A Day in the City

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

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

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

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

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

Stained glass tour of Buffalo churches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homemade Holidays, Jamestown Audubon, Dec. 4th

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

Miracle on Main Street, Fredonia, Dec. 4th

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

Holiday Delight Festival, Perry Dec. 4th

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

Sleighbell Festival, Franklinville, Dec. 4th

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

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

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

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

Fairground Festival of Lights begins November 26

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

Fairgrounds Festival of Lights Event Expands

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

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

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

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

Olean Santa Claus Lane Parade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Joseph Bieron, Postcard Views, Orchard Park

Evelyn Brady, Peaceprints

Steve Cichon, The Complete History of Parkside

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

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

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

John Edson, Hamburg: 1910-1970, Hamburg Revisited

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

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

John Koerner, Mysteries of Father Baker, Father Baker Code

George Kunz, Buffalo Memories

Elizabeth Leader, Buffalo Snow

Raya Lee, BPO Celebrates the First 75 Years

Donald Mang, One Nation Under God (a novel)

Nancy Mingus, Buffalo: Good Neighbors, Great Architecture

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

Janice Okun, Buffalo Cooks with Janice Okun

Laura Pedersen, Buffalo Gal, Buffalo Unbound-a Celebration

John Percy, Buffalo-Niagara Connections, Town of Tonawanda

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

Erno Rossi, White Death: The Blizzard of '77

Maria Scrivani, Brighter Buffalo

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

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

Joel Thomas, Creature Comforts

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

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

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

Corning's Chocolate Trail

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

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

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

Chautauqua Lake Erie Art Trail Nov. 13

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

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail Set for November 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trick or Treat at the Amherst Museum

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

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

Creature Comforts book review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Made in America Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grape Discover Center Progress

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

Viewing of Grape Discovery Center Progress Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Falls Street Octoberfest Oct. 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few more scarecrow photos

Here are a few more scarecrow photos from Lewiston

Fun day in Lewiston looking at the scarecrows

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

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

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

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

NYS Power Authority Wildlife Fest

Reptile
Poisionous snake

fishing

Liberty the Bald Eagle

Liberty the Bald Eagle

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

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

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

A visit to the George Eastman House

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

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

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

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

St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute celebrates 150 years

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

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

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

Chautauqua Bon Vivant

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

CHAUTAUQUA BON VIVANT CELEBRATES FALL HARVEST FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun time at the Lewiston Peach Festival

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

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

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A few days at Niagara-on-the-Lake

Streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Charles Inn

View from Brock Monument

Brock Monument

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

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

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

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

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

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

A fun day in Canandaigua

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

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

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

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