Fall/Winter 2011
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Thank you for choosing us as your enTerTainmenT desTinaTion! We are thrilled to be the recipient of 26 honors in the annual Casino Player “Best of gaming awards,” most notably for: BEST CASINO BEST OVERALL GAMING RESORT BEST PLAYERS CLUB BEST HOTEL BEST CONCERTS
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siGn uP and Get $10 free Play New member free play bonus is only available to new club members. offer expires Dec. 31, 2011. Must be 21 years of age or older to join. Valid government-issued photo ID is required. Membership is free. Seneca Casinos was honored in 40 different Casino Player & Strictly Slots “BeSt of GaMInG” categories.
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ENTERTAINMENT 10 Seneca Casinos Keeps the Excitement Hot during the Cold!
SHOPPING 16 Niagara Holiday Market Brings European-style Shopping to the Falls 20 Great Holiday Gifts at Seneca Shopping Spree 22 Watson’s Chocolates Boutique a Sweet Addition to Seneca Niagara
ENJOY 26 Patria: Fine Italian Cuisine at a Fine Price 32 Seneca Casinos Kick Up the Excitement with New Slot Machines
CELEBRATE 34 Seneca Nation Fall Art Events 40 Seneca Niagara Is Fired Up for ChInese New Year Celebrations
COMMUNITY 42 Seneca Casinos Get in the Game with Celebrity Hosts 44 The Seneca Nation Makes Its Case
PLAY 47 “Bingo!”
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Editorial, Design and Production creative director Dan Pasco Editor Ashley Guay Designer Rob Petrullo Vanessa Furtado contributing writers Tony Astran, Seneca Gaming Corporation Leslie Logan, SNI Foreign Relations Communications Director Multi Media designer Sandor Ligetfalvy sales, marketing and distribution vp business developMent & marketing Gary MacGregor Director OF SALES Jim Scott Advertising Consultants Gail Cerrone Michael Cervini Gabe Riverso Distribution Manager / IT Consultant Zach Paradis 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
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.
Welcome Excitement Worth Sharing. This is the experience we seek to give you every day and every trip to a Seneca Casino property. From the excitement of our new slot machines and thrilling table games, to the delicious tastes of our many restaurants, to the luxury of our AAA Four Diamond Award-winning hotels, and the energy of our fabulous entertainment – a trip to a Seneca Casino is truly Excitement Worth Sharing. Share the experience with family and friends. Meet new people in the casino during your next trip. New adventures will await you with every visit. What really makes all the experience one worth sharing is the thousands of dedicated men and women who deliver outstanding customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The smiles they bring and their willingness to help at all times is a difference-maker and will bring you back again and again. So, as we roll out a new widespread marketing campaign – featuring excellent television commercials, billboards, radio and newspaper messages, and social media from Facebook to Twitter – we believe Excitement Worth Sharing is what we are all about. There’s great Excitement here; we see Worth or Value throughout our properties, and; the experience is one which you’ll want to Share with others. Our entire team wishes you and your family a happy and enjoyable holiday season and a great 2012. This winter, get out of the cold and enjoy some Excitement Worth Sharing at Seneca Casinos. Sincerely, Jim Wise Senior Vice President of Marketing 5
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LeT SeNeCA NiAGArA CASiNO & HOTeL HOST YOur NexT CONFereNCe, TrADe SHOW, FOrmAL eveNT, SOCiAL OuTiNG Or meeTiNG. An EXPERIENCED staff of professional event planners and catering experts are available to ensure your event unfolds perfectly from start to finish. The only AAA 4-Diamond award-winning hotel in Niagara Falls, NY • Just a few blocks from the grandeur of Niagara Falls • World-class gaming featuring 4,100 of the newest slots and 100 action-packed table games • Our catering services feature a wide variety of menu options with cuisine that’s perfect for any occasion Over 35,000 square feet of event facilities and meeting space • Perfectly accommodating for a guest list of a few, or up to 2,500 • Cutting-edge technical services • Fully appointed Business Center • Complimentary on-site self and valet parking • Great attractions and amenities like The Spa, retail shops, sight-seeing attractions & the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls to add to your guests’ overall experience!
to plan your next function, please call one of our event professionals at 1-866-939-7100 or visit www.senecaMeetings.com.
