Forever Young July 2023

OUR 35TH 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

The power of music

Executive Editor

Sabrina Kahwaty

Managing Editor Donna Hoke

Contributing Writers

Michael J. Billoni, Daniel Curry, Carol Ann Harlos, Olivia Guthrie, Elijah Robinson, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

Proofreader Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

I belong to a family of music lovers. My father and brother sing, my mother plays guitar, and my sister plays piano. My stepmother is a dancer, and my stepfather plays double bass in the BPO. And me? I’ve been singing as long as I can remember—at home, in chorus, and on stage in musicals. One of the last large events I attended in 2020 was one of my favorite live performances to date—a Lumineers concert at KeyBank Center—and I carried the electric feeling of that concert with me through lockdown until it was safe to attend live music again.

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

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

Director of Audience Development

Robin Lenhard

DIGITAL

Social Media Director Robin Lenhard

Web Master Kim Miers

ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE

Administrative & Finance Director

Michele Ferguson

Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2023 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228 and is open Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The entire contents of Forever Young are copyrighted 2023 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part 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.

Whether you’re an avid concertgoer, a casual radio listener, or a hum-whiledoing-dishes type, music finds its way into our lives. Western New York offers a wealth of ways to enjoy music, especially in warmer weather (check out our concert roundup on page 14!), but rich history and interesting musicians make the scene vibrant yearround.

In this issue, we talk with Buddy Shula of WECK Radio, jazz singer Mari McNeil, and five Buffalo Hall of Fame inductees about music in Western

New York—how it’s changed, how it’s grown, and how it fosters connection and meaningful experiences.

There are endless meaningful experiences to be had this month: days in the garden, genealogy trips, and beloved annual events populate the rest of our pages.

Enjoy the summer, and thanks for reading,

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Delaware Park. Photo courtesy of the BPO

*PLEASE CONTACT EVENT/PROGRAM ORGANIZERS TO CONFIRM INFORMATION PROVIDED Do you have an event or resource to list? Email it to skahwaty@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 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.

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: 8527743 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.

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/wnyc for info.

Kenmore KENTON COMMUNITY RESOURCE

HUB offers health and wellness and providers, WIC, SNAP, veterans’ assistance, and more. Third Thursday of each month, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. Kenmore United Methodist Church (32 Landers Road). For info, email kumcoffice32@gmail.com.

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

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/BuffaloLaughers for information.

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

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

Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE SUPPORT: Coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. Info: 6323700 or mcguiregroup.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

Cheektowaga For info, call Paula 984-3512

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 407-0539 Silver Creek For info, call 680-0313

Tonawanda For info, call 693-5161 www.tops.org

“BeautifullyMaintained” –Louise,aresident

ACROSS

1. Bryan of “Summer Of ‘69” fame

6. Lake in Provence

9. ____ ____ good example

13. Hypotenuse/opposite side

14. Fuss, to Shakespeare

15. Pine

16. Filthy dough

17. Marxism or Taoism, e.g.

18. Skylit lobbies

19. *Outdoor repast

21. *Two-wheeling

23. Agreement word

24. *Climbing turf

25. “I wish I ____, I wish I might...”

28. Cracked by yegg

30. Cowardly color

35. Slightly (2 words)

37. Matterhorn location

39. Charles III’s ex

40. She played Carla on “Cheers”

41. Nev.’s neighbor

43. Rotisserie skewer

44. Indianapolis team

46. Underwater “nose”

47. Color of a bruise

48. Trying experience

50. “The Breakfast ____”

52. p in mph

53. Ranee’s husband

55. ____ de plume

57. *Gather berries, e.g.

60. *Water slaloming

63. Soft single in baseball

64. *Sun “kiss”

66. Beau’s and Jeff’s acting dad

68. Cut-down sailing sheep

69. How many “if by sea?”

70. Have effect

71. Gibbons, e.g.

72. Coniferous tree

73. Rejuvenate or renovate

DOWN

1. Knee-related acronym

2. Make pretty (2 words)

3. Mushroom spore sacs

4. Shawn Mendes’ 2016 hit

5. Parts of a play

6. Secular

7. Commercial break clips

8. Fast food option

9. Looking for aliens org.

10. Get bacon?

11. H.S. math class

12. All Nippon Airways, acr.

15. Rattled on

20. Writer Asimov

22. Like icee

24. Not an original

25. *Call to Polo

26. Opposite of adore

27. Triangular road sign

29. *Capture it!

