Forever Young December 2022

OUR 34TH YEAR

1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12 Amherst, NY 14228

Phone 716.783.9119 Fax 716.783.9983 www.foreveryoungwny.com

CORPORATE

President Sharon C. Levite

Publisher / Chief Revenue Officer Barbara E. Macks

Vice President Administrative & Finance Michele Ferguson

Publisher Barbara E. Macks

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Sabrina Kahwaty skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com

Managing Editor Donna Hoke Assistant Editor Daniel Curry

EDITOR’S NOTE A few of your favorite things

Contributing Writers

Carol Ann Harlos, Jonnemarie Kahwaty, Judith A. Rucki, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits Proofreader Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

Creative Director Jean-Pierre Thimot Lead Designer Nicholas Vitello

Senior Graphic Designers / Illustrators Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers

Graphic Designers Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica Photographers kc kratt, Luke Copping, Stephen Gabris, Eric Frick, Nancy J. Parisi, Dan Cappellazzo

ADVERTISING & SALES

Director of Sales & Advertising Barbara E. Macks bmacks@foreveryoungwny.com

National Ad Director Terri Downey Senior Account Executives Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard Account Executives

Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman Sales Coordinator Robin Lenhard

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

DIGITAL

ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE

without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved. Display advertising information and rates may be obtained by calling (716) 783-9119 ext 2250. For home delivery by mail, send check or money order for $12.00 payable to Forever Young. Standard mail postage paid at Amherst, NY 14228. POSTMASTER send change of address to Forever Young, 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Manuscripts and free calendar listings should be sent to the editor (skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com) at 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope of adequate size and strength. The publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertising message or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

It’s fitting that our annual Faves issue comes out each December, as I’ve always felt December is a time to embrace gratitude as we plan for the year ahead. In Western New York, we are grateful for the abundance of local businesses, restaurants, cultural institutions, inspiring community leaders, and activities that make WNY such a great place to live, but mostly for the people who make up the community that gives them invaluable support. That’s you, readers! As Executive Editor of Forever Young and Buffalo Spree, I get to celebrate these things when I come to work every day. I’m grateful for that, too.

As you browse this year’s list of winners, express your gratitude by trying somewhere new or recommitting to visiting your favorites—perhaps as a way to spend time with loved ones amidst the holiday bustle. It’s important to make that time to slow down, unwind, and cherish those we care about.

However and whatever you celebrate, thank you for helping us celebrate Western New York—not just by voting for your Faves, but every month when you pick up a copy of Forever Young.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season,

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor

Online IMAGINE BUFFALO SPEAKER SERIES Presented by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in conjunction with C-SAAHN and ImagineLifelongLearning.com via Zoom every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Each week features a local speaker and Q&A. FREE. Visit website for Zoom link: buffalolib.libcal.org

Online LAUGHTER WELLNESS Come as you are, just bring your laughter! Tuesdays at 11 a.m. FREE. Visit facebook.com/ Buffalo-Laughers for information.

Gowanda HEALTHY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

Activities open to the public age 50+, (no residency requirements), Concord Senior Center, 1 School Street, Gowanda; for schedule, visit communityalliance.org; 5321010

Niagara Falls SENIOR COMPANION/FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

Looking for seniors who enjoy working with their peers or children. Volunteers receive a tax-free stipend, transportation assistance, and supplemental insurance coverage while volunteering. If you are 55+ and want to make a difference, call 285-8224 Jennifer Britton (ext. 217) for Senior Companions and Kelly Carr (ext. 228) for Foster Grandparents

Clarence WNY MEDICARE SMART START PROGRAM offers free help applying for Medicare. WNY MEDICARE SMARTSAVER PROGRAM offers free help to review, research, maximize coverage, and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Services offered through WNY Medicare Resource Center. Info: 833-0252 or wnymedicare.org

Buffalo HEADWAY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have sustained brain injuries, their families, and caregivers; exchange information and resources, and find mutual support and encouragement. Info: 408-3100 or headwayofwny.org

Southtowns NEW HORIZONS MUSIC Calling all musicians 50+. For info, email Janet Stout at 354janet@gmail.com and visit newhorizonsmusic.org.

Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP for males; call 626-0600 or visit alz.org/wnyc for info.

Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Call 706-0060 or visit bcnwny.org for more information.

West Seneca AMANA GARDEN CLUB OF WEST SENECA, is welcoming new members interested in gardening, floral

arrangement, and more. For more information, contact Marie: 884-8543

Buffalo PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP United Way – Room 219, 742 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Contact: Stephanie Mruzek. Email: eastamherstDSM@ solsticeseniorliving.com. Visit parkinson.org for a full listing of Parkinson’s support groups in WNY.

Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE SUPPORT: Coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. Info: 632-3700 or mcguiregroup.com

Buffalo LGBTQ MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS

PROGRAM: The Pride Center of WNY offers support and education for people providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. For information: 852-7743 or pridecenterwny.org

NIAGARA FALLS SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB: This active 50+ crowd holds Meet & Greets second Fridays at Tim Hortons (8500 Niagara Falls Boulevard) and dances third Friday at Buff Social

Club (2565 Young St.). For more info, see Facebook: SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB or call 550-1232

TOPS CLUBS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Clubs offer tools, programs, support, and fellowship for healthy living and weight management.

