Historic tours of Elmira

Yesterday my husband and I had the opportunity to go on a walking tour of Elmira's Historic Near West Side district. Our private tour was led by Samuel Draper, who has been conducting tours of the district for over 20 years. This area has a high concentration of Victorian and High Victorian homes and churches.

Elmira is also known for its connection to the author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain). His wife, Olivia Langdon was from Elmira and the Clemens spent their summers here. We even visited the Clemens and Langdon gravesites at Woodlawn cemetery.

Next year (2010) marks the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain's death. Lots of tours are planned. For more information on the tours visit http://www.historicnearwestside.com/

I am currently working on an article about the tours and Elmira for the Buffalo News travel section which will be published in the next few months.

Perfect snowshoe weather

This past Sunday my daughter, Jennifer, and I ventured down to Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java to do some snowshoeing. I got snowshoes last Christmas and wanted to put them to good use. Rentals are available, so we rented a pair for Jennifer. We only were out about an hour or so, but one could probably spend all day there as they have eight miles of trails. We had a lot of fun. The visitor's center has three floors of exhibits, along with a small gift shop.

Beaver Meadow Nature Center 1610 Welch Road, North Java, 585-457-3228 http://www.buffaloaudubon.org/ Visitor's center open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Trails are open daily dawn to dusk.

Great beef on weck

This past Sunday my husband and I had dinner at Schwabl's in West Sececa. I had never eaten there before, but definitely will be returning. The beef on weck sandwich is one of the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed the German potato salad and the coleslaw. Of course, I had to have their signature drink, Tom and Jerry, an egg-nog like beverage made with rum and brandy.

Schwabl's, 789 Center Road, West Seneca, 716-674-9821, www.schwabls.com

Things to do in the Tonawandas this weekend and beyond

CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF THE TONAWANDAS MEMBER EVENTS
WHAT TO DO IN THE TONAWANDAS………

Okay, this is a long post. Here are some events of things happening in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda from a press release that was sent to me.


North Tonawanda History Museum
54 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-213-0554

Museum Hours: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DECEMBER

The North Tonawanda History Museum is pleased to announce the following December events. Our WINTER WALK IN THE GATEWAY CITIES 2009 participation this year begins on Friday, December 4 with our Winter Walk Weekend Kick Off Event at 7 p.m.:

A Polish Christmas presented by the Polish Heritage Dancers, including a performance by the Polish Heritage Dancers, a koledy sing along with English and Polish Carols, and a talk on Polish Christmas traditions. Swiaty Mikokaj, the Polish version of St. Nicholas, is expected to make a visit as well.

On Saturday, December 5, during the all-day shopping extravaganza in the downtown shopping centers on either side of the Erie Canal in the Cities of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda, the History Museum will be open its normal hours of 9 to 5 p.m. with free admission, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Christmas character, Holly Berry, will be present to do Christmas balloons, face painting, and tattoos for kids At 2 p.m. Step in Time will return with A Celtic Christmas and at 3 p.m. there will be An Irish Christmas performance by the Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance.

Other December programs include Saturday, December 12 from 11 to 2 p.m. with A Christmas Concert by Tim Maloney, the Piano Man, followed at 2 p.m. by The Feast of St. Lucia presented by the Swedish Heritage Festival Committee of Augustana Lutheran Church.

On Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m., A German Christmas will be presented by the Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York.


The North Tonawanda History Museum is pleased to announce an addition to its holiday programming. The Niagara Experience Players will present their holiday performance, "Santa's Christmas Count Down" on Monday, December 21, with two performances, at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the History Museum at 54 Webster Street.
Thirteen youngsters will participate in the song and dance performance.

Parking is in the municipal parking lot on Manhattan Street behind the museum building, with Webster Street accessed through the Project Pride Walkway.


The Historic Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Center
67 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Phone: 692-2413

EXCITING CONCERTS COMING TO THE RIVIERA THEATRE
THE MACHINE – America’s Top Pink Floyd Show – Friday, December 18 at 8:30 pm
THE MACHINE, America’s top Pink Floyd show, as forged a 20-year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many, selling out large clubs and theatres across North Central America, Europe and Asia. They have also appeared at renowned music festivals such as The Bonnaroo, Riverbend, and Germany’s Rock of Ages.

THE MUSICAL BOX “Trick of the Tail” – Thursday, February 11th at 8:00 pm
After international acclaim for their re-enactment of Genesis’ FOXTROT, SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, and THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, The Musical Box present worldwide, with the help of Genesis and artists involved in the original show, A TRICK OF THE TAIL in painstaking detail including original slides, films, laser effects, special effects and original song list as presented by Genesis in 1976 to capture this important moment in Genesis history.

THE BBC – Premiere Beatles and 60’s Music Experience – Saturday, February 27 at 8:00 pm
Be here for the TIME OF THE SEASON CONCERT II! All ages will enjoy the classic music of the 60’s with The BBC. The premier tribute band performs an unforgettable Beatles and 60’s music experience that will surely touch your heart and evoke memories of a simpler time. Don’t muss your chance to hear what everyone is talking about. Opening will be Tom Lorentz.

GAELIC STORM – Sunday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
Gaelic Storm continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genry by creating compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and acoustic instrumentation. Gaelic Storm has sold out numerous clubs and performing arts centers around the country.
GLENGARRY BHOYS – Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 pm
Described as unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the Glengarry Bhoys’ hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining. Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages.
For further information and tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday- Friday, 10 am-4 pm. or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.

CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES
February 4 & 5, 2010
The Historic Riviera Theatre presents “Church Basement Ladies” on Thursday, February 4 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and Friday, February 5 at 7:30 pm.
Church Basement Ladies is a celebration of the church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there. Set in 1964-65, the show is a funny, heartfelt reflection on the four women who tirelessly prepare the food and solve problems for the congregation at a rural Minnesota church. The “Church Basement Ladies” include the elderly matriarch of the kitchen, a young bride-to-be, a jack-of-all trades farm wife and the best cook in the church. Together, the ladies stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course as they cope with the changing world. In the span of a year, they plan a record-breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding feast.

Ticket prices: $28; $25; $20 (price does not include $2 facility fee) Group discounts of 15% is available for groups of 20 or more
For further information and tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.
For further information and tickets. call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday through Friday, 10 am-4 pm or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.


North Tonawanda Public Library
505 Meadow Drive
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-4132

Children’s programs presented by the Children’s Department:
Call the library for current programs.North Tonawanda Public Library Programs for adults:
Call the library for current programs.

Benjamin Long Homestead
(Operated by the Historical Society of the Tonawandas)
23 East Niagara St.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-694-7406

Decorated for the Holiday Season by the Garden Club of the Tonawandas.
Open for Winter Walk, December 5, 11 AM to 3 PM - No admission fee during Winter Walk
Open for regular tours Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 - through Dec. 20, 1 to 4 PM. Admission $4
Christmas Boutique also open at those times.


Historical Society of the Tonawandas
Historical Society Museum of the Tonawandas
113 Main Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-694-7406

Museum Hours: Wednesday 12 to 4; Thursday 10 to 4; Saturday 10 to 2
During Winter Walk – Saturday, December 5 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas has a new display on exhibit at the North Tonawanda Public Library (505 Meadow Drive). The exhibit "150 Years of Scrapbooking" is based on the extensive collection of more than 100 scrapbooks of the HST. Check it out!


