Happy Thanksgiving – from one Meathead to another!
Image of the Day – November 27, 2014
November 27, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Promoting Small Business Saturday on the Vince Anello Show
November 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Via Vince Anello: In this edition of the show our guest Seth Piccirillo, Niagara Falls Community Development Director, Tom Lowe of Niagara University and Chris Stoianoff of the Niagara Hub discuss the importance of supporting small businesses in our community. They also discuss the upcoming events of Saturday, November 29, 2014 to promote local small businesses. Find more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1595831400645677/?ref=25&sid_reminder=8200681521279926272
Image of the Day – November 26, 2014
November 26, 2014 By 1 Comment
Ignoring the 63 buttons you don’t need!
Image of the Day – November 25, 2014
November 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment
The good spirit of LaSalle Senior High School lives on! Generation after generation!
3rd Annual “Silver Saturday” Fundraiser To Feature Local Music for a Local Cause
November 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Lindsay Foniciello, creator of the three-year-old fundraising event benefiting Heart, Love, and Soul food pantry known as “Silver Saturday,” is excited for 2014’s incarnation of the event, set for 6 PM, November 29 in the banquet room of Kelly’s Korner on Cayuga Drive in Niagara Falls.
The name is a play on the “Black Friday” shopping day immediately following Thanksgiving. “Silver Saturday” is intended to shift the focus to the less-fortunate members of the Niagara Falls community, and the event has grown substantially since its inception. “After the first year, we realized we needed a bigger venue, and that’s when we approached Kelly’s Korner,” said Foniciello. “We went from 35 people in 2012 to about 90 in 2013. We took in over 300 pounds of food last year, and we’re aiming for at least 400 in 2014.”
The event features a number of local musicians, with a cover charge of either five dollars or a non-perishable food item. All donations go to Heart, Love and Soul food pantry.
This year’s lineup includes local acts Jamie Holka, Nick Lucido, Chris Borgatti, In Tuna, Tapered Creek, Twin Lions, and the Classless Chaps.
The event’s Facebook page can be found at: www.facebook/groups/silversaturday
Old Falls Street Announces 2014 Holiday Activities
November 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
New 22-Foot Outdoor Christmas Tree and Frozen Party Compliment Annual Activities
Niagara Falls, NY (Nov. 10, 2014) – Old Falls Street, USA kicks-off a month-long series of family activities with its annual holiday tree illumination, on Dec. 4. In addition to several annual favorites, new additions include a brand new 22-foot outdoor LED Christmas tree and a special “Frozen” themed party, on Dec. 20. All events are open to the public.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, Old Falls Street will once again illuminate all three blocks of trees in thousands of white LED lights, begnning at 8 p.m. This third annual nightly winter display includes a brand new Christmas tree complete with a four-foot star, which will be featured on the Conference Center Block. The public is invited to share in the first illumination of the 2014 season as Old Falls Street and area stakeholders officially turn on the lights for the holiday season. Those in attendance will be treated to complimentary hot chocolate before being encouraged to visit other area restaurants that evening.
“Now in our third year, we are happy to add this new Chirstmas Tree as a focal point of our three-block holiday illumination of trees,” said Global Spectrum’s Ryan Coate, Old Falls Street’s general manager. “We hope that visitors who look forward to Old Falls Street’s seasonal display are impressed with this new feature as we work to create new and meaningful traditions in our Downtown Niagara Falls area.”
On Friday, Dec. 5, Old Falls Street will team up with the NFTA and members of the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association for the annual Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive, benefitting the Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier. Anyone wishing to donate non-perishible food is asked to bring the items to Old Falls Street’s Conference Center Block where an NFTA bus will be parked, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The collaborative donation, with a goal of 5,000 items, will be driven to the Community Missions, on Buffalo Avenue, after 2 p.m. Collection boxes are also located at The Conference & Event Center, Park Place Market, the Sheraton At The Falls, the Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, and the Aquarium of Niagara, for anyone who wishes to make a donation prior to Dec. 5.