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There’s no better spot for destination shopping in Western New York! Where else can you find over 100 specialty shops, including Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s, JCPenney and Sears? Enjoy one of our great restaurants like Bonefish Grill, TGI Friday’s, Chili’s, Dynasty Buffet and Honey’s. We are THE destination to shop, dine and play! www.boulevard-mall.com • 716-834-8600
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Bring in the New Year
Two Bear’s Den Performances: December 31, 2011 - 8PM & 11PM 10
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Seneca Casinos Keeps the Excitement Hot during the Cold! A range of musical genres, numerous two-show performances and a stretch of holiday concerts at both Seneca Niagara and Seneca Allegany will offer options for everyone throughout Western New York, Southern Ontario and beyond. The sensational soft rock band Air Supply performs No. 1 hits “The One that You Love” and “Even the Nights Are Better” during a Thanksgiving (U.S.) weekend show in late November at Seneca Niagara Events Center. A Vietnamese Thanksgiving Dance Show also takes place that weekend. The venue will then play host to seven holiday shows during a five-day period as Frankie Avalon and Susan Anton perform the standards and holidays hits from December 7 to 11. An evening of comedy and disco dancing is slated for Christmas night during the Vietnamese Christmas Dance & Comedy Show. And, to kick off 2012, the critically-acclaimed Lisa Lampanelli performs her “insult comic” brand of comedy on stage. Seneca Allegany Events Center welcomes country icon Tanya Tucker on November 19, and the country continues in early December for “A Country Christmas” during December 2 to 4 – as “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood performs five shows. On January 29, Three Dog Night will play legendary rock anthems such as “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” and “Black & White.” Another nine acts are lined up for the Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Casino – including two memorable New Year’s Eve performances by Australian rock group, Little River Band. The intimate venue seats 440 with views no further than 40 feet of the stage. The larger Events Centers each seat up to 2,400 people with no seat further than 100 feet of the stage. Tickets are available at all Seneca Casino box offices, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, or by phone at 800-745-3000. (Call 716-501-2360 for tickets to the Vietnamese shows.)
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Lisa Lampanelli Seneca Niagara Events Center Sunday, January 1 2012 • 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30 On sale now!
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Jeff Foxworthy August 27
TANYA TUCKER Seneca Allegany Events Center Saturday, November 19, 2011 • 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20 On sale now! 13
Frankie Avalon 14
Susan Anton
Entertainment Entertainment at Seneca Casinos Seneca Niagara Events Center (all shows 8 p.m. unless noted) November 25 – Vietnamese Thanksgiving Dance Show (10 p.m.) November 26 – Air Supply December 7 – Frankie Avalon and Susan Anton (1:30 p.m.) December 8 – Frankie Avalon and Susan Anton (1:30 and 7 p.m.) December 9 – Frankie Avalon and Susan Anton (7 p.m.) December 10 – Frankie Avalon and Susan Anton (1:30 and 7 p.m.) December 11 – Frankie Avalon and Susan Anton (1:30 p.m.) December 25 – Vietnamese Christmas Dance & Comedy Show January 1 – Lisa Lampanelli Seneca Allegany Events Center (all shows 7 p.m. unless noted) November 19 – Tanya Tucker December 2 – Lee Greenwood December 3 – Lee Greenwood (1:30 and 7 p.m.) December 4 – Lee Greenwood (1:30 and 5:30 p.m.) January 14 – The Chippendales January 29 – Three Dog Night (5 p.m.) Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Casino (all shows 8 p.m. unless noted) November 19 – J. Medicine Hat (3 and 8 p.m.) November 25 – Clint Holmes December 2 – The Diamonds December 31 – Little River Band (8 and 11 p.m.) January 7 – Rick Alviti as Elvis (3 and 8 p.m.) January 21 – Barbra & Frank – The Concert that Never Was (3 and 8 p.m.) January 28 – Marc Cohn More great acts to be announced!
