Marketing and Digital Media Coordinator Lydia Anaka
DIGITAL
Social Media Director
Robin Lenhard
Web Master Kim Miers
FINANCE
Finance Manager
A favorite time of year
In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon had a question, so she wrote a four-sentence letter to a New York newspaper that got straight to the point. “Please tell me the truth,” she wrote in cursive. “Is there a Santa Claus?”
Francis Pharcellus Church delivered a 416-word answer that has since been reprinted more times than any other editorial in the English language.
Virginia always comes to mind this time of year. When I had my own questions about Santa, my dad answered with a clipping of the reprint from the Buffalo News. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth a read (or reread, if you have). A sentence in the middle of the response captures the crux: “The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.”
In this season with a reputation for material overconsumption, our December issue is the perfect time to reveal and celebrate this year’s Forever Young Faves. Chosen by our readers, they are a true reflection of people, places, and businesses that make living in Western New York so special.
Speaking of special, it was lovely to chat with many of you at the Expo. It’s evident that Forever Young has built an incredible community. We have exciting things planned for 2025 and look forward to sharing them with you in the new year.
Happiest holidays to you and yours! And here’s to making the most real things in the world the most important things.
*PLEASE CONTACT EVENT/PROGRAM ORGANIZERS TO CONFIRM INFORMATION PROVIDED Do you have an event or resource to list? Email it to mdoxtad@foreveryoungwny.com.
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.
Buffalo PARKINSON’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the first Thursday of each month at Elma Town Hall (1600 Bowen Road). Call or text Marcia 553-3030 for more information.
Buffalo ZERO/US TOO! PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Buffalo VA Hospital (3495 Bailey Avenue, Room 301) 7-9 p.m. and at Sisters Hospital, St. Joe’s Campus (2605 Harlem Road in the First Floor Community Room) 7-9 p.m., on the third Tuesday of each month. Free and open to all.
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.
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.
Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Call 7060060 or visit bcnwny.org for more information.
Derby GRAYCLIFF DOCENTS NEEDED Upon completion of the Graycliff Docent Training Program, trainees will have the knowledge and confidence to present the stories of Graycliff to visitors in their
own way. Explore opportunities at: experiencegraycliff.org/support/ volunteer.
East Aurora CHRONIC PAIN/ FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT
GROUP meets at First Baptist Church (591 Porterville Road, East Aurora) from 10-11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Facilitators are Sue Allen, retired RN; Rev. Dr. Barbara Hulsing; and Diane Weston, MA. Meetings will also be available via Zoom; contact Barbara at barb.hulsing@gmail.com or 5740164 for info.
Erie County FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
Erie County residents ages 55+: stay active and reap social-emotional health benefits by developing one-on-one relationships with children in a school setting. Stipend included. For info: 896-6388 or ccwny.org/older-adults.
Erie County RECEIVE OR MAKE A FRIENDLY CALL! Participants and caring volunteers are sought for the free Catholic Charities’ Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) geared to adults 60+ and adults with disabilities who experience loneliness due to isolation. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old; all training is provided. To learn more about receiving calls volunteering, contact Catholic Charities at 262-6164 or TAP@ccwny.org.
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; 532-1010.
Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT
GROUP for males; call 626-0600 or visit alz.org/wny for info.
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 2858224 Jennifer Britton (ext. 217) for Senior Companions and Kelly Carr (ext. 228) for Foster Grandparents.
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.
Northtowns SOARING SPIRITS
WNY Widowed people meet for conversation, meals, and support. Ongoing meetings take place at Hillview Restaurant (6135 Transit Road) and Family Tree Restaurant (4336 North Bailey Avenue). Learn more at soaringspirits.org and on Facebook. For information, contact Toni (admucilli@gmail.com) or Debbie (howndeb@hotmail.com).
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.com.
Online LAUGHTER WELLNESS
Come as you are, just bring your laughter! Tuesdays at 11 a.m. FREE. Visit facebook.com/BuffaloLaughers for information.
Southtowns NEW HORIZONS MUSIC Calling all musicians 50+. For info, email Janet Stout at 354janet@gmail.com and visit newhorizonsmusic.org.
Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE SUPPORT:
Coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. Info: 632-3700 or mcguiregroup.com.