Akron For info, call Diane 542-4980

Cheektowaga For info, call Karen 247-2334

Cheektowaga For info, call MaryAnn 895-4414

Niagara Falls For info, call Beth 385-7558

Farnham For info, call 934-9619

Lancaster For info, call Eva 4070539

Silver Creek For info, call 6800313

Tonawanda For info, call 6935161

CAROL ANN HARLOS

I’m for the birds

Feeding feathered friends over winter

As a hobby, bird feeding is second only to gardening, according to Wikipedia. With winter coming, bird feeding is especially helpful in the Northeast, where the weather can be both windy and cold, and finding fruits or insects aren’t available. For birds that don’t migrate to warmer areas with abundant food, feeders make difficult time a little easier.

Each autumn, I clean my feeders with kitchen detergent and a diluted bleach solution. First, I use a bottle brush to remove stuck or decayed material, then I check them for holes or hard-to-clean spots. I wipe out excess water and leave the feeders to dry for several days. Over the years, I have learned that some feeders, while attractive, are difficult to clean and thus unsafe for birds. If this is your first foray into feeding, you will find a plethora of feeders from which to choose. Check feeders’ accessibility for both you and the birds. Is it difficult to open? What size seeds can it accommodate? Will the contents spill onto the ground if squirrels climb on it? (One can get quite amused watching squirrels try to get to bird seed when their weight automatically closes the feeder and seals off the seed.)

What to feed

Bird seed is different from a bird’s regular high-protein diet, and

purchasers have many options. Even though varying feeder offerings will attract a greater variety of birds, the seed that pleases the largest number of species is black oil sunflower seed. It has a high meat to shell ratio and is high in fat and thus calories; it also has thin shells that are easy to crack. Please do not buy cheap mixtures of assorted seeds; these may contain some sunflower seed in addition to oats, flax, buckwheat seeds, milo, or millet seeds. For amusement, buy a small bag of such a mix and observe birds actually kicking (yes, kicking) out the smaller and less preferred seeds to get to the sunflower seeds.

If you want to mix it up, consider dried corn, a favorite of pigeons, doves, quail, pheasants, and jays. Sparrows, finches, and blackbirds like cracked corn, and niger (thistle seed) is favored by goldfinches, siskins, and redpols. Smaller seeds are more expensive than larger so be sure your feeder can

accommodate them (or use a niger feeder, which is like a sock with tiny holes). You may want to make your own mixes of seeds or purchase different types of seeds in smaller amounts. Experiment! Watch! That’s part of the experience. To keep it simple, buy only black oil sunflower seed and niger seed. You can also use stale bread or heels to make breadcrumbs, but not if it’s developed mold; that can be harmful to birds.

In addition to seeds, I hang suet feeders because suet is high in calories and closer to the food birds eat the rest of the year. Squirrels used to run off with blocks of suet, but I finally found one they cannot open! I prefer to purchase suet made for birds and keep it in the freezer until it’s ready to use to keep it from getting rancid. Some people prefer to make their own.

Especially as spring approaches, I also make dried meal worms available for birds because they are high protein.

I was given great advice to purchase the meal worms from a place that sells chicken feed as opposed to bird feed— they’re much cheaper!

Many people ask if peanut butter is harmful to birds. The answer is no. Spread some on a tree and watch the birds come!

Birds also need water, and it is a kindness to make it available during the winter. Water—not ice! You might be interested in purchasing an immersion style water heater for your bird bath.

As much as feeders benefit bird in winter, they also benefit birdwatchers! Birdwatchers can enjoy viewing and identifying from indoors, which may be why feeding is such a popular hobby in the first place. Birdwatchers find themselves looking for and caring about individual birds, the interactions among individuals and different species, feeding habits, and individual behaviors.

People sometimes complain that they set up feeders and no birds come. So disappointing! Birds need to discover them! This fascinates me. How do they find our yard? I don’t know! Try spreading a few seeds on the ground to lure them. Once your location is discovered, they will repeatedly return.

I love hearing from you: caharlos@ verizon.net. FY

Carol Ann Harlos is an awardwinning retired math and science teacher, Master Gardener, beekeeper, writer, and speaker. She tends extensive gardens, including herbs, and loves learning from others and sharing her knowledge.

Beverly Lenahan at 716-982-9504

beverlyannlenahan@gmail.com

Until Our Days, Volume 1 (a little light reading!) looking for any recognizable names and came upon a story about Anne Baillargeon, my eighth great aunt.

Family history and storytelling

Preserving stories descendants need to hear

I’ve always had a keen interest in history. In my earliest days of family history research—as with most genealogists—it was all about dates. Dates of birth, death, marriage, etc. But as the years went on, I merged the dates I’d collected with a historical timeline of events in human history, and I began to see my family as part of that, as more than facts on a chart.

to France itself. Focusing on adding stories to the branches of my tree can be a challenge as most family stories are passed down orally. But with perseverance, I read The Ursulines of Quebec, From Their Establishment Shaarey Zedek Apartments

