AUTUMN 2019
THE ULTIMATE SENECA RESORTS & CASINOS EXPERIENCE
MAJESTIC
ARRIVAL
Seneca Culture Honored in New Remodel
MERRY& BRIGHT HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP pg 32
OUT & ABOUT
S SPECIAL FEATURE
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month pg 16
CAN’T-MISS WINTER EVENTS IN WNY pg 36
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WELCOME AUTUMN | 2019
Inside Look AT AN ANCIENT LEGACY
In honor of Native American Heritage month, this issue of Inside Seneca magazine takes a special look at Seneca culture standing tall behind the resorts and casinos you know and love. In every way — from the Seneca people’s noble history in this region, to the Native inspiration behind cutting-edge modern casino renovations going on today — the cultural influence is deeply rooted here at Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Observed every November across the United States, Native American Heritage Month provides a platform for Native people to share their history, culture, traditions and ways of life. It’s an important tool for education and community growth, as well as promoting overall awareness of issues and impact. And we’re honored to join in the celebration with this special focused look at the ultimate Seneca Resorts & Casinos experience. In the pages of this fall 2019 issue, you’ll discover the inspiring stories that honor the origin of the Seneca people (page 18). We’ll also delve into the delicious world of the traditional foods that were historically unique to Seneca communities in this region — and share how guests can savor these classical flavors for themselves at food outlets around the resort (page 22). On page 10, you’ll also find your private invitation to explore Seneca Niagara’s newly remodeled arrival experience as we take you down the entrance drive and into the grand roundabout. With a special emphasis on the Seneca heritage that inspired these design elements, this behind-the-scenes look unlocks the deeper meaning of the exquisite entrance experience guests know and love. Of course, this issue is also full of all the exclusive insider info you can expect from Inside Seneca magazine — with the scoop on upcoming performers Jane Lynch (page 28) and Vanessa Williams (page 30), and the calendar highlights (page 4) for all the upcoming action on the Seneca Resorts & Casinos gaming floors this fall. We’re honored to be your number-one choice for gaming excitement and escape in Western New York. And now, in commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, we’re even more honored to join you in celebrating the Seneca roots behind it all.
Holly Gagnon
President and CEO, Seneca Gaming Corporation
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EDITORS Nadine DiStefano Seneca Gaming Corporation Tonia Ineson Seneca Gaming Corporation ART DIRECTOR Nicola Augustson PHOTOGRAPHER Tucker Kohnen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Nauert Kat Corona-Pilgrim PUBLISHED BY NEXT MOVEMENT 3501 Ocean View Blvd. Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 484-8383 www.Next-Movement.com To advertise please contact advertising@next-movement.com or (818) 484-8383 Copyright © 2019 SENECA GAMING CORPORATION All information within is as accurate as possible at time of publishing.
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AUTUMN 2019 INSIDE SENECA
CONTENTS AUTUMN | 2019
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pg.
INSIDE GAMING
INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT
04
28
Calendar Highlights
An Exclusive Q&A With Jane Lynch
Exciting upcoming promotions for gamers
Carol away with award-winning funny girl
08
30
Wall of Winners
Vanessa Williams’ Magical Holiday Performance
Lucky guests hit the jackpot
American icon shares festive spirit
INSIDE HOSPITALITY
10
32
Tradition Makes a Grand Entrance
Entertainment Calendar
Can’t-miss performances coming to Seneca properties
New arrival experience at Seneca Niagara
14
INSIDE WESTERN NEW YORK
Ancient Land, New Growth
34
Native inspired landscape architecture
Down on the Corner
Buffalo bars overflow with local charm
SPECIAL FEATURE
16
36
Honoring a Legacy
30
pg.
VANESSA WILLIAMS
Out & About in WNY
Welcome to Native American Heritage Month
See what’s happening this season
18
INSIDE CULTURE
Tales as Old as Time
38
Seneca legends shared
Honoring Deerfoot
22
Historical Native athlete inducted in Hall of Fame
Savor traditional dishes
A Look Ahead
Modern Masterpieces From the Flavors of the Past
40
Escape to tranquility this winter
24
Cultivating With a Purpose The Iroquois White Corn Project restores tradition
32
pg.
CRYSTAL GAYLE
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INSIDE
Gaming
PROMOTIONS CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS There’s lots of action on the gaming floors at Seneca Resorts & Casinos this fall, and here are some of the biggest dates to remember. Find even more on the promotion pages of SenecaNiagaraCasino.com, SenecaBuffaloCreekCasino.com and SenecaAlleganyCasino.com.
October Events $25K FRIGHTASTIC
Win your share of more than $5,000 in prizes during free weekly slot tournaments! Every Tuesday and Thursday 4 - 9 p.m. (Seneca Buffalo Creek)
$10K TRICKS & TREATS
Win up to $500 free slot play every Thursday, plus every session winner receives a BOGO free buffet voucher! Every Thursday Sessions: 3 - 7 p.m. (Seneca Allegany)
November Events $35K BLACK FRIDAY HOT SEAT GIVEAWAY
$26K SLAP SHOT SWIPE & WIN DRAWINGS
$36K PLYNKO SWEEPSTAKES
HERO’S $10K HOT SEAT
One guest hourly will be selected to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win gift cards, free slot play, or $1K cash! Every Friday 2 - 8 p.m. (Seneca Niagara)
Play Plynko for up to $1K cash, one winner selected to play each hour! Every Tuesday Hourly drawings: 12 - 8 p.m. Finale: November 26, 8 p.m. (Seneca Buffalo Creek)
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AUTUMN 2019 INSIDE SENECA
Win instant prizes: Up to $1K free slot play or weekly drawing entry for a chance to win $1K cash! Every Tuesday 1 - 7 p.m. (Seneca Niagara)
Every 30 minutes one winner will receive $500 free slot play! Veterans Day Monday, November 11 Drawings: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Seneca Allegany)
BLACK FRIDAY BONUS
Present your Black Friday shopping receipt from any major retailer at the Social Club to receive $10 free slot play! Friday, November 29 9 a.m. - Midnight (Seneca Allegany)
Seasonal Events ULTIMATE BILLIEVE RV EXPEREINCE
One guest hourly will be selected to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win gift cards, free slot play, or $1K cash! Every Friday 2 - 8 p.m. (All properties)
$1M PRO FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
Now until Dec. 29th, correctly pick 205 out of 234 regular season Sunday and Monday games to win! Tuesdays at noon - Sundays at 1 p.m. Finale: December 29 (All properties)
Play our free online casino for a chance at real prizes! Sign up now and get 50,000 Free Play Credits.
