April 2016 spree's special advertising section

SPREE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS, APRIL 2016

Making the most of your retirement: you can have it all PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

City living

Making college count

FUN & GAMES

BY REBECCA CUTHBERT

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Making the most of your retirement: you can have it all

by Emily Chabala

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RETIREMENT HAS CHANGED. While retirement was once viewed as an abyss of unstructured leisure time, today it often means being busier than ever with new hobbies, visiting with relatives and grandchildren, travel, and flexible consulting gigs— all with the freedom to enjoy a more relaxed pace. Parttime work to supplement income and remain connected to a field of expertise is increasingly common. Why give it all up when you can have the best of both worlds?

Where to spend retirement is an ever important decision, dictating not only proximity to family and friends, but also factors such as health care and housing options, cost of living, and services. Add ease of transportation and accessibility to restaurants and cultural events, and there’s a whole lot to consider.

And, in case you haven’t noticed, Buffalo is in the midst of a tremendous explosion: the expansion of the downtown medical corridor, continued developments at Canalside, and initiatives to make our region greener, cleaner, and smarter mean retiring in WNY has never looked better. What’s more, gas price grumblings aside, it’s still a cost-effective region to call home, particularly when compared with our metro-neighbors downstate, who shell out anywhere from thirty to fifty percent of their income on rent or mortgage payments. In 2013, the US Census Bureau published data showing WNY’s median home prices at a third less than the national average. And electricity, gas, and water are at or below national monthly medians—good news especially if your mortgage is paid off.

With retirement comes more time to spend on your home, clearing out that basement or minimizing the stuff you deal with each day. It also might mean making accommodations for aging in place—installing bathtub

photo by Sean Dowdell

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support bars, widening doorways, or adding ramps to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs, for example. But if that seems like too much, or less responsibility seems appealing, assisted living can provide the perfect balance.

Assisted living options range from unfurnished, partially furnished, or fully appointed apartments to patio homes. Model floor plans, generally available online, yield a fairly accurate sense of size and scale. More than that, built-in services that accompany assisted living—housekeeping, transportation, and on-site health and wellness perks—are there to use as needed. If you anticipate medical support down the road, seek a facility with graduated levels of nursing care, so you need never move again.

Choice is the name of the game, so new retirees should carve out time to explore before an unexpected event necessitates a sudden move. Securing a spot on a waitlist is a wise endeavor for competitive sites with a limited number of vacancies.

At fifty-five, Puliafico ended his thirty-year career as a chemist with Allied Chemical when his wife, Mary, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For nearly two decades, Puliafico was a dedicated caregiver who coordinated a complex schedule of visiting health care providers, which allowed Mary to remain with her family while receiving treatment. He also developed resourceful solutions to modify their South Buffalo home, such as relocating to the first-floor unit when navigating stairs became problematic.

Eventually Puliafico began renting the upper flat, and the extra monthly income helped offset property upkeep costs and allowed the retiree to more comfortably build up a rainy day fund to cover big expenses like a new roof.

When faced with his own deteriorating hearing and balance (Puliafico has Meniere’s disease, a condition affecting his vestibular system), the homeowner was able to strike a mutually beneficial arrangement with his tenants, offering reduced rent in exchange for daily assistance with snow removal, yard work, and domestic chores.

That worked until 2011; now ninetyseven, Puliafico calls a skilled nursing facility home.

The transition was gradual. After several months in assisted living, Puliafico was able to find placement that could offer the medical support he needed. He receives regular physical therapy, and a van service accommodates his wheelchair so he can get to medical appointments off-site. The change in scenery hasn’t

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THE ALL NEW

dampened Puliafico’s cheery outlook; he plays pinochle with a group of seniors at the center once a week and remains an avid reader. “I accept what comes,” he says. “If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. It’s how you approach things; I do my best.”

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CITY OF GOOD NEIGHBORS When Sandra Crawford first considered retirement, developing a plan was paramount. A special education teacher with Erie 2 BOCES for more than twenty-eight years, Crawford’s vision of retirement centered around giving back, seeking interesting and challenging volunteer work, and making herself available for friends and family. She made a list of goals, including forming a book club, exercising, and finding an outlet to support parents of children on the autism spectrum.