31. Speech defect

32. Drink like a cat (2 words)

33. Chilled (2 words)

34. *Balloon filler

36. U.K. art gallery

38. Place for a house plant

42. Get an F

45. Serape, alt. sp.

49. Jet follower

51. Water-heating apparatus

54. Bulwark

56. Hundred Acre Wood creator

57. Wing motion

58. Exude

59. Fish eggs, pl.

60. Winter precipitation

61. Person, place or thing

62. Swirling vortex

63. *Part of a bikini

65. Leave speechless

67. Morning condensation

The solution for this month’s puzzle can be found on page 20.

THEME: OUTDOOR FUN

Is gardening good for your body?

You betcha!

Years ago, I gave a gardening talk to a local osteoporosis support group. Now my dear readers, I admit that when I accepted the invitation, I had no idea what relationship gardening had to osteoporosis. I of course did research. I was surprised— and very pleased—to learn that as a total body exercise, gardening is a great activity to help prevent osteoporosis and is also recommended for those who already have it.

I am not a young gardener. I am eighty-one years old, four-feet-teninches tall and of slight build. I have scoliosis and two artificial knees, so this was important to me as well. I want to share what I have learned and how gardening has benefited me, though I admit I really garden and keep bees because the experiences are so gratifying. People get caught up in gardening. I know this has happened to you. You go outside to prune the roses and end up harvesting the herbs or weeding or pinching back the annuals. One hour leads to three. Does this happen when you exercise? Probably not.

Yard work—pulling weeds, shoveling compost, pushing mowers, digging out weeds, dividing perennials—uses several different muscle groups, which can help stimulate bone regeneration. All the bending and stretching and reaching also improves our balance and brains. I don’t know about you, but I have to remind myself to place gardening tools in safe places, so I don’t accidentally step on them! I do take my cell phone with me in case I hurt myself.

Perhaps you already have osteoporosis or are recovering from surgery or have a permanent disability. Can you still garden? Yes, with accommodations. I, for example, am unable to kneel so I “scooch” on my backside. Other people use kneelers. Raised beds work well for those unable to bend forward and who use wheelchairs. And by the way, there is no shame in asking people to help. I can shovel soil and compost but cannot move a large shrub.

Socially, gardening is a natural talking point when you meet new people. Our large front garden has led to friendships, questions, plant sharing, and walks about the entire property. I am amused by the comment “This must be a lot of work.” Gardening beats housekeeping any day. Gardening is good for us mentally (even when the deer eat the hostas). Although there are disappointments, the joy of watching plants grow is immeasurable. And….there is so

much to learn! I love the Thomas Jefferson quote, “Although I am an old man, I am a young gardener.” I also love the quote from the Beatles’ George Harrison, who wanted people to remember him as a gardener: “I’m not really a career person. I’m a gardener really.”

I wear sunscreen on my face and a hat on my head as I am fair-skinned but exposed body parts receive sunshine to increase production of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. I stop each hour for a beverage and food break. Gardening raises my metabolism; I am ravenous after a gardening session!

I hope each of my readers has a joyous gardening year. I look forward to hearing from you at 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.

CAROL ANN HARLOS

Planning a genealogy trip Tips for research on the go

Research each location on your list. Use Google Maps to plan routes so you’ll know the distance by car between locations. Check the days and hours of the businesses, institutions, repositories, or archival resource centers you plan to visit and call to ask if certain days are more crowded than others. With this information, you can make a loose itinerary for each day; this will keep you on track when shiny things try to distract you! Don’t forget to check available parking and fees. An unexpected long walk can waste precious time and put a damper on the day.

Nomatter how convenient it is to research in your bunny slippers from home, summer is the perfect time of year to plan a genealogy trip. Genealogy travel is unique and there are several ways we can learn more about our family roots. Here are a few tips to help plan your trip.

