My article about things to do this winter in January issue of WNY Family Magazine

Here is a link to my article about fun things to do in the winter, both outdoors and indoors, in the January 2014 issue of Western New York Family Magazine

http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=190167&p=20

My article on the Abbey of the Genesee in the National Catholic Register

RURAL RETREAT. The rural setting of the Abbey of the Genesee and quiet church invite visitors to prayer; the bread shop — stocked with fresh-baked bread and other treats by the monks — is also a draw for visitors. Christine A. Smyczynski      

 

Feast on Monks’ Bread and Prayer in New York State

By Christine A. Smyczynski

 

Nestled in the tiny village of Piffard, among the gently rolling hills of the Genesee River Valley, about 35 miles south of Rochester, N.Y., stands the Abbey of the Genesee, a community of contemplative monks, Cistercians of Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists. The brothers have dedicated themselves to a cloistered life of prayer and manual labor. They also observe silence, only speaking when necessary.

 

The 35 monks gather for prayer five times a day, beginning at 2:25am and ending in early evening. The public is invited to join them for prayer in the church, which is open daily from 2am-7pm.

On my most recent visit, I joined about two dozen other people in the church. The church is very peaceful, dimly lit on purpose, and silence must be observed. It is the perfect place to come and contemplate all the things on one’s heart.

 

The monks slowly and silently filed in; at the appointed time, a bell rang, and they began singing hymns, which were followed by a reading and the Our Father. They then all filed out in silence.

The Abbey of the Genesee is probably best known for the physical nourishment it offers. When the abbey was first established in 1951, Brother Sylvester, one of the abbey’s founders, began baking bread for the monks and visitors, using his own recipe. Soon, guests started asking to purchase the bread to take home. The monks decided to start a small bakery and began making “monks bread.”

 

The operation grew, and the monks began operating a large modern bakery, which supports the abbey financially to this day. The bread is sold at the abbey’s bread store, as well as in major supermarkets in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

 

“The bread was made fresh this morning,” Steven, the cashier at the abbey’s bread store, told me. It smelled great in the store, and I had a difficult time deciding which kind to buy. Varieties include white, wheat, raisin with cinnamon, sunflower with rolled oats, maple cinnamon, 20-grain, 20-grain with golden raisins and rye. They also make a holiday bread, a sweet loaf with candied fruit peel and cinnamon, during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Because of their unique texture, the breads freeze very well, so visitors stock up.

 

The monks also make a variety of sweets, including brownies and fruit cakes. They also carry fruit spreads, jams and candies produced at other monasteries, as well as locally made Once Again nut butters, at the store. They even have several cookbooks, most written by monks. Can’t make it to the abbey? The bread and other items can be ordered online at MonksBread.com.

In the foyer outside the bread store, a variety of books about saints and other Catholic topics are available for purchase. Keeping up with technology, they even had “the Bible to Go” — the New Testament on a USB flash drive.

 

If spending an hour or two at the abbey doesn’t seem like enough time, silent monastic-style retreats are offered to both individuals and groups.

“These are not themed retreats,” said Father Jerome Machar, prior of the abbey. “People are encouraged to just come and pray with us.”

Retreatants are encouraged to participate in the daily prayers; however, they are not obligated to. Time is allowed for quiet contemplation and walks on the grounds of the abbey. The retreats are offered throughout the year at the on-site retreat houses.

 

As I put the fragrant bread in my car, I knew I couldn’t possibly wait to get home to have some. I sampled both the rye and the 20-grain. Then, eyeing the nut butter I bought, I remembered that I had some plastic cutlery in the car, so I made myself a nut-butter sandwich on 20-grain slices. Delicious.

Reminder Local Author's Day tomorrow

The annual local author's day at the Buffalo History Museum (Formerly Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society is tomorrow from 12-2pm. Hope to see you there! It's located on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Notingham Terr, right near the Albright Knox and Buffalo State College

Good prime rib dinner

My husband and I had dinner at Eckl's in Orchard Park this evening. I had gotten a gift certificate a few months back and we finally got an opportunity to use it. The service was fast and friendly and the food was really good. We both had prime rib, which is only served on Saturday and Sunday. They are also noted for their beef on weck sandwiches; we will have to try those next time.

Their house salad, made with a hot bacon dressing is good, and I tried one of their signature cocktails, a raspberry sour, yum!

Eckl's, 4936 Ellicott Road, Orchard Park, 662-2262. They are open daily 4:30-9:30.

Local author event planned for November 30th

Here's a press release I received from the Buffalo History Museum about the local author event that I'm participating in that will take place next Saturday Nov. 30th from 12-2pm. Hope to see you there!

