Roman proconsul Pollione and his new love, the young temple Virgin Adalgisa. At the end of the Opera, desperate after having been abandoned by the man she loves, Norma decides to kill herself; Pollione, struck by her devotion, decides to join her on the pyre and burn to death at her side.

Cast:Daniela Dessì (Norma)Fabio Armiliato (Pollione) Kate Aldrich (Adalgisa)Rafal Siwek (Oroveso)Marie Luce Erard (Clotilde)Antonello Ceron (Flavio)Conductor: Evelino PidòDirector: Federico Tiezzi