Historical notes explain that tensions were high in New France between European settlers and the Iroquois in 1660: ‘“The Iroquois, situated along the Huron and the Isle d’Orléans, had massacred several French families and taken several prisoners. One of these captives was Anne Baillargeon, a nine-year-old girl. She was taken to their lands and remained nearly nine years. She learned the customs of these savages, and she resolved to spend the rest of her life with them. When Marquis de Tracy (a French military commander) required the Iroquois to surrender all the French that they were holding captive, she withdrew into the woods, fearing to return to her country. Although she thought she was safely hidden, a nun appeared to her and threatened to punish her if she did not return with the French. This new fear prompted her to leave the woods and join the other captives that had been freed. Upon her return, Marquis de Tracy paid tuition for her to resume the path of Catholic religion and values and be readjusted in the French way of life at the Ursuline convent in Quebec. Upon arriving, she saw a painting of the former head of the convent,

Mère Marie de Saint-Joseph (who had died in 1652) and cried: “Ah! There she is! She is this one I was talking about (apparently the vision in the woods), and she had the same habit.” - from letters of Mother Mary of the Incarnation to the Ursulines de Tours.

I was thrilled to find a story about an ancestor but realized this story survived so many years because of her vision in the woods. Without that, this wonderful piece of history would be lost to time and her descendants. “It only takes three generations to lose a piece of oral family history,” says Aaron Holt of the National Archives, which explains why we know very little about the personal lives of our greatgrandparents.

Each of us have stories we tell, stories we’ve been told, and stories we may not share openly but should be recorded. During this last month of 2022, join me in fleshing out facts with human and history by asking the question, “What stories can I share for my descendants to find?” FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a National Genealogical Society member, Association of Professional Genealogists member, and freelance writer. She is also President and Board Chairman of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Send questions or comments to noellasdaughter@gmail.com.

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

“If you don’t know history, you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it’s part of a tree.” – Michael Crichton

Monument to Marie de l’Incarnation, founder of the Ursuline convent

Out with old and in with the new

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

It’s that time again. A new year is coming, resolutions are being made, and we know from experience many will be broken. Before we give up before we get started, let’s get positive. Resolve to make 2023 the year we make some lasting changes. A resolution is defined as a firm decision and the new year’s perceived “clean slate” has always seemed like a good time to make one. While resolutions may be affirmative like accomplishing a goal or learning a language, they’re often intended to rid a bad behavior like gossiping or eating too much sugar.

For better results, having a plan can help.

Start by naming a bad habit to eliminate. Just one. Even if you want to stop wasting time, eating mindlessly, watching too much TV, smoking, and overspending, pick only one. Taking on too much practically guarantees failure. Focusing on small, progressive, and achievable goals better sets you up for success.

Estimates for how long it takes to break a bad habit range from eighteen to 254 days. We don’t pick up a habit overnight and we don’t lose it that way either. Unfortunately, picking one up happens without effort; breaking a bad habit takes conscious, consistent effort. For example, let’s say you want to stop snacking as a step toward adopting a more healthful diet. That’s a tough one and eliminating all in-between meal eating at once is probably too ambitious. Think about doing it in stages.

Choose two meals to not snack between. Or change the nature of one snack—think fruit instead of chips. Eliminate the before bed snack. Try to reduce sugar intake by paying attention

to labels and seeing what foods contain hidden sugar. Always remember one deviation doesn’t destroy your progress or preclude long-term success. Enjoy the jelly doughnut and start over.

Find meaningful, internal motivations. For example, if your bad habit increases health risk, imagining a longer life with family and friends might be the nudge you need. Cutting out snacking might mean dropping a few unwanted pounds, which will make clothes fit better and increase energy. We’re more likely to shed bad habits when we’re invested for our own reasons.

Practicing a positive new habit or behavior gets easier with time. Every day is progress. Even when it’s taking a little longer than we’d like, persistence will always get us where we want to go. Be patient. Changing a behavior may be something we work on for the rest of our lives.

Some surveys claim most people don’t stick with their New Year’s resolutions, while other studies claim that more than half considered themselves successful at sustaining resolutions after a year. Either way, people who make resolutions tend to be more optimistic about the future.

Being optimistic can not only help us eliminate bad habits but inspire us to make positive changes as well, like saving money or traveling more. These take just as much commitment and discipline and start with being aware of and respecting our wants and needs and taking the time and effort required to grant them. Even positive change requires discomfort so the baby step approach works here, too. A new single person wanting to get back into dating may resolve to create an online profile, while someone who wants to save money might decide to cook a couple more meals a month at home.

Change is hard; it’s so much easier to follow well-worn paths. But so often, if we can push past the discomfort, good comes from the effort. Patience, persistence, and commitment are the keys to improving our lives.

Let’s all resolve to treat ourselves better in 2023! FY

Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer.

Bingo Calendar

Bingo is back!

Please call event organizers to confirm information provided.

Listings are alphabetical by day.

