Image of the Day – May 1, 2015

We had a special guest drop in on us at the NiagaraHub – Our new friend Betty paid us a visit and
taught us that our viewership spread across the good ol’ USA!

Niagara Falls Mayor Dyster Announces Aggressive 2015 Paving Program

City Hall Announcement

(Niagara Falls, NY) Using the newly-renovated Caravelle Park as a backdrop, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster continued an annual tradition today by kicking off the 2015 paving season with a press conference announcing the first 12 of an estimated 34 streets to be repaved as part of a $2.5million in-house paving program. Not surprisingly, Caravelle Drive itself (from Cayuga Drive to Niagara Falls Boulevard) was one of the streets included.

“We’ve already been out with our DPW crews doing patchwork, and have used our Zipper machine to do some larger repairs on stretches with multiple problems,” said Dyster. For example, Porter Road eastbound has recently been Zippered and is scheduled for paving tomorrow, May 1. City crews have also been busy paving over numerous water cuts left over from broken water mains during the severe winter. “Over the next couple weeks our efforts shift into the next gear.” Once again this year, the City will make use of the Pothole Killer, an advanced technology that Niagara Falls helped to pioneer earlier in Dyster’s administration. “The first Pothole Killer will arrive around May 4th, to be joined by reinforcements shortly thereafter. This allows us to address a large number of potholes in a short period of time. It makes the streets drivable, prevents damage to cars’ front ends, and frees-up City crews’ time and energy for more substantial reconstruction efforts.” The total cost for the program is $70,000 for 320 machine/hours.

According to Dyster, milling of streets for the City’s in-house reconstruction effort will start May 11th. “The first project we’re going to address is a block of 4th Street downtown, part of which delaminated–basically disintegrated as a result of winter damage–and is located directly adjacent to where a new hotel is in the process of opening in the next few days. So we want to get that out of the way before the start of the prime tourism season, usually defined as beginning with the Victoria Day weekend.” Preliminary work on the street has started already in order to speed completion. City Forestry crews are also out trimming tree branches necessary to prevent them interfering with the raised beds of dump trucks or other paving equipment. Thus far this season, City crews have been hauling hot asphalt from a plant in Lockport; the Niagara plant is scheduled to open May 7, reducing the run time for City trucks and making the operation much more efficient.

Efforts then shift to the City’s LaSalle section for the first part of the season. Streets to be repaved are: W. Rivershore Drive from S. 86th Street to its westerly terminus; Caravelle Drive from Cayuga Dr. to Niagara Falls Blvd.; 95th St. from Cayuga to Niemel Dr.; 89th St. from Cayuga to Niagara Falls Blvd.; 84th St. from Lindbergh Ave. to Witkop Ave.; Witkop Ave. from Laughlin Dr. to 87th St.; 85th St. from Witkop to Bollier Ave.; 81st St. from Niagara Falls Blvd. to Frontier Ave.; Girard Ave. from 66th St. to 72nd St.; 74th St. from Buffalo Ave. to Stephenson Ave.; and 47th St. from Packard Rd. to Niagara Falls Blvd. “We try to alternate where in the City we start our efforts, and it was LaSalle’s turn this year,” said Dyster. “But don’t worry. After we get part of the way down the list, we’ll announce the next group of streets, and by the end of the season we will have paved in all parts of the City: Echota, Center City, the North End, DeVeaux, etc.”

West Rivershore Drive is a special case, since only this single road serves a long peninsula jutting downstream into the Niagara River from Cayuga Island. DPW officials will do outreach to local residents well in advance of the start of construction to help reduce inconvenience to residents during the period—hopefully only a few days—when the street will be under construction.

In some cases, streets have deteriorated to the point where a complete full-depth reconstruction of the street is required. These jobs are bid out by the City to private contractors. Dyster announced that two streets would be handled by the City in this way: Portage Road from Ferry Ave. to Niagara Street, and 27th Street, also from Ferry to Niagara. “Portage Road deteriorated during the recent record-cold winter, with red clay showing through the asphalt base. 27th has been a long-time maintenance headache, with brick underlying much of the street. This year, we’re going to address these two long-term problem areas, and scratch them off our list.” The total estimated cost for both jobs is about $1.1 million. Contracts with the low bidders will be brought before City Council for approval when the bidding process is complete over the next several weeks.

