Forever Young May 2023

Being Well

Hummingbird moth Photo by Carol Ann Harlos bottom right: Put A Plant On It owner Johanna Dominguez Photo by Jean-Pierre Thimot

Photo by Brian Hayden

OUR 35TH YEAR 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12

Amherst, NY 14228

Phone 716.783.9119

Fax 716.783.9983

www.foreveryoungwny.com

CORPORATE

President Sharon C. Levite

Publisher / Chief Revenue Officer Barbara E. Macks

Vice President Administrative & Finance

Michele Ferguson

Publisher Barbara E. Macks

EDITORIAL

How does your garden grow?

I’m no gardening expert—more like the kind who celebrates keeping a bamboo plant alive!—which makes me respect and admire those with green thumbs who possess dedication, strong work ethic, and an eye for beauty.

Executive Editor

Sabrina Kahwaty

Managing Editor Donna Hoke

Assistant Editor Daniel Curry

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

Proofreader

Creative Director

ART & PRODUCTION

Sharon C. Levite

Jean-Pierre Thimot

Lead Designer Nicholas Vitello

Senior Graphic Designers / Illustrators Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers

Graphic Designers Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica

Photographers kc kratt, Luke Copping, Stephen Gabris, Eric Frick, Nancy J. Parisi, Dan Cappellazzo

ADVERTISING & SALES

Gardening is an annual feature for Forever Young, because it’s that popular, and there is always something new to learn. This month, that’s conservation effort “No Mow May,” how to identify creatures in your yard, current horticultural trends, and local houseplant shop, Put a Plant On It. With so much to read, you may have to force yourself to put down this issue and tend your garden!

Elsewhere in our pages, read about a new exhibit honoring community elders, ways to keep your brain active, and how to

Director of Sales & Advertising

Barbara E. Macks

National Ad Director Terri Downey

Senior Account Executives

Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard

Account Executives Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman

Sales Coordinator

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

Director of Audience Development

Social Media Director

DIGITAL

Robin Lenhard

Robin Lenhard

Robin Lenhard

Web Master Kim Miers

ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE

Administrative & Finance Director Michele Ferguson

Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2023 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228 and is open Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The entire contents of Forever Young are copyrighted 2023 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved. Display advertising information and rates may be obtained by calling (716) 783-9119 ext 2250. For home delivery by mail, send check or money order for $12.00 payable to Forever Young. Standard mail postage paid at Amherst, NY 14228. POSTMASTER send change of address to Forever Young, 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Manuscripts and free calendar listings should be sent to the editor (skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com) at 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor

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

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

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

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

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

Southtowns NEW HORIZONS

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

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

Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Call 7060060 or visit bcnwny.org for more information.

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

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.

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

Buffalo LGBTQ MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS PROGRAM: The Pride Center of WNY offers support and education for people providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. For information: 8527743 or pridecenterwny.org

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

TOPS CLUBS Take Off Pounds

Sensibly Clubs offer tools, programs, support, and fellowship for healthy living and weight management. Akron For info, call Diane 542-4980 Cheektowaga For info, call Karen 247-2334

Cheektowaga For info, call MaryAnn 895-4414

Niagara Falls For info, call Beth 385-7558

Farnham For info, call 934-9619

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

Tonawanda For info, call 693-5161

It’s Jewish American Heritage Month Celebrate

by tracing your Jewish roots

Itwas a small group of Jewish refugees who first arrived in New Amsterdam (now Lower Manhattan) in 1654 in search of better opportunities and a place to practice their faith without fear. They are the oldest group with their identity and cultural heritage intact and, as of 2022, New York State is home to more than 2.2 million Jews, approximately eleven percent of our state’s population.

a searchable database of indexes to more than four million vital records including 500 Polish towns and more than 13,000 images. This site is free; donations are accepted. (jri-poland. org)

Jewish surname in the US is Miller. Clearly Miller is both Jewish and non-Jewish. This is a free database. (avotaynu.com)

From contributing important scientific discoveries to standing up for the abused and neglected, the Jewish community has played a significant role in our country. Did you know Emma Lazarus, daughter of Sephardic Jews, wrote the famous poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses…”?