MONDAY

AMERICAN LEGION MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1041 533 Amherst St., Buffalo 7 p.m. 875-9276

HAMBURG–KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg 7:30 p.m. 649-9830/649-4340

MATTHEW GLAB POST 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7 p.m. 825-3733

ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m. 836-0011

TUESDAY

AMVETS MEDALLION POST NO. 13 25 Review Pl., Buffalo 7:30 p.m. 874-0559

ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m. 876-1038

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO. 4932 Clark St., Hamburg 7:30 p.m. 649-9821

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m. 681-7251

Bingo Calendar

HARTLAND VFC 8945 Ridge Rd., Hartland 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. (second Tuesday)

OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster 7 p.m. 683-6522

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m. 892-0425

WEDNESDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST

1770 S. Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m. 822-6400

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7 p.m. 681-7251

LANCASTER ELKS 33 Legion Parkway, Lancaster 7:30 p.m. 685-1478

OUR LADY OF HOPE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 1530 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo 1:00 p.m. 875-5780

ST. ALOYSIUS RCC

156 Franklin, Springville

7:30 p.m. 592-2701

ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda

7:15 p.m. 836-0011

THURSDAY

BLESSED TRINITY

317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo

8 p.m. 833-0301

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

1 p.m. 681-7251

FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS

1345 Indian Church Rd., West Seneca

7:00 p.m. 674-2374

K OF C MADONNA COUNCIL NO. 2535

755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda

7:30 p.m. 693-5470

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. JAMES DEPEW

500 Terrace Blvd., Depew

7:30 p.m. 683-2746

VFW COL. WEBER POST 989

2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana

7:30 p.m. 823-9605

Bingo Calendar

FRIDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. ........................................ 876-1038

DALE ASSOCIATION CENT. 33 Ontario St., Lockport 7 p.m (first and third Fridays).. 433-1886

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

7 p.m. 1-800-421-2464

ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA

157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m. 833-1715

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 950 Lossen Rd., Cheektowaga 7:00 p.m. 668-8370

SATURDAY

BUFFALO GAY BINGO/ AIDS PLUS FUND OF WNY

Amvets Medallion Post 13, 13 Review Pl., Buffalo

7 p.m (2nd Sat.) 822-0818

CARDINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL 39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m. 695-2600 x326

OUR LADY OF BISTRICA

1619 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7:15 p.m. 822-0818

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m. 1-800-421-2464

ST. AMELIA’S RCC 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 1 p.m. 836-0011

ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m. 892-0425

ST. JOHN XXIII 1 Arcade St., W. Seneca 7 p.m. 239-2787

SUNDAY

CARDINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL

39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda

1 p.m. 695-2600 x326

DELEVAN VFC N. Main St., Delevan 7 p.m. 492-1910

LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41 6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport 7 p.m (first and third Sundays). 434-2798

OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster 2 p.m. 683-6522

Bingo Calendar

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

1 & 7 p.m. 549-4389

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7 p.m. 873-6716

BINGO IN CANADA

GOLDEN NUGGET

655 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie

1 & 7 p.m. daily • 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 4 p.m Saturday and Sunday. . 905-871-1277

DELTA MONTE CARLO

4735 Drummond, N. Falls

1& 7 p.m 905-356-8104

CASINO

SENECA GAMING

Broad St., Salamanca

1 p.m. Sunday • 1 & 7 p.m. Wednesday 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday • 1 & 7 p.m. Saturday 945-4080, 877-860-5130

ONEIDA INDIAN HIGH STAKES

BINGO AT TURNING STONE 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona 12:45 & 7 p.m. daily ............ 800-782-1938

FAVES

BY SABRINA KAHWATY AND DANIEL CURRY

This year, as businesses approached normalcy, the Western New York community made the most of all there is to do, shop, and eat. We were excited to see readers respond to our Faves survey with such enthusiasm and are even more excited to share the results. We hope this list inspires you to support local not just this month, but all year long. Congratulations winners, and thanks for making WNY a great place to live!

Favorite Weekend Activity Watching the Bills

Coming off a heartbreaking loss in Kansas City last year, the Bills had an exciting start to the 2022 season. Whether you watched the games at Highmark or home, the team provided excitement that made the games must-see every weekend.

Favorite Theater

Shea’s Performing Arts Center

650 Main Street, Buffalo; 847-1410, sheas.org

Shea’s campus comprises three venues in the heart of Buffalo’s theater district: Shea’s Buffalo, Shea’s 710, and Shea’s Smith. Shea’s Buffalo, declared a National Historic Site in 1975, is a touring house providing a full season of Broadway shows, while Smith and 710 host local, regional, and some touring productions.

Favorite Outdoor Event Erie County Fair ecfair.org

Since 1820, the Erie County Fair has been a Western New York staple and a family favorite. Held in August and boasting a wealth of exhibits, games, grandstand events, free entertainment, and more, the Fair is a WNY mainstay that, despite its age, never gets old.

Favorite Park

Chestnut Ridge Park

6121 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park; 662-3290

Perhaps best known for its path to the Eternal Flame, a small waterfall with a shale rock base that hosts a seldom-extinguished flame created by a natural gas leak, this longtime reader favorite is also noted for winter activities, including toboggan chutes, ski trails, and snowmobile paths, as well as warm weather fun like bicycling, disc golf, picnicking, and more.

DOFavorite Nature Trail Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve

93 Honorine Drive, Depew; 683-5959, reinsteinwoods.org

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is a sprawling forested complex that also includes wetlands and ponds. One of the Preserve’s most unique features is the fact that much of the trail is on an elevated wooden surface, which makes for safer, and more comfortable and accessible walking for visitors.

Favorite Place to Bring Kids Buffalo Zoo

300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo; 837-3900, buffalozoo.org

Celebrating more than 140 years, the Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the country. Recently, the Zoo again received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, marking it as a goldstandard establishment. The Buffalo Zoo first received accreditation from the AZA in 1981 and has maintained it ever since.

