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Three attorneys seek GOP nomination for Allegany County judge

BELMONT — While early voting got underway on June 13, primary election day in New York state is June 23, and Allegany County Republicans have three candidates to choose from for county judge.

Judge Terrence Parker is retiring at the end of this year, and attorneys Allison Carrow, Gerald M. Driscoll and Dawn A. Wildrick-Cole are all seeking the GOP nomination to run in the fall election.

ALLISON CARROW

Carrow of Wellsville is a graduate of Alfred University and Syracuse University College of Law.

She has more than

Life

21 years of legal experience in public service and private practice and she is the current Allegany County Attorney, appointed in 2022. She serves as legal counsel to Allegany County government and its departments and employees.

Carrow is a former Chautauqua County First Assistant County Attorney and former Steuben County Assistant County Attorney as well as the former owner of Carrow Law Office, P.C., in Jamestown.

BY JIM ECKSTROM

CUBA — On a day this past week, Xander Murray was pushing a cart delivering medical supplies to various offices in Cuba Memorial Hospital.

Other days he will work in the CMH dietary department — the kitchen — or help out with landscaping on the grounds outside.

“I like to work in the kitchen ... I get to cook,” Murray said, adding, “I pretty much like to make anything.”

But then he also said he enjoys working on the landscaping because it gets him outdoors.

As former Attorney for the Child she represented children in abuse, neglect, and custody proceedings and she has extensive trial work and litigation experience in family, supreme and county courts. She notes her experi-

Whatever a day’s tasks at Cuba Memorial, the overall goal is for Murray to grow in life skills and socialization in a work environment, preparing him for his next step: taking academic and vocational classes in an Alfred State College’s RISE program.

Murray, of Fillmore, and several of his high school peers from throughout Allegany County participate in the 12:1:1 High School Life Skills program coordinated at Genesee Valley Central School.

Participants include both in-district GV students, as well as students from districts

ence in mediations and settlement conferences; labor and employment grievances and arbitrations; and collaborations and negotiations with opposing counsel, courts, and third parties for case resolutions. She is treasurer of the County Attorneys Association of the State of New York and she is a member of the Allegany County Bar Association.

GERALD M. DRISCOLL

Driscoll has been an attorney for 31 years and has worked in both Allegany and Cattaraugus counties. He is currently the confidential law clerk for Allegany County Court Judge Ian

that include Fillmore, Cuba-Rushford, Belfast, Wellsville and Friendship.

Genesee Valley’s Kimberly Marciano said the ultimate goal of the program is for students to be employable, gain independence and contribute in their communities.

“Students focus on life skills-based academics while also learning about a work ethic, how to get and keep a job, communicating at work, working with others and so much more,” she said. “They gain self-confidence, real-world hands-on experience, learn self-

M. Jones, while prior to this he served for nine years as the law clerk for Cattaraugus County Court Judge Moses M. Howden.

As law clerk, he assists the judge in handling matters in family, surrogate, county and supreme courts and takes an active role in working with attorneys and parties in pretrial and settlement conferences.

Before his years as a law clerk, Driscoll had a general practice, representing parents, grandparents and children in Family Court proceedings. He also handled

care skills, learn how to maintain a household, and become more connected to the community as well as local businesses.”

In addition to Cuba Memorial — where another student was working in the kitchen and another was sweeping the hallways — students also work at Giant Food Mart, Tops Friendly Markets, CA BOCES, East Wind Nursery, Manor Hills, the YMCA-Wellsville, Alfred State College, Houghton University and Funland Skate Center in Wellsville.

Allison Carrow Gerald M. Driscoll Dawn A. Wildrick-Cole

Photo by Jim Eckstrom

Xander Murray delivers medical supplies to a department in Cuba Memorial Hospital. Murray, participant in a

Commentary: Protecting the roof of the continent: Why WNY Wilds must reject industrial battery siting

When we look out across the rolling hills of Allegany County, it is easy to see only a beautiful, quiet countryside. But to hydrologists and geographers, our region represents something miraculous. We sit directly atop a geographical anomaly: a rare triple continental divide.

Our own Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA) website features the mapping that documents this phenomenon clearly. County officials and economic departments are well aware of its significance.