The first steps to finding Jewish roots are the same as with any other ethnic group or faith: start with your relatives and work backwards. Meet with extended family and gather information and family stories. With Jewish research, the key difference is setting your expectations. Researchers of European Jewish ancestors face extra roadblocks due to the Holocaust, and the relatively late adoption of surnames in Jewish communities.

Several Jewish genealogy databases online will aid your research. I’ve included free resources, although a few have some paid databases also.

Jewish Records Indexing – Poland: Run by volunteers, JRI-Poland is

Jewish Gen- Family Tree of the Jewish People: Search millions of records from family trees submitted by Jewish genealogists worldwide. Included are more than four million records related to the Holocaust and more than 4.2 million burial records. This site is free resource; donations are accepted. (jewishgen.org)

Consolidated Jewish Surname Index (CJSI): Avotaynu, the Journal of Jewish Genealogy, hosts this free index. With more than forty-two databases containing more than seven million records, you will find almost 700,000 surnames. Note: finding a surname in this index does not necessarily mean that a given surname is Jewish. For example, the third most common

Jewish Family History Collection at Ancestry.com: While the majority of ancestry.com’s databases are only available to paid subscribers, many of the Jewish Family History Collections are free on the site. Free and subscription records are mixed in these collections so be aware. To access, you will need to sign up for a free account, then open ‘Search’ at top of page > All Collections

> Special Collections (bottom of page)

> Jewish family history. (ancestry.com)

National Library of Israel: Historical Jewish Press: The newspaper collection of the National Library of Israel contains millions of pages and hundreds of Jewish newspapers available to search online. These newspapers, published in various countries, languages, and time periods, include editions dating back

to the early 1800s through present day. Newspapers are outstanding for their references to important and famous people, but if you’re seeking information on average citizens, concentrate on local papers. (nli.org.il/ en/discover/newspapers)

Finding others working on similar research can be a game changer. The Jewish Genealogical Society in New York City (jgsny.org) has an online presence with membership that includes monthly programs geared toward Jewish research. Also, check out the Jewish Buffalo History Center (jewishbuffalohistory.org) for more online and local resources. FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a National Genealogical Society member and Association of Professional Genealogists member. Carol is also Vice-President and Board Chairman of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Contact her at noellasdaughter@gmail.com.

Zedek

Apartments

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

Honoring their legacies

Locally founded institute works to preserve histories of elder community leaders

BY DANIEL CURRY

In late February, Buffalo History Museum debuted an exhibit that honors Buffalo’s African-American community elders. Say Their Names: Honor Their Legacies was created by the Uncrowned Queens Institute, which works to preserve histories of African-American women and men across the country.

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram and Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold, Uncrowned Queens Institute began as a project to commemorate the history of African and African-American involvement

in the Pan-American Exposition that took place in Buffalo in 1901 as well as recognize accomplishments of AfricanAmerican women during Expo and the hundred years that followed. The women founded the Institute

when they realized the project’s magnitude required its own sustainable organization.

“Uncrowned Queens was founded on a mission of finding and documenting the histories of African-

American women initially, and we added men later,” says Nevergold. “Making sure we were able to preserve those histories and make them readily available [online]. That’s been our mission all along, and it has included

Featured individuals pose at the exhibit’s opening. Photos by Brian Hayden

people who were perhaps well known, those who were unknown, and those who were little known. If you don’t record history in this way, you lose it.”

The Institute’s award-winning website serves as a comprehensive database with thousands of biographies and even allows users to submit new biographies and photos to what the founders refer to as their “technopedia.” Accessed by thousands of visitors, the website is used for research, educational purposes, and genealogy fact-finding.

One of the foundational goals of Uncrowned Queens is working closely with elder community leaders to ensure their detailed and accurate histories are recorded. “We realized both in terms of ourselves and the people in the community that there’s an urgency to collect and record those histories,” says Nevergold. “Many of the people that we’ve identified and that are part of this exhibit are in their eighties and nineties and, in one case, someone who just turned 100 and is still very active in the community.

“For many, we had biographies from ten or twenty years ago, and we wanted to update them to be more representative of what they have done,” Nevergold continues. “We were also able to gather in their own words what they thought were challenges that they had overcome, significant contributions that they have made, and advice they had given to young people about how to cope with discrimination and the racism and the divisiveness that we’re encountering today.”