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PREMIUM SLOTS ON THE GO
TURN YOUR TICKET INTO EXCITEMENT! Bring in your ticket from any local sporting event the night of the game or Buffalo Bills ticket within 48 hours to receive $
10 Free Slot Play or Free Table Bet win or lose!
Mobile tickets are not eligible. For details, visit the Social Club.
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TWO GREAT TEAMS JOIN TOGETHER!
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INSIDE
Gaming
Meet some of our lucky jackpot winners at Seneca properties!
Charles C.
Tarzan Seneca Niagara
$41,452
Steven C.
TripleStars Seneca Allegany
$20,000
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AUTUMN 2019 INSIDE SENECA
James G.
Dragon Link Seneca Niagara
$14,402
Tim F.
Dragon Link Seneca Buffalo Creek
$16,478
Joseph A.
Diamonds and Devils Seneca Allegany
$44,779
Victoria U.
Lightning Link Seneca Niagara
$15,197
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INSIDE
Hospitality
•
The newly renovated grand entrance makes a dramatic impact at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.
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AUTUMN 2019 INSIDE SENECA
NEW ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE AT SENECA NIAGARA PAYS HOMAGE TO SENECA HERITAGE By Charlotte Nauert Photograph by Tucker Kohnen
In a property as steeped in cultural significance as Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, no element is left to chance. Every detail is finely crafted to create an exquisite guest experience that is as beautiful and significant as it is alluring and exciting — and the newly redesigned arrival experience is no exception to that rule. •
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INSIDE
Hospitality The Eagle Feather
When arriving at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, guests are greeted with the elite customer service they’ve come to expect at all Seneca properties. So when it came time to redesign the arrival experience, it was important to both provide a strong continuation of this tradition of excellence at Seneca Resorts & Casinos, and also to honor the rich culture and history from which it came. “Every design component of the exquisite grand entrance takes that influence into account. “The significance of the design choices, as guests enter the property, lies in the clans of our nation and the single standing eagle feather,” explains Cultural Consultant Tyler Thompson. To unlock this storied significance, look no further than the history of Seneca heritage itself.
The Eight Clans
“The eight clans represent the extended family network that exists in our communities,” says Thompson. Signified by the large animal statues encircling the grand roundabout, “these extended families are symbolically broken into two groups of animals — land and air — each with their own roles and responsibilities to each other.” In a culture that is heavily familyoriented, it’s no wonder the clans play such a significant role across Seneca lore. “We are taught to believe that all people of the same clan have a common female ancestor,” esplains Thompson. “This system has been in place as long as we can remember and is maintained today as the basis for national and clan identity.”
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“The Eagle Feather as the centerpiece of the entryway is important because it is yet another form of identity unique to the Seneca Nation,” Thompson continues. When tribal members traveled outside of the territory or were greeting guests to Seneca land, they would wear a headdress adorned with eagle feathers attached to the cap. According to Thompson, “the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) all have a unique feather position for the eagle feather at the top of the cap as a way to identify one another.” In honor of this age-old custom, when guests arrive on property at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino they are welcomed in the same way. Symbolically, the presence of the eagle feather confirms Seneca identity and welcomes visitors to hollowed tribal territory. In the wake of this dramatic remodel, guests can begin their entertainment experience before they even step foot inside the property. Soaking in not only the fun and enjoyment to be had, but also the cultural setting that is truly one of a kind.
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THE ANIMALS OF THE CLANS
WINGED ANIMALS: Deer Heron Hawk Snipe LAND ANIMALS: Bear Wolf Beaver Turtle
A NEW EXPERIENCE Undeniably inviting, The Lobby Bar draws you in with its modern opulence and comfortable furnishings. Gather with canopy, and enjoy unique craft cocktails and our big screen TVs. Experience another one of Seneca Niagara’s newest signature attractions, The Lobby Bar. THE
A GATHERING PL ACE
BAR
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friends under the awe-inspiring beaded
INSIDE
Hospitality •
Native plant life, as well as various annuals and perennials, combine to create a stunning welcome in the redesigned landscape at Seneca Niagara.
Ancient Land, New Growth
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AT SENECA NIAGARA RESORT & CASINO IS A FLOURISHING NATIVE TRIBUTE By Charlotte Nauert Photographs by Tucker Kohnen
As the arrival experience at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino has been completely revamped, so has the landscaping. With carefully selected plant life that is native to the area, the new grand entrance thrives in every minute detail — right down to the visual and cultural impact of the landscape architecture.
A
The initial vision for the site was established by the architects at Marnell in Las Vegas, before the local Landscape Architects at Wendel further developed this design and gave it the necessary finishing details to come to life. “The exterior landscape features and the overall arrival experience needed to match the amazing design work occurring within the facility,” explains Dean Gowen, Senior Landscape Architect and Urban Planner at Wendel Companies. This necessity launched a long, carefully considered project that resulted in the beautiful landscaping now seen on the property. “The goal was to provide a grand gesture and ‘wow’ factor for the new front door to the Casino,” Gowen says. Mission accomplished.
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But despite the obvious visual impact of the new scenery, there’s much more to the picture. “For landscape architects, aesthetics is only one part of the overall puzzle,” says Gowen. “Most important is finding plantings that are right for the situation and will survive in the local conditions.” Considering water needs, salt spreading in the winter, climate, soil conditions, and the high-traffic nature of the area, this project wasn’t without its challenges. But the finished landscaping not only honors the architect’s vision — it also beautifully highlights the Cultural Plaza at the core of the entire arrival experience. The focal plantings around this design centerpiece — home to the striking Eagle Feather and Clan elements — were selected for their hardiness and aesthetic value. In addition, they were intended to stay low to the ground to keep open views of the area’s sculptural masterpieces. In keeping with the Seneca Nation Native Plant Policy, this landscaping project also strived to place only plantings that are indigenous to the local area. “All other trees and plantings throughout the project site are native to the Niagara Falls area and Western New York,” explains Gowen. “These plantings would be historically appropriate to the Seneca Nation and are on their native plant list.”
As a result, the plant life is not only a vital element of the property’s overall design, but also a beautiful tribute to the history behind it all.