Later that evening, Old Falls Street is collaborating with the Culinary Institute of Niagara Falls, located at 28 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, to present a Winter Wonderland, featuring the annual indoor life-sized gingerbread house prepared by culinary students, from 4 to 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Guests will also enjoy cookie decorating, letters to Santa, coloring and other arts and crafts activities, children’s games and appearances by Walter Falls, the Old Falls Street mascot; Beaker, the Aquarium of Niagara’s mascot; and the Culinary Institute’s new Gingerbread Man character, all on the first level of the Culinary Institute.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, Old Falls Street will host its 5th Annual Breakfast With Santa, inside The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls (101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, NY), from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The morning includes a deluxe breakfast buffet, personal visits with Santa Claus, arts and crafts, the viewing of traditional children’s holiday movies, holiday cookie decorating, photo opportunities and more. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors 65 and over, $10 for children aged four to 12, with complimentary admission for children three and under. Tickets are available at www.Facebook.com/OldFallsStreet.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, Old Falls Street presents its first ever Ultimate Holiday Frozen Meet & Greet Party, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This afternoon activity features brunch, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and a meet and greet with Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff as well as a special visit from another princess. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from the film to receive a free sticker set. Individual photo packages with children and all of the characters will be available starting at $10. Seating is limited to this special event, so guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance at www.Facebook.com/OldFallsStreet. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children, with complimentary admission for children aged three and under.
Both the Breakfast With Santa and the Ultimate Holiday Frozen Meet & Greet Party will feature a Giving Tree, where guests are asked to bring donations of new winter hats, scarves, gloves and socks for needy children in Niagara Falls. Each donation will receive a chance at a festive children’s holiday gift basket.
Rounding out the holiday season Old Falls Street will once again present a New Year’s Eve Kids’ Club inside The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. For a $5 admission price, guests will enjoy bounce house activities, Old Falls Street’s array of Backyard Board Games (giant versions of popular family games), foos ball and table tennis, family-friendly movies played on a giant screen and much more. In addition, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note that all children participating in Kids’ Club activities inside The Conference & Event Center must be accompanyed by a legal guardian for the evening.
2014 Old Falls Street Holiday Schedule
DATE TIME EVENT PRICE
Thursday, Dec. 4 8 p.m. Holiday Tree Illumination Free
Friday, Dec. 5 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive Food Donations being accepted
Friday Dec. 5 4 – 8 p.m. Winter Wonderland Free
Saturday, Dec. 6 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon Breakfast With Santa Tickets at Facebook.com/OldFallsStreet
Saturday, Dec. 20 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ultimate Holiday Frozen Tickets at Facebook.com/OldFallsStreet
Meet & Greet Party
Wednesday, Dec. 31 6 – 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve Kids’ Club $5 Admission Fee
Tesla at Niagara Petitions for Charter Receives 1st Grant
November 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Tesla at Niagara, a group organized to preserve the former Transformer House of the Edward Dean Adams Power Plant on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls, has been officially organized and has submitted a petition for a Charter from the New York State Board of Regents.
The group has been meeting weekly and has written its Constitution, Bylaws and other pertinent legal documents. It has elected a Board of Trustees and Officers for the organization which has been formally named Tesla at Niagara.
The Board of Trustees and Officers are: Joan E. Johnson, President, Teresa Lasher Winslow, Vice-President, Michelle Petrazzoulo, Secretary and Kim James Yarwood, Treasurer. Paul Gromosiak is also a member of the Board of Trustees.
The mission of Tesla at Niagara is “To establish a world-class museum and tourist destination in Niagara Falls, NY that showcases the life and work of the world renowned inventor Nikola Tesla and preserves the history of the Edward Dean Adams Power Plant and the Niagara Falls Power Company.”
The organization has been in talks with the owner of the Transformer House, Peter Fontanarosa, for its preservation and possible use as a museum. Possibilities include sale or long-term lease to Tesla at Niagara of the National Register of Historic Places listed building.
The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has agreed to provide 50% of the cost of a Preliminary Structures Report on the Transformer Building. This is needed to seek funding for a much more detailed report for the complete restoration of the 1895 building. The owner, Mr. Fontanarosa, has agreed to cover half of the remaining costs. Tesla at Niagara will raise the other half.
An official website is also being established and should be online in December.
Tesla at Niagara is initiating a membership campaign for those interested in the mission of TaN. Cost of the 2015 Charter Membership is $15. Tesla at Niagara holds a monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at the Main Branch of the Niagara Falls Public Library. TaN is also accepting donations to help defray the costs of the Preliminary Structure Report and the Website.
For more information please call (716) 283-3295 or (716) 425-4005.
