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Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
Staff members from the Dale Association recently created a "Giving Tree" out of items needed by Lockport CARES, Inc.
The Lockport homeless shelter publishes a wish list on its website, and the staff members used that list to guide their purchases for the shelter.
Word spread to friends of The Dale and donations of cold weather clothing came in as well.
The Giving Tree was the department's entry in an agency wide tree-decorating contest.
Lockport CARES is always accepting donations. For more information, visit www.lockportcares.org.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
From left, Rachel Smith, Patricia Quirk, Kristin Vannelli, Chuck DiMartino
and Sue Esposito of the Dale Association pose with their "Giving Tree."
Not pictured is Debra Abrams, Aaron Carlson and Carolyn Demjanenko.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
|
The Lockport homeless shelter publishes a wish list on its website, and the staff members used that list to guide their purchases for the shelter.
Word spread to friends of The Dale and donations of cold weather clothing came in as well.
The Giving Tree was the department's entry in an agency wide tree-decorating contest.
Lockport CARES is always accepting donations. For more information, visit www.lockportcares.org.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Christmas is supposed to be a time of gifts, family, fun, food, and Santa Claus. Several centuries ago, the Catholic Church saw how much fun people were having during their end of the year celebrations (they didn’t call it Christmas back then) and decided that they would rain on the parade by saying that this time of the year was when we would solemnly celebrate the birth of Jesus. Unfortunately, most people agree that Jesus was probably born in April or May. That is one reason I do not subscribe to the religious aspect of Christmas. I don’t like bullies.
Everyone who goes around chastising others by saying that “Jesus is the reason for the season” is completely wrong. The only thing the Jesus aspect of Christmas has added is the nativity scene. Everything that people enjoy about Christmas has nothing to do with religion, which is the way things should be. Religion has a way of convoluting everything, even something as wonderful as the end of the year celebration.
I call it Christmas because that is how I was raised. But I celebrate none of the religious aspects of the holiday. Why? Because they are boring, and nothing about this holiday is supposed to be boring. I could call it Festivus, but then I would be trendy and yadda yadda yadda.
People complain that Christmas is too commercialized. Those are usually the people who simply love to complain, or have no idea what they are talking about. Giving gifts at this time of the year has been going on for centuries. Do you guys honestly think that Walmart invented the idea of selling gifts for this time of the year?
Before the church called this time of the year Christmas, people would exchange gifts with their friends and family members for days. They would go from house to house singing songs, eating food, and having a great time. I can see why the church would want to put a stop to it.
I guess that, as I get older, my negative reaction to religion gets stronger. If you think that Jesus is the reason for celebrating this time of the year, then that is fine. But religious people have this tendency to try and shove what they believe down people’s throats, and that I cannot abide. You will never get me to treat Christmas as a religious holiday, so stop trying with all of your might.
If I told you that you could keep the decorations, gifts, Santa Claus, cookies, food, most of the songs, the movies, and the family memories that occur this time of the year, you would be fine with that, right? If I told you that you had to get rid of your manger scene, you would probably be okay with that too. But if it were the other way around, as religion wants us to do, then everyone would have a fit.
The pagan aspects of Christmas were too popular and too strong to go away. When the church decided to take over December 25, it tried to do away with all of the fun stuff. But the people had no intention of getting rid of the fun stuff, so the church had to settle with Jesus taking a co-starring role with Santa Claus.
People who complain about Christmas often have nothing better to do. It is the most incredible time of the year when whole cities get together, families see each other for the first time in months, and everyone has a great time. There is a feeling in the air of happiness that you do not feel the rest of the year. If that is something you honestly do not like, then don’t talk to me. If it really bothers you that much that some radio stations play Christmas music before Thanksgiving or the stores have their Christmas displays up before Halloween, then you must have nothing but free time on your hands.
Really? A song about this wonderful time of the year is that offensive to you? Some decorations for sale in your local department store concern you that much? Why? Because Christmas is getting too commercial? This time of the year is supposed to be commercial. Stop thinking like a religious fuddy-duddy and think like a human being who wants to enjoy life.
All I saw on social media this season was people bitching about Christmas. So, to me, saying Merry Christmas to you guys is almost a waste of time. But for the people who do enjoy the holiday and the people who do find this time of the year to be as wonderful as I do, Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may you have an awesome holiday.
