Seneca Today Magazine - Fall 2012 Issue

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New HoteL tower opeNS

AT SENEcA ALLEgANY cASiNo & hoTEL

SlotS, table GameS, DininG anD Spa aDD to tHe

Excitement FALL 2012

fun in nearby ELLicoTTviLLE, NEw York

opportunitieS for luxury WortH SHarinG ThiS FALL SenecaCasinos.com 1



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Table of Contents 6

Expanded Hotel Tower Adds Excitement at Seneca Allegany Casino

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Experience Luxury Worth Sharing This Fall Seneca Allegany and Ellicottville: Double the Fun for Tourists

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Excitement with a Chance to Win: Enjoy 2,000 Slots at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel

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Table Games Deliver Social Excitement at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel

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A Bright Career Is In the Cards Flavors Worth Sharing at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel

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The Spa & Salon at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Offers the Ultimate in Pampering Banquets, Weddings, and Everything in Between National Motorcycle Challenge Rolls through Seneca Nation Territory

30 Voices of the Senecas 40 Seneca Nation History and Government 44 Fall in Love with World-Class Entertainment at Seneca Casinos! 52

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Seneca Casinos’ Newest Addition Brightens Niagara Falls Skyline Seneca Casinos Gets Social Savory Sips Inc.


President Dan Pasco vp business developMent & marketing Gary MacGregor EDITOR Richard Nicol Design Rob Petrullo Vanessa Furtado Michelle McLean contributing writers Tony Astran, Seneca Gaming Corporation Leslie Logan, SNI Foreign Relations Communications Director Advertising Consultants Gail Cerrone Coral Bellisle Catherine Puinno Michael Speck It management Justin Soungie Head Office 2722 St. Paul Ave., Niagara Falls ON L2J 2L4 905-356-7283 for american advertising 877-888-2825 For a selection of our magazines please visit www.revpublishing.com

Welcome Welcome to Luxury Worth Sharing! High-energy gaming and guest service are part of any good casino. But great casinos offer truly memorable experiences and have the feeling of a resort getaway – a key component of which is a quality hotel. This fall, it’s a historic time for Seneca Casinos as we open a new hotel wing at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Our available rooms will nearly double in number, from 212 to 413. In this issue of Seneca Today magazine, you’ll read about the many reasons why our property at the foot of the majestic Allegany Mountains is Luxury Worth Sharing. Inside, there are 2,000 of the latest slot machines and 33 actionpacked table games, seven locations for delicious food, world-class entertainers at Seneca Allegany Events Center, tranquil treatment rooms in The Spa & Salon, shopping outlets, and much more. But it’s a stay in one of the AAA Four Diamond Award–winning hotel rooms that allows you the added time and convenience to experience all these things during your visit. Let us share the Seneca experience with you this fall at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views with colorful foliage and see for yourself why you’ll never want to leave once you’ve had the getaway experience. It’s a wonderful feeling that’s worth sharing with others. Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel simply feels like luxury – you can bet on that. Sincerely,

Seneca Today is published by Rev Publishing Inc. All opinions expressed in Seneca Today are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Seneca Gaming Corporation employees or owners. All unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs submitted are assumed to be intended for publication or republication in whole or in part. The right to alter, edit or refuse photos and/or manuscripts intended for publication is assumed. All unsolicited material submitted to Seneca Today are submitted at the author’s risk. Manuscripts and or photographs intended to be returned must be accompanied by sufficient postage. Seneca Today does not assume any responsibility for any claims of our advertisers and reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Rob Chamberlain Senior Vice President, Design and Construction Seneca Gaming Corporation

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Expanded Hotel Tower Adds Excitement at Seneca Allegany Casino

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his fall, there will be twice as many quality hotel rooms for guests to love at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, as a new $53 million hotel tower will add more than

200 rooms. And for the property as a whole, this addition will create experiences unlike ever before.


The perpendicular wing creates a T-shape for the hotel, upping the overall room count from 212 to 413. Construction began in 2008 but was suspended due to the economic downturn. Crews resumed work in December 2011 and are nearly three months ahead of schedule and under budget, mainly due to the dedicated efforts of the construction manager, Seneca Construction Management Corporation (SCMC), and the many trade contractors involved. But the new hotel tower isn’t just about new rooms; it’s a game-changer for Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel and the Southern Tier Region.

upscale oversized bathroom with dual sinks, a very large shower with a tower of pulsating jets, and a chaise lounge. This is adjacent to a relaxing bubble tub that faces a unique floating divider wall and flat-screen TV. The end suites have similarly luxurious oversized bathrooms with the same shower system, and also feature a lounge / cocktail area with its own large screen TV and sound system, completely separate from the bedroom. The new tower also offers the ability for guests to purchase super-suites, which consist of an end suite, corner suite, and deluxe King room sectioned-off at the far end of the floor.

“This is an opportunity to show twice as many guests every night about our great hospitality,” said Marc Papaj, vice president of resort operations, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “It will go a long way to further shift the mindset of Seneca Allegany being ‘just a casino’ to a ‘destination resort.’”

All 413 rooms offer spectacular views of the Allegany Mountains – especially newlycreated rooms facing south, which will have completely unobstructed mountain vistas. All existing rooms also received $1.2 million in renovations and look just like rooms in the new hotel tower. Coming on the heels of the new construction will be wireless Internet access throughout the hotel.

Among the new rooms are nine 735-squarefoot corner suites and nine 710-square-foot end suites. The corner suites feature an

Papaj said the new hotel tower creates many new possibilities for Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, particularly as it relates to

the larger Southern Tier Region. “I think people coming to the region might have known about the hotel and its quality, but thought, ‘Oh, that’s the hotel that’s always sold out,’” he said. “Now, with more space, we’re going to look into more package deals, such as the existing partnerships we have with the ski resorts in Ellicottville.” The added rooms will also have a major impact on weddings, meetings and banquets. “We have the capability and have gotten demand for large weddings, but when there are only 212 hotel rooms and most are booked well in advance, it can deter bookings – especially from people who live out of town,” Papaj said. “Now, we can not only look at larger weddings but also reunions, gatherings, regional meetings, and corporate trainings. This opens up a whole new market of things we previously hadn’t been able to pursue.” Most importantly, the new hotel tower creates a new experience for casino guests. “Some people have tried a bit of what we have to offer – such as the gaming, dining, and entertainment – but then have to hop back in their cars later on at night,” Papaj said. “Now,

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they can continue the fun and have an experience they’ve never had. It happens more times than we’d like that we have to turn guests away – especially for evenings when there is entertainment in the 2,400-seat Seneca Allegany Events Center.” The new hotel tower also will effect many changes throughout the property. The Fitness Center will be open for 24 hours and The Spa & Salon may look to expand its services. Thunder Mountain Buffet will begin offering weekend breakfast, and hours for other fine dining restaurants may expand based on demand. Finally, a new VIP check-in lounge is in the works for Seneca Allegany’s most exclusive guests.

here. I’m excited for them to learn that we’re a luxury resort and that we pamper our guests.” Book your stay at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel with rates starting at just $95 a night from October 15 through December 30, and save $20 with promo code LUXURY. Call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visit www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com.

