Forever Young March 2024

Photo by kc kratt

1412

Phone 716.783.9119

Fax 716.783.9983

www.foreveryoungwny.com

CORPORATE

President

Vice President / Chief Revenue Officer / Publisher

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor

Managing Editor

Contributing Writers

Proofreader

Creative Director

Lead Designer

Sharon C. Levite

Barbara E. Macks

Sabrina Kahwaty

Donna Hoke

Tara Erwin, Christa Glennie, Olivia Guthrie, Amy Lynn Hardy, Carol Ann Harlos, Jaclyn Kasprzak, Dan Murphy, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

Senior Graphic Designers / Illustrators

Graphic Designers

Jean-Pierre Thimot

Nicholas Vitello

Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers

Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica

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

ADVERTISING & SALES

Director of Sales & Advertising

National Ad Director

Senior Account Executives

Account Executives

Sales Coordinator

Barbara E. Macks

Terri Downey

Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard

Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman

Robin Lenhard

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

Director of Audience Development

Social Media Director

Web Master

Finance Manager

Forever

DIGITAL

FINANCE

Robin Lenhard

Robin Lenhard

Kim Miers

Elizabeth Harvey

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

I wracked my brain for a lesser used quote about goodbyes, but sometimes Shakespeare really does just hit the spot. I feel both sweetness and sorrow as I write this, my final letter to you as Executive Editor of Forever Young before leaving for a new opportunity.

I am forever indebted to you, Forever Young’s loyal readers, for welcoming me with open arms since my first issue in March 2021. Even though Forever Young exists to help you make the most of living in Western New York, I have learned and gained so much from the community. Whether it was through these monthly letters, reading your emails, or meeting at the Expo, I constantly felt the connection. While I will miss this work, my love for the Western New York community is stronger than ever.

Never miss a Forever Young ! Subscribe for $12/year! Call 716-972-2238 or fill out and mail in the subscription form on page 20.

It has been an immense privilege to serve the community as Executive Editor and to work alongside the incredible team listed on the masthead next to this letter. There will always be a place for Forever Young on my coffee table— and in my heart.

With gratitude,

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor

*PLEASE CONTACT EVENT/PROGRAM ORGANIZERS TO CONFIRM INFORMATION PROVIDED

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: 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

Do you have an event or resource to list? Email it to skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com.

Graycliff to visitors in their own way. Please complete an online application form by April 1: experiencegraycliff. org/support/volunteer.

Erie County FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

Erie County residents ages 55+: stay active and reap social-emotional health benefits by developing one-on-one relationships with children in a school setting. Stipend included. For info: 896-6388 or ccwny.org/older-adults.

Erie County RECEIVE OR MAKE A FRIENDLY CALL! Participants and caring volunteers are sought for the free Catholic Charities’ Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) geared to adults 60+ and adults with disabilities who experience loneliness due to isolation. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old; all training is provided. To learn more about receiving calls volunteering, contact Catholic Charities at 262-6164 or TAP@ccwny.org.

Gowanda HEALTHY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

Activities open to the public age 50+, (no residency requirements), Concord Senior Center, 1 School Street, Gowanda; for schedule, visit communityalliance.org; 532-1010

Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP for males; call 626-0600 or visit alz. org/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

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.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

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

ACROSS

1. Great divide

6. Priestly vestment

9. Took to court

13. Haile Selassie’s disciple

14. 10 decibels

15. *Appletini’s ____ schnapps

16. Rose oil

17. Maui garland

18. Birth-related

19. *Old Fashioned liquor option

21. *Gin+vermouth rosso+Campari

23. Not him

24. Bye, in Palermo

25. VA.gov beneficiary

28. Puerto follower

30. Like Ferris Bueller

35. Exclude

37. “____ Your Enthusiasm”

39. Green-light

40. Tiny coffee cup, or ____-tasse

41. Cut mission short

43. Not final or absolute

44. Makes a sweater

46. Wing-shaped

47. Bird, in Latin

48. One with drug dependency

50. Do like a frog

52. A U.S. time zone

53. Dance with #17 Across

55. Anatomical duct

57. *It usually comes in a conical glass

61. *Popular cocktail mixer

65. Spy’s other name

66. Knicks’ org.

68. Give a speech

69. Clan emblem

70. Party barrel

71. Clean a spill (2 words)

72. Part of pump

73. Sargasso or Barents

74. Same as apse

DOWN

1. Sticking point, in alimentary tract

2. Possesses, archaic

3. *Bellini with ____ Spumante

4. Squirrel away

5. a.k.a. felt-pen

6. Competently

7. M tley Cr e’s Tommy ____

8. Russian pancakes

9. Practice in the ring

10. As far as (2 words)

11. Distinctive flair

12. Place for a hero

15. Fluffy sweater material

20. “All My Children” vixen ____ Kane

22. 2010 Movie “____ Pray Love”

