Niagara Arts & Cultural Center press release & graphic

Artist Jessica Borchert invites visitors to discover the beauty in ordinary life through her upcoming exhibition, “A Certain Kind of Beauty,” at the Kudela Gallery on the second floor in the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (NACC), located at 1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls.

“A Certain Kind of Beauty” features a diverse collection of artwork exploring the often-overlooked beauty found in everyday experiences. From flowers and ladybugs to personal emotions and reflections, Borchert encourages viewers to slow down and appreciate the small details that make ordinary life meaningful.

“Through this exhibit, I slowed down to notice each part of my life and how the smallest things can be beautiful,” Borchert explained. “I created this exhibit in hopes visitors might find a certain kind of beauty in their everyday life.”

The exhibition brings together works inspired by nature, historical art, gratitude, and the artist’s internal emotional landscape. Using a variety of mediums, including oil paint, oil pastels, graphite, watercolor, charcoal and acrylic, Borchert explores how beauty takes different forms across the many dimensions of life.

Rather than focusing on a single subject or artistic medium, the exhibition offers a personal glimpse into how Borchert experiences and interprets the world around her. Each piece reflects a different perspective, inviting visitors to consider where they might discover beauty in their own lives.

The opening reception, from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, offers an opportunity to view the exhibition and meet the artist. The exhibition will remain on display through Dec. 19.

More about the artist: Borchert is a visual artist whose work explores everyday experiences, personal reflection, and the beauty found in ordinary life. Working across a variety of traditional artistic mediums, she draws inspiration from nature, art history, gratitude and emotion.

Tops Friendly Markets press release

The puck has officially dropped on the 2026-27 hockey season, and Tops Friendly Markets is offering fans the opportunity to take gameday to the next level. On Sunday, Oct. 18, Tops will launch its “Tops Top Shelf VIP Sabres Experience” sweepstakes, giving entrants a chance to win four club-level tickets to a Buffalo Sabres 2026-27 regular-season home game, all-inclusive dining in the 1970 Club, a parking pass, a signed Buffalo Sabres jersey and a ride for four aboard the Tops “Fan-Zam.”

As part of the sweepstakes, fans will have seven weekly opportunities to be chosen for a prize package that’s worth over $1,200. Grand-prizewinners will be drawn every Monday throughout the duration of the campaign.

The announcement comes shortly after the Buffalo Sabres renewed partnership with Tops as the team’s “Exclusive Grocer” for the next five years. While searching for the perfect name for this new sweepstakes, Tops turned to the late, great Rick Jeanneret for inspiration. The longtime voice of the Sabres had several legendary phrases and game calls, including his iconic “top shelf where momma hides the cookies!” The phrase caught on in Buffalo and far beyond, and it now lives on in this unique experience that Tops is providing to diehard hockey fans.

“We’re looking forward to cheering on our hometown team, and what better way to start the season than with a fun sweepstakes that gives our most loyal customers the chance to score big?” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “As the ‘Exclusive Grocer’ of the Buffalo Sabres, we’re proud to help connect Tops shoppers with the players, traditions and experiences they love – and bring the community together.”

Starting Oct. 18, there are two ways to enter:

Online or in-store entry, and bonus entries via qualifying purchase

•Online, by visiting topsmarkets.com/BuffaloSabres and completing the entry form with all required information and a valid 11 or 12-digit Tops BonusPlus, BonusCard or Wild Card number.

•In store, by scanning a Tops BonusPlus, and presenting a “Buffalo Sabres Prize Pass” at checkout. “Prize Passes” are available in select weekly ads and can be printed or shown on a phone, from online.

During the entry period, an eligible entrant who has entered through either of these methods will receive one bonus entry for each qualifying purchase at any participating Tops stores. Qualifying purchases include products from dozens of brands such as BODYARMOR, Coca-Cola, DiGiorno, Dove Men, Lay's, Monster, Rosina, Tostitos and Tops cut fruit. A full list of qualifying brands can be found online.

Mail-In Entry

•Mail a handwritten entry on a 3-by-5-inch card including full name, mailing address, telephone number (with area code) and email address. The entry must be mailed in a stamped No. 10 envelope to: Tops Top Shelf VIP Sabres Experience Sweepstakes, PO Box 1027, Buffalo, NY 14240-1027. The limit is one mail-in entry per outer stamped envelope, but there is no limit to the total number of mail-in entries submitted.

Potential winners will be contacted via email address and must respond within five days to claim their sweepstakes prize. For full sweepstakes rules and eligibility, visit topsmarkets.com/BuffaloSabres.