What type of genealogy trip will you take? Is it for research or do you just want to experience your ancestors’ culture by walking in their footsteps and enjoying the

food? How long of a trip is it? Can you drive or do you need to fly? My family tree is full of worthy spots to visit. I whittle them down by pinpointing areas I have an

emotional connection to, then build a trip around that. Once you’ve decided, follow these tips for a stress-free trip.

For international travel, determine the best time of year to visit. Is there a cultural festival you’d like to attend? Depending on your plans, you may also want to avoid holidays when villages seem to shut down. Reach out to a local researcher to learn which repositories you should visit, then make research appointments prior to arriving to guarantee access.

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

Before you go, contact the town clerk or priest and let them know when you will be arriving and the surnames you are interested in connecting with. You may think your surname is unique, but when you arrive in a small village and everyone has the same name, you’ll need specific information.

Pack accordingly and practically. Comfortable shoes are a must, but you’ll also want your laptop, maps, phone, and a camera. Phones take great photos, but they are made for convenience. A good camera has higher resolution, which is important for capturing the archived document you traveled so far to find. Also, have a paper copy of your family tree information and all the important details, just in case the device you’re depending on has a snafu.

Take notes. Keeping a journal will help you capture feelings while

they’re fresh. Also, note street names you walk down, people you meet along the way, and conversations that may deserve a second look.

Go with the flow. As you attempt to do and see everything, your itinerary may lack room for spontaneity and fun. You’re not likely to do everything on your very long wish list, so prioritize what’s important, then build in some wiggle room for the unexpected! FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a member of both the National Genealogical Society and Association of Professional Genealogists. Carol is also vice president and board chairman of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Contact her at noellasdaughter@gmail.com.

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

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

Bingo Calendar

Bingo Calendar

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

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

WEDNESDAY

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES 2735

7

THURSDAY

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

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

Dedication to art

Buffalo Music Hall of Famers talk passion for music

BY ELIJAH ROBINSON

Buffalo’s music scene is strong enough to support a Hall of Fame, which is full of passionate, talented musicians, many of whom have made music since they were young. Faced with the challenges of making a career from music, these musicians found ways to follow their hearts and enrich the culture. We talked to the five inductees—Jeff Miers, Janice Mitchell, Alison Pipitone, Maria Sebastian, and Tom Stahl—on how they built their careers and continue to contribute to the local music scene.

How were you initially exposed to music?

Jeff Miers: My parents had a small but vital record collection. Though neither were musicians, they had impeccable taste.

Janice Mitchell: In my early years I used to sing with the gospel choir at our church and enjoyed singing harmonies around the house with my sisters. When I was about ten, I was mesmerized when I saw Nancy Wilson and Nina Simone in concert at Kleinhans and that’s when I knew what I wanted to do.

Alison Pipitone: I grew up in a family that loved music. Lucky for me all that amazing music got embedded in my DNA.

Tom Stahl: The Monkees were on TV as well as the Partridge Family, the Banana Splits and the Beatles cartoon...Mom was always singing around the house and I’d raid my older brothers record collection. My older sister was an actress and singer.

Maria Sebastian: People who do what I do are usually born to do it, and it’s usually the same story: we come from at least one musical parent (who likely did not have the time to develop their own talent let alone ours), they realize young they want to perform, and they spend the rest of their lives trying to make a living doing it.

When did you decide to embark on a career in music?

Miers: I distinctly remember being five years old and telling my mother “I’m going to be a musician when I grow up.” I’ve never wanted to be anything else.

Mitchell: I had been working with some local bands and, after attending UB and starting my studies in their School of Pharmacy, I realized that was not where my heart was. I [moved] to Los Angeles, and that’s when I started actively pursuing music.

Pipitone: My siblings and I were separated during some formative young years. When I was eighteen, it

was the first time in a long time that four of us were together. Our first big move was to form a band!

Stahl: I’d had a couple back surgeries and the doctor recommended a new line of work. While recuperating, I wrote a couple of songs, and my wife insisted I go sing them.

Sebastian: I’ve been playing live since I was sixteen.

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

Miers: Learning music, becoming adept at expressing yourself through an instrument, developing your own voice as a musician, putting in the 10,000 hours it takes to become more

Maria Sebastian

Photo by Thomas Passino

Allison Pipitone

Photo by Greg Snook

than an amateur. These challenges continue no matter how long you’ve lived and played. But the biggest challenge has always been finding a way to finance a life in music.

