For the past two years, Eco Island, 3285 Staley Road, has been one of the stops on the annual Grand Island Garden Walk.

On Aug. 13, several members of the Grand Island Garden Walk committee visited Eco Island to have a tour and to donate to the Grand Island Central School District’s nature center.

“It’s for $250 for Eco Island to help support the planting of the perennials and native plants at Eco Island, to help further that mission of trying to bring more native plants to Eco Island and expand the gardens,” Grand Island Garden Walk committee member Jan Freedman said.

Fellow member Peggy Koppmann added, “Cyndi Booker and Eco Island have been on the Garden Walk for the past couple of years. It seemed only fitting that we would support one of our own display gardens. We know that Cindy’s committed to the development of additional gardens to show off some of the plants that attract pollinators and support wildlife. And so, it seemed like a fitting donation for a cause that we celebrate and we want to support.”

Eco Island is very unique, Booker explained: “In New York state, there are no known nature centers owned by a school district (other than Grand Island’s).

“It is incredible. Also, as part of the education point I have, we did some winter sowing in January with third-grade students. We took those seedings, and we put them in the garden (near the fence at Staley Road). I actually labeled that as the children’s garden. I’ve got a little painted sign over there on one of the old crates. It says, ‘children’s garden.’ In the fall, I had children plant bulbs. There were two first-grade classes and a second-grade class. They planted daffodil bulbs and tulip bulbs. Then, third graders planted seedlings in January, that we cultivated. Then we put them into the garden. We also gave some native seedlings to the kids, that they could take home. I gave them directions on how to care for them.

“And one kid from Jeanne Percival’s class, he had it in mind (that), ‘I’m going to do five different native plants that I have enough seedlings for.’ He came in and he goes, ‘No, it was a red one, and it attracts hummingbirds. It’s none of these here.’ I said, ‘OK, I know what you’re talking about. I only have two of them, but it’s called Royal Catchfly.’ I went and grabbed it and had the hummingbird next to it. He said, ‘Yep, this is it.’

“It made me happy, too, because the kid remembered from January, and here it was May, and he was saying, ‘Oh no, I want that one because I know that’s what I planted.’

“They (the students) are paying attention. They understand the importance of native plants. Right now, with people having their yards, that’s what they’re saying online. I’ve been reading many sources that have said that we are kind of destroying our ecosystem with these beautiful manicured lawns. We need our ecosystem to bring it back. We need to have more of the native plants, the ones that belong here. We need to reduce the invasives. They’re not good for the animals that live here and for the environment.”

Koppmann said, “The Garden Walk group is very appreciative of support from our community, support from our sponsors, who helped defray some of the costs for continuing the walk. This was an opportunity for the committee to give back to the community. I appreciate the support from individual visitors and also from the businesses that support us.”

Booker said, “I am so grateful for the continued support of this school district, namely our superintendent, our director of buildings and grounds, and the business manager, for supporting everything that I’m trying to do. They understand my mission, and I really appreciate their help.”

GM/Managing Editor

Trustees in the Village of Lewiston targeted current resident concerns at Monday’s monthly board meeting.

Flooding

Approximately 60 residences were impacted by two recent heavy rainstorms.

Mayor Dan Cota said he and Department of Public Works Superintendent Anthony Mang took a tour of the “problem areas that have been identified through our recent flooding, based upon mapping.” He noted, “We’ve identified four zones, with one zone being 80% of our issues. The 80% of our issues, we’re currently working with the state, our engineer, to determine the best ways to improvements.”

Cota said there is a storm sewer capacity problem.

“Our system, when we’re bone dry, we can take about 3 inches of rain in a short period of time without flooding,” he said. “You get above that, we start to have issues, and it starts to go up in certain zones and works its way out further.

“Rough calculations that I’ve done is it takes about four days to gain 1 inch. So, it takes about 12 days to get back to a bone-dry state, where we can take another 3 inches of rain.”

Cota said the village will be more proactive in monitoring the less-affected zones – “a lot of the smaller zones we looked at today, I think, are relatively easy fixes”

“Some maintenance things, for sure,” Mang said.

“We’re just going to move forward on it and do what we can do to improve,” Cota said.

The village is actively engaged in conversations with state leaders to address the larger problem zone, which Cota said is centered on the north side of Center Street and “radiates out from the low point of Baker and Oxbow. It is not a linear circle, however, and extends irregularly out, sort of like a blob depending on other factors.”

He emphasized that, “while this is the heaviest impacted area as far as number of residents, it is not our singular focus, and we are working throughout the village to help reduce the impact of high-volume rain events.”

Waterfront docks

Cota said, “We’ve made a lot of progress” on finding and enacting a strategy wherein waterfront docks will be able to withstand winter weather events.

The village is working with manufacturer Wahoo Docks on an engineering plan and anticipates receiving updated blue prints this week “that we’ll be able to look at and start to get costs associated with it,” Cota said.

Ice buildup damaged the docks and left the fingers unusable this summer. The mayor recently said insurance money would be used to leverage additional funding for a permanent fix.

“The engineering solution that they believe is viable at this point in time, and that we’re leaning towards, is a removable dock system with a slip and pull system,” Cota said.

He also noted the Lewiston Police Department has been called to address boaters parking in and around the closed docks.

Peach Festival, Artpark double-bill

Cota addressed Lewiston Police Department Chief Mike Salada regarding two large happenings on Saturday, Sept. 12: the Niagara County Peach Festival, and a concert with O.A.R at Artpark. He asked if State Parks or the State Parks Police had reached out regarding safety coordination.

Salada said, “I spoke to Capt. (Christopher) Rola from the State Parks Police last week for quite some time. We’re basically just going with the same approach we used two years ago: All hands on deck; big police presence; and we’ll do the best we can to manage the traffic flow. It’s going to be tough, especially with no parking for the Peach Festival up top” along the plateau, “combined with both Artpark and Peach Festival parking restrictions in the village.