 

THE BUFFALO HISTORY MUSEUM 

PRESENTS 10^th ANNUAL
LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING

  More Than 50 Local Authors on Hand to Autograph Books 

Buffalo, N.Y. – Nov.13 –The Buffalo History Museum offers a fun holiday shopping  at its 10^th annual local author book signing event on Saturday, November 30, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Museum, located at One Museum Court at Elmwood Avenue and Nottingham Terrace intersection.

More than 50 local authors will be on hand to meet and greet readers and sign purchased books. This year’s event includes, but is not limited to, the following local authors:

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, Angelo Congilio, Anthony Rudnicki, Brian Meyer,  Mark Ciemcioch, Budd Bailey, Charity Vogel, Chef Bruce Wieszala, Christine Smyczynski,

Cynthia VanNess, Dan Murphy, David Brown, David Smeltz, Deborah Gromek, Donald Mang, Donna Hok,e Dr. Mark Donnelly, Ellen Dunwoodie, Erno Rossi, Frank Kowsky, George Kunz, Gerald Halligan, Christa Glennie Seychew, Graham Millar, Gretchen Duling, Jan Sheridan, Jessica Saddleson, John Allen, John Fagant, John Koerner, John Percy, Josef N. Ferri, Julianna Fiddler-Woite, Kate Karyus Quinn, Lorna Czarnota, Marlene Young, Mary Ann Giordano, Mason Winfield, Matt Gyrta, Mike Vogel, Nancy Mingus, Nellie Moran,Nicholas & Zoie Kin, Paul Moore, Penelope Ploughman, Renee Oubre, Richard Feltoe, Rick Ohler, Steve Cichon, Sue Knott, Tim Bohen, Timothy Shannon, Wendy Essrow, William Kae

 

In addition to books, the Museum Shop offers unique Buffalo-themed gifts, including jewelry, fine art prints, maps, educational toys, and special 1901 Pan-American Exposition-themed items. Many items are crafted by local artists and or made in western New York.   Museum members will receive 10% off discounts on many items

The Local Author Book Signing Event is free and open to the public and parking is complimentary and convenient. For more information, the public may call The Buffalo History Museum at (716) 873-9644 ext. 0. Find us facebook and twitter. Visit the website: www.buffalohistory.org 

                                                                                                                                         ###

The Buffalo History Museum is Western New York’s premier historical organization, serving since its founding in 1862 to collect, research, interpret, and share the Niagara Frontier’s rich history. Its collections include more than 100,000 artifacts, 200,000 photographs, and 20,000 books. The Buffalo History Museum annually presents a wide array of programs, exhibits, tours, outdoor events, and activities for all ages.

Historical Hull House - Forever Young - November 2013 - Buffalo, NY

Read about the Hull House in the November issue of Forever Young
Historical Hull House - Forever Young - November 2013 - Buffalo, NY

Preserving Buffalo’s religious art - Forever Young - November 2013 - Buffalo, NY

Check out my article about the Buffalo Religious Arts Center
Preserving Buffalo’s religious art - Forever Young - November 2013 - Buffalo, NY

Trick or Treating at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village

Tonight my youngest son, age 11, and I went to the Halloween trick or treating event at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (formerly Amherst Museum). It has been a few years since we did this. When my older kids (now 23, 20 and 18) were little, we used to go every year.

It was still just as much fun as I remembered and there were a lot of people there! The event takes place again tomorrow, however, tickets are required. Call the museum at 689-1440 to see if they have tickets available. The museum is located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst, NY www.bnhv.org

My article about Edward Summer in Forever Young Magazine

Read all about Edward Summer, founder of the Buffalo International Film Festival in the October issue of Forever Young Magazine.
http://www.foreveryoungwny.com/Forever-Young/October-2013/Edward-Summer-Founder-of-the-Buffalo-International-Film-Festival/

Read about a day trip to the Salt Sanctuary

Read my article about the Salt Sanctuary Spa in Binghamton in yesterday's travel section of the Buffalo News
http://www.buffalonews.com/life-arts/one-tank-trips/one-tank-trip-binghamton-20130929

Hull House Revolutionary War Reenactment

I stopped by the Hull House on Genesee Street in Lancaster since I will be working on an article about the site for the November issue of Forever Young.  They are having their Revolutionary War Reenactment today and tomorrow. Unfortunately for them, today was pretty much a rain out, but the weather is suppose to be nice tomorrow. The event takes place from 10am to 4pm, with the battle beginning at 2pm. Admission is $5 adults, $2 for kids age 10-18, and under 10 free.

One of the volunteers gave me a tour of the circa 1810 Hull House, so I could see the progress of the restoration since the last time I was there. Below are a few photos I took.