Mitchell: Survival. Getting started, it was hard to get music income generated in an unfamiliar city. Taking on other jobs robbed energy and attention from the music pursuit.

Pipitone: We faced lots of challenges as we went through personnel changes and rose through the ranks of the LA music scene. But we were so dedicated that challenges were just fuel for the fire.

Stahl: I was thirty-five with a wife and young son, so at the end of a gig, I was just trying to get home. I knew nothing about the business or networking. I opened for Joan Osborne at Nietzsche’s; I had an encore, which is apparently a good

thing for an opener. At 11:30 p.m., I was done, so I went home. A couple weeks later, I saw her on MTV and thought, “I probably should have stuck around and talked to her.”

Sebastian: My own ignorance. I had no idea how to live in a way that would support a musical career. I did it all upside down, inside out, and backward.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about the music business?

Miers: It’s vile. Most businesses are, unless they are charitable ventures. You need to be more than great to even be in the game, but being more than great still guarantees you nothing.

Mitchell: It was an eye-opener when I learned that success does not always correlate with talent. There are so many musical geniuses still playing in their garages.

Pipitone: When the “business” part is brutal, the “music” part never lets you down.

Stahl: First, you have to want it really, really bad. Second, you have to work really, really hard. Third, it doesn’t matter if you want it really, really bad or that you work at it really, really hard.

Sebastian: There is no music industry in Buffalo. There’s a live music scene. Knowing the difference is important.

How has your career changed as you’ve aged?

Miers: I was hired by the Buffalo News as music critic in 2002 and held that position for twenty-one years. Changes in the newspaper industry led to the abandonment of full-time music and arts coverage in

daily newspapers across the country, including in Buffalo.

Mitchell: I’m semi-retired and you’ll only find me at a few rare select engagements.

Pipitone: When streaming replaced physical music [LPs, CDs, etc.], it became difficult to sustain a living. So I got a masters degree and now I teach in the English department of a few local colleges. As a result, I stopped pursuing tour dates, etc.

Stahl: Technology helps you get gigs and make contacts quicker. On the other hand, it’s so much easier, it seems like everyone is doing it.

Sebastian: Venues reach out to me, agents are in touch, and people keep coming out. FY

Elijah Robinson is a writer and contributor to Forever Young.

Janice Mitchell

Photo by Frank Priore

Tom Stahl

Photo by William Ingalls

Jeff Miers

Photo by Jack Zuff

Outdoor concert roundup

Buffalo bursts with talent

FREE BPO Summer Concert Series

July 1: Academy Park (Lewiston)

July 5: Veteran’s Park (Newstead)

July 7: Bassett Park (East Amherst)

July 9: Niawanda Park

July 11: Bidwell Parkway

July 12: North Park Academy

July 16: Buffalo AKG Art Museum

July 18: M&T Plaza

July 21: Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion bpo.org/summer

Chautauqua Amphitheater Concerts

July 2: Diana Ross

July 7: Straight No Chaser

August 26: Trombone Shorty Chautauqua Institution

(Chautauqua Amphitheater, 31 Roberts Avenue, Mayville) chq.org, 357-6250

FREE Gateway Harbor Canal Concert Series

July 5: Butch Rolle- CO Jones

BY DANIEL CURRY

Buffalo’s music thrives in summer. The combination of warm weather, unique venues, and varied actors hitting town creates an almost overwhelming amount of choice for the music lover. We’re here to help with a roundup of some of the most exciting outdoor concert series. From rock concerts at Artpark to free Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performances in our region’s beautiful parks, there is so much music to enjoy. (See websites for tickets, times, contacts, and other information.)

