Forever Young June 2023

Photo by Carol Ann

Photo by Christine

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

A day with the grandkids

Executive Editor

Sabrina Kahwaty

Managing Editor Donna Hoke

Assistant Editor Daniel Curry

Contributing Writers Carol Ann Harlos, Tara Erwin, Olivia Guthrie, Jonnemarie Kahwaty, Judith A. Rucki, Christine A. Smyczynski, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

Proofreader Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

While I was growing up, my aunt Lynn referred to my three siblings and me as her “interim grandchildren.” Ten years my mother’s senior, Lynn’s own children weren’t having kids yet, but we were the right age to bring to kid-friendly events. She also invited us to outings of her own creation (I recall one long bike ride that ended with ice cream) and accompanied my family to the Erie County Fair.

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

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

Director of Audience Development

It’s no surprise that today, Lynn is an incredible grandmother to nine grandchildren. Recently, at our familywide Mother’s Day celebration, she shared that she and two granddaughters spent a few hours on Earth Day picking up garbage around the village of Hamburg. Afterward, she took them to lunch and Urban Air Adventure Park. All Lynn’s itineraries are like that—wellrounded and fun with healthy doses of work and play. She was the inspiration for this month’s feature.

Robin Lenhard

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

These day trips are for all grandparents—including those with substitute, foster, honorary, or interim grandchildren—who have time to

spend, but maybe aren’t sure what to do with it. Each of these suggested trips involve learning and fun, as well as a kid-friendly spot to grab a bite. We hope that you have as much fun trying them out as we did putting them together! And we hope we’ve made Lynn proud.

Here’s to sunny days ahead,

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor

FOREVER YOUNG *JUNE RESOURCES

*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 Karen 247-2334

Cheektowaga For info, call MaryAnn 895-4414

Niagara Falls For info, call Beth 385-7558

Farnham For info, call 934-9619

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

Tonawanda For info, call 693-5161

1. Foundation

55. Scheduled to arrive

57. *”____ for takeoff”

61. *Frost removal

sheet fabric

22. Dot-com address

24. Wrestling match, e.g.

25. *Air traffic control feature

26. Fully informed

27. Army doctor

29. Traffic sign

31. ____ of measurement

32. Rock bottom

33. Search blindly

34. Island off Manhattan

36. Vegas cube

38. H or O in H2O, e.g.

42. Opposite of cathode

45. Obliquely

49. Knightly title

51. Slash’s instrument

54. Make believe

56. Cause for food recall

57. Attention-getting sound

58. Gym class test?

59. *Captain’s announcement, plural acronym

60. Porter order

61. June 6, 1944

62. Type of #14 Across

63. Grannies, in UK

64. Clarified butter

67. *PreCheck org.

1. Prickle on a fence

2. Equal to pi times r squared

3. Cheap form of payment?

4. Insect in adult stage

5. Dar es ____, Tanzania

6. Traveled on

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

THEME: AT THE AIRPORT

More creatures in the garden

Bees, wasps, hornets, and others

It’s time to identify more creatures in the garden. Hornets are large wasps that have broad heads and large round abdomens. There are no native species of true hornets in North America. The European hornet was introduced to North America in the mid 1800s.

Wasps evolved ahead of bees. They have pinched waists, twelve or thirteen segments in their antennae, smooth naked bodies, and narrow legs. They hunt other insects. (Bald-faced hornets—the wasps that make paper nests in trees—are not hornets but are close relatives of yellow jackets.)

Bees evolved from wasps. They have rounder bodies, thicker legs, thick waists, and fuzzy hairs on their bodies. They tend to collect and live on pollen and nectar. And by the way, the venom from bees and wasps is not the same.

Recently, I spotted a honeybee drinking water. We have a new water fixture in my herb garden, and I am fascinated by the way the bees tentatively move toward it—they don’t get their feet wet because they can drown—and use their mouth parts to suck up water to store in their crop and take to their hives, where it’s used to maintain proper humidity for a developing brood. They release the water and fan it. About a gallon of water per day may be used at the

hottest time of the summer. I read that each worker can make up to fifty trips a day to supply water to its hive!

