In Buffalo and Erie County, we are fortunate to have great cultural, educational and recreational institutions. As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight ways for families to take advantage of these spaces during the summer months.

First, I remind everyone that, in July, our nation will celebrate its 250th birthday – or semiquincentennial. America 250 will be celebrated nationwide, including here in Erie County. You can check out what’s going on locally at www.eriecounty250.com. But be sure to check back regularly for newly added events!

In the meantime, you can get involved now by making a 9-inch-by-9-inch fabric square (sewn or constructed using glue) for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s “We the People” community quilt project.

And children are invited to participate, too! Throughout the rest of this month and June, Explore & More Children’s Museum will offer quilt workshops for children ages 5 through 10 at BECPL branches. For specific dates and times, visit www.buffalolib.org/whats-happening. A quilt of these unique fabric squares will be sewn together in August.

With 37 branches and the Library on Wheels Bookmobile, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library stretches across our entire community. Membership is free to residents of New York. And, your library card also serves as your ticket to special deals through the VIP (very important pass) program. Just show your library card to receive special deals at any of the 2026 VIP program participants, including:

• Buffalo AKG Art Museum
• The Buffalo History Museum
• Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
• Buffalo Museum of Science
• Buffalo Naval Park
• Buffalo Spree Magazine
• Explore & More – Children’s Museum
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff
• Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center
• Irish Classical Theatre Co.
• Just Buffalo Literary Center
• Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
• Road Less Traveled Theater
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Visit a branch to apply or visit www.buffalolib.org/library-cards.

For a day of outdoor fun, consider visiting one of Erie County’s parks or forestry areas. With miles of trails for hiking and biking, tennis courts and picnic areas, there is so much to explore. Additionally, our park rangers have been working hard to put on a full calendar of programs and activities for the upcoming season. You can view the full schedule and more by visiting www.erie.gov/parks/events.

For working families, Erie County is proud to support summer camp programs through both Say Yes Buffalo and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. Camps provide children with the opportunity to take part in arts and crafts, outdoor activities and other educational experiences. Registration is still open, but spots are filling fast! More information is available at www.sayyesbuffalo.org/summer and at www.bgcbuffalo.org.

I wish all our families, students, teachers, and school staff a wonderful end to their academic year and look forward to a wonderful and historic summer in Erie County.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30, at the 3F Conservation Club, 904 Swann Road.

Acceptable items include copper and brass, aluminum and steel, car parts and batteries, appliances (washers, cookers), fencing and gates.

Tops Friendly Markets is turning up the flavor with the launch of Guillermo’s Salsa, a fresh refrigerated salsa line created by Guillermo Rodriguez of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” fame. Customers can find the new produced-in-Rochester salsa varieties at Tops stores, marking the brand’s first launch in a local grocery retailer.

Produced in partnership with Chris Kirby, founder of Ithaca Hummus, Guillermo’s Salsa delivers bold, authentic flavor using simple ingredients and no preservatives – offering customers a fresh alternative to traditional shelf-stable salsa options. The line includes three varieties: mild, medium and hot.

“Customers today are looking for fresh, authentic products made with quality ingredients, and Guillermo’s Salsa delivers on all fronts,” said Rich Place, category business manager for Tops Friendly Markets. “We’re especially proud to partner with Guillermo’s to bring a locally produced product to our stores that combines great flavor, freshness and fun personality. We believe this is a perfect fit for our shoppers and for the growing refrigerated salsa category.”

Known for his humor and personality on late-night television, Guillermo created the salsa brand as an extension of his love for food, family and bringing people together. The refrigerated product category continues to grow as consumers increasingly seek fresher, cleaner-label alternatives.

“This salsa is made the way I like to eat – fresh, flavorful and simple,” Guillermo said. “I’m excited to partner with Tops to bring it to customers right here in Western New York where it’s made.”

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.

The West Herr Riviera Theatre announced Night Ranger will perform live at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29. Visit https://rivieratheatre.org/event/night-ranger/.

Few bands have defined the sound of American rock music quite like Night Ranger, with the soaring anthem of “Sister Christian” and the thunderous riffs of “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and fan favorite “(You Can Still) Rock in America.”

The band – Jack Blades (bass and vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums and vocals), Brad Gillis (guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (guitars) – delivers each track with the energy and precision that have kept Night Ranger at the forefront of rock for more than four decades.

Having sold over 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4,000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. The band continues to grow its ever-evolving fanbase and is proof that powerful songs alongside talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Niagara River Greenway Standing Committee has canceled its June 10 meeting due to lack of business.

More information on future meetings can be found at https://parks.ny.gov/news.

For more information about NYPA and the relicensing of the Niagara project, please log onto http://niagara.nypa.gov.