24. Toyota model

25. *Moscow Mule spirit

26. Make corrections

27. Shy

29. *____ Libre

31. Forearm bone

32. Not dead

33. Honkers

34. *Lemon or orange piece

36. South American monkey

38. Highlands hillside

42. Crossbeam

45. Religious split

49. 252-gallon wine cask

51. *Tequila+grapefruit juice+sparkling water

54. Kind of golf course

56. Razor sharpener

57. S.A.T. section

58. Balm ingredient

59. Baptism or shiva, e.g.

60. Asian weight unit

61. John Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____”

62. Nukes

63. Sewing case

64. Gym set

67. *____’s Knees

THEME: COCKTAILS

It’s not dead!

Sometimes, it’s just resting

Imade a list of house plants commonly discarded because owners believe they have died; how sad this is! Not only is this economically unsound, but it also interferes with the joy of watching houseplants go through life cycles. If you have questions about some I missed, please send me an email and I will address it.

The first is Gloxinia, noted for its beautiful flowers, which last several weeks. Deadheading spent flowers prolongs the period of bloom. Gloxinia loves growing in windows with sun that is not too intense...perfect for many homes.

However, Gloxinia tubers need a rest period of about three months after blooming. The leaves fall off and many owners think they are dying; not so! Simply cut back on watering and observe; that’s part of the fun of growing plants. You will

eventually see new growth as the cycle begins again!

If you received cyclamen as a winter holiday gift, it’s probably dying down about now as they flower for about two to three months. If your home is below seventy degrees, you may be treated to a period of rebloom during the winter. (I have yet to experience this!) The plant will eventually signal its upcoming rest period as the leaves lose chlorophyll, turn yellow, and fall. Keep the plants barely moist and next December, you will be rewarded with new growth. I also repot mine when the new growth begins. Since cyclamen come in different colors, you can eventually have a wonderful collection!

If you grew tuberous begonias, you probably realize they are not houseplants after all. Their rest period is inevitable; they even go dormant when grown in greenhouses! Hopefully, you dug them up from your gardens or brought the pots indoors. Give them water now to get them growing for your summer garden!

Did you grow Alocasia (also known as “elephant ear”)? They went dormant last fall, lost all their leaves and left a stump. If you still have them, good for you! Wake them up now by adding water and exposing them to light.

Caladium send up new leaves from spring through fall, then rest for about five months and will start sending up new leaves about now. If you dug them up from

your gardens last fall, pot them now to give them a head start on the season. (Hopefully, you dug them up before they died down. I forgot to do that one year and they decayed in the flower beds. I had to purchase new tubers.)

In March, Oxalis plants are sold everywhere to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; I absolutely love all the leaf colors that are available. However, you should know that Oxalis is a sorrel, not a clover. (You may have experienced sorrel as a garden weed; it spreads prolifically and sends up pretty yellow flowers. Pulling it out does little to stop it as tubers left behind grow into more plants! Laboriously digging them is the only way to get rid of them! (There is also a perennial sorrel that grows in the garden and can be used to make a delicious soup in the spring.) When happy, sorrel plants may also send up flowers that look like little trumpets. The plants will eventually die down to the ground; when they begin to regrow, water them again. If you dig up the plants, you will notice they reproduce by little tubers. Divide the clumps and start new pots of oxalis if you desire. I look forward to hearing from you! caharlos@verizon.net FY

Carol Ann Harlos is an awardwinning retired math and science teacher, Master Gardener, beekeeper, writer, and speaker. She tends extensive gardens, including herbs, and loves learning from others and sharing her knowledge.

CAROL ANN HARLOS

Are family stories just myths?

Separating fact from fiction

Weall have a family storyteller. Once they have a captive audience at a holiday dinner, they bring out the same old tales. If true, these fascinating stories bring our ancestors to life. But if you’re a genealogist, the day will arrive when you begin to look at the family story you’ve heard your entire life with questioning eyes. For us, facts reign so you feel called to prove or disprove the tall tale in your family tree. Here’s a method I’ve used to separate facts from family lore.

A client reached out recently about a family story. She wanted to know if it was true that her great-

grandmother had left her children to run off and become a dancer in New York. She heard the story

from her grandmother, who was eight years old when she heard it from her father—my client’s great-

grandfather—who subsequently left her and four siblings at an orphanage.

1. The first thing I did was write down all the information I was given about the family story. If you know who the information came from, include that too. Even if it was great Aunt Ethel who told the story, you want to note dates, locations, and who she heard the story from. Nothing is a small fact.