Photo by Nick Vitello

Favorite Outdoor Music Venue Artpark

450 South 4th Street, Lewiston; 754-4375, artpark.net

With a rich history of art and music celebration, Artpark is one of Western New York’s most famous musical venues. This year, Artpark brought more quality artists to WNY, allowing patrons to enjoy music in its outdoor amphitheater. Artpark is managed in collaboration with New York State Parks and the cultural nonprofit institution Artpark & Company.

Favorite Senior Center Orchard Park Senior Center

4520 California Rd., Orchard Park; 662-6452, orchardparkny.org/ departments/senior-center

This two-time Faves winner strives to enhance seniors’ lives through quality programs and services that “contribute to each person’s mental, physical, and social wellbeing by reinforcing the belief that age has no boundaries, and that each person has a vital role in his/her community.” The Center is clearly succeeding, because readers can’t get enough of its vast selection of daily and weekly activities: exercise, art, and dance classes, games, dining and book clubs, guest speakers, movies, and more.

Favorite Senior Swimming Pool

Town of Hamburg Senior Services

45450 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg; 646-5145, hamburgyouth-rec-seniors.com

At ninety-one degrees, the buoyant, gravity-reduced environment of the Town of Hamburg’s Senior Services’ therapeutic pool allows for high resistance activity with low impact and risk. It’s especially beneficial for arthritis sufferers and those recovering from surgery or injury, but everyone can benefit from the water’s healing properties. Aquatic classes and open swim are offered weekly.

Favorite Senior Living Food Service Fox Run at Orchard Park

One Fox Run Lane, Orchard Park; 662-5001, foxrunorchardpark.com

Through its partnership with Morrison Senior Living, Fox Run provides high-quality, healthy meals made with fresh ingredients. Chefs work closely with community members to stay aligned with preferences and requests; new menu items are added daily.

Favorite Senior Outdoor Space

Canterbury Woods Williamsville

705 Renaissance Drive, Williamsville; 929-5817, canterburywoods.org

Canterbury Woods Williamsville provides residents access to outdoor spaces that feature community walking paths, space for lawn games, and more. From changing foliage in the fall to wellmaintained gardens in the spring, there is always something to enjoy.

Favorite Senior Exercise Program

Jewish Community Center

Multiple locations; jccbuffalo.org

The Jewish Community Center (JCC)’s Aging Well program strives to enable members to stay fit and active while building community. Silver Sneakers® classes are offered weekly, as well as a variety of other group fitness classes on both land and in water.

Favorite Volunteer Opportunity

FeedMore WNY feedmorewny.org

Readers love volunteering for FeedMore WNY’s home-delivered meal program, designed to enhance the health and independence of homebound adults in Erie and Niagara Counties. The service provides not only meal delivery, but nutrition counseling, companionship, wellness checks, and connection.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs the score of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban live at Artpark.

Photo by Nick Vitello

Favorite Farmers Market TIE

North Tonawanda Farmers Market

Corner of Payne Avenue and Robinson Street, North Tonawanda; 3164327, northtonawanda.org/city-market

Established in 1908, this farmers market is one of the largest in the region. Shoppers can purchase local food, imported produce, meat, cheese, preserves, flowers, and much more. Lucky for us, it operates year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

East Aurora Farmers Market

Aurora Village Shopping Center, 123 Grey St., East Aurora; eastaurorafarmersmarket.com

The East Aurora Farmers Market has been providing locally grown and produced products since 1978. Find fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, honey, maple syrup, spices, and more. The market runs from the first Saturday in May until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Favorite Veterans Program Thank a Vet

erie.gov/clerk/thankavet

Through the Thank a Vet discount program, complimentary photo ID cards are available to any veteran who is both an Erie County resident and has been honorably discharged. Certified by the Erie County Clerk, these cards allow veterans to receive discounts from more than 1,400 local establishments.

Fresh apples at the East Aurora Farmers Market

Photo by kc kratt

SHOP

Favorite Garden Shop

TIE

Gullo’s Garden Center

4767 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg; 646-6111, gullosgc.com

Gullo’s Garden Center has been serving the area for more than thirty years and focuses on gardening as well as landscaping services. The center comprises more than eight acres of offerings, including 20,000 square feet of greenhouses.

Lockwood’s Greenhouses & Farm

4484 Clark Street, Hamburg; 649-4684, weknowplants.com

Lockwood’s has a rich history in Western New York and continues to be a leader in plant growing and gardening. Plus, it offers handson classes, workshops, and fun special events like the Fall Garden Fair and Christmas Open House.

Favorite Liquor Store

Premier Wine and Spirits

Multiple locations; premierwines.com

Premier consists of three independently owned and operated stores in Amherst (3900 Maple Road), Williamsville (7980 Transit Road), and Orchard Park (3410 Amelia Drive). Count on assistance in every aisle, a large selection of premium wines and spirits, and reasonable prices.

Favorite Pet Store

Elmwood Pet Supplies

706 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo; 883-1377, elmwoodpetsupplies.com

Located in the heart of Elmwood Village, Elmwood Pet Supplies has been serving Buffalo’s furry friends since 1948. To better serve its customers, Elmwood Pet Supplies expanded to include a fully online store, as well as a direct delivery service.