Little by little, these ideas took shape, and, six years into retirement, Crawford is busy. While each day is different, Crawford typically has at least one scheduled activity four days a week, leaving one open for whatever unfolds. The key to retirement is, she says, “Finding things that give you pleasure, purpose, and growth,” all while keeping a flexible schedule, “so that it doesn’t begin to look like when you worked.”

Several years ago, she and her husband downsized, trading their beautiful property in rural Wales for a plot with less acreage in the village of East Aurora. Less maintenance and landscaping means more time for other endeavors. Nearby Main Street offers easy access to boutique shops and restaurants, and she’s close to other venues where she is involved, like the Aurora Adult Day Center, where she serves on the board and as a driver and also works with residents enrolled in a day program. A group that raises money for women’s scholarships is also on her list of causes.

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Once a month, Crawford hosts an Autism Society support group, delivering on her goal of connecting with families affected by the disorder. And, between all of her good work paying it forward, she has enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Korea, Ireland, France, and Spain. She also stays active with walking, yoga, swimming, and sometimes biking, kayaking, and skiing.

Crawford’s advice to new retirees? “Have a plan. Really think about how you want to spend your time and go for it.” There are plenty of ways to get involved: hospitals, refugee centers, nursing homes, veterans’ services. “You are needed here,” she says.

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THERE’S A GROUP FOR THAT For Tom Schobert of West Seneca, no two days are alike. Prior to retirement, the former licensed nursing home administrator and lieutenant colonel with the Medical Service Corps of the US Army Reserve anticipated relaxing days ahead: cigar smoking, espresso drinking, and finally getting his chance to pen the great American novel.

After many years of long hours juggling two careers side by side, a slower pace was enticing.

While life now certainly looks different (cigars are still on the agenda every now and then), his schedule consists of a healthy blend of recreational pursuits and family time.

Schobert and his wife devote one or two days a week to

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caregiving; chauffeuring grandchildren to and from school is often part of the routine.

Schobert’s passion for American history, specifically the War for Texan Independence and the Alamo, runs deep. It all began when he was introduced to Walt Disney’s Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier at age five.

Since then, he’s read just about every publication he can get his hands on and has visited the Lone Star State a number of times. and traveled to San Antonio this past March for the Alamo Society’s 180th anniversary celebration.

It’s no surprise, then, that Schobert uses retirement to further this interest. For much of his adult life, Schobert has been a historical reenactor specializing in the Civil War; for the past five years, he has been busy portraying General Robert E. Lee through a program he developed for local historical societies, school groups, and adult residences. Schobert also participates in Forest Lawn Cemetery’s popular trolley and walking tours, where he performs in a variety of roles.

For retirees looking to reenergize an existing pastime or develop a new one, Schobert recommends tapping into local events and organizations; existing members can typically foster connections with more niche groups.

History lovers will find regular schedules of events at venues like Buffalo History Museum, Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Serviceman’s Park.

A garden railroading display at the Botanical Gardens some years back launched Schobert into yet another hobby. “I was immediately hooked,” he says, and now helps the Western New York Garden Railway Society with its exhibitions at local fairs and train shows. His own backyard boasts an impressive system of weather resistant tracks and trains able to endure even the harshest of Buffalo winters.

One of his favorite mottos: “You are never too old to have a happy childhood,” seems fitting for this active retiree. What’s next for Tom Schobert? Keep your eyes peeled for his latest work as an official Star Wars costumer with WNY’s fan group, The North Ridge. May the force be with Schobert, and anybody looking to have a dynamic retirement.

Emily Chabala is eternally grateful for the amazing duo of retired grandmothers who are by far her sons’ favorite playmates.

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PROTECT S YOUR IDENTITY

BY WENDY GUILD SWEARINGEN

omeone in the United States just became the victim of identity theft. Was it you? It happens on a daily basis all across the country. Some people don’t find out that they’ve fallen victim to identity thieves until untold damage is done. According to a March 2015 report from Javelin Strategy & Research, more than $16 billion was stolen from 12.7 million identity fraud victims in 2014 alone.