CULTURALLY CONSIDERATE & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Indeed, another major landscape feature is the very large single White Pine sitting out in the open landscape, majestic and solitary. This native tree is historically symbolic to the Seneca Nation and represents part of the story of the creation of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
Native plantings are often able to withstand normal local weather conditions far better than any other plant life could. As a result, the landscaping at Seneca Niagara is historically acclimated to periodic drought conditions — meaning the larger site areas and perimeter do not have any irrigation systems built in. Water conservation is just one of the many benefits of honoring the native plant life of the region.
“The indigenous plant life also provides a more naturalistic aesthetic to counter-balance the much more formalized casino entrance and porte cochère,” adds Gowen. In addition, “the undulating landforms were meant to give a more naturalistic perimeter feeling” — which also obscures the view of traffic and helps to create a serene escape. As time goes on, the new plant life and the trees lining the entrance drive will establish and grow to provide an even more impressive entry experience than they already do. It’s just a matter of providing tender loving care as the landscape continues to flourish, utilizing the environmental consideration that grows deep in Seneca roots.
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An inside look at native stories, traditional foods and current events to maintain the culture’s legacy.
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Rich with culture and community, the Seneca Nation and Haudenosaunee people are recognized and celebrated daily across Seneca Resorts & Casinos — but it’s during Native American Heritage Month that tradition really unfolds. On the next 10 pages, discover native folklore and current initiatives that pay tribute to Seneca culture — as well as our guide to the best in-house celebrations and entertainment. Dine, dance, shop and explore at Seneca Resorts & Casinos all November long. All are welcome!
IT’S ALL HAPPENING HERE
Guide to Celebrating Native American Heritage Month at Seneca Resorts & Casinos Haudenosaunee Community Dinner Social
NOVEMBER 13 WEDNESDAY 5-8 P.M. Seneca Allegany Event Center Get a taste of authentic Haudenosaunee recipes such as corn soup and fry bread, along with traditional social songs and dancing. Craft vendors and door prizes will also be part of this lively, alcohol-free event.
Seneca Market
© ALEXANDER GRABCHILEV / STOCKSY UNITED
Native vendors showcase and share their craftsmanship on these select weekends and locations: NOVEMBER 1-2 NOVEMBER 8-9 FRIDAYS 4-9 P.M. SATURDAYS NOON-8 P.M. Seneca Niagara, 2nd floor near The Western Door NOVEMBER 2-3 NOVEMBER 9-10 NOVEMBER 16-17 SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. Seneca Allegany, located in the Hotel Lobby
Interactive Haudenosaunee Social Dance Demonstration
Both female and male performers will engage, educate and invite guests to participate in the songs and dances traditionally performed in celebration by the Six Nations that include Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora. NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAYS SHOW TIMES: 5 P.M. & 7 P.M. Seneca Niagara, located in the Hotel Lobby 30-minute exhibitions with descriptions of songs and dances. NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAYS SHOW TIMES: 4:30 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. Seneca Allegany, located in the Hotel Lobby 30-minute exhibitions with descriptions of songs and dances. NOVEMBER 7 NOVEMBER 14 NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAYS SHOW TIME: 4 P.M. Seneca Buffalo Creek, located on Casino Floor 1-hour exhibitions on casino floor with cultural history and storytelling included.
Rock Your Mocs Day
NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY Guests and patrons are invited to post a photo wearing their moccasins on social media to be entered into the Rock Your Mocs contest. The grand prize is a $100 food voucher and an overnight stay at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino or Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Details may be found at SenecaCasinos.com/NAHM
2019 Native American Music Awards Gala
NOVEMBER 2 SATURDAY 7 P.M. The Nammys offer an unforgettable evening celebrating Native American performers and showcasing their talent inside the Seneca Niagara Event Center. Featured performers include singer/songwriter Annie Humphrey, pianist Connor Chee, Buffalo-based house band the Ed Koban Group and many more. In addition to the evening’s star-studded entertainment, the gala tickets include a light buffet menu and an opening reception from 7-8 p.m. For tickets and more information on this special event, visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com
Entertainment at The Bear’s Den, Seneca Niagara
NOVEMBER 9 SATURDAY 8 P.M. Native superstar Brooke Simpson of “The Voice” is bringing her remarkable talent — coached by Miley Cyrus — to Seneca Niagara! Hear her amazing vocal depth and range in person. NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY 8 P.M. Mickie Laree James — once a popular, professional wrestler, James was inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame in October 2017 for her hardcore country sound. Hear favorites like “Shooting Blanks,” “Left Right Left” and so much more. NOVEMBER 22 AND 23 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8 P.M. Crystal Gayle is a country and pop music legend, a Cherokee Medal of Honor recipient and Cliffie Stone Pioneer Awardwinner, and member of both the Grand Ole Opry and Hollywood Walk of Fame. Enjoy hits from every era of her storied career as she performs for two nights. To catch these entertainers and more, visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com
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MASTER STORYTELLER PASSES DOWN SENECA LEGENDS As Told by Tyler Thompson
Seneca culture is rich with stories
that have been passed down through the generations since the dawn of time. This fall, Tyler Thompson — Master Teacher of the Seneca Nation of Indians — shares two classic fables from the region’s first people. So gather close around the crackling fireplace, with the scents of autumn crisp in the air, and share in these traditions as old as the hills themselves.
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(People of the Great Hill) Long ago, during a time when humans were still new to the earth, there stood a massive hill near a large lake. At this time, the area was inhabited by only the animals. One morning at sunrise, the earth at the base of the hill broke open and a young boy emerged from the opening. Very curious of his surroundings, the young boy wandered around the shore of the lake looking at the water and plant life. Soon he made his way up the steep hill to see what was at the summit. He noticed that it was flat at the top and the area was expansive — quite suitable for a lodge. The boy spent much of the day on top of the hill taking notice of all of the things that he could see there.