Ah… bumblebees. The above picture shows a bumblebee on lavender, a good source of the nectar and pollen used to feed bees’ young. The long tongues of bumblebees are great for probing the lavender flowers. The females (queens) sleep underground at night although I have found them sleeping in a flower early in the morning, probably because a storm prevented them from returning home. About fifty bumblebees make up a hive that contains honey. They are the gentlest of bees. Outside our children’s sandbox was a bumblebee nest. We taught our children respect for all forms of life; they were never stung and loved to teach friends about bumblebees.

You may also spot a solitary threadwaisted wasp, no hive. The life cycle of a wasp is egg, larva, pupa, adult. The adults emerge in early summer. What’s neat about this wasp is that

it needs a member of the Orthoptera order of insects (grasshoppers, crickets, katydids) to feed its young. After she’s built her nest, she paralyzes one of these insects with a sting and carries it to the nest. She then lays her eggs; the larva eat the insect and complete their development.

That sounds terrible, so I’ll share another story. When I first became a Master Gardener, a woman brought in pictures of a window well from her home. It contained dry grass and a cricket. I was mystified. Later, I saw a thin-waisted wasp carrying grass in my back garden. I googled “grass carrying wasp.” Viola! That’s how I learned about it.

The bald-faced hornet is also common. This black and white wasp is a vespid meaning it’s a relative of yellow jackets, not a true hornet. (There are no native hornets in North America. You may have seen a large European hornet around dusk; they can be aggressive.) The bald- faced hornet goes for live prey like insects and have the ability to

squirt venom into the eyes of both prey and enemies. Bald-faced hornets make new nests every spring from a single queen. They build large nests but only females that mate live over the winter and begin to lay eggs in the spring. The workers chew wood to enlarge the nest. We had one nest in an apple tree. I waited for the hive to die in the autumn, so I could take it to school for my students. Before I could, blue jays tore the nest apart to devour the larvae. Another year, we had a nest in our crabapple tree; I didn’t notice it until I was attacked! I take pride in not overreacting. Well dear readers, that didn’t work. I ran. My husband and I destroyed the nest because it posed a danger. 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

Photo by Carol Ann Harlos

The Freedmen’s Bureau Reconnecting with lost ancestors

After emancipation found nearly four million enslaved people free without any direction or idea of what to do or where to go next, the United States government created a commission to help formerly enslaved persons navigate their new freedom. Near the close of the Civil War in 1865, the Freedmen’s Bureau took on the task of overseeing relief efforts assisting more than one million African Americans.

The Freedmen’s Bureau was an all-purpose bureau of the Federal government dedicated to helping a particular group of people. Its services included provision of food and clothing, healthcare, education, assistance in locating family members or finding employment, marriage legalization, temporary housing, and help securing back pay for soldiers and sailors as well as pensions for military service.

These records are an invaluable resource for descendants of formerly enslaved people in the United States and provide information not found anywhere else. Available to the public for many years while located at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C., the physical records required a trek for most researchers. But in recent years, volunteers have been digitizing and indexing these records to allow online access. Although not all bureau records are available as this volunteer initiative is ongoing, you can access the collection at FamilySearch.org for

free by using their collection search or through the National Museum of African American History & CultureSmithsonian Institute. (nmaahc.si.edu/ explore/freedmens-bureau)

The Freedmen’s Bureau records contain more than just names; they include details about formerly enslaved persons and their families, births and deaths, previous owners, and residences. You can search the collections that have already been indexed or, if you don’t find the results you are looking for, the image-only collections can be browsed as well.

Within the Freedmen’s Bureau record collection, you will also find a series of marriage records for newly liberated African Americans from 1861 through 1869. They were collected first by the Union Army and then by the Freedmen’s Bureau field offices in the Southern States and the District of Columbia. Included are marriage licenses, monthly reports of marriages, unbound marriage certificates and other proofs of marriage. These records vary by state.

