Students from the Graceful & Gifted program at Time to Dance, received the Grand Slam award.  Juanita O’Harrow, Jamie Walker, and Carly Miller competed at this year’s Hall Of Fame Dance Competition in Niagara Falls, NY. Their Ballet number called “My Wish,” was given the highest score in their division.

The Grand Slam Award is the highest award any dancer can receive.  These women have been dancing for several years, and absolutely love being on stage and competing.  They received a standing ovation for their amazing performance.  Graceful & Gifted is a special needs dance program. We offer several classes for different age and abilities, ambulatory and non-ambulatory.

We begin with students at the age of 4 and up to dancers in their 70’s! For more information, please contact Susan Akin at 946-7909. Time To Dance Studios are located at 2419 Hyde Park Blvd. Niagara Falls, NY.

[Press Release]

Gary Strenkoski, Town of Wheatfield businessman and community leader, has officially announced his candidacy for Town of Wheatfield Town Justice.

He and his wife Karen have been married for over 40 years and have raised their family here in Wheatfield. Gary is a Niagara Wheatfield graduate and served on the board of director’s and was vice president for the Niagara Wheatfield Athletic Association. He also attended both Niagara and Erie County Community Colleges. “My wife and I raised our children here, in the safety of Wheatfield, my goal is to keep the community that way.” Strenkoski said.

Mr. Strenkoski is owner of Strenkoski Brothers Construction Company and proven business leader in the community. Wanting to keep our economy strong, Gary is a member of Niagara Military Affairs Council where he proudly serves, thus ensuring our air base will continue to provide jobs for the community.

Strenkoski has achieved a life-long history of giving back to the community in the many organizations to which he belongs. Gary has been honored with serving on the Niagara USA Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Board where he was awarded the prestigious Chairman’s award for leadership and volunteerism. He has proudly served the United Way as a community leader in Wheatfield and served on their Citizens Review Process Committee. Strenkoski also served on the Opportunities Unlimited Board of Directors and was named Volunteer of the Year. He is also a charter member of the Wheatfield Kiwanis Club and served on their Board of Directors as well. Gary is honored to be a member of the Wheatfield Business Association and is a long time member of the LaSalle Sportsmen’s Club, where he supports responsible citizens Second Amendment Rights. “My life has been focused around family and volunteerism in this community, attaining the position of Town Justice will allow me to compile all my professional and personal experiences, for the betterment of the Town of Wheatfield.” Strenkoski said.

A Republican, Strenkoski will run in the Republican, Democratic, Independence, Conservative and Working Families primaries. He has been the recipient of several letters of commendation and awards from the US Congress, New York State Senators Office, New York State Assemblyman’s Office, State Comptroller’s Office and the Niagara County Legislature.

“My life experiences have taught me how to be compassionate with people, but stern when required. I have learned to see people both good and bad for what they are. I will treat all people with-out prejudice and be fair.” Strenkoski said.

[Press Release]

[Press Release]

As a lifelong resident, former Niagara Falls City Councilwoman, Businesswoman and longtime Community Advocate, I am announcing my candidacy for Niagara Falls City Council. As a former member of the Council, I worked hard to cut unnecessary spending while fighting for quality of life services, and I now feel I need to roll up my sleeves and get back to public service. I will use the knowledge I have of business management, accounting, public relations, marketing and organization building in the public and private sector to help fix the fiscal crises we are in, and the multitude of problems facing our City.

Many residents feel ignored or forgotten by those in City Hall; My pledge to them is that they will not be ignored by me. I will work hard to get us back to a city government for the people and by the people, instead of misappropriating our tax and casino dollars. Residents I’ve spoken with feel our elected officials failed us when they let the State negotiate the last agreement with the Seneca Nation on our behalf, severely jeopardizing the future financial security of our City. There have been no significant improvements in the infrastructure, and while City residents’ taxes keep going up, many feel a significant amount of money has been spent on countless studies and impractical ventures. Few people can claim things have improved for their families, nor can they claim the value of their property has increased.

Some may think that the power and beauty of Niagara Falls end at the border of the Niagara Falls State Park. However, if you’re like me, you know that the true power and beauty of Niagara Falls lies within our people, who are our greatest assets, and it is time someone truly stands up and fights for them.

It has never been about a political affiliation to me, it is about our community and the people. The issues that our City faces transcend party lines and a fiscally sound future should be our number one priority.

I am asking for your support throughout this election and ultimately with your Vote.

Together, we can work for a better future for all of Niagara Falls.

[Press Release]

Amber Hill-Donhauser is pleased to announce her candidacy for Niagara Falls City Council. Donhauser-Hill was born and lived her elementary years in Niagara Falls. Upon graduating from Syracuse University with a B.A. in Political Science, Hill Donhauser moved back to the Niagara Falls to raise her family. She is dedicated to bringing an economic stimulus into the Cataract City to better the living conditions and inspire local citizens. She would like to have fiscal responsibility and stability with the city budget while ensuring transparency with taxpayers. Amber Hill-Donhauser is committed to bringing large projects to Niagara Falls and working with current large property holders to boost the city economy while also using local labor. Hill-Donhauser is seeking to run on the Democratic Party line. She stated she is “motivated to embolden the citizens of Niagara Falls to come together and continue to create positive change.”