MICHAEL VENTURA / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
As he made his way back down the hill towards the area where he had come from, he heard what sounded like the voices of other people. As he walked closer and closer to the point that he had started from, he knew that he was no longer alone in this place. There were a great many people who had also emerged. The boy spoke to the others to tell them he had surveyed a place at the top of the hill that he thought would be suitable for lodges. There the people would create a village of many longhouses surrounded by a wall for security from intruders. The people referred to their place as Onödo:wah, or Great Hill. As the years passed, the people of Onödo:wah thrived. There were great gardens that grew the three sister plants — corn, beans and squash — enough to last the people through the entire winter and into the warm weather. The men were able to harvest all variety of large game animals and fish from the lake, and the people were content and happy. •
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But Raccoon had always been a bit of a nuisance to the village, known to sneak in during the night and take the food that was meant for the people — instead of taking from the garden that was planted for the wild animals. It happened that in this particular year the corn grew very plentiful in the community garden. Raccoon, seeing how bountiful the corn had grown, waited until nighttime when the people in the village were asleep. Then, he took two ears of corn from the lowest part of the stalk and made his way back to his nest so he could feast on the stolen treasure. Each night he continued to steal corn from the village in this way, until the stalks grew bare.
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As usual, Raccoon snuck into the village, and as usual he took corn from the bottom of the cornstalks. Once he had returned to his nest, raccoon peeled back the outer husk to expose the tender young green corn inside. However, this time, when raccoon grabbed the corn with his paws and began to eat, the garlic mustard powder began to burn him. He rubbed his eyes and mouth in pain, and the lesson was quickly learned. The next time the people saw raccoon, they noticed that his paws, mouth and eyes were now black from being burned by the garlic-mustard powder, and would remain that way for all time as punishment for his thievery. And from that day on, forever remembering the time he was burned, raccoon would wash his food before he ate.
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SVETLANA FOOTE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
It was the moon of the Green Corn, and the people of a Seneca village were preparing to harvest the corn and give thanks to Creator for providing such an important source of food.
The people of the village devised a plan to teach the little thief a lesson. They carefully dusted the ears of corn on the bottom of the remaining stalks with the crushed flowers of garlic-mustard plants to set the trap.
MODERN Masterpieces
From the Flavors of the Past SAVOR THE RICH HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL SENECA FOODS By Charlotte Nauert
“Historically, the Seneca people gathered for one large meal midmorning,” says Chef Montez Crane, culinary mastermind behind Phillips WD Bar & Grille at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. “The Seneca were great farmers and most of their diet consisted of items they grew.” The most important crops were corn, beans and squashes — known as the “three sisters.” Traditional foods included cornbread, corn soup, fish and various stews. “Stews and soups were made from the vegetables that tribal women grew or gathered, and meat the men would bring back from a hunt,” Chef Montez explains. “The deer was the most important game animal for the Seneca, not only for its meat but for its hide. No part of an animal was wasted.” Today, that dedication to natural, real flavors and culinary creativity lives on in the form of annual specials and seasonal menus around the Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties. “We hold Seneca Culture Nights that offer traditional dishes,” Chef Montez says. “November is a special time as all the outlets feature some traditional items to highlight Native American Heritage Month. Some of the featured items this year include: Grilled Venison, Three Sisters Soup, Roast Turkey With Wild Onion Gravy, and Wild Rice With Honey Roasted Pumpkin.” Dive deeper into the flavors of the past by exploring the Seneca Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca, which has special exhibits concerning Seneca foods and the clay pottery used to prepare it. Also, the Ganondagan Seneca Culture Center in Victor features traditional recipes on their website, so you can try your hand at preparing dishes rich in flavor and history. As the Seneca people have known for generations: It’s a taste to savor.
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TRADITIONAL FOODS GATHERED FROM THE REGION There are many foods and animals indigenous to the area that are important to Seneca heritage. These include: •ACORNS AND VARIOUS NUTS. The nuts were boiled, and the oil skimmed from the top of the pot was used to flavor foods. •WILD BERRIES AND FRUITS. According to the creation story, the strawberry was the first plant provided for the Seneca, and so it was particularly prized. Fruits such as apples and pears also grew in the area. •ROOTS. Garlic and onions were treasured and used to flavor stews. •MAPLE SAP AND HONEY. These natural flavors were used to sweeten foods. •FISH, CLAMS AND OYSTERS. Found in the coastal regions, seafood provided rich nourishment and flavor. •BIRDS AND POULTRY. These include wild fowl such as turkey, duck and goose. •SMALL GAME SUCH AS RABBIT, SQUIRREL, FOX AND BEAVER. One traditional dish consisted of winter squashes hollowed of their seeds and filled with beaver fat, then roasted in a fire. •LARGE GAME SUCH AS ELK, MOOSE AND DEER. Providing every resource from meat to warm hides, large game was treated with reverence.
© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ZUFAR KAMILOV
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At Seneca Resorts & Casinos, the food and beverage options offer much more than world-class fare — they also provide delicious insight into historical Seneca culture. This celebration of the traditional foods enjoyed by the area’s first people is a special part of the region’s identity.
BRING YOUR DATE NIGHT TO LIFE
Phillips WD Bar & Grille is the perfect place to bring your first date or the love of your life. Indulge in a delectable dinner with our special date night menu for only $
39 per person. Make Date Night a ritual every
Thursday at Phillips WD Bar & Grille.
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Hanna Valentine, Seneca, Wolf clan
CULTIVATING WITH A PURPOSE The Iroquois White Corn Project Restores Traditional Farming and Community Outreach By Kat Corona-Pilgrim Photographs by Caleb Abrams
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It was the mid 1990s when Dr. John Mohawk and Dr. Yvonne Dion-Buffalo founded the Iroquois White Corn Project. Founded on the intent of reintroducing the traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) diet and farming methods to local communities, the project is steadily becoming a national sensation decades later.