Favorite Brewery

Ellicottville Brewing Company

28 Monroe Street, Ellicottville; ellicottvillebrewing.com, 699-2537

Established in 1995, Ellicottville Brewing Company (EBC) has grown into one of the region’s most well-known and beloved breweries. Today, EBC operates multiple locations, featuring handcrafted food and of course, expertly crafted brews.

Favorite Eyewear Store

Hogenkamp

Optics

6404 W. Quaker Street, Orchard Park; 662-5050, hogenkampoptics.com

Often chosen by major companies to test pilot and launch designs, the family-owned Hogenkamp offers a wide selection of frames for both fashion and prescription. The combined experience of Hogenkamp’s three opticians means customers leave with the perfect shape and style—and feeling like part of the family.

Ahi tuna salad and blueberry wheat at Ellicottville Brewing Company

Photo by kc kratt

Favorite Gift Shop

Spruce on Main

Two locations; spruceonmain.com

With a carefully curated inventory of apparel, food, accessories, and WNY-specific items, either of Spruce on Main’s two locations are a must for birthdays, holiday shopping, and everything in between. Plus, the shop’s openness to collaborations and fundraisers makes it a good neighbor.

Favorite Estate Sale Company

Bruce Ader Appraisals & Estate

bruceader.com

Certified appraiser Bruce Ader’s interest in regional history began at an early age and helped him develop a company Western New Yorkers can count on. For more than thirty years, Bruce Ader Appraisals & Estate has offered professionally coordinated estate sales, complete appraisals and consultation services, and knowledge of antique markets and trends.

Favorite Winery

Leonard

Oakes

Estate Winery

10609 Ridge Rd, Medina; (585)-318-4418, oakeswinery.com

The Oakes family planted their first wine grapes in 2003, branching out from their agricultural background. Just under twenty years later, Leonard Oakes has grown into one of the biggest wine labels in Western New York and won multiple awards (including best new local wine release in Buffalo Spree’s Best of WNY 2022).

Favorite Men’s Clothing Shop

Riverside Men’s Shop

6470 Transit Road, Depew; 833-8401, riversidemens.com

Riverside Men’s Shop specializes in business attire, men’s dress pants, shirts, suits, shoes, and accessories, all of which can be altered to fit by in-house tailor service.

Favorite Women’s Clothing Shop

Mabel’s Landing

5457 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville; 831-0773

This new boutique from owner Valerie Warren, former Danahy’s employee, follows in the tradition of Mabel Danahy’s with modern designer favorites like Eileen Fisher, Joseph Ribkoff, Sympli, Sail to Sable, Tyler Boe, and more. With inhouse alterations, personal shoppers, and plenty of parking, it’s no wonder it’s a reader favorite after just a few months in business.

Favorite Bookstore

Talking Leaves…Books

951 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo; 884-9524, tleavesbooks.com

Talking Leaves is located in Elmwood Village, and its historical connection to Buffalo makes it a beloved local bookstore. Stretching back to 1971, Talking Leaves has continued to change with the time while maintaining its core mission to create a safe and welcoming place for readers and writers to meet and engage.

EAT

Favorite Takeout Place

John & Mary’s

40 Buffalo Street, Hamburg; 648-4750, myjohnandmarys.com

There are multiple independently owned John and Mary’s scattered around Western New York, but it was specifically the Hamburg location that got the nod as this year’s Favorite Takeout Place. They have pizza, wings, and a full menu of other favorites.

Favorite Italian Place

Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant & Banquet Facility

3785 South Park Avenue, Blasdell; 825-3675, iliodipaolos.com

A Buffalo tradition since 1965, Ilio DiPaolo’s features old-word Italian recipes, professional service, and an award-winning wine list. Readers love the deals on Wine Back Wednesdays, Rib & Wine Night Thursdays, Fish Fry Fridays, and Prime Rib Saturdays. Entrée specials are offered daily. The banquet facility is a great choice for special events.

Favorite Chinese

Red Pepper Chinese and Vietnamese

3910 Maple Road, Amherst; 831-3878, redpepperbuffalo.com

One of the region’s most popular spots for Chinese food, Red Pepper is known for generous portions and dependable cuisine. In addition to the full-service dining room, takeout is also available making it a favorite for any occasion.

Favorite Taco Place

La Tolteca

7530 Transit Road, Buffalo; 565-0105, latolteca.com

With a wide variety of Mexican cuisine on its menu, La Tolteca has something for everyone. However, its tacos in particular were voted the favorite this year.

Favorite Breakfast Poked Yolk

Multiple locations; thepokedyolk.com

What better way to start the day than with a specialty omelet, sweet and savory waffles, or fluffy pancakes? This popular breakfast spot is known for creative spins on classic dishes, friendly service, and generous portions.

Favorite Omelet

The Original Pancake House

Multiple locations; ophwny.com

With three locations, the Original Pancake house is a beloved breakfast spot for Western New Yorkers. OPH’s omelets are made with farm fresh eggs and served with three buttermilk pancakes and whipped butter. Best of all, they have more than ten varieties, everything from a classic vegetable and cheddar to kielbasa or seafood.

Favorite Coffee Shop

Comfort Zone Cafe

17 Main Street, Hamburg; 648-5779, comfortzonecafe.com

Family-owned and operated, Comfort Zone has been serving gourmet coffee, tea, and—of course—comfort food since 1997.

From a classic cup of black coffee to the super sweet Candy Bar Latte, this coffeeshop has it all, including amenities like free WiFi, highchairs, and a back room for meetings.