Amber Hill-Donhauser is the President of The Hill Financial Group and volunteers throughout the community and WNY in her capacities as a Financial Advisor by teaching financial literacy seminars at the Niagara Falls Public Library and hosting open hours at the Doris Jones Resource Center to empower the residents in the local communities. She also coaches youth lacrosse, is a youth mentor, and also enjoys helping in local events. She also continues to volunteer at the Local 9 Union hall, working closely with their Business Manager and instructors to teach their Financial Literacy classes to incoming apprentices. Hill-Donhauser is also a four time Federation of International Lacrosse Captain for the Haudenosaunee Nationals, and looks forward to bringing her leadership aptitude and private sector financial background to combat the issues at hand within the city.

Hill-Donhauser, 29, states that her ambition to create meaningful changes within the city and “desire to help Niagara Falls fulfill it’s true potential” for all the residents and future generations is what ultimately led to her to announcing her candidacy. Hill-Donhauser wishes to promote a campaign that “isn’t politics as usual”, but is about listening to the voices in the city that “demand to be heard.” Hill-Donhauser is also believed to be the first Native woman to run for the position of City Councilwoman.

She currently lives on Portage Road with her husband, Brent, nine year old daughter, Jordyn, and her four dogs.

Hanging out on a cool patio sippin’ a few cocktails while listening to a band and having brunch is a perfect way to spend a warm weather day.

Brunch is a blank slate, a blank canvas waiting to be painted! Carving stations of ham, roast beef and turkey. Platters of smoked salmon, and crab legs, rashers of bacon and sausage, pancakes, waffles, French toast… WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

Let’s jazz it up with some great local flavors:

Lockhouse Distilleries
41 Columbia St.

Sakura Gin
Cherry Blossom Gin: infused with Cherry Blossoms which have fallen from the trees in Olmstead Parks.

Bee’s Knee’s
2oz Sakura Gin
3/4oz lemon juice
3/4oz Honey Syrup
Pour into a cocktail shaker w/ ice
Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass up.
Garnish w/ a Cherry Blossom or any edible flower.

Cherry Rickey
2oz Sakura Gin
1oz fresh lime juice
1/2oz lime simple syrup
splash club soda
Pour over ice into an Old Fashioned Glass
Top w/ Club Soda, Garnish with a lime wheel and a Cherry Blossom.

Tommy Rotter Distillery
Small batch Vodka or Gin. 500 Seneca St.

Greyhound/Salty Dog
2oz Tommy Rotter Vodka or Gin
Fresh Grapefruit Juice to fill.
Pour into tall juice glass filled with ice
For Salty Dog rim the glass w/ salt.

Niagara Distilling Co.
1812 Vodka 459 Ellicott St

1812 Harvey Wallbanger
2oz 1812 Vodka
Fresh OJ to fill
3/4oz Galliano
Pour 1812 and OJ into tall juice glass filled w/ice
Top w/ Galliano

The Barrel Factory
Lakeward Spirits Grain Canyon Vodka

Grain Canyon Basil Lime Gimlet
2oz Grain Canyon Vodka
Juice of 1/2 Lime
1/2oz Lime simple syrup
Several fresh Basil leaves
1/2 Lime and Wheel for garnish
Place all of the ingredients except wheel, into a cocktail shaker and muddle until Basil is shredded, add ice and shake well.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass up, or over ice in an Old Fashioned Glass
Garnish w/ Lime Wheel and a sprig of Basil.

Other notable Distilleries in Buffalo:
Buffalo Distilling Co 860 Seneca St
Black Squirrel Distillery Elmwood and Amherst St.

Jonathan Boas
jboas247@gmail.com

Town of Niagara Supervisor Lee Wallace has announced that the new “Cruisin’ at the Vet” classic car show will begin this Friday, June 2^nd at the Town of Niagara Veteran’s Memorial Community Park and run for fifteen consecutive Fridays till September 8^th.

“With the success we had with our American Graffiti classic car show last summer we decided to create a weekly event for lovers of these beautiful machines,” said Supervisor Lee Wallace. “Several years ago the Friday cruise night held at six corners came to an end so hopefully our “Cruisin’ at the Vet” will create a new tradition,” added Wallace.

“Cruisin’ at the Vet” will begin at 6 PM each Friday and run until dusk. Classic car owners are invited to drive their priced possession to Veteran’s Memorial Community Park at 7000 Lockport Road. The vehicles will ring “Elmer’s Pond” located on the Park’s grounds.

“Cruisin at the Vet” is free of charge for car owners and visitors. Dee Jay the DJ will provide the proper musical backdrop with era appropriate tunes and multiple food trucks will be on location serving delicious offerings for the patrons.

Veteran’s Memorial Community Park is a totally smoke free environment.

For more information on Town of Niagara summer events and recreation go to www.townofniagararecreation.com.