A single drop of rain falling on our high ridges can take three entirely divergent paths across the North American continent. It can flow north in the Genesee River into Lake Ontario and out to the North

Atlantic; it can travel southeast through tributaries of the Susquehanna River down into the Chesapeake Bay; or it can flow west into the Allegheny River, feeding the Ohio and Mississippi on a journey all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

We are, quite literally, the headwaters for the eastern half of the continent. What happens in our hills does not stay in our hills. Once our water reaches the ocean, it feeds directly into the Trans-Atlantic current — the great global conveyor belt that circulates water and nutrients across the entire world.

This immense geographic responsibility is exactly why we must confront the uncritical rush toward utility-scale, renewable-energy projects. Consider the true, non-urban nature of our region: Allegany is one of only three counties in the

entire state of New York that contains absolutely zero cities. Furthermore, we share this rare distinction with our direct neighbor, Wyoming County.

Together, the counties represent a contiguous, deeply rural sanctuary defined entirely by towns, historic villages, agricultural lands and open forest canopy.

This begs a fundamental question that our state and local leaders must face: Why are we trying to force massive, high-intensity industrial battery infrastructure into a completely city-less region defined

NOW HIRING

Interested internal applicants should submit a letter of intent and current resume to Kim Pauly, Human Resources Director, 115 E. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706 or kpauly@homecare-hospice.org, no later than 4:30 PM, June 24, 2026.

External applicants are encouraged to obtain an application at any office or online at www.homecare-hospice.org. Questions may be directed to Kim Pauly, HR Director, at (716) 372-2106

by pristine forests and delicate headwaters?

While clean energy is an important statewide goal, importing these heavy industrial risks into a deeply rural, high-elevation watershed — where there are no urban centers to absorb the infrastructure or its hazards — is a recipe for ecological disaster. In fact, we should openly question whether battery energy storage systems (BESS) belong in a county like ours at all.

Industrial battery storage facilities carry a concentrated chemical footprint, utilizing heavy metals and complex thermal management fluids. In the rare but devastating event of a catastrophic containment failure or a fire, toxic runoff or leaked chemical compounds could rapidly leach into our high-elevation aquifers. Because gravity always wins, our unique topography ensures that

any localized chemical spill would quickly become an interstate, or even international, contamination event.

Water, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. Our county proudly markets itself under a beautiful subtitle: The Western New York Wilds. That identity is rooted in our contiguous forests and thriving native wildlife. Up and down the Genesee River, our national bird — the bald eagle — has established vibrant nesting grounds. These eagles, alongside countless other species, rely entirely on the purity of our waters and the undisturbed safety of our forest canopies.

Improperly sited solar and battery installations require massive deforestation, clear-cutting, and aggressive land grading that fragments woodlands and destroys critical habitats. If a chemical incident occurs, the toxic aftermath wouldn’t just poison a creek; it would decimate the entire local food chain, from the fish to the eagles. We cannot afford a “build first, ask questions later” approach. Because our local agencies already acknowledge our unique

triple-divide hydrology on paper, our actual zoning laws and siting decisions must reflect that reality in practice. If these projects are considered at all, we need to mandate strict, unyielding setback requirements from our forests, wetlands, and riverbanks. We must demand bulletproof, fully funded containment structures for all battery installations, and require independent environmental reviews that fiercely protect our wildlife corridors. Progress should not come at the expense of permanent devastation. If we rubber-stamp these industrial projects without ironclad local protections, we risk fracturing our environment for generations to come. We must act today to ensure that we do not leave behind a depleted, toxic landscape. If we fail to protect our home, we face a bleak future where the meek shall inherit what’s left of the earth. Let us protect the Western New York Wilds. Let us demand caution, foresight, and unyielding respect for the miraculous ground upon which we stand. (Bridgette Antoinette Tojek lives in Short Tract.)

criminal matters, both as defense counsel and as a special prosecutor. Driscoll has also represented businesses in transactions and civil litigation. Driscoll has lived in Wellsville for 23 years with his wife and two children. He is a member of Immaculate

Conception Church in Wellsville and he is an avid outdoorsman.