+George N Root III is a Lockport resident and staunch supporter of Christmas. Follow him on Twitter @georgenroot3 or send him a message at georgenroot3@gmail.com.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Monday, December 21, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
For the third year in a row, kids who are receiving treatment at Women & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo will have a brighter Christmas thanks to Lockport resident Maria Fava, founder of the Believe Toy Drive. And the toys will be delivered in style, courtesy of the Mini Cooper Club of WNY.
“A few years ago I had major brain surgery at Women and Children’s Hospital and while recovering I had the pleasure of spending some time with the children on my floor,” Fava said. “So at Christmas I want to ‘pay it forward’ and return some of those smiles that were given to me.”
New and unwrapped toys, as well as cash, have been collected – and are still being accepted – at the following locations in Lockport:
Delivering all those toys will also take quite an effort, and was spearheaded by Lockport Dental Group, a major supporter of the annual toy drive.
“We were looking at finding a U-Haul or something else to transport everything,” said Dr. Todd Retell. “But I also knew that one of my patients – Valerie Oleksik – was the president of The MINI Cooper Club of WNY and they love to do things for the community. So last year we pulled it off and it was amazing to see all those Mini Coopers cruising away with all the gifts.”
The MINI Club of WNY is a group of MINI Cooper enthusiasts located throughout all of WNY and currently has over 350 members.
“We get together to go on scenic drives, participate in car shows and just share our love for our cars. We also have participated in charitable events such as the Ride for Roswell, The Niagara Wine Trail Share the Bounty Food Drive as well as the Believe Toy Drive,” said Oleksik. “We’re thrilled to be part of this event again this year.”
In addition, the local Santa with a dental degree, Dr. James Shaw, has been instrumental in making this year’s drive the best one yet. “Every year the event keeps getting bigger – and we’ll be delivering even more toys than last year, which is fantastic,” Shaw said.
According to Fava, the annual toy drive lets people focus on the traditional meaning of Christmas. “Let us appreciate family, enjoy giving to others, take part in selfless acts, focus on religious beliefs and celebrations, miracles of man-kind, helping others, romance, love and peace,” she said. “I hope in the upcoming years to expand the charity to include a dinner for the families with a Christmas themed party/event with food donations from local restaurants and Christmas activities for the children. Please contact me if you would like to get involved for next year’s planning.”
For more information you can contact Fava at 940-1045 or mariamadelinefava@gmail.com. There is also a Facebook page entitled Believe Toy Drive 2015 that includes a “wish list” from the hospital. Fava also has created a GoFundMe page where monetary donations for toy purchases may be made.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
Dr. Todd Retell from Lockport Dental Group, Valerie Oleksik, president of
The MINI Cooper Club of WNY, Maria Fava, founder of the Believe Toy Drive
2015, and Santa Shaw from Lockport Dental Group gather up some of the
hundreds of toys that will be donated to patients at Women & Children’s
Hospital of Buffalo. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
|
“A few years ago I had major brain surgery at Women and Children’s Hospital and while recovering I had the pleasure of spending some time with the children on my floor,” Fava said. “So at Christmas I want to ‘pay it forward’ and return some of those smiles that were given to me.”
New and unwrapped toys, as well as cash, have been collected – and are still being accepted – at the following locations in Lockport:
- Molinaro’s Ristorante, 90 Walnut St.
- Lockport Music Center, 5996 Snyder Drive
- Spring Lake Winery, 7373 Rochester Road
- Lockport Dental Group 39 Elizabeth Drive
- Advantage Physical Therapy, 5556 Davison Road
Delivering all those toys will also take quite an effort, and was spearheaded by Lockport Dental Group, a major supporter of the annual toy drive.
“We were looking at finding a U-Haul or something else to transport everything,” said Dr. Todd Retell. “But I also knew that one of my patients – Valerie Oleksik – was the president of The MINI Cooper Club of WNY and they love to do things for the community. So last year we pulled it off and it was amazing to see all those Mini Coopers cruising away with all the gifts.”
The MINI Club of WNY is a group of MINI Cooper enthusiasts located throughout all of WNY and currently has over 350 members.
“We get together to go on scenic drives, participate in car shows and just share our love for our cars. We also have participated in charitable events such as the Ride for Roswell, The Niagara Wine Trail Share the Bounty Food Drive as well as the Believe Toy Drive,” said Oleksik. “We’re thrilled to be part of this event again this year.”
In addition, the local Santa with a dental degree, Dr. James Shaw, has been instrumental in making this year’s drive the best one yet. “Every year the event keeps getting bigger – and we’ll be delivering even more toys than last year, which is fantastic,” Shaw said.