“We survived it last time. I don’t anticipate anything different this time. Our crews do a great job.

“They will be opening the slip ramp” to the Niagara Scenic Parkway, “despite it being below what they normally would open the slip ramp for. But, combining the two separately – the two events – they felt it was prudent to do that.”

Deputy Mayor Tina Coppins said she spoke with Artpark & Company President Dave Wedekindt, who informed her the venue will cap tickets at 5,500.

Salada said, “5,500 on a non-event night would be just fine. We can handle that with no issues. Adding the Peach Festival – I don’t even know what they get in population; 10,000 that day?”

Cota said the Lewiston Kiwanis Club, which organizes the Peach Festival, expects 10,000 people to attend during the day on Saturday, and between 6,000 and 7,000 at night.

“Basically, while the concert’s happening, we’re going to have 10,000 to 12,000” people in the village,” he said.

“We’ll be prepared,” Salada responded.

Cota offered the village would provide any necessary assistance.

Salada said, “The most important thing is going to be ensuring that those emergency evacuation routes that we always highlight – Onondaga Street and other areas – stay clear. And then a lot of that is going to be on us, to ensure that we’re ticketing them.”

The Department of Public Works is striping no-parking spaces on Center Street to prevent obstruction of pedestrian views at crosswalks. LPD also has new electronic bikes for officers to use in patrolling.

Cota asked Salada to track the overtime required for the LPD to provide safety services over the course of the two events.

Trustees also are looking into the seasonal parking situation along the plateau, namely the fact that people looking to use the fishing spaces, flag-football field and birding area are subject to pay for parking on concert nights.

Transparency

Board members voted 4-1 (Nick Conde dissenting) to enact a livestreaming policy, wherein municipal meetings could be livestreamed so as to “supplement” “the requirements of the New York State Open Meetings Law.”

Cota said that, currently, there is not technology in place to provide such a service, but that he is including livestreaming in a list of necessary upgrades when speaking with internet technology providers. He said it’s part of a “composite plan” enacted in ongoing IT negotiations.

In 2023, Jeremy Young, a sergeant major with the U.S. Army reserves, was asked to accompany a Vietnam veteran on an honor flight to Washington, D.C.

“National Fuel is the presenting sponsor of the Honor Flight. That’s who I work for,” Young said. “So, they look for volunteers to go on the Honor Flight. They go to the employees first, any of the vets who are within the company, and they sponsor two a year.”

The man that Young, who works in Amherst, was asked to accompany was Tom Dunfee. Both are residents of Pennsylvania.

“I was on the list, and Tom didn’t have anybody. They (Buffalo Honor Flight) called National Fuel, and they called me. They paired me up with Tom. At that time, I was a first sergeant in the Army. He was in Vietnam for two tours.”

At the time, Young was also dealing with his own issues.

“I just got back from deployment,” he said. “I had some stuff going on. My dad died. You get pulled in all directions. I came home. I didn’t connect with my old friends. You just shut them out and isolate. But then, you age.”

“Within five minutes (of meeting Tom), I was busting his chops, like he was a young soldier,” Young related. “He was an infantry gunner. From there, we stuck together all day. I escorted him through Washington. At night, we came back. I had to get him back to Warren. We had a Korean War vet with us. He got sick, so we had to put him in the hospital. I had to bring Tom here. Then the Blue Star moms stepped in, and they got him home. Once he got home, I saw that he lived in a little 12-by-12 dump. It was like an apartment. It actually was a motel room, but it wasn’t.”

He said the place was bad, but, “I was able to stop that pretty quickly. I got him a bed. A little later, I got him into the Rouse Home in Warren. It’s a nice place. First they have apartments. Then they have assisted living … then they have … senior living.”

That was the start of a relationship between Dunfee and Young that led to a fundraising event on Aug. 16 on Grand Island, to raise money for a new vehicle for Dunfee.

Despite being a time of a difficult adjustment for Young, it was also the start of a collaboration between Young and Kelly Gast, an Island resident. The two of them also began discussing the potential of a bigger project to help other veterans who may not have their own support structure. They started with supporting Dunfee find the help that he needed to have more quality of life, and they called their grassroots fundraising project “Operation Tom.”

“Ironically, Jeremy and I met at the same time as the honor flight,” Gast said. “When I went down to visit, I met Tom. It touched my heart that this guy, who served our country, lived the way he lived. I quickly came to realize that he had no friends and no family.

“When I first started going down, (I saw that) he has mobility issues. He can’t clean. He can’t pick up. He can’t cut his food. (Young) and I are a good tag team. He does all the big things. He takes care of his medical, his VA benefits. He keeps him alive. He had no benefits. He had 10% disability when Jeremy met him.

“Through (Young and me) coming together and helping Tom, it made me realize that how many other Toms are there out there in the world? How many lonely veterans are out there? And getting older. Tom … Jeremy and I … that’s all he has in this world. If he didn’t have us, he would have nobody.

“There are a lot of ways to help. What I do, I do a lot of the little things. I take him to lunch. I clean his apartment. I bring him food. Jeremy does the big stuff. I do all the little stuff. I organize getting clothes donated, money donated so he can do things and go places and have gas to go to McDonald's and do those types of things.”

Dunfee, who served in the U.S. Army from 1969-72, saw two tours of duty in Vietnam as a gunner. After the war, he returned home to Pennsylvania.

“My father didn’t like me going into the Army,” Dunfee said. “When I went back, they didn’t like that. I did what I wanted to, and I had fun. I got home. I got married. I worked. I couldn’t take it anymore. Them complaining about everything I did.”

Dunfee said he is looking forward to all the things he could do once he has a vehicle.

“I would take off and go to Erie to see my two kids. I haven’t seen them in four months now,” he said.

