Vice President / Chief Revenue Officer / Publisher Barbara E. Macks
EDITORIAL
Executive Editor
Meagan Walker Doxtad
Managing Editor Donna Hoke
Contributing Writers
Amy Lynn Hardy, Carol Ann Harlos, Tara Irwin
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
Graphic Designers
Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers
Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica
Photographers kc kratt, Luke Copping, Stephen Gabris, Nancy J. Parisi
ADVERTISING & SALES
Director of Sales & Advertising
National Ad Director
Senior Account Executives
Account Executives
Sales Coordinator
Barbara E. Macks
Terri Downey
Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard
Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman
Robin Lenhard
MARKETING & CIRCULATION
Director of Audience Development
Social Media Director
DIGITAL
Robin Lenhard
Robin Lenhard
Web Master Kim Miers
FINANCE
Finance Manager
The recipe for a good summer
The scent of a charcoal grill. A festive dish to share with friends and family. The feeling of stepping into the cool air conditioning after a day in the hot sun. That’s what I remember about sharing outdoor meals with loved ones in summer. Inspired by those memories—and to help you create more—this month’s food feature urges you to take your plates outside!
Two of my most prized possessions are my grandmothers’ recipe boxes, complete with index cards not short on scrawls and cross-outs, clippings from newspapers, and even one entry cut straight from a pasta box. I love trying the new ones as much as the old favorites I grew up with. To that end, this issue includes both a bevy of new and easy-to-make Spanish tapas for any occasion as well as nostalgic recipes for the Fourth of July. And to keep it all safe, we added a brush-up on best practices for safe grilling.
While the internet allows us to explore the world of cooking with ease, I’m confident that our Forever Young community has
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many original recipes, perhaps some that—like mine from my grandmothers—have been passed through generations. If you have one you’d like to share with our community, write me at mdoxtad@ foreveryoungwny.com. And if the recipe has an accompanying story, I’d love to hear it.
Here’s to a delicious summer,
Meagan Walker Doxtad Executive Editor
Correction: In a June article about outdoor entertainment, we incorrectly stated that Party on the Portico is a free event. While M&T Third Friday provides free admission to the Buffalo History Museum during the day (10 a.m.–5 p.m.), Party on the Portico is a paid evening event. Advance tickets are available at buffalohistory.org.
Photo by Luke Copping
FOREVER YOUNG *JULY RESOURCES
*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 PARKINSONS’ 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 706-0060 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 574-0164 for info.
Erie County FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
Erie County residents ages 55+: stay active and reap social-emotional health benefits by developing oneon-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 285-8224 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.
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: 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
Garden controversies Things you’d never expect
Iamlucky because my gardens provide joy to both me and the people with whom I share them. Even with lovely trees, an herb garden, a rose garden, perennial gardens, shade gardens, sun gardens, milkweed, shrubs, vegetables, annuals, a plethora of insects, birds, mason bee “homes,” and three honeybee hives, grass remains for children to play and adults to sit—usually on chairs. There is never the smell of commercial, noxious weedkillers; I spread compost on the remaining lawns and worms take it down to grass roots. Weeds do exist, of course; I pull or dig the undesirables out after it rains. I till very little because garden soil is loaded with weed seeds and tilling only brings them up to the surface.
So did I participate in No Mow May? No. And I intentionally waited until it was over before writing about it. I have a tendency not to jump on every new idea whether it is about politics, education (I’m a retired teacher but still have school involvements), philosophies, or gardening. I dislike Houttuynia (also known as chameleon plant), lesser celandine, Japanese beetles, stinging nettle (delicious cooked
but I am allergic), and Jerusalem artichokes—which I planted as a young gardener, and which still try to bully my garden.
So no, I didn’t participate in No Mow May. An unmowed lawn will of course support plants that don’t ordinarily get the opportunity to grow. An unmowed lawn will not necessarily support flowers that support pollinators! If you live near woods, you may be
encouraging black-legged ticks—also called deer ticks—that could carry Lyme disease! And in my situation, where are people to walk if not on the lawn? We get some dandelions, which is fine. I especially enjoy watching bees forage on the flowers; because of this, I have to dig dandelions from garden beds….oh well.
and cultivars with disease resistance harbored the most insects!