“Like Tops, the Buffalo Sabres are a big part of the fabric of Western New York. Here’s to another memorable season of rooting for the blue and gold alongside our customers,” Ferri said.

To enter and for full prize description/eligibility requirements/full rules, go to topsmarkets.com/BuffaloSabres.

My name is Jennifer Stoddard, and I would love to share a special story about a family tradition that began with a simple question from a 5-year-old boy and has continued for 15 years.

One afternoon, while driving, my son, Kyle, was reading his children's Bible in the back seat. Out of nowhere, he asked me, "Mom, if I pray really hard, do you think God will answer my prayer for world peace?"

I explained that I didn't think it would happen just like that, but perhaps God would help him and others find ways to make a difference.

A few days later, Kyle asked if we could throw a party to help people.

And that's exactly what we did.

Kyle researched nonprofit organizations, visited them, and chose to support disabled veterans and Cornerstone Manor. We organized a huge pizza party, invited our community, and collected donations for the organizations he selected.

What started as one little boy's desire to help others grew into Kyle's Guarding Warriors, a family fundraising tradition that has continued for 15 years.

Eventually, our fundraisers evolved into an annual Halloween haunt, transforming our 1.5-acre property in Wheatfield into an experience filled with scares, laughter, and community generosity.

When Kyle graduated, he passed the torch to his younger brother, Zach, who continued the tradition.

Now, with Zach preparing to graduate, our family is preparing for one final Halloween fundraiser.

“The Final Chapter – Halloween Haunt” will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, at 6825 Errick Road, Wheatfield. Trunk-or-treat from 6-9 p.m.; take a “Haunted Walk” from 7-11 p.m.; and enjoy free soup, drinks and desserts

Admission is free, but donations are strongly encouraged.

This year, Kyle's Guarding Warriors is partnering with Mason's Meals and supporting local food pantries: Friends of Night People, CVMA Chapter 19-6, and NW Helping Hands.

We are collecting nonperishable food; winter hats, gloves and socks; and hygiene items to help those in need.

After 15 years, countless volunteers, and so many wonderful memories, this final chapter is bittersweet.

What began with a little boy wondering how he could help bring peace to the world has become a tradition of giving back, bringing people together, and teaching our children that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.

We hope to close this chapter the same way it began – with our community coming together to help others.

Jennifer Stoddard

Kyle's Guarding Warriors

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Ku888wnX/

VP Service Line Operations

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center invites the community to an Oct. 23 open house highlighting expanded services, new physicians and exciting improvements.

All too often, women say they don't feel heard when it comes to their healthcare. Whether they're struggling to find answers to ongoing concerns, navigating changes in their bodies or simply looking for a provider who takes the time to listen, finding the right care can be frustrating. At Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, we believe every woman deserves to feel heard, understood and confident in the care she receives. Our women's health team is committed to listening to our patients, understanding their individual needs and providing compassionate, personalized care at every stage of life.

We're inviting the community to learn more during our Women's Health & Wellness Open House on Friday, Oct. 23, from 1-4 p.m. at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. It's an opportunity for women and families throughout Niagara County to discover the comprehensive services available in their own backyard.

Caring for women at every stage of life

Women's healthcare is about much more than pregnancy and childbirth. It's about building relationships with patients, understanding their individual needs, and providing personalized care throughout their lives.

Our women's health team offers a wide range of obstetric and gynecological services, including preventive care, annual wellness visits, family planning, prenatal care, gynecological treatments and support through menopause.

For younger women, care may mean establishing a relationship with an OB-GYN and learning about preventive care. For women planning a family, it means having a trusted physician to guide them through pregnancy and delivery. And for women experiencing changes later in life, it means access to knowledgeable providers who understand their evolving healthcare needs.

Our continued investment in women's health services reflects our commitment to meeting those needs at every stage of life. We’re pleased to welcome two new OB-GYNs – Dr. Ahmed Saleh and Dr. Shahrzad Torabi – who bring additional expertise and a shared commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Both physicians offer comprehensive gynecological care, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical procedures for appropriate patients.

These advanced techniques can offer several benefits, including smaller incisions, less postoperative discomfort, and potentially shorter recovery times.

Welcoming new life close to home

One of the services we're especially proud to provide is labor and delivery.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is home to the only labor and delivery department in Niagara County, making us an important resource for expectant mothers and growing families throughout the region.

We understand how important it is for mothers to feel comfortable, supported and confident in the team caring for them. With certified midwives on staff and partnerships with doulas, we offer personalized care and additional support to help expectant mothers feel informed, empowered and prepared as they welcome their babies.

