Forever Young June 2024

Photo by kc kratt

OUR 36TH 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

Vice President / Chief Revenue Officer / Publisher Barbara E. Macks

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Meagan Walker Doxtad

Managing Editor Donna Hoke

Contributing Writers

Wendy Guild, Amy Lynn Hardy, Carol Ann Harlos, Judith A. Rucki, Christine Smyczynski, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

Proofreader Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

Creative Director Jean-Pierre Thimot

Lead Designer Nicholas Vitello

Senior Graphic Designers / Illustrators Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers

Graphic Designers

Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica

Photographers kc kratt, Luke Copping, Stephen Gabris, Nancy J. Parisi

ADVERTISING & SALES

Director of Sales & Advertising

National Ad Director

Senior Account Executives

Account Executives

Barbara E. Macks

Terri Downey

Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard

Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman

Sales Coordinator Robin Lenhard

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

Director of Audience Development

DIGITAL

Robin Lenhard

Social Media Director Robin Lenhard

Web Master

Finance Manager

FINANCE

Kim Miers

Elizabeth Harvey

Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2024 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 2024 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 (mdoxtad@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.

A summer to remember

When I was growing up, our backyard was lined with pussy willows and forsythia that signaled the start of spring. Fragrant lilacs followed and eventually raspberries spilled over from the neighbor’s side of the fence. Smack in the center was an enormous oak tree where June bugs shed their shells.

Off my parents’ bedroom was a balcony with two chairs, a table, and potted annuals; planting them was my job. On summer mornings, my mom and I sat out there and shared a slice of raspberry danish. “This is the life,” she would tell me.

Simple as it was, our outdoor space marked time and added context to moments that have stayed in my memory bank, and hopefully will forever.

Outdoor annexes are labors of and for love. Preparing and planting garden beds, opening patios and pools, caring for parks and playgrounds—they all make room for more family, more friends, more chance encounters with neighbors, more everything.

In her book, Audacious Gardening: On Daring to Care, Georgina Reid writes: “To garden is to care deeply, inclusively, and audaciously for the world outside our homes and our heads. It’s a

way of being that is intimately interwoven with the real truths of existence—not the things we’re told to value, but the things that actually matter.”

Whether you tend a big garden or fill a couple of pots with annuals as I did (and do), I hope you’ll find inspiration in Georgina’s words. When you’re finished digging in the dirt, make time for you, too. This issue includes a roundup of some of the best seasonal activities in the region—some in the sun, some out of the sun, all fun and free—that will help make it a summer to remember.

Meagan Walker Doxtad Executive Editor

Photo by Luke Copping

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 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. Please complete an online application form by April 1: experiencegraycliff. org/support/volunteer.

East Aurora CHRONIC PAIN/ FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT

GROUP Beginning April 20 from 10-11:30 a.m., this new group will meet at First Baptist Church (591 Porterville Road) and then meet regularly every third Saturday of the month. Share support and stories, learn about causes and symptoms, understand treatment, practice relaxation techniques, and more. Meetings also available via Zoom. For info, call Sue at 697-1657, Barbara at 574-0164, or Diane at 544-0954.

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 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/Buffalo-Laughers 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 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

West Seneca For info, call 474-9125

22. ____ B vaccine

24. Manna from heaven

25. *Bon Jovi: “Tommy used to work on the ____”

26. Habituate

27. Spaghetti ____

29. *Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____”

31. Pains

32. Frost over (2 words)

33. Capital of Delaware

34. *Tennessee Ernie Ford: “I owe my soul to the company ____”

36. Geishas’ sashes

38. “____ ____ good example”

42. Royal topper

ACROSS

1. Swell up

6. Pendulum’s path

9. Type of salmon

13. *Steve Miller Band: “I want to fly like an ____”

14. Simon & Garfunkel, e.g.

15. Popular winter boot brand

16. Ohio city

17. Lodge

18. Squirrel away

19. *Glenn Frey: “The pressure’s high just to stay alive ‘cause ____ ____ is on”

21. *John Travolta in “Grease”: “I got ____, they’re multiplyin’”

23. Automated teller

24. Clarified butter

25. Bad-mouth, slangily

28. Stag

30. Tartans

35. “I’m ____ you!”

37. Commies

39. Monocot’s alternative

40. Road’s edge

41. Living room centerpiece?

43. Prefix meaning “left”

44. Deadly snake

46. Sasquatch’s cousin

47. Court petitioner

48. Blood infection

50. Indian flatbread

52. Opposite of post-

53. Sound of impact

55. *Duran Duran: “Her name is ____, and she dances on the sand”

57. *The Beatles: “Take a sad song and make it ____”

60. *Elvis: “We’re caught in a trap, I can’t ____ ____”

64. Relating to a mode

65. Scrooge’s exclamation

67. Memory failure

68. Bouquet thrower

69. Number of candles on a cake

70. Musketeers’ weapons

71. Picnic invaders

72. “Just kidding!”

73. Did, archaic

DOWN

1. *The Go-Go’s: “They got the ____”

2. 100,000, in India

3. Cameron Diaz’ Fiona, e.g.

4. Hula dancer’s hello

5. These are held to be true

6. Miners’ passage

7. *Tainted Love: “Once I ran to you, now I ____”

8. “Lord of the Flies” shell

9. Like the other side of the pillow?

10. Certain kind of exam

11. Not his

12. Antiquated

15. Protection from a sword

20. To death, in French (2 words)

45. ____-tattle

49. Pronoun

51. Refused to act, archaic

54. City-related

56. Giraffe’s striped-legged cousin

57. *Bruce Springsteen: “Tramps like us, baby we were ____ to run”

58. Change a manuscript

59. Small amounts

60. Make sharper

61. Newspaper piece

62. Applications

63. Midterm, e.g.

64. Wharton degree, acr.

66. Back then

THEME: FINISH THE LYRICS

Purging mental clutter

How to do a brain blitz

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

Ever since tidying expert Marie Kondo burst onto the scene, decluttering has been a hot topic. Books, magazine articles, television shows, and consultants all offer tips and services to slay your clutter and aid your journey toward better peace of mind. Some studies even claim paring belongings will help you lose weight.