West Seneca PARKINSON’S SOCIAL GROUP Make new friends every third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (3512 Clinton Street). Info: 674-3287 or recmab@aol.com.
Multiple Locations 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
Niagara Falls For info, call Shelley 550-1232
Farnham For info, call 934-9619
Lancaster For info, call Eva 407-0539
Silver Creek For info, call 680-0313
Tonawanda For info, call 693-5161
West Seneca For info, call 474-9125 www.tops.org
ACROSS
1. QA’s focus, pl.
5. “Swan Lake” steps
8. Evite request, acr.
12. Long stories
14. Final, abbr.
15. Opposite of neo-
16. Synagogue scroll
17. Poseidon’s domain
18. One-eighty
19. *Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp
21. *Vivian Ward and Erin Brockovich
23. Kum Ba follower
24. Cry out loud
25. Stolen, slangily
28. Greek salad cheese
30. Popular clubs of the 1970s
35. Chimpanzees, e.g.
37. Porcine fat
39. Great divide
40. Cat o’how many tails?
41. Podium, pl.
43. Dead against
44. Work the dough
46. Urban haze
47. Manner of walk
48. Parlor piece
50. Riyadh native, e.g.
52. Sixth note
53. Common fairway club
55. Brewed beverage
57. *”Red” Redding and Nelson Mandela
61. *Ricky Bobby and Buddy
65. Beat the Joneses
66. Outrage
68. Adjust, as laces
69. Tears violently
70. Anointment liquid
71. Talks and talks and talks
72. a.k.a. Operation Neptune
73. “Just kidding!”
74. Billy Joel’s “____ Always a Woman”
DOWN
1. Between Phi and Kappa
2. Second word in a fairytale
3. Encircle
4. Like Freddy Krueger, e.g.
5. Boot-wearing feline
6. Draft pick
7. Impolite look
8. Miles per hour, e.g.
9. Insult
10. Between bleu and jaune
11. Connection between brain and spinal cord
13. Bundle of wheat
15. Like certain libraries
20. Pup
22. Hemingway’s “The ___ Man and the Sea”
24. Railyard worker
25. *Forrest Gump and Jimmy Dugan
26. Offer two cents
27. Doctrine
29. New Mexico town
31. Deep pile carpet
32. Atlantic Ocean/Pacific Ocean waterway, e.g.
33. Ostium, pl.
34. *Violet Crawley and Minerva McGonagall
36. Center of authority
38. “The New Look” main character
42. September stone
45. Phobos’ brother, Greek mythology
49. Time period
51. *Catwoman and “Jinx” Johnson
54. Vidalia one
56. Regions
57. *Han Solo and Indiana Jones
58. Wished undone
59. Europe’s highest volcano
60. *Nelson, star of 8 films with Jeanette MacDonald
61. Matted wool
62. Write on tombstone, e.g.
63. Facebook button
64. More is ____?
67. Duran Duran’s 1982 album
The solution for this month’s puzzle can be found on page
THEME: FAMOUS ACTORS
Oh, Christmas tree
Choosing an evergreen
Christmas trees may not be part of your holiday celebrations, but evergreens are worthy of discussion. Please understand that not all evergreen trees are pine trees. If you want an evergreen, have an idea of what you’re looking for. The size should be appropriate to its display area. The tree should be able to hold onto its needles. It should have a pleasant fragrance and overall shape, and its branches should be sturdy. Perhaps most importantly, the tree should appeal to you. These specifications are not the same for everyone, but let’s try to help with your decision.
Needle-retaining ability varies by type, when the tree was cut, the humidity of the display room, and availability of water. Firs—trees with flat needles with rounded tips growing directly on the stem or on a very tiny stem—especially concolor, Douglas, and Frasier, keep their needles for a long time. Pine trees—trees with sheathed needles attached in clusters of two to five—generally keep theirs even longer.
Firs smell the best, but I also love the smell of white pines; white pines are easy to recognize as needles are attached in clusters of five (the same as the number of letters in the word white). I love spruce trees for a small room as they have a narrow growth habit. Their branches are whorled; needles are attached by a small peg and are
sharp to the touch. Blue spruce has strong branches for ornaments.
If tree fragrance is a health issue, spruce may be the tree for you.