Dunfee noted he would like to go to church, go fishing, visit the park, and watch people play pickleball. He would also want to go to his PTSD group at the Welcome Center in Warren County, as well as his meetings at the VA, where there is also a Life Center.

Dunfee said he enjoys going to the Life Center a few times a week to “sit around, talk, play games.”

Young added, “There’s a doctor on board and they also take care of housekeeping.”

“He very much appreciates having us and the change that has brought to his life,” Gast said. “I know there are other people like me that would be interested in connecting with a veteran. Maybe it’s once a month, taking them to coffee, to lunch, to dinner, to a family function, to do their laundry. Something like that. I don’t have a lot of money, but I do have time and I have talent. They can help people in other ways.

“What I’m hoping is that this effort will inspire other people to come forward to want to help care for veterans. Will I start my own nonprofit? It’s kind of a dream, but I do think there’s a mechanism that can be put into place to create a database or something. Maybe that’s something I will facilitate. Maybe it’s connecting through VFWs and different veterans organizations that always know who’s the lonely guy who goes to the bar and sits there and has nobody in his life. We can connect them with other families in their area. It’s kind of my greater vision in connecting people who want to help.

“Look at the people who are here today. Everyone wants to help somebody. People get nervous donating to big organizations or big groups because they don’t know where their money is going. This is a way for people to give and know that that money goes right into someone’s pocket.

“It’s important not to forget. For me, the irony is we have people who have fought on the front lines in places doing things that none of us could ever fathom or imagine for our independence, and then they lose their homes. To me, that is not acceptable.”

Donations for Tom’s continuing support can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/operation-tom-army.

Lewiston Highway Department Superintendent

Over the years, the Highway Department’s approach to drainage maintenance has largely been reactive rather than proactive. Due to limited staffing, efforts have primarily focused on cleaning areas only after complaints have been received. While this has addressed immediate concerns, it has not provided our residents with a long-term solution to the growing drainage and flooding challenges facing our community.

Our current method of operation is no longer sustainable. Aging infrastructure, changing weather patterns, and years of deferred maintenance have placed an overwhelming demand on our existing workforce. The dedication of my current employees has allowed us to accomplish a tremendous amount, but they cannot continue to meet these increasing demands without additional support.

Since I took on the role of highway superintendent, Mr. Broderick and I have spent countless hours meeting with residents, visiting drainage problem areas, inspecting ditches and culverts, and evaluating recurring flooding concerns throughout our community. Doing so has provided valuable insight into both immediate needs and long-term improvements required to better serve our residents.

I completely sympathize with our community’s concerns – taking action to resolve these issues is top priority.

I remain fully committed to finding a lasting solution to our flooding issues. My goal is not to simply respond to complaints, but to develop a comprehensive drainage program that identifies problems before they become emergencies, prioritizes critical projects, and creates a preventative maintenance schedule that benefits every neighborhood.

With that said, it needs to be understood that this is not a realistic overnight solution to our problems but a long-term, ongoing project that will take time to complete. While not every issue can be resolved immediately, every concern should receive careful evaluation, honest communication, and a plan for moving forward. I plan to complete these projects while remaining fiscally responsible.

To effectively address our community’s drainage needs, I recommend establishing a dedicated drainage division as a part of our current Highway Department responsible for:

•Routine inspection and maintenance of roadside and off-road ditches, culverts and drainage channels

•Preventative cleaning programs rather than complaint-driven responses

•Flood mitigation planning and project development

•Mapping and documenting drainage infrastructure

•Coordinating drainage improvements with road projects

•Responding efficiently to emergency flooding events

•Maintaining regular communication with residents regarding drainage concerns

Dedicated budget line

•Perforated drainpipe

•Drainage gravel or crushed stone

•Landscape fabric

•Solid drainpipe

•Pipe connectors, couplings, elbows, and end caps as needed

•Catch basin or drain inlet

•Topsoil and sod or mulch to restore the area

Staffing requirements

•Three-man crew

The staffing structure would allow for both routine maintenance and response while planning future infrastructure improvements along with help of current staff.

Community partnership

Residents also play an important role in maintaining our drainage system. I respectfully ask everyone to help by avoiding the placement of brush, leaves, grass clippings or other debris in roadways, roadside ditches and drainage channels. These materials restrict water flow, clog culverts and catch basins, and contribute to localized flooding during heavy rainfall.

By working together, we can improve drainage performance throughout the community.

Long-term commitment

Approximately between 2012-14, the highway superintendent, at that time, cut the drainage division. I firmly believe we need to reinstate this division.

This proposal represents more than the creation of a new drainage division; it represents a long-term commitment to the residents of our community. My objective is to build a drainage program to protect homes, roadways and public infrastructure for years to come.

By investing in a drainage division with dedicated personnel equipment and proactive maintenance, we can move away from a complaint-driven system and move toward one that prevents these events from happening before it occurs. While these improvements will take time, planning and investment, I am committed to working alongside this community, employees and current administration to develop lasting solutions that improve the quality of life for everyone.

Sunday, Aug. 9

•Center/N. Ninth streets, check welfare – Officer initiated. Patrol stopped for a party roadside, early morning hours. Patrols reported a female vendor at a festival was doing yoga in an Academy Park parking area.

•4800 block of W. Eddy Drive, assist public – Caller reported a tracker notification on her vehicle. Patrol received consent from caller and conducted search of vehicle with negative results. Caller advised to recontact LPD if further notices are received, or to contact a mechanic for a thorough inspection.

•Walmore/Upper Mountain roads, MVA-injuries – Caller reported a head-on accident. Officers responded and report taken.

•4300 block of Lower River Road, suspicious activity – Caller reported a drone flying above the house. Unknown operator. Officers attempted to locate operator with negative results. Caller advised.

•1600 block of Upper Mountain Road, drug investigation-vehicle/traffic stop – Officer initiated. Patrols on scene. No further information.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Four drivers cited with five UTTs issued for town court. Seven warnings issued.