CORNER SUitE

As Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel readies for its “new normal,” approximately 32 new members will join the team to help provide the exceptional service that has earned the property the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award for four consecutive years. Papaj’s ultimate hope is that the new hotel tower brings in more people and, as a result, shows them everything the property has to offer. “Despite the economy, we never lost sight of knowing we wanted and needed to build this,” he said. “The new hotel tower creates possibilities for guests who never thought they would have the opportunity to stay

CORNER SUitE


ExpEriEncE ExpEriEncE Luxury Luxury Worth Worth Sharing Sharing thiS thiS FaLL FaLL

Be Beone oneof ofthe thefirst firstto tostay stayin inthe thenewly-expanded newly-expandedSeneca Seneca Allegany AlleganyCasino Casino& &Hotel Hotelthis thisfall! fall!Bookings Bookingsfrom from October October15 15through throughDecember December30 30are areunder underway waynow, now,with with rates ratesstarting startingat atjust just$95 $95aanight. night.Plus, Plus,you youcan cansave save$20 $20 with withpromo promocode codeLUXURY. LUXURY. Enjoy Enjoyspectacular spectacularviews viewsofofthe theAllegany AlleganyMountains Mountainsas asyou yourest restinincomfort. comfort.Each Each ofofthe the413 413rooms roomsisisnewly-constructed newly-constructedorornewly-renovated, newly-renovated,and andfeatures featuresupscale upscale amenities amenitiessuch suchas asaapillow-top pillow-topbed, bed,oversized oversizedshower, shower,and andflat-screen flat-screenTV. TV.

To Tobook bookyour yourhotel hotelstay stayatatthe theAAA AAA Four FourDiamond DiamondAward–winning Award–winningSeneca Seneca Allegany AlleganyCasino Casino&&Hotel, Hotel,please pleasecall call 1-877-8-SENECA 1-877-8-SENECA(1-877-873-6322) (1-877-873-6322)or or visit visitwww.LuxuryWorthSharing.com. www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com.

And, And,we’re we’reoffering offeringguests gueststhe theopportunity opportunitytotostay stayatatSeneca SenecaAllegany AlleganyCasino Casino&&Hotel Hotelfor for free freewith withthe theLuxury LuxuryWorth WorthSharing SharingSweepstakes! Sweepstakes!Enter Entertotowin winone oneofof100 100prizes prizesofofaaoneonenight nightstay stayatatthe thehotel. hotel.One Onelucky luckyperson personwill willwin winaagrand grandprize prize“ultimate “ultimategetaway getawaypackage” package” ofofaafive-day five-daystay stayininaaluxurious luxuriousnew newsuite suite––plus pluslimousine limousineservice serviceto/from to/fromthe thecasino, casino,two two spa spatreatments treatmentsatatThe TheSpa Spa&&Salon, Salon,aa$1,000 $1,000resort resortcredit, credit,and and$5,000 $5,000ininFree FreeSlot SlotPlay! Play! Visit Visitwww.LuxuryWorthSharing.com/sweepstakes www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com/sweepstakestotofillfillout outyour your entry entryform. form.Enter Enterby bySeptember September30, 30,2012, 2012,atatnoon. noon.

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Seneca Allegany and Ellicottville:

Double the Fun for Tourists


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ature’s beauty meets excitement in Cattaraugus County, NY – an area called the “Enchanted Mountains.” Amidst these mountains is Ellicottville, a ski resort village that looks and feels as if it were

transported from Colorado or Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant. Together with Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel just 20 minutes south, Ellicottville has cemented Cattaraugus County as a premier getaway destination for fun.

A trip through the quaint village center along U.S. Route 219 is like stepping inside a Norman Rockwell painting. Antique shops, art galleries, cafés, and breweries mesh together with a look of yesteryear and a touch of contemporary flair. Outlets are open seven days a week for shopping convenience. But while buildings tend to tower only two or three stories high, a five-minute walk from the valley village brings soaring heights to the eye – upwards of 2,250 feet (685 meters), in fact. Ellicottville is home to some of the best skiing in the eastern United States. Holiday Valley, the most visited ski resort in New York State and fifth-most visited east of the Rocky Mountains, features 58 slopes and 13 lifts over four distinct mountain faces for skiers and snowboarders. It also offers nearby tubing, dining, and condominium-style

lodging. Just a few minutes away is Holimont, North America’s largest private ski resort – which is open to the public during weekdays. “Nowhere else will you find 110 challenging trails within a three-mile radius, anchored by one of the most picturesque ski villages in North America,” said Brian McFadden, executive director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, in a recent statement. When skiing season is over, activities such as golf, hiking, biking, swimming, and festivals keep the area active. And, just recently added at Holiday Valley for the warmer months is Sky High Park, which includes a zip-lining course and a mountain coaster where riders can control the speed of the car as they traverse down the mountainside.

And of course, when excitement is in demand at any hour of any day, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is a mere 20-minute drive directly south on U.S. Route 219. Guests will enjoy more than 2,000 slot machines and 33 table games, seven dining locations, and world-class entertainment. The hotel is one of only three AAA Four Diamond Awardwinning properties in all of Western New York – offering unparalleled guest service, 413 deluxe rooms and suites, a spa and salon, fitness center, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub. Exciting gaming, outdoor adventure among natural wonders and breathtaking scenery, and activities galore. Add it all up, and Ellicottville and Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel combine to make Cattaraugus County a must-visit destination with endless fun.

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EntErtainmEnt with a ChanCE to win:

Enjoy 2,000 Slots at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel


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ust after you enter the lobby doors or step off the hotel elevator on the ground floor, there’s a feeling of excitement in the air… you listen and hear music playing, reels spinning, and crowds cheering. You gaze ahead

and see a mix of 2,000 of the latest games plus classic favorites on a colorful and seemingly endless floor. You watch the eyes fixated on electronic bonus rounds, tournament features, and interactive touch screens – all while friendly servers stop by to provide complimentary beverages. it can be 10 a.m. or midnight, and the action is still going. The slots experience at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is always thrilling and buzzing with energy. From Hot Shot to U-Spin, Wheel of Fortune to Sex and the City, QuickHits to Video Poker, and Monopoly to Wizard of Oz, there is something for everyone at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Denominations range from a penny to $100 a pull for highrollers, and more than 200 games are located in the non-smoking Turtle Island section. Similar themes are grouped to create conversation and excitement among players. Overall, the variety is a major factor why guests return again and again from many surrounding states and nearby Canada. “We strive to keep the gaming floor current and look to continually reinvent ourselves,” said John Wintermantel, vice president of operations, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “The gaming floor truly has the look and feel of a brand-new casino. In the past three years alone, almost half of all our machines have been either completely new games or refreshed themes. It’s a major investment, and it’s what our guests want.” “Guests do flock to the new games because they want to experience something different or find out what a new bonus round looks like,” added David Picone, slot operations manager, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “But we do try to maintain a balance of offering new games and keeping existing games that our guests like. For example, we have older varieties of favorites like QuickHits, Blazing 7’s, and Double Diamond that other casinos have completely taken away.” Slots are a veritable bread-and-butter for most casinos, but the experience is a bit different – and better – at Seneca

Allegany Casino & Hotel. In addition to complimentary beverages while gaming, guests will experience award-winning customer service, an extremely-clean facility, and a rewarding Players Club Card where one point earned equals one dollar. Guests will earn special offers, comps, and exclusive promotions based on card type and level of play. Signing up for the club is free, and new members can receive $10 in Free Slot Play bonus upon joining. Another difference compared to many nearby casinos is the presence of widearea progressive jackpots. Certain games, such as Wheel of Fortune and Wizard of Oz, are linked to other casinos so that the largest jackpot available is much larger than on a standalone machine. “Some of the jackpots reach six or even seven figures,” said Paul Arsenault, slot operations manager, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “This offers guests the opportunity to have a life-changing experience with a single pull.” As part of a continued commitment to guest satisfaction, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel recently implemented a new real-time slot service dispatch system to improve response time for player needs. When an event on the gaming floor happens such as a pressed change-light or a jackpot, an alert is automatically sent via BlackBerry to an assigned slot attendant for that particular area.

two minutes. This helps our guests know we’ve quickly gotten the message and are following up. The next item we’re working on right now is improving our card-reader technology, and we’ll deliver on that too.” Team members with the Slots Department are excited about the opening of the new hotel tower. “We expect to see a busier gaming floor, especially late at night and early in the morning,” Picone said. And that’s a good thing, according to Wintermantel. “With more people able to stay at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel for longer periods, they’ll see the incredible employee pride that’s here – from the friendliness, to our safety efforts, and the very clean facility. I’ve been here for six years, and this place still looks like it opened yesterday. Seneca Allegany is a true getaway destination, and I’m happy that more guests will be able to experience all that it has to offer.” As for Arsenault, he too loves everything the property has to offer – but believes slots are at the heart of the action. “Slots are easy to play and relaxing,” he said. “It’s entertainment with a chance to win.” To learn more about the exciting 2,000 slot machines at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, please visit www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com or call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322).