With technology becoming increasingly advanced, hackers are becoming increasingly devious, which means it’s more common than ever before to have your identity stolen.

“Having your identity hacked is a massive headache, not to mention big business for fraudsters,” says Robert Elder, CEO of Elder Insurance Services. “Gaining back your life after being victimized by identity theft is extremely difficult, which is why prevention is key.”

Preventing identity theft Carry only the basic essential documents with you. This means carry one credit or debit card if you’re not paying with cash. Do not carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport outside the house so a scammer won’t have all your personal information needed to set up accounts in your name.

Be aware of your mail— and your trashcan. When ordering new personal or business checks, pick them up at the bank instead of having them sent to your home. This makes it harder for checks to be stolen, altered, and cashed by identity thieves. Also, consider opting out of unsolicited mail (credit card applications, etc.) at the website dmachoice. org/MPS. Promptly remove credit applications when you receive them or have someone pick up your mail for you. And shred all receipts, credit card offers, bank statements, financial applications, returned checks, and any other sensitive information before disposing of them to prevent someone from going through your trash.

Do not give out personal information over the phone.

Identity thieves may call, posing as banks or government agencies. Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified and trustworthy person or organization.

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Keep a list of credit account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers on file. If your wallet is stolen, being able to quickly alert your creditors is essential. Ensure they are stored somewhere safe in case of fire, flood, or other disaster.

Create passwords or PIN numbers out of a random mix of letters and numbers.

Doing so makes it harder for identity thieves to discover these codes, and makes it easier for you to prevent identity theft. Easy to remember passwords are often easily hacked.

Don’t use family or pet names, birthdays, addresses, or any other information that could be easily discovered by hackers.

Get preventative coverage.

Many insurance companies offer protection services. Should you fall victim, there are restorative services as well.

Freeze your credit. Take advantage of the New York State Security Freeze Law, which locks access to a credit file and prevents someone from opening a new credit card under your name, by visiting consumer.state.ny.us/security_freeze.htm.

Check your credit report.

You should review your credit report at least once a year. You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every twelve months from each of the three nationwide creditreporting companies. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228.

Everyday things to watch out for. Study monthly account statements carefully, and call the institution immediately if anything looks suspicious, such as unfamiliar debit or credit charges, or evidence of an unfamiliar account.

Vigilance is key. By simply paying attention to your accounts and protecting your online identity, you may be able to head off identity theft. The little bit of time you invest in keeping track of your credit and accounts can save you a lot of headaches—and money.

Wendy Guild Swearingen is senior editor of Buffalo Spree and editor of Forever Young.

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Michael Grant MD PC 550 Orchard Park Road West Seneca, NY 14224 677-6404 grantmichaeltmdpcnewyork.com Home Solutions of WNY 984-4841 homesolutionswny.com Hospice Buffalo 225 Como Park Boulevard Cheektowaga, NY 14227 686-8000 hospicebuffalo.com Jewish Federation Apartments 275 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 631-8471 jewishfederationapartments.org Lady Jane’s Senior Move Management 768-0144 ladyjanessmm.com McGuire Group 826-2010 mcguiregroup.com Northwestern Mutual/ Christopher Williams 100 Corporate Parkway, Suite 426 Buffalo, NY 14226 861-2450 christopherwilliams-nm.com Park Creek Senior Living Community 410 Mill Street Williamsville, NY 14221 632-3000 park-creek.com Schofield Care Adult Day Health Care 849-8720 Home Health Care 874-2600 Short-Term Rehab/Residence 874-1566 schofieldcare.org UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Amherst, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, West Seneca 204-3200 ubortho.com Vinecroft Retirement Community 5945 Vinecroft Drive Clarence Center, NY 14032 741-7741 vinecroft.org Westermeier & Martin Dental Care 950 East Main Street East Aurora, NY 14052 3500 Sheridan Drive Amherst, NY 14226 655-5000 wmsmile.com

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a two-year degree takes three years.”

And the consequences of prolonging graduation are pretty expensive.