But what if bulging closets, or waistlines, aren’t the issue? What if you’re already moving toward minimalism, but the peace of mind remains elusive. Mental clutter might be the culprit.

Author Maria Ponikova defines mental clutter as “excessive or overwhelming thoughts, worries, or concerns that fill our minds and make it difficult to focus, make decisions, or feel at peace. [It] can take many forms, including excessive worrying, rumination, obsessive thinking, and over-analyzing.”

Instead of physical items in an overstuffed closet, our minds can be full of too many thoughts, to-do lists, anxieties, regrets, and unresolved emotions. The resulting chaotic mess, Ponikova points out, can have the same effect on our mental state as the closet threatening to burst.

“If anything needs decluttering, it’s our minds,” says blogger Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net), who adds it’s not difficult if we give it some attention. “Simplifying shouldn’t be made complex.”

In 15 Can’t Miss Ways to Declutter Your Mind, Babauta offers suggestions including:

1. Breathe. Take a few breaths and focus; if your mind strays, return your focus to your breath. Some might call this meditation.

2. Write it down. This frees mental space that’s trying to remember every task and idea.

3. Identify the essential. What is most important to focus on right now? Keep the list short.

4. Eliminate. Once you know what’s essential, eliminate what’s not on the short list.

5. Journal. Similar to “write it down” but for thoughts as opposed to ideas and tasks. Getting your thoughts in writing is “a way of getting them out of your mind,” says Babauta.

6. Rethink sleep. Get serious about getting enough sleep, even if it means changing sleep patterns.

7. Take a walk. Physical energy clears the mind, so get outside and walk, garden, or do whatever gets you moving.

8. Watch less TV. It can fill your head with noise.

9. Get in touch with nature. Stare at the ocean. Watch the rain. “This can be calming and focusing at the same time,” says Babauta.

10. Do less. Pick a few things to do in a day and really focus on them.

11. Go slower. Stop rushing through life.

12. Let go. Easier said than done

Mental clutter can take many forms, including excessive worrying, rumination, obsessive thinking, and overanalyzing.

but try. What is the worry, anger, frustration, or grudge-holding doing to benefit your life?

13. Declutter surroundings. “Having a lot of stuff around you is just visual clutter,” says Babauta. “It occupies part of your mind, even if you don’t realize it.”

14. Single task. Multitasking “is a good way to fill your mind with a lot of activity without a lot of productivity,” Babauta warns.

15. Get a load off. Sharing your troubles with another human being can “make a huge difference [in] your mental sanity,” Babauta says.

You don’t have to attempt all these strategies but trying a few might help. Other brain decluttering ideas include:

• Getting away from your phone, computer, or whatever digital device keeps you glued to a screen.

• Being realistic about how long it will take to do a task so you don’t feel like you’re failing.

• Not being afraid to say “no” when asked to take on more responsibility.

• Delegating when you don’t have time, energy, or inclination to handle one more thing.

• Making time for yourself.

Self-help author Hina Hashmi says, “If we want great things to happen then we must create space for what we desire.” The path to greatness may begin with clearing out our gray matter! FY

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

Saying goodbye…

To garden mistakes and intruders

Readers who know my love for plants have asked, “Carol Ann, are you ever sorry you planted something in your gardens?” The answer is “Yes!” Read on…

I once heard a speaker say, “The garden changes; the gardener changes.” Since we’ve lived on our property a long time, the gardens reflect my changing attitudes and knowledge over the years.

Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii, comes immediately to mind. We purchased it when we were young because it was attractive, though spiny. It had greenish to purple leaves, orangered fruit (a berry), and birds loved it. The flowers were lovely, somewhat like Queen Anne’s lace flowers, or umbels. Occasionally, I would cut back an errant branch— not too often because the dense shrubs were prickly.

Then Japanese barberry was linked to Lyme disease because it

provides cover for the deer mice that serve as hosts for larval deer ticks. Because it is such a dense plant, it holds moisture that is ideal for ticks. You might be thinking, “Carol Ann, what damage are two Japanese barberries going to do?”

Well, birds love the fruit and spread the plants when they defecate, so I paid someone to dig them out. Of course, shrubs resprouted from the remaining roots, so I put on garden gloves and tucked my pants in boots to keep from getting scratched and dug out or pruned those roots for two years.

Then there was and is Calycanthus, known as “sweet shrub.” I don’t know what I was thinking, but when I first started beekeeping, I planted two of them

bush” my dear husband planted near the garage at the end of the driveway many, many years ago. Euonymus alatus is extremely beautiful in autumn. This autumn, ride around your neighborhood when the leaves of this striking shrub turn red; it is extremely beautiful! And deer don’t eat it, so what’s the problem? Birds again; the shrub displaces native species and is no longer sold in New York state. Now I have a confession: it’s still on our property. It’s aged. Branches have split. It’s been hit by a car and looks really bad but is alive. Yet I can’t remove it because of my romantic attachment to it; isn’t that terrible? The shrub is old. I think it’s coming out this autumn. Really!

a few feet in front of the hives. My idea was to encourage bees to come out of the hive and fly upward rather than through the garden. This was wrong.