If you’re thinking, “I am really surprised at Carol Ann’s enthusiasm for cut trees,” consider that trees sold in New York State are grown
as a crop just like tomatoes. Grown on tree plantations, these trees take about seven years to grow to sellable size and, while they do, they provide habitat for birds. Tree plantations also conserve soil and contribute to the atmosphere’s oxygen content through photosynthesis. In other
words, cutting of these trees is not ruining forests! I am stubborn about having a real tree even though it requires more maintenance. I always say, “At least when I finish with our tree, it doesn’t end up in a landfill.”
At the end of the season, your cut tree can be beneficial to the environment. Use cut boughs on perennial plants to deter heaving and reduce their drying out from winter winds. Cut trees can also be sent to composting facilities in some Western New York communities. You can’t do that with an artificial tree. 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. Send gardening questions and comments to caharlos@verizon.net.
CAROL ANN HARLOS
’Tis the season Perfect gifts for genealogists
For newbies or seasoned researchers, thoughtful gifts let the family history buff in your life know you support their long hours of research. Here’s some inspiration:
DNA testing kits: Companies like AncestryDNA and FamilyTreeDNA offer kits that allow users to explore genetic heritage and connect with distant relatives. These kits often come with extensive reports detailing ethnic backgrounds and possible ancestral origins, which make them a valuable resource and popular gift for family historians. Already tested? Dog DNA tests are all the rage. Genealogy software: Programs like Family Tree Maker and RootsMagic help organize and visualize family trees.
These applications offer indispensable tools for serious researchers such as record linking, chart creation, and online sharing.
Subscription services for research: Subscriptions to genealogy websites like Ancestry.com, Findmypast.com, or MyHeritage.com provide access to vast databases of historical records, newspapers, and family trees. A year too pricey? Consider a three-month gift card, which will allow them to research through the cold winter months.
Genealogy books: Books on genealogical research methods, local histories, or specific ethnic backgrounds can be incredibly useful. For beginners, try Unpuzzling Your Past: The Best-Selling Basic Guide to Genealogy, by Emily Anne Croom. Young researchers will appreciate 300 Questions to Ask Your Parents Before It’s Too Late, by Shannon L Alder and for seasoned researchers, Reading Early American Handwriting, by Kip Sperry, is a great addition to a growing library.
Family tree charts: Custom family tree charts celebrate a genealogist’s hard work, and services that create personalized, beautifully designed charts transform dates and names into family heirlooms. My dining room displays tree charts surrounded by photos and have been amazing conversation starters. Etsy.com is a great place to find reasonably priced designs.
Historical maps: Genealogists enjoy tracing ancestors’ movements across regions and countries and high-quality reproductions of historical maps can provide context to their research. Look for maps of areas relevant to their research or have a homeland map framed.
Customized family history books: StoryWorth.com allows individuals to create compilations of family stories, anecdotes, and histories. Each week, choose from hundreds of questions such as “What is one of your fondest childhood memories?” or “What is your favorite music?” and it will be sent to a loved one, who replies by email. At the end
CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS
of the year, the stories are bound in a keepsake book.
Family history gift certificate: Many professional genealogists offer consulting services to help clients break through brick walls in their research or to start new projects. The personalized assistance can lead to amazing discoveries.
Digital storage solutions: For the tech-savvy genealogist, a highcapacity external hard drive or cloud storage subscription can be invaluable. These tools organize and back up digital records, ensuring that research is safely stored and accessible.
Genealogy-themed merchandise: Fun and practical items like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags celebrate genealogy. Auto stickers with phrases like “Genealogy is my Superpower” showcase passion and make genealogists smile. Beep if you see me… Genealogy Geek.
A carefully selected gift can not only support a genealogist’s hobby but also deepen their connection to family history. Wishing you peace and joy this season. FY Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a member of both the National Genealogical Society and Association of Professional
Genealogists. She is also Vice-President and Board Chairman of the Niagara County Genealogical Society.
MEDICAID PLANNING
Raise a glass of ice wine
At festivals to the north and east
BY CHRISTINE A. SMYCZYNSKI
Aglass of sweet ice wine is the perfect libation to enjoy with dessert. But what exactly is it? What makes it different from other wines and why is it so expensive?