Hull Family Home and Farmstead, 5976 Genesee Street, Lancaster www.hullfamilyhome.org

Greek breakfast

Enjoyed breakfast out today with my friend Tess at Athena's Family Restaurant, 729 Young Street in Tonawanda. This is one of my favorite breakfast places. Today I had the Greek Slam, a mixture of scrambled eggs, gyro, peppers, onions, home fries and feta cheese. Needless to say I was not hungry again until dinnertime! Tess enjoyed the two eggs with corned beef hash, something she enjoys but not every restaurant serves it. The restaurant is open daily 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

Take out for dinner

It seemed that I was on the go all week and when it came to dinner time tonight I did not feel like cooking. Fortunately a few days ago we had gotten a take-out menu from Salvatore's take-out bistro and pizzeria and my husband had commented when we got it that we should try the food some day. Today was that day!

I ordered eggplant parm with spaghetti and he ordered chicken parm with spaghetti. The food was very good, however, the portions were huge! While we managed to scarf down the entrees, we had spaghetti left over. Next time we could order one and split it.

Salvatore's Takeout Bistro & Pizzeria, 545 West Klein Road, Williamsville (by Dashs Plaza), 716-568-1111 www.salvatorestakeoutbistro.com It's pretty much takeout only, although they have about 3 or 4 tables outside on a small patio next to the building.

My article about Holiday Hollow in fall issue of Longweekends Magazine

Here is a link to my article about Holiday Hollow in the fall issue of Longweekends Magazine

http://www.long-weekends.com/Main/articles/Halloween_Fun_1940.aspx

My Article about Grape Discovery Center in today's Buffalo News travel section

Read all about the Grape Discovery Center in my article in the travel section of today's Buffalo News.

http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130818/LIFE02/130819278/1003

Another good lunch spot

I met my friends Susan and Diane for lunch today at Break n Eggs Creperie on Main Street in Williamsville (between Forest and Union next to  Clayton's Toys). The food was very good (I had the seafood crepe) and I will definitely have to go back there again.

Good place for lunch

Today my daughter asked if I could get her something for lunch when I was running some errands this afternoon. I have passed JonnyC's NY Deli at the corner of Transit and Casey in East Amherst, many times since it is down the street from my dad's house, so I suggested we try that.

I was amazed at the selection of items on the menu. I didn't know what to order, everything sounded so good, so I know you can never go wrong with a turkey club, so I ordered one to go for me and her to share at home. It was huge, I don't think I'd be able to eat a whole sandwich like that myself! It was good too! I will definitely have to try some of their other sandwiches. You can eat in or take out. Check out their website www.jonnycs.com

Link to story about the "Wing King" in August issue of Forever Young

Here is a link to my story about "Wing King" Drew Cerza in the August issue of Forever Youung magazine.

www.foreveryoungwny.com/Forever-Young/August-2013/The-Wing-King-of-Buffalo/

Annversary getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary this past weekend with an overnight getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. After crossing the Peace Bridge, we parked out car in one of the parking area along the Niagara Parkway overlooking the city of Buffalo. We enjoyed the view of the city and walked over to Mather Arch.

Buffalo cityscape from Fort Erie

Mather Arch, Fort Erie

 

We enjoyed a fish and chip lunch at Green Acres restaurant on Garrison Road, in Fort Erie, then headed to the Niagara College Teaching Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a tour and wine tasting. We stayed at the White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a very nice place that has Liv a 5 star restaurant where we had dinner.

Niagara College Teaching Winery

Special dessert at Liv

White Oaks Resort

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Gazebo in Niagara on the Lake

 

 
The next day, Saturday, we went into the old town part of Niagara-on-the-Lake; they were having a peach festival along Queen Street. We enjoyed peach shortcake and then headed to the Festival Theater to see Guys and Dolls, which was a very good production.

On the way home we stopped for dinner at Swiss Chalet....yum!

Check out the August issue of Forever Young Magazine

For the August issue of Forever Young Magazine I have written a profile article about Wing King, Drew Cerza. Read all about how he manages to stay fit, yet still eat chicken wings! Only 24 more days until the Buffalo Wing Festival www.buffalowing.com

A visit to the Buffalo Zoo

 

We visited the Buffalo Zoo today to see the baby polar bears. They were really cute! We have not been to the zoo for a few years, so it was nice to see all the improvements that have been made.

For dinner, we checked out the Pizza Festival at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (formerly Amherst Museum). There were a number of good pizzas to choose from and they had live entertainment all day. We also had the opportunity to check out some new exhibits at the museum.

Earlier in the week, when my husband and youngest son were at camp, my daughter and I had dinner at Jasmine Thai Restaurant on Niagara Falls Blvd. near Brighton. The food was very good and we will definitely have to go back. We especially enjoyed the mango ice cream for dessert.