Our labor and delivery department features private patient rooms to give mothers and babies the comfort and privacy they deserve during such a meaningful experience. In our hospital, most mothers labor, give birth, and recover in the same room. It’s a unique setup that adds to the comfort of moms and families at a vulnerable time. It also means that moms and babies will have the same nursing staff caring for them throughout their stay, helping families build trusted relationships with their care team.

Our commitment to families extends beyond the delivery room. Through our P3 program, including the PICHC Program and Maternal Hub, we connect families with valuable resources and support from conception through their child's second birthday. Whether it's helping families access essentials like diapers and car seats, connecting them with community resources or providing ongoing guidance through our community health workers, we're here to help families navigate challenges and build a healthy foundation for the future.

Creating a more-modern, comfortable experience

Providing exceptional care also means creating an environment where patients and families feel welcome, comfortable and supported.

As part of Memorial's ongoing capital improvement campaign, we're planning significant renovations to our women's health facilities that will enhance patient care and the overall experience for families.

Improvements include modernized labor and delivery rooms and updated patient care areas. We're also making improvements to the spaces families use before and during their visits. Plans include a new street-level entrance with a canopy; an improved lobby; and a more comfortable, family-friendly waiting area.

These improvements are about more than appearances. They're about making healthcare more accessible, convenient and comfortable for patients and families throughout Niagara County.

Come see what’s happening at Memorial!

We’d love to see you at our Women’s Health & Wellness Open House. We invite women and families throughout Niagara County to stop by on Oct. 23 from 1-4 p.m. to meet members of our women's health team and learn about our services. We’ll have giveaways – as well as raffles for some incredible baby gear, including a car seat/stroller travel system!

Whether you're searching for a new OB-GYN, preparing to start a family, interested in advanced gynecological treatment options or simply looking to take a more active role in your health, we want you to know that comprehensive, compassionate care is available close to home.

At Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, our commitment to women's health extends far beyond any one appointment, procedure or stage of life. It's about building lasting relationships, strengthening the services our community depends on, and ensuring women throughout Niagara County have access to the care they deserve.

When Patrick Antonelli opened his JB’s Coffee & Kitchen on Aug. 13, he did it to fill a need he felt other Grand Island eateries weren’t addressing.

“A ‘scratch kitchen’ you can walk up to,” is how he described that niche.

“I noticed that there was a hole. There’s no local coffee shop. There’s the three chains on Grand Island – and there’s no quick breakfast.”

Antonelli said he wanted to fill that gap with “a premium offering” that would include coffee that is ground to order and food that is cooked to order.

Now, the aroma of sausage, burger blend and hash browns greets customers beyond the front door at 2092 Grand Island Blvd.

“These and sauces, syrups and lemonade are all made in the restaurant,” Antonelli said.

The breakfast sausage and the smashburgers served are ground and seasoned in house.

Gluten-free options

“We also take gluten-free and vegan seriously, with a dedicated fryer and toaster and a real option in every section, so a family with one restriction can all eat at the same table without leaving the Island,” Antonelli said. “Every single sandwich on my menu can be made gluten-free by just substituting the bread.

"Offsite, our gluten-free and vegan bakery comes from Fig Tree Patisserie” in Buffalo.

Hours and favorites

JB’s Coffee & Kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Starting Oct. 20, the restaurant will add Tuesdays.

“We'll see how the island responds before we look at Wednesdays,” Antonelli said.

There’s counter service, with a full menu all day.

The breakfast hours see a busy stream of commuters, many of whom will order online in advance, so they can grab the breakfast goodies and get over the bridge to their workday.

“The Island has been good to us. Mornings are busy, and we learn something every week,” Antonelli said.

Taste is the heart of the business, and Antonelli said customers have made their favorites known.

 “The sausage, egg and cheese is the workhorse; the California wrap surprised us; the hot honey cutlet now has a cult-like following; and the beef on weck is the one people drive over for,” he said.

Antonelli noted, “The beef on weck starts with top round cooked overnight, shaved to order, on a kimmelweck roll we finish ourselves.”

Sourcing from local

Other owners and vendors have been generous, Antonelli said.

“We buy from neighbors wherever we can: The Little Bee Bread Co., Aura Juicery, Merle Maple, Cassorla’s Bagels, Sourdough By Amanda. Our coffee is a custom espresso blend from Tipico in Buffalo. Teas come from Cup of Communitea in Williamsville,” he said.

Antonelli is most proud of the fact that he and his staff stuck to the high standards they set and didn’t cut corners.

“Yes, it would have been easier to buy everything frozen and just heat and serve. But that's not who I am, and not what I want to be known for. We want everything to be made fresh, and made better,” he said.