“For a four-year degree, that’s about $130,000 to $180,000 in additional costs, depending on whether the institution was public or private, and that’s in real and opportunity costs. Real cost is the money you’re paying to go to school, and opportunity cost is what you’re missing out on because you’re still in school. The average starting wage for a college graduate is $30,000 to $40,000 annually. That’s money you can’t make if you’re still in school. And those are very real dollars.”

GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH

Making college count

by Rebecca Cuthbert

D

espite the frenzy that accompanies choosing colleges these days, getting the best value out of a college degree doesn’t come down to public or private, in-state or out, or even the best undergrad for the preferred grad program. Nope.

According to Steve Harvey, executive director of the non-profit Western New York Consortium of Higher Education, ensuring a good return on a four-year degree has everything to do with a student knowing what they love and knowing it from the start.

“The best thing high school students can do to prepare for college is have an idea of what they care about.

They don’t need to pinpoint an exact job, but they should know what kind

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of path they’re heading toward,” suggests Harvey, who notes that having passion and focus helps students stay on track, graduate on time, and obtain jobs in their fields shortly after graduation. When students enter college with no direction, they tend to waste time and money.

“So many young people go to college, and they finance that with loans.

Then they kind of flounder about what they want to do, they don’t find anything relevant, and they drop out,” Harvey says. “Other students change major after major after major. This is why the majority of people who do earn college degrees take 150 percent of the time [to get them], so a fouryear degree takes them six years, and

Even students who graduate in four years can cut their college costs by considering each educated-related investment, beginning with the colleges they choose to attend. “A student’s major matters more than the name of his or her college,” says Harvey. “A big-name college won’t necessarily guarantee that a graduate will make more money; and even if [the graduate] does make more [because of the name of the college], it likely won’t be enough to justify how much more it cost to attend that school rather than, say, a state college or someplace closer to home, where a student can opt to save dorming costs by living at home. “Dorming can be a great experience,” he acknowledges, “but if [students] have to fund that experience entirely through loans, it might not be the best investment.”

Off-campus living is also usually cheaper than a dorm as it doesn’t require a meal plan, which can save thousands. Students with accommodating parents can also save on laundry costs, and maybe even get a decent home-cooked meal a couple times a week, a savings of about eighty dollars a month.

HELP FROM MOM & DAD

“Parents should help their children discover their passions, and get them active in things like volunteering,” Harvey says. Kids can start young, way before high school, if parents or guardians get involved, too. Volunteering helps kids find motivation and drive, shows them the link between effort and success, encourages empathy, teaches new skills, provides material for resumes, and more.

Another recommendation for parents brings us back to laundry—teach your kids to do it. “Actually, a pretty accurate indicator of whether a student will make it through those college years is if [the young person]

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does [his or her] own laundry and those kinds of things— basic foundational skill sets.”

That’s because college students need to be independent to succeed, able to make choices, get to class, complete assignments, and find healthy peer groups without any help from parents. It’s much more complicated than high school existence, even for those who excelled in that structured environment. “In high school, if you do everything you’re supposed to do and you do it well, you’re successful,” Harvey notes. “In college, you have to go way above and beyond that. You have to go out and explore life and get real experiences. That’s what employers are looking for—you have to demonstrate skill sets.”

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

“It doesn’t matter if you were the valedictorian in high school or if you struggled through high school; there’s no reason you can’t be successful in college,” Harvey contends. “It’s a different approach to learning. And it’s also why SATs and ACTs are not strong predictors of college success. College success is way more than academic learning.”

Because it’s all new, college students regularly encounter pitfalls that can lead to low grades, failing classes, and dropping out of college. Among the biggest dangers are binge drinking, drug use (including abuse of prescription drugs), and deteriorating health (mental, physical, and emotional). Students who feel at risk for these behaviors

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or conditions should make immediate use of their college’s counseling resources to stay on track, graduate on time and pursue career aspirations.

OTHER OPTIONS

Despite what we read and hear, college isn’t for everyone and “isn’t necessarily the path that everyone should take,” Harvey says. “There are some phenomenal skilled trades out there—trades [in which] the starting salary is quite high. A welder, for example, will make more starting out than someone with the average four-year degree.