Winemakers carefully monitor weather conditions and watch for these grapes to freeze solid as a marble, usually in December or January. The winery farm workers are then joined by family, friends, etc.—usually on a bitter cold morning—to hand-pick the grapes before they thaw. The frozen grapes are quickly pressed, a process that extracts just one or two drops of juice from each grape. The handpicking and minimal juice product accounts for ice wine’s higher price tag.
We are fortunate our area’s climate is conducive for ice wine production. The areas along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario in New York State, the Niagara region in Ontario, and the Finger Lakes region to our east all have wineries noted for ice wine. So much so that festivals and celebrations a short car ride away—one across the border in Canada’s Niagara region, the other near Rochester—focus on ice wine.
Ice wine is made from grapes that have ripened and frozen naturally on the vine. Usually, these varieties ripen later in the season, e.g. Vidal Blanc and Riesling. While most wine grapes are being harvested in September or October, ice wine grapes are covered with netting to keep the birds away.
Niagara Icewine Festival
Canada’s Niagara region has been celebrating ice wine for decades, and more than thirty wineries are participating in the Icewine Discovery Pass, which takes place on three weekends in January (January 12-14, 19-21, 26-28). Participants purchase a discovery pass to take a
Photos courtesy of Niagara Grape and Wine Festival
self-guided tour of wineries, where they will enjoy ice wine and food pairings—from sweet to savory. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available. Choose from several levels of passes at niagarawinefestival.com.
Cool as Ice Gala
The Cool as Ice Gala takes place January 18 at the former Niagara Parks Power Station, a Beaux Artsstyle building at 7005 Niagara Parkway, which is also a fully accessible tourist attraction that provides an overview of how power is generated in the Niagara region. Even if you don’t go to the gala, put this attraction on your itinerary next time you’re in Niagara Falls, Canada.
Gala participants enjoy ice wines paired with farm-to-table culinary creations from chefs across the region as well as art installations and live music. They may also descend 180 feet in a glass elevator to explore the 2,200-foot-long tunnel that leads to an observation platform with a great view of the Falls. (Bring comfortable shoes to explore the tunnel.) Tickets are $225/person CDN; visit niagarawinefestival.com.
IceHaus
IceHaus hits Old Town Niagaraon-the-Lake on January 25. The event features a Nordic-style EDM (Electronic Dance Music) night featuring a DJ competition
and creative ice wine cocktails. Admission is free, but visitors need to purchase tickets to sample cocktails and vote on favorites. Regional wineries will also host festivities over the weekends of January 18-19 and January 25-26; visit niagarawinefestival.com.
New York State Ice Wine and Culinary Festival
Just over an hour east of Buffalo in Fairport, Casa Larga Vineyard hosts the New York State Ice Wine and Culinary Festival. Saturday, February 15, attendees can sample New York State ice wines from
participating wineries, as well as libations from cideries and distilleries. For a treat, visit the ice lounge with specialty ice wine cocktails and ice-wine infused food to enjoy with live music. Visit casalarga.com for details. FY
Christine A. Smyczynski is the author of several travel guides about western New York and New York State. In addition, she has written hundreds of articles on a variety of topics for local, regional, and national publications.
Photos courtesy of Casa Larga Vineyards and Winery.
Bingo Calendar
Please call event organizers to confirm information provided. Listings are alphabetical by day.
LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41 6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport
7 p.m. (first and third Sundays). 434-2798
OUR LADY OF HOPE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo
7 p.m. 875-5780
OUR LADY OF POMPEII
129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster
2 p.m. 683-6522
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
MONDAY BINGO AT 11:30 AM, DOORS OPEN AT 10:00 AM
Weekly Queen of Hearts Game
6298 Broadway Lancaster, NY 14086 (Between Schwartz and Ransom Roads) Phone (716) 685-5766
No single game under $60 • Air conditioned • Ample, free parking Bingo hall located on first floor with no stairs • Handicap accessible • All paper bingo Bingo camera with 4 monitors • Verification system • 2 progressive jackpots up to $2560 IN PRIZE MONEY + STW, RWB & Bonus Ball. Progressive STW Jackpot Game.