The records of the Freedmen’s

Branch of the Adjutant General’s Office (1872-78) contain valuable genealogical information on soldiers and sailors found in documents and letters they submitted for bounty, pension, and arrears of pay. The branch continued the work of the Freedmen’s Bureau in receiving, passing on, and paying military claims. These records can be particularly useful when used alongside military service and pension records. Available records are from field offices in Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Field Office records are organized by state and contain field office reports, letters received and sent, contracts, certificates, registers, censuses, and affidavits. The field or local offices of the Bureau provided direct assistance to and contact with the formerly enslaved who were seeking relief.

In addition to letters and accounts directly from freed people, these records also contain documents from employers, landowners, and others involved in the mission of helping

formerly enslaved people become self-sufficient. These records are rich with information on schooling, labor contracts, hospital records, complaints filed and requests for legal aid.

Separate from the Freedmen’s Bureau was the Freedman’s Bank. Originally called the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, this bank assisted newly freed people and African American soldiers. Sadly, the bank failed in 1874, and many people lost their savings. Nonetheless, the records created by it are filled with documentation for many African American families. Thousands of signature cards contain personal information about individual account holders, including name, age, birthplace, spouse’s name, children’s names, parents’ and siblings’ names, and residences.

The Freedmen’s Bureau Project that began on Juneteenth 2015 was created to bring these records to light. Because of the efforts of thousands of volunteers, nearly two million men, women, and children are now searchable online for their descendants to find. This is an ongoing project, follow this link to find out how to volunteer online- transcription.si.edu/ instructions-freedmens-bureau. FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a National Genealogical Society member and Association of Professional Genealogists member. Carol is also Vice-President and Board Chairman of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. If you have a story to share, question, or an idea for a future column, feel free to reach out to her at noellasdaughter@gmail.com.

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

Gender identity Choosing support and love

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

Recently, while filling out forms, I was asked my preferred gender pronouns. She/her was an easy choice, but down the list, “xem, ze, hir, and eir” left me baffled. Because June is Pride Month, it’s a good time to think about families whose children or grandchildren identify in ways that can confuse an older generation. Let’s start with some basic information. Gender identity is separate from sexuality, though sexual preference and gender identity all fall under the LGBTQAI+ umbrella.

Gender dysphoria is unease caused by feelings of mismatch between the sex assigned to a person at birth (you may see the acronyms AFAB or AMAB for “assigned female at birth” and “assigned male at birth) and their own feelings of gender identity. The dissonance may be so intense that it leads to depression and anxiety that negatively impacts their lives.

How a person seeks to alleviate gender dysphoria varies, but centers around naming and claiming their own gender identity. For some, the mismatch is complete, e.g. an AFAB person transitions to a male identity, chooses a new name, and changes pronouns, a process known as transitioning. Transitioning is on a spectrum that

can range from choosing a new name and pronouns all the way to gender reassignment surgeries. Nonbinary describes genders that don’t fall neatly into male or female

categories. Other terms include genderqueer, agender, bigender, and genderfluid. Whiles there is overlap among these terms, they all have distinct meanings. If you don’t know what a word means, politely ask the person using it.

Gender nonconforming people often use gender neutral pronouns. While they/them/their are the most common, you may see neopronouns like xe/xem/xyr, ze/hir/ hirs, and ey/em/eir. (Performance artist Taylor Mac uses judy.) You may see pronouns on people’s Zoom boxes or be asked to identify your own in group settings. This is so that everyone feels comfortable identifying how they’d like to be addressed. It can be hard to remember and also hard to break old habits; if you make a mistake and use an incorrect pronoun, apologize, correct it, and move on. The important thing is to be respectful and supportive of anyone using different pronouns from those assigned at birth. This can sometimes mean encouraging others who misuse pronouns or ignore newly adopted names how important it is to respect a person’s gender identity and particularly letting them know you’re not okay with intentional “mistakes” or any offensive or derogatory terminology.

If a child in your family has claimed a new gender identity, you may be alerted by others if you’re about to see the family member for the first time after a change. Or you may find yourself explaining to your own friends and

family. Explaining the transition simply and cultivating allies will make difficult conversations easier.

If you have a loved one who claimed a gender other than the one assigned at birth, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use the name you are asked to use. If Michael is now Michelle, or vice versa, use the preferred name.