“The response has been great. It’s actually more than I thought it was going to be,” Antonelli said of his new venture. “That first week, I sold out of everything by 10 a.m.”

Knowing customers by name

Although he’s a young entrepreneur, Antonelli has years of experience.

“I spent 18 years at Adrian’s (Custard & Beef) with my mother,” he said. “That’s where I learned that how you treat people matters more than anything on the menu. JB’s is its own place with its own food, but knowing your customers by name came with me.”

Antonelli has about 25 on his team on site. His manager is Nadia Ammerman.

“She has taken a lot off my plate so I can be more creative,” he said.

Family is key

Antonelli is a longtime businessman, but he’s also a family man who likes the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. work schedule.

“I deliberately chose these hours so I could be home for dinner and bedtime with the kids every night,” he said. “My wife and I have two kids. Juliette is 2 and Bennett is 1. They’re growing up on the same Island I did, and there's something special about that.”

The name JB’s stands for Juliette and Bennett.

“I wanted JB’s to be part of their Grand Island story the same way Adrian’s was part of mine, and to build something they can point to one day and know their dad built it for them and for this community,” Antonelli said. “A legacy for my kids, and a home for Grand Island."

Contact info

The menu, online ordering and loyalty information are at www.jbscoffeekitchen.com. Find the eatery on Facebook. Online and call-ahead ordering are available at 716-775-5533.

This year, the event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. (or sold-out) Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. firehall, 625 Third St. Tickets are $17. Eat in and takeout is available.

“I am really pleased about being part of this event,” said Niagara County 1st District Legislator Irene Myers, who co-chairs the event with post commanders Rick Newman of the American Legion and Gary Zanardi of the VFW. “Once again, we are reaching out to the community to share their appreciation with our veterans. We are asking for baskets or gift cards, which truly give the BBQ a boost in raising money for our veterans.”   

Keith Lucas, owner of KIPO Chevrolet in Ransomville, is supporting this annual event. KIPO Chevrolet is accepting baskets/gift cards during regular business hours. In exchange, those making a donation will receive a $10 KIPO gift certificate for every basket. The certificates can be used for sales, service or merchandise.

Myers said, “Keith has been very generous to our community regarding our veterans. He is also purchasing dinners for our men and women at the Coast Guard station for that day’s event. We so appreciate KIPO Chevrolet’s generosity and heartfelt compassion.”

She noted Lucas has veterans and a lineage of military service in his family.

“A big ‘Thank you’ to our community and to all of those who help our veterans one way or another!” Myers said. “Get your baskets/gift cards ready and drop them off at KIPO Chevrolet in Ransomville, and we will see you at the BBQ!”

Tickets were donated by Hardison Funeral Home.

Organizers stressed, “Know a vet, bring a vet.”

Many of you recognize me already from the eight years I served Lewiston residents as a member of the Town Board. I chose to not run for reelection in 2025 due to some personal reasons, which required a strong commitment of my time, well into early 2026.

Over the past several months, members of the community have asked me to consider giving the residents of Lewiston a bigger range of choices for town supervisor in this year’s election. About two weeks ago, as those requests become more numbered, I decided that I would announce that I will accept the choice of the Lewiston residents to be town supervisor if they choose to write my name on their ballot.

I have been asked, “Why now, John? Why is your name not on the ballot?” I was not in a position to make this decision in March, when petitions for elected office were required to be passed. And since that time, more and more people asked me to consider making a commitment to again serve my community.

It is a commitment I take very seriously, as I have my entire life. I retired as a battalion fire chief in Niagara Falls and remain committed to our local volunteer firefighters. I served in the U.S. Air Force and am a summa cum laude graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) with a major in drama. I have remained active in local amateur theater and regional productions, including portraying Judge Sherbourne Piper in the “Marble Orchard Ghost Walk” and performing with Theatre in the Mist and Subversive Theatre. My wife, Eleanor, and I have resided in Lewiston for over 30 years.

In 2016, current Councilman Rob Morreale approached me about running for Town Board, and I was happy to do so. During my eight years on the Town Board, I repeatedly questioned project spending, certain types of large development that would have detrimental effects on residents in nearby areas, advocated for efficiency and, when needed, efforts to maintain our small-town quality of life.

We have many issues facing us as a town, and I am here for the residents to help face those issues, including stormwater measures. While you will not see my name printed on your ballot, at the bottom of the column labeled “Supervisor” you will see a printed box that says, “Write In.” I would humbly appreciate it if you would consider not filling in any circles in that column, and instead writing in that “Write In” box, my name, “John Jacoby.”