Artpark Amphitheater Concerts

July 8: Tori Amos

July 11: Barenaked Ladies

July 14: Lauren Daigle

July 16: Rain

July 27: Larkin Poe

August 1: Orville Peck

August 4: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

August 10: Richard Marx

August 17: Parker McCollum

August 20: Whiskey Myers

August 28: Pixies

Artpark

(450 S. 4th Street, Lewiston) artpark.net, 754-4375

July 12: Dave Viterna Band/ Chicago Authority

July 26: Envy’s Mixtape/Kiss This

August 2: Rock Angel/Past Masters

August 9: White Lies/More Than Me

August 16: Allykat/1980 Something

August 23: Analog Kids/Floyd Concept

August 30: Knight Crew/Hit N Run

6-10 p.m., Gateway Harbor Park (Sweeney and Webster Streets, North Tonawanda)

tonawandasgatewayharbor.net

Gateway Park Food Truck

Thursdays

July 6: Retro-Phonics Band

July 13: Meet the Bacons Duo

July 27: Jack Civiletto & April Mazzone Duo

August 3: Dave Bienik

August 10: Body & Soul: the Millers Duo

August 17: Mike Zogaria

August 24: Fourth Fret

August 31: Angel Sun Duo

Gateway Park

(Young Street between Delaware and Main Streets)

tonawandasgatewayharbor.net

Patti LaBelle performs at Artpark.

Photo courtesy of Artpark

KeyBank Live at Larkin

July 5: Declan Miers’ All-Stars

July 12: Universal Phunk

July 19: Alex McArthur presents Rae & the Spirits

July 26: TBA

August 2: Blues 4 Vets: Miller & the Other Sinners, Jony James Band, Grace Stumberg & Bob James

August 9: Vitamin D & Friends show Love 4 Prince

August 16: Handsome Jack

August 23: Grosh & Guests

August 30: Farrow & Friends

5-8 p.m., Larkin Square (745 Seneca Street) larkinsquare.com

M&T Plaza’s “Tunes at Noon”

Each weekday throughout the summer, M&T Plaza features an eclectic group of musical and theatrical talent. Acts to be announced. Visit the website for details.

12-1 p.m., One M&T Plaza (Main at Division Streets) buffaloplace.com

New Music in the Park Series

July 7: Jeremy Dutcher

July 9: Third Coast Percussion

July 13: L’Oiseau: Guided Walking Concert along the Niagara Gorge

July 20: CS4: Philip Glass String

Quartets

August 6: John Bacon Quintet

August 13: Lux: Vivaldi Redefined the Four Seasons

Artpark

(450 S. 4th Street, Lewiston) artpark.net, 754-4375

Outer Harbor Concert Series

July 15: BPO and the Strictly Hip

August 1: Alter Bridge

August 3: Dark Star Orchestra

August 12: Arkells

August 25: Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra Buffalo Outer Harbor (225 Fuhrmann Boulevard) buffalowaterfront.com/outer-harbor, 436-7073

FREE Music in Bloom

July 23: Buffalo Chamber Players

August 12: George Scott’s Big Band

Martin House (125 Jewett Parkway) martinhouse.org, 856-3858

Thursday & Main Concert Series

Happy hour presented by M&T Bank features live, local music, libations, and bites. Acts to be announced; visit the website for details.

5 p.m., Fountain Plaza (Main at Chippewa Streets) buffaloplace.com FY

Daniel Curry is a contributor to Forever Young.

Summer concert tips

Know what’s allowed: Check websites where many venues post detailed instructions about what is and isn’t allowed at concerts. For example, some venues don’t allow folding chairs or backpacks with pockets. If you’re not sure, give the venue a call.

Figure out parking: While some concert venues have dedicated lots (that may fill with early birds), others require creative alternatives. To save time and stress, make parking plans before show day.

Watch the time: Doors generally open at least an hour before the concert begins, which is particularly important for general admission shows—especially if you like to be in front. Assigned seating, if available, will cost more, but might be worth it if you want to avoid long waits before shows.

The feel-good power of music Jazz singer combines

passion and purpose

BY OLIVIA GUTHRIE

WhileNew Orleans is credited for birthing jazz in the early twentieth century, the danceable music genre spread around the world. The globally celebrated sound sparked passion in singer Mari McNeil, who now shares it with residents of senior living facilities in Western New York.