• Understand that navigating spaces like restrooms can be challenging. Accept a person’s judgment about where they feel safest and most comfortable.

• Talk to your loved one. The best way to understand is to listen and respect boundaries. While you may be curious, not everyone is comfortable answering questions about hormones, surgeries, and sexual relationships.

• Educate yourself. There is a wealth of information but no matter how much you read or know, remember that not everyone’s journey is alike.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when you have trouble understanding is that whatever pronouns your loved one is using, they are the same person inside. Approach with love and navigate together. FY

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

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

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

up

PRIZE MONEY + STW, RWB & Bonus Ball. Progressive STW Jackpot

Thursday, & Friday 7:30pm

Sunday 7pm

$10 Admission Package

 Progressive Number & Bonus Ball

 Queen of Hearts

 Bell Jar  50/50

Air conditioned, fully handicap accessible, pizza, snacks and drinks.

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 STAKES

BINGO AT TURNING STONE

5218 Patrick Rd., Verona

12:45 & 7 p.m. daily 800-782-1938

Welcome to Pure Dental

Cutting-edge technology in a relaxing dental spa atmosphere

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Visit our new office in Williamsville to learn about our patented Four Ever SmileTM system which can replace all of your missing upper and/or lower teeth with as few as 4 dental implants in just 4 hours! This procedure is ideal for patients with broken or missing teeth, existing partials, or full dentures who may have been told they are not a good candidate for dental implants. Our board-certified oral surgeon is licensed in general anesthesia in order to offer a pain-free, comfortable experience utilizing gentle sedation. Unlike most one-size-fits-all approaches to dental implants, the staff at Pure Dental listen attentatively to each patient, conducting a thorough assessment and customized treatment plan to find the most advantageous and affordable solution. You can experience same day results and long-term success with the For Ever Smile!

One of Pure Dental’s key strengths lies in its ability to streamline the entire process for full-arch dental implants, saving hours of time over traditional implant methods. Our in-house digital dental lab is equipped with the most advanced milling machines and 3D printers, offering unmatched precision and guaranteed results at a fraction of the cost. Custom-made products ensure the highest level of aesthetic and restorative function, quality and care. Our patients leave the office feeling confident in themselves and able to start smiling again.

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Advertorial

Canalside for kids Explore & More, then explore and more

and hours of operation visit buffaloheritagecarousel.org.

Waterfront watching

Canalside bustles but it’s also a place to relax. With tons of open grass to sprawl out on, as well as Adirondack chairs and benches, there’s always a spot to sit and watch the boats go by. Additionally, events are always happening, including kids-specific programming throughout the summer. For information on upcoming events visit buffalowaterfront.com/canalside.

Pizza Plant

BY DANIEL CURRY

Over the past few years, Canalside has become a family friendly destination that always has something going on. And that means for a fun-filled day with the grandkids, Canalside is the spot.

Explore & More

For more than twenty-five years, Explore & More has been working to better children’s education in Western New York. What started as a program in a school basement morphed into a beloved 6,000-squarefoot facility in East Aurora is now a 43,000-square-foot museum that helps kids learn, play, and explore. The museum features seven educational play zones and myriad hands-on exhibits that help kids learn about geography, culture, and industry within Buffalo and Western New York while celebrating the benefits of play. Here are some of the most exciting: Driving Buffalo’s Dreams: Design cars, drive them through the streets of Buffalo in a larger-than-life projection, and even learn how to perform maintenance.

Playing Together: See what it’s like to be on Buffalo’s sports teams. Try on gear and complete athletic challenges.

Farm to Fork: Learn how their food ends up on plates by working all the jobs on Explore and More’s farm, like caring for animals and loading up bushels of produce.

Building Buffalo: Learn about Buffalo’s rich architectural history while constructing buildings out of different materials.

During summer, Explore & More hosts Free Play Fridays with a different activity each week. These days are perfect for kids ten and under and a great opportunity to explore sports while making new friends. Dates and times have yet to be announced for 2023 but keep an eye on exploreandmore.org for that information on Free Play Fridays as well as current exhibits.