DAWN WILDRICKCOLE

There are five town-level primaries in Allegany County. They are:

• Allen — Dominic Barone and Bill Murphy are seeking the Republican nomination for town justice.

• Cuba — Jonathan Enzinna and Lance Tronetti are seeking the Democratic nomination for a vacant town board seat.

A native of Cuba, Wildrick-Cole has 26 years of legal experience, more than 15 of which have been as an attorney in the Allegany County courts. She has worked for local judges, preparing files, drafting decisions and orders, and presiding over certain court appearances.

• Friendship — David M. Szucs and Edward Yagger are seeking the Republican nomination for town justice.

• Hume — Richard Bentley and Karen Stroud are seeking the Republican nomination for town justice.

nomination by Drew Warsaw and Raj Goyle. In a Democratic race for the nomination to run for the 23rd Congressional District seat, which includes Allegany County, Aaron Gies, a theology professor at St. Bonaventure University, who is taking a leave of absence during the campaign, faces Buffalo-area attorney Kevin Stocker. Gies, who lives in Olean, has garnered the most grassroots support from Democratic establishments at the county level throughout the district. He is endorsed by the Democratic committees of Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara, Steuben and Tioga counties.

Early voting in Allegany County continues through Sunday, June 21 at two sites. The hours at the Belmont United Methodist Church, 7 Park Circle, include: • June 19 — 9 a.m.-5

In addition to her full-time job, she also serves as justice of the Almond Town Court. Since 2022, she has presided over proceedings involving misdemeanors, small claims, evictions, traffic infractions and preliminary hearings on felony matters.

Wildrick-Cole has also served on the Almond Town Board for two terms and she has served as supervisor for three terms. She lives in Almond with her husband and two sons.

• Rushford — Dominic Barone and Cal Champlin are seeking the Republican nomination for town justice.

New York state’s Democratic Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, is challenged for the

I recently visited the out-of-town coin and jewelry buyers with a hidden camera. They offered me $350 for items I paid someone $613 for. I would be glad to show you the video. Don't sell before you know what your valuables are really worth. We're local and know we can pay more.

the Lawn

cluding Patsy Cline and The Beatles to the Lawn.

MOTL also nurtured local talent with performances by students in Broadway Reviews, and Tributes to Woodstock and other themed events.

During its long history it has also introduced jazz, reggae, country music, kettle drummers, tradi-

tional folk singers, and hosted both the Genesee Valley Chorus and the Rushford Concert Band and individual singers. In her youth, Bolivar’s own Joelle Harvey, now a renowned operatic soprano, performed on the Lawn.

One of MOTL’s greatest achievements

Red Cross: Urgent need for donors to keep blood supply stable

The American Red Cross in Western New York reports an urgent need for donors of blood of all types or platelets for the summer season.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give — an especially troubling scenario at a time when the Red Cross says it has seen “an alarming drop” in scheduled donations in recent weeks.

To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call (800) RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give through June 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood. org/June for details.

An upcoming blood donation opportunity is in Wellsville on June 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the YMCA, 133 Bolivar Road.

was in 2001, after the 9/11 terror attacks. With its season-ending concert having taken place the previous week, organizers quickly pulled together a concert to raise funds for recovery and relief efforts.

The host band, Steel Door, entertained for free as did most other performers. American Legion volunteers displayed the flag on the library steps throughout the evening. The highlight of the evening came when “Proud To Be An American” was played and the audience sang along. More than $1,600 was raised during the performance and was contributed the following day to the American Red Cross.

Attracting its audience not only from Wellsville but also the surrounding communities, the success of MOTL was soon emulated in other communities such as Andover, Belfast, Belmont, Bolivar, Richburg and Ulysses, Pa.

In addition to Chilson & Friends this coming

Thursday, the season’s schedule includes:

• June 25, Sliding Shoe Leather

• July 2, Woodshed

Prophets • July 9, Generations • July 16, Terry Buckwald impersonating Elvis • July 23, Ballad at Midnight

July 30, Dirt Turtles

Aug. 6, Miller and the Other

Sinners

Rees Baker Brylee Buchholz Colton Calladine Julie Cavagna Ciarra Delill Courtney Dowell Emma Eddy Gabriel Eveland Janiyah Gilliam

Peyton Graham Avery Hoffman Connor Igel Trey Kent James Miller-Young Aubree Monroe Gracey Murray Skyler Orpet Naudia Pierson Samantha Pitts Blaise Richmond Arianna Robinson Kelsey VanCuren

“We are always open and looking to connect with more local businesses,” Marciano said.