2. While reviewing my pages of information, I had to decide if each source was reliable. A historical document brings a higher level of reliability, but what about Aunt Ethel’s memories? Is she passing on information from someone else, or did she witness it herself? Does she have a letter or photo that confirms a piece of the story? Unless you ask, she may not remember she has it. Lastly, have cousins heard the same story and from whom?

3. My next step was to try and document all the information I was given while answering surrounding questions. What happened to Dad? Where were her sister and parents living at the time and why didn’t they take the children? Can I find Mom on Broadway?

4. Noting the adage, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” remember that most stories have some basis in truth but can take on a life of their own after years of retelling. Look at the facts and try to assess how the story came to be. By keeping your mind open to possibilities beyond true or false, you may find the real story.

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

5. Take to the newspapers and search, search, search! I keep a list nearby of different combinations that I have searched for to save myself time. Dad, Mom, family members, children’s names, last known addresses, etc.

With research, I located Mom in a mental institution two months before the children were noted on the orphanage census. According to records I was able to obtain, Dad signed the forms to institutionalize his wife months after the birth of their youngest child. His form claimed she was insane, which history now shows may have been something as simple as postpartum depression. Dad went on to remarry and father five more children in the same home, never having contact with his first family. I can only assume the children—and other family who were told down the line—believed the story their father told them of her running off. (After reviewing the family in the census,

it doesn’t appear they would have been financially able to take the children either way.)

So this family tale proved to be false and although my client was relieved to know her greatgrandmother hadn’t just run off, records sadly show she died in that same hospital many years later never knowing where her children were. Sometimes the actual story is even more surprising.

If you have a family story that has been passed down from generation to generation, dig up everything that relates to it and challenge yourself to find the truth. 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.

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. 874-0559

ASSUMPTION PARISH

435 Amherst St., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 876-1038

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO.

4932 Clark St., Hamburg

7:30 p.m.

EVAN’S 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 7:30 p.m.

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

822-6400

8 p.m. 833-0301

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. 693-5470

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7:30 p.m. 873-6716

ST. JAMES DEPEW

500 Terrace Blvd., Depew

7:30 p.m. 683-2746

VFW COL. WEBER POST 989

2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana

7:30 p.m. 823-9605

FRIDAY

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

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

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. 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

Enjoy big portions in a historic setting

“Everything is homemade except for the lemons”

BY DAN MURPHY

Gene McCarthy’s has been satisfying fish fry yearnings for generations and continues to be one of the most beloved fish fry spots in Western New York. Located at 73 Hamburg Street in the heart of Buffalo’s Old First Ward, the historic tavern sits in the shadows of the grain elevators that once were a bustling commercial epicenter. The ward was settled by Irish immigrants who found work as grain scoopers, packet handlers, and dock workers on Buffalo’s waterfront. The pubs and taverns they frequented were more than places where grain-dust covered workers could whet their whistle; it was where labor unions formed, where political connections were made. Those pubs became the backbone of a growing Irish community.

Step inside Gene McCarthy’s and see that history come alive. The walls are adorned with photos of the grain elevators in their heyday, and of Buffalo’s waterfront where Erie Canallers met with lake freighters just a stone’s throw away from the front door of the establishment.

Built as a home around 1900, the downstairs was later converted into a bar. The establishment went through a few owners and different names until 1963 when Gene McCarthy purchased it and gave it the name that would stick

for the next sixty-plus years.

Though it looks like a traditional Irish pub, Gene McCarthy’s is also home to Old First Ward Brewing Company, which makes tasty craft beers onsite, so diners can enjoy a snappy St. Patrick’s Pilsener, a silky H.O. Oats, or a hoppy Streaker IPA along with their meals.

A classical Irish pub meets a wellrounded craft brewery is the best of both worlds thanks to Bill Metzger and Matt Conron, who took over the business in 2012 and established the

OFW Brewing Company onsite and celebrated its tenth anniversary this past January. Metzger says they are committed to serving quality food and quality beer, a commitment evident from McCarthy’s fish fry offerings.

“We serve a very good-sized fish, a healthy piece of haddock, ten ounces minimum,” Metzger says. “The fish comes in that morning and is fresh, never frozen and thawed. The fries are hand-cut. All three of our salads—potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw—are homemade in our

kitchen. Everything is homemade except for the lemons.”

The Friday fish fry has become so popular that Gene McCarthy’s also began serving it on Wednesdays. “We try to keep the wait time down and serve people as quickly as we can, so we added the Wednesday fish fry so we didn’t get too backed up on Fridays,” Metzger explains.