Monday, Aug. 10

•5900 block of Hyde Park Boulevard, disturbance not domestic – 911 caller reported an unwanted male on location. Officers responded. Patrols returned later to the address on a suspicious activity call.

•Model City/Ridge roads, accident hit-run – 911 caller reported a garbage truck backed into his vehicle while he was turning left at an intersection. Driver took off. Caller told patrol he attempted to flag down truck without success. Report taken.

•200 block of N. Ninth Street, harassment – Officer initiated. Caller reported threatening text messages received since June. Patrol said messages contained indirect threats. Report only.

•100 block of Smith Street, damage to property – Caller reported a building vandalized over the weekend. Patrol found words spray painted on building and ceiling panels pulled down. Investigation pending. Report taken.

•3000 block of Tyler Road, assist – 911 caller reported a male with a mask rang the doorbell in late evening. Subject handled a package and set it down. Subject told the property owner the house was beautiful and left the address.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Two drivers cited with four UTTs issued for town court. Two warnings issued.

Tuesday, Aug. 11

•2400 block of Saunders Settlement Road, trespass – Caller reported subjects on property weed-whacking the fence line. Per officers, caller upset neighbor was cutting down grass that was “multiple feet high.” Neighbor wanted to clean up area and reduce mosquitos. Both parties advised to stay away from each other.

•700 block of Cayuga Street, harassment – Caller reported ongoing harassment and stalking. Patrol responded and report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Zero activity. Four warnings issued.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

•Upper Mountain Road/Callan Drive, traffic complaint – Caller states a large number of parked vehicles were blocking view of drivers attempting to turn. Patrol found said vehicles were legally parked at a business. No issues.

•300 block of Roosevelt Avenue, disturbance not domestic – Caller reported an ongoing neighbor dispute over dogs and chickens. Officers responded and report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Three drivers cited with UTTs issued for town court. Report taken. Three warnings issued.

Thursday, Aug. 13

•1500 block of Ridge Road, warrant service – Officer initiated. Warrant issued following a vehicle/traffic stop.

•Sherman Avenue/Penrose Street, lost/found property – Caller reported a stolen vehicle running in a lot. Vehicle stationary for 30 minutes. LPD officers found vehicle unoccupied and secured same. Vehicle towed and Town of Niagara Police Department advised (vehicle from its jurisdiction).

•2200 block of Ridge Road, harassment – Caller reported harassing messages received from an ex-date. Complainant reported more than 100 calls received after a breakup, and requested that patrol advise him to stop.

•900 block of James Drive, disturbance not domestic – 911 caller reported two parties approached him aggressively. Officers spoke with both parties. Situation was said to be blown out of proportion.

•N. Ninth/Onondaga streets, suspicious activity – Officer initiated. Patrol observed a vehicle travelling west on Center Street with the passenger door fully open. At traffic stop, driver advised that an intoxicated passenger was looking for a cellphone. Driver cited for aggravated unlicensed operation, third degree. UTT issued for town court. Vehicle secured and courtesy ride given. Report taken.

•700 block of Scovell Drive, suspicious activity – Caller reported a suspicious person hanging around the house – possible an ex of family member. Subject left prior to patrol’s arrival. Statement taken. Officers advised male suspect to cease contact. He then became hostile to patrols. Female advised to contact LPD if he returns.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Five drivers cited with eight UTTs issued for town court. Ten warnings issued. Report taken.

Friday, Aug. 14

•5400 block of Military Road, ATL/BOLO – Per camera/dispatch activity, caller reported a stolen trailer towed by a red Jeep. Patrol located vehicles. Both found to be owned by driver.

•5900 block of Hyde Park Boulevard, unwanted person – 911 caller reported a sister and friends in a house without permission. Subjects then left. Caller advised by patrol.

•700 block of Legacy Drive, disturbance not domestic – 911 caller reported a male on location threatening to harm doors and damage premises. Patrol said the male had worked earlier on property and was mad at not being paid. Job allegedly remains incomplete. Contractor left and homeowner to decide if he returns.

•100 block of Portage Road, shoplifting – Caller reported two females pushing shopping carts from a nearby business. Subjects seem to be hiding carts. Officers located females and took into custody for stealing $256.63 worth of merchandise from store. business. Report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. One driver cited and UTT issued for town court. Five warnings issued.

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The First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston will salute the 2026 Lewiston Jazz Festival by hosting a special jazz service at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. The event is open to the public.

The “Joy of Music, Celebrating America,” a family-friendly service, will include spiritual readings and music by the Bob Hull Quartet, a renowned Western New York musical group.

Hull is music director for First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston and is a well-known Western New York pianist and organist. He is a member of the Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo and active member of the Chromatic Club of Buffalo, the American Guild of Organists and the Buffalo Choral Arts Society. He also performs regularly as a jazz musician in the Buffalo area and volunteers his time as organist at the historic West Herr Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda.

“As Lewiston’s oldest and most historic church, First Presbyterian is honored to salute the tremendously popular annual Jazz Festival, which attracts visitors to the village from throughout New York and Canada,” Pastor Carly Beard said.

The church is located at 505 Cayuga St., and is handicapped accessible. Parking is available on the street or in a large lot behind the church. Events are open to all, and children of all ages are welcome to participate. Visit www.lewistonpres.org. For more on the jazz event, call 716-545-7012.