McNeil was aware of her vocal talent from a young age and sang recreationally in school choir and even as the lead for a gospel band. “My father was amazed when he heard me harmonizing to a song on a record at age nine,” says McNeil, who spent three decades as a graphic designer in the corporate world before exploring singing possibilities by hiring a vocal coach and pianist, then making the jump. “I left my marketing career,

and I took it public, singing in bars, restaurants, and clubs – mostly singing the Great American Songbook.” Club singing kept McNeil busy for a few years but then, “About ten years ago, I sang at my mother’s retirement home, and I loved it!” Not only was she provided an “appreciative” audience, but she didn’t have to stay out late! It didn’t take McNeil long to discover that there was a market; more than ninety senior living facilities hired McNeil

before the pandemic hit. Although business for nearly all sectors has minimized since then, she is working toward filling up her schedule again.

McNeil performs for a range of audiences and residences she describes as “urban, suburban, rural, disadvantaged, and high-income facilities.” She curates set lists based on the type of living facility, the residents’ ages, and the area of the location, and she always prepares more songs than she needs to accommodate the residents’ tastes extemporaneously—and even take requests. “I’ve been surprised at requests I’ve gotten,” she says, “but later learned to love, for example, ‘Crazy,’ by Patsy Cline, and ‘These Boots Are Made for Walking,’ by Nancy Sinatra.” McNeil’s career provides her with more than a paycheck; she fulfills her passion for jazz singing while positively impacting seniors in her community.

“My job is a kind of music therapy,” she says, noting that’s especially true for residents receiving memory care.

“I bring them back to a happier time in their lives; I remember one woman

who hadn’t spoken for a year but sang along to, ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart.’”

The benefits to senior audiences are not just psychological, but also physical, as they are singing and dancing, which can help boost healing and happiness.

“In our culture, we don’t sing or dance nearly enough,” McNeil notes.

“I’m dancing and singing, giving the audiences permission to clap and sing themselves, and even dance if they feel like it.” While people may not consider singing exercise, McNeil reminds that it is—“both of the mind and body.”

But audiences don’t care about that; they love it as much as McNeil does.

“I’ve cut four CDs, I’ve sung at the Lewiston Jazz Festival, and in some of the nicest restaurants and clubs in Western New York,” she says, “but this is by far the best job I’ve ever had.” FY

Olivia is a civil rights investigator and freelance writer based in Buffalo, NY. She is a contributor to Buffalo Spree and Forever Young. contact@oliviaguthrie. com

Mari McNeil Photo by Marc Murphy

From radio intern to station owner

Buddy Shula brings WECK to number one

BY MICHAEL J. BILLONI

Growing up in Lancaster, William Ostrander was a huge local radio fan who interned at the former WPHD-FM station when he was a fifteen-year-old Lancaster Central High School student. It wasn’t long before he was behind the microphone.

When an overnight disc jockey called in sick, the young intern was asked to fill in but told he needed a radio name. He quickly responded “Buddy Shula”—Buddy is what he’d been called growing up and, as a football fan, he admired Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula. During that time, Shula also interned for J.P., a legendary on-air radio personality for the past fortyseven years.

In 1956, when Shula was growing up, WECK was a newcomer to Buffalo’s strong AM. Shula recalls being intrigued when his family would drive past the top-forty station’s Genesee Studio, housed in a building that looked like a farmhouse.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to buy a radio station and the one I really wanted was WECK,” recalls Shula, who saw his dream become reality in 2017 when he purchased the station from Dick Greene for $550,000, using his own funds, bank loans, and a low interest loan through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.

The Canisius graduate became a radio station owner after twenty-two years with Entercom Radio, where he was an on-air talent and its number one direct salesperson. “WECK has good longevity and was very popular in its day,” Shula says. “It’s a thousand-watt station but with its antenna on our roof, that thousand watts may as well be 50,000 watts because it covers the entire Erie County area.”

That translates to a million-person reach and, with his strong radio sales skills, experience, knowledge of the local market, and marketing abilities, Shula knew he could make this a successful deal.

Shula doesn’t believe young people listen to the radio and knows the fiftyfive-plus audience has the disposable income to patronize the station’s advertisers. Under his leadership, WECK has been format specific to serve the older population in the Buffalo market.

“That is what I will continue to do. The ratings are through the roof, and we are now one of the top stations in Buffalo,” he says, adding that Neilson Ratings recently notified him that WECK is the number one rated Oldies station in the United States. “That is pretty cool.”

