SECOND ANNUAL ORCHARD PARKWAY GARDEN WALK

Will be taking place on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 9 am to 3 pm.

A free self guided tour of beautiful gardens and architecture in Downtown Niagara Falls, NY

Walk begins at the corner of the Main Street and Orchard Parkway, Niagara Falls

Withthe first ever Niagara Homecoming under our belts, I would like to take a few moments to thank Frank and Colleen for all their leadership and vision.  A thank you needs to also go out to all the organizers of the different days events.  As a group of volunteers who are trying to make a difference for our beloved city, we would love to hear from everyone who attended our functions.  What did you like?  Are there things you think we should include next year?  Please let us know by posting a comment here or by emailing us at niagararises@yahoo.com

Vote Now! You Could Help Maple Avenue School Win Up To $10,000!

Twenty-six schools will share $80,000 in cash prizes. We asked participating schools to put their creativity to the test by submitting a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support and deserves the $10,000 grand prize. The cash awards include one $10,000 grand prize, three $5,000 first prizes, and twenty-two $2,500 second prizes.

We are turning to America to select the 26 winners! Come back each day from now until July 12 and vote for your favorite video up to 3 times a day. Your votes will determine the winners!

Visit an encampment of French soldiers, Native warriors, and early fur traders on the banks of the Niagara River above Niagara Falls on Saturday, May 30 from Noon until 5:00 pm. This is a free public program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the destruction of Fort du Portage during the French and Indian War. Schedule of Activities as follows: 

Noon: Flag Raising and Artillery Salute

12:30: French Infantry Demonstration/Musket Firings

1:00 pm: Artillery Demonstration

1:30 pm: French Infantry Demonstration/Musket Firings

2:00 pm: Artillery Demonstration

2:30 pm: French Infantry Demonstration/Musket Firings

3:00 pm: Interactive Fur Trade Program

3:30 pm: Meet Lt. Daniel Chabert de Joncaire, Commandant, Fort du Portage.

4:00 pm: Presentation- The History of Fort du Portage/Little Niagara, Paul Gromoziak

4:30 pm: Arrival of Messenger from Fort Niagara/Burning of the Fort

Event Location- Along the Niagara River (above the rapids)  near the unused eastbound section of the Robert Moses Parkway. The site can be reached from the northeast (mainland) end of the Goat Island Pedestrian Bridge by walking east along the path that parallels the north shore of the Niagara River. Limited Parking is available along the right lane of the unused eastbound section of the Robert Moses Parkway.

OLD FORT NIAGARA RECREATES BURNING OF

18^th CENTURY FORT NEAR THE BRINK OF THE FALLS

“This summer we want to educate local residents and visitors alike about the impact the French & Indian War had – it’s why we do not speak French, why English institutions are dominant and the outcome also led to America’s fight for independence,” said Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara. “The recreation of the burning of Fort du Portage begins our 250^th anniversary activities as we build momentum and enthusiasm for our signature event – the reenactment of the historic siege of Fort Niagara in July.”

Set for July 3-5, 2009, the large scale reenactment of the siege of Fort Niagara marks the largest battle on the grounds of the Fort since the original siege in 1759. The three-day event recreates the siege of Fort Niagara with more than 2,300 re-enactors, battle reenactments, living history camps, colonial merchants, Native American councils and musical entertainment. For a complete listing of Old Fort Niagara’s anniversary events, visit

www.oldfortniagara.org.

www.oldfortniagara.org or by calling 716-745-7611.

The next meeting of Niagara Rises will be held Tuesday May 19, 2009 at 6 pm at the Days Inn (443 Main Street, Niagara Falls).

We are just over a month from Homecoming and have some work to do.

Tickets for the Kick-off Reception at the Crowne Plaza on Thursday, June 25, 2009 will be available.  Presale are $20.00 and at the door the tickets are $25.00.  There will be food from the NCCC Culinary Institute, wine, cash bar, live music and a Basket Auction.   All proceeds benefit NCCC Scholarship Program & Niagara Rises

We also will have information on tickets available on the Niagara Rises Brunch at the Aquarium of Niagara. 

We do have a need for some volunteers for the different events.

For anyone that hasn’t seen it yet, Artpark has announced their schedule for the FREE concerts on Tuesdays.

http://www.artpark.net/content/pages/tuesday-in-the-park

The United Way of Niagara is seeking volunteers to help our local Letter Carriers pick up food from their postal routes. Volunteers will be asked to drive along with the Letter Carriers, pick up food donations and return the donations to the assigned Post Office.

You can sign up to volunteer before May 9^th by calling the

United Way of Niagara at 285-8461.

Sign up today to help your local Letter Carrier stock our community food pantries.

You may volunteer at any of the following locations:

LaSalle Post Office – Niagara Falls

Main Street Post Office – Niagara Falls

Lewiston Post Office

Youngstown Post Office