Monarda fistulosa—beebalm or bergamot—and sweet ciceley are examples of native herbs and food for insects, especially bees. However, most edible herbs are non-native: parsley, lovage, fennel, sage. Eastern black swallowtail butterfly larvae eat fennel, dill, parsley, and other members of the same plant family, native or not. They also eat Queen Anne’s Lace, a member of the same family that has naturalized over much of North America, though it came from Europe, Africa, and Asia. The black swallowtail larvae eat them all.
Even my honeybees are controversial! They were brought here by colonists in the 1600s for honey and the wax used to make church candles—not for pollination! The details of pollination were first discovered in the 1800s. Honeybees pollinate many food crops and are accused of competing with native bees.
When it comes to native species in the garden, I certainly have some; I grow them for their contribution to creatures and for their beauty. But the discussion about nativars—cultivars of native species propagated by cuttings rather than from seed—is, again, not simple. Researchers established a common garden at Mt. Cuba Center, a research facility in Delaware. They planted ten common native species of ornamental trees and shrubs and ten cultivars selected for leaf color, leaf variation, disease resistance, and color of fruit. Over several years, they studied what insects ate leaves from these trees. Native species with green leaves
Each gardener must decide what is appropriate for their garden and supported not just by opinion, but also research. If your property smells of chemicals, please take a moment to ask yourself what wildlife—birds, insects, toads, and so forth—do you see there?
I look forward to hearing from you: caharlos@verizon.net FY
Carol Ann Harlos is an award-winning 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
Monarda fistulosa, also known as beebalm or bergamot
Declaring independence
Are you related to a signer?
The United States Declaration of Independence is central to our identity as a country. I’ve heard it referred to as our nation’s birth certificate, a perfect analogy. At the time of the Declaration’s signing in 1776, it’s estimated the country’s population was approximately 2.5 million people but only fifty-six brave men risked high treason against the King of England to attach their names to this document.
The Declaration’s most prominent name, as many know, belongs to John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress who famously said his oversized signature was so “the British ministry can read that name without spectacles…” Future presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams signed alongside Benjamin Franklin, a man known for his experiments with electricity, and who was, at seventy, the oldest to sign. But even the signers with less recognizable names had stories to
tell. Could you be related to one of them?
To find out, first review each signer’s surname which can be found online at ushistory.org/declaration/signers. See any names that also appear in your family tree? This site also includes short biographies for each man that can place them in a period that coincides with your research.
If you have a FamilySearch account, use it to check out Relative Finder (relativefinder.org). FamilySearch tree is collaborative; everyone works
together to find, connect, and verify families. If you don’t have an account, it takes only minutes and is free. You will need to add yourself, parents, and grandparents to connect back to your ancestors—and only you will be able to view any living relatives you include. Once you’re connected to the tree, use Relative Finder to see if and how you are related to any number of famous people, including the fifty-six signers. Found a connection? Visit famouskin.com and click on “signers” to find family trees, gravestones, and
much more information about signers. The Daughters of the American Revolution website (dar.org/archives/ signers-declaration-independence) also has among their holdings a collection of signatures and signer portraits. Learn more about the signers at Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence website at dsdi1776.com. Descendants who wish to apply for membership in the society must prove direct lineage, but many resources available can assist with research and formal submission. If you have deep roots in our country, chances are you can trace back to one or more signers—certainly high enough to be worth looking into. Generations of Americans have come and gone and, with each, our nation has been forged. But in 1776, under threat of death, fifty-six men signed a declaration that changed history. Prior to the signing, America was a loosely organized group of colonies fighting the powerful Britain; with leadership, fearless fighters, and a belief in liberty, America won the war. As we celebrate our independence with hotdogs and fireworks, remember and honor these amazing ancestors who “pledged to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” 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. Send questions or comments to her at noellasdaughter@gmail.com.
CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS
Bingo Calendar
Please call event organizers to confirm information provided. Listings are alphabetical by day.
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.
ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore
549-4389
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
Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral
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.
Pretend you’re in Spain With easy-to-make tapas recipes
BY AMY LYNN HARDY
Spotlight Stage Series
Friday, August 9: Friends of
August 23: Disney Night – Songs & Characters
InSpain, summer temperatures are regularly in the nineties and above, so it’s common practice for people and businesses to take a siesta—a midday break that might include a nap—and have the evening meal around 10 or 11 p.m. when the temperature cools. This is also when nightlife begins on the Iberian Peninsula, so when you order a drink at a bar or café, it typically comes with complimentary tapas, or small plates of food. These range from olives and nuts to gambas (garlic prawns) or tortilla española (Spanish omelet). These are often enough to satisfy evening hunger as the streets fill up.