Clinton’s Dish

The snack stand offers a simple menu of sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream. For menu and hours of operation, visit buffalowaterfront.com/ business/clintons-dish.

Buffalo Heritage Carousel

A recent and iconic addition to Canalside, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel was originally designed and manufactured in 1924 by the Spillman Engineering Corporation of North Tonawanda. For information

After a long day of playing and exploring, visit Pizza Plant Italian Pub. Located right across the street from Canalside, Pizza Plant has a huge menu that includes its famous pods. For menu and hours of operation visit pizzaplant.com/canalside. FY

TheatreAlongside the Canal

PREMIER PERFORMANCE:

Friday, June 30 @ 7 p.m. | O’Connell & Company

Friday, July 14Bellissima Productions “Spotlight Cabaret: The Past 5 Years”

Friday, August 4 - Stand Up Entertainment Comedy

Friday, August 18 - Lake Plains Players “State of the Arts” Cabaret

Daniel Curry is Assistant Editor of Forever Young

Photo courtesy of Canalside

Dinner and a movie “Date night” with the grandkids

accompanies each movie night. For up-to-date film listings, visit the website.

Town of Amherst multiple locations

amherstyouthandrec.org

Amherst’s Youth & Recreation Department hosts five movie nights on Fridays this summer (July 14 & 28; August 4, 18 & 25) at venues throughout town, rain (indoor) or shine (outdoor). Movie selections skew younger, with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, DC League of Pets and The Super Mario Bros. Movie among the titles. The Jewish Community Center of Great Buffalo at 2640 North Forest Road in Amherst also has programmed a fine lineup of new and old family fare, including The Sandlot on July 10, Jumanji on July 24, Elemental on August 7, and The Bad Guys on August 21. Visit jccbuffalo.org for additional details.

BY TARA ERWIN

Dinner and a movie is a classic date night that isn’t limited to romantic outings. Free family friendly movies at multiple venues—many outdoors—in the region means the grandkids take on the classic is affordable and fun. Below are a few suggestions, along with pairings for a nearby tasty preshow meal or treat: Green Acres Ice Cream

4357 Broadway, Depew greenacresicecream.com

Wednesday nights July 12 through August 2 (with an August 9 rain date), movies start at dusk.

Moviegoers begin gathering on the lawn beside the stand about two hours before the film starts to secure the best view, so consider coming early. It’s easy to pass the time with a cone, parfait, or sundae,

and a round of miniature golf at the adjacent Broadway Driving Range and Miniature Golf Course. Have kiddies wear their cutest, most adventurous, or memorable PJs for the costume contest that

Since the entertainment begins at either 8:30 or 9:00 p.m., skip making dinner and enjoy pub food or scenic views at some of the area’s most popular spots beforehand.

Buffalo Brew Pub (buffalobrewpub.com, 6861 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221) has something for everyone: fun finger food for the kids, and a huge selection of craft beer for the grownups.

Lebro’s Restaurant (lebrosrestaurant.com, 330 Campbell Blvd, Getzville 14068) features a menu of traditional Italian fare as well as casual options like soups, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. With so many cel-

ebrated restaurants along Williamsville’s historic Main Street section, it’s hard to choose but Creekview Restaurant (creekviewrestaurant.com, 5629 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221) wins for its central location and spectacular vantage point overlooking the falls of Ellicott Creek.

Buffalo Harbor State Park

1111 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo parks.ny.gov/parks/buffaloharbor/ details

With stunning views of Lake Erie, come early with your favorite lawn chair or blanket to watch the sun set prior to the movie (specific titles, dates and times TBA). Also check out the marina, beach, and playground located within the newest state park in the system.

Stop by the Liberty Hound (libertyhoundbuffalo.com, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo) at nearby Canalside for pre-event noshing. The kids menu features some seafood, a welcome respite from

the usual choices, and adults can order shared plates for a light meal.