BY MEAGAN WALKER DOXTAD AND AMY LYNN HARDY
Even as we get ready to break out a fresh calendar, we can’t close the book on 2024 without celebrating the cultural activities, fantastic food, and local businesses that make Western New York an incredible place to live. Congratulations, winners—WNY wouldn’t be the same without you—and thank you, readers, for sharing your perspectives. Without further ado, we present this year’s Forever Young Faves.
Favorite Weekend Activity
Hiking or Walking
Anywhere you are
DO FAVES
In Western New York, we are fortunate to have an abundance of trails, paths, and parks—and Forever Young readers hit them regularly. Here’s to continuing to lace up those sneaks!
Favorite Theater
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
650 Main St., Buffalo; 847-0850, sheas.org
Shea’s takes the cake for another year! Comprising Shea’s 710, Shea’s Smith, and Shea’s Buffalo, this Main Street mainstay showcases local, regional, and touring productions. The Lion King runs through January 5.
For more than 200 years, Erie County Fair has provided entertainment for the whole family with exhibits, games, grandstand events, food (oh the food!), and much more. The love is so real that twelve-day passes for 2025 have already sold out!
Favorite Park
Chestnut Ridge Park
6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Orchard Park; 858-8355
No matter the season, Chestnut Ridge is the place. From toboggan chutes, ski trails, and snowmobile paths in winter to bicycling, disc golf, and picnicking in warmer months, the Ridge is a beloved spot for locals of all ages, while the Eternal Flame draws a healthy number of out-of-towners, as well.
Photo by Donna Hoke
Favorite Nature Trail
Tifft Nature Preserve
1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo; 625-6397, tifft.org
A stone’s throw from downtown and easily accessible from Route 5, Tifft’s level trails and boardwalks make it a great place for a serene stroll and bird watching (record your sightings in the education center!).
Favorite Place to Bring Kids [TIE]
Explore & More: The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum
130 Main St., Buffalo; 655-5131, exploreandmore.org
Explore & More’s four floors and more than 40,000 square feet of fun for all make it a favorite place to bring the kids.
Families count on the zoo for a fun day out. Explore the rainforest, get up close to sea lions, pet farm animals, and visit the newest lion additions. Even though temps are dipping, the Zoo is open year-round, and it’s the polar bears’ season to shine.
Favorite Outdoor Music Venue Quaker Arts Pavilion
Behind Orchard Park Middle School
(60 S. Lincoln Ave., Orchard Park); quakerartspavilion.org
Orchard Park Council for the Arts coordinates programming for this beloved venue with free concerts all summer long. Even when rain is in the forecast, the show goes on inside Orchard Park Middle School auditorium.
Favorite Senior Center
Orchard Park Senior Center
4520 California Rd., Orchard Park; 662-6452, orchardparkny.org/departments/senior-center
With a diverse calendar of exercise, art, and dance classes, games, travel and book clubs, guest speakers, and movie showings, Orchard Park Senior Center is a wonderful place to connect.
Favorite Senior Living Dining Elderwood
Multiple locations; elderwood.com
Residents and visitors give Elderwood chefs top marks for everyday meals and special occasions.
Favorite Senior Center Entertainment
The Hastings Duo
facebook.com/hastingssampsonduo
“Diana is a little bit classical, and Tom is a lot rock and roll. Together, we can sing just about anything!” says the Hastings Duo. Diana, who performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for twelve years, and Tom, who has been playing in bands and performing solo since the early eighties, provide entertainment for local events, including at many local senior centers.
Favorite Senior Center Exercise Program
Orchard Park Club 99 erie.gov/seniorservices/club-99
Offering free virtual and in-person fitness classes across Erie County, Club 99 focuses on exercise to maintain independence, decrease falls and injuries, and increase energy. Anyone can participate.
Favorite Volunteer Opportunity [TIE]
Meals on Wheels Buffalo & Erie
Multiple locations; mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Sponsored by FeedMore of WNY, Meals on Wheels is committed to delivering healthy, nourishing meals to seniors across Western New York. Check their website to become a volunteer.
Animal Rescue Organizations
Multiple locations and organizations
From the SPCA to Ten Lives Club, there is no shortage of ways to help our furry friends in need. Check local listings for opportunities to volunteer.
Photo by Stephen Gabris
SHOP
Favorite Farmers’ Market
Clinton-Bailey
1443 Clinton St., Buffalo; 208-0003, clintonbaileymarket.com
Providing some of the area’s finest locally grown produce, Clinton-Bailey Farmers and Flea Market is a Buffalo staple.