You can also experience a little Spanish culture from afar by making your own tapas with fresh, simple ingredients. I lived in Spain in 2008, and these are some of my easy-tomake favorites.
Pimientos de padrón: Known as shishitos in America, these small green peppers have a bitter flavor and are not usually spicy; you can buy them at Wegmans. To prepare them, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the shishitos, then place them on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Brush each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle them with coarse sea salt— actually, any salt will do. Bake them for eight to ten minutes, until the outside skin is a little browned. Let them cool for a minute and enjoy. They taste especially great with a little…
Aioli: This is a must for tapas and so easy to make. Press one garlic clove (or more!) into a cup of mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste. The longer this mixture sits, the stronger the garlic becomes, so grab some minty gum on the way out of the store.
Dátiles rellenos: To make this sweet and savory combination of bacon-wrapped dates, wrap half a slice of bacon around each medjool date (remember to remove the pits!). You can use pork bacon, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian variety. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for eighteen to twenty minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Use toothpicks to serve.
Montaditos: Typically little baguette sandwiches made on junquillo bread, these can also be made on a rustic baguette, open-face.
Cut the baguette in half, then into small servable sizes (three-to-fourinch pieces), then top with whatever you’d like. I love Manchego cheese
and Iberian ham; you can buy both at Aldi along with other Spanish cheese and meats You can also make montaditos with…
Tortilla española: I recommend the recipe from the website Tastes Better From Scratch for this circular potato and egg omelet. Its wonderful flavor comes from the caramelized onions inside, and if you love peppers, sauté green pepper with it, too. After it’s cooled in the fridge for a few hours, cut the omelet into slices like a cake and serve as a montadito topping (or on its own). It is so filling and tastes amazing with a dollop of aioli.
Pan con tomate: I know “bread with tomato” sounds simple, but it is refreshing, zesty, and perfect for summer nights. At a farmer’s market, buy two or three giant beefsteak tomatoes and use a cheese grater to grate them into a sloppy mess— that’s part of the magic. Rub a half garlic clove on a baguette slice to give it a delicious flavor, drizzle olive oil on top of that, then add the tomato slop and season with salt and pepper. The first time I tried this, I never could have imagined how flavorful
it would be. This is also a typical Spanish breakfast, so save the rest of that sloppy grated tomato for the next morning.
Aceitunas: Olives. I recommend a package of Wegmans fresh assorted olives with herbs and garlic, but, really, any olives will do.
Oh, how I love tapas. And they don’t stop with these suggestions. You can make garlic shrimp, lemon chicken, gazpacho, fried potatoes with brava sauce, and many more items. The best tapas nights are those with a dozen small plates to share with a table full of friends. If you enjoy sangria, this complements tapas well, as would a cold beer (Sol if you want to stay on theme) or cold white wine like an Albariño. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy!) FY
Amy Lynn Hardy is a former teacher and freelance writer.
Dátiles rellenos (bacon-wrapped dates)
Savoring summer
Best practices for outdoor grilling
BY MEAGAN WALKER DOXTAD
Nothing beats cooking outside. Whether you have a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill—such as the popular Traeger models—making meals outdoors means the oven stays off, the house stays cool, and you enjoy that much more of our too-brief warm season. Trying new recipes and methods is half the fun, but grilling also requires a smart setup, routine cleaning, and vigilance. Before you fire up, refresh your knowledge of best practices to keep you and your loved ones safe and satisfied.
Identify the safest spot
The ideal surface for a grill is flat and level, like a concrete pad or driveway, so there’s no chance of tipping while cooking. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, placement should be at least ten feet from buildings and at least three feet from siding, deck rails, and eaves. Grilling inside an open garage or under a balcony may be tempting, especially on rainy days, but grills are designed to be used with maximum ventilation; be sure space above and around the grill is unobstructed.
If the grill is on a concrete surface, use chalk to mark a threefoot zone around it to remind kids to keep a safe distance.
Keep up with routine cleanings
Grease and food buildup on a grill poses three problems: it’s a fire hazard, it attracts germs and bacteria, and it makes food taste bad. Oil and marinade from last week’s recipe isn’t a flavor you want on this week’s menu.