We have a huge advanced manufacturing sector in Western New York, and that’s something young people can take advantage of.”

In addition to traditional four-year colleges, there are community and two-year colleges, trade schools, certificate programs, and apprenticeship programs. The resource onetonline.org allows young people to search for specific trades, then find out what careers in those trades would be like—everything from necessary education to what to expect on the job to what the average starting salary would be. For example, according to O*Net, welders start at about $37,000 annually.

But everyone needs a post-secondary educational experience, according to Harvey.

“You’re setting yourself up to live in poverty if you only have a high school education,” he said. “No doubt.”

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TAKE CHARGE

“The concern I have as an educator, a parent, and someone who’s been in the field [of higher education] for twenty-plus years, is that if you don’t go right after high school, you’re less likely to go [to college],” says Harvey. “Studies show that a person is aware of his or her core values by high school, even though those values might shift in order over time.

For instance, a lot of young people put ‘wealth’ near the top of their lists in terms of what they want most from life, and, by the time they’re in their thirties, other things like family and job satisfaction take priority.”

This all underscores Harvey’s earlier advice: students should know what they’re into by the time they reach young adulthood, and have a field in mind; they can narrow down specific careers later. And, neither they nor their parents should rely solely on guidance counselors and aptitude tests to point them in the right direction.

“School counselors can be so overburdened with the kinds of things they have to do, that it’s challenging to give every student one-on-one attention—the numbers are something like 470 students to every one school counselor,” shares Harvey. “And no one test is going to give you all of the answers. So it’s really, again, all about the student pursuing those skills and experiences [that help them] determine what they want to do with their lives. The way I think of it is, it’s your future; why not take charge?”

Much of the same advice applies to adult learners, those looking to change careers or find new opportunities. They should do some selfexploration to find out what they really care about, and seek out experiences that will teach them relevant skills, allow them to network with professionals in those fields, and enable them to make strategic choices about their educations. Like their younger counterparts, these nontraditional students should consider investments and returns. They should also talk to professionals in the admissions office and find out about programs and support for students in similar situations.

FIND HELP

For more information about making the most of college, Harvey recommends the Consortium’s website, wnycollegeconnection.com, and his blog, stevenhar veyphd.edublogs. com. The website has specific tabs for different audiences: students, parents, high school counselors, and a tab called “Economic Powerhouse.” www.buffalospree.com

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Highlights of the Students tab include “College Degree Finder,” which helps students find WNY schools that specialize in their particular disciplines or majors; “Student Life Profiler,” which provides information about colleges’ culture and extra-curricular activities; and “Career Assessment,” which is full of tools to help students link their interests with career paths.

Clicking on the “Economic Powerhouse” tab brings viewers information about the consortium and its work, and how it “is committed to strengthening collaboration among its network of colleges and institutions, as well as forging partnerships with regional private and public sectors. Its efforts will enhance the experience of students and improve local communities by contributing significantly to the knowledge economy of the Western New York region.” The page also provides links to career centers, regional consortium partnerships, and more.

Harvey’s blog is a user-friendly site with “straightforward advice for parents, high school counselors, and college advisors.” It also has practical suggestions for students on how to successfully transition from high school to college life to the working

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world, all while avoiding “excessive debt.”

And avoiding it is possible, Harvey contends. The answer to the student debt crisis is not to skip college or post-secondary education. The answer is to make better choices, earlier, to maximize the value of that education.

A post-secondary education, he says, is still the smartest investment a person can make.

“The sheer return on the investment [of going to college]—you can’t get that anywhere else,” he states. “You can’t get that by going right into the job market. With a college degree, you’re still making hundreds of thousands of dollars in income over your lifetime—some have it upwards of a million dollars, depending on your field and your degree, more than a person who doesn’t have any kind of degree or trade school training. So that education is well worth the investment, but it has to be a smart investment.”

Rebecca Cuthbert lives, writes, and cares for shelter dogs in Dunkirk. She is a frequent contributor to Buffalo Spree and Forever Young.

