Festival of Lights at Fatima Shrine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This event is free, and open to the public.

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

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

Local author signing on Saturday

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

Stained glass window tour

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

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

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

Learn about Polish traditions at Castellani exhibit

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

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

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

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

Vereran's Day Ceremony at Forest Lawn

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

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

Articles to help you get into the holiday spirit

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

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

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

Seminar in Ellicottville

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

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

Glad I was in NYC last weekend and not tonight!

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

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

Victorian Experience in Elmira

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

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

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

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

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

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

Niagara County Peach Festival

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

Field days in Youngstown

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

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

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

Wing Festival

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

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

Take a tour to learn about Buffalo

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

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

Weiner dog races at Batavia Downs

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

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

Norman Rockwell exhibit at George Eastman House

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

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

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

If you love Lucy, you'll love this

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lewiston Art Fest August 13-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Niagara on the Lake getaway

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

Buffalo waterfront on July 2

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

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

Taste of Buffalo next weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuba Cheese and more

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

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

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

Celebrity Interview

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

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

I will post a link once the article is published.

Great Lakes Experience Festival

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

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

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

Great place for outdoor furniture

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

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

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

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

Choir Director opening at Brighton Community Church

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

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

Book Review: Fruit of the Vine

Book review: Fruit of the Vine

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

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

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

St. Greg's priests shave heads

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

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

Parkside Tour of Homes May 22

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parkside Community Association’s
13th Annual Tour of Homes

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

PARKSIDE, BUFFALO, NY


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

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

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

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

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

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

Decorator Show House

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

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

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

Fun at the National Museum of Play

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

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

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

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

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