Dyster said that the City’s 2015 program also includes approximately $500,000 worth of sidewalk replacements, and roughly the same for reconstruction of catch basins and other hardware needed as part of street reconstruction. The Mayor also said the City would be making a major effort this season to install ADA-compliant corner crossings, and would continue its efforts to address problem alleys as well.

The site of today’s press conference, Caravelle Park, has seen a series of recently-completed improvements itself. New playground equipment and a new swing set were installed, along with a half-court basketball court, all new sidewalks and fencing around the park, and new trees and landscaping. “Especially since Caravelle Drive was one of the streets we were paving, we thought it would be appropriate to hold the press conference as the park, where we just completed a series of improvements.”

My lunch date at Taylor’s Tap & Grille [by Lexi Lines]

[By Lexi Lines]

On Tuesday, I walked into NiagaraHub expecting a normal day of media work, when I received a pleasant surprise; today’s assignment was to go visit a local restaurant – Taylor’s Tap & Grille. This presented me with an opportunity to get out of the office and go try somewhere new I’d never been to before. I called my friend Anne, picked her up and off we went.

It was really easy to find, the large sign out front made it easily recognizable from the road. Parking wasn’t a problem either, I was able to find a spot right next to the restaurant even though they were slammed!

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed. It’s said that first impressions are what stick in your mind, and Taylor’s Tap left a great impression with both Anne and I.

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The rustic modern design was done perfectly. I loved the red leather booths and the worn wooden chairs, the metal detailing throughout the restaurant and the overall welcoming feel. The attention to detail was impressive. My favorite detail was the quote on the far left when you walked in. It said,  “Why Go Home? You’re Here” and covered the wall. It was tasteful and truthful. I felt at home as soon as I walked in with the friendly staff and the relaxing atmosphere. It felt like a place I could spend an entire day in, and definitely go back to for fun times with friends.

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We were seated right away, and provided with water and menus instantly. Quickly though, we ran into a problem… Everything on the menu sounded so good! We had to tell the waitress we weren’t ready yet because we couldn’t decide what sounded the best. Finally, I decided on the Tequila BBQ wings and Anne ordered the popular Bacon and Brie Burger. Our waitress informed us both options were best sellers, but we were determined to decide that for ourselves.

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Our food came out quickly and was presented beautifully (As beautiful as you can make wings and a burger look)! They both looked delicious, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. Within the first few bites I realized that ordering the Tequila BBQ sauce was the best decision I’d made all day by far. Discarding any thought of being polite I devoured all ten wings, they were so good! They had the perfect amount of crisp to them and came with plenty of sauce (I hate wings that are dry or too crispy). I didn’t even need the Bleu cheese that’s generally a staple for my wings. They were so good I forgot all about water, bleu cheese, and Anne for that matter, for a solid five minutes.

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When I finally looked back up, I realized she was doing the same thing as me… devouring her burger in record time. I asked her how it was and she gave me the “hold on” look and made me wait until she was done to answer. “That was the best burger I’ve had in a long time!” was her first response with a thumbs up. I asked her what made it different, why was it so special? She told me that the burger was cooked to a perfect medium (like she ordered) and that the jam worked perfectly with the burger. The bacon and Brie burger, in case you’re not aware, is made with brie cheese, onion straws, and Jameson glazed bacon served with whiskey bacon jam. Who would’ve thought jam belonged on a hamburger?

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Our service was phenomenal as well. Even though they were relatively busy our waitress came over immediately and was all smiles. After helping us decide what we wanted the great service continued throughout the remainder of our meal. She checked on us a few times and actually had a few minutes to talk to me about what it’s like to work at Taylor’s Tap. She claimed that she loved working there, and hopes she can remain there until she retires. She said that the owner, Jeff Taylor, loves his employees and treats them really well. She seemed genuine and like she truly cared about the restaurant!