Lee Greenwood 15
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Shopping Niagara Holiday Market Brings European-style Shopping to the Falls Billed as the largest European-style holiday market and festival in the U.S., the new Niagara Holiday Market will dramatically transform the outdoors along Old Falls Street near Seneca Niagara Casino this November and December. The excitement begins Friday, November 25, with 37 days of retail shopping as well as live entertainment, community events, ice-skating, and other winter activities with an international flavor and familyfriendly environment. More than 50 vendors will feature unique artisans, crafts, gifts, apparel and specialty foods – including “Merchant’s Row” anchor Tony Walker & Co with a collection of premier fashion boutiques, and the Etsy Studio with unique handmade crafts by a dozen craftspeople. Organizers expect tens of thousands to attend this season. The Niagara Holiday Market also will include the “Holiday Market Tree Lighting Spectacular” on November 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., a 5,000-square-feet ice skating rink, Santa’s Workshop, Tournament of Songs featuring dozens of high school choirs from Western New York and Southern Ontario, Taste of the Season Food and Wine Festival (December 16-18), and winter activities (weather permitting) such as snow-shoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snowman contests.
Another major highlight of Niagara Holiday Market will be live entertainment at Conference Center Niagara Falls on Old Falls Street. Musical acts, dates, times, and starting ticket prices for the “Holiday Concert Series” are as follows: • The Canadian Tenors on Saturday, November 26, 7 p.m., $55 • Christmas with Aaron Neville on Thursday, December 1, 7 p.m., $35 • The Sounds of Music with Elisabeth Von Trapp on Tuesday, December 6, 7 p.m., and Wednesday, December 7, 2 p.m., $15 (both days) • Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra with “A Visit with St. Nick” on Saturday, December 17, 2 p.m., $15 child and $20 adult
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Shopping Niagara Holiday Market Brings European-style Shopping to the Falls Seneca Niagara Casino is one of the founding partners of Niagara Holiday Market, providing a significant sponsorship. “The attraction is a wonderful addition to downtown Niagara Falls and we’re proud to work with the team there on this exceptional vision,” said Jim Wise, senior vice president of marketing, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “There are a lot of synergies to the entertainment and experiences that we’re both creating in the Falls. It is a natural fit, and we’ll do whatever we can to help ensure the success and sustainability of this important project.” Niagara Holiday Market will take place along three blocks of Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls, stretching from 3rd Street near Seneca Niagara Casino to the main entry of the State Park. The project is spearheaded by Brix and Company, in a public-private partnership with Niagara USA, the City of Niagara Falls, and a host of corporate marketing partners. The unique shopping experience begins Friday, November 25, at noon through New Year’s Day (closed only on December 25). Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information or to purchase Holiday Concert Series tickets, please visit www.NiagaraMarket.com.
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Shopping Great Holiday Gifts at Seneca Shopping Spree Seneca Niagara Events Center will be transformed into a shopping haven with hundreds of items this holiday season! Electronics, toys, sporting goods, handbags, luggage, jewelry, and much more from dozens of popular brands will fill the room. At the Seneca Shopping Spree, you don’t have to lift a thing if you don’t want to. Shop for the items you like, and we’ll mark them down on special sheets. When you pay at the checkout doors and are ready to leave, we’ll gather everything for you! In fact, a bell hop can also help you deliver the items to your Seneca hotel room or your car. You can use Seneca Players Club Points, cash, or major credit cards to shop as much as you’d like. The shopping spree takes place on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Special VIP invitation days also take place on Thursday, November 17, and Friday, November 18, from 4 to 9 p.m. So earn your points, bring your list, and get your gifts!