By Céline Peterson Productions

A lot can happen over a few short years and, for Buffalo native Paul Marinaro, he made every year count. Since we last saw him in Buffalo, Marinaro has toured throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, and released three formidable studio albums – the latest of which is a sweeping, 25-song collection of material from the catalog of one of the most formidable names in music: Duke Ellington. Marinaro has established himself as one of the most in-demand and respected jazz vocalists of his generation, earning recognition as being “among the top five male jazz singers active today.” (Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene)

The Lewiston Jazz Festival is an annual attraction that has consistently featured some of the most formidable names in jazz music, including Kurt Elling, Karrin Allyson, John Pizzarelli, Mark Murphy, The New York Voices, and, on Friday, Aug. 28, Marinaro’s name will be added to that list. He will take the stage with his long-time quartet – Tom Vaitsas (piano), Mike Allemana (guitar), John Tate (bass) and Ethan Phillion (drums) – showcasing the vocals, musical selections, style and charisma that leaves his audience members smiling and looking forward to their next opportunity to hear him.

So, why now for this long-awaited hometown performance?

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect for me to be returning home to Western New York as my entire large Italian family and I will be celebrating my mother’s 90th birthday,” Marinaro said. “I'm so happy to have this performance be part of the many celebrations we'll be having for her.”

Known for his expressive phrasing and deep connection to lyric, Marinaro brings both authority and immediacy to his performances, engaging audiences through interpretations that are at once deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably personal.

Critic and author Neil Tesser has noted his “jazz-steeped, expressive baritone … interpreting intricate melodies with a fresh, innovative perspective.”

When asked what the Lewiston audience can expect from his setlist, Marinaro said, “I’ll be bringing my Chicago band with me, and we’ve got a really special set planned for this show – selections from each of my albums; songs that honor both my Buffalo and Italian roots; some fan favorites, and, of course, music from my latest release, ‘Mood Ellington.’ ”

In Chicago, Marinaro performs regularly to sold-out audiences at premier venues including the Jazz Showcase, Green Mill, Winter's Jazz Club, and Studio5 Performing Arts Center. Complementing these club engagements, Marinaro has also appeared in larger concert settings at notable venues including the Auditorium Theatre, the Studebaker Theater, and City Winery Chicago. A frequent featured artist at major festivals, Marinaro has appeared multiple times at the Chicago Jazz Festival, including a widely acclaimed duet performance with Sheila Jordan at the Pritzker Pavilion that earned “Best of the Year” honors from the Chicago Tribune. He has also appeared at the Rochester International Jazz Festival and at leading venues and festivals across the U.S. and Canada.

Internationally, he has appeared at Birdland Jazz Club in New York City and at leading venues and festivals across Canada, including the Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts and Jazz Sudbury. In Europe, he has performed at Jazzhus Montmartre and Konserthuset Stockholm, and throughout Italy, including being honored at the Premio Penisola Sorrentina in Sorrento in 2024. In 2025, Marinaro toured with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet across Canada, with additional appearances in Europe including Marian’s Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland, and a featured performance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Marinaro is also a featured vocalist with the Metropolitan Jazz Octet and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, appearing in major concert works and festivals. Highlights include a celebrated recreation of “Sinatra at the Sands” at the Studebaker Theater, which earned “Best of the Year” honors from the Chicago Tribune, part of six such distinctions he has received, along with “Best of Chicago” recognition from NewCity Magazine.

His recordings include the critically praised debut “Without a Song” (2013), a tribute to his father, and the live album “One Night in Chicago” (2015). In the years that followed, Marinaro expanded his artistic scope through a series of large-scale projects, including his post-pandemic concept album “Not Quite Yet” (2022) and “The Bowie Project” (2023) with the Metropolitan Jazz Octet, both of which were met with widespread critical acclaim and national press, including features in DownBeat Magazine.

His latest release, “Mood Ellington” (2025), is a feat of immense excellence, with the 25-song collection featuring 21 musicians and 13 nationally acclaimed arrangers, offering a bold, large-scale and deeply personal reimagining of the music of Duke Ellington. The album has been met with widespread critical acclaim, appearing on numerous “Best Vocal Album of the Year” lists and charting nationally, with Jonathan Widran calling it “the ultimate Duke Ellington tribute album of all time.”

Marinaro is currently working on the LP release, which will come in 2027. 

Marinaro is a Friday night headliner of the 2026 Lewiston Jazz Festival on Aug. 28. Reserved seating and more information on the festival can be found at lewistonjazz.com.

Paul Marinaro (Photo by Janet Takayama)

Town of Niagara Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso and the Town Board cleared the air Tuesday night, dismissing rumors of any town involvement in activity on the property behind Colonial Drive, and assuring a large crowd the drainage problems in town are being looked into.

Besides items on the meeting agenda, Virtuoso and the Town Board listened to several public commenters, including Suzanne Rizzo of Colonial Drive, who asked if the board knew anything about the digging behind her and her neighbors’ housing or the taking down of several trees.

“Did the town give them permission to use town property to access this field and cut down town trees?” Rizzo asked.

Virtuoso deferred to Corey Auerbach, attorney for the town in the development of Bri Estates, who explained, “the ball was in the developer’s court” and the town had not received any application from the developer since it had tried to sue the town in 2024.

Auerbach also said the original application made in 2017 was moot because the town code had changed since then and no longer allowed the smaller lot sizes the developer had applied to build.

As of yet, the developer reportedly has not sent in an application for any plan or asked for permission for any of its activities.

In other news

•The flooding in early August was also addressed by the Town Board.

Deputy Supervisor Marc Carpenter said, after the meeting, if the ditch behind Ishua Drive needed to be cleaned out, the New York Power Authority owned the property and the town could not clean it without its permission.

Highway Superintendent Rick Sirianni said he and Town Engineer Bob Lannon would be looking into the ditch north of Colonial Drive made by the developer. Sirianni said the changes to the area’s drainage made him “uncomfortable” but, between he and Lannon, as well as Building Inspector Charles Haseley, he hoped to have some kind of solution.

“They filled in the existing ditch and then made their own ditch,” he said, noting they may have needed a permit to do so.

•A public hearing on a new noise ordinance will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in Town Hall.

Carpenter said the ordinance would cut the permitted decimal level “almost by half.”

“We’ve been looking at it a while and we’re lowering the decimal level,” he said.