According to Fava, the annual toy drive lets people focus on the traditional meaning of Christmas. “Let us appreciate family, enjoy giving to others, take part in selfless acts, focus on religious beliefs and celebrations, miracles of man-kind, helping others, romance, love and peace,” she said. “I hope in the upcoming years to expand the charity to include a dinner for the families with a Christmas themed party/event with food donations from local restaurants and Christmas activities for the children. Please contact me if you would like to get involved for next year’s planning.”
For more information you can contact Fava at 940-1045 or mariamadelinefava@gmail.com. There is also a Facebook page entitled Believe Toy Drive 2015 that includes a “wish list” from the hospital. Fava also has created a GoFundMe page where monetary donations for toy purchases may be made.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
New York State Police and local law enforcement across New York will participate in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Friday through New Year's Day. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols along roadways during the campaign, which is funded through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
“State Troopers will be out in force this holiday season to crack down on dangerous drivers,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. "New York State has zero tolerance for drunk driving and the preventable tragedies it causes. I encourage all motorists to obey the rules of the road and to think twice before getting behind the wheel this holiday season.”
In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
During last year’s crackdown, State Police issued more than 49,000 tickets. Of those tickets more than 17,000 were for speeding, 1,730 were for distracted driving and 697 for the “Move Over Law”. There was also 702 people arrested for DWI and 13 people killed in vehicle crashes.
The facts are grim: During the 2013 holiday period, 1,180 people nationwide were killed on the road, with almost a third of the fatalities related to drunk-driving. On Christmas Day that year, 23 people were killed by drunk drivers.
To keep our roads safer this holiday season, the New York State Police, the GTSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips:
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
| Andrew Cuomo |
“State Troopers will be out in force this holiday season to crack down on dangerous drivers,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. "New York State has zero tolerance for drunk driving and the preventable tragedies it causes. I encourage all motorists to obey the rules of the road and to think twice before getting behind the wheel this holiday season.”
In addition to the DWI checkpoints and patrols, Troopers will be watching for distracted drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to exercise extreme caution when passing emergency vehicles that are stopped in or on the side of the road.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
During last year’s crackdown, State Police issued more than 49,000 tickets. Of those tickets more than 17,000 were for speeding, 1,730 were for distracted driving and 697 for the “Move Over Law”. There was also 702 people arrested for DWI and 13 people killed in vehicle crashes.
The facts are grim: During the 2013 holiday period, 1,180 people nationwide were killed on the road, with almost a third of the fatalities related to drunk-driving. On Christmas Day that year, 23 people were killed by drunk drivers.
To keep our roads safer this holiday season, the New York State Police, the GTSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips:
- Plan a safe way home before the celebrating begins;
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- Use your community’s sober ride program;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
The unofficial countdown has begun. It usually starts at Halloween for me, but I am the kind of person who rushes the holidays. I never give myself a chance to enjoy the holidays because I am always so anxious for it to start. The next thing I know, the holidays are over and I am vowing to never let the holidays get away like that again.
This time of the year is my absolute favorite. I know that it brings sadness to some people and while I can respect that, I could never understand why. Not only is this the time of year that brings us Christmas -- easily the best day on the calendar -- but it is also brings the year to a close. It is our time to put everything into perspective and do our best to carry on. I have lost loved ones on Christmas Day, and it is not a good feeling. But the holiday pushes me forward, as it always has.
When the year gets closer to being over, I go on a cleaning spree. I used to work for a big Russian who made us clean our desks completely before the end of the year. He said it was a Russian tradition that allowed us to start fresh when the New Year arrived. I liked that so much that I adopted it and have used it ever since.
If there is mourning to do at this time of the year (and there is), then I find the time to do it properly. But when the clock ticks down those last 10 seconds on New Year’s Eve, I can feel the year slowly slipping away. I feel all of the pain and the stress of the past 364 days fade, and I can feel the downward pull of the past year weakening. When that ball lights up and the New Year arrives, I open my front door to hear the fireworks. A New Year has arrived. It is time to go back to square one and try to get it right.
As I get older, the urgency to use the New Year to reset my life grows. I only have so many years left, and I want to finally get the things done that I keep meaning to do. When December starts, I suddenly put down my quill pen and lose the desire to work on my novels. I don’t know why it happens. It just does. But when I wake up the morning of January 1st, I am behind the keyboard furiously pounding away on my next epic. That is what happened at the beginning of this year, and it will happen with more earnest in 2016.