Clean grates are the surest way to keep food from sticking to your grill, and the best time to clean them is when you’re done cooking and while the grill is still hot. Use a good, wireless brush—sharp wire bristles are dangerous when they find their way into food and then mouths—and wear gloves.
When the grates are ready for deep cleaning, remove the grate (in this case, it should be cooled) and apply a paste of equal parts baking
soda and water; add dish soap or vinegar for extra tough jobs. Let the grate sit for twenty minutes, give it a hearty scrub, rinse well, and return to the grill. Finally, replace your drip pan regularly.
Take proper precautions It’s better to be prepared than sorry. Keep a water-filled spray bottle near your grill to tamp down small flames and a fire extinguisher on the premises for potential fires. Also, check your clothing: warmweather clothes tend to be flowy and loose, so be mindful how your outfit may interact with your grill, especially on a windy day.
Stock up on the right tools
Aside from the vital wireless cleaning brush, other helpful grill accessories include:
• Extra-long tongs for extended reach
• Quality spatula (a stainlesssteel fish spatula has great flexibility and strength for manning a full grill)
• Heat-resistant brush for marinades and sauces
• Grill basket for veggie fans
• Chimney starter for charcoal grills
Remember the most important rules
Always open your gas grill before lighting, never walk away from a lit grill, and have fun! FY
Meagan Walker Doxtad is Executive Editor of Forever Young.
The best time to clean grill grates is while the grill is still hot.
Tried and true for the red, white, and blue
These crowd pleasers have endured for years
BY TARA ERWIN
They say the classics never go out of style and holiday foods rather prove the point. What’s Thanksgiving without stuffing, St. Patrick’s Day without corned beef and cabbage, or a summer picnic without potato salad? For Fourth of July, from appetizers to desserts, below are recipes for items you have no doubt seen at an Independence Day celebration but perhaps have never tried yourself. It’s never too late to start being classic!
Party Like it’s 1776 with Chex
Muddy Buddies, also affectionately called puppy chow, is so doggone good, it’s been around for generations and spawned a commercial brand. This is the basic recipe but get creative with add-ins! I’ve seen popcorn, yogurt-covered raisins, pomegranate seeds, dried cherries, and pretzel sticks as variations, but anything goes.
Ingredients
9 cups Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Chocolate Chex (or a combination)
1 C. semisweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate or butterscotch)
½ C. peanut butter
¼ C. butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ C. powdered sugar
1 C. red, white, and blue M&Ms
Directions
Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter uncovered on high for 1 minute; stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture is
smooth after stirring. Add vanilla and mix. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into a 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar. Seal bag and shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Marked by chilled white wine and in-season berries, this drink is especially refreshing on a hot day. Plus, this recipe makes enough for a large pitcher or punch bowl, so you won’t have to worry about having to leave the party to make more. Make a kid-friendly mocktail version with white grape juice, a splash of grapefruit juice, and club soda.
Ingredients
1 bottle dry white wine
½ C. triple sec
¼ C. berry-flavored vodka
¼ C. lemon juice
¼ C. simple syrup
¾ C. blueberries
¾ C. hulled and sliced strawberries
¾ C. raspberries
½ C. canned pineapple chunks
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir well.
Cover and refrigerate at least four hours. Serve over ice.
Patriotic Fruit Salad
Make this healthy summer side dish without turning on the oven. The sweet, tangy glaze is a welcome surprise. This recipe serves eight but doubles or triples easily to feed a larger group. Pro tip: fresh lime juice always tastes better, but bottled is good if it’s what you’ve got.
Ingredients
16 oz. fresh strawberries, cut in half 1 pint of blueberries
3 bananas, thickly sliced
2 Tbsp. honey
Juice from one lime (about 2 Tbsp.)
Directions
Combine fruit in a large bowl. Whisk honey and lime juice in a smaller bowl and drizzle on top of the fruit.
Mix gently.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four hours (after that, the fruit starts to get mushy).
UNITED CHURCH MANOR
Barefoot Contessa’s Flag Cake
According to Ina Garten in her cookbook Barefoot Contessa Family Style, her now famous Flag Cake “was definitely the most requested recipe from my column in Martha Stewart Living magazine.” This cake may look fussy, but looks are deceiving, since you can serve it right from the baking pan.