“Behind the scenes, this is a major investment we’ve made to further provide outstanding service for our guests,” said Wintermantel. “It has cut our overall response time to less than

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Table Games Deliver Social Excitement at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Thirty-three table games – 33 ways to experience the ultimate in action-packed gaming at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. The heart of the gaming floor emanates with nonstop excitement for beginners and regulars alike.

Whether you prefer cards or numbers, strategy or luck, there is a mix of everything for everyone at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Table games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, ThreeCard Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, Let It Ride® Poker, Spanish 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, and the Big Six Money Wheel. Seneca Players Club Card members also experience double the excitement on table games, as card members can earn comp points for play. One comp point earned equals one dollar, which may be used for dining, entertainment, hotel stays, spa services, shopping, and much more. Being located in the middle of the gaming floor is just part of the reason table games are such a rush at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, according to Jeanette Schindler, director of table games. “Table games are very social games,” she said. “They offer the opportunity for great conversations with the dealers and fellow players.”

And those dealers add to the excitement, Schindler said. “They really love what they do. Most of them live close-by and are part of generations of families from the area. Guests will find that many dealers have been here since we opened in 2004, and that it feels like ‘family’ for them to be here. The dealers are very laid-back and friendly, which goes a long way in helping to build lasting relationships with the players.” Earlier this year, the Table Games Department revamped the pit so that the games line up to form a rectangle shape. This creates easier maneuverability for guests and also allows dealers to quickly open up more tables as needed. While weekend nights are always popular, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is a bit different from other casinos in the fact that more players tend to be at table games during weekdays as opposed to weeknights. Schindler expects that to even out with the opening of the new hotel tower.

“Guests who come here tell us they love the fact that we offer such a clean and well-kept place, and have so many things to do under one roof – but with limited hotel capacity, coming here is often just a ‘day trip’ for them,” Schindler said. “The new hotel will help people stay longer, play longer, and explore everything there is to do here.” For newcomers or players new to table games, Schindler encourages them to give it a try. “Our dealers are very friendly and are happy to take the time to offer information about the rules of the games and types of bets,” she said. “There are procedures that every player has to learn and follow, but beginner’s luck can happen!” To learn more about the exciting 33 table games at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, please visit www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com or call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322).


When acting as a floor supervisor, Picone works with the pit managers to maintain chip levels on the tables and keep a watchful eye on game activity. “Natalie has a very positive attitude, is always friendly, and always has a smile on her face,” said Jeanette Schindler, director of table games, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “Now that she’s on the floor, she’s able to socialize a bit more with guests. Natalie is simply great to work with.”

A Bright Career Is in the Cards

Natalie Picone never thought she would become a table games dealer. After high school, she was working as an activities coordinator at a nursing home in Jamestown, NY, when she learned about the then-upcoming Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. She joined just months after its opening as a cage cashier, where she remained for two and a half years. “The cage was a good start for me,” Picone said. “I learned about chip trays and how to break stacks. It gave me the good sense of money transactions that is so important to know for becoming a table games dealer, which I became interested in over time. But I must be honest – at the start, I knew nothing about games like blackjack and craps.” And Picone soon discovered that being a table games dealer means a lot more than just shuffling cards and carrying on good conversations with guests. For three hours a day, four days a week, she took a class to learn about blackjack – one of three core games for Seneca Allegany dealers to know. Then the same process followed for 10 weeks to learn craps. After that, it was another 10 weeks to learn roulette.

“It was tough fitting these in on top of my regular job at the casino and college, but well worth it,” Picone said.

To keep her skills sharp, Picone and any number of the other 100 Seneca Allegany table games dealers assigned to her shift all begin work with a team debriefing to determine table assignments and learn about any new happenings on property. “Good communication is huge when you’re a table games dealer,” Picone said. “When chatting with guests, there are many great opportunities to ‘sell’ other amenities on property.” Picone loves her job because of the close-knit relationships she has developed with her co-workers. But first and foremost, she loves the constant interaction she gets to have with guests. “It’s all about customer service at Seneca Allegany,” she said. “This is a nice role to help people loosen up and have a great time. I get to know people, and I never know who’s going to come in from one day to the next. And where else could I come to work to play games for a living?”

Picone went on to learn every other table game there is to know during her four-year career as a table games dealer. In September 2010, she was promoted to the position of dual rate dealer, which allows her the additional responsibility of floor supervision. “There are so many procedures that a table games dealer needs to know,” Picone said. “There’s a certain way to shuffle. For example, you only use your left hand when dealing cards to Seat Numbers 1 and 2. It keeps you in compliance with gaming rules, helps for surveillance and for your own protection, and also simply makes the game look smoother.”

Photo: Natalie Picone

To join the winning team at Seneca Casinos, please visit www.SenecaCasinos.com and click on “Careers” or call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322).

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Flavors Worth Sharing at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is home to many things: endless gaming, world-class entertainment, a luxurious hotel, a relaxing spa and salon, and much more. But what makes it the complete package is the array of quality food choices throughout the casino. The property features seven dining locations, each with its own unique flair. “There’s no location anywhere in New York’s Southern Tier Region that has fine dining, a buffet, and other food selections all under one roof,” said Cheryl Wienckowski, vice president of food and beverage, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “This place is a relaxing resort getaway with great dining, and that’s why people will drive hours to get here – even past other casinos.” According to Ray Patchkofsky, director of food and beverage for Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, guests notice the well-trained team members and the quality of food. “I think our guests recognize our high standards for offering the very best products and service,” he said. “There’s a real ‘wow factor’ with everything we do.”


The WesTern Door

The Western Door was such a hit with guests when it opened with Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, the food and beverage team made sure to duplicate it for the opening of Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Like its counterpart, the steakhouse offers the most tender cuts of USDA Certified Premium Prime and Choice beef, the freshest fish and seafood flown in daily, and an ambiance where fine dining meets high energy. “This is the true steakhouse experience,” Patchkofsky said. “The food presentation alone – such as when you see our shrimp tower – makes it worth the visit. Your meals are delivered by a team, and always with a bang.”

ThunDer MounTain BuffeT

Consistently voted “Best Buffet” by readers of Casino Player magazine, Thunder Mountain Buffet features more than 100 food options and multiple serving stations to satisfy any craving. Items include prime rib, shrimp, rotisserie chicken, pizza, Asian dishes, and much more. “We just renovated Thunder Mountain Buffet to make it an even more enjoyable experience for guests,” Patchkofsky said. “With everything from a new carving station to projection lighting to marble countertops, the buffet is even more opened up to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into another world.”

From steak at 11 a.m. to omelets at 11 p.m., guests can choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner anytime at the 24-hour Seneca Café. Authentic Italian cooking, more than 340 of the finest wines from around the world, and many homemade variations on pasta, seafood, and steak await guests at Patria. The 140-seat cozy atmosphere includes a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling tiled spindles, and an exhibition station and wood-fire oven where guests can see chefs prepare pizzas, salads, appetizers, and desserts. “The food tastes extremely fresh, and for being a fine dining restaurant, Patria is very reasonably priced,” said Holly Sickels, catering sales manager, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel.