The outpouring of support I’ve already received from the community for this write-in campaign is amazing! I will be spending the next few weeks walking door to door in as many areas as possible – if you see me out and about, please feel free to stop and chat!

Rooted Hearts Counseling and Wellness Services is beginning an exciting new chapter in the Western New York community under the leadership of Katherine Patti-Saeli, LCSW, M.Ed. With more than 70 clinicians, three local offices, and telehealth services, Rooted Hearts provides compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based mental health care to individuals and families throughout the greater Buffalo area.

Formerly known as Shurmatz Counseling, the practice has been a part of the Erie County community for many years. While the name and ownership have changed, the heart of the practice remains the same: caring for people and helping them navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding and support. Rooted Hearts is proud to continue that work while growing its vision for the future.

With a team of more than 70 clinicians, Rooted Hearts is able to offer care for people across many stages of life, including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Clinicians bring a wide range of experience and utilize therapy approaches including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), internal family systems (IFS), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care.

The practice's Centers of Excellence are one way Rooted Hearts connects people with clinicians who have specialized experience in areas such as women's mental health, depression, trauma, grief, anxiety and OCD, men's mental health, emerging adults, behavioral addictions, neurodiversity, couples and relationships, helping professionals, veterans, LGBTQIA+ care, children and families, and disordered eating. These are not separate physical locations, but specialized areas of clinical expertise within the practice designed to help individuals find care that is a good fit for their unique needs.

Rooted Hearts has offices in Amherst, Cheektowaga and West Seneca, along with telehealth options, making it possible for individuals and families to access support in a way that works for them.

Rooted Hearts is committed not only to caring for clients, but also to creating a workplace where clinicians can grow, thrive, and sustain meaningful careers. The practice is developing initiatives focused on clinician wellness, burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, with the belief that supporting those who provide care ultimately strengthens the care clients receive.

“Same heart, stronger roots, greater impact” reflects the vision behind Rooted Hearts. The name represents the belief that feeling grounded, connected and supported provides a strong foundation for healing, growth and personal well-being.

Individuals interested in learning more about Rooted Hearts Counseling and Wellness Services can call 716-217-6112 or visit www.rootedheartswny.com to request an appointment. Rooted Hearts looks forward to continuing to be a place where individuals and families throughout Western New York can find compassionate support, understanding, and a path forward.

Director of Outdoor Promotions

Destination Niagara USA

The telltale sign of autumn in the Lower Niagara River does not arrive with the falling leaves or the cooling temperatures. Instead, it arrives in the form of a mechanical migration: boat trailers stacking up at the Lewiston Landing parking area. When those trailers appear, we know with absolute certainty that the king salmon have returned for their annual spawning run. It is a spectacle that signifies more than just a successful fishing season; it is the culmination of years of hard work, dedicated stewardship, and a shared vision for one of the greatest waterways in the world.

For those who understand the complexity of our local ecosystem, this arrival is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Niagara River Anglers Association and the local charter captain community. These groups have transformed the river’s fishery through a rigorous commitment to conservation. Every spring, a dedicated group of volunteers engages in the labor-intensive process of pen-rearing salmon. This is not merely an exercise in fish stocking; it is a vital intervention designed to ensure high survival rates for fingerlings. By nurturing these fish through a proper smolting process – a physiological transition that allows them to adapt to open water environments – we are essentially guiding them to return to the Niagara as adults.

As we see the size, health and vitality of this year’s returning salmon, it is clear that this was a job well done. It stands as a powerful example of anglers giving back to the community that sustains them. This project is not just about catching fish; it is about supporting a legacy for future generations of sportsmen and women.

The timing of this season’s run could not have been more fortuitous. As the river teems with activity, our region is hosting the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) annual conference. Additionally, we are thrilled to host renowned fishing personalities Carter Andrews and Mark Davis to our waters. Both will be here in October to film episodes of their popular television programs, capturing the action for broadcast in 2027.

Bringing such prestigious media to our shores is a strategic opportunity to showcase the world-class fishing we enjoy locally on a national stage. When we host respected media members and industry leaders, we are doing more than just showing them a good time on the water – we are inspiring them to tell our story to the wider fishing world.

That narrative reach is critical. Promotion of our fishery goes a long way toward driving economic impact, which is a massive benefit to our local businesses. It is important to remember that the act of fishing is often only a portion of the total visitor experience. A successful angling season supports our hotels, our restaurants, and our service providers. The beauty of this process is that the local community has consistently shown itself to be welcoming and hospitable to our visitors. This culture of hospitality is what separates a good destination from a great one, and it is precisely that warmth that encourages return visits year after year.