The traditional beer-battered fry is a McCarthy’s favorite, but it also offers several broiled options, including delectable lemon pepper, Cajun, garlic parm, and Sheffield options.

Gene McCarthy’s is steeped in Buffalo’s blue-collar Irish history, and its fish fry portions—in addition to its beer list—make it a must-visit during fish fry season. The kitchen is open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. No reservations, first-come, first-serve seating. Fish fry takeout is available, and it is recommended to order early. For more information on Gene McCarthy’s, including menu and beer offerings, visit the website.

73 Hamburg Street; 855-8948, genemccarthys.com FY Dan Murphy is a freelance writer and Park Golf enthusiast born and raised in Buffalo.

Photos courtesy of Gene McCarthy’s

Fish fry and skyline

Hoak’s serves a local favorite with a view

BY JACLYN KASPRZAK

Whena restaurant combines two things that Buffalonians love—great food and outdoor dining—it’s sure to be a success. Add in spectacular views of Lake Erie and classic dishes like fish fry, and you have an iconic gem. From its location at 4100 Lakeshore Road in Hamburg, Hoak’s Lakeshore Restaurant has been serving Western New York since 1949. The family-owned restaurant is open seven days a week, year-round. No need to wait until summer to catch a beautiful sunset while enjoying Hoak’s famous fish fry.

The atmosphere

Hoak’s is a charming, casual, family-friendly restaurant with a classic, historic vibe. In the main dining room, you’ll find wooden booths and wood paneling with plenty of windows showcasing spectacular views of Lake Erie, the Buffalo skyline, and the Canadian shore. Old photos and memorabilia adorn the walls and speak to generations of contented diners. In 2019, Hoak’s renovated its bar area, taking it from a cozy, Irishthemed nook with a handful of seats to a spacious barroom able to accommodate large groups. A large, lofty staircase connects to secondfloor banquet space boasting a full service bar and outdoor balcony/ terrace; an area once used for storage is now the perfect event spot.

The real showstopper, however, is

the enormous, waterfront patio and its incredible Lake Erie panoramas. The outdoor deck wraps around the back of the restaurant and provides generous, mixed-use space to accommodate a variety of needs. For drinks with friends or a full meal with family, assorted seating options will keep you comfortable and content for hours. Close enough to the water to hear the waves and savor the sunset, this patio is one of the area’s best.

This beloved fish fry establishment exudes classic waterfront Buffalo and provides comforting and timeless ambiance for patron who have enjoyed it for decades, no matter the season. A plus: Hoak’s has a large parking lot—with additional parking across the street—which makes for easy access no matter the weather.

The food

For the fish fry, choose from fried lake perch (seasonal), fried yellow pike, and fried haddock—dubbed Hoak’s famous fish fry—coated in light batter that perfectly accents

the delicate, flaky fish. Or choose a broiled option prepared in lemon pepper, Cajun, or garlic parmesan to join classic sides of coleslaw and choice of potato.

The seafood options don’t end there. Choose a shrimp and scallop plate (fried or broiled), Buffalo shrimp dinner, or broiled cold water lobster tail served with soup or salad and choice of sides. If seafood isn’t your thing, a full menu of traditional items and local favorites—including the enormous and delicious Buffalo style chicken sandwich—awaits you.

The history

In 1949, brothers Edward and Bertrand Hoak established the restaurant as a family business. Now in its third generation of ownership, it was carried on by Edward’s sons, Michael and Ed before Ed’s children, Kevin and Aileen, took over. Throughout the space, the long history and family pride is evident in old photos, vintage signs, and meaningful memorabilia. Whether you come for the food, the view, the ambiance, or the history, Hoak’s is a must stop.

4100 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg; 627-4570, hoaksrestaurant.com FY

Jaclyn Kasprzak is a teacher and a freelance writer from Western New York.

Hoak’s has been family owned and operated since 1949. Photos by kc kratt

Hunting for a delicious fish fry? Hit up Dave’s WNY Fish Fry Reviews

BY AMY LYNN HARDY

‘Tisthe season to sink your teeth into crispy, beer-battered fish, as Lent runs from February 14 to March 28.

Before you head out, check out Dave’s WNY Fish Fry Reviews, an accessible way to find the tastiest fish fry offerings.

Dave Lyman, father of four and originally from Depew, grew up snacking on silver bags of potato chips from the kitchen of Danny’s on Genesee. That’s because his mother, Pauline, worked there when Lyman was young, which showed him the “other side” of preparing the beloved Lenten

favorite. During his teenage years, Lyman joined his mother in the kitchen at now-closed Jimmy’s Corner as a dishwasher, becoming part of the frenzied Friday tradition and loving it. Nowadays, he is somewhat of a connoisseur.

