The Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Society (NFHPS) announces its first tours of Downtown Niagara Falls to be held during the Buffalo Niagara Homecoming on June 27, 2009. 

A narrated Victorian Era tour will be led by NFHPS President Bill Bradberry beginning  of the tour at the First Presbyterian Church- 311 First Street at 10 am.  Visitors will be greeted by costumed guides Augustus Porter and his daughter, Lavinia, who were among the church founders and notable leaders of the City of Niagara Falls.  Stroll along historic Buffalo Avenue looking at churches and stately homes, including taking a closer look inside one of oldest homes in Niagara Falls.

The second tour, led by City Historian and preservation architect Tom Yots, will highlight downtown Niagara Falls of the 1920’s.  Meet just outside the Red Coach Inn, 2 Buffalo Avenue at 2 pm to glimpse the historic and the architecture “up close and personal” of such places as the United Office Building, the newly restored Jefferson Apartment Building, and the Niagara Hotel, currently being restored.  Tour members will discover historic Buffalo Avenue in the era of flappers and their escorts along for the ride.

Call the Niagara University General Information Center/Green Line to make a reservation Monday through Thursday from 9 until 5 pm. (716) 205-0287 to reserve early for either or both tours since there are a limited number of spaces available.  Cost for each tour is $15 per person payable to the Niagara Falls Historic Preservation Society (or NFHPS), P.O. Box 1945, Niagara Falls, NY 14302-1945.  Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.  Both tours will take about an hour.

Title: Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall
Location: Knox State Park, East Aurora, NY
Description: Coming to Knox State Park in East Aurora today is the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, which may tie up traffic a bit as the three tractor-trailers carrying it proceed along Transit Road and Seneca Street. Once it\’s unpacked, the 8.5-foot-tall wall, which is a football field long, will be on display Thursday through Monday with an honor guard watching over it.

The exhibit honors veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as victims of the 9/11 attacks. A kickoff event will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Tops Market, 4777 Transit Road, Lancaster. Then a motorcycle honor guard of Vietnam veterans will escort the trucks carrying the traveling wall to the park.

Start Date: 2009-06-25
End Date: 2009-06-29

Tickets are selling fast for the Kickoff Reception and the Brunch at the Aquarium…   All other events are free and open to all!    Don’t miss the great weekend of events!

Thursday, June 25

Kick-off Cocktail Reception/Benefit

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Crowne Plaza Hotel

Come sample some of the best of Niagara County wines,

with food prepared by the NCCC Culinary School.

Tickets: $20 in advance, /$25 at the door.

Proceeds to benefit the NCCC Scholarship Fund.

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=71

Friday, June 26

Empower Your Future Job Fair

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Niagara Power Vista

Network with Niagara County employers, attend career

seminars and take in the spectacular views of the Niagara

Gorge. Free

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=63

Art at the NACC

4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

The NACC opens its doors to the public with a variety of

cultural experiences. Free

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=67

Niagara Power Baseball

7:00 p.m. - Sal Maglie Stadium

The Niagara Power game will serve as a celebration of

Niagara’s former teams, including the Bisons, Pirates,

Rapids, White Sox and Mallards. Former Major Leaguers

will be on hand to sign autographs.

Game Tickets: $4 adults, $2 children

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=73

Saturday, June 27

Discover Niagara Falls

All day, all over Niagara Falls there will be Historic Tours

of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Bus Tour, Wine Trail Tour,

Mob Tour, and Niagara Falls High School Open House.

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=65

Echota Neighborhood Open House

& Reunion

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hyde Park Blvd/Buffalo Avenue

Bring a dish to pass, network with old friends and check

out the old neighborhood! Free

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=80

Real Estate/Energy Savings Expo

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Doors open at 9:30 - Power Vista, Lewiston

Find out about WNY Real Estate, pick up your list of

Saturday and Sunday Open Houses to tour. Free

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=79

Positively Main Street Festival

12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join us on both Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 for

Two Days of Local Talent, Saturday featuring the Junk

Yard Dogs and Sunday featuring Free Henry-Free

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=64

Open Houses hosted by the Buffalo Niagara

Association of Realtors, Open Houses will take place

throughout the region all Saturday and Sunday afternoon,

showcasing Western NewYork’s

extraordinary real estate values.