Since 1930, it has maintained its mission to distribute products between producer and consumer in the best way possible.
This gardening and landscaping destination is inspiration for your backyard.
Favorite Liquor Store
Premier
Multiple locations; premierewines.com
Premier has it all, from top shelf liquor and mixers to exquisite French wine. Check out one of three independently owned and operated stores in Amherst, Williamsville, and Orchard Park.
Favorite Pet Store
PetSmart
Multiple locations; petsmart.com
Find everything for your furry and scaly friends, including grooming and veterinary services, at some of the best prices in town.
Favorite Brewery
Hamburg Brewing Company
6553 Boston State Rd., Hamburg; 649-3249, hamburgbrewing.com
This family-owned business produces quality and innovative brews, including ales and lagers.
Favorite Eyewear Store
Eye Care & Vision Associates
Multiple locations; ecvaeyecare.com
With four locations, eight doctors, and 150 years of combined experience, Eye Care & Vision Associates is our readers’ choice for stylish glasses, cataract surgery, and comprehensive eye care.
A community staple for years, Dog Ears is committed to creativity and literacy. Stop in for a book or quality food and beverages.
Photo courtesy of Hamburg Brewing Company
EAT
Favorite Takeout
John & Mary’s
Multiple locations; multiple websites
With locations in Cheektowaga, Depew, Hamburg, Getzville, Arcade, and more, John & Mary’s has loaded subs as well as traditional pizza and wings to start your party or just give you a night off from cooking.
Favorite Italian Restaurant
Ilio DiPaolo’s
3785 South Park Ave., Blasdell; 825-3675, iliodepaolos.com
Mamma mia! Lasagna, meatballs, antipasti! Ilio’s has a fantastic restaurant menu as well as banquet and catering services to take your taste buds back to the old country. It also has a gluten-free menu.
Favorite Chinese Restaurant [TIE]
Chang’s Garden
1753 Orchard Park Rd., West Seneca; 675-8888, changsgardenbuffalo.com
In Buffalo for more than twenty years, Chang’s uses first-class cooking techniques and products for a fresh, flavorful experience. Patrons especially love the sesame chicken and house fried rice.
Taste Good
2308 Delaware Ave., Buffalo; 874-3838
For consistently delicious food delivered hot and fast, Taste Good has all your favs, like egg drop soup, egg rolls, beef and broccoli, and fried rice.
Favorite Taco
Mighty Taco
Multiple locations; mightytaco.com
Who doesn’t love a good Super Mighty Burrito? Since 1973, this regional staple has provided quick and delicious Tex-Mex options that hit the spot.
Favorite Breakfast
The Poked Yolk
Multiple locations; the pokedyolk.com
Generous portions of breakfast favorites including specialty omelets, fluffy pancakes, and sweet and savory waffles are served by friendly faces that leave you smiling.
Favorite Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Multiple locations; timhortons.com
On any drive, it’s hard not to pass our favorite Canadianowned coffee and bakeshop for a snack or piping hot cup of whatever you’re into.
Photo courtesy of The Poked Yolk
Photo courtesy of Ilio DiPaolo’s
Favorite Doughnuts
Paula’s
Multiple locations; paulasdonuts.com
Again and again, Paula’s fresh cannoli, peanut stick, and cheese doughnuts—to name a few of fifty varieties—win our readers’ hearts.
Favorite Bagel
Bagel Jar
Multiple locations; thebageljar.com
With its first location in Derby and newest in Hamburg, Bagel Jar serves deliciously chewy bagels made with just five ingredients.
Favorite Deli Sandwich
DiBella’s Subs
Multiple locations; dibellas.com
For a hot sub or cold-cut sandwich, DiBella’s piles ingredients high on freshly baked bread and dresses them however you like.
Favorite Hot Dog
Ted’s
Multiple locations; tedshotdogs.com
This Western New York tradition serves mouth-watering charcoal-grilled Sahlen’s dogs. Top regular dogs, footlongs, and veggie dogs with whatever your heart desires.
Favorite French Fries
George’s Hot Dogs
5808 Herman Hill Rd., Hamburg; 648-0320, facebook.com/georges.hotdogs
This seasonal hot dog stand’s curly fries are fresh cut and perfectly crisp. Count down the days to its opening in April!