Favorite Donuts Paula’s Donuts

Multiple locations; paulasdonuts.com

Once again, Paula’s was voted favorite doughnut in WNY. Family-owned and operated for more than twenty years, Paula’s invites customers to indulge in more than fifty fresh-made varieties, such as cannoli, peanut stick, cheese, and more.

Favorite Bagel

Bagel Jay’s

Multiple locations; bageljays.com

Bagel Jay’s celebrated its forty-fifth anniversary last year, but Western New Yorkers celebrate daily when they sink their teeth into delectable bagels. With an array of flavors and homemade shmears, there’s something different to try every morning.

Favorite

Deli Sandwich Wegmans Food Markets

Multiple locations; wegmans.com

Wegmans is ready with classic cold-cut combos, a variety of hot subs, and build-your-own options for every occasion, made on the spot, and handed to you with a smile.

Beef pho at Red Pepper Chinese and Vietnamese

Photo by Nancy J. Parisi

Favorite Hot Dog

Ted’s

Multiple locations; tedshotdogs.com

A Buffalo staple, Ted’s serves up hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and chicken sandwiches cooked over hardwood charcoal. Not enough? Ted’s also has homemade hot sauce, hand-battered onions rings and fries, ice-cold loganberry, and milkshakes made with ice cream.

Favorite French Fries Duff’s Famous Wings

Multiple locations; duffswings.com

While Duff’s took home the Favorite Wings title last year, don’t overlook the addictive fries that taste great dipped in blue cheese.

Favorite Beef on ’Weck Charlie the Butcher

Multiple locations; charliethebutcher.com

Charlie the Butcher has been serving up its signature beef on ’weck for decades. Charlie’s choice roast beef is available at multiple locations, grocery stores, and even through delivery to forty-eight states.

Favorite Fish Fry

TIE

JP Fitzgerald’s 4236 Clark St, Hamburg; 649-4025, jpfitzgeralds.com

JP Fitzgerald’s is an Irish pub located with an impressive menu and fun atmosphere. Most notable is its Friday-only fish fry, which comes with a choice of two sides and can be served battered, breaded, broiled, Cajun broiled, or with lemon pepper. Like the menu says, “Thank Cod it’s Friday!”

Wiechec’s Lounge

1748 Clinton Street, Buffalo; 823-2828

Wiechec’s Lounge offers delectable bar fare, sandwiches, and dinners. Only available on Fridays, Wiechec’s fish fry is a crisp and golden fillet served with a pile of golden fries, coleslaw, and both potato and mac salads.

Favorite Pizza TIE

Imperial Pizza

1035 Abbott Road, Buffalo; 825-3636, imperialpizzabuffalo.com

This popular staple recently expanded to a new and larger location on Abbott Road, which allows it to serve more delicious, fresh-baked pizza to Western New Yorkers.

Nino’s Pizza

Multiple locations, ninospizza.com

Nino’s Pizza primarily serves West Seneca and Hamburg and offers a variety of toppings, including its own homemade Italian sausage and mushrooms.

Favorite Wings Bar-Bill Tavern

Multiple locations, barbill.com

What began as a humble bar in East Aurora has since become a wing phenomenon. With the opening of its second location,

Bar-Bill North in Clarence, the hype behind Bar-Bill’s wings has only grown. Enjoy everything from classic mild, medium, and hot to Cajun Honey Butter BBQ and Lemon Pepper.

Favorite Greek Salad

Alton’s Restaurant

Multiple locations; altonsrestaurant.com

Readers love Alton’s Greek salad for its size, fresh ingredients, and affordable price.

Favorite Sponge Candy TIE

Fowler’s Chocolates

Multiple locations; fowlerschocolates.com

Fowler’s got its start more than 100 years ago and has been making beloved sponge candy and chocolates ever since. Fowler’s uses chocolate with up to sixty percent cacao solids—that’s higher than most chocolatiers—which gives Fowler’s products their quality taste.

Watson’s Chocolates

Multiple locations; watsonschocolates.com

This family-owned and operated shop has been handcrafting delectable chocolate treats since 1946. It is best known for regional favorite sponge candy.

Favorite Ice Cream

Nick Charlap’s Multiple locations; nickcharlapsicecreaminc.com

With five locations around Western New York and more than forty flavors to choose from, Nick Charlap’s never disappoints.

Favorite Custard TIE

Anderson’s Frozen Custard Multiple locations; andersonscustard.com

Keith and Holly Anderson carry on the Buffalo tradition started by parents Carl and Greta in 1947. The two original main products were beef on ’weck and frozen custard and, while Anderson’s has since expanded to offer handmade ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and grill items, the custard remains a customer favorite.

Fran-Ceil Custard

3411 South Park Avenue, Blasdell; 292-3610, franceilcustard.com

Established in the early 1950s by two brothers-in-law and named for their wives, Frances and Celia, Fran-Ceil has long been known for delicious soft serve custard. Today, the tradition is maintained by a new family (they even use the same original sorbet recipe that was passed on to them) and offers chocolate and vanilla soft serve custard, plus one of its twelve rotating flavors each week.