Reviving Traditional Methods Historically, tending the Ganondagan farmlands —now home to the Iroquois White Corn Project — was a collective effort led by women who served as agricultural leaders to organize the workforce and delegate responsibilities. This commitment to farming was a full-time, hands-on experience and still remains so. Much of what is done today to preserve this ‘of the earth’ process can only be produced by hand, as machinery has been found to damage the crop. Hand-grown, hand-picked, hand-processed — the corn produced by team members of the Iroquois White Corn Project represents the heart and soul that goes into the process. The corn is meticulously processed five times, which includes intense inspection prior to being sent to a concentrated washing process. “From upholding a clean kitchen, to purposely choosing each ear of corn, down to the packaging selected — everything is deeply intentional,” says G. Peter Jemison, Historic Site Manager of Ganondagan. “We aim to provide the healthiest, most beneficial product for our community and spread the traditional values of our heritage.” Volunteers and employed team members are exceptionally mindful when it comes to production as the traditional Haudenosaunee belief is that the peace of mind and strong connection to spirit is transferred onto the food produced. Consumers can rest assured that they’ll receive a spoonful of goodness and light within each meal. In continuing to reestablish the customary efforts of the cooperative workforce, the Iroquois White Corn Project strives to
collaborate with local vendors, currently purchasing excess corn from native farmers in the area to support the indigenous community, while in turn supplying their own high demand for Iroquois White Corn products. Boosting Local Engagement While the mission of the Iroquois White Corn Project has mainly been to restore the methods of processing traditional Haudenosaunee foods to Native American communities and beyond, the current team also strives to leverage this project as a means to provide a source of income for the Friends of Ganondagan. The non-profit corporation is dedicated to supporting the Ganondagan State Historic Site, home of the Iroquois White Corn Project. To boost local interest (and revenue), the Friends of Ganondagan produce local annual events, such as the Indigenous Music & Arts Festival — their biggest event of the year. This year, more than 200 volunteers devoted their charitable time to the event, overflowing with Native American culture and celebration. Also featured at the festival were the popular Iroquois White Corn products that nearly sold out at the Ganondagan gift shop.
“ We aim to provide the healthiest, most beneficial product for our community and spread the traditional values of our heritage.”
The products produced by the Iroquois White Corn Project include: white corn flour, hulled white corn and roasted white corn flour — none of which would be possible without the employees and volunteers of the project. Most recently, it’s the younger members who have brought their energy and thirst to learn the customary farming methods. This has resurfaced an overall interest in agriculture from the community. “The demand is high as supporters and interest are rapidly growing and more and•
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“ The demand is high as supporters and interest are rapidly growing and more and more young people are gravitating towards the idea of traditional farming.” more young people are gravitating towards the idea of traditional farming,” says Jemison. And while it’s important to pass along the customary teachings of generating Iroquois white corn to the community at large, it’s the young workers who will carry the tradition for years to come. Brightening the Future Every October, the Project opens up the farmhouse and welcomes the public to join in on an annual Husking Bee — a moment shared with volunteers who spend their entire day husking and braiding handpicked Iroquois white corn grown over the year, then hanging the long braids of corn cobs to prepare for future use. Truly a traditional pastime come to life, community members gather with family and friends to learn the process of grating, husking and braiding corn as they socialize and savor a tasty bowl of soup made from Iroquois white corn products as their compensation. While the gracious farming event has gained popularity with each passing year, so have the products themselves. This year, the Iroquois white corn made its debut at a gala in Los Angeles as well established chefs nationwide continue to give the products a try and gain interest. Gourmet chefs in the local Niagara Falls region have also been actively seeking the products to introduce their restaurant patrons to the local, cultural flavor. The future looks bright for the Iroquois White Corn Project as more and more one-stop markets carry its products and the cultural commitment is represented through collaborations with organizations such as the Seneca Nation of Indians and Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. One of the most exciting recent outcomes of the project has been the recipes created and shared by enthusiastic supporters who find creative ways to make dishes using the healthy, gluten-free corn flour in foods such as tortillas and even ice cream.
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SENECA IROQUOIS NATIONAL MUSEUM
ONÖHSAGWË:DE’ CULTURAL CENTER “The Seneca-Iroquois National Museum is now housed in the new Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center. The building is dedicated to the honorable presentation of Haudenosaunee history and contemporary culture. We are excited to share our living museum, which features all new exhibits, with the world.” Come See Our Featured Exhibit “Indian Ink”
Hours of Operation:
Monday 9:00 am to 5:oo pm Tuesday 9:00 am to 8:oo pm Wednesday 9:00 am to 8:oo pm Thursday 9:00 am to 8:oo pm Friday 9:00 am to 5:oo pm Saturday 9:00 am to 5:oo pm Sunday 9:00 am to 5:oo pm *Subject to Change.
Check out our on-line gift shop for exclusive merchandise and handmade items from members of the Six Nations www.senecamuseum.org
“Our Museum Gift Shop is also open during normal operating hours.”
(716)945-1760 senecamuseum.org Follow us on Instagram: @senecairoquoisnationalmuseum
82 West Hetzel St., Salamanca, NY 14779 Gwede Cultural ad.indd 1
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Entertainment
JANE LYNCH
THE EMMY & GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD WINNER PROMISES A NIGHT OF CAROLING & LAUGHTER By Kat Corona-Pilgrim
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©GETTYIMAGES
An Exclusive Q&A With
This December, award-winning singer, actress and funny girl, Jane Lynch, is bringing her jolly good Christmas tour to the Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. And even more exciting — she’ll have comedic and talented backup! For the full scoop on what to expect from this memorable and festive two-night performance, Lynch shares the following: With ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas’ released in November 2016, how special is it for you to share this holiday favorite four years in a row? This tour is now becoming a tradition! I think after two years or something it’s officially a tradition. It’s a big lovefest for all of us: the guys in the band, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and me. We love doing the show and it gets us into the spirit. What surprises are in store for ‘Jane Lynch’s Christmas Show’ at Seneca? It’s a big, swingin’, fun, hilarious and musically gorgeous Christmas show! We do traditional carols everyone will recognize, beautifully arranged as jazz and big band numbers. Will there be special guests joining you on stage? Kate Flannery, who played Meredith in “The Office,” is my sidekick and singing pal for decades going back to our Chicago salad days. Kate tends to be the wildcard in our show. We never know what she’s going to do and that’s what makes it so fun and every show so uniquely special. Tim Davis has a gorgeous voice and is handsome as all get out and we call him our eye candy. He spent the last year touring and singing with Barbra Streisand so we were really lucky to get him back from her for this holiday tour.
What’s the one thing you want fans — new or returning — to take away from this show? They’ll take away some holiday spirit with them, that’s for sure! Their toes will be tapping and their hearts will be full of Christmas joy. We’re also selling our CD afterwards so they can take all of us and our music home with them. And we’ll sign them if they want. And shake their hand if they want. And take a picture, what the heck. What do you love most about the Christmas show? This show is nonstop upbeat Christmas fun. We smile through the whole thing, and the audience tends to smile through the whole thing. Which song from the album is your favorite to perform and why? I adore our opening number. It’s an original written and composed by Tony Guererro, our band leader. It’s called “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” and it’s also the title of our album. It’s a high-octane, tight three-part harmony and just a joy to open the show with. What do you love most about the holiday season? My favorite thing about the holidays is the Christmas music. Always has been, always will be. I listen to the same albums over and over again every Christmas, the same records we played when I was a kid. It brings back memories of being young and innocent when Christmas was experienced as something magical. How do you get into the Christmas spirit? Music gets me in the spirit, and burning a little bit of pine in a miniature log cabin that I’ve had since I was a child. What’s on Jane’s Christmas list this year? All I want for Christmas is to keep doing this show with these people for all of you every year. Details for this special event can be found at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com.