Finally after our food was sadly gone and we were as content as could be, it was time to go. We paid our bill, very reasonably priced, and ventured outside to take a look at the outdoor patio (which is officially open now).

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Needless to say, we’ll be going back very soon to try the rest of the menu!

Check out their new website (still in design stage) here: www.taylorstap.net

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The Soapbox with guest Tom Proctor of The Thomas Loop Radio Show

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Our good friend Tom stopped by the Hub today for this edition of The Soapbox. Catch The Thomas Loop Radio Show Wednesdays at 10am on WJJL AM 1440.

Watch video here:

Seneca Resorts announces summer entertainment lineup

Seneca Resorts & Casinos turn up the heat with ‘Summer Rush’ entertainment lineup

Summer nights in Western New York promise to be a little hotter and the stars even brighter, thanks to the Summer Rush entertainment lineup announced today by Seneca Resorts & Casinos.

A slate of outstanding August concerts is headlined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 14. That same night, the legendary Meat Loaf will light up the Events Center at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino with an electrifying show at 8 p.m. Other August performances include Gloriana at Seneca Niagara on Saturday, August 1, Walter Trout inside the intimate Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Friday, August 7, and the sensational country music duo Montgomery Gentry at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Friday, August 28. Tickets for all August shows go on sale Friday, May 1 at Noon.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, powered by a potent mix of hard rock, glam, punk, metal and garage rock, exploded onto the music scene with their Number One hit “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” in 1982. With three Top 20 albums and a string of memorable songs, the band became one of the flag-bearers for rock music in the 1980s and’90s, and have shared the stage with some of rock music’s grandest names, including The Who, Aerosmith, The Police, and Queen, among others. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts earned their place among the music elite when they were selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

One of the best-selling artists of all time, with more than 80 million records sold to date, Meat Loaf seared his name into the lexicon of popular music with his powerful voice and larger-than-life live performances. His breakthrough album, the iconic Bat Out of Hell, produced a collection of powerful and memorable songs, including “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights,” earning him widespread acclaim. Meat Loaf later won a Grammy Award for the single “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”, from the 1993 release Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell.

The August concerts join an already jam-packed summer entertainment lineup at Seneca Resorts & Casinos, including performances by Kathy Griffin (May 23), MOVE Live on Tour (July 4 and 5), and Brian McKnight (July 18) at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and Ron White (May 30), Barenaked Ladies with special guests Violent Femmes and Colin Hay (June 21), and Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (July 3) at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, as well as a night of world-class boxing when Seneca Niagara hosts “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” on June 26.

Tickets for all shows and events are available at select Seneca Resort & Casino retail outlets, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800-745-3000.

The complete Seneca Resorts & Casinos summer entertainment schedule is: 

Summer Rush Entertainment Schedule

Charlie Daniels Band

Show Date: Saturday, May 2 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $25

 

Bruce Cockburn

Show Date: Saturday, May 2 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $25

 

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Show Date: Saturday, May 2 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $45

 

Brass Transit

Show Date: Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $25

 

Kathy Griffin

Show Date: Saturday, May 23 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $25

 

Ron White

Show Date: Saturday, May 30 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $30

 

Gary Allan

Show Date: Saturday, May 30 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $35

 

Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night

Show Date: Friday, June 5 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $35

 

Dwight Yoakam

Show Date: Saturday, June 6 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $30

 

An Acoustic Evening with Rich Robinson

from the Black Crowes

Show Date: Saturday, June 6 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $30

 

Men Without Hats

Show Date: Friday, June 12 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $25

 

Al Di Meola

Show Date: Friday, June 19 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $35

 

Terry Fator

Show Date: Friday, June 19 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $30

 

Terry Fator

Show Date: Saturday, June 20 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $30

 

Barenaked Ladies w/special guests Violent Femmes and Colin Hay

Show Date: Sunday, June 21 @ 5:30pm

Venue: Outdoor concert at Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $25