These beautiful shrubs were too close together and didn’t look right. I had my grandson dig out one of them; it took him several hours and he broke a shovel as the roots were large and deep. We then replanted this shrub in the border, and I am happy to say it thrives there. The second sweet shrub was dug out by four men from a landscaping company. It came out in pieces and was ground up and composted. And you know what? The bees leave the hive and go straight up into the air. They don’t need guidance! And then there is the “burning

Finally, let me tell you about the honeysuckle that grew outside the dining room window. I never planted it, so I knew it came from a bird dropping. I took the time to find out if it was native or invasive. This is quite easy; just cut through a stem. Native honeysuckles have solid piths, invasive ones hollow. You know the rest; I had it removed.

I would love to learn about your garden misadventures: 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. Send gardening questions and comments to caharlos@verizon.net.

CAROL ANN HARLOS

Euonymus alatus (known commonly as “burning bush”)

It’s not a dead end

Take another look at childless and unmarried ancestors

Most genealogists admit to having favorite ancestors. Although others in our family tree may have been just as courageous, infamous, or cowardly, these folks draw us in and we find ourselves researching them in spare moments.

I have quite a few of these, including a handful not even directly related to me as well as ancestors who never married or who married but had no children. Relegated to the bottom of research lists, these childless ancestors don’t offer DNA matches when looking for cousins. I’ve heard them categorized as “dead-end ancestors,” a term that implies they are less valuable in research because they lack direct descendants.

Nonetheless, I feel a strong pull to know their stories. And a case can

be made for looking more closely at these favorites because, since they weren’t busy raising children and grandchildren, they were often better keepers of family history than their siblings. The biggest issue is discovering who, if anyone, kept the records after the ancestor died. Nieces and nephews are often a good starting point.

Official records for childless ancestors can be touchstones that help knock down a brick wall. For example, my maternal grandfather

held a mystery for me. After locating his baptism records, I found his “Christian name,” the personal name conferred by his parents, was uncommon in a French family tree. After a long search, I still couldn’t find this person who was so special to my great-grandparents that they honored their son with his name.

But recently, while researching a grand aunt with no descendants, I found the name as a witness on her marriage certificate. The flood gates broke open as I followed this

gentleman’s trail and discovered he and my great grandfather were childhood neighbors. My grand aunt had married into his family. Jackpot. If I had stopped tracking this grand aunt when I discovered she didn’t have children, I never would have found this mystery man.

Probate files are also valuable and particularly relevant for unmarried women since married women seldom owned anything in earlier days; husbands owned a couple’s property before and after the woman’s death. It’s always worth checking for a probate, but unmarried women are far likelier to have files. The probate is frequently helpful since property these people owned would be distributed to heirs. For a woman with no children or spouse, this was often siblings, nieces, and nephews.

It can be challenging to research unmarried ancestors but often they are the most interesting characters. In my own family, most did marry—some multiple times—but that’s a different column! With no families to raise, they often had leisure and financial means

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

to pursue hobbies. For example, one unmarried male ancestor traveled most of his life working odd jobs to fund his expeditions, capturing it all in scrapbooked photos I’m privileged to be caretaker of.

Childless women in my research are so special to me. Not having children, by choice or not, carries such societal stigma, even today. I’m inspired by how these ladies ignored the pressure to pursue careers and lead amazing lives. A recent client has a childless

great aunt who became a doctor. At a time when this was uncommon for women, she volunteered for World War II, cared for the sick and wounded in the medical division of the American Red Cross, and returned to become chief of staff at a hospital in her hometown.

Remember you may not find these so-called dead-end ancestors in birth and marriage records, but they are in family photos, census records, and newspaper clippings. Their lives may be fascinating to learn about, and if not for genealogists like us, they may be undocumented and forgotten. 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.

Bingo Calendar

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.

ASSUMPTION PARISH

435 Amherst St., Buffalo

7:30 p.m.

874-0559

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO.

4932 Clark St., Hamburg

7:30 p.m.

EVANS SENIOR CENTER

999 Sturgeon Point Rd., Derby

9 a.m.

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C

2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

649-9821

947-0974

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.

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7:30 p.m.

ST. ANDREW CHURCH

111 Crocker St., Sloan

7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST

1770 S. Park Ave., Buffalo

683-6522

873-6716

892-0425

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES

2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

7 p.m. 681-7251

LANCASTER ELKS

33 Legion Parkway, Lancaster

7 p.m. ................................................. 685-1478

OUR LADY OF HOPE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo

1 p.m. 875-5780

ST. ALOYSIUS RCC

156 Franklin St., Springville

7:30 p.m. 592-2701

ST. AMELIA

2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda

7:15 p.m. 836-0011

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

4263 St. Francis Dr., Hamburg

7:30 p.m. 627-2710

THURSDAY

AMERICAN LEGION POST 1041 533 Amherst St., Buffalo

7 p.m. 875-9276

BLESSED TRINITY

317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo

Bingo B Calendar C (continued)

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C

2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

1 p.m. .................................................. 681-7251

FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS

1345 Indian Church Rd., West Seneca

7 p.m. 674-2374

K OF C MADONNA COUNCIL NO. 2535

755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda

7:30 p.m.

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

693-5470

7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. JAMES DEPEW

500 Terrace Blvd., Depew

7:30 p.m.

VFW COL. WEBER POST 989 2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana

7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

683-2746

823-9605

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 876-1038

DALE ASSOCIATION CENT.

33 Ontario St., Lockport

7 p.m. (first and third Fridays).. 433-1886

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

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

ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga

7:30 p.m. ............................................ 833-1715

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 950 Lossen Rd., Cheektowaga

876-1038

7:30 p.m.