GREAT BRANDS INCLUDE: Apple Sony Bose Nintendo Canon KitchenAid Cuisinart Calphalon Hamilton Beach Dyson Bissell Samsonite Kenneth Cole
Burberry Kate Spade Dooney & Burke Guess Brighton Waterford Dewalt Coleman Weber Fisher-Price Leapfrog Step2 Mattel Vtech
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Shopping Watson’s Chocolates Boutique a Sweet Addition to Seneca Niagara The premier chocolate in the region now has a home at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls. Watson’s Chocolates Boutique is the latest addition to the growing retail corridor along the casino’s Fourth Street side. The company’s assortment of superior-quality chocolates – such as truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, and the everpopular sponge candy – is available seven days a week and just in time for the holiday shopping season. According to Gerad Hardy, vice president of resort operations for Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Watson’s is one of the casino’s bestselling products at The NewsStand, the 24-hour gift shop on property. The creation of a separate space allows guests to experience much more than the small handful of product offerings in the past, and also resulted in another full- and part-time job for the casino. “Since 2010, we’ve added the TEN store, Tim Hortons Café and Bake Shop with Cold Stone Creamery, Swarovski Crystal Boutique, and Yankee Candle Boutique in the casino corridor,” Hardy said. “We wanted to create energy and excitement in this part of the casino and offer guests even more reasons to visit.” Watson’s Chocolates Boutique incorporates cabinetry similar to the Swarovski Crystal Boutique, just a few steps away. Watson’s hours also are slated to coincide with its neighboring outlets – noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Items at Watson’s Chocolates range from around $2 to $20 and up for gift baskets, and may be purchased with cash, credit cards, or Seneca Players Club Points. The boutique is the ninth location to open in Western New York. For more information, please visit www.watsonschocolates.com or www.senecaniagaracasino.com.
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ENJOY Patria: Fine Italian Cuisine at a Fine Price Fans of Patria at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel consider the restaurant to offer the best dining in Western New York’s Southern Tier Region. Patria’s traditional Italian fare with a contemporary twist is branded as “fine Italian cuisine,” but don’t let that phrase fool you – you’ll feel right at home with the food, service, and prices. Before walking through elegant glass doors, diners will encounter a tiled, tornado-shaped column adorned by thousands of tiny ceiling lights that undulate in various color schemes. The effect creates a hearth-like glow that is befitting of the word “Patria,” which loosely translates to “homeland” in Italian and “motherland” in Seneca language. Once inside, original hand-done tile work continues throughout the ceiling and columns, and is accented by a colorful carpet with a unique, wave-like design. To the left, guests will be awestruck by an enormous floor-to-ceiling wine rack, which features 340 wines from around the world. To the back-right is a cozy stone fireplace for added ambiance; and to the back-left is an exhibition station where guests can see chefs prepare pizzas, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Patria may feel fancy with its contemporary, elegant décor, but there is no strict dress code. And although the restaurant seats 140, the layout is configured to allow areas for cozy interaction. For those who’d like to make use of the entire space, Patria is available for private events. If the sights haven’t already made guests feel enough at ease, the smells of food certainly will. From pasta to seafood to steak, Patria offers Italian food as it should be: unhurried, uncomplicated, and uncompromisingly fresh. Items start at $10 and up, and an average bill per person generally runs in the low $20’s.
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eNJOY Patria: Fine Italian Cuisine at a Fine Price A favorite on the entrée menu is veal parmagiana. The dish is pan-seared with bread crumbs and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese and house-made marinara, accompanied with a side of pasta made fresh and in-house. Veal and chicken dishes can be prepared in parmagiana, marsala, and piccata styles. Other items on the regular menu include appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, steaks, seafood, and pastas. Patria also offers seasonal menus for added variety. Some of the popular items on the menu during the upcoming fall and winter seasons will include: grilled lamb chops with roasted garlic, lentils, tomatoes, feta, and mint; parmesan crusted swordfish with artichoke, eggplant, white anchovy, basil, and lemon; seared sea scallops and stuffed baked oysters filled with sweet peppers, garlic, parsley, lemon, parmesan, and oregano, and; grilled pear and asparagus salad with arugula, fresh mozzarella, pickled onion, and Chianti peppercorn dressing. The chefs and servers are keen on presentation, and it especially shows in the desserts. Patria’s version of a key lime pie is the limoncello pie, made with limoncello liqueur custard and a sugar cookie crust. Another favorite, the Frangelico® panna cotta, includes espresso Jell-O™, dark chocolate truffle, and fresh whipped cream and berries. A favorite deal among guests of Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel is Patria’s dinner-for-two on Sundays – a family-style feast for only $34. The multicourse meal includes Caesar salad, chicken parmesan, shrimp scampi, Italian-roasted vegetables, spaghetti with garlic and oil, penne with house red sauce, and tiramisu and cannoli for dessert. Walk-ins are welcome at Patria but reservations are encouraged by phone at 877-553-9500. The restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays through Tuesdays (also open on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. during non-winter seasons). Guests at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel can find Patria on the second floor at the top of the escalator, next to The Seneca Café and close to Fire Lounge and The Western Door: A Seneca Steakhouse.