PaTria

The great tastes at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel will only get better with the addition of the new hotel tower this fall. “We’ll be adding weekend breakfast hours at Thunder Mountain Buffet, and our options for room service will definitely increase,” Wienckowski said. “Depending on demand, we may also look to expand our fine dining hours.” Sickels could not imagine a great casino without great food, and believes that dining ‘completes the experience’ at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “Our choices here are especially great for groups, because there’s something for everyone,” she said. “When you take dining and factor in gaming, entertainment, the spa, and the hotel, you’ve got the total getaway destination.” To make a reservation and to learn more about dining at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, call 1-877-553-9500 and visit www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com.

“We definitely serve the most meals here at The Seneca Café,” Patchkofsky said. “Guests also enjoy the fact they can take leftovers home.” Other dining locations at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel include: Seneca Café Express – a 24-hour to-go version of The Seneca Café that also includes fresh coffee, desserts, and baked goods; Bear Claw Café – a walk-up deli with sandwiches, hot soups, desserts, and more, and; Fire Lounge – a trendy bar and lounge to enjoy your favorite drink and appetizer, as well as great conversation.

The seneca café

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The Spa & Salon at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Offers the Ultimate in Pampering Not far from the hustle and bustle of the gaming floor at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is a place where guests can escape and rejuvenate. The Spa & Salon has become an integral part of the Seneca experience and delivers on its promise to offer a world where guests can “come back to their senses.” Now celebrating its fifth year in existence, The Spa & Salon is beginning to experience the fruits of continued quality service in New York’s Southern Tier Region: business is booming. “In the past year alone, repeat customers have tripled and Chairmans Club members as clients have doubled,” said Kristen Wilday, manager of The Spa & Salon, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “I credit this to our amazing team members. Half of our team started here on the very first day we opened, and we’ve grown ever since.” Wilday points to The Spa & Salon’s many offerings as its unique selling point. Guests will enjoy tranquil massage rooms, soft robes and slippers, whirlpools, hot tubs, women’s and men’s locker rooms complete with

saunas and showers, and a bright salon with a panoramic view of the Allegany Mountains.

chocolate-covered strawberries, wine, BLT bites, and grilled chicken tostadas,” she said.

The exciting time at The Spa & Salon will only amplify with the opening of the new hotel tower this fall, which will add more than 200 rooms and double the existing capacity. “After the addition, we’ll then gauge what new services to add – such as possibly a couples’ suite or spraytanning,” Wilday said. “Depending on demand, we may even look to add treatment rooms and more team members.”

The Spa & Salon is continually stocked with the latest care products and accessories. Recently-added items include a new gel nail polish, the high-end ColorProof hair care line, and even spa-themed products from Yankee® Candle Company.

No matter what the future holds, Wilday said one thing is certain: guests receive the “whole experience” at The Spa & Salon. “You can enjoy the steam room, the sauna, the nearby indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, and even order from the spa menu – items like

While there are a variety of treatments for guests to choose and the finest products available that the spa industry has to offer, Wilday said the fantastic repeat experiences ultimately are due to a well-trained team. “The phrases I hear most from customers are ‘that was amazing,’ ‘I feel fantastic,’ and ‘I’m so relaxed, I’m ready to take a nap,’” she said. “And of course there’s the occasional ‘marry me’ after a treatment is finished!”


Indulge in the Mango–Passion Fruit Body Wrap at The Spa & Salon Smell great and experience glowing skin with the unique Mango–Passion Fruit Body Wrap at The Spa & Salon at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel! This anti-aging treatment will tone and brighten the skin – making it feel revived, refreshed, smoother, firmer, and visibly brighter. The aromatic treatment begins in a dimly-lit room with soft music and a red-light lamp with gentle heat for a cozy ambiance. Your body is first gently dry-brushed with soft bristles to exfoliate the skin. After that, a mango–passion fruit cream is applied all over and then covered with a clear plastic sheet and topped with a warm, snuggly blanket. “Some guests have commented that the smell is similar to an orange Creamsicle®,” said Laura Greene, an esthetician at The Spa & Salon. “This treatment is calming for the mind and soul. It’s sublime and offers an escape for today’s stressors.” After the wrap is applied, your esthetician will provide a scalp massage and a foot massage before providing warm booties for your feet. You’ll then rest for 15 minutes, and a cold compress can be added on your eyes for added calming and relaxation.

To conclude the treatment, the esthetician will massage de-aging body balm into the entire body and slowly work in the product. All products used in the treatment are 100-percent botanical and made by Pevonia® – an award-winning manufacturer of skin care products. The relaxing and aromatic Mango–Passion Fruit Body Wrap costs $120 USD and lasts for 50 minutes. Guests can choose add-ons for the treatment, such as a $30 mango–passion fruit salt-mousse for 15 minutes prior to the treatment, which provides added exfoliation and aromatherapy. To indulge in the Mango–Passion Fruit Body Wrap or any treatment at The Spa & Salon at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, book your appointment today by calling 1-888-913-3377. Visit www.LuxuryWorthSharing.com for more information.

After the rest, warm towels will remove the cream, leaving your skin rejuvenated and invigorated. You’ll also notice an evening of your skin tone, especially if you have tan lines.

Fall Specials at The Spa & Salon Choose any two of the following services for $69 USD: • • • • •

Express facial 25-minute neck and shoulder massage Cut and style Express pedicure Spa manicure

Rules and Disclaimers: Subject to availability. Promotion cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Valid from Tuesdays through Fridays during the months of September, October, and November in 2012.

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Retreat into a serene oasis, a place where you can quiet your thoughts and let our talented professionals do the rest. We offer a full selection of services in our spa and salon including AT ALLEGANY

signature massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy and more. Relax as we pamper you with a custom-designed treatment or styling session. It’s your escape. enjoy It.

AT NIAGARA

Call 1-877-8-SENECA (873-6322) to schedule your visit today.


niagara falls, usa ®

333 prospect st. across from niagara falls state park +1-716-282-0007 • hardrock.com

Step beyond the velvet facebook.com/hardrock.niagarafalls rope and party like a rock twitter.com/hrcniagarausa star at Hard Rock Cafe, Niagara Falls- USA. The cafe features great food, authentic memorabilia and cool merchandise all under one roof. Hard Rock Cafe is conveniently located across from Niagara Falls State Park and the International Rainbow Bridge. Live performances by local and national artists featured weekly. ©2012 Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

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See the Show!

Free Music Fridays! •September – Blues month •October – Female Artists in support of Pinktober •November – Original Artists

Pinktober Living Ribbon •Friday October 19, 2012 •Spanning the Rainbow Bridge •Pink illumination of Niagara Falls •Free Outdoor Concert, with a National Artist •Charity Partners, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Caron Keating Foundation, The American & Canadian Cancer Societies and Susan G. Komen •This year Hard Rock Cafe and the Buffalo Bills have partnered to bring greater support and awareness to our three campaigns, Pinktober, Billieve and the NFL’s Crucial Catch.

open daily at 11am serving food that rocks.

there’s always something happening at hard rock. check out our website or facebook for our weekly live music events including free music fridays and other live music shows.

niagara falls, usa ®

Visit hardrock.com/niagarafalls for additional event listings or visit us on our official Facebook page www.facebook.com/hardrock.niagarafalls

333 prospect st. across from niagara falls state park +1-716-282-0007 • hardrock.com

facebook.com/hardrock.niagarafalls twitter.com/hrcniagarausa

©2012 Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

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Banquets,Weddings, and Everything in Between

Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is the ultimate destination for gaming and a luxurious getaway. For New York State’s Southern Tier Region, it’s also the ultimate destination for conferences, receptions, trade shows, weddings, and much more. Seneca Allegany’s Banquets and Catering Team can work with small groups up to thousands to plan the perfect event. With more than 23,500 square feet of meeting space and a variety of room options, the location provides the flexibility for most any type of event. Just some of the events held at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in the past few years include trade shows, receptions, educational seminars, social events, corporate meetings, conferences, wedding ceremonies and receptions, bachelor and bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. Two of the largest events have included the Sportsman’s Show with the latest in archery, firearms, sporting goods and fishing equipment from 150 regional dealers and experts, and the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Bridal Show with more than three dozen local wedding vendors, fashion shows, menu samplings, and giveaways. No matter what the event, guests can expect “white glove” four-star treatment from the Banquets and Catering Team and the dozens of Food and Beverage chefs and servers who happily pitch in to make every occasion a complete success.

