Niagara County, Upward Niagara Chamber shine spotlight on America 250

Niagara County legislators Michael Casale, Irene Myers and David Godfrey joined Upward Niagara Chamber President Amanda Haseley in presenting special America 250 flags to area businesses and municipalities on Monday morning.

“Almost three years ago, in June of 2023, the Niagara County Legislature established the Niagara America 250 committee, and that committee is headed up by Bob Emerson of Fort Niagara; our own Irene Myers, legislator from Youngstown; and Rich Andrews from the Niagara County Legislature,” Casale said from inside the Upward Niagara Chamber office on Center Street at Academy Park. “They put that committee together because they knew that our 250th birthday was coming, and they wanted to make sure that Niagara County put together a number of recognition-type events, and we celebrate it well.”

More information can be found at https://niagarausa250.org/.

Godfrey, a Vietnam veteran, said, “You go right through history and all of the wars that we've had, the engagements we've had over the years, and the men and women that sacrificed their lives for what we have here today: 250 years to celebrate a birthday that literally was paid for in blood over the years. So, when we think about 250 and celebrate a birthday, and all the wonderful things about our country, let's remember those that have paid that sacrifice for us.”

Myers said, “We're really proud of the flags and glad everybody could be here.”

She noted, “Put Aug. 1 on your calendar, because that is our big 250th celebration, that we were able to secure a drone show – as opposed to fireworks. We thought we would try something different, and we were able to secure a drone show. We will have that information out to everyone soon.”

Businesses and organizations receiving an America 250 flag included:

•The Historical Association of Lewiston

•Deal Realty

•Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission

•A Gust of Sun Winery

•Buffalo Coffee Roastery

•Black Willow Winery

•Niagara's Choice Federal Credit Union

•CM Travel Agency

•Orange Cat Coffee Co.

•Lewiston Public Library

•Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

•Lewiston Digital

•Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

•Syros Family Restaurant

•First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston

•Sgt. Peppers Hot Sauce, Etc.

•Antique to Chic

•Harold F. Hibbard & Sons Inc.

•Stonedhouse Dispensary

•Haseley & Son Antiques

•Peace of Mind Wellness

•Chéri Amour

•Intandem

•Niagara Wine Trail

Municipalities and municipal organizations receiving a flag were:

•Town of Lewiston, represented by Supervisor Steve Broderick, Clerk Tamara Burns, and council members Sarah Waechter and Bill Burg

•Town of Porter, represented by Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston

•Ransomville Business & Professional Association, Phila Abiugha 

•Youngstown Business and Professional Association, the Hon. David Truesdale

Casale also noted the Niagara County Traveling Art Exhibit is now at the Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St. (through April 26). Find the full schedule at https://niagarausa250.org/Art-Exhibit-Schedule.html.

(Joshua Maloni contributed to this report and took the photos.)