A Visit to Destiny USA in Syracuse

 

My daughter and I took a day trip today to Destiny USA in Syracuse to get her some new clothes for college. Formerly called the Carousel Center, this  4 level mall is much more than a mall! We were amazed on how big it was; the first hour or so that we were there we just wandered around and just looked at things, before we finally got down to shopping. Inside the top floor there is a raceway, a rope climbing attraction, and several other attractions. There is a variety of stores my daughter loves to shop at like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, as well as a huge Macy's and Bon Ton. All in all we had a successful shopping trip, but it was a tiring day, given that it takes 21/2 to 3 hours to get to Syracuse from home. For more information, see their website www.destinyusa.com

PBS special about the Shaw Festival next Friday July 19th

Below is information I received from Megan Wagner, Director of Corporate Communications at WNED-TV about a special PBS broadcast about the Shaw Festival that will air next Friday. It sounds like an interesting show. I try to get up to Niagara-on-the-Lake to see a play each summer, so I am looking forward to seeing this program.

This month, PBS has a special broadcast, The Shaw Festival: Behind the Curtain airing Friday, July 19 at 9 p.m. This documentary provides insight into the production at a world-renowned repertory theatre festival that attracts people world-wide.

The Shaw Festival, starting back in 1962, is located in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada and produces 10-12 plays on four different stages, some productions dating back to George Bernard Shaw’s era (1856-1950) as well as some contemporary plays. In addition, the work behind the scenes is explored as well, including designers, set builders, props, costume and wig-makers, etc. The result is a revealing and intimate portrait of the Shaw Festival, the theatres, the creative process and the passionate teams that bring the art to life.

Mother daughter trip to Westfield and Erie

My daughter and I headed out on a little adventure today. First we went to the Grape Discovery Center on route 20 just south of Westfield, which just opened today. It's a very nice  facility that has lots of grape themed items for sale, as well as locally produced foods, and even a wine tasting bar. They also have exhibits on grape growing in the region. It is open daily 10am-6pm, for more info, see www.grapediscoverycenter.com

We then continued south to Erie, PA for the Great Lakes Beach Glass Festival, held in Erie's Bayfront Convention Center, which is a beautiful facility. Most of the exhibitors featured jewelry and other items made with beach glass, as well as artwork. I found a beautiful blue sea glass necklace and some matching earrings, while my daughter found a couple bracelets and a necklace. The pieces we picked out were relatively inexpensive (less than $40), however, some vendors had items that were hundreds of dollars. The festival continues tomorrow Sunday May 26th from 10am-5pm. For more info see www.relishinc.com

After shopping at the festival, we took a walk along the waterfront and enjoyed a birds-eye view of Erie and nearby Presque Isle State Park from the Bicentennial Tower (admission $3). Next, we headed to Millcreek Mall for some more shopping.

Happy May 1st. The nice weather is here! For ideas of things to do in western New York this spring and summer take a look at my book, Western New York Explorers Guide, available in book stores and online. For more information see www.westernnewyorkexplorersguide.com

My latest articles





I have an article about mother daughter getaways in the May issue of Western New York Family Magazine, which talks about trips I've taken with my daughter, plus an interview with YNN Buffalo news anchor Katie Morse, who goes on an annual trip to see Kenney Chesney in concert with her mom. You can view the magazine online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com or you can get it free at Wegmans, public libraries, and some pediatricians offices.

In Forever Young Magazine I profile Dr. Mark Donnelly, author, photographer, and promoter of all things related to the Buffalo area. You can get a free copy of Forever Young at most public libraries and certain grocery and drug stores.

Great movie to see


Went to see the movie "42" this evening with my husband Jim. I really didn't know what to expect and thought that since it was about sports, I wouldn't find it too interesting. But I went because Jim said he heard it was a good movie and that he wanted to see it. Plus it was a night out! I was pleasantly surprised how well done it was and what an interesting movie it was. Before seeing this movie I really didn't know too much about Jackie Robinson and how he broke the color barrier to play major league baseball. It was educational and entertaining at the same time. I encourage everyone to see it!

Day trip to Rochester

Since the kids are off from school this week, my husband and I toook the day off from work and we headed to Rochester with our two youngest for a day trip. We first stopped at the George Eastman House, which currently has their "Dutch Connection" tulip and spring flower display until Sunday February 24th. The flowers were beautiful and it smelled like springtime!

It was then on to the National Museum of Play (Strong Museum) which has become an annual winter break tradition for us. The current exhibit is lego travel adventure.

We ended out day in Rochester with dinner at my daughter's favorite Thai restaruant, the King and I (www.thekingandithaicuisine.com)