Debbie Auman, a job coach who accompanies Murray, Amani Kaffen of Wellsville and other students while they are working, said the program is not just about going out into the work environment, but she and other coaches work with the participants on resumes, budgeting and other organizational skills that can prepare them for living independently.

She said the environment at CMH is particularly good for the students because so many staff are willing participants, giving the students meaningful and interesting tasks.

“The best part the program is when we have placements where they actually have enough individual employees who can take the students in hand, because that gives them even more experience,” she said. “It builds their confidence immensely to be out there and

working and not having us (the job coaches) hanging over them like a helicopter.

“It makes my job easier ... maybe even a little boring,” she said, “but that’s what I’m looking for. I want them to be not needing me.”

Bonnie Cady, human resources manager at Cuba Memorial, confirmed that the staff embraces its role in making sure the students are engaged in meaningful work. The students rotate through different departments as

they’ve worked Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday over the past several weeks.

“It has been great seeing (the students) progress and get more comfortable in what they’re doing,” she said. “And the staff has been great, taking their role in the program seriously.”

Cady said CMH’s dietary manager Eric Crouse, environmental services head Victoria Hanchett, Madison Reed and Lesli Wenz in the activities depart-

ment, Carol Wixson in purchasing and Billy Keane, Michael Karnuth and Adam Lockwood in maintenance are all having positive impact on the students.

Auman said younger students in the Genesee Valley program — ninth- and 10th-graders — get started in the Life Skills program with inhouse activities: helping with the grounds, in the bus garage, cleaning and helping with laundry. One classroom is an apartment, where students learn independent

living skills, while there is also a small in-school “store” to maintain and, once a month, the Java Cart offers coffee and baked good to the school community.

Juniors and seniors move up to the jobs program out in the communities.

For more information about the program, and for any businesses interested in learning more about participating, contact Marciano at kmarciano@genvalley. org.

Ayeron Bentley Graham Bradt Tayla Brenna Cree Bulkley Logan Callahan Cole Cochran Ethan Davenport Bryce Davis Jacey Davis

Zachary Davis Mason Fanton Byron France Joseph Frawley Kasey Ganoung Larry Geffers III Brady Hamilton Ryker Holmes Kaden Huffer

Nolan Hunter Izak Hutchison McKenna Jefferds Meara Kelley

(Tre) Lance III Ian MacKenzie Christina McAuley Abbygail Meigs

Charlotte Mejia Tristan Metatos Rylee

Addyson Clark David Clark Levi Coats

Jeanaveve

Gracelyn

CLASS OF 2025 WELLSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

Congressman Nick Langworthy is launching an America 250 Community Heroes Award initiative to honor individuals across the 23rd Congressional District “whose service, sacrifice, leadership and dedication reflect the enduring values that have shaped our nation for 250 years.”

Langworthy, R-Pendleton, is asking residents throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier to nom-

Langworthy seeks America 250 Community Heroes nominees

inate local heroes who have made a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Our nation’s story is written by ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things,” he said in announcing the awards. “For 250 years, generations of Americans have stepped forward to serve their neighbors, their communities, and their country. The America 250 Community Heroes Award is a

way to recognize what makes America great by honoring the people who continue that tradition every single day.”

Langworthy’s office indicated the award will recognize outstanding citizens, including veterans, first responders, volunteers, educators, healthcare workers, community leaders, coaches and “everyday neighbors who have gone above and beyond to make their communities stronger.”

Residents are encouraged to participate in the open nomination process and share the stories of individuals. Winners of the award will be recognized at a series of events across the district.