His guru status started simply with friends calling and texting

for fish fry recommendations. His expertise was so sought after that he began posting reviews on his Facebook page. Then in 2016, he created Dave’s WNY Fish Fry Reviews as a resource for those scouting good locales. In a post from February 2023, for example, Dave listed his top places in all areas of Western New York: city of Buffalo (Sidelines, Swannie House, and Gene McCarthy’s), Northtowns (Brunner’s and Sawyer Creek), Southtowns (Strikers, Sneakers, Connors, and Walleweins) and eastern suburbs (Jades, Bellevue Hotel, Frank’s Grille, and several more). Now, with his page, he gets recommendations from locals swearing he must try a certain place he’s never reviewed, something like a never-ending Friday-to-do-list.

Friday at lunchtime or for an early bird special, you might not have to wait at all. And some places, such as Frank’s Bar and Grille in Lancaster, serve fish fries on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays so fish fry lovers can avoid the Friday crowd altogether.

Is it just the fish he reviews?

No way! According to Dave, sides are just as important. And don’t forget the tartar sauce! The classics—potato salad, mac salad, coleslaw, fries, rye bread—have to complement the fish; without good sides, it’s not a good fish fry. Some places offer untraditional options like mac and cheese or jalapeño slaw. If you want to try all of them, ask! You might even get a free sample.

There is one downside to the Friday night fish fry: the wait. Thirty minutes to an hour is typical during Lent. Lyman’s insider tip is to go early. If you can get away on a

“Best” is a matter of personal taste, so it’s impossible to choose just one that all palates will agree deserves the title. Lyman’s advice is to “try different places. There are so many good places for fish fries in Western New York. People fall in love with their main spot because they’re afraid of being disappointed somewhere else. But there are so many good options, so get out and explore and see what someone else has to offer.”

The options in Western New York are almost endless, and the Dave’s WNY Fish Fry Reviews Facebook page includes pictures, tips, polls (e.g. cod vs. haddock), and, of course, reviews of places to celebrate your Lenten meatfree Fridays. Be curious and take a step out of your comfort zone. You might just find a new favorite. FY

Amy Lynn Hardy is a former teacher and freelance writer.

Dave Lyman enjoys a classic WNY fish fry. Photo courtesy of Dave Lyman

Gene’s Junkyard is a treasure

BY TARA ERWIN

Even with a name that includes “junkyard,” Gene’s fish fries are a bounty of riches in both taste and value. Just ask my ninety-two-year-old grandma, who has been singing Gene’s praises for close to thirty years and counts it as one of her favorites for a Friday fish fry fix.

Neither the location on a fairly industrial portion of Youngs Street fool you nor the modest exterior with the blink-and-you’ll miss it sign should fool you; what Gene’s lacks in frills, it makes up for in honest, homemade goodness that has elevated it to a popular neighborhood hangout; upon our recent arrival on a Friday, we had to wait for a table even though it was only 5:00. The bar area was hopping, but we preferred to sit at a booth along the wall and luckily only had to wait about ten minutes before one opened up (helpful hint: there was no hostess or signage, so we were grateful when a patron informed us we should seat ourselves).

Not long after settling in, our server arrived to take our order. While we waited for our food, Grandma shared some of our family’s fish fry lore: her mother had declared Fridays “cook’s night off” and treated herself to a weekly fish fry at one of the neighborhood eateries on Buffalo’s West Side where the family lived. It was the early 1950s, and Grandma remembered you could get a fish fry for only $.79 – a bargain even then. It’s no wonder the fish fry has been the working man’s treat in Buffalo for generations, especially with heavily Catholic population and access to freshwater fish.

While the prices at Gene’s have kept up with inflation,

their battered haddock fish fries (with homemade batter) are still reasonably priced at $15.95, which includes coleslaw and homemade macaroni salad, potato salad, and French fries. If you’re looking for healthier choices, a dollar upcharge will get your haddock broiled in regular, Cajun, lemon pepper or Italian options.

After the authentic experience, I ordered the traditional fish fry, and Grandma chose the lemon pepper broil. I also included the soup of the day, New England clam chowder ($3.75 for a cup; $4.75 for a bowl), which the server informed me was also homemade.

Our food arrived fairly quickly, considering the restaurant’s packed

status, which included what looked like a robust to-go service as well. Given the small dining area, I noted that ordering takeout next time might be a better option; outdoor tables do offer additional seating in warmer weather.

One bite of the New England clam chowder had me hooked (no pun intended). Even though it arrived lukewarm, it was flavorful with generous bits of potato and clams in a creamy, rich broth. As good as it was, however, the real pièce de resistance were our main courses. Mine arrived with the crispy, golden piece of haddock that was so large, it was practically falling off the plate, which was also piled with the aforementioned salads, coleslaw, and fries (I surmised that every day was arms day for our server). Grandma’s plate boasted the same generous portions, and her broiled fish was swimming in what looked like a flavorful sauce that made me regret my order for just a second.