WINTER WALK IN THE GATEWAY CITIES
Sponsored by the
Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda
and the
Swiftwater Business Association of Tonawanda

Friday, December 4 – 7 p.m. – Christmas in Clinton Park, Clinton & Broad Streets, City of Tonawanda. Lighting the Park, arrival of Santa Claus, Clinton Express rides, Glo
sticks for the first 300 kids, hot chocolate and cookies by the City of
Tonawanda Senior Citizens.

7 p.m. – A Polish Christmas, North Tonawanda History Museum, 54 Webster St.,North Tonawanda. Presented by the Polish Heritage Dancers, including a performance, a koledy sing along (English and Polish carols), a talk on Polish Christmas traditions, a visit from Swiaty Mikokaj, the Polish version of St. Nicholas.
.
Saturday, December 5 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prizes and refreshments, shuttle bus available all day
Breakfast with Santa at Nestor’s Restaurant (102 Webster, North Tonawanda) – pre-sale tickets only
Free student performance – Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Art Center (4 Webster, North Tonawanda)
Free hands on train display – Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier (111 Oliver, North Tonawanda)
Free Petting Zoo (Tremont St. & Webster St., North Tonawanda)
Free Pony Rides (Adam St. at Main St., Tonawanda)
Free Hay Ride through the Tonawandas
Santa on the Carrousel – Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum (180 Thompson, North Tonawanda)
Free art exhibit - Carnegie Art Center (240 Goundry, North Tonawanda)
Free Open House – Historical Society of the Tonawandas (113 Main, Tonawanda)
Free tours – Benjamin Long Homestead, decorated for holiday season (24 E. Niagara, Tonawanda)
Free wine tasting, cookie decorating, and much, much more………
Grand Prize - $300 shopping spree at participating T-NT merchants
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Holly Berry at the North Tonawanda History Museum – free face painting, balloons,
and tattooing for kids
2 p.m. A Celtic Christmas – presented by Step in Time at the North Tonawanda History Museum
3 p.m. An Irish Christmas performance by Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance


Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
180 Thompson Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-1885

Museum Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – Noon to 4 p.m.

December 5 Lunch with Santa – 11:00 – Noon – Reservations Required. Stay for the entertainment.

Santa on the Carousel – Noon – 4 p.m. - Jim Menke Marionettes at 1 p.m.

December 12 Lunch with Santa – 11:00 – Noon – Reservations Required. Stay for the entertainment.

Santa on the Carousel – Noon – 4 p.m. Matt James Music for Kids at 1 p.m.

December 19 Santa on the Carousel – Noon to 4 p.m. – Visit with Mary Poppins & Bert

December 26 Post-Christmas Activities


Vietnam Veterans Chapter 77 Museum
57 Main Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-693-4479

Peter Tycz II Scholarship Fund Raiser Dinner - Thursday January 28th, 2010
4:00pm to 7:00 pm - $6.00 all you can eat spaghetti and meatballs, salad and bread at the
American Legion Post 264 - 60 Main St. Tonawanda - includes a 50/50 drawing and basket raffle


The Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier
111 Oliver Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Saturday, December 5 – Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Station will be decorated in holiday themes, with Lionel trains running.

Check out this new book about the Erie Canal

I have enjoyed articles published by fellow travel writer Deborah Williams for a number of years, but had never met her until I went to one of her book signings a few weeks ago. Her newly released book about the Erie Canal is very comprehensive and a must-have for history buffs and boaters alike. Published by the Countryman Press, who also published my book Western New York Explorer's Guide, the book takes you from Buffalo to Albany, offering history as well as attractions, lodging, restaurants and more along the way. It's available in bookstores and online. For more information, check out her website http://www.deborahwilliams.com/

Christmas at the Hull House

Here's an upcoming event that sounds really interesting. Unfortunately, I have other events going on this weekend and won't be able to go, but thought I'd pass the information on to you.

Christmas at the Hull House

December 5 & 6, 12-4pm. You must make reservations in advance, as admission is by timed ticket.

Experience Christmas in the 1800's like the Hull family would have celebrated. There will be music, folklore, a gift shop, holiday recipes, Father Christmas and more. There will be holiday vignettes set up in each room of the house. The house, which is the oldest stone house in Erie county, was built by warren and Polly hull in 1810. It's currently being restored to it's original appearance.

The Hull House, 5976 Genesee Street, Lancaster, NY 716-681-6451 www.hullfamilyhome.org

Give the gift of WNY this holiday season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact

Christine A. Smyczynski

explorewny@att.net

Give the Gift of Western New York this Holiday Season

November 24, 2009 (Getzville, NY). Do you have people on your holiday list who are difficult to buy for? Give them the gift of western New York! Western New York An Explorer’s Guide From Niagara Falls and Southern Ontario to the Western Edge of the Finger Lakes (The Countryman Press, 2008) by Christine A. Smyczynski, the only comprehensive travel guidebook to the region, makes the perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything. The book, written for locals as well as tourists, is truly one size fits all!

Here are some gift suggestions using this book:

¨ A WNY Explorer’s Guide tucked into a gift basket full of regional specialties like Anchor Bar sauce, Webers mustard and Chef’s sauce.

¨ Handing your party host a bottle of wine made locally in one of the area’s wineries, along with a copy of WNY Explorer’s Guide, so they can explore wineries on their own.

¨ How about sending a copy of the book to out of town relatives, so they can see what they are missing and they will come and visit more often.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. If you’d like a signed copy of the book, author Christine Smyczynski will be participating in the “One Stop Buffalo Book Signing” at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, 25 Nottingham Court, Buffalo, Saturday November 28 from 12-2pm. Over 20 local authors will be on hand to meet the public and sell and sign their books.

If you can’t make the event at the historical society, the book, which retails for $21.95, is also available at bookstores, specialty retailers, museum shops and online at www.countrymanpress.com, www.buffalobooks.com and www.amazon.com.

For more information about the book, visit the book’s website http://explorewny.home.att.net or visit Christine Smyczynski’s blog www.explorewesternnewyork.blogspot.com for information about local events and attractions. You can also follow WNY Explorer’s Guide on www.facebook.com

The author writes travel articles for numerous publications, including The Buffalo News, Western New York Family, Buffalo Spree, Lake Erie Living and the Democrat & Chronicle.

If you do not wish to receive future press releases, send an e-mail with the subject “unsubscribe” and you will be removed from the mailing list.

###

Holiday fun in Elmira

I had an article in today's paper about Holiday events in Corning NY. Here is some additional info. about Elmira that got cut from the article.

Holiday fun in nearby Elmira

Take some time to explore the nearby city of Elmira, just a short drive from Corning. Author Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) wrote many of his well-known works here, as his wife, Olivia, was an Elmira native. The Clemens spent their summers here and both are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira.

To learn more about Elmira, take one of the tours of the city’s Victorian Near West Side Historic District, which are offered by tour guide Samuel Draper. Over 20 homes in this district are used for his tours. During December the homes are decorated for the holidays in Victorian style. After the first of the year the homeowners will begin decorating for Valentine’s Day. I haven’t had the opportunity to go on any of his tours yet, but after looking at the website, this will definitely be on my to-do list in the near future.