To explore biographies or to submit a biography, visit the Uncrowned Community Builders database at uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com. Say Their Names: Honor Their Legacies is on view at the Buffalo History Museum through July 2023. FY

Daniel Curry is Assistant Editor of Forever Young

“BeautifullyMaintained” –Louise,aresident

Bingo is back!

Please call event organizers to confirm information provided. Listings are alphabetical by day.

MONDAY

AMERICAN LEGION MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

HAMBURG–KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg

7:30 p.m. 649-9830/649-4340

MATTHEW GLAB POST

1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna

7 p.m. 825-3733

ST. AMELIA

2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda

7:15 p.m. 836-0011

TUESDAY

AMVETS MEDALLION POST NO. 13

25 Review Pl., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. ........................................ 874-0559

ASSUMPTION PARISH

435 Amherst St., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 876-1038

Bingo Calendar

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO.

4932 Clark St., Hamburg

7:30 p.m. 649-9821

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

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

HARTLAND VFC 8945 Ridge Rd., Hartland

7:30 p.m.

2 p.m. (second Tuesday)

OUR LADY OF POMPEII

129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster

7 p.m. 683-6522

ST. ANDREW’S

SATURDAY

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

Network In Aging Hosts 2nd Annual Free Resource Fair

BY PAULA VENNÉ, NIA VP OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Network in Aging of WNY is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Senior Health and Resource Fair. This year’s event will be held on May 17th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at M Hotel Buffalo (formerly Millennium Hotel) next to the Galleria Mall.

“We received wonderful feedback from our first Resource Fair last May,” said Paula VennéClendening, VP of Community Relations. “This year will be even bigger, with more participating organizations. We hope our new venue will be a convenient location for both city and suburban residents.”

Seniors and caregivers are invited to visit with over 70 businesses and organizations with expertise in areas such as senior housing, estate planning, home care, downsizing and

much more. Complimentary blood pressure and glucose screenings will be available as well. Whether you are trying to help your parent transition from the family home into an assisted living facility or you’re an active senior looking for opportunities to stay healthy and independent, the Senior Health and Resource Fair will connect you with the professionals who can provide guidance and assistance.

Founded in 1981, The Network in Aging of WNY is a non-profit, voluntary corporation which brings together individuals and organizations involved in aging and long-term care. They currently have over 110 member agencies. Follow The Network in Aging of WNY on Facebook and LinkedIn to find out more.

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

Advertorial

Thursday, & Friday 7:30pm

Sunday 7pm

$10 Admission Package

 Progressive Number & Bonus Ball  Queen of Hearts

Bingo Calendar (continued)

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

BY DANIEL CURRY

After a Western New York winter, spring is always a welcome arrival. Most people appreciate the warmer weather but for gardeners, it means digging back into a beloved pastime. If that’s you, here’s a roundup of current gardening trends—from new products to garden tech—you might be hearing about as you head back into the yard.

Sustainable gardening

Often considered less trend and more a gardener’s responsibility to the earth, sustainable gardening minimizes the use of harmful chemicals and reduces the overall environmental footprint of gardening. As with other planet-friendly practices, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Use organic fertilizer: Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials and are free from harmful chemicals that can harm the soil and water supply.

Compost: Composting has the double benefit of reducing waste while providing nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills.

Promote biodiversity: Plant a variety of native plants that provide habitat for local wildlife, pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Sustainable gardening is not only beneficial for the environment, but

also promotes healthy soil, which leads to healthier plants and, ultimately, healthier gardens.

Smart gardening

Smart gardening, also known as digital gardening, uses technology to create a more efficient and convenient gardening experience. One of the key benefits of smart gardening is the ability to monitor and control various

environmental factors in real-time. For example, smart gardeners use sensors to track soil moisture, temperature, and light levels, so they can make appropriate adjustments. This not only helps to conserve resources but also ensures that plant environments are optimized for growth. By leveraging technology and data, gardeners achieve better results, save resources, and make their gardens more efficient and easier to maintain.

Vertical gardens

Vertical gardens, also known as living walls, are becoming increasingly popular as people look to maximize growing space and add visual interest to their gardens. This technique involves growing plants on vertical surfaces such as walls, fences, or trellises, using either soil-based planting or other techniques such as hydroponics. With plants growing in a variety of shapes and colors, living walls can be stunning additions to any outdoor space.