July and August 2026 have been difficult for our town. We have faced several serious issues at once, and I want to provide a clear update on what has happened, what is being addressed, and what residents can expect next.

I want to begin with the DEC and EPA radioactive assessments. The town fully understands the hardship faced by families whose properties require remediation, and we support them in every way we can. This matter is being handled at the state and federal levels, not by town or county government. While residents may have differing opinions about how the situation has been handled, the town does not control those decisions.

I do believe the agencies on site are working to help, and I have been in direct contact with them through daily meetings since they arrived. At this time, four properties continue to require remediation. The vast majority of assessed properties have been cleared with no further action needed. Emails are being sent to those who were tested, and informational packets will follow by mail. The governor has spoken with one of the affected families, and I hope their concerns are being heard and that EPA follow-up regarding relocation, work to be completed, and related questions meets their expectations. The town will assist in any matter that is in our jurisdiction.

The most recent rainstorm was unprecedented, bringing approximately 4 inches of rain and causing stormwater backups as well as a few sewer backup situations. Stormwater flows into the town from the north, and as more patios, widened driveways, and parking areas replace grass, there is less ground available to absorb rainfall. When this much rain falls at once, the drainage systems can become overwhelmed. Along the side of Isherwood Drive that backs up to NYPA land, there is a ditch, but some portions have been filled in by residents, which has added to the problem.

Regarding the sewer backups, we are reviewing backflow preventers and working with a plumbing company to determine a reasonable path forward. Catch basins have been cleaned, and more will be cleaned. The sewer vac truck will also be used where possible, but these systems can only move a limited amount of water at one time before carrying it to the creek. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has also sent a letter regarding a Resilient Watershed Grant to co-fund a flood mitigation project at Reservoir Park, north of the town. The project would remove the culvert pipe and create a more natural drainage ditch, which should help alleviate some of the flooding issues. More information will follow as those plans move forward.

Bri Estates, a long-discussed subdivision off Colonial Drive, continues to be the subject of public concern and misinformation on social media. I understand that residents want transparency, and I continue to take calls, listen to concerns, and explain the status of the application and related property activity as clearly as possible. To summarize the current situation:

•No subdivision approval has been granted; the application remains under review.

•Recent activity on the property is drainage maintenance and general upkeep – including ditching to better define existing drainage – and is nearing completion.

•Mowing, limited brush clearing, and drainage maintenance are all well within the property owner’s rights and require no town approval.

•Several neighbors have expressed appreciation for the work and were glad to see the area maintained.

•Drainage deficiencies identified in both Niagara and Lewiston during required studies have been reported to each town.

•The recent radiation findings in the town are a separate matter; the Bri Estates property is not among the locations identified, and Double C Realty will cooperate fully if the agencies wish to include it in their review.

Now for some good news.

“Music Mania Mondays” has been a very successful series this season, with only one event canceled due to the storm. Mini Putt participation has increased, and Family Nights and senior events have been fully booked and successful.

Budget season has arrived, and we are approaching it with optimism and careful planning as we work to stay within the 2% tax cap this year.

Upcoming fall and winter events include “Trunk-or-Treat,” “Noel at Niagara,” and the Town Street Parade. Watch for dates to be announced soon.

The town will soon launch a new app called NiagaraNY Connect. Residents will be able to download the app to receive notifications and information, pay bills, and access town updates. We are currently working on the launch, and more information will be shared soon. Residents who are already registered for emergency messaging will be encouraged to use the app, but they may still choose to receive messages as they do now. This tool will help improve communication with town residents by providing accurate and timely information.

Wishing all the students, faculty and administrators a successful school year!!

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

 Nelson Mandela

Happy fall to all.

Your town supervisor

Sylvia Virtuoso

√ Spirit Halloween store headed to Fashion Outlets

By Jan Czech

To quote Bruce Springsteen, “Glory days. Well, they’ll pass you by.” The same could be said of the shopping mall. Shopping under one roof became popular in the 1960s and peaked in popularity in the decade between 1970-80 when they became hubs for socialization, attending movies and a place for people to gather, people watch, dine and purchase goods and services.

Hanging at the mall was a rite of passage for teens of that era. Sometimes referred to as mall rats, they flocked to a middle ground that was not home or school or work but a place to meet friends, gather in the food court, window shop and loiter, perhaps without buying anything. But in the late 1990s through 2000, with the advent of Amazon and internet shopping, malls went out of favor. They couldn’t compete with customers being able to shop at all hours from anywhere when a single click on “buy now” got them what their hearts desired. The COVID pandemic was also a death knell.

Numbers vary but, according to the Mall Tracker website, the number of malls across the U.S. peaked in the early 1980s at 25,000. An article in USA Today asserts that an average of 1,170 malls closed every year between 2017 and 2022. Currently, about 700 still exist but some are “zombie” malls. Those that haven’t been repurposed or torn down – some technically open but virtually empty except for a small number of tenants and the occasional pop-up while others are deserted shells of their former selves. Going, going, gone are the large department stores that anchored the malls. Locally, that meant the closure of Saks Off 5^th at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

Dire as the numbers are, retailers are cautiously optimistic that we are on the cusp of a mall resurgence. Generation Z, commonly known as Gen Z, comprises people between the ages of 14 and 29. And they like to shop in person in brick-and-mortar stores.

Susie Swiatkowski, marketing manager at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, thinks she knows why.

“I think they’re a little tired of their screens and being stuck inside the house,” Swiatkowski said. “They’re tired of being on their phones. They want to get out.”

She’s right about that. This generation grew up with screens and, due to the COVID pandemic, a certain amount of isolation. They went to school online. They shopped online. They worked remotely. Most of their social interaction was online. The mall experience gives Gen Z an opportunity to turn that all around.

Swiatkowski can speak to the fact that Gen Z is back shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls. “Even walking through the food court, I see Gen Z having lunch, so they really are looking forward to having that interaction again.”