The WECK playlist comprises

music from the later 1950s to the mid-1970s. Shula has always had trusted Buffalo names on the air and, today, WECK’s lineup includes Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Famers Tom Donohue, Roger Christian, and Joe Chille. In an industry buzz move, Shula hired J.P.—the radio personality he interned for long ago J.P.—who left 97 Rock after twenty-eight years.; he’s midday and Breakfast with the Beatles host and his audience is growing.

“When I heard Cumulus, a corporate Wall Street company, would not let J.P. work from home because he takes care of his ninety-three-yearold parents, I could not believe it,” Shula says. “J.P. is one of the most caring individuals you could meet. He is also a great radio talent with a strong following. We allow him to do his show from home.”

Donny Tomasulo, another Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Famer and Shula’s former Entercom boss, is the station’s General Manager and General Sales Manager. “Buddy is an amazing visionary,” says Tomasulo. “WECK has never been more successful in its entire history than it is right now. Buddy understands marketing and we get results for our clients, many of whom have been with Buddy for years.”

WECK is at 1230 AM, translators 100.1, 100.5 and 102.9, its free app, or live streamed at bigweck.com. FY

Michael J. Billoni is a storyteller and publisher.

WECK CEO and President Buddy Shula attends the 2022 Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame Awards ceremony with wife Trina. Photo courtesy of WECK

Debriefing the buzzwords

What do they really mean?

BY DONNA HOKE

During a recent group conversation about health and fitness, it came up that there are so many words thrown about when it comes to food—all of which impart the idea that such an adjective is “good,” without really explaining what the adjective really means. Here are a few that came up in conversation, and quick descriptions of what they mean, how and why they’re “good,” and how significant this qualifier is to the food you eat.

Arcade & Attica Railroad

278 Main Street, Arcade, NY 14009

WWII Weekend

Jul 22 & 23 at 1pm

Ale on the Rails

at

Whiskey on Wheels

Aug 26 at 5pm

The Great Train Robbery

Sep 23 & 24 at 1pm

BUY TICKETS: (585) 492-3100 • aarailroad.com

Superfood: There is no FDAapproved list of superfoods (though you can find one on Wikipedia). There aren’t even any minimum standards that a food has to meet to become a superfood. And that’s because “superfood” is a marketing term, and not any kind of official label. Does that mean you shouldn’t eat the trendy foods associated with that label—kale, quinoa, goji berries, wheatgrass? Of course not; they’re all foods with nutritional qualities that earn them places in a healthful diet (after all, nobody is ever going to call ice cream a superfood), but they aren’t miracle fixes for anything and they’re not going to convert your poor diet to a good one. Nutritionists will certainly recommend them to you for their vitamin, mineral, and phytochemical content, but they’ll eschew the label, and also encourage variety that includes even common fruits and vegetables like apples and green beans.

Probiotics: These are living microscopic organisms in the form of “good” bacteria or yeast that are thought to be beneficial to health,

especially of the digestive and intestinal varieties. Though most research indicates that they are good for you, the general word is that research has not nearly caught up to the marketing efforts promoting probiotics. If you have digestive issues, talk to your doctor about which probiotics might help you; in the meantime, you can’t go wrong continuing to eat foods that naturally deliver probiotics to your system—yogurt, dark chocolate, pickles, miso soup, and olives among them.

Gluten-free: Simply put, gluten is a protein complex found in wheat, rye, and barley, which means it turns up in a lot of foods, including beer. As such, on its own, it doesn’t deserve a bad rap any more than fat does. It isn’t fat, and eating a balanced diet won’t make you fat, but every time somebody believes either one of those things and picks up a product marked “gluten-free!” the marketing industry says cha-ching. (Note: Yes, there are people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities who should avoid gluten, but that isn’t where most of the industry’s income is coming from.)

Enjoy samplings from Ellicottville Distillery, live music, snacks, and our complimentary whiskey glass.

Step back in time aboard our vintage World War ll-era diesel train excursions in New York State!

World War II Train Ride with military displays, meet and talk to WWII reenactors, and enjoy live demonstrations.

Look out for greedy outlaws as you ride to the halfway point, where you depart the train to do a self-guided tour of the museum.