“Service is our pride at Seneca Allegany,” said Holly Sickels, catering sales manager. “We will provide precise room setup, the most modern audiovisual equipment, customized lighting, and food that will impress everyone. We can even create unique ice carvings for banquets.”

Meeting rooms at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel are located just a quick two-minute walk away from the gaming floor – offering

enough separation from the activity but easy access to added excitement. Meeting rooms are named after the seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, and the latter three rooms can be combined for added space. In addition, the nearly 21,000 square feet of space inside the Seneca Allegany Events Center can be divided into quads or halves for separate or smaller functions. Brittany Kinley was one happy customer who took advantage of half of the Events Center. On June 25, 2011, she was the bride in a 225-person wedding reception. Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel served as the perfect destination wedding for the resident of Dallas, Texas – as her groom’s family was from the area, her family from Philadelphia, and her college friends from across the country. “We had a diverse crowd at the wedding, and I wanted them to have something to do afterwards,” Kinley said. “The party continued well after the reception, and the casino gave us the environment to have fun and continue spending time with out-of-town guests.” Kinley also will always remember the service and the food – and so will her reception party. “People still rave about the food to this day,” she said. “We had customized food stations, including a mashed potato bar with martini glasses. There were so many special touches, the follow-through was excellent, and everything was just perfect.” Customers like Kinley will work primarily with Sickels; Michelle Jacobson, the banquets manager, and; Jeffrey Ritter, the banquet chef. Together, they will provide one-on-one meetings and correspondence, a site tour, food tastings, and a detailed event plan from top to bottom. They also have connections to dozens of vendors and have helped bring in everything from the typical music

deejay to atypical pool and foosball tables to create a “lounge area” for one event. The Catering and Banquets Team is gearing up for its largest corporate event ever this fall, when world-renowned Zippo Manufacturing Company of nearby Bradford, Pennsylvania, hosts a conference and occupies nearly 100 hotel rooms. But this is just the beginning of large events at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “The new hotel tower changes everything,” said Cheryl Wienckowski, vice president of food and beverage at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. “In the past, we’ve had to turn away events because of the lack of rooms or nights available. We’re ready for more people to experience everything we have to offer.” It’s a sure bet that with more opportunities to stay overnight at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, there will be more satisfied customers like Kinley. “I’d definitely recommend the Seneca Allegany team to anyone looking to have an event,” she said. “The team is very professional and will go out of their way to take care of requests. They’re willing to try things even if they haven’t done them before.” Sickels sums up the banquets and catering experience at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel: “Your event will be customized and highly-organized,” she said. “Leave the planning and the details to us – we can do it all.”

To book your next event at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, call Holly Sickels, catering sales manager, at 716-244-5204. For more information, visit www.SenecaMeetings.com.

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National Motorcycle Challenge Rolls Through Seneca Nation Territory


Motorcycling is a passion for moving throughout the world in a way that most people only dream of. Whether they give it conscious thought or not, people who ride share this bond as brothers and sisters; and to be a Hoka Hey Challenger is to share this bond on a whole new level. Hoka Hey Challengers are warriors, and the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™ celebrates all that is good, pure, and powerful in the warrior spirit: the courage to plunge headlong into untested waters; the strength to confront seemingly insurmountable challenges; the confidence and skill to tackle enormous tasks; the drive to continue the quest in spite of brutal physical elements; the selflessness and humanity to assist other warriors during the battle, and; the ability to seek out and welcome spiritual balance and harmony. The essence of the warrior spirit lies at the core of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Bringing together people of all races and nations on a physical and spiritual journey expands boundaries, embraces strengths, celebrates diversity, and fosters unity. The riders who enter the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge are prepared for combat. They are physically and strategically prepared to battle the elements and the unknown. What the warrior riders who participated in the first three Challenges discovered is that often the greatest battle takes place within us. The riders had to learn their own strengths and weaknesses, face fear and defeat, and determine if they

had the courage and determination to push forward. Many searched deep within themselves and found the strength to persevere when they thought they had nothing left to give. Like true warriors, they triumphed in the face of adversity. The enlightenment, spiritual awakening, friendships, and memories created during an event such as the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge are priceless. They feed the heart and soul, causing each to grow so that the warrior rider emerges stronger and wiser – able to tackle life’s next challenge with courage and grace. A major component of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is to foster a greater appreciation for the earth, its people, and the connections that create harmony and love. And through this connection, they gain a greater awareness to the plight of the Indian people on the remote reservations. Specifically, they will learn about places like Pine Ridge Reservation, where the teenage suicide rate is 150 percent higher than the U.S. national average. Participants in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge are some of those amazing people that you hear about, who are willing to fight not only their own battles, but are also willing to fight on the behalf of others. They understand that the people on these remote Indian Reservations need something to hope for, and that the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents an ability to face adversity and carry on – no matter how difficult things become.

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nyawëh sgënö’ YOU ARE WELL.

SENECA GREETING WHICH MEANS

THANKFUL

l AM


W e are the O n ö n : d owa ’ ga : ’ (o h-n o n- d o h- w a h ! - g a w h ! ) — the G reat H i l l P eop l e .

We are

Keepers of the Western Door of the Hodinöhsö:ni’ (hoh-dee-nonhsonh-neeh!)—the People of the Longhouse. Although our once vast territories have diminished, we continue to live on our aboriginal lands. We have always lived here, making us the Ögwë’ö:weh (onh-gway!-onh-wayh), or “Original People.” We are mothers, fathers, elders and children who live a tradition older than any paper that documents it. We are caretakers of the land, warriors who protect the people and diplomats who counsel with many nations. We are keepers of our own worldview and sustainers of a vibrant culture amidst all the changes in the surrounding world. Here we show you a glimpse into who the Seneca people are.

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the

GANÖ:NYÖG the wor d s that come b e f ore a l l e l se Senecas traditionally open and close their community and ceremonial gatherings by reciting the sacred Ganö:nyög (gaw-nonh-nyong), the Thanksgiving Address, that dates back to the 1790s. It follows a natural sequence from the earth to the sky to the Creator and gives thanks for the natural elements that allow us to survive and prosper.

“We put our minds together as one and give thanks to our Creator for each of his gifts which contribute to our happiness as long as we walk this earth... Now our minds are one.”

This is just a small part of our Ganö:nyög; visit SENECANATlON.COM to read the entire address.


“ T he B u f f a l o C reek treat y was ripe with ‘ f ra u d , per j u r y , an d b ri b er y , ’ an d e v er y b o d y knew it . A nast y b rew o f anger o v er l ost l an d , d is l ocation , ann u ities , po v ert y , d isease an d a l coho l b oi l e d o v er .”

Rebecca Bowen, Seneca, Bear clan

po l itica l re vo l u tion o f 1 8 4 8 The history of illegal land sales and the dispute over federal annuity distributions between the Seneca people and the chiefs culminated in a political revolution on December 4, 1848. The people at Allegany and Cattaraugus territories chose to follow an elective form of government. The Tonawanda Senecas did not support the political revolution and retained the hereditary chief system of governance. Harrison Halftown Seneca-Iroquois National Museum

seneca nation to d a y The modern day Seneca Nation of Indians has a constitution that provides for a multi-branch system of government that consists of elected executive, legislative and judicial branches. Today the Seneca Nation has five sovereign territories (Cattaraugus, Allegany, Oil Spring, Buffalo Creek and Niagara Falls) and has experienced significant growth in the past several decades to become even more economically self-sufficient.

