Farmer’s Market is a year-round destination The thermometer only read 18 degrees, but the welcome was toasty warm at the North Tonawanda Farmer’s Market. All winter long, on Saturday’s, a handful of hardy farmers and vendors offer their goods for sale to those willing to show up, and show up they do. “We have wonderful, faithful customers,” said Tina of Tina’s Cheese. “People depend on us and the quality of what we sell. I had a lady today that was going out of town and was so excited to get her grated cheese and pepperoni.” Dan Hanzilian of Hanzilian’s Homemade Sausage agreed. “There are all sorts of people who shop here, and they are all dedicated,” Hanzilian said. “I love this community. We provide good food for good people.” When the thermometer dips into the teens with wind chills below zero, only the most robust customers make the trek. “I try to come every Saturday no matter the weather,” said Luke Dabill, one of the market’s regulars. “We live in a winter town; why not embrace it?” “There is hot soup most Saturdays,” Dabill contin-
ued. “I’m supporting local farmers and locally grown produce, and it feels like home. There’s not a friendlier place on earth.” Just when you think your fingers will never regain feeling, you can step into Dan Ottaviano’s heated produce trailer. Dan’s Produce has been in business for 15 years. “This is our second year with the heated option,” Ottaviano explains. “We
use it if it’s below freezing outside in order to keep the customers comfortable and the produce in good condition.” “Our customers are loyal, and they know we are always here for them,” Ottaviano added. In fact, he cares so much about his patrons he hired one. “I was such a good customer for so many years, I ended up working here,” Alyssa, of Dan’s Produce
said. The official hours are 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., but you may not want to wait until the last minute on very cold days. Vendors are here year round on Saturdays, and in the spring, summer, and fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well. “We’re like a family,” Tina stated. “We’ve worked side by side for many years. My mother
started this and I have been involved since I was 7 years old. I guess it’s in my blood.” Located at the corner of Payne Avenue and Robinson Street, the market has been operating since 1908. In the warmer months, there are dozens of vendors selling a wide array of products from fresh fruits and vegetables to plants, flowers, honey, organic beef, baked goods
(for humans as well as their canine companions), fresh donuts, coffee, and almost anything else you can imagine. The North Tonawanda Farmer’s Market is a wonderful destination regardless of the weather, but there is something extra special about a visit on a cold winter day that only the toughest Western New Yorker’s can appreciate.
Self-confidence in students’ pockets Throughout Mount St. Mary Academy, students reach into their pocket, take a quick peek at the contents, and give a secret smile. That’s because the Friends of Rachel Club (FOR) has given MSM students something to smile about -- themselves. Last week, FOR
launched a Pocket Paper Project designed to increase self-confidence with positive thoughts. During homeroom, each student was given a small square of paper and asked to write one thing she loves about herself or something she is very proud of accomplishing.
Students were then asked to fold the paper up and put it in their pockets, reading the notes to themselves at least five times throughout the day. The Pocket Paper Project was led by students Cailey McGillicuddy, Mary Elise Brady and Julie Fleming, based on
an idea by fitness teacher and Assistant Principal for Student Life Marissa Dauria ‘05. McGillicuddy saw the activity and recognized it as a great opportunity for all students. FOR quickly spread the project throughout the homerooms where students were encouraged to
“Write it, Read it, Believe it.” Days after the launch of the project, McGillicuddy reached into her pocket and pulled out her worn and torn pocket note. “So many girls struggle with self-esteem,” said McGillicuddy. “It’s important to remember the good
things.” This system of positive affirmation has lasted beyond the scheduled one day activity. Though the notes now appear wellworn, they also appear well-loved.
Around Town W W W. C P O W N Y. C O M
Youth Soccer Camp Children K-2nd grade are invited to participate in a soccer skills camp held in the St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1135 Oliver St. in North Tonawanda. The camp will run every Monday for 4 weeks beginning Mon., Feb. 9 through March 9 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Applications are available, please call St. Mark at 693-3715. Ash Wednesday Fish Fry Wed., Feb. 18, 2015 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1135 Oliver St. in North Tonawanda will be hosting a fish fry provided and cooked by BW followed by worship service at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the church office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 for a 9-10 ounce piece of beer battered haddock, potato salad, coleslaw, rye bread, dessert and beverage. There are no half portions of fish. Children’s portions are $6 for chicken tenders, potato salad, coleslaw, rye bread, dessert and beverage. For more information, please call St. Mark at 693-3715. WNY Home & Garden Expo at the FairgroundsEvent Center and Expo Building, 5600 McKinley Pkwy. in Hamburg, from Thurs., Feb. 19 to Sun., Feb. 22. Show Hours: Thurs. 2 to 8 p.m., Fri. noon to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 and children under 12 are free. No parking fee. Fish Fry The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus is hosting a fish fry starting Friday Feb.