Movies in the Meadow

84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo parksidebuffalo.org

Hosted by Parkside Community Association, Movies in the Meadow runs every Friday in August at the meadow in front of Parkside Lodge in Delaware Park. Movies start at dusk, and blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. The movies this year favor older kids: Toy Story, Top Gun Maverick, Ghostbusters, and Hook Cool down on those hot summer nights with a cone, Italian ice, soda, float and more at Hanna’s Frosty Treats (hannasfrostytreats.com, 140 Taunton Pl, Buffalo), a quintessential neighborhood ice cream stand that’s a favorite among North Buffalonians. Hanna’s closes at 9:00 p.m., so stop by before the movie starts. FY

Tara Erwin lives and writes in Western New York.

Sculpture fun in the mountains A magical experience awaits

STORY AND PHOTOS BY OLIVIA GUTHRIE

School’s

just about out, which means it’s time to search for new experiences the whole family can enjoy. Surprises are often found in the hidden areas, like East Otto, a tiny town with just under a thousand residents, but perhaps the most impeccable views within a short distance. But we wouldn’t send you there without a plan.

Cue Griffis Sculpture Park

Griffis Sculpture Park covers 450 acres of the Enchanted Mountains, roughly ten miles from Ellicottville. It is an outdoor, historic, immersive experience that combines nature and art. Named for creator Larry Griffis Jr., a Buffalo native and World War II veteran, the park is the first and one of the largest of its kind in the country. Raised in WNY, the artist’s prodigious

idea was born in Italy; we thank him for returning home to bring the project to life.

A full day is necessary to explore everything Griffis has blessed the land with, but it’s totally acceptable to spread that full day over several visits.

Art you can touch

You read that right! One of the unique aspects—one that’s particularly

exciting for kids—is that all the art is touchable. Since most of the sculptures are massive, there is ample opportunity for (supervised) climbing; some even have stairs or ladders. You will reach one of the most prized pieces at the very top of the hill. “The Castle” has a wrap-around staircase for visitors to see the inside of the art and take in breathtaking views from the top.

Helpful info

Griffis Sculpture Park is a private, non-profit organization that requests admission donations of $5 per adult and $3 for seniors and children aged five to twelve. Donations can be paid through the Griffis website, Venmo, or in-person on weekends. The

park is open May 1 to October 31, from sunrise to sunset, with possible fluctuation as dates are weatherdependent.

Though by no means necessary to enjoy the park, docent tours are great for large groups or families of fifteen or more. Cost is $10 per person and the tour must be scheduled in advance.

Picnic tables and benches are stationed throughout the park, and the park does have outhouses for public use. Visitors are asked to leave with what they came with, as garbage cans and recycling bins are not provided. Because park routes are long and natural, sneakers or hiking boots are recommended.

secured millions $$$ for NY homeowners for energy saving upgrades.

The park is divided into two sections separated by two miles: Mill Valley Road and Rohr Hill Road. The Mill Valley section, the common choice, is for walking the trails and interacting with sculptures. The Rohr Hill route is mainly for viewing from the car.

Mill Valley Road Entrance: 6902 Mill Valley Road, East Otto, NY 14729

Rohr Hill Road Entrance: Rohr Hill Road, Ashford Hollow, NY 14171

When you’re hungry

After a long day at the sculpture park, head to Tim & Bonnies. The restaurant has two locations—one in Springville, one in Ellicottville—both roughly fifteen minutes from the park.

Enjoy

Olivia

Time travel At Old Fort Niagara

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE A. SMYCZYNSKI

Get the kids excited by showing them the Fort’s website (oldfortniagara.org), where you can take a virtual tour to see each structure in detail and even watch events like passing ships and sunsets via a webcam in the 1972 lighthouse. (This is also a fun after-trip activity to ignite the kids’ memories.)

Upon arrival, head to the visitor’s center to watch a sixteen-minute orientation film, as well as look at exhibits of original artifacts; the fort’s original War of 1812 flag is a highlight. The twenty-four-bytwenty-eight-inch US flag is one of only twenty existing that dates before 1815.

Step back 300 years in time as you enter the National Historic Landmark Fort, site of many historic battles. The French Castle, preserved as it stood in the 1700s, is the oldest building in the Great Lakes Region. Costumed staff members demonstrate eighteenth century military life, including drills, along with musket and cannon firings. Visit during a Fort’s special event and see reenactors recreate Fort life in the eighteenth and nineteenth Centuries.