Ingredients Cake:
2 ¼ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
3 C. sugar
6 eggs, room temperature
1 C. sour cream, room temperature
1½ tsp. vanilla extract
3 C. flour
1/3 C. cornstarch
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
Icing:
4 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
24 oz. (1 ½ - 8 oz. packages)
cream cheese at room temperature
1 16-oz. package confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1½ tsp. vanilla extract
Toppings:
2 half-pints blueberries
3 half-pints raspberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Butter and flour an 18x13 by 1½ -inch sheet pan.
Cream butter and sugar in the bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy. On medium speed, add eggs, two at a time, then sour cream and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and stir until smooth. (With an electric bowl mixer, use the paddle attachment.)
Sift flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda into a bowl. Mixing on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until fully combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool to room temperature.
For the icing, mix butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth (again, paddle attachment with electric mixer).
Spread three-fourths of the icing onto the cooled sheet cake. Use a toothpick to mark the stripes and corner of a flag. Fill the upper left corner with blueberries. Place two rows of raspberries across the top of the cake to make a red stripe. Put the remaining icing in a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe two rows of white stripes below the raspberries. Alternate rows of raspberries and icing until the flag is completed. Pipe stars on top of the blueberries.
Cake is best the day it’s made. Refrigerate until ready to serve. FY
Tara Erwin lives and writes in Western New York.
Smart precautions for furry friends
Hot weather guidance from the SPCA
AsBY MEAGAN WALKER DOXTAD
Western New York’s summer hits its peak, we all need to stay cool—including our much-loved pets. The following hot weather pet safety tips have been provided by the SPCA Serving Erie County.
Know heat stroke warnings
Most pet owners know keeping pets in hot cars is dangerous, but not many realize just how quickly heat stroke can set in on eighty-degree or even cooler days. Symptoms in animals begin
gradually but accelerate quickly.
On warm days, a car acts like an oven, holding heat inside. On an eighty-five-degree day, even parked in the shade with the windows open, the temperature inside a car will climb to 104 degrees in ten
minutes and to 119 degrees in thirty. Because a dog’s normal body temperature is 101–102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, he can withstand a body temperature of 107–108 degrees for only a short time before suffering irreparable damage or death.
Signs of heat stroke include panting, high body temperature, dehydration, red mouth or eyes, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, and weakness or confusion. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
Don’t force exercise
Long walks in hot, humid weather can cause big problems for pets. Walk in the early morning or evening and don’t forget water! Be extra sensitive to older and overweight animals, as well as those with heart or respiratory problems.
Hot pavement can burn unprotected paw pads even if contact is brief. And remember that pets can sunburn. Speak with your vet about how to apply animal-safe sunblock to sensitive areas, such as the nose and ears.
Limit outdoor time
Only allow pets outside for short sessions in your yard or on your porch. Make shade and water available at all times and supervise closely on hot, sunny days.
For additional summer pet care tips, visit yourspca.org/ summerpettips. FY
Meagan Walker Doxtad is Executive Editor of Forever Young.
Beat the heat Hot tips for keeping cool
BY JUDITH A. RUCKI
Even if you usually run cold—wearing sweaters when others have broken out tank tops—summer’s high temps and humidity can make you feel tired, sticky, and irritable. So how to beat the heat?
Preparation is key
• Regularly applying sunscreen should go without saying by now, but for a cooling sensation, store sunscreen, as well as creams, serums, toners, lotions, and moisturizers in the refrigerator before using. Pro tip: they’ll also last longer.
• Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes reflect the sun and natural, breathable fabrics are best for cooling; think cotton and linen. A wide-brimmed hat will not only protect your face and neck from sun but provide shade (and style!).
How to eat for heat
• Water is the best beverage any time of year, but it’s especially important in summer when dehydration can overheat you. Carry water with you always; if you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Alcohol and caffeine can also contribute to dehydration so limit your intake when it’s especially hot.
• To help with hydration, eat food with high water content such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce.
• Skip heavy meals or fatty foods that make you sluggish. Try salads and smoothies instead. Freezing smoothies or juices makes for a cool, healthy snack.
• Spicy foods may make you sweat, but as your sweat evaporates, it creates a cooling effect.
• Limit exercise to cooler times of day, so you’ll be less likely to overheat. If you must work out during the hottest times, try swimming.