Furthermore, we are witnessing tangible improvements to the infrastructure that supports this traffic. It appears that the docking area is slated for significant upgrades intended to make the facility more angler-friendly, particularly during the shoulder season. The decision to keep the bathrooms at the dock open year-round is a particularly welcome gesture, signaling that our local leadership recognizes the needs of the angling community.

I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the work being done to maintain the restrooms and the fish cleaning facilities by the Village of Lewiston. Keeping these areas clean and inviting is not a trivial task, and the effort is deeply appreciated by local and out-of-town anglers alike. It is a sign of respect – respect for the resource, respect for the sport, and respect for the people who travel great distances to enjoy it.

As we look at the river today, teeming with the results of our conservation efforts and bustling with media and visitors, it is clear that we have something special. Thank you to the decision-makers who view our world-class fishery not just as a natural resource, but as an opportunity for growth, education, and community development. By continuing to prioritize the health of the river and the comfort of those who visit it, we ensure that the king salmon will continue to return to the Lower Niagara for years to come.

Head of Marketing & Membership

Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University

For generations, museums have thought about traveling collections quite literally.

An artwork leaves one institution, is carefully packed into a crate, transported to another museum and installed in a new gallery. Loans and traveling exhibitions remain an important part of how museums share their collections, but they are no longer the only way a collection can travel.

Today, the question may be less about how we move an object and more about how we move the ideas surrounding it.

At the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, we are exploring that question through “WE THE ARTISTS,” an international collaboration led by .ART that grew from our exhibition “USA250: Celebrating the American Vision.”

The exhibition uses works from CAM’s permanent collection to consider how generations of artists have defined, challenged and reimagined the idea of America. Through this collaboration, that conversation is now moving beyond our galleries in Niagara Falls – to Washington, D.C.; Baku, Azerbaijan; Brussels, Belgium; and audiences connected across an international network.

More than 300 works from CAM’s permanent collection will be shared digitally through an interactive touchscreen experience at the ADA University Foundation in Washington, D.C. The larger initiative connects that experience with ADA University in Baku, its partner campus in Brussels and Baku Art Week, creating opportunities for students, artists and audiences in multiple countries to participate in the conversation.

An international open call, meanwhile, invites contemporary digital artists to respond to a broader question inspired by the exhibition: What does the American vision mean today?

What interests me most about the project, however, is not simply the technology.

It is what collaboration makes possible.

Museums hold extraordinary collections, but every institution also works within boundaries. There are geographic boundaries, financial boundaries, staffing limitations and the very real physical limitations involved in caring for and moving works of art.

A partnership can change the shape of those boundaries.

CAM brings its collection, exhibition framework and museum expertise to this project. .ART brings a global network and expertise within the digital art community, while other collaborators contribute technology, exhibition space and opportunities to connect with audiences in different places.

No single organization has to be everything.

That idea feels particularly important for university, regional and smaller museums.

Innovation is often discussed as though museums must constantly build something new: a new platform, a new technology department, a new program or another layer of infrastructure. For institutions with limited resources, that can make innovation feel inaccessible before the conversation even begins.

But perhaps innovation can also mean looking differently at what we already have.

A museum may already have the collection. It may already have the curatorial work, exhibitions, educators and stories. Another organization may have the technology, audience, space or expertise that allows those resources to be experienced differently.

The opportunity comes from connecting them.

For a university museum near Niagara Falls, there is something remarkable about considering the journey a collection can now take without the objects themselves ever leaving the museum.

An artwork can remain safely in CAM’s collection while its image and the ideas surrounding it become part of a conversation in Washington. That conversation can continue with university students in Baku, connect with participants in Brussels and reach artists from around the world through a digital open call.

That is a different kind of traveling exhibition.

Digital access will never replace standing in front of an original work of art, nor should it try to. The physical museum remains essential. But extending a collection digitally can create another doorway into it.

Someone encountering a CAM artwork thousands of miles from Niagara Falls may never have known that the original resides in a university museum in Western New York. That first encounter can lead to curiosity about the artist, the collection, the exhibition and, ultimately, the museum itself.

Rather than replacing the museum experience, technology can create another pathway back to it.

There is also something valuable about allowing collections to enter conversations we may not have anticipated when the works were acquired.

Collections are not static simply because the objects themselves remain safely inside museum walls. Their meanings continue to change as new generations encounter them, question them and place them alongside contemporary ideas.

When we allow artists and audiences in other communities – and other countries – to enter that conversation, the collection begins to function differently. It becomes not only something we preserve, but something we activate.