Biodiverse lawns

Biodiverse lawns seek to replace average grass-covered lawns with what are essentially mini ecosystems capable of supporting diverse plant and animal life. These can include wildflowers, herbs, and grasses, which not only look beautiful but also provide habitat for a variety of insects and wildlife. Diverse plantings improve soil health, reduce water usage, and promote pollination, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Another benefit of biodiverse lawns is that they require less maintenance than traditional lawns. Native and other diverse plantings are often more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments. In addition, biodiverse lawns often tolerate drought better than traditional lawns, reducing the need for watering.

Daniel Curry is Assistant Editor of Forever Young.

No Mow May

And the birds and the bees

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

Think your neighbors’ yards are looking unkempt?

They might be participating in No Mow May, an environmental conservation effort to create a pollinatorfriendly setting.

According to Bee City USA, “Americans have a love affair with lawns, maintaining roughly 40 million acres, or two percent of the land in the US.” All that well-groomed lawn may be beautiful, but it provides little positive benefit to wildlife and is often harmful. Traditional lawns lack floral resources or nesting sites for bees. And lawns treated with pesticides can actually damage bees and other invertebrates.

“The start of growing season is a critical time for hungry, newly emerging native bees,” say the Bee City experts. “Floral resources may be hard to find, especially in urban and

suburban landscapes. By allowing lawns to grow longer and not applying pesticides to flowering plants, you can provide nectar and pollen to help your bee neighbors thrive.”

The US is home to around 3,500 species of bees, many of which provide essential services to humans and ecosystems. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining globally. Without them, we would be left without essential pollination services.

No Mow May was launched in 2019 by the British conservation charity Plantlife. Felicity Harris, head of participation at Plantlife, says, “It

is not only plants and pollinators that benefit; we do, too. Less mowing gives garden lovers more time to relax and reconnect with nature.”

In 2020, Wisconsin became the first state to adopt the practice, which then spread to Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Montana. Locally the city of Buffalo and village of East Aurora are participating.

Last year, the East Aurora Village Board adopted a resolution encouraging residents to take part in No Mow May “to help the health of bees and other pollinators and wildlife and to allow pollinator species to emerge and early flowering grasses to

establish.” And the Buffalo Common Council adopted a resolution that allows homeowners to participate in No Mow May without being cited or fined.

Tom Truesdale, owner of WNY Paws Dog Waste Removal and Lawn Service, says, “This isn’t a popular concept at this time with my customers, but I can see it growing in the future as we get more educated on ways to help the environment.”

Some ornamental grasses are meant to grow tall, but turf grass varieties need to be mowed regularly for a healthy, strong root system. “If you don’t cut during the month of May, by June you will be sure to have knee-high growth, which will require multiple cuts at alternating heights and removing the cut grass with raking,” says Truesdale. “It will be unsightly for a couple weeks, but the grass and soil underneath will be thick and healthy.”

A downside of uncut grass is that it can attract a variety of pests, ranging from insects to rodents. Insects, including white grubs, ants, aphids, cutworms, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are among the “usual suspects” in natural grass lawns. And when large numbers of rodents hide in tall grass, they can attract predators like snakes.

Heavy rainfall can also be problematic. Given enough rain, grass can grow three to six inches in a week. Too much rain can wash away nutrients, leaving grass weak and dull. It can also drown your grass and allow weeds to thrive. If a lawn becomes unhealthy, it can get brown patches along with weeds.

“If people don’t want to participate

Senior Housing Designed With You in Mind!

in No Mow May, there are other ways to help pollinators,” according to local landscape designer Diana Marsh, who suggests a native garden filled with easy-to-maintain perennials, including “ornamental grasses, bee balm, Joe Pye weed, milkweed, anemone, butterfly weed, cone flower, gaura, coreopsis, St. John’s wort, and deutzia, to mention

driving around on a Sunday afternoon in the summer.” If you are inspired to plant your own, Buffalo-Niagara Gardening.com suggests staggering the planting; if you plant several batches, you’ll have sunflowers from summer to fall.