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Enjoy Seneca Casinos Kick Up the Excitement with New Slot Machines For slot machine lovers, there are few places in the Northeast U.S. that offer the level of excitement and variety of games as Seneca Casinos. More than 6,500 machines are available throughout the three casinos in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Salamanca, and feature the very latest in new titles and heart-pounding technology. All of this creates a rush of adrenaline for even the most discerning of players, and a gaming experience worth sharing. “Our guests play a big factor into our decisions for new slot machines,” said Bryant Martin, vice president of slot operations, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “We want to keep the product fresh for them and provide the best entertainment experience around. The machines we offer are the same ones they’ll find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City – and, oftentimes, are the first to appear among other casinos. We’ve invested millions of dollars throughout our properties in the past year – effectively refreshing about 20 percent of our overall slot product.” One of the popular new slot machines at Seneca Casinos is Vegas Hits™, which offers two vibrant bonus wheels – including the popular “U-Spin” function that allows players to touch the screen and spin the bonus wheel just as if it were an actual physical wheel. Players will hit a Free Game wedge or get to spin the second Money Wheel to win up to 1,000 credits times total bet. Vegas Hits™ is easy to spot on the Seneca Casinos’ gaming floors, as the slot topper closely resembles the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Look for it and other new games during your next visit!
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CELEBRATE Seneca Nation Fall Art Events Fall Arts Events This fall, the Seneca Nation participated in several arts events to feature the art and culture of Seneca people. The Native Roots Artists Guild is a collective of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois / Six Nations Confederacy) artists engaged in promoting, preserving, and advancing Native artists and their artwork. The Guild was busy with exhibits, demonstrations, festivals, and community bazaars. An art exhibit titled Hodi’ nigo: waneh (meaning “they are creative” in Seneca language) featured more than a dozen members of the Guild and their creative talents at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum. An opening reception gave the public a chance to meet the artists, learn more about their inspirations, and enter a free raffle for a chance to win an authentic Haudenosaunee-made berry basket. Artwork on display includes traditional baskets, carvings, beadwork, cornhusk art, and drawings and paintings by highly talented Native artists such as Roger Thompson, Mary Jacobs, Samantha Jacobs, Bill Crouse, Penny Minner, Richard Nephew, and Lyle Logan. The exhibit runs through 2011. The Seneca-Iroquois National Museum is located at 814 Broad Street in Salamanca, NY, and is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members of the Guild also participated in the Falling Leaves Festival, held in early October in Salamanca. Despite a cold and rainy weekend, artists showcased their work and demonstrated their creativity and talents under the tents. Mark the festival on your calendar for next year (September 28-30, 2012) and join in the festivities!
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CELEBRATE Seneca Nation Fall Art Events Allegany Library Art Exhibit
The Seneca Nation’s Allegany Library offers much more than just books on shelves. It hosts events throughout the year such as author readings and book signings, special children’s activities such as scary story night at Halloween, and visits by magicians, Santa Claus, Coco the Clown, the Easter Bunny, and more. This fall, the Allegany Library hosted the 32nd annual Seneca Art Show, featuring 32 Native artists from ages 5 to 72. During this year’s show, the Library awarded more than 15 cash prizes for various categories of work to recognize and encourage emerging and established talents from the local communities. The Library is in the midst of updating their webpage and is developing a Facebook page to better inform the general public of upcoming events and activities. To find out more about happenings at the Library on the web, visit www.cclslib.org.