That twinge disappeared the moment I broke off a piece of the fish—which produced a satisfying crunch—and took my first bite of the tender, flaky haddock. Heaven. The sides proved excellent as well, even the fries which, even when handcut, are still hit or miss at some places. The homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedge were helpful accompaniments, but, to be honest, I barely used them because I was so enamored with the seasoning and texture of the fish.

For all our boasting of how hungry we were, Grandma and I could only eat half of our plates and asked for take home boxes, making the $15.95 stretch to cover two meals. Bonus! Once you take a deep dive and discover the fish fries (and broils) at Gene’s Junkyard Bar & Grille, you may declare yourself a regular as well.

501 Youngs Street, Tonawanda; 743-1886 FY

Tara Erwin lives and writes in Western New York.

Photo courtesy of Gene’s Junkyard

Fish fries in Erie & Niagara counties

BY CHRISTA GLENNIE

Fried fish, in various forms, is commonplace across the US. But we think the best variations are found during the coldest winter months in the Northeast and Midwest, where Lent has significance for Catholics avoiding meat on Fridays. Even as populations and religious practices shift, somehow this beer-battered heaven-sent tradition remains.

In addition to the restaurants highlighted elsewhere in this feature, below we offer a list of additional Erie and Niagara County spots that serve classic fish fries. Those with gluten-free options are denoted with an asterisk.

AMHERST

Brunner’s Tavern 3989 Main Street, Amherst

BLASDELL

Lakeshore Cafe

3255 Lake Shore Road, Blasdell

Sneaker’s 205 Martin Avenue, Blasdell

BUFFALO

The Blackthorn

2134 Seneca Street, Buffalo

The Burning Buffalo

1504 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo

Dalmatia Hotel

1187 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo

Doc Sullivan’s 474 Abbott Road, Buffalo

Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs* 707 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore

Gene McCarthy’s 73 Hamburg Street, Buffalo

Joe’s Deli

Multiple locations

Parkside Meadow 2 Russell Street, Buffalo

Pressure Drop Brewing 1672 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo

The Wellington Pub 1541 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo

CHEEKTOWAGA

Bellevue Hotel

544 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga

CLARENCE

Griffon Gastropub 5445 Transit Road, Clarence

Hayes Seafood House 8900 Main Street, Clarence

Kennedy’s Cove 9800 Main Street, Clarence

Are you looking for a name from the good old days? Someone who will listen and “Kader” to all your home selling details? I make house calls.

Bellevue Hotel fish fry photo by Stephen Gabris

EAST AURORA

Griffon Gastropub

634 Main Street, East Aurora

Irishman Pub

160 Main Street, East Aurora

Wallenwein’s Hotel

641 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora

GRAND ISLAND

The Beach House

5584 E River Road, Grand Island

The Village Inn

1488 Ferry Road, Grand Island

HAMBURG

Mammoser’s Tavern

16 South Buffalo Street, Hamburg

O’Brien’s West End Inn *

340 Union Street, Hamburg

KENMORE

Curry’s Pub

864 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore

LANCASTER

Frank’s Grille

5820 Broadway Street, Lancaster

Skoob’s Village Grill

50 Central Avenue, Lancaster

LEWISTON

Brickyard Pub & BBQ

432 Center Street, Lewiston

Griffon Gastropub

115 South Water Street, Lewiston

LOCKPORT

Kith & Kin Bakeshop*

5850 Transit Road, Lockport

Montondo’s Seafood

201 East Avenue, Lockport

Wagner’s

246 Park Avenue, Lockport

NIAGARA FALLS

Griffon Gastropub

2470 Military Road, Niagara Falls

The Polish Nook

2242 Cudaback Avenue, Niagara Falls

NORTH TONAWANDA

Sawyer’s Creek Hotel

3264 Niagara Falls Boulevard, North Tonawanda

The Hideaway Grille

399 Division Street, North Tonawanda

OLCOTT

Maxwell Station

1571 Lockport Street, Olcott

Mariner’s Landing

1540 Franklin Street, Olcott

ORCHARD PARK

Big Tree Inn

4277 Abbott Road, Orchard Park

The Byrd House

4190 North Buffalo Road, Orchard Park

TONAWANDA

Caputi’s Sheridan Pub 2351 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda

Eldridge Bicycle Club

17 Broad Street, Tonawanda

WILLIAMSVILLE

Eagle House

5578 Main Street, Williamsville

Glen Park Tavern

5507 Main Street, Williamsville

Irishman Pub

5601 Main Street, Williamsville

WEST SENECA

Mandy’s Cafe

3796 Clinton Street, West Seneca

The Olive Branch

2343 Union Road, West Seneca

The Overpass Pub 2720 Seneca Street, West Seneca

Ebenezer Ale House

4348 Seneca Street, West Seneca FY

Christa Glennie is Food Editor for Buffalo Spree magazine.