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=62

Sunday, June 28

Arise & Shine Worship Event

4:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Goat Island

Multiple churches from various denominations will come

together in a communal service as the sun rises over the

incomparable upper Niagara River. Free parking on Goat

Island, Niagara Falls, USA, near Parking Lot #3.

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=69

Brunch at the Aquarium of Niagara

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Aquarium

Capping off four days of fun, the Brunch will showcase

and benefit one of the region’s oldest and most respected

attractions. Catered by Niagara Falls’ own Alps Catering.

Adults: $15, Children 12 & Under: $10.

Proceeds benefit the Aquarium of Niagara.

http://citybration.com/niagara/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=70

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!

In less than three years, the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center has gone from dream to vibrant reality. Today, in it’s sixth year of operation, the NACC is home to more than 75 artists and arts groups - NY State’s largest gathering of artists under one roof outside of metro New York.

In addition to its artists in residence, the NACC is also home to two theaters, two art galleries, an interactive children’s center - NICE for Kids, and a Niagara Falls High School alumni center

NACC galleries host wide-ranging and ever-changing exhibitions, while our theaters regularly feature a broad variety of musical, theatrical and dance activities.

As an education center, the NACC’s role continues to grow. Many NACC artists regularly offer classes to the public. Now, as a 21st Century Community Learning Center, the NACC offers a broad array of art, music and dance classes to area middle and high school students both after school and throughout the summer.

During Niagara Homecoming the NACC is proud to sponsor a program designed to paint a smile on the face of all those who attend.

Agenda for Friday, June 26, 2009

* Two Open Gallery Art Exhibitions (1st Floor & 2nd Floor)

* Wine Bar with Finger Food Items & refreshments

* Gift Shop showcasing art & artistic items for sale

* Theatrical Vignettes in the Woodbox Theater presented by The Western Door Playhouse

* Live guitar music throughout the evening in the Main Gallery on the 1st floor

* Live entertainment (TBD*) in the Grand Theater Auditorium on the 2nd floor

* Souvenir photos for sale of individuals going over the falls in a barrel

What is the Niagara Awards: A Tribute to Women?

The Niagara Awards was established by the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Niagara in 1997 as a fundraiser to publicly recognize and honor women who make significant contributions to the Niagara County community.  All women nominated for one of the seven award categories will be recognized at the dinner, their pictures will appear in local press articles and in the event program.  The recipients in each of the award categories will be announced at the dinner.  A recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be publicly announced in advance of the dinner and presented at the dinner. 

What are the criteria for nominating women for the Niagara Awards?

Women nominated should be those who have consistently demonstrated through their employment, self-employment, volunteer service, or lifestyle an outstanding commitment to the mission of the YWCA—the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism—in one of the following awards categories:

·         EDUCATION AWARD—Women who are involved at any level of education, including religious or community, in any position, including superintendent, principal, teacher, teachers’ aide, college dean, assistant dean, professor, assistant professor, instructor, teaching assistant, professional staff, etc.

·         ENTREPRENEUR AWARD—Women who are proprietors and managers of their own companies.

·         FRONT LINE AWARD–Women who are support personnel, such as receptionists, sales associates, clerical workers, secretaries, bookkeepers, administrative assistants, cashiers, bank tellers, and customer service representatives.

·         MANAGEMENT AWARD—Women who are top executives and/or officers of corporations, businesses, non-profit organizations, directors, supervisors, and managers.

·         HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD—Women who serve as health care providers, case managers, nurses, physicians, social workers, etc.

·         PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD—Women who serve in the public sector; including elected officials, community volunteers, etc.

·         YOUTH AWARD—Young women under 18 years of age who demonstrate remarkable leadership skills and/or serve as a role model for other young women.

Are previous nominees eligible?

Yes.  Many organizations and individuals chose to honor a co-worker or friend more than once.  Previous nominees are eligible, but previous Niagara Award recipients, YWCA Board of Directors, YWCA Board of Trustees, YWCA employees and Niagara Awards Committee members are not eligible for nomination.

What is the nomination procedure?

Nominators must submit a separate nomination packet for each nomination by July 15, 2009.  Faxes cannot be accepted.  Forms may also be downloaded (forms may NOT be returned electronically) at the YWCA of Niagara Web site at www.ywcaniagara.org and clicking on the Niagara Awards link.  There is no nomination fee.

How are award recipients selected?