Online Store
It is now easier than ever to give the gift of Iroquois culture with the opening of the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum online store! Shop for Iroquois items at www.SenecaMuseum.org without making the drive during the holiday season. The site offers many of the items that are available at the museum, such as cornhusk dolls, books, CDs, DVDs, beadwork, sculptures, pottery, baskets, jewelry, and more. This is the perfect resource to learn more about Seneca artists and culture while getting great ideas for gifts. Whether you are shopping or browsing, enjoy your experience at the new online store.
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TANYA TUCKER gRAmmy & AcAdemy of countRy muSic AwARdS winneR And one of cmt’S 40 gReAteSt women of countRy muSic.
Sat., NOV. 19 • 7 PM tickets start at $20.
AIR SUPPLY Soft Rock duo with eight top 10 hitS including “All out of love,” “eveRy womAn in the woRld” And “the one thAt you love”
Sat., NOV. 26 • 8 PM tickets start at $30.
ON SALE NOW! 38
LEE GREENwOOd “a COuNtRy CHRIStMaS”
See the legendARy peRfoRmeR of ‘god BleSS the uSA’ AS he SingS hiS hitS And chRiStmAS clASSicS.
FRI., DEC. 2 • 7 PM Sat., DEC. 3 • 1:30 PM & 7 PM SuN., DEC. 4 • 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM tickets start at $20.
FRANKIE AVALON & SUSAN ANTON
“A CLASSIC CHRIStMaS CELEBRATION”
See Anton, hoSt of the SucceSSful “gReAt RAdio city muSic hAll SpectAculAR” And AvAlon, foRmeR teen idol And BillBoARd chARt toppeR AS they ShARe the StAge.
DEC. 7, 8, 10 & 11 • 1:30 PM DEC. 8, 9 & 10 • 7 PM tickets start at $20.
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BEST CoNCERTS BEST BAR/loUNGE
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1-877-8-SENECA (873-6322) • www.SenecaCasinos.com 39
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CELEBRATE Seneca Niagara Is Fired Up for Chinese New Year Celebrations In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. This is a winning combination for guests at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, who will have the opportunity to celebrate the mythical creature in grand fashion this January, as the date of January 23, 2012, marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon for the Chinese New Year. To mark the festivities, a Lion Dance and a Dragon Dance will take place during the evening hours of Saturday, January 28, beginning in the hotel lobby and continuing throughout the casino. These dances are common during Chinese New Year, as the loud drums, cymbals, and frenetic dragon or lion movements are intended to drive away bad spirits and spread good fortune and energy. During the dances, team members with Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel will hand guests red envelopes to mark a “lucky� new year. In addition, a custom Year of the Dragondesigned Seneca Players Club Card will be available at exclusive VIP player events.