822-6400

8 p.m. 833-0301

7 p.m. 668-8370

SATURDAY

BUFFALO GAY BINGO/

AIDS PLUS FUND OF WNY

Amvets Medallion Post 13, 13 Review Pl., Buffalo

7 p.m. (2nd Sat.) 874-0559

CARDINAL O’HARA HIGH SCHOOL

39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda

7:30 p.m. ................................ 695-2600 x326

OUR LADY OF BISTRICA

1619 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna

7:15 p.m. 822-0818

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

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

ST. AMELIA’S RCC 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda

1 p.m. 836-0011

ST. ANDREW CHURCH

111 Crocker St., Sloan

7:30 p.m. 892-0425

ST. JOHN XXIII

1 Arcade St., W. Seneca

7 p.m. 239-2787

SUNDAY

CARDINAL O’HARA HIGH SCHOOL

39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda

1 p.m. 695-2600 x326

DELEVAN VFC N. Main St., Delevan

7 p.m. 492-1910

LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41

6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport

7 p.m. (first and third Sundays). ........ 434-2798

OUR LADY OF POMPEII

129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster

2 p.m. 683-6522

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.

The road to a redesigned GreenField Manor

AtGreenField Manor, our top priority is providing independent living that is affordable, vibrant, carefree, comfortable, and high quality—a place for residents to enjoy abundant amenities, connect with community, enjoy life, and feel at home. Recently, that commitment led to a complete lobby redesign and new restaurant space called Creekside Bistro.

Many homeowners will tell you there comes a time—ten, fifteen, or twenty years after buying a home— when shifting needs prompt an assessment of how they might better utilize their space. The same can be said for GreenField Manor. Reexamining our lobby area and Fireside Lounge made us realize the untapped potential of both areas. Our team believed that with creative reconfiguring, the spaces would increase resident engagement, reinforce community and togetherness, and elevate the atmosphere of GreenField Manor.

Together with L2K Design, a local firm specializing in hospitality design, we began our planned remodel by completely gutting the old space—

and we do mean completely. Not one feature of the old space has been retained. Along with the lobby carpeting, furniture, curtains, and ceiling, we took out the staircase that occupied a large portion of the space. The Fireside Lounge was cleared, and we knocked down several walls to dramatically increase usable space. The removal of the old staircase and piano made room for a new seating area with comfortable upholstered chairs, wood flooring, a gas fireplace, and elegant touches to create a contemporary, yet warm and welcoming aesthetic. Glowing with natural light, the new lobby is more spacious, more hospitable, and more conducive to connection. Where our

STORY AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIAGARA LUTHERAN HEALTH SYSTEM

entrance once had two metal doors, we now have sleek glass sliders that let even more natural light into the building. In place of the old Fireside Lounge is the larger, new Creekside Bistro. One goal of the redesign was to facilitate greater community and increase resident engagement and enjoyment. The Creekside Bistro opening accomplished this in a big way. With a stunning bar area, comfortable chairs, and tables to accommodate thirty people—the former space held only five or six—the restaurant is a shining example of the elegance and functionality we sought. Creekside Bistro is ideal for residents to enjoy lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks in the

redesign, we also upgraded our office spaces to be more efficient and accessible—and more changes are on the way. In the spring, we will remodel GreenField Manor’s dining room, corridors, and common spaces with the same beauty and functionality that have made all the difference in our lobby and Creekside Bistro. We are so thankful for everyone who made this redesign possible and incredibly grateful for the

community we serve. Our residents are the reason we do what we do, and the reward for these changes is the positive impact they’ve had on the ones we cherish most. We are eager to continue making life at GreenField Manor all that it can be. To schedule a tour of GreenField Manor, visit TheGreenFields.org or call 684-8400. FY

company of fellow residents, family, or friends.

The impact of GreenField Manor’s makeover has been immediate. More residents gather in our lobby to mingle, and Creekside Bistro is popular among GreenField Manor residents, employees, and visitors. As we all know, connecting with others during COVID isolation and its aftermath was challenging. But our newly redesigned spaces have ushered in a new era of togetherness. The upgrades and updates have reinforced community and infused everyday life with a lightness that inspires our residents to enjoy more of it with others. Along with the aforementioned

Free, fun, and fit Get moving outside this summer

BY AMY LYNN HARDY

Western

New Yorkers love to spend their summers enjoying the region’s best fair-weather offerings—and that includes fitness! Summer 2024 has so many fun outdoor activities to try—and many of them are free or low cost.

Fitness at Canalside, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, is the heart of free fitness classes in the city. Their program begins May 28 with an array of classes. Olivia Ebsary, certified Zumba Fitness and Silver Sneakers instructor, has been dancing at Canalside for twelve years now, having a blast alongside Meg Schimmelpennick and Jen Wright.

Is Zumba for seniors though? Yes! “We have people ages three to eighty coming to the classes,” Ebsary says. “As a Silver Sneakers instructor, I’m very much concerned with the senior population. I’m the oldest one on stage at sixty-seven, so I like to take care of that group.”

And don’t worry if you think you can’t dance: “You just have to like music. Come and be part of the energy! That’s what you’ll get caught

up in,” Ebsary says. Not convinced? Come to Canalside and watch this dynamic trio. You’ll be moving to the beat in no time. For each class, a color theme hypes up the energy and party atmosphere, so you can’t miss them! Being an instructor for Canalside is “about bringing healthy options to Buffalo,” Ebsary says. “We feel fortunate to be asked to provide fitness and health in our community.”

See the full schedule of all classes at buffalowaterfront.com.