The best time to plant sunflowers in our area is from May through August,

a few plants.” Marsh has designed a few native gardens over the years that her Menne Garden Artistry crew has installed for their customers. They also have installed beds to attract butterflies and birds.

Sunflowers are considered pollinator superheroes that produce abundant sources of pollen and nectar. Marsh has seen several sunflower fields “while

after the last frost. Plant any later than August, and the sunflowers may not grow to maturity. Sunflowers can be started indoors and need to be covered in the event of a late frost.

The bees will thank you! FY

Freshly made soups, chopped romaine salad mix and fresh fruit salad. Huge selection of ingredients, toppings & dressings, complemented with garlic bread sticks and fresh rolls.

in or take out.

The Buffalo Common Council adopted a resolution that allows homeowners to participate in No Mow May without being cited or fined.

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

Have

you

seen these?

Look for creatures hiding in your garden

As readers of this column know, I never use pesticides in my gardens. To do so would interfere with life cycles of creatures that live in them. This article and accompanying pictures are a sampling of some that I have seen in my gardens. I encourage my readers to discover who lives in theirs.

The large spider is a female “garden spider,” Argiope aurantia, a spider found throughout the continental United States and Canada. The picture was taken mid-August, after she’d spent all summer feeding on insects and growing to this largest size. Males of the species are about a third the size. (Spiders shed their skins several times as they grow; this is called molting. Many times, people show me “dead” spiders that are

really just shed skins.) She uses venom to immobilize flies and other insects. Most spiders have two claws on each foot. She has three, which enable her to make complex “zigzaggy” webs. It is believed this pattern is recognized by birds, who then don’t destroy the webs. She usually eats the web each night, then makes a new one. When potential mates pluck on the web to get her attention, she deposits egg sacs on the web. In

cold areas, the young hatch in the spring. The males die after mating and the females die during the first hard frost.

The frog is an Eastern Gray tree frog. I was watering pots behind the house when I saw a “leaf” stuck on the side of the house. I directed the water to wash it down and something live landed on the back porch—greenish, wartlike, with pads on its toes. A tree frog. I didn’t recognize the species so I

sent a picture to the editor of the Conservation magazine and to the director of the Master Naturalist program in New York State. They identified it as Dryophytes versicolor, a frog that can camouflage from gray to green or brown. Our house is blue so green was as close as it could get! The legs have a dark band pattern, and the front legs are yellowish underneath. As you can see from the picture, the skin is rather lumpy. The smaller male can

Garden spider Eastern Gray tree frog

call, but females are silent. Now dear reader, this is so exciting to me: these tree frogs can reproduce by laying eggs in a hollow area of a tree that has collected water. This may have happened in one of our trees!

Many years ago, I ran a nature program for children. One day,

the high school student counselors got very excited because they had captured a hummingbird; it was actually a hummingbird moth, which is what you see in the next picture—a male (characterized by its “feathery” back end—perched on monarda (beebalm). The hummingbird moth gets its name from the way it behaves when taking nectar from a plant—just like a hummingbird. This moth is active in the daytime. You can recognize it from its light-colored legs and beautiful olive green and burgundy body. The caterpillar of this moth fed on honeysuckle and hawthorn leaves. When the adult moth emerges from its cocoon, it has a furry body and scales on its wings. When the scales fall off, the wings are rather transparent. It has a white “horn” on its posterior. It

extends its mouth parts to partake of plant nectar and then rolls it up.

The mean looking insect is an assassin bug that feeds on flies, bees, and caterpillars. It injects its prey after first stabbing it, then sucks the contents of the insect or other prey’s body. I am wary of these creatures as they can puncture our skin! Different species range in size from a half-inch to one-and-ahalf inches. They don’t fly well so they wait for creatures to come near them. Some coat their bodies with dead matter to attract prey. Not one of my favorites…

I would enjoy hearing about creatures you have seen in your gardens! Stay tuned for next month’s garden column, which will feature more insects you may spot. 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.

Hummingbird moth Assassin bug

Houseplants 101 Put A Plant On It is a one-stop shop

BY OLIVIA GUTHRIE

At715 Elmwood, in the home of the old Yotality Frozen Yogurt storefront, Put A Plant On It botanical gift shop, is a vibrant haven overflowing with both rare and familiar houseplants—but that is by no means all it has to offer. Along with an abundance of living items for purchase, the store offers nonliving merchandise like jewelry, home decor, and plant accessories as well as a range of classes and services for plant parents.