Award recipients will be selected by the Niagara Awards Selection Committee based on the nomination form and narrative. 

When are the nominations due?

Nominations must be postmarked no later than July 15, 2009.

Can copies of the nomination materials be used?

Yes.  Copies of the forms will be accepted, however, original signatures are required where indicated.

When is the Niagara Awards Dinner?

The 2009 Niagara Awards:  A Tribute to Women will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at 6 p.m. at The Conference Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, N.Y.  Dinner tickets are $75 (nominees are complimentary) and can be obtained by calling the YWCA at 716-433-6714.  Patron tables at a cost of $750 (10 seats) and award sponsorships are available.

What: Head-to-head chef cooking competition

Where: Artisan Kitchens & Baths, 200 Amherst Street, Buffalo NY

When: Kick-off June 21st, 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (once a month throughout the summer)

How much: $20 per person includes a free drink from the bar and catered snacks

On Friday, June 12th, tickets go on sale for Nickel City Chef, and seating is limited!

You’ve seen them on TV, now you can experience the energy and excitement of a professional cooking competition in person! Nickel City Chef is Western New York’s premier live cooking competition and features top chefs from our region, local ingredients and feisty challengers.

During each of the four summertime competitions, one of our Nickel City Chefs will be challenged by a qualified contender in a culinary fete featuring ingredients grown and raised right here in Western New York. The two chefs and their assistants will strive to complete technically perfect, innovative dishes showcasing a secret ingredient. A panel of three foodie and celebrity judges rate each dish based on the skill, flavor and the creativity demonstrated in each dish.

All of the action happens in one of Buffalo’s best-kept secrets, a fully restored turn-of-the-century warehouse on Buffalo’s emerging West Side. This former stove factory is now home to Artisan Kitchens and Baths, Western New York’s leading high-end appliance retailer. This gorgeous and historic space is completely outfitted with two side-by-side competition-worthy kitchens.

At each event, a live audience will watch the contest unfold live while enjoying drinks and catered snacks. Their ability to enjoy the event will be enhanced by the flat screen televisions throughout the venue airing live up-close footage of the cooking action. Additionally, the audience members’ opinions count toward the final judging tally.

While the outside world may tend to think that Buffalo has little to offer culinarily outside of wings and beef on ‘weck, Buffalonians know they’re wrong. We have skilled chefs and kitchen daredevils waiting to show the world what they can do in just under an hour!

The first Nickel City Chef pits the venerable Chef Krista Van Wagner of Curly’s against a qualified competitor (TBA on June 10th). The showdown begins at 3pm on Sunday, June 21st. Other Nickel City Chefs include Chef JJ Richert of Torches, Chef Paul Jenkins of Tempo and Chef Adam Goetz of Sample.

More information regarding the 2009 season of Nickel City Chef can be found online at NickelCityChef.com. For specific inquiries, please contact founder and producer Christa Glennie Seychew of Feed Your Soul at 716.812.1615 or via email at NickelCityChef@gmail.com.

A media-only event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 10th at 1pm. Want to come meet the nickel City chefs, taste some delicious food and see the amazing, state-of-the-art competition location? Please RSVP to NickelCityChef@gmail.com- cameras and crews are welcome.

Buffalo Film Festival to host Bradbury appearance in October 2009.

Growing up in Niagara County means that you have special memories of the Aquarium of Niagara. The magic of coming there on school field trips is a common memory. So it is fitting that we cap off four days of fun at this long standing Niagara Falls institution. Everybody in WNY loves having Brunch, and Niagara Homecoming is inviting you to join us at the Aquarium for a new twist on an old favorite.

The Aquarium features a bevy of aquatic animals including: California Sea Lions, Peruvian Penguins and Harbour Seals. You’ll delight in the various live shows conducted throughout the day. Why not take in the shark or tidal pool feedings? Your day at the aquarium will be sure to leave you with a smile that will last for days to come.

Join us after the Arise & Shine event and before you head to the festivities at Positively Main Street. The Brunch will showcase and benefit one of the region’s oldest and most respected attractions. Enjoy the exhibits before or after your delicious meal that is catered by Niagara Falls’ own Alps Catering, the menu will feature the usual breakfast favorites along with an assortment of foods indigenous to Western New York including the Alps succulent Beef on Weck.

Proceeds benefit the Aquarium of Niagara.

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Aquarium

Please contact us at niagararises@yahoo.com