Fitness in the Parks, presented by Independent Health and the YMCA, is back for its thirteenth season and will provide more than 500 classes from June 2-August 31, from Lewiston to Jamestown— and the variety means there really is something for everyone. Bring your mat for yoga and Pilates or

fitness classes—virtually? All you need is a computer or a phone to connect. Silver&Fit posts twenty free classes a week, tailored to adults fifty-five and older (SilverandFit. com). On its website, AARP also hosts virtual fitness classes, like stretching and strengthening, yoga, dance, Qigong, relaxation, etc. Or try Club 99, a free fitness program for seniors offered both virtually and in-person at various locations around Western New York. Find their class schedule at erie.gov/ seniorservices/club99.

try Qigong for beginners. YMCAcertified instructors modify exercises for those with limited range of motion or other health concerns.

“Fitness in the Parks is meant for all levels, so instructors are able to give different options,” Michelle Carbery, senior corporate wellness specialist at Independent Health and Fitness in the Parks instructor says. Visit independenthealth.com/ fitpark for class schedules.

For both Canalside and Fitness in the Parks, no registration is necessary, so arrive fifteen minutes early and introduce yourself to the instructor. Mention any preexisting conditions or injuries. Also, check the weather forecast and provider websites, as some classes will be canceled for inclement weather.

Did you know you can even stay in your own backyard and take free

The smell of the forest is reason enough to get outdoors. Head to Tifft Nature Preserve or Reinstein Woods to walk or hike, or head to the Outer Harbor, which features more than 200 acres of green space, such as the Independent Health Wellness Trail, the Lakeside Bike Park, and the Lakeside Event Lawn. If you want both hiking guidance and inspiration, the 2024 Western New York Hiking Challenge began May 1 and runs through November 15, so it’s not too late to start! Featuring forty-six trails of varying skill levels, hikers commit to earning seventy-five points through hiking and stewardship to receive a finisher patch and sticker. Registration at Outside Chronicles is $25 for an individual and up to $75 for families, and that gets you a PDF of park descriptions, trailheads, digital maps, checklists, and more.

Outdoor fitness has a wonderful, grounding energy. The smell and feel of grass, the setting sun, the blue sky and wide open spaces. As Esbary says, “I love the beautiful evenings with the cool breeze off the lake. I just feel like that is how Zumba is meant to be shared. Nothing beats it.” FY

Amy Lynn Hardy is a former teacher and freelance writer.

Michelle Carbery of Independent Health teaches a class at Delaware Park.

Photo courtesy of Independent Health

Free, fun, and cool

Where to find summer fun in the AC

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE A. SMYCZYNSKI

We’ve all noticed that prices for everything from groceries to entertainment are up, but that doesn’t mean you and your family can’t plan a fun day for free or the nominal cost of a donation or perhaps parking (remember weekend parking downtown is free; tip: download the Buffalo Roam app to simplify the process when it’s not). Here’s an overview of spots to check out this summer:

Within city limits

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

A library isn’t often called an attraction, but the central Erie County branch has more than two million books on fifty-eight miles of shelves in a 400,000-squarefoot building that covers two city

blocks. Of special note is the Mark Twain Room containing original handwritten manuscripts and other Twain memorabilia. You can even visit the Central Library’s website for 3-D virtual tours of current and past exhibits.

1 Lafayette Square, 858-8900, buffalolib.org. Open daily; check website for hours.

Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck

Buffalo’s City Hall is an example of Art Deco architecture, popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Take the elevator to the twenty-fifth floor, then climb three flights to the observation deck for a great view of the city. Explore Buffalo offers free one-hour tours weekdays at noon; group size is limited—it’s best to reserve by calling 245-3032 or visiting explorebuffalo.org. Visitors must go through security to enter the building.

65 Niagara Square, 851-4890. Open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., closed holidays.

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

Eight Karpeles museums in the United States were founded in 1983 by David and Marsha Karpeles. Among them, they house a rotating collection of more than a million historical documents, including the

original drafts of the Bill of Rights and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

220 North Street, 885-1986, karpeles.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Buffalo Fire Historical Museum

Learn the history of the Buffalo Fire Department; displays include photos and historic fire fighting apparatus.

1850 William Street, 892-8400, bfhsmuseum.com. Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Guaranty Building Interpretive Center

The small lobby museum shares the history of the Guaranty Building, which now houses the law firm of Hodgson Russ. A complete history of the building can be found on the company’s website.

140 Pearl Street, hodgsonruss.com/ Louis-Sullivans-Guaranty-Building.html

The Steel Plant Museum of Western New York is part of the Heritage Discovery Center.

Larkin Gallery

Discover the history of the Larkin Soap Company, founded in Buffalo in 1874.

701 Seneca Street, 856-0810, larkincenter.com/history. Open MondayFriday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Buffalo Harbor Museum (Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society)

Waterfront history and development are shared here, including exhibits about ships that sailed the Great Lakes. 66 Erie Street, 849-0914, llmhs.org. Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

South of the city

Our Lady of Victory Basilica

Completed in 1925 following a significant fundraising effort by the late Father Nelson Baker—who is under consideration for sainthood—the marble Basilica has a 165-foot, coppertopped dome. The lower level features a gift shop and museum chronicling the life of Father Baker, whose casket is in a tomb within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes.

780 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, 828-9444, ourladyofvictory.org. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Heritage Discovery Center

This museum complex—including the Western New York Railway Historical Society, the Steel Plant Museum of Western New York, the Buffalo Lighthouse Association, and the Buffalo Irish Genealogical Society— showcases the region’s railroad, maritime, and industrial heritage.