 

Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network

Event Date: Friday, June 26 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $35

 

Pat Benatar & Neil Geraldo

Show Date: Friday, July 3 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $20

MOVE LIVE ON TOUR 2015 featuring Derek and Julianne Hough

Show Dates: Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $55

Nils Lofgren

Show Date: Saturday, July 11 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $35

Brian McKnight

Show Date: Saturday, July 18 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $30

Grand Funk Railroad

Show Date: Saturday, July 25 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $20

Gloriana

Show Date: Saturday, August 1 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $20

 

Walter Trout

Show Date: Friday, August 7 @ 8pm

Venue: The Bear’s Den Showroom at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Tickets start at $25

 

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Show Date: Friday, August 14 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $25

 

Meat Loaf

Show Date: Friday, August 14 @ 8pm

Venue: Seneca Niagara Events Center

Tickets start at $40

 

Montgomery Gentry

Show Date: Friday, August 28 @ 7pm

Venue: Seneca Allegany Events Center

Tickets start at $25

Student volunteers from Niagara Catholic High School at Opportunities Unlimited

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Student volunteers from Niagara Catholic High School spent the day on Tuesday visiting with Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara participants at the Town of Niagara day program as part of the school’s Day of Caring. Students participated in educational and craft projects in the morning, enjoyed lunch in the OUN Café and led a singing and dancing program in the afternoon. Kristen Hill, Niagara Catholic’s Music Director, accompanied the students.

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Mayor’s Night In – Wednesday May 20, 2015

Questions, Concerns or General Comments you’d like to share with the mayor?

Now’s your time!!

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster will hold a “Mayor’s Night-in” at City Hall Wednesday May 20, 2015 from 5-7pm.

“Mayor’s Night In” makes Mayor Dyster available to city residents who wish to meet and greet the Mayor, bring questions, share concerns, seek information on city programs, or visit city hall to become more familiar with city government.

No reservation is required—simply visit the first floor of City Hall, 745 Main Street and sign in between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2015.

Niagara Falls City Seal

 

Ceretto helps bring $5 million in aid to libraries

2015-2016 State Budget provides much needed aid

 Assemblyman John Ceretto (R,C,I-Lewiston) was proud to announce that libraries across New York State will be receiving a $5 million increase in aid after the Assembly passed the 2015-2016 State Budget this month.

“Libraries are such a valuable and necessary component of every community in New York State. I’ve always enjoyed visiting my local libraries and have encouraged my children and students to do the same,” said Ceretto, who is a former high school teacher. “I’m pleased that other legislators have not forgotten the importance of libraries in our communities and have decided to vote with me on this bill so our libraries can stay fully operational.”

Many local libraries will benefit from this increase. In recent years, LaSalle and Earl Brydges from the Niagara Falls Public Library system received $19,201, while Lewiston Public Library received $3,515, Sanborn-Pekin Free Library received $1,384, and Grand Island Public Library received $5,298.

“As we’ve seen with aid increases recently, this funding really assists libraries looking to improve their services and facilities. I look forward to seeing the improvements our local libraries will make with this increase in aid so everyone in our community can reap the benefits of what libraries have to offer,” said Ceretto.

Ceretto also mentioned that the Friends of Niagara Falls Library are looking for used books to ensure local libraries can maintain a reasonable book count.

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HANCI/Complete Senior Care (PACE) hosts Niagara Catholic students for “Day of Caring”

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HANCI/Complete Senior Care’s CEO John W. Kinner is pictured above with student volunteers from Niagara Catholic High School. The students spent the morning yesterday visiting with Complete Senior Care participants in the Day Center as part of the school’s Day of Caring.

$160 million in refunds available for AT&T, T-Mobile cellphone customers

[From BuffaloNews.com]

How closely do you look at your cellphone bill?

Ever notice any $9.99 charges for services that you don’t remember subscribing to, like horoscopes or trivia? …

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: http://www.buffalonews.com/business/160-million-in-refunds-available-for-att-t-mobile-cellphone-customers-20150429