Justforty-five minutes from Buffalo, Old Fort Niagara offers you the chance to take your elementary school-aged or older grandchildren back in time. Located in Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown, NY, the Fort has been a living history museum since the 1930s. The authentically preserved buildings and grounds are such a hit with kids, they may not even realize they’re learning. (Note: The historic buildings aren’t stroller friendly and little ones won’t get much from the visit, so do toddlers and babies a favor and leave them at home.)

Situated at the mouth of the Niagara River, which allows access to the Great Lakes, the Fort was the site of the Battle of Fort Niagara during the French and Indian War in July 1759; the British siege of the Fort helped remove French control of the Great Lakes. During the War of 1812, the Fort was captured by the British and returned to the United States in 1815. Later, the

Fort served as a training station from the Civil War until 1963, when the last army units were withdrawn.

On June 4, celebrate the King’s Birthday (June 4), with British Troops honoring King George III as they would have during the Revolutionary War. Civil War Garrison Days (June 10-11) lets you experience life as a Civil War soldier. And July 1-3, experience Siege Day, one of the Fort’s largest annual events, where visitors experience the Fort as it was during the French and Indian War. Visit the website for more information about these and other upcoming events.

After visiting the Fort, swing over to the 708-acre Fort Niagara State Park for picnicking and to let the kids unwind on the playground, and swimming and wading pools. A nature center, open seasonally, is located next to the pool complex. For indoor dining, the closest restaurant is Youngstown Village Diner, open for breakfast and

lunch, Tuesday through Sunday. ( youngstownvillagediner.com

Nearby Lewiston also offers kidfriendly restaurants including the Silo (lewistonsilo.com), a casual favorite overlooking the Niagara River (leave room for ice cream!).

Syros (syrosrestaurant.com), known for its Greek specialties, also has a children’s menu, as does Brickyard BBQ (brickyardpub. com), along with an extensive menu of barbecue favorites. No outing with grandkids is complete without ice cream, so if you missed it at the Silo, stop by Hibbard’s Custard (hibbardscustard.com), a Lewiston fixture since 1939. 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 for local, regional, and national publications.

TERRY GARDNER

Terry started his bagel journey at Rainbow Center Bagel Bros. As a teenager, he rose quickly into management. His e ciency, eye for quality and positivity paid dividends for him and our company. He was our rst regional manager at Bagel Bros in Bu alo, and also helped develop our Cleveland stores.

He came back to Bagel Jay’s almost three years ago and continually proved to be an incredible asset. Customers loved his outgoing personality and outstanding service, and his team loved working with him. He was always upbeat and positive and had a huge smile on his face.

His friendship and loyalty will be sorely missed every day. May his memory live on while he rests in peace.

One step at a time Optimize health with daily walking

BY JONNEMARIE KAHWATY

As we age, it’s important to prioritize physical activity to maintain health and well-being—and one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise is walking. Walking is low-impact, accessible, and easy to incorporate into our lives. It also offers a host of benefits, especially for those who’ve never followed a regular

exercise program.

Improved cardiovascular health: Daily walking improves circulation, which helps maintain healthy blood vessels and reduce risk of blood clots and heart disease, the leading cause of death for adults over sixty-five. It also lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and reduces risk of stroke.

Stronger bones and muscles: As we age, bones and muscles weaken, which increases risk of falls and fractures. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, meaning it puts stress on bones and can help maintain bone density. Walking also strengthens muscles in the legs, hips, and core, which improves balance to reduce risk of falls.

Reduced risk of chronic disease: Regular walking reduces the inflammation linked to a range of chronic diseases, including

osteoporosis, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. It also improves insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.

Reduced stress and anxiety: Walking clears your mind, gets you outside, and connects you with nature, which promotes the relaxation and mindfulness that eases stress and anxiety. Additionally, walking with friends or a walking group provides social support and community.