The proudly certified nursery and grower emphasizes environment and community across presence,

products, and services. For example, when a purchase is made using one of their insulated and reusable shopping

bags, $1 goes to charity. Nearly all the store’s gift items (the shop also offers next-day delivery services within fifteen miles of downtown Buffalo) are crafted by local artisans; the store has collaborated with over ninety artists across WNY to date.

To start or maintain your indoor gardening journey, plant guru and Put A Plant On It owner Johanna Dominguez and her staff are here to help.

Why everyone should have houseplants

Indoor gardens require effort to build and maintain, but the physical and psychological benefits plants provide make it worth it. In addition to their positive effects on air quality and humidity, Dominguez notes how important they are for our minds as well: “The most [important] benefit plants and indoor gardening bring is mental

Put A Plant On It owner Johanna Dominguez

Photo by JP Thimot

health and peace of mind to care for something.” Seniors especially should note that the researchers at University of New South Wales determined that in people sixty or older, risk of dementia is lowered by thirty-six percent in those surrounded by plants daily.

At your service

Among the shop’s myriad services, Dominguez finds that seniors appreciate repotting and pruning the most, as it can sometimes be difficult to reach for or lift heavy pots. “We have also helped [seniors] by coming to their

spaces and offering plant advice as to how to take care of their plants,” she says.

The “houseplant hospital” is another boon for plant parents with ailing “children.” The affordable botanical healthcare system has diagnosed and revived many plants for seniors—including some that have been passed through generations! “Many of these seniors utilized Menne’s when they used to offer it,” says Dominguez. “Now, we are the only shop in the area that offers hands-on services with houseplants.” Put A Plant On It also offers a houseplant sitting service, which means you no longer have to trust forgetful relatives or neighbors. Dominguez and her staff vow to visit your plants while you’re away, as often as needed, for $30 per hour.

Professional custom consults are available by appointment, which clients can book either by phone or in person. “We will go over plant by

plant and talk about what is going wrong, what is going right, and any other needs,” says Dominguez. The shop charges $30 per hour for consults without labor, $60 with labor, and an additional $15 for each hour following the first, if necessary. Plantscaping consults offer expert advice for design and interior decorating with plants. When it comes to houseplants, there is always room to grow your knowledge. From tending your first to exploring new propagation methods, Put A Plant On It offers an impressive selection of classes. Visit putaplantonit.shop for the current schedule taught by expert staff. FY

Olivia Guthrie is a civil rights investigator and freelance writer based in Buffalo, NY. She is an Entertainment Journalist for Screen Rant and contributor to Buffalo Spree and Forever Young contact@ oliviaguthrie.com

Keep curiosity alive

Five easy steps toward lifelong learning

BY JONNEMARIE KAHWATY

Ashumans, we seem to love routines, from morning coffee to nightly reading before bed. We derive comfort and stability from rituals but when we never deviate from the ease of daily patterns, restless boredom—even depression—can drift in. Particularly as we age, we’re at risk of finding ourselves so stuck in established routines that it’s hard to be spontaneous or try new things even if we have more discretionary time than ever before.

If you’re asking “so what?,” know that breaking routine to explore new activities and experiences not only keeps us excited about life, but studies have named learning a new skill the best way to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. While embracing new experiences can be daunting, it’s healthy to maintain a curious outlook throughout life and learn new skills that carry you out of your comfort zone. You’ll not only stimulate your brain but break your daily monotony with novelty and adventure!

If you’re feeling lost just thinking about making changes, here are five easy ways to start:

Make small changes to daily habits

Pay attention to moments when

you go on autopilot and change it up. For instance, try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, putting your shoes on in a different order, or sitting on the other side of the couch. These simple adjustments break the comfort barrier, a perfect first step to opening your mind for learning.

Engage with diverse perspectives

Seeking out conversation with people outside your usual circle not only broadens horizons, but also fosters relationships that introduce new hobbies and skills. Attend community events, join clubs, or reach out to neighbors. Approach interactions with an open mind and willingness to listen and avoid making assumptions. Focus on their

experiences, ask questions, and show genuine interest. While you can connect with new people online, we recommend doing it in person, as social relationships also slow cognitive decline.