Mall culture for this age group has not changed very much from the halcyon days of the 1970s and 1980s. Going to the mall is an opportunity to socialize face to face whether grabbing a snack, shopping with friends, seeing a movie or just hanging out. The mall experience has advantages not found in online shopping. Being able to touch and try on items helps the customer determine if something really is for them. Returns can be made for free at the store level, eliminating a trip to the post office to pay postage to send an item back.

Swiatkowski explained the mall experience this way: “You want to shop somewhere you’re comfortable.”

Of the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, she added, “It’s social, it’s pleasing, and it’s really easy to get around in.”

Recently, “Good Morning America” visited one of the malls owned by the Macerich Company, which owns the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls. The topic was – you guessed it – what Gen Z returning to malls to shop will mean to retailers.

Swiatkowski talked about what Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls is doing to entice Gen Z to the mall.

“We put a Gen Z group of our employees together to try to market specifically to that age group,” she said. “We’re reaching them online. It really is encouraging to see and I’m excited about it.”

What’s on tap for Fashion Outlets? When asked if there were plans to fill some of the empty storefronts, Swiatkowski replied, “There are always plans to do that.”

She explained the process for finding tenants this way: “That’s when we work with our leasing team. We have a boots-on-the-ground leasing manager. She looks for vendors that are looking to make the next step into a brick-and-mortar or looking to open a cart or something seasonal. Some of them are looking for long-term inline stores.”

She went on to explain that the leasing team on the corporate level is always on the lookout for big name stores on the local, national and international level. The latest temporary addition to the mall is Spirit Halloween. Its offerings include Halloween-inspired items such as costumes for the entire family and animated displays available for purchase.

Although the Macerich Company doesn’t share specific numbers regarding foot traffic in the mall, when asked if there was an uptick in cross border shoppers, Swiatkowski said, “I can tell you especially in the summer we see cars from all over the place.”

The mall doesn’t keep a tally of where shoppers come from and, judging by the variety of license plates in the parking lot, it would be nearly impossible to do so. Swiatkowski noted busloads of shoppers also flock to the mall to take advantage of outlet prices. Recently, one of those buses was full of Canadian shoppers.

“It is encouraging to see Canadian buses come back,” she said.

When asked if Gen Z was the answer to shopping mall resurgence Swiatkowski is optimistic: “Things are looking up for malls in general. The future’s bright. We’re really excited about this new generation.”

The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA is located at 1900 Military Road, Town of Niagara; and online at https://www.fashionoutletsniagara.com/.

Director of Outdoor Promotions

Destination Niagara USA

The Lower Niagara River has long been known as one of the region's premier fishing destinations, but two recent charity tournaments showed the river can provide much more than great fishing.

Two separate events brought anglers onto the Lower Niagara to compete for walleye while raising money for two very different – but equally worthy – causes: Catching Dreams Charters, which provides fishing experiences for children battling cancer; and Fishing Fur a Better Tomorrow, which supports the SPCA of Niagara and its mission to give animals a chance at a full life. Together, the tournaments put dozens of boats and anglers on the water while demonstrating how the Niagara Frontier's fishing community continues to give back.

Catching Dreams Charters tournament

On Aug. 7, 14 charter boats took part in a charity tournament out of Lewiston to benefit Catching Dreams Charters.

The Lower Niagara provided good fishing, with both walleye and smallmouth bass finding their way into the boats. While the anglers were competing on the water, the larger goal was to raise money for Catching Dreams and its fishing-therapy program.

Catching Dreams Charters is a nonprofit organization that provides free fishing adventures for children and young adults battling cancer. The organization describes its mission as “turning wishing into fishing,” giving young patients and their families an opportunity to get away from the challenges of treatment, enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories.

The tournament accomplished that goal in a big way.

Enough money was raised to provide future fishing charters for 47 children and their families on the Niagara Frontier.

That number is perhaps the most meaningful statistic to come out of the tournament. Each of those 47 fishing trips will give a child and family the opportunity to spend time together on the water, experience the excitement of fishing, and enjoy a much-needed break from the daily challenges of childhood cancer.

Fishing Fur a Better Tomorrow

Another group of anglers also turned the Lower Niagara into a fundraising venue with the Fishing Fur a Better Tomorrow tournament benefiting the SPCA of Niagara.

In all, 22 boats took to the river to target walleye and raise money for the animal-welfare organization. The SPCA of Niagara operates with a no-kill philosophy and works to provide care, shelter and advocacy for animals in need.

The fishing competition was close at the top.

The team led by Joe Oliverio captured first place with three walleye weighing 14.78 pounds. Brad Weigand finished just two hundredths of a pound behind with 14.76 pounds, while Pat Foote rounded out the top three with 14.52 pounds.

Following the on-the-water competition, participants gathered at Porter-on-the-Lake for a picnic and basket auction. The gathering provided an opportunity for anglers and supporters to celebrate the tournament while continuing to raise money for the SPCA of Niagara.

More than fishing

While the two tournaments supported different missions, both events demonstrated the same thing: the Lower Niagara's tremendous fishery can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and helping others.

For Catching Dreams, the tournament will translate into fishing memories for 47 children and their families.

For Fishing Fur a Better Tomorrow, the anglers' efforts will help support animals in need and the SPCA of Niagara's no-kill mission.

In both cases, the biggest winners weren't necessarily the teams at the top of the leaderboard. They were the children who will get a chance to go fishing and the animals that will benefit from the funds raised.

That makes these tournaments about much more than walleye, weights and bragging rights. They are examples of the fishing community using a resource that brings so many people enjoyment to make a difference beyond the water.

For more information or to support these causes

•Catching Dreams Charters: Catching Dreams Charters provides free fishing therapy and fishing adventures for children and young adults battling cancer. The organization relies on donations and community support to provide these experiences. Call 716-870-5326 or visit catchingdreamscharters.org.