RESOURCES Buffalo State buffalostate.edu Daemen College daemen.edu/visit Interior Design at Buffalo State 878-5252 interiordesign.buffalostate.edu Niagara University 800-462-2111 niagara.edu/graduate St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute 874-4953 sjci.com SUNY ECC 851-1ECC ecc.edu

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City living

By Daniel Meyer

Great optimism, renewed hope, and unprecedented excitement for the future best describe the current atmosphere in Buffalo,

where new developments are creating a positive impact on those who work and live in the city. Indeed, downtown Buffalo’s ongoing revitalization serves as a key component to the economic vitality of our entire region, providing Western New York with a central business district corridor that attracts both visitors and residents.

“People love the convenience of living downtown,” says Jean Manders of Nothnagle Realtors. “Life in the city is much simpler than living in the suburbs. Everything you need is at your fingertips, including entertainment, countless dining options, medical care, and various other

amenities. There are no worries about your daily commute to and from work, having to deal with yard maintenance, snow removal, and other similar concerns you have in the suburbs. In many cases, our clients’ annual cost of living goes down because they no longer have those added expenses. When you factor in quality of life, convenience and value, you can’t argue with that lifestyle.”

Downtown merchants are optimistic about the city’s future and confident that the economic climate will continue to improve as ongoing efforts to rehabilitate older structures, introduce pedestrian friendly public spaces, and construct new commercial developments add to the city’s tax base and attract new businesses and residents.

“People enjoy that Buffalo is now a player when it comes to being a metropolitan city,” says Dan Syracuse of Pizza Plant at Canalside. “Employment numbers are solid, and there are plenty of entertainment opportunities for people www.buffalospree.com

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to enjoy when they are not working. It is amazing to see the number of people that are thrilled to have another great choice with us for their dining and drinking pleasure. I have overheard customers plan a day utilizing all of the options that are available downtown, especially at Canalside.

We even had a jogger during the middle of a run just dash right in and grab one of our takeout menus. With an increasing population, downtown Buffalo can sustain more quality destinations. Canalside specifically can support a few more establishments, which will create a bigger draw for us all.”

The focus on growth and development is a shared vision embraced by locally owned and operated businesses, which include long standing establishments as well as merchants who recently moved to the city from elsewhere in Western New York.

“We are beyond excited about moving from Williamsville to Buffalo,” says Connie Constantine of Abino Mills Glassworks. “We’re actually city people, so it makes a lot of sense for us. When we first started and moved our business from our home, it didn’t make sense to be based in the city.

But since we have grown and expanded our business, it became clear to us over about three-and-a-half years that being in the city is the right step. Most of our customers are thrilled with our decision and can’t wait to visit us, and we think many new people will discover us at our new location.”

One of the city’s flagship cultural attractions, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Librar y System’s downtown location, recognizes its important role in the revitalization of the city. “We keep hearing from [visitors] who don’t live in Western New York, ‘Wow, what a difference a few years makes,’ and how impressed they are with what is happening in

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Buffalo, especially downtown,” says library director Mary Jean Jakubowski. “It just shows how far the city has come and how much progress is being made. What’s great about that for us is that we are smack dab in the middle of it all since we are located in between Canalside and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.”

To accommodate that progress, the library has made its own adjustments. “We have been making adaptions [to our programming and lecture schedule]—even how we plan our public displays and other special events and presentations—that reflect our awareness that more patrons are downtown residents,” says Jakubowski. “What they have learned after visiting us is that we are not yesterday’s library; rather, we are a true destination and a place people desire to visit and spend time at.”

Growth in demand for downtown housing illustrates the need for more local businesses, including retail shopping for a population of approximately 125,000 residents located within a roughly three-mile radius. “The real estate market in the city will remain strong in the foreseeable future,” says Manders. “Corporations are investing in new buildings as well as refurbishing existing structures. We’ll see more mixed-use properties that cater to a lifestyle with retail/restaurant space and maybe an exercise area for residents on the lower level of the buildings, and residences in the upper floors. Real estate is still affordable with no huge price swings. What I’ve seen more of lately is not only the thirtysomethings moving into the city, but also retirees who are downsizing. They’re selling their large homes in the suburbs and moving into two-bedroom and three-bedroom condos downtown. It makes sense since most everything they need is within walking distance. They are the people with the disposable income to enjoy the arts, theater, and fine dining.”