To get into the Christmas spirit, stop by the Christmas House in Elmira, a unique gift shop located in an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian style mansion. (see photo above) “Our name is a bit of a misnomer,” said owner and E.I.C. (elf in charge) Julie Delgrosso. “Although at Christmas we scream Christmas, we also carry gifts for all occasions. We are especially proud of the number of products that we carry that are either locally made or represent our area or region.” The shop carries thing like ornaments, wooden replicas of historical buildings, Mark Twain books, and much more.

Another unique place to shop near Elmira is a store called Oldies but Goodies in Big Flats. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit it yet, but I’ve hear it’s really nice. It has over 12,000 square feet of retail space and they carry a variety of times including furniture, home décor, collectibles, and more displayed in 50 separate rooms.

Near West Side tours (607-732-1436, http://www.historicnearwestside.com/ ) Tours are by appointment. $12/per person.

The Christmas House (607-734-9547http://www.christmas-house.com/) 361 Maple Avenue, Elmira.

Oldies but Goodies (607-562-7416, http://www.oldiesbutgoodiesinc.com/ ) NY 352 and Carpenter Road, Big Flats

Peak 'n Peak Polka Festival

Here's a press release I got from Peak 'n Peak resort a few weeks ago about an event this weekend.

Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa to Host First Annual Peak Polka Fest

Findley Lake, N.Y., October 30, 2009 – Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will host the first annual Peak Polka Fest November 13 & 14, 2009. The festival begins Friday evening at 7pm with live entertainment from polka DJ Kenny Olowin and The City Side Band. The festival continues Saturday at noon with a polka party in the Regency Pub (located inside the Inn at the Peak). The polka party will include drink specials, Polish food and traditional polka music.

The Joe Matczak Band will take the stage Saturday, November 14 beginning at 3pm in the Main Ski Lodge. A traditional polish menu will be available featuring pierogis, cabbage rolls, sausage sandwiches and more. Following the Joe Matczak Band the festival continues with the sounds of Jimmy K. and Ethnic Jazz, and The Knewz. Polish folk artists and dancers will also be on-hand during the event, which ends at 2:00am.

Admission is; $7 (adults), $5 (juniors) on Friday, and $12 (adults), $7 (juniors) on Saturday. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Lodging packages are available and include accommodations at the Inn at the Peak, admission to the festival and Peek’n Peak’s award-winning champagne brunch on Sunday. For more information on lodging or this event, visit www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141 ext. 7154.

Event Schedule:
Friday, November 13 at the Main Ski Lodge
7pm – DJ Kenny Olowin
8pm-11pm – The City Side Band

Saturday, November 14 at the Regency Pub
12pm-3pm – Polka Party at the Pub with DJ Kenny Olowin
3pm-4:30pm – Joe Matczak Band
4:30pm-6:00pm – Jimmy K. and Ethnic Jazz
6:00pm-7:30pm – The Knewz
7:30pm-9:00pm – Joe Matczak Band
9:00pm-10:30pm – Jimmy K. and Ethnic Jazz
10:30pm-12:00am – The Knewz
12:00am-2:00am – DJ Kenny Olowin


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

###


Carrie Longstreet
Marketing Manager
Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa
1405 Olde Road - PO BOX 360
Findley Lake, NY 14736-0360
716.355.4141 ext. 7394
clongstreet@pknpk.com
www.pknpk.com

All you can eat pancakes...yummy

If you don't feel like cooking this Sunday morning, November 8, head to the A.J. Jurek Post located at Smith and New Roads in East Amherst for their monthly all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. And since Veteran's Day is coming up, what better way to support our local veterans. You can watch the pancakes cook right before your eyes on a huge griddle that is probably as old as some of the post members. Breakfast includes pancakes, two types of sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee and juice. Everything is all-you-can-eat, not just the pancakes. Food is served 8am-1pm. Adults $6, children under 12 $3, under 5 free.

Polar Express at Fredonia Opera House Nov. 6

Below is a press release I received from the Fredonia Opera House

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


Opera House to Screen “The Polar Express” FREE
as part of Family Night at the Movies
FREDONIA – The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the animated feature film “The Polar Express” on Fri., Nov. 6, 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.

In “The Polar Express,” the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump,” “Cast Away”) reunite for an inspiring adventure about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary magical train ride to the North Pole. In doing so, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Based on the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” combines classic storytelling with a highly advanced version of motion capture technology developed and tailored to meet Zemeckis’ uncompromising vision. It was the first feature film ever to be shot entirely in this format. Rated PG for fantasy adventure action, “The Polar Express” runs 99 minutes.

Free admission tickets are available only at the door on the night of the show. Seating is limited to 400; and patrons are reminded that there is no food or drink allowed in the Opera House and that all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact the Opera House at 716/679-1891 or visit http://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.

Year-round snow in Western New York at Snowpark Niagara

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Snowpark Niagara in downtown Niagara Falls, which was the site of the monthly Niagara Frontier Tourism Task Force meeting. After pizza and our business meeting, our group had a tour of the facility, which includes a NHL size skating rink, a 50 foot hill for tubing and snowboarding, a snow play area and even a miniature golf course.

The facility is open year-round, as they have snowmaking equipment. I wasn't brave enough to try out the hill, but a few people in our group tried out the tubing and they said it was a really fast ride. There were a lot of high school and college age dudes on the snowboarding hill.

The prices seemed reasonable, Adults are charged $13 for either tubing or snowboarding, plus skating, snowzone and golf. To do both tubing and snowbarding they would pay $20 for the deluxe ticket. Children's tickets are $11 or $18 for the deluxe ticket.

Snowpark Niagara Falls USA, 427 First Street, Niagara Falls, NY 1-877-TUBING, http://www.snowparkniagara.com/

Ellicottville Fall Festival

Yesterday my husband, our two youngest children and me went to the Ellicottville fall festival, which is always a fun time. We first went to Holiday Valley and rode up the ski lift. What a great way to see the fall foliage. We ate lunch at the top of the hill (hot dogs, hamburgers and Italian sausage). We then headed into the village of Ellicottville. It seemed that there were more crafters than usual. My daughter and I bought some mittens and also a hat for her; a good idea, since it's going to be cold the rest of this week! We all enjoyed candy apples and even had some maple cotton candy! We didn't have any of the pig roast, but it looked really interesting, yet unsettling at the same time. Too bad this festival only comes around one weekend a year.

Eastern Pearl Chinese Restaurant

I had lunch today with my friends Mary, Linda , and Susan at the new Eastern Pearl Chinese Restaurant on Maple Road in Williamsville. It is located on the site of the former Chang's Garden restaurant, which was destroyed by fire over a year ago. Since Chang's was one of our favorites, we were glad to see another high-quality Chinese eatery open there.

The decor is very elegant, yet don't feel that you have to get all dressed up. The food was very good. The menu consists of Cantonese dishes. I had the sesame chicken, while Mary opted for Moo Goo Gai pan. Linda tried the shrimp lo mein and Susan the garlic shrimp. Prices on the lunch menu were reasonable about $6-7. The dinner menu seemed just a bit pricey, but then this is not a tiny take-out joint; you are paying for the ambiance.

There is a review of the restaurant in the Gusto section of today's Buffalo News.