√ Enhanced tuition award (ETA) scholarship provides up to $6,000 for students attending participating private colleges

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the application for the Excelsior Scholarship for new applicants for the 2026-27 academic year is now open. The Excelsior Scholarship, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC), provides eligible full-time students with tuition-free attendance at SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year colleges. Students choosing to attend a participating private college in New York can receive up to $6,000 toward their tuition costs through the enhanced tuition award.

“Higher education should be a pathway to opportunity, not a source of financial strain,” Hochul said. “Programs like the Excelsior Scholarship and the enhanced tuition award put opportunity within reach for thousands of New Yorkers ready to take the next step toward a college degree. This program helps make higher education more accessible by allowing eligible students to attend SUNY and CUNY colleges tuition-free. It’s about keeping students in New York, supporting their goals, and strengthening our workforce and economy.”

In the 2024-25 academic year, $101 million in Excelsior awards was distributed to more than 25,000 students, enabling 72% of CUNY students and 55% of SUNY students to attend college tuition-free through a combination of the Excelsior Scholarship and other awards; additionally, $1.7 million in enhanced tuition awards was provided to more than 1,500 students.

Students from households with federal adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000 are eligible for an Excelsior Scholarship award, and must also:

•Attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year college

•Enroll full-time and complete 30 credits per year toward their program of study (including summer and winter terms); and be on track to graduate with an associate degree in two years or a bachelor's degree in four years

More information and full eligibility criteria for the Excelsior Scholarship can be found here.

Additionally, applications are now being accepted for the enhanced tuition award. ETA provides eligible New York students up to $6,000 in tuition assistance at participating private colleges in this state.

To qualify, students must:

√ Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen

√ Be a New York state resident for at least 12 months before the start of the term

√ Be attending a participating private college in New York state

√ Have a combined federal household income of $125,000 or less

√ Enroll full-time and complete 30 credits per year in their program of study

√ Agree to live and work in New York for the same number of years the award was received

Full eligibility criteria for the enhanced tuition award can be found here.

The deadline for new applicants to apply for the ETA or Excelsior Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year is Aug. 31.

Students currently receiving either the Excelsior Scholarship or ETA do not need to submit applications annually to receive continued award payments; however, they must continue to meet eligibility criteria and complete the FAFSA and TAP applications, or DREAM Act application each year applying for aid.

NYS HESC Acting President Doris B. González said, “At New York State Higher Education Services Corp., we are proud to deliver the Excelsior Scholarship as a transformative opportunity for students across the state. This program reflects our commitment to making college more affordable, breaking down barriers, and ensuring eligible students understand what’s available and how to access it. We encourage students and families to take that next step: Apply. Let us help you move closer to earning your degree.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and ongoing investment from Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature helps ensure our colleges and universities are able to provide an excellent and affordable higher education. Direct student financial aid has been expanding under the leadership of Gov. Hochul, and we encourage every student to find out how much financial aid they qualify for by filling out the FAFSA or DREAM Act online applications.”

Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities President Lola W. Brabham said, “Programs like the enhanced tuition award are critical investments in New York’s students, workforce, and future. By expanding access to affordable higher education, New York continues to demonstrate that college opportunities should not be limited by a family’s financial circumstances. We appreciate Gov. Hochul and the Higher Education Services Corp. for their continued commitment to helping students and families obtain the resources to pursue higher education and prepare to enter the New York’s future workforce. As students and families plan for the future, this program will continue to play an important role in keeping talented students in New York and preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators our state depends on.”

Association of Private Colleges President Donna Stelling-Gurnett said, "Awareness is critical to making higher education more accessible and affordable for New Yorkers. Gov. Hochul and leaders at HESC continue to prioritize important investments that help open doors for students who may have once believed their postsecondary aspirations were out of reach because of financial barriers. We are proud to join forces with our partners in government and across higher education to help promote student aid opportunities and expand access for students statewide."

HESC offers 27 New York state financial aid programs that help make college affordable and accessible. In 2024-25, more than 294,000 students received state financial aid, totaling more than $935 million.

For more information about the Excelsior Scholarship Program, the ETA, or to explore other NYS financial aid opportunities, visit the NYS HESC website.

By AAA of Western and Central New York

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.49, down 3 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.18. The New York State average is $4.59, down 2 cents from last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia – $4.57 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo – $4.58 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira – $4.51 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Ithaca – $4.60 (no change from last Monday)
• Rochester – $4.58 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rome – $4.56 (down 2 cents from last Monday)
• Syracuse – $4.58 (no change from last Monday)
• Watertown – $4.60 (down 3 cents from last Monday)

Gas prices are down across the board coming off the Memorial Day holiday. Despite pain at the pump, AAA projected 45 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day this year, which set a new Memorial Day weekend travel record with 39.1 million people driving and 3.66 million flying to their destinations. 

This morning, pump prices are retreating as oil prices are also down to $92 to $98 per barrel, compared to $97 to $104 a week ago.

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand is up while total domestic gasoline supply has decreased. Meanwhile, gasoline production is on the rise.