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AUTUMN 2019 INSIDE SENECA
VANESSA WILLIAMS’ MAGICAL HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE Entertainment Superstar Enchants Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino By Kat Corona-Pilgrim Photograph by Gilles Toucas
V
Vanessa Williams knows just how to bring style and elegance to every song and performance she’s part of, whether on Broadway or at the GRAMMYs. So if you’ve never seen this American icon sing live — now’s your chance!
Dazzling the stage this season, Williams will bring along her mix of hits that range from pop, dance, R&B, adult contemporary, Latin, gospel and jazz. Guests at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino can also look forward to her performing various Broadway selections from shows she’s starred in, plus a few holiday favorites from Williams’ Christmas album, “Star Bright.” Williams is one of the most respected and diverse artists who has crossed the barriers of the entertainment industry from music to television — and she’s done so with great panache. Having received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, Williams knows how to wow fans from all sides of her multifaceted career. "I love watching the fans that only know me from my TV roles [“Ugly Betty,” “Desperate Housewives”] who discover my hits on the radio — then make the connection," says Williams.
Beyond her much-anticipated performance at the Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Williams’ fans can also look forward to new music she’s currently producing. It’s been 10 years since her last release, “The Real Thing.” This new album for BMG Records will reunite her with longtime music industry executive and friend Ed Eckstine, who signed Williams for her first record deal. One thing is certain: A magical night awaits Vanessa Williams’ fans. With the holidays just around the corner, it won’t take long for the audience to get into the festive spirit with her lively music and infectious enthusiasm for the most magical time of year. Williams shares, "I love the holidays and can't wait to have all my kids together since I'm now an empty-nester! Cooking, decorating and hosting dinner parties always gets me in the holiday spirit." Lucky guests at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will get two chances to see this superstar entertainer: once at her Bear’s Den performance, and the other as Williams takes part in this year’s Christmas tree lighting at the resort. Details for both events can be found at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com.
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Entertainment
SENECA EVENTS CALENDAR Seneca Resorts & Casinos feature the best in entertainment at a variety of venues at our Niagara and Allegany properties. There’s never a dull moment with world-famous performers, jaw-dropping shows, must-see concerts and the region’s best live bands. Purchase tickets at the Sunglass kiosk at Seneca Niagara (across from Swarovski), The Logo Shop at Seneca Allegany, or online at TicketMaster.com.
October
December
Journey
Vanessa Williams
OCTOBER 2, 2019 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Event Center
Frankie Avalon
OCTOBER 4 & 5, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
Seneca Fight Night Presents All Star Boxing OCTOBER 18, 2019 7 p.m. Seneca Niagara Event Center
Cinderella’s Tom Keifer
OCTOBER 18, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
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Family Feud Live: Celebrity Edition OCTOBER 26, 2019 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Seneca Allegany Event Center
November 2019 Native American Music Awards Gala (Nammys) NOVEMBER 2, 2019 7 p.m. Seneca Niagara Event Center
DECEMBER 4 & 5, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
An Evening with Brooke Simpson of ‘The Voice’ NOVEMBER 9, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
An Evening with Mickie James NOVEMBER 15, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
NOVEMBER 16, 2019 7 p.m. Seneca Allegany Event Center
Crystal Gayle
NOVEMBER 22, 2019 & NOVEMBER 23, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
AM Gold: Yacht Rock Party
DECEMBER 6, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
Brett Young
DECEMBER 14, 2019 7 p.m. Seneca Allegany Event Center
Jane Lynch’s ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas’
DECEMBER 19 & 20, 2019 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Information current at time of publishing and subject to change.
Wayne Brady
NOVEMBER 30, 2019 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Event Center
Coco Montoya
NOVEMBER 3, 2019 8 p.m. Bear's Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara
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EVENTS WITH A LITTLE EXTRA At Seneca Resorts & Casinos your meeting, banquet, conference, or wedding is in great hands with our team of experts. For us, it’s not simply about planning your event - it’s about creating a lasting memory for you and your guests. Plan your event with us and you get more than just a venue you’re also getting an action-packed SENECACASINOS.COM
gaming floor, award winning hotel, Spa & Salon, and much more.
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Western New York
ULRICH’S 1868 TAVERN
Down on the
DREW BROWN
Corner
NEIGHBORHOOD BARS Offer a Unique Slice of Buffalo
BY B RIA N HAYD EN
They’re anchored all over Buffalo – alongside railroad tracks, in the shadow of church steeples, and next to factories and warehouses. The city’s corner taverns and ethnic social clubs have long been the straw that stirs Buffalo’s drink – the glue of its neighborhoods and a meeting place outside of work that forge the ties that bind generations of Buffalonians together over a cold beer and a good conversation. While new craft cocktail bars and breweries have opened and feature exposed brick walls and Edison light bulbs, these watering holes with $3 cans of Genny Cream Ale and Utica Club have taken on a whole new meaning. Juke boxes, original wooden bars, vintage barstools and decades-old beverage coolers keep the beer extra cold and evoke a kind of cool that cannot be replicated. Here are four historic bars to wet your whistle and acquaint you with the very fabric of Buffalo. 34
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ULRICH’S 1868 TAVERN If only the walls of Ulrich’s 1868 Tavern – Buffalo’s oldest watering hole – could talk. They might share how the U.S. Secret Service stopped by when President Grover Cleveland was in town and ordered potato pancakes for the commander in chief and ex-Buffalo mayor. Or that bar staff used a pulley system behind the beverage coolers to lower beer into the basement when police came to inspect during Prohibition. These are the stories still swapped to this day at this historically German tavern on the northern edge of downtown. Wooden floors and vintage 1875 ceiling lamps greet customers walking in. Relics from throughout Ulrich’s history surround the mahogany bar, from the stained glass windows behind the counter advertising Buffalo’s Iroquois Brewing Co. to a spittoon for chewing customers. Bratwurst, Wiener schnitzel and German potato salad are still on the menu, and jars of pickled eggs and sausages line the shelf.