Eastern Pearl, 938 Maple Road, Williamsville 716-204-8898, http://www.theeasternpearlrestaurant.com/

Oinktoberfest this weekend

Here's a press release I got from the folks organizing Oinktoberfest at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence. I've never had the opportunity to go to the event, but it sure sounds fun! I have been to the Great Pumpkin Farm and it's a lot of fun


Sept 25th - Sept 27th
Las Vegas Style
What happens at Oink - Stays at Oink!

ALL WEEKEND
Sixty teams from across the Northeast, Canada, & as far away as Kansas will be converging on the Great Pumpkin Farm, located at 11199 Main St., Clarence, NY to compete in the 8th Oinktoberfest BBQ Cookoff.

There will be a taste of authentic BBQ with seven of the teams selling their award winning offerings. Enjoy your food with a refreshment from the beer tent featuring Yuengling, Guinness, Red Stripe, Harpoon, Smirnoff Ice, & Coca Cola products. The music is Las Vegas extravagant. Friday night's feature concert is a Motown Revue featuring Billy McEwen & Barbara St. Clair. Saturday, in keeping with the theme, features Fat Brat, The Diva Show Band and Rockyard. Sunday has the acoustic duo of JP and Squire & the afternoon will present the big band sounds of the JJ Swing Band.

Admission is $5.00 per person each day with discount tickets available at all Wegmans. Parking is free.

FRIDAY NIGHT
(Gates open 5pm) A Motown Revue featuring: The Legendary Billy McEwen & Barbara St. Clair 7:00pm - 10:00pm

SATURDAY (Gates open 10am)60 teams will compete in the KCBS sanctioned Cookoff that is also a New York State Championship. The contest is also part of the The Empire State BBQ Championship Series. The team with the highest cumulative total score from four of the seven New York State events will be crowned Empire State Champion at the last contest in Sayville, NY on Oct. 23 - 25, 2009.
Fat Brat 11:00am - 2:00pm The Diva Show Band 2:00pm - 5:00pm Awards Ceremony 5:00pm - 6:00pm Rockyard 6:00pm - 7:00pmS

UNDAY (Gates open 10am)At least 32 teams will be competing in the Outdoor Cooking Contest & Chili Cookoff.
JP and Squire 11.00am - 2:00pm JJ Swing Band 2:00pm - 5:00pm Awards Ceremony 5:00pm - 6:00pm

LINKS
Oinktoberfest
Great Pumpkin Farm
KCBS
The Empire State BBQ Championship Series

See you at the Oink
George Booth III & Katy Toth
September 25th - 27th
With Las Vegas Style
George, 716 759-4328 or 1 877 585-4328 or email
Katy, 716 759-8483 or email
Oinktoberfest 2009 at the Great Pumpkin Farm
11199 Main St.,
Clarence, NY 14031

More Wright stuff

Here's a press release I received about an upcoming exhibit

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S BUFFALO VENTURE IS SUBJECT OF ANDERSON GALLERY EXHIBITION

Multimedia is available with this article online athttp://www.buffalo.edu/news/10395
Release date: Friday, August 28, 2009
Contact: Patricia Donovan,
pdonovan@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-4602
Fax: 716-645-3765

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- "Frank Lloyd Wright's Buffalo Venture: From the Larkin Building to Broadacre City," is an exhibition focused on the context in which Buffalo became a locus for Wright's architectural activities in the first decades of the 20th century.

It will be presented by the University at Buffalo Anderson Gallery Oct.2 to Dec. 30. The exhibition will be free of charge and open to the public in the Anderson, One Martha Jackson Place (off Englewood Avenue between Main Street and Kenmore Avenue).Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. For information, call 716-829-3754.

The exhibition will present more than 130 objects, including those related to 22 buildings and projects -- 11 built works and 11unrealized projects -- that resulted from Wright's 32-year association with the forward-thinking executives of the Larkin Company, a once-prominent soap and mail order business based in Buffalo.

The exhibition will be open during the 2009 national conference of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, "Wright in the Drafting Room: Drawings for the Built and Unbuilt," which will take place in Buffalo Oct. 7-11. On Oct. 8, the Anderson Gallery will host a reception for conference attendees.

UB Gallery Director Sandra Olsen says, "The theme of the exhibition --Buffalo as the site of a remarkable patronage -- will be explicated through a diverse set of materials, including building models, plans,photographic documentation and, perhaps most important, numerous letters and other correspondence between Wright and his Buffalo clients."

Jack Quinan, Ph.D., curator of the exhibition, is one of the most important scholars working today on Wright and his work. An art historian and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor in the UB Department of Visual Studies, he is the author of several books on the Wright-Buffalo connection, including "Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House: Architecture as Portraiture" (2004, Princeton Architectural Press).

Quinan says the exhibition will shed new light on Wright's many unrealized projects related to Larkin patrons, as well as on such well-known built projects as the Larkin Building, the Darwin D. Martin House and Graycliff, the Martin summer house in Derby, N.Y., outside Buffalo.

He says, "It will include original material and reproductions on loan from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at Taliesin West, the Getty Research Institute, the UB Archives, and original furniture from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites."

Quinan will produce a 30-page brochure on the exhibit and later, a book on the subject. He will be aided in these endeavors by the exhibit's consulting curator Molly S. Hutton, Ph.D.

"The opening will provide a context for the nearly completed restorations of the Darwin Martin House," he says, "a $50-million effort that encompasses the full six-building Martin complex and the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion, a minimalist visitor center designed by award-winning architect Toshiko Mori.

"It also will contextualize the restoration of Graycliff, for which Mrs. Martin was the lead client," says Quinan.

According to Olsen, this is the first time this material has been assembled and presented for scholarly re-evaluation and public education. She says the Anderson will offer a variety of educational programs in connection with the exhibit, among them a lecture series and tours conducted by the docents of Wright's Darwin Martin House.

"The title of the exhibition," says Quinan, "was chosen to demonstrate the length of Wright's involvement with his Buffalo clients and the tenacity with which those clients -- especially Darwin Martin --patronized and sustained him between the twin pinnacles of his career,the Prairie period (1900-1910) and the final decades (1937-1959) during which he designed Fallingwater, the Johnson's Wax Building, Taliesin West and the Guggenheim Museum.

"It refers specifically to two of Wright's innovative designs.

The first is the remarkable five-story, red brick Larkin Administration Building (1904-50) designed for the Larkin Soap Company and built on Seneca Street in Buffalo. Among its many innovations were air conditioning, built-in metal desk furniture, glass doors, radiant heat, a wide-open, multi-storied workspace, toilet bowls suspended from the bathroom walls and ornamentation by sculptor Richard Bock.

The second project mentioned is Broadacre City, a development concept proposed by Wright in his 1932 book, "The Disappearing City" and inspired by the rise of interstate highway travel and the Great Depression.

Commonly described as the "antithesis of the city and the apotheosis of the newly born suburbia," Broadacre was unveiled by Wright in 1935 in a very detailed 12-foot-by-12-foot scale model that represented a hypothetical four-square-mile community for 1,400 families.

The exact opposite of transit-oriented development, Broadacre incorporated many of the garden city ideas of urban planner Ebenezer Howard. Wright called it not just the destiny of a mature industrial society, but "the plastic form of a genuine democracy." He continued to plan and publish on this project until his death in 1959.

The exhibition is made possible through a grant from the New York Council on the Humanities, and support from the Interdisciplinary Research Development Fund of the Office of the UB Vice President for Research, the St. Simon Charitable Foundation, Inc., and the Martin House Restoration Corporation.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this news release or exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.