FY

Attitude of gratitude Giving to others is a gift to yourself

BY JONNEMARIE KAHWATY

As we age, increased aches and pains, losses, or even the state of the world can make it seem easier to find things to complain about than to be grateful for. However, gratitude is a powerful emotion that, with regular practice, can be accessed by any person at any time and in any situation. It’s not only one of our best tools to shift perspective when we are feeling low, but also, studies show that an effective daily gratitude practice confers mental and physical health benefits such as reduced anxiety and fear, increased motivation, and feelings of peace. The spirit of the holiday season and the optimism of an approaching new year make this a great time to bring gratitude to the forefront of your heart and mind. Doing so can improve your mood, your life, and the lives of those around you.

Shifting perspective can help us emerge from dark places, and gratitude gives us the means to do that. By reframing a situation to focus on its positive aspects, we become more hopeful, optimistic, and at peace with our circumstances. As motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer puts it, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” No matter how bad life may seem, there is something to be grateful for—enjoying a cup of coffee, feeling sunshine, hugging a loved one. You can even work backwards to think of all the ways your situation could be worse; that’ll surely create more gratitude for what you aren’t having to experience. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. Our brain is a muscle; the more often we exercise certain neural connections, the stronger and more prevalent they become, the same way chest muscles

get stronger with daily pushups. The more you replace negative thoughts with positive ones and reframe situations to find gratitude, the more natural the practice will become. The result is a more accepting, optimistic, hopeful, and joyful you! Using gratitude as a perspective shifting tool is an age-old practice but exciting new research shows that receiving gratitude can also bestow substantial physical benefits and shift prosocial circuity in the brain.

On his podcast, Huberman Lab, neuroscientist Andrew Huberman shares the following steps to create an effective gratitude practice:

• Think of a story in which you or someone else received gratitude. You can search for stories in podcasts, books, movies, articles, on Youtube, or even in songs. It’s important to find a story that resonates with you because you can’t fake a connection to feelings of gratitude.

Tip: To find a story that resonates

with you, look for stories involving struggles you have experienced or that involve values you hold highest. For example, I value friends, family, and human connection. A life goal of mine is connecting with as many people as possible in meaningful ways, so I’m moved by stories that illustrate acts of kindness to strangers that spark connection, or stories that show gratitude for loved ones.

• Reflect on the experience, maybe even jot down notes about what the story’s problem was, what the help was, and how it made you feel. If it was your own experience, maybe there’s a card or message you can read over to recall the emotions you felt at the time.

• Spend one to five minutes associating with the story and sinking into the feelings of gratitude. Aim to perform this exercise at least three times a week.

Consistent and effective gratitude practice can increase

serotonin, capacity for happiness, and resilience to trauma. You’ll also decrease inflammatory cells, activate beneficial circuits in the heart and lungs, and strengthen circuits in the brain associated with empathy, relationships, context, and applying meaning to experiences. This time of year, generosity is abundant, so embrace the season of giving and the benefits will be a gift to yourself. FY

Jonnemarie Kahwaty is a dance and fitness instructor, musician, and aspiring herbalist with a passion for holistic health and wellness.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” —Melody Beattie

BIG WECK CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS

First off, happy holidays. I hope you and your family find peace, wellness, and prosperity.

However, while many of us should and do enjoy this season, let’s remember that the holidays are not a pleasant time for all. It can be a very sad time for people who have lost loved ones, those who feel they must give material things they cannot afford, the homeless, the lonely, and the lonely at heart.

I continually hope that people will unite and support each other every day of the year, but that is not always the case. However, if there could be a small window of time where people actually unite, forget, and forgive, I wish for the holiday season to be that time.

My favorite moment of the holidays? That’s easy. Six p.m. on Christmas Eve. I get in my car and drive around aimlessly looking at darkened stores—no traffic, no shopping, no anxiety. Just a calm peace.

Happy holidays and thank you from all of us at THE BIG WECK, Buffalo’s Oldies Station.

Buddy Shula President/CEO

What’s

Forever Young readers: we want to hear from you! Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Tell us more. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Drop us a line. We want to devote space in Forever Young to what matters most: you. Send your story ideas to Executive Editor Sabrina Kahwaty at skahwaty@ foreveryoungwny.com.

December 2

Waltz Lesson and Social Dancing

WNY USADANCE 3010 hosts a waltz lesson followed by social dancing at its new venue! A variety of music will be played. Special price of $10 for all (student discount with ID). Email wnyusadance@ gmail.com for more information.

7:30-10:30 p.m., Grace Church (2525 Eggert Road, Tonawanda)

December 21

FREE

WNED Documentary Screening:Underground Railroad: The William Still Story

Important but largely unheralded, William Still was the director of a complex network of abolitionists, sympathizers and safe houses that stretched from Philadelphia to what is now Southern Ontario. Underground Railroad:

6-8 p.m., Buffalo History Museum (One Museum Court; buffalohistory.org, 873-9644)

December 3

Herman’s Hermits: An Olde English Christmas

Led by iconic musician Peter Noone, Herman’s Hermits

7:30 p.m.,

Riviera Theatre

(67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda; rivieratheatre.org, 692-2413)

December 26-31

ELF the Musical

This stage adaptation of the modern Christmas classic follows Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center (646 Main Street; sheas.org, 847-0850)

The William Still Story tells this dramatic story.

performs holiday hits and tracks from the group’s career.

Photo courtesy of WNED and the Buffalo History Museum Photo by Joan Marcus