(ham, swiss cheese and onion on toasted rye.) One of its most popular drinks is seasonal: The Tom and Jerry (rum, brandy, meringue and hot water topped with a dash of nutmeg) is such an institution at the holidays that patrons can even bring home the mug it’s served in.
Much has changed since Ulrich’s first opened as a grocery-saloon in 1868; the German immigrant community and Trico windshield wiper plant that once neighbored the tavern have been replaced by an innovation lab for startups and the gleaming Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. But what hasn’t changed is the spirit Anthony Bourdain once described during a winter visit: “Cold and harsh outside, warm and hospitable inside.” 674 Ellicott St., Buffalo ulrichstavern.com
The Place features dark mahogany walls with forest green plaid wallpaper, a copper top bar, hardwood floors, plush green booths and brass light fixtures. It’s one of Buffalo’s only restaurants with a covered front porch – a nod to the front porches adorning the neighborhood’s Victorian homes. While the menu and décor has evolved over 140 years, The Place’s ability to connect Buffalonians of all stripes over a pint, good conversation and a warm meal has remained the same. 229 Lexington Ave., Buffalo theplacebuffalo.com
ROHALL’S CORNER Stepping into Rohall’s Corner is like spending an evening in your “grandfather’s old rec room,” according to owner Greg Rohall. There are ketchup-and-mustard colored walls, brown and red floor tiling, recessed lighting, glass block windows and a back wooden bar stocked with hard liquor.
ADAM MICKIEWICZ LIBRARY AND DRAMATIC CIRCLE A quick glance through the 30 different beers and 70 liquors available at the Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle reveals this is no ordinary bar. Zywiec and Okocim beers are on tap, cans of Tyskie are in the fridge and bottles of Krupnik and more than a dozen Polish vodkas
Rohall had searched for the perfect spot to own a corner tavern after a lengthy bartending career. He found it in Black Rock at a corner tavern that opened in 1946, closed in 1984, and sat vacant for more than two decades with its postwar character intact before reopening in 2011 as Rohall’s Corner.
line the shelves. For the cost of a cover charge at a bar in a larger city – just $10 – visitors can become a member of this private club that has been a staple of Buffalo’s East Side for more than 120 years. It’s well worth it; the Adam Mickiewicz is one of the most unique drinking and cultural experiences in Western New York – and beyond. Arrivals from Poland in the 1890s built the club – which also features a library with centuries-old Polish books and an auditorium that’s Buffalo’s longest operating theater – as a way to keep the connection to their heritage strong. The bar is tucked away inside the club – enter the front door and walk through a foyer and an old parlor room with a pool table and a 1950s jukebox to get there. Maps of Poland line the walls of the bar, which is open every Friday and Saturday night, and it’s not unheard of to still hear members sitting at the barstools speaking Polish. 612 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo facebook.com/AdamMickiewiczLibrary andDramaticCircle
Those 27 years of dormancy preserved the look and feel of the tavern that otherwise would have been remodeled. The original wooden coolers still keep the beer cold, including rare and vintage finds like Utica Club – one of the popular blue-collar beers of Buffalo’s industrial heyday – and Stiegl from Salzburg, Austria. Rohall’s successfully straddles a fine line between an old-time “shot and a beer” joint serving Old Vienna and Pabst Blue Ribbon to a contemporary bar offering live piano music and an extensive wine list. Its humble exterior along Amherst Street conceals one of the city’s top hidden gems. 540 Amherst St., Buffalo
The quiet corner of Lexington and Ashland Avenues has been a gathering spot since the 1870s, when horse drawn carriages leaving Buffalo stopped by the wood-frame building for a meal. In 1941, new owner Bernie Flynn turned the place into The Place and introduced menu items that remain to this day like the “Flynnie’s Thinnie” sandwich
DREW BROWN
THE PLACE Those in the know in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village stray from its busy streets to enjoy one of its most storied watering holes.
THE PLACE
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Western New York
Whether you’re a foodie, a sports buff, an outdoor enthusiast or a lover of the arts and culture, Western New York has everything — for everyone! Here’s a look at some of the local events happening this season.
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Things are about to get spooky... spooky-fun! Visit the new Onöhsagwë:de’ Culture Center at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum on October 26 from 5-8 p.m. for this year’s Spooktacular Family Fun Day. Everyone is welcome to join in on kid craft activities, dine and shop amongst the food and craft vendors, and listen in on traditional scary stories shared by the Museum. For more information, visit SenecaMuseum.org.
Sports fans and former athletes will appreciate this star-studded event as 13 new members will be inducted in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 7. Open to the public, the nonprofit honors those who have enhanced the community with their performances and commitment to Western New York sports. For the full list of this year’s honorees and to get your tickets to this special event, visit BuffaloSportsHallFame.com.
Spectacular Halloween Fun
Sports Hall of Fame Induction
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Downtown Buffalo harborfront from Lake Erie
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DANITA DELIMONT CREATIVE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
124th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot
Get your running shoes and join in on “The Oldest Consecutively Run Footrace in the World!” Since 1896, runners have competed in the 8K YMCA Turkey Trot, a holiday event that attracts serious runners, amateurs and team competitors alike. The race begins on Delaware Avenue, and continues into downtown Buffalo. Consider joining the Thanksgiving event (November 28), and sign up at YMCATurkeyTrot.org.
11.30, 12.7 & 12.14
Jingle Falls USA
Christmas is coming to Downtown Niagara Falls for a three-weekend holiday celebration at Jingle Falls USA! On Saturday, November 30, December 7 and December 14, come and take wonder in a variety of family-friendly activities including: Santa sightings, make-and-take crafts, gingerbread wonderland, candlelight strolling and the outdoor tree lighting. Visit NiagaraFallsUSA.com/JingleFalls-USA for the full event calendar for each Saturday.
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All December long, see the Niagara Power Vista transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a dazzling display of reusable trees, adorned with energy-efficient holiday lights and decorated by local non-profit groups starting December 1. In addition to viewing the trees, visitors are invited to enjoy the Power Vista’s state-of-theart exhibits by taking a seat in the 4-D simulated ride, building a dam or simulating the coordination of power across the state and more. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit NYPA.gov/Communities/VisitorsCenters/Niagara-Power-Vista.