See this article online at: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/10395

Check out the Darwin Martin house restoration progress

If you are looking for something special to do in the Buffalo area, check out out the progress of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Darwin Martin house restoration. Jim and I went on a tour of it this past Sunday and it was wonderful.

I hadn't been there in about three or four years, so much progress had been made since my last visit. The new visitor's pavilion is very unique. The outside restoration of the Martin House is nearly complete; inside they hope to be done by 2011. I was so impressed with it that I joined as a member. For more information visit the website http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/ or call 716-856-3858.

Tours are by reservation only, see the website for days and times. It costs $15 person for the basic one hour tour. Longer in-depth tours are also offered.

Elmwood Festival of the Arts

The Elmwood Festival of the Arts will take place this weekend. This is a great way to end the summer. This open-air arts festival is very similar to the Allentown Arts festival which takes place in Buffalo earlier in the summer. Only this festival is more family friendly, with lots of kids activities. The festival features art vendors, lots of food, and musical entertainment. It takes place this weekend Saturday August 29 from 10am-6pm and Sunday August 30 from 10am to 5pm. For more information see http://www.elmwoodartfest.org/

Rose Lummis boat cruise on the Erie Canal

Yesterday my daughter and I went on the luncheon cruise of the Rose Lummis on the Erie Canal. This 49 passenger tour boat departs from Spencerport, which is west of Rochester. The cruise went to Adams Basin, where we had a delicious lunch at the Adams Basin Inn B & B. David and Pat Haines, the innkeepers, also give a tour of the inn. This cruise which departed at 11:30am, cost $29/person. They also offer sightseeing cruises Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 12, 2 and 4pm. Cost is $14/adult and $10/child 2-12. The boat can also be chartered for tours for groups of 15 or more. For information call 716-830-7555 or visit their website http://www.roselummis.com/

National Marina Day at Chautauqua Marina on Saturday Aug. 8

National Marina Day Will Be Celebrated Locally with Free Events

Here's a press release I got from the Chautauqua Marina regarding their upcoming event

Mayville, N.Y. –Saturday, August 8, 2009, has been proclaimed National Marina Day in Mayville, New York by Mayville Mayor, Marty Bova. Local celebrations begin at 9 a.m. at the Chautauqua Marina on Route 394 in Mayville N. Y.

As part of a nationwide observance, Chautauqua Marina is celebrating the seventh annual National Marina Day on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 9 am to 3 pm. Chautauqua Marina understands the important role that our lake plays to tourism in our area. Every day hundreds of locals and visitors rent boats and jet-skis from the marina to enjoy on our beautiful lake.

“National Marina Day is an annual celebration of the important role marinas play in waterfront communities all across America,” said Ken Shearer, president of Chautauqua Marina. “Each day, this country’s marinas serve as safe, family-friendly gateways to boating and stewards of the environment. We hope you will visit Chautauqua Marina and learn about your communities’ marina, and enjoy the events we have planned.”

Three local organizations will benefit from the Fundraising activities, Chautauqua Women’s Club- Young Women’s Group, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and the Chautauqua Lake Association.

Activities include a Free Youth Fishing Contest, a Community-wide Yard Sale, an on-site Poker Run sponsored by the Chautauqua Lake Association and a Silent Auction sponsored by the Chautauqua Women’s Club-Young Women’s Group at Chautauqua Institution. Breakfast and Lunch for purchase will be available from 9 am -3 pm. The food tent is prepared by the Brick Village Gourmet and The Watermark Restaurant. 5% of the proceeds from the food tent will be donated to the Chautauqua Lake Association and the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy.

Free lectures will be given by local lake experts on subjects including lake maintenance, boat maintenance, boat safety and Jet-ski safety.
Topics for the free lectures are, "Keeping Our Lakes Clean", presented by the Chautauqua Lake Association and the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy ( 9:30 and 10:15 am), "Boat Maintenance", presented by Chautauqua Marina Service Manager, Doug Cleland (10:30 am), "Jet-Ski Maintenance / Safety" presented by Chautauqua Marina’s Lou Clementi, boat and Jet-ski rental manager (11 am), and "Boat Safety” presented by Chautauqua Marina’s Matthew Terrill (11:30 am.).

There is no fee to participate in the event, come see the yard sale, silent auction, and participate in any of the free lectures that will be held in the morning. In addition take advantage of eating breakfast lunch on the water with food prepared by The Brick Village Gourmet and The Watermark Restaurant. Onsite Poker run tickets may be purchased in advance or day of the event at Chautauqua Marina, Chautauqua Suites Meeting & Expo Center, Brick Village Gourmet and The Watermark Restaurant. A $10 donation to the Chautauqua Lake Association is required.

You can join in on the on-site poker run any time on August 8 from 9 am to 1 pm. Prizes and awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners as well as the worst hand. All proceeds will be donated to the Chautauqua Lake Association.

Contact the Chautauqua Marina to sign up for the Free Youth Fishing Contest for kids ages 12 and under. If you have “Stuff” to sell, sign up for a Yard Sale Booth ($10 donation for booth). All proceeds for booth sign ups for the yard sale will be donated to the Chautauqua Lake Association and the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy.

For more information on Free Youth Fishing Contest or to have a booth in the Yard Sale, contact Chautauqua Marina @ 716-753-3913.

“This entire community has been generously involved with this event”, Lou Clementi, manager of boat and Jet-ski Rentals at Chautauqua Marina said. “A number of companies from Mayville, Bemus Point, Lakewood, Chautauqua Institution and Jamestown have donated items for the Young Women's Group Silent Auction as well gifts for the Free Youth Fishing Contest and the Poker Run."

For more information and a complete schedule of events for the August 8, National Marina Day Celebration go to http://www.chautauquamarina.com/ or call 716-753-3913.

Chautauqua Marina’s National Marina Day activities include:

☻Free Youth Fishing Contest…10 am - Noon

☻Yard Sale… 9 am -3 pm

☻Silent Auction 9 am -2 pm Benefiting CWC (Young Women's Group)

☻On-site Poker Run 9 am-2 pm $10 Benefiting CLA (Chautauqua Lake Assoc.)

☻Food Tent- Brick Village Gourmet & The Watermark Restaurant 9am-3 pm

☻Boat Demos

☻Free Lectures 9:30 am –11:30 am

*Keeping Our Lake Clean (CLA-Chautauqua Lake Assoc. & CWC -Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy) 9:30 am & 10:15 am

*Boat Maintenance … (Doug Cleland) Manager of the Service Department at Chautauqua Marina 10:30 am

*Jet-Ski Maintenance/Safety (Lou Clementi) Boat and Jet-ski Manager at Chautauqua Marina 11 am

*Boat Safety ( Matt Terrill, Chautauqua Marina ) 11:30 am

☻Awards and Prizes (Fishing Contest Noon) Poker Run & Silent Auction 2 -3 pm

Festivals this weekend July 24-26, 2009

Here is a copy of a listing of festivals in WNY this weekend that were sent to me

Western New York Lebanese Festival
Ethnic food, drinks, music, dancing, and entertainment for children.
July 24-26
St. John Maron Church
2040 Wehrle Dr.
Williamsville, NY
716-634-0669
www.stjohnmaron.org