Diesel prices are also on the decline this week, with the national average at $5.58, down 5 cents from last week, but up from $3.53 a year ago. The New York average for diesel fuel is $5.91, down 3 cents from last week, and up from $3.88 last year.

When it comes to EV charging, the national average for L2 commercial electricity remains steady. Today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station is 42 cents. New York’s rate remains at 40 cents. The state is home to 21,290 chargers. An estimated 1.2 million AAA members live in households with one or more electric vehicles.

To conserve fuel, motorists should map routes, avoid peak traffic times like rush hour, and combine errands into one trip while using cruise control when possible. Drivers should also make sure tire pressure is at the vehicle’s recommended level for the best gas mileage, while removing any unnecessary and bulky items from the car, since it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavy vehicle. Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.

AAA members can save on gas at Love’s Travel Stops or by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Learn more about those discounts here. Motorists can locate gas prices across the country and stay up-to-date on news and fuel-saving tips at www.gasprices.AAA.com while the AAA mobile app locates the cheapest fuel prices based on a user’s location.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) invites the public to a community forum, “A Community Conversation on Substance Use, Recovery Supports and Pathways to Care: Identifying What’s Going Well and What We Need in Our City,” from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at City Hall, 1 Locks Plaza. Prior to the forum, from 4:45-5:30 p.m., local service providers will be onsite providing information on available services, supports and resources.

“This effort comes at a critical time, particularly with the recent closure of Save the Michaels Recovery Community Center in Lockport,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH director. “Since NCDMH is the state-designated authority for overseeing our local services system, we are working diligently to gather data and input, and to conduct a gap analysis to inform a local needs assessment for sober support, activities, peer recovery advocacy, and more in the Lockport community.”

The event will bring together residents, service providers, local organizations, and county and city leadership to share experiences, identify gaps, and highlight opportunities for strengthening care and recovery supports for individuals with substance use concerns and/or co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.

Community members are encouraged to send questions, concerns and comments ahead of time using the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LockportNeeds2026. Submissions will be grouped into key themes to guide a panel discussion for a portion of the forum.

“Given recent events, like the aforementioned closing of our local recovery community center, it is more important than ever that we listen directly to residents and identify what supports are needed,” Kelemen said. “This event gives us the opportunity to gather meaningful input that will help guide future investments, strengthen pathways to care, and help us advocate with our state agencies so our community is not left without critical recovery resources.”

A flyer promoting the event is being distributed throughout the city and on social media. For more information or to see the full list of partners joining the event, follow NCDMH on Facebook or call 716-439-7410.

The City of Niagara Falls has released its annual summer youth activity booklet, detailing the recreational and educational programs for youth offered by local organizations. The activities available for children and teenagers include summer camps, recreational programs, library events, educational initiatives, and various other community activities.

Local organizations participating in the annual summer programming include the Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club, Niagara PAL, Niagara Falls City School District, Niagara Falls Public Library, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center and Salvation Army, among others.

“We have an obligation as a community to provide our youth opportunities to continue their physical and cognitive development throughout the summer months when school is out, and we are fortunate to have so many outstanding organizations participating in this effort in collaboration with the city,” Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said. “Helping children avoid the ‘summer slide’ when school is out by providing them a diverse selection of educational and recreational activities keeps them engaged and, most importantly, active.”

To learn more about the local programming offered for children and teenagers, visit the booklet here or at https://www.niagarafallsny.gov/residents/services/youth_serv.php. If an organization has a program for Niagara Falls youth and should be listed in the booklet, contact executive.office@niagarafallsny.gov or 716-286-4320.

There's plenty to experience at the Buffalo Zoo this Memorial Day weekend.

Visitors now have the chance to meet the newest face at Garman Family Arctic Edge: Cruz, the Buffalo Zoo’s new male Canada lynx.

Cruz, who turned 1 year old on May 4, has been paired up on a Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation with the Buffalo Zoo's resident female Canada lynx Rosie, 9, with the hope that the pair will successfully breed in the future.

Keepers have noted that Cruz is a very curious young lynx, and loves interacting with guests near exhibit viewpoints. In fact, he’s been seen adorably pawing at visitors at the windows of the Arctic Interpretive Center. Just this week, Cruz and Rosie began sharing their habitat together after physical introductions were conducted in recent weeks, and the two are getting along great.

Guests can also step back in time with the Buffalo Zoo’s “Destination Dinosaur” trail, which is included free for members and with general admission. See over a dozen life-sized, moving dinosaur animatronics and enjoy the hands-on fossil dig pit, special photo opportunities and daily “Dino Show” at Center Stage.

The Buffalo Zoo is a unique place to visit rain or shine, with plenty of indoor habitats including M&T Bank Rainforest Falls and the Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian & Reptile Center. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with last admission at 4 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.buffalozoo.org, or in-person at the front entrance gate.