That requires museums to become comfortable with collaboration. It requires trust in outside expertise while remaining thoughtful stewards of the collections in our care. It requires conversations about artist rights, interpretation, technology and how institutional responsibilities are shared.

Those conversations are part of the innovation, too.

For CAM, “WE THE ARTISTS” is an experiment in what can happen when a collection rooted in one place is given an opportunity to participate in a much-larger conversation.

From Niagara Falls to Washington, D.C., Baku and Brussels, the geography of this project demonstrates something that feels increasingly relevant to museums of all sizes: The reach of a collection no longer has to be defined by the location of the building that houses it.

We are still learning from this experiment.

But one lesson is already becoming clear: A museum does not necessarily need to become bigger for its reach to become broader.

Sometimes, it simply needs the right collaborators.

Our buildings will always matter. The experience of encountering an artwork in person will always matter. But museum walls do not have to define the boundaries of the conversations our collections can inspire.

Perhaps the future is not about choosing between the physical museum and the digital world.

Perhaps it is about building better bridges between them.

THE QUESTION: “Vienna, I keep hearing about radioactive land in Niagara Falls. Should I be worried about that if I’m buying property in the area?”

THE SHORT ANSWER: For the vast majority of homes and land in our area, no. The radioactive material people are talking about comes from a specific World War II and Cold War-era federal site in Lewiston, not from Niagara Falls neighborhoods or Grand Island in general, and the handful of nearby properties it once touched were cleaned up and certified clear by the federal government more than 30 years ago. The one real takeaway for buyers: On older industrial parcels anywhere in our region, environmental due diligence is always worth the cost.

In greater detail: Where this story began:

During World War II, the U.S. Army built the Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, a roughly 7,500-acre TNT plant straddling Lewiston and the Town of Niagara. When the war ended, the Manhattan Engineer District used part of that land, from 1944-47, to store uranium ore-processing residue, the leftover material from refining uranium. The Atomic Energy Commission kept about 1,500 acres afterward and continued storing uranium residues there into the 1950s. Between 1955 and 1975, the government sold off most of that acreage to private owners. What's left, a 191-acre parcel off Pletcher Road, is known today as the Niagara Falls Storage Site, and it's still federally owned.

How far the contamination spread

Over the years, wind, water and drainage ditches carried some contamination onto nearby land, what the government calls “vicinity properties.” Surveys in the 1970s and 1980s found radium, thorium, uranium and cesium in the soil on a couple dozen of these properties. The good news for anyone buying in the area: nearly all of them were remediated and officially certified clean by the Department of Energy back in October 1991. A small number of properties still under federal review were never opened to the public, so they were never part of anyone's backyard to begin with.

What's happening right now

The remaining work is at the 191-acre federal site itself, not in any neighborhood. Since 1986, the most contaminated material there has sat in a clay-lined containment structure that was only ever meant to last 25 to 50 years, so the Army Corps of Engineers is now removing it for good. The project started in 2024 with lower-level soil and groundwater, and it's expected to run in phases for more than a decade, with the most contaminated material not fully cleared until sometime around 2038. Along the way, there was a legal detour worth knowing about: Some of the excavated soil was originally headed to a landfill near Detroit, but Michigan courts blocked that shipment, and the material was rerouted to a licensed disposal facility in Texas, instead. If anything, that's a sign the oversight process is working the way it's supposed to.

A reminder that old industrial land can surprise you

The Lewiston site gets the headlines, but it's not the only place this history has turned up. Years ago, when a paper mill company redeveloped a former industrial site elsewhere in the City of Niagara Falls, radioactive soil was discovered during demolition, left behind decades earlier by a prior operator. It added millions to the cleanup cost and ended up in a lawsuit between the companies involved. Nobody expected it, which is exactly the point.

What this means for you

If you're buying or selling an ordinary home in Niagara Falls, Lewiston or Grand Island, this is regional history, not a daily concern; none of our typical residential neighborhoods sit on the federal footprint described above. But if you're ever looking at an older commercial or industrial parcel anywhere in our region, especially one with a manufacturing past, build an Environmental Site Assessment into your due diligence before you close. It's a small cost next to the alternative.

One last thought

Western New York has an industrial past, and every so often that past resurfaces – literally. Ask good questions before you buy, especially on land with a history you don't already know.

Vienna Laurendi is a NYS associate real estate broker with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and leads The Laurendi Home Selling Team on Grand Island. she is immediate past president of the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS. Questions can be directed to Vienna@Laurendi.com or 716-484-3662.

This article was written with the support of A.I. and reflects current market insights.