Join Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino as they light up the holiday season. The whole community is invited to attend the Seneca Niagara Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Seneca Square (in front of Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino - 4th Street entrance) on Wednesday, December 4. Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, and enjoy cookies, cocoa, singing, as well as a complimentary performance by Vanessa Williams! This event is free and open to the public. Visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com for more details.
Festival of Trees
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Tree Lighting
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Culture
Honoring Deerfoot
Seneca Descendant and Running Legend Inducted into Western New York Running Hall of Fame By Caleb G. Abrams
It is a hazy August evening in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village
and running enthusiasts from all across the region have gathered at Bidwell Park for the Western New York Running Hall of Fame’s annual 5K and induction ceremony. There is a friendly, communal energy in the air as competitors, spectators, organizers and volunteers bustle about: chatting, laughing and stretching. Childish Gambino’s 2018 hit “Feels Like Summer” shimmers in the background, punctuated by calls from the MC reminding attendees of the race’s 6:30 p.m. start time. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Fred Gordon, Jack Meegan and Lewis “Deerfoot” Bennett. Gordon, a Buffalo resident and 2:25 marathoner, is in attendance this evening for the induction ceremony. Meegan’s daughter, Erin Meegan, and two descendants of Bennett, Darrell Bennett and Leslie McComber, Sr., are on hand to accept the award on behalf of their relatives. “It’s an honor to be here. [It] means a lot that he’s being recognized like this — being remembered for his accomplishments back in the day,” says, McComber, Bennett’s great-great grandson. Lewis “Deerfoot” Bennett, an enrolled citizen of the Seneca Nation and member of the Snipe Clan, was born on the Seneca’s Cattaraugus Territory in the 1820s (there’s some debate regarding the exact year). At his peak during the 1850s and 1860s, he was arguably the fastest distance runner in the world.
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The only known photo of Deerfoot, taken early in 1862.
Bennett’s talents were first recognized in 1856 after he won a five-mile race at the Erie County Fair in 25 minutes flat. Soon after, he was competing in contests across the country. At a race in New York City, Bennett caught the attention of running coach George Martin. In 1861, impressed by his performance in NYC, Martin recruited Bennett for a 20-month running tour in England where he competed against many of the best long distance runners in the world, defeating most of them. Bennett set world records for the ten- and eleven-mile races, as well as the one-hour competition. Along the way, he picked up the nickname “Deerfoot.” Bennett quickly gained fame and attention in England with his wildly impressive times, antics (on and off the race track) and his often revealing athleticwear pro-
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pelling him to stardom. Much of his popularity was due to the fabricated public image he and his management carefully constructed through various performances and stunts. Stories of Bennett publicly refusing to sleep in hotel beds, opting to lay on the floor instead wrapped in a bear skin, or his dramatic delivery of “war-cries” or “warrior-whoops” before or after a race, exemplify such efforts. While many of these acts were staged to gain publicity and maintain the character, it is true that Bennett preferred his moccasins over conventional running shoes or track spikes. Bennett’s successful career in England continued following the initial tour with Martin. The duo parted ways after Martin’s plans to fix races to bolster Bennett’s reputation were exposed. Bennett proceeded without Martin for a period of time before eventually leaving England. Once home, he remained an active runner, though he limited his competitive efforts to the northeast United States. Bennett died in 1896 with his obituary appearing in The New York Times — illustrating his widespread fame and recognition during his lifetime. Bennett was laid to rest on the Seneca’s Cattaraugus Territory, though was later reinterred at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York, in 1901. He is buried alongside other Seneca leaders including Hasanöanda’ (Ely S. Parker) and Shagóye:wa:ta’ (Red Jacket). It is 7:30 p.m. now — faintly cooler than it was an hour ago. The 5K is finished and attendees are congregating near the stage for the awards service and this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Board of directors president and race director, Bill Donnelly — brother of western New York running icon, Tom Donnelly, whose name the organization’s annual 5K bears — appears onstage. After delivering opening remarks, Donnelly introduces local sports reporter/editor and columnist Budd Bailey, who will be conducting the induction ceremony. “Deerfoot” descendants, Bennett and McComber, are seated on stage, alongside Fred Gordon and Erin Meegan. Bailey proceeds to share brief bios on each new inductee, beginning with Bennett. “A great many runners have passed through western New York, but only one can be called a world record-holder. That man is Lewis Bennett.” He goes on to acknowledge Bennett’s descendants, saying, “I can tell you that they are still proud of the accomplishments of this running legend” — and he is right. In fact, McComber believes that sense of pride is mutual. “I have grandchildren that can fly on the lacrosse field. They can run like mad and I’m sure that Deerfoot would be awfully proud of them,” McComber says with a big smile. “His legacy is alive and well.”
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“ I have grandchildren that can fly on the lacrosse field. They can run like mad and I’m sure that Deerfoot would be awfully proud of them....His legacy is alive and well.” —Leslie McComber, Sr
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FROM TOP: Western New York Running Hall of Fame's Class of 2019 recipient (Gordon) and family representatives (Meegan & Bennett). Annual Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K in Buffalo's Elmwood Village
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A LOOK AHEAD
Escape into our luxurious Tranquility Room in the next issue of Inside Seneca. Located in The Spa & Salon at Seneca Allegany Resort& Casino, it’s the perfect way to indulge both body and mind before or after a spa service. In this quiet, serene space, guests experience pure relaxation as they sink into comfy seating, recharge in the dim lighting, and cozy up to the roaring fireplace and soothing salt lamps. Stay tuned, and we’ll give you all the inside info you need to take your winter escape to new levels of tranquil perfection.
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GALINA FEDOSEEVA / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
WINTER | 2019
SENECACASINOS.COM
TIME TO HIT LIFE’S LITTLE RESET BUTTON
The luxurious Spa & Salon in Niagara and Allegany offers an escape and a place to unwind. Prepare to be pampered as you treat yourself to relaxation and rejuvenation. Ask about complimentary day-long use of our pool, sauna, and locker room when you book an extended treatment. You’ll soon learn why The Spa & Salon is quite possibly the region’s best kept secret.
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INSIDE SENECA SUMMER 2019
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ENTERTAINMENT SO CLOSE, YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE ON STAGE Imagine your favorite entertainer performing in your living room. Showroom. With only 440 seats and impeccable acoustics, it’s the perfect setting for getting up-close-andpersonal with the world’s greatest musicians and comedians. You won’t find another venue like this in all of Western New York.
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That’s what it’s like at the Bear’s Den