And with six dozen-plus establishments serving food and beverages in Buffalo—including Soho Burger Bar, Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar and Frankie Primo’s +39— the demand for more full-service restaurants and specialty eateries with catering is more than being met. And that doesn’t include food festivals. One of the many special events being held this year in downtown Buffalo is the Buffalo Wine Festival. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 16, the celebration features wine tasting from more than thirty New York wineries, food, and shopping for gifts and household treasures from myriad local businesses. For more information about the Buffalo Wine Festival, visit buffalowinefestival.com.

Key stakeholders in the community feel strongly that this business investment and growth will result in both job creation and retention. As a result, realtors such as MJ Peterson’s Susan Lenahan and Realty USA’s Terri Campbell will stay busy showcasing exciting places in which to live, while MP Caroll Hardwood can help with upgrades.

Whether it’s spending a day pampering yourself at Salon in the City at Houk Lofts or Capello Salon and Day Spa, visiting a friend who resides at Baptist Manor Apartments, or walking along the waterfront at Canalside, downtown Buffalo has evolved into a premier destination. “Overall, city living is an excellent option not only for people who work downtown but also for people who spend their [leisure] time in the city,” says Manders. “When you look out of the windows of the high rises at night and see the lights from nearby buildings, you feel like you could be in any big city in the world. The best part about that is that you’re right here in Buffalo, New York.”

Daniel Meyer is a freelance writer who lives in Hamburg.

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RESOURCES Abino Mills Glassworks 276-8102 abinomills.com Baptist Manor Apartments 881-1120 baptist-manor.org Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar 884-1100 blacksheepbuffalo.com Buffalo & Erie County Libraries 858-8900 buffalolib.org Buffalo Niagara Film Festival thebnff.com Buffalo Wine Festival buffalowinefestival.com

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Nothnagel Realtors / Jean A. Manders 222-0526 nothnagle.com/jeanmanders Pizza Plant at Canalside 626-5566 pizzaplant.com Quaker Bonnet 885-7208 quakerbonnet.com Realty USA / Cindy Maze 310-9333 realtyusa.com Realty USA / Terri Campbell 880-4143 terricampbell.com Salon In the City - Houk Lofts 479-0217 facebook.com/SalonInTheCityAtHoukLofts Soho Burger Bar 856-7646 sohoburgerbar.com

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FUN & GAMES

BY REBECCA CUTHBERT

Y

our days of hopscotch and hide-and-seek may be over, but having fun doesn’t have to be.

The Western New York region offers plenty of opportunity for adults to enjoy concerts, video gaming, bingo, and more. Whether you’re free for one night or the whole weekend, check out these local venues for fun worth bragging about Monday at the water cooler.

Batavia Downs, at 8315 Park Road, Batavia, is perfect for company gettogethers, bachelor parties, and afterwork relaxation. It’s a quick trip down the Thruway to Exit 48, and director of marketing Ryan Hasenauer says that first-time visitors may be surprised by everything Batavia Downs has to offer.

“From our beautiful front entrance, complete with the statue of the Greek goddess Fortuna, to our beautiful lighted fountain, you can walk right into our place and feel like you’re in Vegas,” Hasenauer says.

“Also, Thurman Thomas’s Restaurant, 34 Rush, has all of his Buffalo

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football memorabilia (on display), including his Hall of Fame jacket, MVP jersey, and more. We also play all the major sporting events on the huge fifteen-foot screen.”

Once guests visit, Hasenauer notes that they often return for great giveaways. “Our great daily promotions reward frequent visitors,” he says, “and our nighttime and weekend promotions include cash, tickets to local sporting and concert events, electronics, and vehicles!”

Five-star events are scheduled every month (facebook.com/bataviadowns). “Coming up in the next few months are parties surrounding the Triple Crown of racing, our outdoor food festival called ‘Taste at the Track,’ and the start of our Live Racing season in July,” Hasenauer shares.