No air conditioning?
• Place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan.
• Put a cold compress—a bag of frozen veggies works in a pinch—or icebag on your forehead, back of neck, or wrists. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin.
• Spritz yourself with cool water. As the water evaporates, your skin cools. Soak your feet in an ice bath.
• Keep windows and shades closed during the day, and open windows at night. Hang a wet sheet in front of the window to cool incoming air.
• Head out to a library, movie theater, restaurant, store, or anyplace else that offers air conditioning.
Water is the best beverage anytime of the year.
Give your appliances a break
• Use the stovetop, microwave, air fryer, or barbecue instead of the oven.
• Hang towels and sheets outside to dry.
• Wash dishes by hand and let them air dry.
• Use your computer’s sleep mode when you’re not working at it; it will give off less heat.
Trick your mind
• Watch a winter-themed movie, or read a book that evokes memories of cold, ice, and snow.
• Look at family photos taken during winter holidays.
• Meditate to sounds of ocean waves, thunderstorms, or rainfall.
• Remember: December is only six months away! 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
SUMMER, FINALLY!
Summertime means fun, and fun is what the BIG WECK is all about!
As Buffalo’s Oldies Station, the BIG WECK has summer fun year-round by playing the greatest music ever made—songs that people still sing along with and whistle to more than sixty years later! These tracks just never go out of style, and there’s only one radio station in Buffalo that brings them to you, and that station is the BIG WECK.
Along with the music, we bring back the great disc jockeys you grew up with, from Joe Chile in the morning to Roger Christian on lunch and Dan Rinelli at suppertime. Plus, every polka lover’s favorite, Ronnie D every Sunday morning.
Listen to the BIG WECK for your fix of oldies today on 1230AM, 102.9FM, 101.1FM, and 100.5FM. Also download our free app or ask your voiceactivated device to play some BIG WECK.
Have a great OLDIES summer!
Buddy Shula President /CEO
CLASSIFIEDS
All types including Grandfathers. Free In-Home Estimate, Pick Up, Deliver. Call or Text: 716-418-2773.
AD DEADLINE IS NO LATER THAN JULY 10TH FOR THE AUGUST ISSUE. To Place your ad Call NOW! 783-9119 X2220
US ON
Go to www.facebook. com and search for @ ForeverYoungWNY
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 mdoxtad@ foreveryoungwny.com. CLOCK REPAIR
Through July
JULY 11–21
Sister Act
Lockport Palace Theatre presents Sister Act for eight shows in July. Based on the 1992 film, the show follows Deloris’s life as it takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody, she’s hidden in the one place she won’t be found—a convent! There, she transforms the choir, bridges worlds, and finds purpose.
July 11-14 and July 18-21 with 7:30 p.m. showings Thursday–Saturday; 3:00 p.m. matinees on Sundays (2 East Avenue, Lockport; lockportpalacetheatre.org, 438-1130)
JULY 20 FREE
Hamburg BurgerFest
BurgerFest celebrates the “birth” of the hamburger at the 1885 Erie County Fair. Enjoy a variety of food (not just burgers, but especially burgers), kids’ activities, a vendor show, live music, and much more.
11:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Village of Hamburg Municipal Parking Lot (Main and Buffalo Streets, Hamburg; hamburgburgerfest.com)
JULY 12
Embracing Earth: Burchfield and Whitman
Charles Burchfield and Walt Whitman’s mutual appreciation of nature is reflected in vivid descriptions that accompany the artists’ watercolors and drawings.
Opens July 12; on view through October 27. Senior admission is $8. (1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo; burchfieldpenney.org; 878-6011)
JULY 27-28
Revolutionary War Reenactment
As the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Old Fort Niagara presents this special two-day event with field music demonstrations and battle reenactments.
Each day begins with color raising at 9:30; see the website for full details.
The Lipsey Summer Jazz at the AKG concerts take place on the museum’s Lincoln Stairs overlooking beautiful Hoyt Lake. Admission is free; parking is available on the roads surrounding the museum; and food and beverages are available for purchase on the patio.
Sister Act image courtesy of Lockport Palace Theatre; BurgerFest image courtesy of the Village of Hamburg; Concert image by Jeff Mace, courtesy of Buffalo AKG; Reenactment photo courtesy of Old Fort Niagara; Burchfield image courtesy of the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