20, and every Friday thereafter until Good Friday (April 3). All dinners will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the K of C Hall 755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda. Dinner includes a choice of two side dishes, coleslaw, bread and butter. Call 693-5470 for more information. Books and Bordeaux Fundraiser Fri. Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Brighton Place Library 999 Brighton Rd. in Tonawanda. Tickets are $25 and include wine, beer, live music, basket raffle, chocolate and pastries. Call 332-4375 for more info. Towne Players presents: The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, 7:30 p.m. showings Feb. 27 and 28, March 6 and 7. 2 p.m. matinees available March 1 and 8, at Sheridan-Parkside Community Center, 169 Sheridan-Parkside Dr. in Tonawanda. $10 for seniors and students; $12 general admission. Call 693-9641 or visit towneplayers.com for more info. Cavalcade of Cars Show at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center and Expo Hall, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Fri. through Sun., Feb. 27 to March 1. Show hours are: Fri. 5 to 10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults are $12, children 6 to 12 are $3, and children under 6 are free. Parking is free, contact Andy 656-9734 for more info or visit showandcruisers.com. Lawyers for the Arts The 4th annual benefit event will take place Sat. Feb. 28, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Sportsmen’annual benefit event will music, and art for sale, all crafted by
attorneys. Single tickets are $20, $10 for law students. Presale tickets available Feb. 6 by visiting giveforgreatness.org. For more information call Lauren Rojek at 362-8389 x512 or asiwnydevelopment@ gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Give for Greatness, a program of Arts Services Initiative of WNY. Niagara Frontier Gun Shows are coming to the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, Expo, Grange and Marketplace Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Sat. Feb. 28 and Sun. March 1. Hours are Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults are $9, and children under 10 are free. Parking is free, visit nfgshows.com or call Bruce at 542-9929 for more info. The 2015 WNY Sport and Travel Expo at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, Expo, Grange and Marketplace Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy. Thurs. March 5 to Sun. March 8. Event hours are Thurs. through Fri. noon to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults are $10 and children under 10 get in for free. Contact sportandtravelexpo.com or call 814-725-3856 for more info. The Ismailia Shrine Circus at Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, 5600 McKinley Pkwy. March 12 to 15. Event hours are Thurs. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Fri. 10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 :30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m., 2:30, and 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Adults are $13, seniors 61 and older are
$10 and children under 10 are $8. Call 674-8666 or go to tickets.com to secure seats. M o t h e r t i m e Marketplace Children’s Consignment Sale at Hamburg Fairgrounds Grange and Marketplace Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Fri. March 13 to Sun. March 15. Hours and prices are Fri. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $3, Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $2, and Sun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free. Children always free for this event. Visit mothertimemarketplace.com for more info. Plantasia 2015 “Every Garden Tells a Story” at Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center and Expo Hall, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Thurs. March 19 to Sunday March 22. Event hours are Thurs., Fri., and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults are $9, seniors 60 and over are $7, and children 12 and under are free. Visit plantasiany.com or call 741-8047 for more info and group rates. Litto’s Legacy Manor Lanes will be hosting Litto’s Legacy 3rd Annual Fundraiser March 22 from 2 to 6 p.m., 150 Grand Island Blvd. Tonawanda. Tickets are $20 presale per person and $100 to reserve a lane for up to 5 people. Admission includes 4 hours of bowling, shoes and ball if needed, and refreshments. $5 per sheet for basket raffle, and $5 plates of food available for walk-ins. For tickets please contact Alicia: 692-6328. Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show at Hamburg Fairgrounds Marketplace
and Grange Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Sat. March 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. March 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults are $5, 2 day passes are $7, and scouts in uniform, including leaders, are free, as are children under 12. Visit bgsny.org for more info. 2015 Hamburg Chamber Trade Show at Hamburg Fairgrounds Grange Building, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Fri. March 27 from 1 to 8 p.m. 40 businesses from caterers to tax preofessionals will be there, come out for this great networking opportunity. Event is free and open to the public, call 649-7917 for more info. Springtime in the Country at Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Fri. March 27 to Sun. March 29. Show hours are Fri. 4 to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7, $5 presale with a 50 cent fee starting March 11, and kids 12 and under free. Visit wnypremierpromotions. com or call 910-799-9424 for more info. The National Parkinson Foundation WNY Support Group Monthly support group meetings for people with PD, family members and caregivers on the third Wednesday of each month at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3512 Clinton St. in West Seneca. Support group for people with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. All are welcome from 6:30-8 p.m. Info: 449-3795. Winter Parking
Ordinance prohibits parking on all streets in the Town of Tonawanda between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. through April 1. Parking tickets will be issued. Winter Parking Restriction There is no parking permitted on any street in the City of Tonawanda between the hours of 3 and 6 a.m. through April 15. Drink Specials at Exit 2 Bar & Grille, 3191 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda: Martini Mondays featuring $5 martinis and margaritas; Two for Tuesdays (dinner for two for just $40, including a bottle of wine); Wine Down Wednesdays with $10 bottles of select wines; Prime Rib Thursdays and Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Stop in during football games on Monday and Thursday nights, or for college games on Saturdays, and enjoy 50 cent wings and bar specials. Info: exit2bar.com, 837-2523 or facebook. com/Exit2grille. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group The Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Grove Street Christian Church, 85 Grove St., Tonawanda, providing emotional and social support for caregivers and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. Open to all. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia. Info: 1-800-272-3900.