Visit museums, galleries, exhibits, and events

Museums and galleries expand your knowledge, deepen your understanding of art, history, and culture, and develop a nuanced understanding of the world around you. In addition to larger museums and galleries, don’t forget about the smaller exhibits and events in your community. Check museum schedules for talks, book clubs, and other ways to actively engage in the new things you’re learning.

Take advantage of the internet

If leaving the house is difficult, learn something new without leaving it. Learn a language, how to build a website, play a musical instrument, or how to refinish your furniture and so much more through the myriad free educational resources available on platforms such as YouTube. Online “schools,” such as Udemy, and Skillshare allow you to choose a new skill that interests you and learn step-by-step. Set aside “class” and “homework” time so that you actually spend time engaging your brain with the new skill.

Take up a hobby

Always meant to learn to quilt, play competitive Scrabble, or trace your roots? It’s not too late. New hobbies not only challenge us but also connect us with others who share our interests. Creative hobbies can be especially beneficial, as they release dopamine in the brain to regulate mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide feelings of pleasure and reward when we complete projects. Painting, drawing, photography, writing, journaling, playing a musical instrument, or dancing can be great options to explore the visual world, emotions, movement, and rhythm. Look for beginner-friendly resources online, seek guidance from a local store, teacher, or studio, or join a class or group for support and motivation. Whatever hobby you choose, commit to regular practice and development, and go where it takes you.

Learning new things keeps us engaged with life and reduces the risk of waking up to realize you’re just “going through the motions.” Continuing to learn enhances our relationships with ourselves and others, provides purpose and fulfillment, and gives us something to look forward to each day. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’ll save your brain—so keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing. FY

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

From the desk of WECK

Radio owner and local

advocate Buddy Shula

NO RADIO? NO PROBLEM!

Remember when houses had fifteen radios? Every room had one! Today, that’s not so common. The radio we remember has become a different type of radio.

This is great news for BIG WECK listeners because now, you really can take the BIG WECK wherever you want. Not only can you listen on a traditional radio, but also “new” radios like Bluetooth, voice-activated devices, apps, and streaming. The sound is unbeatable and the convenience will blow you away.

Consider purchasing an Alexa (quite affordable) or, if you have a smart phone or tablet, download the free BIG WECK app. You can also listen online at bigweck. com. If you have Bluetooth in your car, it’s even simpler. Just tell your dashboard to “play the BIG WECK.”

This is the part of technology I don’t hate!

Thanks for listening to Buffalo’s Oldies Station...everywhere!

Warm regards,

Buddy Shula Owner /CEO

May 6

Kentucky Derby Luncheon

This annual event features a raffle and basket auction, hat show and contest, plus special guests Erie County Sheriff horses, Amherst Symphony Quintet, and vocalist Mary Kate O’Connell.

11 a.m.-2 p.m., Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst; bnhv.org, 689-1440)

Closes May 14 Network

Anchorman Howard Beale isn’t pulling in the viewers, but when he unravels live on his final broadcast, ratings soar and Howard becomes the biggest thing on TV.

D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre (320 Porter Avenue; kavinokytheatre.com, 829-7668)

May 11-12

Orchestrating the Landscape: Ellen Shipman’s Western New York Gardens

This two-day program focuses on landscape architect Ellen Shipman’s remarkable achievements at Graycliff, a revitalized private garden in Buffalo, and others. Programming includes keynote lectures on May 11 and tours on May 12. Advanced registration required; visit the website to register and get a full schedule.

(experiencegraycliff.org)

May 17 FREE

Senior Health & Resource Fair

Network in Aging’s second annual event is open to all, specifically caregivers and older adults, and features more than fifty vendors, as well as complimentary blood pressure and glucose screening.

10 a.m.-1 p.m., M Hotel Buffalo (2040 Walden Avenue; networkinaging.org)

May 26-27

Patriotic Pops

Conductor John Morris Russell and the BPO perform their Memorial Day Tradition.

10:30 a.m. Kleinhans Music Hall | 7:30 p.m. May 27 (3 Symphony Circle; bpo.org, 885-5000)

Garden photo by Alyssa Davis