Antioxidants: In a healthful diet, antioxidants have always been present, doing their job in counteracting free radicals that can cause cell damage. Guess where you can find a lot of them? In superfoods. Guess what you should be eating more of? Fruits

and vegetables. You can also get antioxidants naturally in nuts, fish, whole grains, beans, and tea.

Organic: Organic doesn’t mean healthful, but to see the label slapped on everything from ice cream to cereal, it’s clear that food marketers have decided to lead consumers in that direction (see gluten-free above). The truth is that organic foods can still contain high levels of fat, sugar, and sodium, because when it comes to food, organic only means that foods or ingredients have been produced by organic farming, a regulated (in a number of countries, including ours; Google to see exactly what organic means in the US) practice that emphasizes ecological balance, recycling, biodiversity, and avoidance of certain pesticides, industrial solvents, synthetic additives, and chemical fertilizers. Each year, you’ll find a new list of The Dirty Dozen, which names the foods that are best purchased in organic varieties because of pesticide residues. This year, the

list includes apples, strawberries, grapes, celery, peaches, spinach, sweet bell peppers, imported nectarines, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported snap peas, and potatoes (Source: Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s Shoppers’ Guide to Pesticides in Produce). Plenty of nutritionists also advocate organic meats, especially beef, to avoid added hormones, antibiotics, genetically modified feed, and other drugs.

In short, none of the above things are bad food choices but, in and of themselves, they will not make a healthful diet. And on the flip side, eating a healthful diet will take care of all of these things for you. FY

Donna Hoke is Managing Editor of Forever Young.

WEEKENDS ON WECK

Weekends are special on the BIG WECK! During BIG WECK weekends, you’ll hear great shows like Breakfast with the Beatles with JP on Sundays 10 a.m.-11 a.m., the BIG WECK Polka Show with Ronnie D on Sundays 8 a.m.-10 a.m., and Senior Matters with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer, Joe Chille.

You’ll also find plenty of theme weekends, chances to win prizes, and the styles of legendary national DJs like Steve Goddard and the “real” Don Steele, playing the pioneers of rock ’n’ roll from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s.

Remember, you can listen to the BIG WECK everywhere. Listen on the radio by turning your dial to 1230 AM, 102.9 FM, 100.1 FM, or 100.5 FM. Download our free mobile app on your smart phone or tablet, connect to your Bluetooth device, stream at bigweck.com, or simply ask Alexa to “Open WECK!”

As always, thanks for reading, and thanks for listening to the BIG WECK—Buffalo’s Oldies Station.

Buddy Shula Owner /CEO

Through July Where There’s A Will, There’s A Play

The hour-long production features scenes from Shakespeare’s most famous works. Check the website for a location near you. Seating not provided; bring blankets or chairs.

Picnics welcome!

(shakespeareindelawarepark.org, 856-4533)

July 9

Opening reception of Lenore and More

The Weavers’ Guild of Buffalo hosts an exhibition of its members’ works, including handwoven household textiles, wall décor, wearables, and accessories. Meet featured artist Lenore Tetkowski, who recently turned 100 years old, and whose fiber career has spanned decades. Enjoy demonstrations and refreshments.

Buffalo Arts Studio

(1243 Delaware Avenue; 839-1922)

July 8-9 Taste of Buffalo

The largest two-day food festival in the United States celebrates its fortieth birthday! Enjoy delicious food from Buffalo restaurants and food trucks, local wine, craft beer, live music, and demonstrations on the culinary stage. Food and beverage tickets can be purchased at one of three ticket tents or presale at participating Tops Markets locations through 5:00 p.m. on the Sunday of the festival.

tasteofbuffalo.com

July 29 FREE Garden Walk Buffalo

America’s largest garden tour is back! Selfguided, it includes hundreds of gardens throughout the city, from Parkside to downtown. Check the website for maps and special instructions.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

gardenwalkbuffalo.com

TheatreAlongside the Canal

Friday, July 14

Productions “Spotlight Cabaret: The Past 5 Years”

August 4 Stand Up Entertainment Comedy Friday, August 18 Lake Plains Players “State of the Arts” Cabaret

Photo by Nick Vitello

Image by Laura McMahon