Experience the Tennyson Court difference

Nestled

in the heart of Williamsville, the undeniably charming Tennyson Court offers a sense of home. All visitors are welcomed by our beautiful grounds, filled with well-manicured gardens. Residents are proud to call Tennyson home. It is a special place to live and work; its sense of community can be felt immediately upon walking through the front doors.

What sets Tennyson Court apart?

A rich history

Tennyson Court has proudly served Western New York seniors for more than twenty years. Privately owned and highly regarded for providing outstanding care, Tennyson Court is considered one of Buffalo’s premier Assisted Living and Memory care communities. “Our legacy is what makes us special,” says Tennyson Court Administrator Sue Nawojski. “When you provide care to families for over two decades, your reputation becomes your legacy.”

Compassionate staff

“It’s an honor when a family chooses our community and, more importantly, a responsibility,” says Nawojski, who explains that her daily goal is to ensure each resident is provided quality care in a dignified manner by staff who understand the importance of Tennyson’s mission. “We are responsible to provide the quality of care we’ve promised. We don’t produce a product; we care for human beings.”

A critical element of quality care is compassionate staff. “Humans caring for humans is possibly the

most imperfect thing, but we do it and do it well!” Nawojski says. “Our staff does an outstanding job providing care and respect. I often get asked, ‘what is the most important attribute in care aides?’ My answer every time: compassion. Not a job in the building, across any department, can be done well if you don’t have human compassion.”

Comfortable design leads to superior personalized care

There are a total of six houses at Tennyson Court, each with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The household model is a desirable style

of assisted living because it removes concerns of long, confusing hallways and overwhelming dining and activity spaces. Tennyson Court houses are designed to facilitate relationships between residents and the Tennyson Court staff because at Tennyson, we value connection.

Each house features fourteen individual studio apartments, a small dining area, a living room, and spaces for residents to visit with friends and family. The household model requires higher staffing ratios to function; as a result, staff learn more about residents’ needs and can better provide individualized care,

Administrator Sue Nawojski greets a happy resident in one of the many comfortable common areas of Tennyson Court.

laundry and housekeeping services, and medication management. Physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and on-site physicians visit residents’ rooms and provide services to residents in the the comfort of their own spaces. The unique design of household living removes barriers created by traditional assisted living corridor models to allow residents to play an active role in their service plans and have needs met in the comforts of their homes.

Strong leadership

Talent attracts talent. Tennyson is filled with strong, dedicated leadership; every department is led by an experienced professional director with comprehensive

understanding of Tennyson’s Mission and an unwavering commitment to providing the best to residents and families. “Tennyson is filled with staff who have been there for ten-plus years,” Nawojski says. “Consistency in staffing allows for consistency in care. This is truly key to our success.”

Something for everyone

Tennyson’s calendar provides activities for a variety of interests. Residents enjoy weekly outings, delicious meals, concerts, and more. Tennyson’s luxurious bus and beautiful Lincoln SUV are always on the move to the next exciting thing or important medical appointment!

SEE it and believe it

The only way to truly capture all that Tennyson Court has to offer is to experience the community firsthand. Don’t wait until you are forced to decide on care outside of the home for yourself or a loved one—be proactive and come visit! Learn what Tennyson Court is all about and why assisted living is truly a privilege. Our admissions team welcomes the opportunity

to answer questions and introduce you to life at Tennyson Court. For more information or to set up a visit, call 716-6329496. Be sure to check out our website, tennysoncourt.com, and our Facebook page to see what is happening in the Tennyson community. FY

It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

A GI doc has a message for you

BY OLIVIA GUTHRIE

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which gives us an opportunity to learn preventive measures that can reduce cases of this common disease in the United States. Discussing cancer can be difficult, but it’s important to educate ourselves about risks and warning signs. It’s also a good idea to learn what to expect at your first colon cancer screening.

Lowering risk

20 Years of Experience Helping Families

When it comes to colorectal cancer, most are familiar with its respective screening procedure: the colonoscopy. Dr. Siddhartha Shah, a practicing gastroenterologist with thirty-two years of experience, notes that the significance of screenings was evident from early findings. “Early detection of polyps reduced the eventual development of colon cancer and therefore saved lives,” says Shah, who knows that most people aren’t excited to schedule routine screenings. “There’s a general reluctance.” That reluctance, he believes, comes from not knowing what to expect from the procedure and fear of the result.