100 Lee Street, 821-9360, wnyrhs. com; check website for hours and special events.

Original American Kazoo Museum

Eden is considered the kazoo capital of the world; this is the only metal kazoo factory in existence. Kazoos are made on the original 1907 equipment. Admission to the museum is free; there is a charge for a guided tour or to make a metal kazoo.

8703 South Main Street, Eden, 992-3960, edenkazoo.com. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

North of the city

Niagara Power Vista Visitors Center

Opened in 1961, this popular family destination features fifty interactive exhibits, including the Power Player Experience, a high-tech virtual ride through the power generating process.

5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, 286-6661, nypa.gov. Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Castellani Art Museum

Founded in 1990 by the late Mr. and Mrs. Armand Castellani, this hidden gem is just across the street from the Power Vista. It features nearly 4,000 works of art, mainly from the 1970s onward.

Niagara University Campus, Lewiston, 286-8200, castellaniartmuseum.org. Open Wednesday through Sunday; check website for hours.

The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

One of the center’s permanent exhibits is Freedom Crossing, which tells the story of the Underground Railroad movement in the Buffalo-Niagara region through historic photos, artifacts, documents, and artwork. 1210 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, 282-7530, thenacc.org. Suggested donation $2/person; check website for hours and special events. 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.

20 Years of Experience Helping Families

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The exterior (left) and interior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna.

Free, fun, and sun

Al fresco entertainment and activities

BY MEAGAN DOXTAD

It’s summer—time to get outside, reconnect with neighbors, and take in as much fresh air as possible during this period of warm temps. Lucky for Western New Yorkers, being short on funds doesn’t mean being short on activities. It seems every weekend there’s a festival to wander, a garden walk to stroll, or a show to catch. The hardest part? Deciding what to do.

Stop and smell the peonies, petunias, and roses

In 1995, twenty-nine gardens participated in the first Garden Walk Buffalo, most of them around West Ferry Street, Richmond Avenue, Summer Street, and Elmwood Avenue, according to Gardens Buffalo Niagara, the founding organization. There was no admission fee for that very first Garden Walk—and there still isn’t, even though, as the organization’s website says, “in every other way, the event has grown well beyond its original size and scope.” Each year, the number of participating gardens has increased until it became the largest event of its kind in the United States. What’s more, many WNY townships have created their own walks. Visit gardensbuffaloniagara.com for specific times.

• June 15-16: Lewiston GardenFest

• June 30: South Buffalo Garden Walk

• July 6-7: Town of Amherst Garden Walk

• July 12-13: Lockport in Bloom

• July 13: Springville Concord Garden Walk

• July 13-14: North Tonawanda Garden Walk

• July 13-14: Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk

• July 13-14: Buzz Around Hamburg

• July 14: Snyder-CleveHill Garden View

• July 14: Grand Island Garden Walk

• July 19-21: Ken-Ton Garden Tour

• July 20: East Aurora Garden Walk

• July 20-21: East Side Garden Walk

free musical entertainment. And here’s a fact to share with the new friends you’ll meet: While porchfests are now popular throughout our region and beyond, the concept originated a couple hours east in Ithaca, New York, in 2007. In addition to Party on the Portico and porchfest duo, mark these free music happenings on your calendar.

• June 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 28, 29: Piano and cocktail nights at the Terrace at Delaware Park hosted by JazzBuffalo (7:00 p.m., 199 Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo). terracebuffalo.com, 886-0089

• June 18, 25: The Bidwell Concert Series, presented by the Elmwood Village Association (7:00 p.m., Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo). elmwoodvillage.org/events

• July 20: Lancaster Garden Walk

• July 27-28: Garden Walk Buffalo

Party on the Portico—and porchfests both north and south

The back steps of the Buffalo History Museum, which overlook Mirror Lake, have been billed as “Buffalo’s favorite back porch,” and it’s a beautiful venue for the Museum’s free concert series, Party on the Portico. Three 6:00 p.m. shows are scheduled for June 21, July 19, and August 16, rain or shine. Complimentary snacks and a cash bar are available for attendees twenty-one-plus, who are welcome to explore the Museum’s exhibits as part of their evening. Information about the bands is available at buffalohistory.org.

If the portico dates aren’t in the cards, two porchfests—Lewiston Porchfest (noon-5:00 p.m., June 15) and South Buffalo Porchfest noon-5:00 p.m., June 29)—provide

Browse nature’s bounty and meet those who grew it While you will need your wallet to pick up something for supper, farmers markets are more than a chance to shop; they present opportunities to connect with the people who grow our food, run into neighbors, hear live bands, and sample fresh produce and other goodies, often for free. Some markets are even open weekdays, offering a chance to browse without the weekend hustle and bustle (unless you like that sort of thing!). Note that hours and times are for the current summer season.

Markets open weekdays:

• Clinton Bailey Farmers Market: Daily, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (1443 Clinton Street, Buffalo)

• East Aurora Farmers Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (123 Grey Street, East Aurora)

• Eden Farmers Market: Tuesdays, 3:30-7:30 p.m. (2912 Legion Drive, Eden)

• Niagara Falls City Market: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (779 East Market Street, Niagara Falls)

The South Buffalo Farmers Market

Photo by kc kratt

Markets open weekends only:

• Clarence Hollow Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. (10717 Main Street, Clarence)

• Elmwood-Bidwell Parkway Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Corner of Bidwell and Elmwood, Buffalo)

• Hamburg Farmers Market: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (45 Church Street, Hamburg)

• Kenmore Farmers Market: Sundays beginning mid-June, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (2919 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore)

• South Buffalo Farmers Market: Sundays, 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. (Cazenovia Park)

• Williamsville Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. (5583 Main Street, Williamsville) FY

Meagan Doxtad is Executive Editor of Forever Young.