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Joe DeLamielleure
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Mike Robitaille
COMMUNITY Seneca Casinos Get in the Game with Celebrity Hosts Guests often run into familiar faces at Seneca Casinos – the premier destinations in Western New York for excitement. In recent months, they have seen another very familiar face around the properties: popular hockey broadcaster and former professional hockey player Mike Robitaille. Robitaille recently joined Seneca Casinos as a celebrity host, providing an assist with community relations and marketing. He joins forces with another Buffalo sports legend and longtime celebrity host for the casinos: Joe DeLamielleure. Robitaille and DeLamielleure help Seneca Casinos develop sportsrelated events on the casino properties, attract new visitors, and represent the company at various community activities throughout the year. Robitaille is also a popular face at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino after hockey games at the nearby First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo. “Mike Robitaille and Joe DeLamielleure are two of Western New York’s favorite athletes,” said Jim Wise, senior vice president of marketing, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “They are men who always made the region proud, whether they were giving 100 percent on the ice/field or living high-integrity lives away from the game. Guests of Seneca Casinos are always excited to rub elbows and talk sports with these special guys.” Robitaille played professional hockey in New York, Detroit, Buffalo, and Vancouver, and was known for his punishing hip checks on defense. After his playing days ended, he decided to make his home in Western New York. These days, Robitaille is synonymous with local hockey broadcasts – providing in-depth analysis in a humorous, pull-no-punches style on radio and television since the 1980s. Away from hockey, he enjoyed a successful business career. “Being a professional athlete, I know what teamwork means – and now being part of Seneca Casinos, I like the team I’m on and its potential,” Robitaille said. “I feel very comfortable in a gaming environment and look forward to being involved with the community on behalf of the casinos.” Known by many as “Joe D.,” DeLamielleure was an All-America and three-time All-Big Ten offensive lineman at Michigan State before playing 185 consecutive games in 13 seasons with Buffalo and Cleveland in the 1970s and 1980s. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. “Everyone does such a great job at Seneca Casinos and I’m incredibly thankful that I work as a host,” DeLamielleure said. “This is the most honest group of people I’ve ever teamed with, and some of my best friends are here.”
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COMMUNITY The Seneca Nation Makes Its Case The President of the Seneca Nation of Indians presented testimony this fall before the State Senate Committee on Racing, Wagering and Gaming in Canandaigua, NY. The hearings were held in light of a bill expected to be introduced to amend that state constitution to legalize gambling in New York. President Robert Odawi Porter called on the State of New York to honor its legal agreements with the Seneca and comply with the terms of the 2002 Gaming Compact that established a Seneca gaming exclusivity zone throughout Western New York.
President Porter was flanked by more than 100 casino employees as he provided Committee Chair Senator John Bonacic (R–Mt. Hope) and other Senators with a rundown of economic impacts that Seneca Gaming has brought to the region. Seneca gaming operations have provided more than a $1 billion economic boost to the state and created nearly 3,700 jobs in the region – the large majority held by non-Native employees.
The Seneca Nation operates three casinos in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Salamanca, and is the fifth largest employer in Western New York with an annual payroll of $125 million. In addition, the Seneca Nation spends $77 million on local vendors and suppliers, and in just the past year it generated $149 million in tourism revenue from out-of-state visitors – all of which has flowed into Western New York.
“The Seneca Nation has emerged as one of the leading employers and economic drivers in Western New York,” said President Porter. “Our ability to continue to invest and grow in Western New York stems from our gaming exclusivity. Now, as the Senate considers whether to amend the New York State Constitution to allow expansion of commercial casino gaming, we are here to remind them to honor the terms of the 2002 State–Nation compact.”
The Compact defines “Gaming Devices” as “slot machines” and “video lottery gaming devices.” The Compact also indicates that should the State permit any other person or entity to offer “slot machines” or “video lottery gaming devices” within the geographic zone of exclusivity, the Nation would be immediately relieved of any obligation to make exclusivity payments to the State.
The state began allowing video lottery terminals at the Hamburg racino and Batavia Downs as early as 2003. Given the overt breach to the compact in violation of the exclusivity agreement, the Nation’s Council voted in 2009 to withhold exclusivity payments.
Porter expressed optimism that the Nation would reach a resolution with the Cuomo Administration on the compact violations that have forced the Seneca to place the exclusivity shares in escrow.
“We have opened a constructive dialogue with Lt. Governor Robert Duffy on these compact violations and we expect a positive resolution in the near future with the State in order to resume a productive working relationship and to ensure that the host communities are not negatively affected by the State’s Compact violation,” President Porter said.
President Porter concluded his remarks by stating the Nation’s opposition to allow commercial gaming interests in Western New York. “Allowing existing racinos to morph into full-fledge casinos will further violate the Compact with the Seneca, undermine the economic stability of the region, and actually result in a net negative impact on the people and communities of Western New York,” he said.