Keep your eyes open for the opening of the new onsite hotel, now under construction, as well as upcoming restaurant expansions and upgrades.

For a gaming floor that can’t be beat, hit the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino at 310 4th Street, Niagara Falls.

Visitors will be wowed by 147,000 square feet of gaming space that includes 3,600 of their favorite slot machines and ninety table games— but that’s not all.

“There is so much that makes Seneca Niagara the region’s premiere resort destination,” says Philip Pantano, president of Pantano & Associates, LLC. “We have ten places to eat, ranging from exquisite fine dining to the bountiful Thunder Falls Buffet to burgers at Blues Burger Bar. We also have Stir, the hottest feature bar in the region. Seneca Niagara is also home to 604 of the most luxurious hotel rooms you’ll find anywhere.

Our four-diamond-rated hotel also features a full-service spa and salon.”

Shoppers will also love the retail outlets and boutiques that offer Swarovski crystal, high-end clothing, cutting-edge electronics, hand-crafted Native American treasures, and more.

“That’s a lot to experience,” says Pantano. “One visit will make you want to come back. We are incredibly proud to have such loyal guests.

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While we have everything from gaming and entertainment to dining, shopping, and great accommodations, what truly sets us apart is our staff. They commit themselves to providing the best possible experience to every guest during every visit—you’ll notice the Seneca Niagara difference right away.”

Seneca Niagara is used to hosting superstars, and this season is no different. See Diana Ross April 9 in the 440-seat Bear’s Den Showroom, enjoy weekly performances at Stir, and stay tuned for the summer entertainment lineup! For more information, go to senecaniagaracasino.com.

If nothing thrills you more than the chance to yell “Bingo!” amid a sea of hopeful players, go to Seneca Gaming & Entertainment in Irving, the oldest established gaming facility in Western New York. “We’ve always had bingo, and you can’t find anything like it in the area,” says Bernadette Scott, marketing manager. “With our high payouts, monthly specials, and promotions, our bingo room is always full.”

Seneca Gaming & Entertainment runs bingo seven nights a week— with smoking and nonsmoking sections—but that’s not all it has to

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offer. “Our game room features 650 video gaming machines, so there’s truly something for everyone,” Scott says. Onsite concessions ensure that players needn’t go far to refuel. There are also daily specials and a retail area stocked with Native crafts.

The intimacy is what keeps guests coming back: “Our customer service goes above and beyond to make all our guests feel at home. We cater to everyone’s needs and treat them like family,” says Scott, adding that management will soon kick off the Seneca Elite Club. “This will offer our players new benefits. One of the best is that there will be just one card for all of the properties we have—previously, each property required a different card.” (For a complete list of properties, promotions, and specials, visit senecagames.com.)

Want more options? Hamburg Gaming at the Fairgrounds, “where friends and fun meet,” features offtrack betting, the Midway Buffet, and entertainment at the Cyclone Bar. To learn about the Players Club and other promotions, go to the-fairgrounds. com/hamburg-gaming.

Head to Niagara Falls to visit Fallsview Casino Resort, “the largest and most elegant gaming resort

in Canada” according to its website, fallsviewcasinoresort.com. Fallsview offers more than 3,000 slot machines and 130 table games, a luxury hotel, world-class restaurants, shopping for every aesthetic, and a 1,500-seat concert and entertainment venue. Frequent visitors should ask about its Players Advantage Club.

Also in Canada, Casino Niagara provides nonstop entertainment and excitement in a centralized location, and offers five-star treatment in the heart of the Niagara tourism area.

With more than 1,500 slot machines, forty gaming tables, poker room, four restaurants, live weekend entertainment, comedians at Yuk Yuk’s club, there are plenty of reasons for repeat visits. Check schedules at casinoniagara.com With so many gaming and entertainment options, why spend another weekend sitting at home? After all, who doesn’t deserve a mini vacation?

Rebecca Cuthbert lives, writes, and cares for shelter dogs in Dunkirk. She is a frequent contributor to Buffalo Spree and Forever Young.