Favorite Beef on ’Weck
Schwabl’s
789 Center Rd., West Seneca; 675-2333, schwabls.com
Tradition and quality combine at Schwabl’s—Forever Young readers’ favorite spot for a beef on ’weck. Don’t skip the German potato salad. And ’tis the season to treat yourself to a Tom and Jerry.
Favorite Fish Fry [TIE]
JP Fitzgerald’s
4236 Clark St., Hamburg; 649-4025, jpfitzgeralds.com
“JP’s” to Hamburg locals, this restaurant’s cod fish fry has earned a following and is offered in half-size portions.
Polish Falcons Society of Depew
445 Columbia Ave., Depew; 684-2373, polishfalconsdepew.com
The Polish Falcons website issues sage advice: “Remember there are duplicators and there are imitators, but you haven’t had a real Fish Fry until you have indulged yourself in one of Kevin Kutas’ delights!”
Both drive-through and dine-in options are available on Fridays.
Favorite Pizza
Bocce Club Pizza
Multiple locations; bocceclubpizza.com
Bocce’s traditional Buffalo-style pizza is heaven from the first bite.
Favorite Wings
Duff’s
Multiple locations; duffswings.com
Duff’s typically has a line spilling out the door, but it doesn’t stop its battle-hardened kitchens from consistently delivering prompt and perfect wings.
Duff’s wings photo by kc kratt
Favorite Greek Salad
Pegasus
5748 South Park Ave., Hamburg; 649-9639, pegasusrestaurant.net
Generous portions and prompt service define this Southtowns favorite. Open souvlaki options include beef, char-broiled chicken, pork tenderloin, gyro, or rack of lamb with mint jelly.
Favorite Sponge Candy
Watson’s Chocolates
Multiple locations; watsonschocolates.com
This family-owned and-operated company has spent seventy-five years and four generations handcrafting its famous sponge candy.
Favorite Custard [TIE]
Anderson’s Frozen Custard
Multiple locations; andersonscustard.com
Passed down through generations, Anderson’s is known for rich and creamy frozen custard in standard vanilla, chocolate, and twist options, as well as a flavor of the day that varies by location.
Fran-Ceil Custard
3411 South Park Ave., Blasdell; 292-3610, franceilcustard.com
Fran-Ceil is impossible to confuse with other custards. Now closed for the season, mark your calendar for its March reopening.
Go on a jaunt to Sanborn for outstanding ice cream in classic flavors and seasonal special flavors like eggnog. Or save the trip and take advantage of Hoover’s home delivery service.
Known for its custard, this seasonal stand gets the seal of approval for ice cream from Forever Young readers. FY
Photo courtesy of Hibbard’s
holidays, but now is the time to put away the goodies and lace up our sneakers. Marathon training isn’t necessary, but more steps, more movement, a fitness class, or a daily walk are all commitments that—if maintained—will improve fitness, quality of life, and longevity.
Ringing in a new you A fresh start for the new year
BY JUDITH A. RUCKI
Heard about fresh start syndrome? It’s the idea that beginnings, like a new year, are a way to distance ourselves from past shortcomings and failures. The psychological trend is rooted in our desire for a metaphorical clean slate, and we are more likely to commit to goals when offered such an opportunity.
To maximize success, make plans instead of resolutions. First, define goals and identify specific actions to reach them. Next, determine how to incorporate those actions into your routine. That’s setting a path for success.
If you don’t have a New Year’s plan in mind, prioritizing health is always a good choice. If appointments aren’t already on the calendar, schedule visits for medical and dental checkups, vision exams, and health screenings that have been put off. Encourage loved ones to do the same. It’s easy to overindulge over the
Experts at U.S. health care company Abbott Laboratories remind us, “It’s hard to feel your best when you’re exhausted. Not only does getting enough quality sleep help you keep extra weight off, but it can reduce some risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and chronic diseases such as diabetes. It also helps you think more clearly.”
Gearing up for a fresh start can begin with letting go. Zen Habits, a blog written by author Leo Babauta, offers ways to implement zen habits in daily life. “Many times, we are held back by the tangled web of previous failures, commitments, emotions, barriers,” says Babauta. “This is old baggage. A fresh start demands a clean slate. Let everything from the past go. Clear your plate and your palate.”