In the 2002 agreement, the Seneca Nation and New York State agreed that the State would grant the Nation exclusivity to operate “Gaming Devices” in Western New York. In exchange, the Nation agreed to pay the State and host communities 25 percent of the revenues from the slot machines in “exclusivity payments.” The Seneca Nation has remitted $475.2 million to the State in exchange for exclusivity.
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Welcome to Seneca Nation Territory The Seneca One Stop, the Seneca Nation’s convenience store,
We welcome you, our visitors... to experience “your best stop of the day”... at the Seneca One Stop.
has been in operation for 25 years. We have four convenient locations on our sovereign territories in Irving, Salamanca, and Cuba. We offer discounted gas, diesel, tobacco, and other convenience items. Our Seneca Country Cafe menu includes pizza, wings, and other pizzeria-style items. The Seneca Country Gift Shop, located in each store, offers unique native apparel, jewelry, and other mementos.
RTS 5 & 20 IN IRVING
| 555 WILDWOOD AVE IN SALAMANCA
5376 WEST SHORE RD IN CUBA
| 745 BROAD ST IN SALAMANCA
“Happy Harleydays from the Seneca One Stop” “Purchase a minimum of $10.00 in merchandise and receive an entry for the drawing” “Purchase a minimum $10.00 in merchandise receive an entry for the drawing”Inc” “Winner also receives a of $250 gift card redeemableand at Harley-Davidson of Jamestown, “Winner also on receives card redeemable Jamestown, Inc” “See the bike displaya $250 at ourgift location in SalamancaatatHarley-Davidson 555 Wildwood of Ave.” “See thewill bikebeondrawn displayonatDecember our location “Winner 20 in Salamanca at 555 Wildwood Ave.” “Winner will be drawn on December 20
“Happy Harleydays from the Seneca One Stop”
Stop by the promotions booth for details. Stop by the promotions booth for details. www.TheSenecaCasinos.com
www.SenecaCasinos.com 46
play “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.
IRVING, NEW YORK 11099 Route 5 (Erie St.) Irving, New York 14081 1-800-421-2464
SALAMANCA, NEW YORK 768 Broad Street Salamanca, NY 14779 877.860.5130
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See the show NIAGARA FALLS, U.S.A
New Year’s Eve 3rd Annual Guitar Drop Free outdoor concert featuring the Wailers, international performing artists and band of the late legendary Bob Marley. 10’ illuminated Gibson Guitar, painted by local artist Rob Lynch and illuminated by Ken-Ton Electronics, will be lowered more than 120 feet onto Old Falls Street at midnight. Outdoor festivities will include concert, food and beverage concessions and fireworks at midnight. The VIP ticket package will include heated VIP tent, deluxe buffet, beverages, front of stage access, heated VIP restrooms.
FREE EVENT Saturday December 31st, 2011
8:00PM Free Outdoor Concert 9:00PM VIP Tent Opens Midnight – 10’ Gibson Guitar Drop
Old Falls Street adjacent to Hard
Rock Cafe Niagara Falls, USA Across from Niagara Falls State Park 333 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY VIP Tent Package $95.00 per person Outdoor Concert & Guitar Drop - All Ages VIP Tent Package - Must be 21 years of age
Call 716-282-0007 or ticketweb.com
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Event Partners/Sponsors – City of Niagara Falls, Seneca Niagara Casino, Old Falls Street
More thAN A Florist • Elegance at affordable prices • Home decor • Purses, shawls and gift items • Fresh flowers and plants
Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Saturday 9 am - 2 pm and Sunday Closed
7620 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14304 716.283.3014 www.evergreenflorals.net Free Delivery to Casino & all loCal Hotels
DAILY DINNER SPECIALS ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS
OPEN DAILY WE DELIVER TO ALL LOCAL HOTELS
1/2 Tray of Pizza & 20 Wings (BLUE CHEESE & CELERY)
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PRESENT ROOM KEY FOR BUY ONE GET ONE FREE PITCHER OF BEER
CANADIAN MONEY AT PAR! 1400 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY
716.297.8442 49
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300 Third Street
Niagara Falls 52
New York, 14303