Improved sleep quality: Exercise increases the amount of deep sleep, also known as slowwave sleep, that is crucial for physical and mental restoration. Walking also helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness—which creates the restful and rejuvenating sleep essential for cognitive function, mood, and quality of life.

Increased outdoor exposure: Exposed to fresh air and sunlight, you’ll naturally build your levels of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and may boost your immune system. Being in nature has also been shown to improve cognitive function and memory!

Getting started

Promote consistency by choosing and setting a time to walk each day. Some options:

Morning walks: Walking in the morning starts your day on the right foot (pun intended!) with a boost in energy, mood, and mental clarity. Exposure to morning sunlight alsos help regulate your circadian rhythm, which is important for healthy sleep cycles.

After-meal walks: The physical act of walking stimulates digestion, which reduces bloating

and discomfort. Metabolically, walking after a meal regulates blood sugar levels, particularly important for seniors with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Evening walks: After a long day, nighttime strolls can be a great way to decompress and clear your mind. They’re also a healthy outlet for stress and tension.

Creating consistency

Once you’ve chosen a time for your daily walk, stick to it as much as possible. Here are a few tips: Start slow. Begin with short walks and gradually increase time and distance. When life interferes remember that anything is better than nothing!

Find a walking buddy. A friend or family member can provide motivation and accountability. It’s also a great way to make time for social connection!

Mix it up. Walking the same route every day gets boring. Explore new neighborhoods or even walking trails!

Track progress. Use a fitness tracker or app to track steps, distance, and other metrics. Seeing improvements provides motivation to keep going.

Make it enjoyable. Listen to music or an audiobook, bring a pet, or be mindful of fresh air and scenery! Try to make a new observation on your walking path every day.

Too often, we think we need to join a gym and do long workouts to get fit when the truth is that regular movement is the key to reaping the health benefits of exercise. It’s never too late to start.

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

From the desk of WECK

BIG WECK WELCOMES J.P.

It’s been quite a year at Buffalo’s Oldies Station, the BIG WECK! Now, the BIG WECK would like to give a warm welcome to fifty-year Buffalo radio veteran, J.P.

“Professor,” as J.P. is so called due to his comprehensive knowledge of music—especially oldies—can now be heard on the BIG WECK weekdays from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. During those seven hours, listeners are treated to the famous daily show, Breakfast with the Beatles.

In addition, catch J.P. every Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for the second longest-running Beatles show in America. Occasionally, you’ll even hear calls from Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr.

The BIG WECK is honored to bring you J.P., playing the coolest music ever made!

Buddy Shula Owner /CEO

Radio

June 9

WNY USA Dance

WNY USA Dance hosts West Coast swing by Christine followed by open dancing. Admission for members: $10, non-members: $15, student member: $5, non-student member: $8. Before the dance, at 5:30 p.m., a Member Appreciation Potluck Dinner will be held in the basement. RSVP: wnyusadance@gmail.com. Members who attend dance for free!

7-10 p.m., Brounshidle

(3354 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore)

June 9, 11, 16, 17

The Roycroft Chamber Music Festival

This annual festival is recognized for programming and performance excellence. 7:30 p.m., St. Matthias Episcopal Church

(374 Main Street, East Aurora; roycroftchambermusic.org)

June 9-25

Grand Horizons

Married Bill and Nancy practically breathe in unison; they anticipate each other’s sighs, sneezes, and ends of sentences. But just as they settle into Grand Horizons, their new retirement community in Florida, Nancy wants out.

Lancaster Opera House

(21 Central Avenue, Lancaster; lancasteropera.org, 683-1776)

June 17

Martin House/Graycliff Experience

Explore the two estates designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Martin family, now offered as a monthly joint tour! Ticket includes a two-hour Martin House Plus Tour at 9:30 a.m., a boxed lunch, and a two-hour Graycliff tour at 1:30 p.m. Participants self-drive to each location. Ages eight-plus.

martinhouse.org

June 24-25 FREE

Buffalo Style Garden Art Sale

Enjoy more than fifty vendors of nature-themed items and garden art, food trucks, live music, and a basket raffle.

on

Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

(2655 South Park Avenue, Lackawanna; gardensbuffaloniagara.com)