YWCA Arts & Crafts Festival
One of the largest arts and crafts shows in Western New York with over 200 crafters and artisans. Food vendors, free parking and free shuttle bus.
July 24-25
Moore Park
Westfield, NY
716-326-2011

4th Annual Classic and Custom Car Show
The CTRC and Lakeside Classic Cruisers in conjunction with the East Side Car Club are pleased to announce that they will be co-hosting the 4th annual classic and custom car show at the Central Terminal.
July 25
Buffalo Central Terminal
Buffalo, NY
716-852-3300
www.buffalocentralterminal.org

Bubblefest
Surround yourself with thousands of bubbles at the Buffalo Museum of Science! Experiment with bubbles, bubble technology, and bubbles that completely surround your body!
July 25
Buffalo Museum of Science
Buffalo, NY
716-896-5200
www.sciencebuff.org

East Aurora Street Festival
A closed Main Street allows craft, food and Main Street merchants to display and sell products. Entertainment on the street and operation kids offers an educational experience for kids to run their own business. Chalk walk murals down the street.
July 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Main St.
East Aurora, NY
716-652-8444
www.eanycc.com

Wildlife and Renaissance Festival
Experience exciting up close raptor encounters, "Walk with Eagles" and "Dragons" exhibit, flying bird show, barn owl release, medieval reenactments, artisans, kids games, art sale, over 90 animal ambassadors.
July 25-26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hawk Creek Wildlife Center 655 Luther Rd.
East Aurora, NY
716-652-8646
www.hawkcreek.org

Festivals this weekend

Here are some festivals happening this weekend from one of the press releases I recieved this week.

Greater Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival
Italian cultural exhibits, dancers, singers and groups from Italy, extensive array of Italian cuisine, Italian idol contest, live entertainment, Miss Italian Festival, Bocce tournament, Russell Salvatore scholarship contest.
July 16-19
Hertel Ave.
Buffalo, NY
716-877-1776
http://www.buffaloitalianfestival.com/

Victorian Dazzle
Experience the art, history and romance of a simpler time. Costumes and music of the era and a wide variety of antique vendors in the park, historic house and garden tour of Fredonia's finest Victorian dwellings, and horse-drawn cemetery tours.
July 17-18
Barkers Commons Park
Fredonia, NY
716-679-0891
http://www.festivalsfredonia.com/

Art in the Woods Art Show & Sale
Description: Nature artists display their creative work in a natural setting. Enjoy a stroll through the grounds and purchase art treasures from the area's top nature artisans. Musical entertainment and delicious food.
July 18-19
Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Jamestown, NY
716-569-2345
http://www.jamestownaudubon.org/

Scandinavian Folk Festival
A celebration of Nordic Heritage with folk music and dance, lectures, workshops, food and craft vendors, colorful displays, ethnic costumes, genealogy and history lectures, children's activities, and fiddle and accordion music.
July 18-19
Jamestown Community College
Jamestown, NY
716-665-3203
http://www.scandinavianjamestown.org/

Chuckwagon Supper and stage show

Here’s an e-mail I got from Carol Lorenc of the Foxe Farm Bed & Breakfast about the Chuckwagon Supper and Stage Show.

We went to the June dinner/show and it really was a very special night --
homespun Americana at it's authentic best. If you're looking for a great
meal in the great outdoors, call for reservations for this Saturday, July
18th. (Next dinner/show will be Friday, Sept. 25 at the Little Valley Trail
Riders instead of The Crosspatch.)

The Crosspatch is on Baker Road between Rts. 242 & 353, just outside the
village of Little Valley. Jim & Dolly Little are the folks who organized &
led the Cattaraugus Bicentennial Wagon Train -- 180 miles by covered wagon
in two weeks! They've also taken groups to Wyoming for cattle drives and
led the Little Valley Memorial Day & Labor Day Trail rides for years --
amazing horsemen always willing to share & help.

Carol

Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 11:41 AM
Subject: Chuckwagon Supper and Stage Show


Hi Folks,
We had a very successful, fun night with our first Chuckwagon
Supper and Stage Show we had our granddaughter making ice-cream with her pony, and Jim giving wagon rides into the campground. Kathy manned the old fashioned Mercantile with penny candy, homemade baked goods, handmade quilts, drygoods and sasparella.
Len, Susan, Amanda, Luke and Jahrod dished up a fabulous campfire/chuckwagon meal. The meal consisted of Steak or Chicken with all the fixins'

Good old fashioned Western music and Story Telling featuring Buckskin and Calico, to end the night with a lantern and firefly lit return to your cars by wagon.

We are going to do it again this Sat. July 18th. Please call in reservations so that we know which you want steak or chicken. We hope to have a few more throught the season so please come and spread the word, and let us know what you think!
July 18th gates open 5:30 dinner promply at 7:30 at the Crosspatch
$25 per person (call for child rates).
(716) 938 - 6313

See you there. YEEEHAWWW

Lots of festivals this week

Here's a listing of some upcoming festivals happening in the Buffalo area.

Friendship Festival
July 2 -5. An international celebration of the culture and heritage shared by Canada and the U.S. Events include free concerts, crafts, midway and family attractions. Spectacular fireworks highlight the two national holidays.
Various locations
Buffalo, NY
888-333-1987
www.friendshipfestival.com

Great Blue Heron Music Festival
July 3- Jul 5
A 3-day celebration of music and dance on 300 acres in the Amish countryside. Programming includes Roots, Rock Zydeco, Blues, Old-time and Bluegrass bands. Food, all night dance tent, camping and swimming.
Sherman, NY
716-487-1781
www.greatblueheron.com

The French & Indian War Encampment
July 3-5
More than 2000 living history demonstrations depict the 1759 siege of Niagara. Battle demonstrations, living history camps, sutlers and more. New York State's signature French & Indian War event for 2009.
Old Fort Niagara
Buffalo, NY
716-745-7611
www.oldfortniagara.org

Chautauqua Craft Alliance
July 7-10
29th annual festival with 67 craftsmen and artists in all media, including jewelry, clay, fiber, leather, wood, painting, metal and more.
Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua, NY
716-753-0240
www.chautauquacraftalliance.org

Annual Grease Pole Festival
July 10-12 2009
The area's oldest Puerto Rican heritage festival, featuring live bands, games, Latino cuisine and youth talent show.
Pucho, Inc. Community Center 261 Swan St.
Buffalo, NY
716-852-1648

Taste of Buffalo Presented by Tops
July 11-12
The Taste of Buffalo is one of the nation's largest food festivals and attracts more than 450,000 people annually to the event. The Taste features dozens of Buffalo's best restaurants serving some of the most enjoyable foods the region has to offer.
Downtown
Buffalo, NY
716-652-0628
www.tasteofbuffalo.com



PRESS RELEASE: July 1, 2009
RE: Chainsaw Art at Olde Sanborn Days
FROM: Eva Nicklas 754-0166


(Sanborn, NY) Once again, Lewiston Council on the Arts joins the festivities
at the annual Olde Sanborn Days Arts & Crafts Show on July 11 & 12
from (Saturday) 10:00AM to 5:00 PM and (Sunday) 11:00 AM - 4:00
PM. The Council is proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Niagara County
Central to present a weekend residency for X-TREME Art sculptor and Chainsaw
Chick, Alicia Charlton. Alicia is a "Master of the Chainsaw" and has won critical
acclaim for her beautiful carving style in numerous competitions.