UNITED CHURCH MANOR

Spotlight Stage Series

FREE Theater & Variety Entertainment Fridays in the Tonawanda Canal Street Pavilion • 7:00-9:00pm

6/14 - The Up Guys 6/28 - O’Connell & Company – Broadway Melodies 7/12 - WNY Improv Comedy 7/26 - Stand Up Entertainment Comedy 8/9 - Friends of Harmony 8/23 - Disney Night – Music & Disney characters June 14 & August 9 - Webster Bistro Dinner Theater Package. Food & beverages from Webster’s menu served at the Gateway Pavilion in Tonawanda Call 716-264-4314 for reservations.

WEDNESDAY CLASSIC ROCK CONCERTS - 6:00 - 10:00 pm

6/12 - Coda (Led Zepplin & The Release • 6/19 - Face to Face (Elton John, Billy Joel) & Rusty Nickel 6/26 - Hip Experience (Tragically Hip) & Learning to Fly (Tom Petty) COMING IN JULY & AUGUST

Analog Kids (Rush), Kiss This, Nerds Gone Wild, Thurman Brothers (Allman Brothers), Boys of Summer, Hair Nation, Hit N Run

FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS - 5:00 - 8:00 pm

food trucks, acoustic music & vendors

Senior centers Havens for body, mind, and spirit

BY WENDY GUILD

Senior centers throughout Western New York offer benefits that extend far beyond recreational activities; these organizations serve as vital hubs for making social connections, promoting physical health, and nurturing mental well-being.

Keeping up camaraderie

We know that sense of community and belonging is a predictor of health and happiness—particularly among older adults. For many seniors, centers provide a lifeline to combat social isolation and loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Individuals find camaraderie through group activities, such as card games, art classes, and outings.

This sense of belonging transcends mere socialization; it fosters meaningful friendships and support networks. Seniors often find solace in sharing experiences and forming bonds with peers who understand the journey through life’s later stages. These centers become spaces where laughter echoes, stories are shared, and new memories are forged to enrich the lives of all who walk through their doors.

Maintaining health and fitness

Senior centers play a pivotal role in promoting physical health and wellbeing. A range of fitness programs cater to various abilities and interests, from pickleball to water aerobics to chair yoga. These activities not only improve mobility and flexibility but also contribute to overall cardiovascular health and strength, vital to preventing health and mobility issues.

Jennifer R. Menter • Recreation Supervisor • 3278 Whitehaven Road • Grand Island

Most, if not all, senior centers provide nutritious meals; weekly menus can be found in local papers and online. By offering balanced meals and nutritional guidance, senior centers empower older adults to make informed choices about diet and health. Often centers run health education programs to support seniors in maintaining healthy lifestyles. Health screenings like blood pressure checks and mobility testing are offered regularly, as well as flu shots and access to wellness workshops

that provide valuable resources for managing chronic conditions and preventing illness.

Keeping the mind sharp

Perhaps most importantly, senior centers encourage and maintain mental well-being and cognitive vitality. Engaging in stimulating activities, such as brain games, book clubs, and educational seminars, keep senior minds sharp and active. Cognitive stimulation preserves mental

acuity and senior centers offer diverse programming tailored to enriching the intellectual lives of participants.

One vital lesson the pandemic taught us is that support services for seniors facing mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety are crucial. Trained center staff members and volunteers offer compassionate ears and referrals to appropriate resources, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to navigate life’s emotional complexities.

Take advantage of free and/or deeply discounted offerings at a senior center near you!

Golden Age Center

3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island 773-9682 grand-island.ny.us/280/Golden-AgeCenter

Cheektowaga Senior Center

3349 Broadway, Cheektowaga 686-3930 tocny.org/departments/seniors facebook.com/p/CheektowagaSenior-Center-100066429050532/

West Seneca

Senior Citizens Center

4620 Seneca Street, West Seneca 675-9288

westseneca.net/residents/seniorcitizen-center#gsc.tab=0

Tonawanda Senior Center

35 Main Street, Tonawanda 692-7029

tonawandacity.com/residents/ senior_citizens_center.php

Lockport Senior Center 33 Ontario Street, Lockport 433-1886

daleassociation.com/services/ senior-services/senior-centre/ FY

Wendy Guild is a local writer and the former editor of Forever Young.

ENGAGE ENLIGHTEN EMPOWER EXPLORE ENERGIZE ENJOY

AT THE CHEEKTOWAGA SENIOR CENTER

YOU, the older adults of today, are redefining quality of life & healthy aging. Entering the Cheektowaga Senior Center the first time might be hard, but finding something to do is easy. The Center offers YOU endless opportunities, not to mention LOTS OF FUN! Call us at 716-686-3930 or go to tocny.org to see what we have for YOU.

Join us for our upcoming SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: TUESDAYS, 6:00-8:00 pm, under the Cheektowaga Senior Center’s gazebo, 3349 Broadway, or indoors at the Center if the weather is bad.

June 25 PARTY HOUNDS Sponsored by the Cheektowaga Seniors Travel Club

July 9 45 RPM Sponsored by Independent Health

July 23 ALEX RENE BIG BAND Sponsored by Peregrine Senior Living at Cheektowaga

July 30 HAZZARD COUNTRY Sponsored by a Generous Anonymous Donor

August 13 NEW DIRECTION Sponsored by Gambacorta & Dental Associates

August 27 ROCK ANGEL Sponsored by The GreenFields Continuing Care Community

Ad courtesy of the Cheektowaga Senior Citizen’s Foundation, Inc. The Cheektowaga Senior Citizen Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that helps to maintain and support the Cheektowaga Senior Center. The Senior Center provides recreation, instruction, social support and other wellness activities for older adults, age 60+.