Monday, Oct. 5

•500 block of Colt Avenue, disturbance not domestic – Caller reported a neighbor throwing walnuts and a fire extinguisher. Officers found the items thrown over a fence into a backyard. Patrol attempted to make contact with the neighbor who was not at home at this time. Report taken.

•4500 block of Lower River Road, assist public – Caller reported an individual at the address; order of protection in place. Officers advised the caller to contact an attorney and the court to resolve the issue. Report taken.

•800 block of Cayuga Street, check welfare – Caller reported a female sleeping in a vehicle. Subject just left the area. Patrol located the vehicle and performed a traffic stop. Female was 10-4. Subject stopped to rest after a long day and was heading home.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 6

•4000 block of Creek Road, LPD office, forgery – Patrol reported a walk-in complaint for fraud. Unknown party opened a credit card on complainant’s warehouse store account. Purchases denied and the account was closed. Report only.

•400 block of West Lane, theft – Officer initiated. Caller reported a party refusing to pay for completed work totaling $11,000. Patrol advised said complaint was a civil issue. Customer issued a check to settle matter.

•5800 block of Buffalo Street, noise complaint – Anonymous 911 texter reported two intoxicated subjects fighting. Officers spoke with all parties. Subjects were not intoxicated and having a discussion about neighbors.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 7

•400 block of Plain Street, check welfare – 911 caller had concerns about her online activity; caller did not elaborate, but said she was happy and not on drugs. Officers responded.

•4000 block of Creek Road, LPD office, forgery – Officer initiated. Patrol addressed a walk-in complaint for fraud. Report taken.

•5300 block of Military Road, harassment – 911 caller reported receiving texts from the ex, stating he was going to kill her, kill her family and her animals. Patrol responded and report taken.

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

Thursday, Oct. 8

•900 block of Center Street, MVA-property damage – 911 caller reported a two-vehicle accident. Officers responded. Statements taken. One vehicle struck another in the parking lot while backing up.

•700 block of Legacy Drive, assist public – Caller said an unknown subject placed rat poison on the sidewalk and his dog consumed it. Patrol reported the caller’s pet was 10-4. Caller advised to inform other residents about the rat poison.

•Military Road/I-190 exit, MVA-injuries – Caller reported a two-vehicle accident with airbag deployment. Patrol responded and statements taken. Driver No. 1 cited for failure to yield right of way on a left turn. UTT issued for town court. Report taken.

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

Friday, Oct. 9

•Pletcher/Lower River roads, traffic complaint – 911 caller reported a silver SUV all over the roadway. Officers located vehicle, and a medical evaluation was performed on the driver.

•700 block of Oxbow Lane, traffic complaint – Caller states a blue Kia repeatedly drives at 50-60 mph through the area. Driver on the roofing crew working nearby. Officers responded and observed traffic in the area for 20 minutes. Negative results on blue Kia.

•5300 block of Chew Road, harassment – 911 caller said he did not feel safe, and that he feels like he’s in a war zone and receiving threats. Officers responded.

•Lewiston Road/Barton Drive, vehicle/traffic stop – Officer initiated. Driver cited for failure to stop at stop sign; improper/no signal; driving while intoxicated; driving while ability impaired/drugs; and speed in zone. UTTs issued for town court. Report taken.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. One driver cited, with five UTTs issued for town court. Report taken. Two warnings issued.

Saturday, Oct. 10

•Colt Avenue/William Street, suspicious activity – Caller reported a vehicle sitting at a stop sign with its brake lights on for 10 minutes. Caller requested cancellation as vehicle left the area. No further information on vehicle.

•5300 block of Military Road, suspicious activity – Caller reported a male and female with luggage sitting in the parking lot under the flagpoles. Officers responded. Subjects were picked up by a vehicle prior to its arrival.

•LPD patrol activity – Calls officer initiated. Vehicle/traffic stops for motor vehicle violations. Five drivers cited, UTTs issued for town court. Reports taken. Seven warnings issued.

Sunday, Oct. 11

•Monteagle Trail, college campus, suspicious activity – 911 caller reported a 12-year-old male walking around with a machete. Responding officers spoke with campus security who said the male and his mother were seen walking around woods with the machete, but were “not doing anything harmful.” Subjects advised to leave campus, which they did without issue.

•Monteagle Trail, college campus, disturbance not domestic – 911 caller reported the female from the above call had returned and was upset and yelling. Security said the parent was crying and upset the two were asked to leave. Subjects no longer on location.

•500 block of Mountain View Drive, death – 911 call. Officers responded and report taken.

•400 block of Center Street, traffic complaint – 911 caller said a male urinated in the street after leaving a nearby bar and departed in a vehicle. Patrols checked area with negative results.

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