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A llvlNG legacy Bringing S eneca A rt, E x pression an d Lang uage to Li f e Seneca culture and values continue to be a strong presence in our lives today. We maintain the vibrancy of our rich heritage through cultural events, dance, music, arts, crafts and foods that we share with visitors from around the world. Our Native Roots Artists Guild is dedicated to supporting all Hodinöhsö:ni’ artists and revitalizing traditional art forms. Their works of art include beadwork, carvings, cornhusk dolls, baskets and more. The Guild’s mission is to encourage our community, especially the youth, to get involved and participate in the arts and preserve our culture. Keeping our ancestral language is also an important goal of our Nation. Ours is an oral tradition, and everything that we teach has been passed down verbally from generation to generation for hundreds of years. Today, Seneca is an endangered language. However, we are working to teach our people, young and old, to speak the language and keep our heritage alive.

“ S eneca l ang u age is o f cr u cia l

Melanie Hill

importance to o u r peop l e , b eca u se it is o u r wa y o f ta l king to o u r C reator . W e m u st teach it to o u r chi l d ren an d keep o u r l ang u age a l i v e . I f we d on ’ t , we wi l l l ose o u r wa y s an d o u r i d entit y .”

Nadine Pierce, Seneca, Hawk clan


“ T he d ecisions that we make to d a y wi l l impact the l i v es o f those whose f aces are sti l l b eneath the s u r f ace o f the gro u n d . W e are to think

seventh generatlon

se v en generations ahea d an d d eci d e what wo u l d b e most b ene f icia l f or o u r chi l d ren.”

Jennie Maybee, Seneca, Turtle clan

The principle of Seven Generations is a core value of the Senecas. It’s a philosophy that guides us to consider how present day decisions will impact future generations.

S u r v i v ing an d thri v ing into the f u t u re Like our ancient ancestors, we honor the beauty of our lands, the depth of our tradition, and the vitality of our thriving communities. For more than a thousand years, the Seneca people have adapted successfully to change, growing stronger as we interact with other nations through trade, marriage, diplomacy, and on occasion, conflict. It’s the strength of our worldview that helps us cope with those changes. And it’s our adaptability that helps us survive—and thrive—as the world constantly shifts around us. Here we show you a glimpse into who the Seneca people are. We hope it will entice you to learn more.

Ësgögë’ aë’ (enhs-gonh-genh! ah-ayh!)

There is no word for “goodbye” in our language. Instead we say “I will see you again.”

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“ T he P eacemaker u se d the T ree o f P eace as a s y m b o l o f o u r C on f e d erac y . at the b ase o f that tree grow f o u r white roots in the f o u r car d ina l d irections o f the earth. A n d an y nation that can em b race the concepts o f peace , power , an d righteo u sness can f o l l ow b ack one o f those roots to the tree o f P eace an d j oin there with u s .”

G. Peter Jemison, Seneca, Heron clan

the great l aw o f peace Before Europeans came to Turtle Island, a Huron man called the Peacemaker crossed Lake Ontario to stop the bloodshed of war. He shared the Great Law of Peace, the path to harmony and unity among the nations. As each nation accepted the Great Law (originally the Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Mohawk), they entered into the alliance of the Hodinöhsö:ni’. Once peace spread among the Nations, the people buried their weapons under a white pine tree named the Tree of Peace, which symbolizes the Great Law that the Hodinöhsö:ni’ came to live by. The Great Law, a constitution adhered to for centuries, is one of the oldest on Mother Earth.


H an d some Lake an d the G aiwi : y oh ( G oo d W or d ) After the American Revolution, a time of social, economic and political challenges for the Senecas, the Creator sent the Four Messengers to a Seneca man called Handsome Lake, and they revealed the Gaiwi:yoh (guy-wee-yoh) (the Good Word). He preached the Gaiwi:yoh across the Hodinöhsö:ni’ territories for nine years. After his death, a grandson, Jemmy Johnson, continued to carry the message of the Gaiwi:yoh, which remains the traditional belief system of the Hodinöhsö:ni’ today.

“ W e d on ’ t consi d er the G aiwi : y oh a re l igion . I nstea d it is a wa y o f l i f e . I t pro v i d es a ca l en d ar o f thanksgi v ing that is the b asis f or the H o d in ö hs ö : ni ’ y ear . O u r peop l e contin u e to l isten to this message b i - ann u a l l y as a remin d er to e x press o u r gratit u d e an d l i v e accor d ing to the origina l instr u ctions the C reator set f orth .”

Tyler Thompson, Seneca, Wolf clan

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Pg 4

OF

TRADlTlONS BORN EARTH AND SKY S tories o f who we are an d where we came f rom

S k y woman — T he C reation S tor y The Senecas believe there is a sky world above earth and at the center of the sky world is a celestial tree. In the beginning, the entire world below was covered with water; only birds and water animals dwelled there. As the creation story goes, the celestial tree was uprooted and a chief’s pregnant wife fell through the hole. Geese caught her and placed her on a turtle’s back. Hoping to help the Skywoman, many of the animals dove one-by-one to bring up dirt to support her. A muskrat was successful in finding dirt at the bottom of this watery world, and it dropped the dirt across the turtle’s back. Skywoman started to walk around and the dirt grew to become the great Turtle Island—what we know as North America.

“ in o u r matri l inea l societ y , W omen are the l i f e b l oo d . . . chi l d ren inherit the c l an o f their mother . . . W omen are the carriers o f l i f e F O R o u r peop l e an d are he l d in high regar d .”

Andrea Thomas, Seneca, Wolf clan

Skywoman, oil painting by Ernest Smith, 1936. From the collections of the Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester, NY.


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Seneca Nation History and Government The modern-day Seneca Nation of Indians is a true democracy whose constitution was established in 1848. Previous to 1848, the Seneca people were governed according to the traditional Haudenosaunee (Longhouse people) system, wherein a council of condoled chiefs held lifetime terms. Chiefs were selected by clanmothers. Clanmothers were the women leaders of a given animal clan selected from within the clan. Often those selected were the senior-most women in the clan and considered to be strong, wise, and of a “good mind.” The Seneca people adopted an elected form of government after attempts were made to defraud the Seneca people of their remaining lands in the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1838 and the Compromise Treaty of 1842. The Ogden Land Company used bribery and fraudulent means to obtain chief’s signatures, as well as other signatures that were not representative of the leadership at the time, for the 1838 Treaty. As a result of the questionable land “transactions” in which the Seneca very nearly lost their last four remaining territories at Buffalo Creek, Tonawanda, Cattaraugus, and Allegany, the Seneca communities became split. In the end, the Seneca were able to retain Cattaraugus and Allegany in the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842, but still lost the Buffalo Creek territory. Meanwhile the residents of Tonawanda had to repurchase their lands, reacquiring possession of those lands in 1857. The community of Tonawanda chose to remain a traditional government with hereditary chiefs and clanmothers.

In 1848, the Cattaraugus and Allegany Seneca communities adopted a constitution and an elected form of government. The Seneca Nation’s constitution is a three-branch system of government, comprised of elected positions in Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. The Executive Branch of leadership includes the office of the president, treasurer, and clerk – each of whom are elected for two-year, non-consecutive terms. The Seneca constitution allows leaders to serve multiple terms, but the president, treasurer, and clerk cannot serve consecutive, back-to-back terms of the same office. Leadership also rotates back and forth between residents of the Cattaraugus and Allegany territories every two years. The next scheduled election will take place in November 2012, with the presidency to be filled by a Cattaraugus representative; the treasurer’s seat will be filled by an Allegany representative. The Legislative Branch is a 16-member Council, comprised of eight representatives each from the Cattaraugus and Allegany territories. Members are elected for staggered, four-year terms, with no term limits. The Judiciary Branch is comprised of three separate divisions: the Peacemaker’s, Appellate, and Surrogate Courts.