•SPCA of Niagara: The SPCA of Niagara is located at 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls; it can be reached at 716-731-4368 and online at niagaraspca.org.

Whether the goal is helping a child create a special memory on the water or helping an animal find a safe and loving home, both organizations show that sometimes the best way to make a difference is to simply go fishing.

Editor-in-Chief

Calls for action continue following the recent heavy rain events that triggered a flood of protests by impacted residents in the Lewiston community.

Lower River Road resident Sharon K. Bland, who launched a Change.org petition calling on town officials to correct what she called deficient infrastructure, announced plans for a protest on Monday, Aug. 24, in the parking lot at Lewiston Town Hall. Bland said she is not pleased with the town’s stance of “ignoring” impacted residents in time of need.

She is currently engaged in a lawsuit with the town on this issue. Her event will be held prior to the Town Board’s 6 p.m. meeting.

Bland claims the Town of Lewiston decided “behind the scenes, not to make any efforts to secure funding or provide financial assistance to those victimized by flooding of stormwater, sewage, and/or radioactive runoff. They also refused free help from the EPA this week (which I attempted to organize).

Bland said she is “looking to organize by neighborhood, so we can obtain information on problems by area (and) coordinate an action plan. This may involve cleanup of some areas with volunteers, or just a list of areas which need work in order to itemize a list for local government and demand action.”

Bland’s campaign continues to build interest with a number of residents signing on to her petition. She’s also working to form a citizens action group “in order to seek funding from our recent flood disaster.”

Citing conditions such as “chronically unmaintained ditches, sewers, creeks and outtakes … full of branches, debris and strainers,” she faults local municipalities such as Lewiston for an alleged “neglect of their drainage infrastructure.”

“(All are) routinely reported by homeowners to our municipal authorities, in Niagara County, to no avail,” Bland posted.

She encouraged residents to speak out: “We need help. Please join us.”

Town responds

Supervisor Steve Broderick said the town is certainly aware of the infrastructure problems. He stressed the municipality has been responsive in the past and continues to be proactive to community concerns.

The town’s backflow preventer program, which includes up to $2,500 in cost reimbursements available to impacted property owners, was expanded this week to include those impacted in the Village of Lewiston.

Lewiston Wastewater Treatment Plant Administrator Jeff Ritter offered detailed information to residents on stormwater and sanitary sewer operators (see www.wnypapers.com).

Lewiston Highway Department Superintendent Mike Weiss is providing additional insight on the town’s ongoing infrastructure improvements via guest column in this week’s Sentinel (click HERE). In his comments, Weiss outlines a number of areas for improvement he would like to pursue, including the establishment of a new drainage division to manage infrastructure challenges.

“There’s areas we know about, but there’s also things people can do,” Broderick said, suggesting residents look more into the town’s backflow preventer program.

“The Town Board and myself support our Highway Department’s vision for a ditching crew and will support it by providing the proper equipment to get the job done,” Broderick said. “We’re going to keep working at it, (but) there’s no quick fix to all of this.”

This year, Food Network is taking its fan-favorite Halloween competitions to a terrifying new level that will deliver eye-popping bakes, dramatic twists and disturbingly delicious creations.

First up, on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, “Halloween Wars” will return with host Jonathan Bennett and a “Back from the Dead” theme featuring all-star expert pumpkin-carving artists, sugar masters, and cake mavens who will face more difficult challenges than ever before.

Then, on Monday, Sept. 14, at 9 p.m., “Halloween Baking Championship,” helmed by host John Henson, will be set in the Museum of Unnatural History where eerie exhibits will inspire artistic yet blood-curdling challenges worthy of display.

Episodes of both series will stream the next day on HBO Max.

“Halloween Wars” kicks off its “Back from the Dead” season with a supersized two-hour premiere featuring returning all-star pumpkin carvers, cake artists and sugar masters hoping to defend their titles while others will be on the hunt for redemption. The premiere launches with two rounds of nail-biting competition, beginning with terrifying head-to-head battles that could put even the strongest teams of former champions in jeopardy. As the pressure rises, emotions boil over and the losing teams will face a brutal "Do or Die" round two showdown where one team will be eliminated.

This year, host Bennett will be joined by judges Shinmin Li and Andrew Fuller who will evaluate each team’s spectacular compositions throughout the season and ultimately award $30,000 to the winning team.

Over on Food Network's social platforms, Bennett will attempt mini-Halloween challenges and judges Li and Fuller will share tips and tricks for easier home baking. Join the conversation using #HalloweenWars.

“Halloween Baking Championship” returns with 10 bakers vying for the title of champion and a $25,000 prize. The two-hour premiere unveils the setting for this year’s competition, the grand foyer of the Museum of Unnatural History, where frightening collections like “Possessed Pests,” “Demon Masks” and a “Vault of Bones” beckon down every hall. Curator and host Henson will lead the unsuspecting bakers through an arresting series of challenges inspired by the creepy exhibits. If the competitors’ desserts impress judges Stephanie Boswell, Aarti Sequeira and Zac Young, they may survive to see another midnight, otherwise they'll have to bake for their lives. Through it all, they'll face a gauntlet of otherworldly wonders until the last baker standing wins.

For the first “Haunted Heat” of the season, the bakers must put their best spooky memories to work to create desserts honoring their “Best Halloween Ever.” The winner receives $1,000, and the top three bakers are safe. The remaining competitors face a “Bake for Your Life” challenge to create “Hideous Mask Desserts” inspired by the disfigured mask collection in the Hall of Humanity. The least successful baker will be eliminated.

Fans can see how the judges' most-impressive costumes come to life and join them behind the scenes to see how they spend a day on set by following #HalloweenBakingChampionship across Food Network’s social platforms. They can also visit www.FoodNetwork.com to learn more about the competitors and stay up to date on “Halloween Baking Championship” news.