Aquarium of Niagara “Cruzes” into the Holiday Season
November 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Aquarium of Niagara is getting ready to celebrate with a series of events, specials and donation drives. Trainers will also continue to hold daily feeding presentations featuring the Aquarium’s newest family member, six-month-old Atlantic harbor seal, Cruz.
On Saturday, November 1, 2014, the Aquarium of Niagara celebrated “Reveal the Seal” day by revealing the chosen name for ‘Pup2014.’ After a naming contest that welcomed over 500 participants, four names closely competed for the top honor. By a slight margin, the public chose Cruz to be the pup’s given name.
The spirit of holiday giving will officially kick-off on ‘Giving Tuesday,’ Tuesday, December 2nd. The Aquarium will host a non-perishable food and personal items drive to benefit Heart, Love and Soul of Niagara Falls, and Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier. Also on ‘Giving Tuesday,’ the Aquarium will participate in a special 24-hour fundraising challenge hosted at www.crowdrise.com/AqNiagaraGivingTuesday. In order to support the continued mission of providing a safe and healthy home for rescued marine mammals, the funds raised on ‘Giving Tuesday’ will go directly into a savings for emergency animal rescue.
On December 20th and 21st, from 9 to 11am, the 2nd annual ‘Tis the Season’ weekend will welcome Aquarium members to enjoy a light breakfast, crafts, games, and family photo opportunities with Santa! Not an Aquarium member yet? There’s no need to worry. On Black Friday weekend, a limited number of buy-one-get-one-free memberships will be available to the public. Gets yours before they run out, and finish your holiday shopping early! Memberships make excellent gifts.
The Aquarium is open daily at 9am throughout the holiday season with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please visit www.aquariumofniagara.org for updated winter hours.
For more information about any of the holiday happenings at the Aquarium of Niagara, please contact:
Lindsay Hyatt – Director of Development and Marketing
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
716-285-3575 ext. 203
lhyatt@aquariumofniagara.org
Small Business is a Big Deal (Guestview by Seth Piccirrilo)
November 24, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Saturday, November 29 is National Small Business Saturday. With the holiday season upon us, this is a great opportunity to highlight Niagara Falls’ small businesses and encourage residents and visitors to shop local.
The economic impact of locally owned businesses is anything but small. Every dollar spent locally is an investment in Niagara Falls. Our purchases help preserve local jobs and create new ones. The owners and employees behind the counter are your neighbors and friends. They are same people we ask to support local causes, and consistently answer the call.
Homegrown businesses simply offer something that others cannot; authenticity. No chain restaurant has the natural charm of the Marketside, Mom’s Family Restaurant, Richardson’s BBQ or Donatello’s. Big box stores do not compare with the expertise of DeFranco True Value Hardware, Beeton’s Safe & Lock Company or the Book Corner. Every business is one of a kind, providing value that cannot be recreated in an online promotion or midnight sale.
Let’s show these businesses that Niagara Falls appreciates their hard work and dedication on November 29 and beyond. Niagara Falls Community Development has teamed up with the Niagara Hub, the Niagara USA Chamber, Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce, Park Place Market, Old Falls Street and the Downtown, Main Street, Niagara Street, and Pine Avenue Business Associations to feature local businesses throughout the city. The goals are connecting customers to businesses and getting people together. Thanks to grants from the Niagara USA Chamber Shop Niagara Program, our business associations are able to advertise the day’s events. The Niagara Falls City Council has also joined the effort, designating November 29 – December 6 as Small Business Week in Niagara Falls.
We will start our community’s Small Business Saturday with artisan vendors at the Park Place Market, 640 Park Place, at 10 am, and are getting people together for a “Small Business Social” at the Topper Social Club, 492 19th Street, at 4 pm, and checking out local music with the organizers of Silver Saturday, in support of Heart and Soul Food Pantry, at Kelly’s Corner, 524 Cayuga Avenue, at 6 pm. The entire community is more than welcome to attend. Saturday is the perfect opportunity to go to your favorite spot, try out a new one, or both. Sharing photos on social media, using the hashtags #ShopSmall and #LiveNF, is another way to help advertise our small businesses.
Every day, there are new stories about Black Friday expanding into Thanksgiving dinner while the big box stores never seem to close. On Saturday November 29, let’s offer a local alternative, complete with fewer lines and hometown service. Shopping small is the perfect way to start the holiday season in Niagara Falls.
Seth Piccirillo is the Director of Community Development and a Niagara Falls resident.