The Peacemaker’s Court is the court of general jurisdiction and is located on each of the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories. The three Peacemakers of each court are elected every four years. The Surrogate Court is comprised of one Surrogate for each of the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories, and exercises jurisdiction over probate matters. The Court of Appeals is comprised of six judges who hear appeals from the Peacemaker’s and Surrogate Courts. The Council serves as Supreme Court and exercises limited jurisdiction over certain appeals from the Court of Appeals. Today, the Seneca Nation’s five sovereign territories include the Allegany Territory consisting of 31,095 acres along the Ohi:yo – or the Allegany River – in the Southern Tier; the Cattaraugus Territory, consisting of 22,011 acres along Cattaraugus Creek near Irving, NY, and; the Oil Spring Territory, consisting of one square mile in Cuba, NY. In 2002 the Seneca reacquired 50 acres in Niagara Falls, upon which the Seneca Niagara Casino sits; and in 2005, the Seneca Nation reacquired nine acres at Buffalo Creek in downtown Buffalo, upon which the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino was established and opened in 2007.

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Fall in Love wit h World-Class Entertainment at Seneca Casinos! The best entertainers in the world can be found week after week in Western New York at Seneca Casinos. Whether it’s rock and roll, comedy, country, or timeless tunes, you can enjoy a premier performance with up to 2,400 of your fellow casino-goers at a Seneca Events Center in Niagara Falls or Salamanca. No view is further than 100 feet from the stage, and it gets even closer – 40 feet – inside the intimate 440-seat Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. Join us this fall for Entertainment Worth Sharing!


FALL EntErtAinmEnt At SEnEcA cASinoS Seneca niagara eventS center

Seneca allegany eventS center

Bear’S Den Showroom at Seneca niagara caSino

(All shows 8 PM unless noted)

(All shows 7 PM unless noted)

(All shows 8 PM unless noted)

• SEptEmbEr 1 – Artie Lange and nick Dipaolo

• September 15 – bachman & turner

• September 7 – Great big Sea

• September 26 – A country music All-Star tribute (1:30 pm)

• September 15 – ramsey Lewis Electric band

• SEptEmbEr 22 – cheap trick • octobEr 5 – tony bennett • novEmbEr 30 – 14th Annual native American music Awards

• SEptEmbEr 21 – the turtles featuring Flo & Eddie

• September 27 – A country music All-Star tribute (1:30 pm)

• September 29 – the rippingtons (3 and 8 pm)

• September 28 – A country music All-Star tribute

• OctOber 6 – Gino vannelli

• octobEr 5 – Gino vannelli

• September 29 – A country music All-Star tribute

• OctOber 7 – Gino vannelli (7 pm)

• September 30 – A country music All-Star tribute (1:30 pm)

• octobEr 13 – ASiA

• OctOber 6 – martina mcbride • NOvember 3 – Gary Allan

• OctOber 12 – ricci martin • OctOber 20 – How big can You Get – 100 Years of cab calloway featuring big bad voodoo Daddy (3 and 8 pm) • NOvember 2 – toots and the maytals – Unplugged tour

More great acts to be announced! tickets are available at all Seneca casino box offices, www.ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster locations, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

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Cheap TriCk

Seneca Niagara Events Center Saturday, September 22, 8 pM Tickets start at $30

Cheap Trick continues to rock audiences worldwide after nearly 40 years. Hits like “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me” and “The Flame” continue to play on the airwaves, and the group also has new material with their 2009 album, The Latest. Don’t miss a high-energy, rockin’ start to autumn in Niagara Falls!


Gino Vannelli Bear’s Den Showroom Friday, October 5, 8 pM Saturday, October 6, 8 pM Sunday, October 7, 7 pM Tickets start at $55

Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vannelli is a perennial favorite of guests at the intimate 440-seat Bear’s Den Showroom. He returns from a successful two-day stint in 2011 to up the ante to three days in 2012, and continues to delight audiences with hits such as “I Just Wanna Stop,” “Wild Horses,” “Black Cars,” and “Living Inside Myself.”

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Tony BenneTT Seneca Niagara Events Center Friday, October 5, 8 pM Tickets start at $76

Timeless, sophisticated and smooth: these are words that describe the masterful Tony Bennett, one of the alltime best singers of jazz and standards. He has earned 17 GRAMMY® Awards – including the Lifetime Achievement Award, two Emmy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and countless other accolades throughout his storied career. Bennett will perform his signature hits such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “Rags to Riches,” as well as classic standards such as “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Fly Me to the Moon.”


MarTina MCBride Seneca Allegany Events Center Saturday, October 6, 7 pM Tickets start at $70

The award-winning Martina McBride is the voice behind 24 Top 10 country singles, including the recent Top 5 hit “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” and No. 1 hits such as “A Broken Wing,” “Wild Angels,” and “This One’s for the Girls.” Experience her bold new sound and the emotional connection she makes with every note.

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Gary allan

Seneca Allegany Events Center Saturday, November 3, 7 pM Tickets start at $35

The strength and emotion in Gary Allan’s music is like no other. Catch his powerful hits like “Watching Airplanes,” “Best I Ever Had” and “Nothing On But the Radio.” Bold, tough and one-of-a-kind, his electrifying style is something you simply can’t miss!


Open Daily: Mon-Thurs 9am-2am Fri&Sat: 9am-3am Sunday-Noon-2am

HAPPY HOUR STARTS AT 9AM

OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR

WE HAVE THE NFL TICKET

NIAGARA FALLS ONLY SPORTSBAR Cataract Grill Featuring

Dougs Famous Subs, Pizza, and Wings 716-282-1393 delivery available

Large Selection of

Wine , Spirits, Beer Tapas Fine Dining

Martinis

Daily Happy Hour 4-6pm

716.285.WINE

501 Third Street at 9 Ferry Street 4 6 3

Downtown Niagara Falls USA ONE BLOCK FROM SENACA CASINO

wineonthird.com 49


Photo Credit: Naturally in Niagara®

Seneca caSinoS’ neweSt addition BrightenS niagara FallS Skyline

T

ourists in Niagara Falls will now be greeted in a big way with a new addition atop Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. A new 108-foot wide, 20-foot tall high-definition LED video sign is affixed to the top of the hotel tower, facing the falls. The $1.9 million sign delivers a variety of entertainment and welcome messages – leaving no doubt as to all of the excitement worth sharing inside the tallest building in Niagara Falls USA.

Each individual light bulb on the panels is spaced just 25 millimeters apart, creating exceptional clarity that can be seen from many miles away. The sign is capable of playing the Seneca Niagara Casino television spot, delivering information about upcoming entertainment acts, featuring animated casino-themed images such as rolling dice and slot machine reels, and even broadcasting messages in other languages.

Construction workers with Las Vegas–based YESCO and local contractors framed 64,500 pounds of steel atop the 357-foot, 26-story hotel tower and attached another 20,000 pounds of 140 giant LED panels that, in essence, operate like one giant HD television.

YESCO, short for Young Electric Sign Company, is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of digital signs. Among its high-profile projects: the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” welcome sign; the Fremont Street Experience graphic display system in downtown Las Vegas; the NBC Message Globe in New York City, and; most recently, signage and digital lighting for the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and for General Motors’ global headquarters in Detroit.

“Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel welcomes more than seven million visitors each year and is an iconic building in Niagara Falls,” said Robert Mele, chairman of the board of directors, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “As a world-class, [AAA] Four Diamond Award–winning casino and hotel, it needs an equally world-class welcome sign.”