Starting with a three foot tall log, while the chainsaw roars and sawdust flies,
Alicia brings her sculptures to life. She is a master carver and will complete her
masterpieces to the delight of onlookers during the two days of the festivities
which are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Niagara County-Central. The family
oriented event is FREE to the public at the Sanborn Fire Hall grounds on Rt.
429 near the intersection of Rt. 31.

Don't miss the opportunity to catch Alicia in action. And be sure to enjoy the rich
conversation after the show.

For more information:
Don Thompson, Rotary Club of Niagara County-Central 693-1946
or call Rotary Phone #: 693-6140
Jen Watson Ruth - Masters of the Chainsaw - 888-242-4672

A berry good time

Today my daughter and I went strawberry picking. Nothing tastes better than sweet, juicy strawberries right from the vine. We picked six quarts and are planning to make some freezer jam and maybe a pie and then eat the rest. There are many places to go throughout western New York. We headed to Greg's U-Pick Farm, located at 9270 Lapp Road, Clarence Center (714-4239; http://www.gregsupick.com/).

They have a really big berry patch and are family-friendly, so you can bring the kids (just make sure you keep an eye on them so they don't step on the berries!). The berries were $3.00 a quart if you picked 4 or more quarts. They charged a bit more if you only picked 1-3 quarts. If you don't have the time or ambition to pick your own, you can purchase already picked berries at $4.75 a quart.

They will have strawberries for about another 10 days or so. In mid-July, blueberries will be available for picking. Yum!

Visit Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County, about a 90 minute drive from downtown Buffalo is a perfect place for a getaway, whether it be a day, a weekend or a week. I went to the Chautauqua County travel expo this past week and picked up all sorts of literature about the county's many attractions. I had the opportunity to take a ride on the Chautauqua Belle, a scenic boat ride on Chautauqua Lake. You can board the boat at Lakeside Park in Mayville or at the Chautauqua Institution. For more info see http://www.269belle.com/

For more information about all there is to see and do in Chautauqua County, visit http://www.tourchautauqua.com/

Local Author's day at NT History Museum

Check out this event taking place tomorrow. Stop by and say hello to me.

The North Tonawanda History Museum will hold its first "Spring Local Author's Day" on Saturday, May 16 from 10 am. to 5 p.m. The History Museum has served as a venue for purchasing books by local authors on a wide variety of historical subjects for the last several years.

Suzanne Simon Dietz, author of “Honor Thy Fathers & Mothers: Niagara Frontier’s Legacy of Patriotism and Survival,” will be present to autograph copies of her book. Dietz is the Town of Porter Historian and is also author of both Porter and Lewiston Arcadia Publishing Images of America Series books and a contributing author to many other local history publications.

Bob Kostoff, author of many books on local history, will be present to autograph “Remembering Niagara: Tales from Beyond the Falls.” Kostoff has been writing feature stories on local history for decades, published in the Buffalo Courier Express, Niagara Gazette, and the Lockport Journal. For the last several years, he has been a contributing writer in the Niagara Falls Reporter. The current book is a sequel to his book, “Nuggets of Niagara County History.”

Christine A. Smyczynski, author of “Western New York Explorer’s Guide,” will also be present. Smyczynski writes travel articles regularly for the Buffalo News, the Democrat & Chronicle, and several other local and regional publications.

Books will also be available for purchase by local author, Jeanne Treat ("Dark Birthright") and her mother Clara Treat's book, "Heartland Verses," and Violet Kolecki, widow of John H. Kolecki who passed away on December 31, 2008, will be present to meet with attendees with the three books her late husband wrote on growing up in North Tonawanda as a Polish American: "The Hybraid Amerykaniec: Dziadzi," "On the Avenues and Beyond," and "Spy, Szpieg, Spion."

Guest speakers will be present throughout the day at the following times to discuss their books:

11 a.m - Amy Santi Bull, author of “Believe, A Collection of Inspirational Poetry” and “My Inner Strength: More Poems of Faith and Hope” and her newest book.

Noon - John W. Percy, local historian and author. with his newest book, "Buffalo-Niagara Connections: A New Regional History of the Niagara Frontier”

1 p.m - Diane M. Meholick, local author with her three books: “Painting Katherine,” “A Switch in Time,” and “Buffalo Stories”

2 p.m.- David Lawrence Reade, local author and photographer. with his three books: “Western New York Wild: Celebrating Our Rich Natural Heritage,” “Beyond Buffalo! A Photographic Journey and Guide to the Secret Natural World of Our Region” and “The Four Seasons of Letchworth: A Celebration of the Grand Canyon of the East”

3 p.m. - Bertamaie Ives, local author of “Ring in the Holidays.”

4 p.m. - Kevin H. Siepel, local author of “Joseph Bennett of Evans and the Growing of New York’s Niagara Frontier”

For more information contact:
Donna Zellner Neal,
Executive Director
North Tonawanda History Museum/Lumber City History Center
54 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-213-0554
www.nthistorymuseum.org

Parkside Tour of Homes

Here's an interesting event that's coming up in a few weeks.

Parkside Community Association's
11th Annual Tour of Homes

Contact: Kathleen Peterson
Address: 2318 Main Street
Phone: 716-838-1240
Email: PCA2318Main@verizon.net
URL: www.parksidebuffalo.org

PARKSIDE, BUFFALO, NY


The Parkside Community Association presents the 11th Annual Tour of Homes on Sunday, May 17th from 11:30 am – 4:30 pm. This popular tour will have TEN outstanding homes for you to explore. Visitors are promised a fascinating look inside historical residences in Buffalo’s beautiful 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, Carriage House, and the new Pavilion. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 the day of the tour, and $11 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.

What do beer, wine and pizza have in common?

Here are three upcoming food related events.

Beerology
Friday April 24
6-9 pm
Buffalo Museum of Science
www.sciencebuff.org

This fundraiser examines the science of beer and gives attendees an opportunity to sample beer from local brewers, as well as other goodies. $20 museum members, $25 non-members

Buffalo Pizza Fest
May 2-3
11am-9pm
Hearthstone Manor, Depew
www.thebuffalopizzafest.com

Sample pizza from over 30 local pizzerias as they compete for prizes. There will also be many other activities to enjoy. See their website for specifics. Tickets $5 pre-sale or $8 at the door.

Wine, Herb and Cheese Weekend
May 2-3
Chautauqua-Lake Erie wine Trail
www.chautauquawinetrail.org

Visit the 21 wineries along the trail and sample wines and cheeses and other dishes at each. Tickets are $25 for Saturday and Sunday or $20 for Sunday only.

Try your hand at glassblowing

Here is a press release I got from Hands-on Glass Studio in Corning. We went here a couple years ago and really enjoyed trying glass blowing

Upcoming events at Hands-on Glass Studio
124 Crystal Lane
Corning, New York
Call: (607) 962-3044 or tollfree (866) 962-3044

*Glassblowing with Ed Schmid, June 14-16
*Flameworking with Sage Holland & Beau Anderson, June 9-10 & June 15-17

June Workshops (see descriptions below) are being offered in conjunction with
The Glass Art Society Conference in Corning, June 11-14, 2009
Visit www.glassart.org for more about the GAS conference.