Nomination information and additional details are available on Langworthy’s website: langworthy. house.gov/america-250-community-heroes-award

Outdoors Union Pacific’s Big Boy rolls through Allegany County

SWAIN — The pop-

ulation of northeastern Allegany County temporarily exploded June 11 as thousands flocked to railroad crossings and overlooks for a view of Big Boy.

heavy equipment in support of the war effort, normally operating between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The Union Pacific steam engine Big Boy No. 4014, on a coast-tocoast tour this summer as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, made its way down the lower Canaseraga Creek valley on a sunny afternoon to the cheers of many well-wishers and train aficionados. Several parents admitted to pulling their children from school to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event through the towns of Grove and Burns — towns that combined have fewer than 1,500 year-round residents.

With airplanes circling overhead as pilots followed the train, the whistle of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive could be heard miles off down the valley, warning shutterbugs to get to their tripods. As the train passed each crossing, it blew its whistle, eliciting smiles from many train fans and children to cup their hands over their ears.

Just as quickly as it arrived, the train vanished from sight. In its wake, it left behind wide smiles from attendees and large traffic jams heretofore unheard of in the area as visitors left.

The train began its day in Buffalo, stopping in Silver Springs, on the rail bridge at Letchworth State Park, and in Hornell before heading to Sayre, Pa., for the evening.

To follow the train’s progress, visit up.com/ about-us/history/ steam/track

Due to their great length, the frames of the Big Boys are “hinged,” or articulated, to allow them to negotiate curves. They have a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement, which means they have four wheels on the leading set of “pilot” wheels to guide the engine; eight drivers on the first engine; another set of eight drivers on the second engine; and four wheels trailing that support the rear of the locomotive.

No. 4014 was retired in December 1961 after traveling more than 1 million miles. Union Pacific reacquired it from the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California, in

2013 and relocated it back to Cheyenne for a multi-year restoration. It returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion.

Fillmore baseball falls in Class D championship

The Fillmore Eagles baseball team fell 9-4 to Duanesburg of Section 2 in the New York State Public High School Class D championship game June 13 at SUNY Binghamton. Trailing 4-2 in the top of the sixth, Jared Boon singled and then moved to second on a balk. Boon scored on Isaac Wilcox’s RBI single.

James Hillman then singled and Connor McCumiskey tied the game on a sacrifice fly. However, Duanesburg scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth and held Fillmore (20-3) to no more runs.

Malcolm Nusbickel started for Fillmore and struck out three over five innings. Avery Potter pitched in relief for Fillmore. In the state semifinal on June 12, Fillmore got past Oriskany, 5-4.

Office for the Aging

On its return trip west, Big Boy will spend July 8-11 in Altoona for various events before continuing on and crossing into Ohio. In addition to the public display days, rail fans can see this historic machine in action at more than four dozen whistle-stops, generally 15- to 30- minutes long.

According to Union Pacific, 25 Big Boys were commissioned exclusively for the railroad. The massive locomotives were built to haul

The seven other remaining Big Boys are on public display in St. Louis, Missouri; Dallas; Omaha, Nebraska; Denver; Scranton; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Cheyenne.

Photo by Bob Clark

Train aficionados — some of whom had waited hours for the opportunity -- snap photos of the Union Pacific steam engine Big Boy

No. 4014 at the Kennedy Road railroad crossing in the town of Grove on Thursday afternoon. The engine, on a coast to coast tour as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary this summer, passed through the northeast corner of Allegany County on the Norfolk Southern

home improvement

The basics of outdoor kitchen projects

Outdoor kitchens are as popular as ever. Backyard barbecues have long been a staple of summertime, but outdoor kitchens have made hosting such affairs a lot easier. While outdoor kitchens vary depending on homeowners’ preferences and budgets, many offer ample counter space to prepare foods, a refrigerator to store premade items and other essentials like

condiments, and ample storage space that saves grillmasters the trouble of making multiple trips into the house to gather supplies.

Outdoor kitchens are indeed convenient for people who love to entertain at home. But outdoor kitchens also are a significant investment. According to Range Outdoor Living, the average cost of an outdoor kitchen varies widely depend-

ing on the build type.

A custom-built kitchen will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 (without appliances and countertops), while a modular kitchen is a more budget-friendly option, typically costing between $5,000 and $15,000 (some modular kitchens include appliances and countertops, while others do not).