YESCO’s project at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel was a turn-key operation, as the company managed design, fabrication, product delivery, installation and construction

workers who were contracted locally to help work with the hotel’s windows, rooftop and electrical systems. Seneca Gaming Corporation’s design and construction department worked in conjunction with YESCO to oversee planning and operations. In addition, because safety was the No. 1 concern for the project, Seneca Gaming Corporation and YESCO worked with the following local and regional consultants: Seneca Construction Management Corporation (SCMC) for overall safety issues; Wendel for structural issues; M/E Engineering for electrical issues and; Commonwealth Code Inspection Services, Inc. for code enforcement. The new video sign operates 24 hours a day at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. See it up close at 310 Fourth Street in Niagara Falls USA. For more information, please call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visit SenecaCasinos.com.


Even when you can’t physically be at one of the three Seneca Casinos, you can stay connected online through social networks. Be sure to join us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! Each site gives you an in-depth look at what’s happening throughout the casinos, as well as firsthand news about just-announced entertainment and promotions. Join a discussion with fellow fans, or simply let us know what you like about the Seneca experience. And now, we’ve upped the ante on becoming a member of our Facebook page with special Facebook-only promotions to win prizes like concert tickets and hotel stays.

VIP Buffalo Hockey Experience – Throughout the month of September, just fill out the entry form once under the “Seneca Experience” tab on our Facebook page, and you’ll be entered to win a fabulous prize pack that includes tickets to see a hockey game with Buffalo’s professional team, an overnight stay at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, and a $150 resort credit. We will have two lucky winners for this promotion!

VIP Holiday Shopping Spree Experience – Throughout the month of October, enter once again under the “Seneca Experience” tab on our Facebook page, and you could win a hotel stay and money towards the Holiday Shopping Spree! One winner will receive an overnight stay at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and a $500 voucher for the event at Seneca Niagara Events Center; another winner will receive an overnight stay at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel and a $500 voucher for the event at Seneca Allegany Events Center.

Labatt VIP Power Play – Back by popular demand and all hockey season long, the Labatt VIP Power Play gives fans of Seneca Casinos a VIP hockey experience with Buffalo’s hometown team! Beginning October 13, enter to win tickets to hockey games and watch for ongoing grand-prize giveaways that include tickets in the Labatt VIP Suite, complimentary food and beverage at the game, an overnight stay at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, and a Seneca Gift Card.

You could be our next big winner. Plus, you never know what we’ll do next! Show your Seneca Casinos pride and get connected by joining us at:

www.facebook.com/SenecaCasinos

www.twitter.com/SenecaCasinos

www.youtube.com/SenecaCasinos

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The besT of AsiAn innovATion meeTs Timeless TrAdiTions Savor a refreshing take on authentic Asian cuisine at Koi – Seneca Niagara Casino’s innovative Asian dining experience. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes infused with a modern flair, or stop by the Noodle Bar for a quick and delicious meal on-the-go. Witness your own meal being prepared in the central cooking line and surround yourself in a high-energy atmosphere.

open 7 dAys A week from 5 pm. for reservations, call 1-877-8-seneCA (873-6322).

SenecaCasinos.com


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Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 1-877-8-SENECA (873-6322). 53


Looking for a tasty snack? Find Tim HorTons CafÉ & Bake sHop and Cold sTone Creamery at one winning location in seneCa niagara Casino & HoTel. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, delicious baked goods, or create a custom ice cream treat!

open 24 Hours

1-877-8-sEnEca senecacasinos.com 310 fourth street niagara falls, ny 14303


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“Bingo!” Seneca Gaming and Entertainment in Irving and Salamanca offers some of the biggest daily BINGO payouts in Western New York! The Irving location, located on Route 5, features smoking and non-smoking sections and more than 650 video gaming machines in their game room. The Salamanca location, located at 768 Broad Street, features an exciting game room and a live action poker room. Both locations are open seven days a week and offer tons of special promotions! Visit Both Seneca Poker Room Locations! The Seneca Gaming & Entertainment Poker Rooms offer two great venues for poker enthusiasts: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls and Seneca Gaming and Entertainment’s Bingo Hall in Salamanca. Both locations offer daily tournaments as well as signature events such as World Series of Poker satellite games.


Savory Sips Inc. Owner Rebecca Christie – born and raised in Buffalo, NY – brings her expertise to Niagara County with Savory Sips Inc. Customers describe the business as “an incredible and intimate wine consulting boutique that has both redefined the experience of tasting and the selection of wine.” Christie has both her import license and retail license. This combination allows her to carry wines from small pockets of Europe that are not only fabulous-tasting, but also rare and limited in some cases. “The criteria are simple,” Christie said. “I will only have wines that score between 88 and 96 from Wine Spectator magazine. The wines have to be from producers who are skilled and consistent. I do not look for the trendy names and producers in wine, but rather for the artful, joyful, and purely silk in body, balance, and taste.” Christie works directly with international wine brokers to help her achieve a goal. “To get the result that I want, I need to use the best products,” she said. “I have the best products the world has to offer. The greatest part is that the wines start at $11.99 and are all under $22. There are some cases where I can order and shelve higher-priced wine – but in all honesty, there is no need.”

part, I am more of a silent partner now because of my passion for wine. I think I get my business-savvy and passion from my grandfather. He was from Italy in the Naples region and owned a hotel, restaurant, and vineyard. When reading information about him, the townspeople would say that he was an honest, caring man with scores of integrity. My grandfather would say, ‘How you make people feel is the key to any successful business. Even people who are jealous of your talents and ability just want you to acknowledge them.’” “I have to say that today, the old-world values apply every day, and I am striving to emulate my grandfather every minute,” Christie said. “Make no mistake about it, I love my business and each and every customer who crosses my path.” Savory Sips Inc. – 716-754-2008 www.villagevineyardwines.com Village Wine Tours – 716-946-5196 www.villagewinetours.com Find us on YouTube!

Owner Rebecca Christie is very particular and believes that all her customers are important. If they are going to spend their hardearned money, then it has to be only the best. In addition, Christie offers tastings and gives full explanations of the wines, producers, region, and process. “In most cases, you try before you buy,” she said. “This ensures that customers get exactly what they want and what they pay for.” Savory Sips Inc. is usually very busy, and the owner loves that people are truly enjoying their experience. Most of the wines are exclusive to her store. Christie offers private and corporate wine tastings with pairings of cheese, seasonal fruits, and chocolates. The parties are priced per person and are by reservation only. Private tastings usually last around two hours with a maximum of 15 people. To book your private gathering, call 716-754-2008 or email rtms@frontiernet.net. The owner of Savory Sips Inc. also owns Village Wine Tours, which provides all-inclusive tours along the USA Niagara Wine Trail, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Seneca Lake. All packages vary. Christie has organized tours from one to 35 people, and will custom-tailor any package to fit the needs of her clients. Please call 716-946-5196 or mail Village Wine Tours at P.O. Box 281, Sanborn, NY 14132, for quotes. Christie has a background in business, marketing, and management, and holds two college degrees. She is also CEO of RTMachined Specialties Inc., located in Niagara County. She and her husband are partners in this venture. They manufacture aerospace, medical, and defense components, and have owned the company for 15 years. Christie states, “For the most

Village Wine Tours/Savory Tips Inc Limo Guided Tours • Wine Tastings at Store

Savory Sips invites you to a night for two. Private wine tastings, catered food. A night made for wine appreciation. Exclusive wines scoring 88-93 from Wine Spectator. 467 Center Street Lewiston NY 14092 Reserve now while available Parties up to 20 available Hostess: Rebecca Christie 716-946-5196 rtms@frontiernet.net

www.villagevineyardwines.com www.villagewinetours.com 57


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59


300 Third Street

Niagara Falls New York, 14303


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