Post-Conference Workshop: Glassblowing with Ed Schmid - June 14-16
A limited number of spaces are available to study glassblowing techniques at the furnace with Ed Schmid, author of "Beginning Glassblowing" and "Advanced Glassworking Techniques.">From those with little to no experience to intermediate and advanced levels, these will be structured as private tutorials that are sure to be fun, informative and highly rewarding in a relaxed comfortable setting here in the heart of Corning. Sessions with Ed will be available; Sun. June 14, Mon. June 15, and Tues. June 16. Call Hands-on Glass tollfree: (866) 962-3044.Flame of Mind: Two workshops in Flameworking & Beadmaking with soft glass, co-taught by Sage Holland and Beau Anderson

Pre-conference: Two-day workshop, 6/9 & 6/10
Post-Conference:Three-day workshop, 6/15-6/17

The first workshop will be suitable for beginners to intermediate and the second session for intermediate to advanced levels. Both will include sculptural as well as ancient and contemporary Beadmaking techniques for soft glass .There will be a special emphasis on joining multiple shapes and patterns together and integrating sculptural aspects into one piece. However participants can work at their own pace with ample one on one time with the facilitators. For more info call Sage @ (870) 363-4890 or email sageandtomemail@gmail.com Or Hands-on Glass tollfree: (866) 962-3044.

*Note: Workshops held at Hands-on Glass are in close proximity to the GAS conference site at The Corning Museum of Glass however we will offer rides to and from for those who need it!
For more info. contact: Rodi Rovner at Hands-on Glass:(607) 962-3044 or tollfree (866) 962-3044, or email: rodi@handsonglass.com We look forward to seeing you in Corning!!

Winemaker's tasting dinners

Chautauqua-Lake Erie WINE TRAIL
Winemakers Tasting Dinners
April 21, 6:30pm

Meet the winemakers! Your choice of location!
Reservations, for the dinner of your choice, $60/person.
Includes dinner, all wine, and gratuities.
Deluxe, multiple-course tasting or grazing dinners with paired wines.
See Tickets on Wine Trail website. Seating is limited.
Menus to be listed on Wine Trail website.
www.chautauquawinetrail.org, 877-326-6561

Quincy Cellars, Ripley, NY

Paired with wine from New York wineries

Appetizers
Smoked Salmon Topped with Creme Fraiche & Chives
Red Pear & Raspberry Butter Toasted Canapes

Soup
Roasted Tomato and Basil soup

Cheese and Fruit
Assortment of Fresh Quincy Bread with Dipping Oil & Fresh Fruit Kabob Platters with White Chocolate Dip
World Cheese Course Consisting of Spanish Manchego, New Holland Gouda,
U.K. Sage Derby, Wisconsin Buttermilk Blue and French Brie

Entrees
Mimosa Poached Salmon with Citrus Hollandaise
Filet Mignon Au Poivre w/ Torched Blue Cheese on Sweet Pea Blinis
Duck Skewers with Apricot-Ancho Barbeque Sauce

Desserts
Lemon Curd Pie Disks with Fresh Sliced Apples and Pears
Amaretto Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars with Mocha Chocolate Sauce

South Shore Wine Company, North East, PA

Paired with wine from Pennsylvania wineries
Station 1
Champagne Poached Salmon en Croute
Lime Caper Ceviche * Avocado Shrimp Rice Salad

Station 2

Tea Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Moutarde Sauce
Tomato Caprese Kabobs * New Potatoes Stuffed with Sour Cream and Bacon

Station3
Sliced Tenderloin of Beef with Basil Horseradish Sauce
Goat Cheese and Pesto Toasts * Pistachio Roquefort Grapes

Station 4
Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables with Orzo Pasta
Cuban Bean and Rice Salad * Display of Imported Cheeses

Station 5
Peanut Chicken Satay * Hummus and Baba Ganouj * Tangy Oriental Pasta Salad

Station 6
Szechwan Beef Skewers * Chinese Ginger Soy Apricot Meatballs * Chicken & Scallion Fried Rice

Station 7
Strawberry Frangelica Canapes * Chocolate Almond Tea Cookie
Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Canapes

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail
8419 West Main Road
Westfield, NY 14787

Maple Weekend

The smell of maple syrup cooking will be in the air this weekend and next, as we celebrate Maple Weekend. Maple syrup producers from around the state will have their doors open to the public for tours and tastings at this annual family-friendly event. There are also other events, like pancake breakfasts and horse drawn wagon rides, like the picture above, taken at Merle Maple in Attica last year. Maple Weekend takes place March 21-22 and 28-29 from 10am-4pm each day. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear boots, as farms can be muddy this time of year. For more information visit http://www.mapleweekend.com/

Country Barn Quilt Trail

Discover the country barn quilt trail

Below is a press release I recently received about the Country Barn Quilt Trail. If you're looking for a place to take a Sunday drive, this is a really unique quilt display. I wrote an article about it in October 2007; here is a link to the article http://explorewny.home.att.net/quilttrail.html

PRESS RELEASE: use by March 20, 2009
Contact: Teresa Mitchell, Seaway Trail, 315-646-1000; Wayne Hale, Orleans County Tourism, 585-589-3199

Country Barn Trail Part of Seaway Trail Quilt Show March 21-22

Quilts made of fabric are not the only types of quilts being featured at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show on March 21-22 at the Seaway Trail Discovery Center in Sackets Harbor. A special exhibit of the Orleans County Country Barn Quilt Trail will invite show visitors to explore the Seaway Trail byway and a 22-mile loop tour that features quilt blocks made of wood.

More than 40 painted quilt blocks now adorn the sides of barns in the Town of Kendall, found along the western Lake Ontario stretch of the Seaway Trail between Rochester and Niagara Falls.

Travelers can follow a map or access a cell phone audio tour to find the blocks with names such as The Farmer’s Daughter, Carpenter’s Wheel, Circle the Field and Joseph’s Coat. The phone number to call and a map are available at Partyka Farms Market at 1420 County Line Road in Kendall – about three miles south of the Seaway Trail (Lake Ontario State Parkway Morton/Rt. 272 Exit).

Orleans County Tourism and Partyka Farms Market will have a display for the Orleans County Country Barn Quilt Trail at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show. Orleans County Tourism Director Wayne Hale says farm market owner Lora Partyka is among the local farmers and families that have sponsored the blocks on their barns.

“We share Seaway Trail’s innovative use of storytelling as a method of interpreting our cultural, natural and tourism resources. The Orleans County Country Barn Quilt Trail and its cell phone audio narration, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show, and the series of Seaway Trail outdoor storyteller interpretive panels placed the length of the 518-mile byway are developing modern-day storytelling traditions that add unique dimensions to the Great Lakes Seaway Trail travel experience,” Hale says.

The March 21-22 show also features more than 90 “Hugs for Heroes” quilts honoring America, her soldiers, and Presidents; quilted works by four international quilting author-artists; and a Viewer’s Choice competition of quilts and wallhangings of “My Favorite Seaway Trail Place(s) for $500 in prizes. There will also be demonstrations and vendors.

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail Quilt Show runs 10am to 5pm on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 at the Seaway Trail Discovery Center in Sackets Harbor, NY. The show is sponsored by the Seaway Trail Foundation and Orleans County Tourism. Learn more online at http://www.seawaytrail.com/ or call 315-646-1000. The show is a Yellow Ribbon Event for military families. #