While that’s a hefty price tag, a 2024 analysis from the real estate experts at Zillow found that listings with outdoor kitchens exceeded pricing estimates by 2.2 percent, which shows the value prospective buyers place on these spaces.

The cost of an outdoor kitchen installation requires that ample consideration be given to such projects before going forward with them. The following are some basics of outdoor kitchen projects homeowners can familiarize themselves with as they determine if an outdoor kitchen is right for them.

• You will likely work with multiple contractors. An outdoor kitchen installation is a complex project that may require the work of masonry experts, plumbers,

electricians, and other specialized contractors like countertop installation experts. Many outdoor kitchen projects begin with estimates from a contractor who specializes in landscaping and hardscaping. But those estimates may not include the additional costs associated with any electrical work that must be done, plumbing work (i.e., connecting a natural gas line to an outdoor grill), or materials costs (i.e., countertops).

Homeowners are urged to receive cost estimates on each part of the project, including appliances like refrigerators and grills, so they know just how much money they will be committing to the project before it begins.

• The project will require permits. Permits will likely be necessary when building a new outdoor kitchen.

A permit may be required if you hope to connect a new grill to your natural gas line. Permits

add another expense to the project, but they also may add time. Contractors will not be able to go forward with a project until permits have been approved. So homeowners are urged to work with local permit officials before breaking ground. Doing so will not necessarily speed up the process, but local permit officials can ensure homeowners and contractors are filing the right applications and filing them with the appropriate officials.

• A kitchen that’s close to home might

be your best bet. Connecting electricity, water and gas typically is less complicated the closer an outdoor kitchen is to the existing home. Work with your landscaping and hardscaping contractor to identify the best location for the kitchen in relation to connecting utilities. But don’t ignore the existing landscape completely. For example, cooks will not want to be staring directly into the sun when grilling for residents and guests. Pick a spot that shields cooks from the elements

and also facilitates the connection of utilities like natural gas and electricity.

Outdoor kitchen installation projects are

significant undertakings. Knowing what to expect in advance can help homeowners navigate their way through the process.

Happy Happy

Celebrate Father’s Day in unique ways

Set up a scavenger hunt

Drag out the suspense of Dad getting his Father’s Day gift by hiding it and requiring him to go through a

series of clues to find it. When writing up the clue cards, spouses and children can reference particularly happy moments or things around the house that are representative of

Dad’s love. For example, a clue may read, “Here’s where we like to snuggle together to watch our favorite show.”

Take it outdoors

Sunday, June 21St

• Genesee Valley Antique Tractor Pull, Hahn and Schaffner, 9am

• Chicken B-B-Q at the tractor pull by Trailblazers Snowmobile Club

Monday, June 22nd

• Lions Club Euchre Tournament at American Legion. Registration at 5:30pm, games start at 6:00pm.

• Cemetery Walk. 6:00 pm at Maple Lawn Cemetery

tueSday, June 23rd

• Lions Club Family Fun Night 5::00pm, Shaner Field featuring: Get the flyer here

• Bolivar Lions Club Ice Cream Social at 5:00pm

• Faith Bible Church Penny Carnival at 5:00pm

• ACCORD Head Start Face Painting at 5:00pm

• Methodist Church Bounce House at 5:00pm

June weather tends to be pleasant, and that means Father’s Day celebrations can be held outside. Everyone can select a spot that Dad loves to visit, whether it’s a hiking trail or a local park, and then plan activities around the chosen location.

Go on an adventure

Father’s Day can

be spent engaging in something the family has never tried before that may be exciting for Dad. Maybe he’s always wanted to go off-roading on quads or try his skills at hatchet-throwing? The family can get together and choose an activity Dad will find engaging and that everyone can enjoy.

Make it a beach day

Dad might just want a break from the hectic pace of life on Father’s Day. This is the perfect opportunity to head oceanside. For those who don’t live by the coast, a river or lakefront spot can be an ideal alternative. Frequently these are touristy areas, so it could be relatively easy to find an eatery where everyone can make a reservation for lunch or dinner after enjoying a relaxing day with waves lapping the shore.