Navigating menopause

Start

with talking about it

BY WENDY GUILD

Forever Young’s stated demographic is fifty-five-plus, but the onset of natural— i.e. not due to disease, hysterectomy, or other medical factors—perimenopause is individual and can begin as early as a woman’s late thirties. This natural biological process that culminates with menopause—the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle—brings myriad physical and emotional changes, and the effects on women’s health can be profound. Understanding these effects and implementing lifestyle modifications—which might include diet, exercise, mindfulness, supplements, and hormone replacement therapy—can alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being from perimenopause through menopause and beyond.

Understanding menopause and its effects

The average age of menopause is fifty-one, with perimenopause typically beginning eight to ten years prior. During this time, the ovaries

gradually decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone that leads to cessation of menstruation. This hormonal shift can trigger wideranging symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, erratic emotions, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido.

Diet and nutrition

A balanced diet is crucial to managing perimenopausal symptoms and supporting overall health. Women should focus on consuming whole, unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Additionally, incorporating foods rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D can help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which becomes more prevalent postmenopause.

Certain dietary choices can also alleviate specific symptoms. For instance, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also essential for promoting overall health. Similarly, phytoestrogen-rich foods such as soy, soybeans, flaxseeds, and tofu may provide relief from perimenopausal symptoms due to their estrogen-like properties.

Exercise and physical activity

Maintaining and losing weight typically becomes more difficult leading up to and after menopause, but a healthy weight can alleviate many symptoms and reduce risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular

exercise is essential for managing weight, preserving bone density, and improving mood. Engage in a combination of aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises for maximum benefit.

Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling help maintain cardiovascular health and help combat weight gain often associated with menopause. Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, preserves muscle mass and enhances metabolism. Additionally, yoga, tai chi, mobility training, and stretch routines improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being.

Hormone replacement therapy and supplements

For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended to alleviate severe symptoms. HRT uses estrogen, alone or more commonly in combination with progesterone,

to replace hormones that are now produced in decreased supply. While HRT—which can be delivered via oral medication, topical creams, or vaginally—can manage symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, it’s essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

In addition to HRT, supplements may offer relief. For example, black cohosh, evening primrose oil, and red clover extract are often used to alleviate hot flashes and mood swings. Again, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, as they may interact with other medications or underlying health conditions. Be wary of products or programs sold online that promise to alleviate all symptoms, erase wrinkles, and help you lose weight; most are scams not approved or recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Lifestyle modifications

Simple lifestyle modifications can help women manage symptoms effectively. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and a calming bedtime routine can promote better sleep quality. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can also reduce stress and improve mood.

When to consult a healthcare professional

Yes, menopause is a natural process, but you don’t have to live with debilitating or even just irksome symptoms. While many symptoms can be managed through lifestyle modifications, some may require medical intervention. Women experiencing severe or persistent symptoms that significantly impact quality of life should consult their doctors. Additionally, unusual symptoms or health changes should be promptly

addressed by a healthcare provider. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for monitoring overall health and addressing any concerns about your changing body. However, most physicians receive very limited training on menopause—it’s worth the time to find a doctor who will listen and not brush off symptoms as “depression.” For more information on menopause, check out Board Certified OB/GYN Mary Claire Haver, MD’s website thepauselife. com, North American Menopause Society at menopause.org, or the National Institutes of Health “What Is Menopause?” page at nia. nih.gov/health/menopause/whatmenopause. For reading, check out The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter. FY

Wendy Guild is a local writer and the former editor of Forever Young.

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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

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All types including Grandfathers. Free In-Home Estimate, Pick Up, Deliver. Call or Text: 716-418-2773.

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AD DEADLINE IS NO LATER THAN JUNE 12TH FOR THE JULY ISSUE.

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June 1 & 2

100 American Craftsmen

Since its inception in 1970, 100 American Craftsmen has focused on fine craft art to both support established artisans at the highest level and nurture upcoming artisans who combine innovation and tradition.

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenan Arena

(195 Beattie Avenue, Lockport; kenancenter.org, 433-2617)

June 20

FREE

The Winter’s Tale

Shakespeare in Delaware Park is back with The Winter’s Tale. Bring your own chair and settle in for the story of jealous King Leontes, wife Hermione, and daughter Perdita.

7 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday through July 14

(199 Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo; shakespeareindelawarepark.org, 856-4533)

June 12

Wine, Wags & Brews

Support the SPCA with your canine companion by your side at Wines, Wags & Brews. Sip on samples from local wineries and breweries and nibble on tastings from a variety of local restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks. Dogs are welcome (leashes are required) but all are welcome to join the fun.

$45 General Admission; $25 Designated Driver

5-8 p.m., SPCA Serving Erie County

(300 Harlem Road, West Seneca; yourspca.org/wwb24, 875-7360)

June 30

FREE

Central Terminal Car Show

Back by popular demand, explore this showcase of more than a hundred meticulously restored cars against the backdrop of the historic Buffalo Central Terminal. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. Car owners can preregister through June 24 ($20) or onsite the day of ($25). Admission is free.

(495 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo; buffalocentralterminal.org, 754-6142)

Ongoing

Return to the Rainbow City: Buffalo’s Pan American Exposition

Presented inside the Buffalo History Museum’s State Court, this new exhibition recounts the story of the Pan American Exposition and features a variety of artifacts, paintings, and photographs, as well as keepsakes produced by souvenir manufacturers for the fair—from mugs to paperweights to playing cards.

Pay-what-you-wish admission

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; Noon-5 p.m., Sunday, Buffalo History Museum (1 Museum Court, Buffalo; buffalohistory.org, 873-9644)