The preparation phase of a colonoscopy is often considered the most challenging as it requires limited diet and drinking specific formulas to cleanse the colon (which means you likely can’t make plans that day). Because Shah uses a colonoscope with a tiny camera to examine the colon lining for any polyps, he says, “the better the prep, the better the exam.” Most patients

are sedated throughout the typically twenty-minute procedure.

Risks associated with colon cancer vary depending on personal and family histories as well as demographics. It’s recommended that average-risk adults get their first colon cancer screening at age forty-five. Shah says the age recommendation was recently lowered from fifty due to evidence suggesting that colon cancer is becoming more prevalent in younger populations. Regardless of age or previous screening, colonoscopies may also be necessary for patients experiencing symptoms that could indicate cancer. It can be challenging to differentiate between gastrointestinal diseases and cancer, Shah notes, but ongoing rectal bleeding, anemia, or weight loss are signs that warrant a call to your gastroenterologist.

Alternative options for colon cancer screening

You may have seen advertisements for at-home screenings to use in place of colonoscopies. Shah advises

against these alternative options, emphasizing that colonoscopies are “the gold standard.” More importantly, he notes, if patients get a positive result from an at-home test kit, they will still need to follow up with a colonoscopy. At-home tests should only be considered for patients otherwise unable to get colonoscopies. In those cases, he reasons, “some screening is better than no screening.”

Having other GI issues?

Change in bowel movements is a common gastrointestinal complaint among older adults, says Shah. This can be due to the introduction of medications to the body or a patient’s general mobility. “They can [also] have weakness in sphincter muscles leading to problems with incontinence,” he adds

Another common gastrointestinal concern among older adults is Barrett’s esophagus, which is esophogeal damage often brought

on by acid reflux; gastroenterologists check for it with a procedure similar to colonscopy. “Seniors with longstanding reflux should be screened for Barrett’s esophagus,” Shah notes, because the acid that presents with reflux can cause precancerous changes to the esophageal lining.

Cancer screening is always necessary and recommended, but awareness months encourage us to prioritize our health. Colonoscopies aren’t as bad as most people assume and are critical tools for early detection of colorectal cancers. If you’re reading this and thinking of a persistent GI issue you haven’t addressed, call your gastroenterologist! And if you are forty-five years or older and have yet to be screened for colon cancer, schedule it now. FY

Olivia is a freelance writer based in Buffalo, NY. She is a contributor to Buffalo Spree and Forever Young contactoliviaguthrie@gmail.com

MARCH

The BIG

has got to be the coolest radio station on the planet—no kidding! When you listen to the BIG WECK, the worries of the world go away.

What’s in our secret sauce? Here are just some of the ingredients.

• The coolest oldies ever made

• Local, trusted, longtime Buffalo jocks

• Buffalo’s biggest concerts and ticket giveaways

• Breakfast with the Beatles with JP

• Ability to listen on your mobile app or voiceactivated device

BIG WECK is where all the good radio has gone! If you still like to “turn the dial,” find us at 1230AM,102.9FM, 100.5FM, and100.1FM.

Thanks for listening to the BIG WECK!

Buddy Shula President /CEO

1-2

6, 20, 24

12-17

March 1-2

Don Quixote

Intoxicating romance is explored through Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote led by cellist Roman Mekinulov.

10:30 a.m. on March 1 and 7:30 p.m. on March 2, Kleinhans Music Hall (3 Symphony Circle; bpo.org, 885-5000)

March 12-17

Les Misérables

Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 70 million, this musical phenomenon is an epic tale of passion and redemption in the throes of revolution.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center (650 Main Street; sheas.org, 847-1410)

21

16-17, 23-24

March 6, 20, 24

Eclipse Safety Training

This hands-on workshop teaches how to view the eclipse without damaging the eyes or affecting vision. Registration required; check website for locations and times.

sciencebuff.org, 896-5200

March 16-17, 23-24

Maple Weekends

At multiple locations, visitors sample fresh products and learn how maple sugar and confections are made.

mapleweekend.nysmaple.com

March 21

BABEL: John Irving

Join host Barbara Cole for an in-depth discussion with the National Book Award and Oscar-winning author of the Cider House Rules.

8 p.m., Kleinhans Music Hall

(3 Symphony Circle; justbuffalo.org, 832-5400)

Roman Mekinulov Don Quixote photo by Brett Deneve, courtesy of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Les Misérables photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade, courtesy of Shea’s Performing Arts Center; Maple Weekend photo by Nick Vitello