Once we’ve let go of attachment to what we’ve been doing—failures, fears, reluctance, ideas about what our life should be like, and long-held beliefs and habits—we are ready for that fresh start. If it doesn’t serve you, let it go.
Babauta suggests forgetting about goals for this year and, “Instead, decide what do you want to do today?” The answers are often “creating something, making something new, helping other people, becoming a
“Let go of last year and start anew.”
better person, working on a project that will be an accomplishment to be proud of.” Whatever the answer, have it clear in your mind at the beginning of the day. Then take it from there, for whatever amount of time you can give it.
Growth and transformation that involves changes to create a better version of ourselves is another good fresh start. Think of reinvention as aligning with your true desires, passions, and values. Writing in her blog, entrepreneur Caren Merrick says, “Reinventing yourself can begin with small steps or with huge leaps of faith. It’s essential that we continue to grow and change in big or small ways, one day at a time.”
Merrick suggests these steps:
• Make a bucket list: Take time to imagine what your life could be, then write it down.
• Try something you’ve always put off: Think about previous passions or interests. Travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go or do something you’ve always imagined doing, like writing a book.
• Join or start a new initiative: Merrick suggests small actions like donating to a nonprofit or starting a book club. A bigger step would be to “suggest a new initiative within your company, then lead it.”
• Explore a career change: Assess your strengths. Consider hiring an executive or career coach “to guide you through the process.”
• Recognize resistance: “It’s important to know that whether you want to take a big step or a small step in reinventing yourself,
you will face resistance,” Merrick says, adding that resistance is “confirmation that you should proceed. To push through resistance, challenge your fears and doubts, focus on your aspirations, and do the work.”
Buddha may have said it best: “Each morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” FY
Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer.
From the desk of WECK Radio owner and local business advocate Buddy Shula
MARIAH CAREY BANNED FROM BIG WECK
Yes, it’s true.
For some reason, Mariah Carey is known as the “Queen of Christmas” because of a few terrible Christmas songs that a few lame radio stations play this time of the year.
At Buffalo’s #1 Oldies Station, we reserve 36 hours of the month to play continuous traditional Christmas music from legendary artists, like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee, Elvis, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Burl Ives, and many others.
From December 24 at noon until 11:59 p.m. Christmas Day you will hear an incredible special presentation of music and memories hand-picked by the BIG WECK.
Also, while we check our list twice, make sure your favorite song plays by texting us your request at 716-783-9125.
Merry Christmas from all of us at the BIG WECK!
Buddy Shula President /CEO
Through Dec.
December
6
Miracle on South Division Street
Buffalo’s Clara Nowak and her three grown kids have known they were special since the miraculous Christmas Eve in 1942 when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop. Daughter Ruth even plans to write and star in a onewoman Christmas show about the family miracle so the “whole world will know!” But as her plans for theatrical immortality unfold, the family’s faith is shaken by a deathbed confession that upends the family legend. Closes December 22.
oconnellandcompany.com; 848-0800 FREE
December 22
Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra
Join the orchestra in spreading holiday cheer at its annual holiday concert.
Amherst Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday concert with conductor Nick DelBello.
3-5 p.m., Amherst Middle School
(55 Kings Highway, Snyder; amherstsymphony.com)
Through December Holiday Movies at the Screening Room
Catch classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Scrooge starring Alistair Sim. Check the website for days, showtimes, and special events.
The Screening Room
(1265 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Store 207, Amherst; screeningroom.net)
Through March 31, 2025
Wilhelmina Godfrey: I am what I am
Godfrey was an artist of exceptional skill and vision. This exhibit explores her more than fifty-year career, during which her work continuously evolved. Experience a retrospective look at this artist’s massive portfolio and the evolution of her work from representative figuration to abstraction.
Miracle on South Division Street image courtesy of O’Connell and Company; Winter Storm Warning image courtesy of Amherst Symphony Orchestra; Orchestra image courtesy of Cheektowaga Symphony Orchestra; It’s a Wonderful Life image courtesy of Paramount Pictures; Wilhelmina Godfrey image courtesy of Burchfield Penney Art Center.