Saying that you are going to simply reset yourself and start from square one is not something you can just decide to do. It took me years before I could actually feel the previous year slip away like water on my back as I turn off the shower. When those fireworks go off and the ball drops, it is like an alarm clock for me. In past years, I really made more plans than I kept. From now on, it has to be much different.
When you look forward to something like I look forward to Christmas each year, it has a way of marking your own time. I’m not the healthiest person in the world (although I am getting better with that) and I am a real klutz. But I have good DNA on my side as both sides of my family tend to live well into their late 70’s and early 80’s. I have a feeling that whether I want to live that long or not, I probably will. The good thing is that most of my family members were completely lucid almost to the very end. So I will be a smart ass right up until the very end.
Christmas is on the way and the New Year is right behind it. This is both the most wonderful and the most contemplative time of the year for me. Did I achieve all of my goals in 2015? Not even close. Do I have the luxury of not achieving my goals in 2016? No, I don’t. I either make things happen, or I fade away. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t fade away.
This isn’t the annual year in review column. That is not for a couple of more weeks. This isn’t the Merry Christmas column either. That is also a couple of weeks away. This is just a suggestion that if you look at this time of the year as a chance to put a nice red bow on the lousy year you just lived through and the opportunity to go back to square one and start all over again, then it isn’t so bad. Man, I love the holidays. I always have, and I always will.
+George N Root III is a Lockport resident and local expert on anything to do with the holidays. Follow him on Twitter @georgenroot3 or email him at georgenroot3@gmail.com.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
BUFFALO -- The U.S. Postal Service noted today that it will deliver packages seven days a week through Christmas day due to "double digit package volume growth."
Also, in high traffic areas, mail will be retrieved from blue collections boxes on Sundays as well, the postal service announced.
“The Postal Service is the shipper of choice for many Americans,” said Western NY District Manager James Lentz. “During the holidays, we’re raising the bar with additional transportation and Sunday delivery to provide excellent service and reliability that is second only to Santa.”
Customers can expect to see postal carriers delivering on Sunday in larger cities and towns throughout Western New York. Due to continued growth in e-commerce, the postal service is expecting double-digit percentage growth (10.5 percent) in its package business this holiday season. The agency will deliver 15.5 billion total pieces of mail from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day; packages will account for about 600 million of the total. Approximately 8 million packages will flow through the western New York area.
“This is truly our season at the Postal Service, it is crunch time,” said Lentz. “We have stepped up our game to ensure America that USPS can be counted on to deliver their cards, gifts and letters in time for the holidays.”
For expected delivery of holiday mail and packages by Christmas, the Postal Service recommends keeping the following mailing and shipping deadlines in mind:
For a full list of domestic, military and international deadlines visit https://www.usps.com/holiday/
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
news@eastniagarapost.com
BUFFALO -- The U.S. Postal Service noted today that it will deliver packages seven days a week through Christmas day due to "double digit package volume growth."
 |
Charlie Brown has his own USPS Christmas stamp this year. Make sure you
mail your Christmas cards by Dec. 19 to get them there in time for Christmas.
(CONTRIBUTED ART / USPS)
|
“The Postal Service is the shipper of choice for many Americans,” said Western NY District Manager James Lentz. “During the holidays, we’re raising the bar with additional transportation and Sunday delivery to provide excellent service and reliability that is second only to Santa.”
Customers can expect to see postal carriers delivering on Sunday in larger cities and towns throughout Western New York. Due to continued growth in e-commerce, the postal service is expecting double-digit percentage growth (10.5 percent) in its package business this holiday season. The agency will deliver 15.5 billion total pieces of mail from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day; packages will account for about 600 million of the total. Approximately 8 million packages will flow through the western New York area.
“This is truly our season at the Postal Service, it is crunch time,” said Lentz. “We have stepped up our game to ensure America that USPS can be counted on to deliver their cards, gifts and letters in time for the holidays.”
For expected delivery of holiday mail and packages by Christmas, the Postal Service recommends keeping the following mailing and shipping deadlines in mind:
- Dec. 8 – Priority Mail Express International
- Dec. 10 – APO/FPO First-Class Mail® Letters and Cards
- Dec. 10 – APO/FPO Priority Mail®
- Dec. 15 – Standard Post
- Dec. 17 – APO/FPO Priority Mail Express™ Military Service
- Dec. 19 – First-Class Mail and Global Express Guaranteed
- Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
- Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express
For a full list of domestic, military and international deadlines visit https://www.usps.com/holiday/
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
MIDDLEPORT -- The third annual "Avenue of Trees" will be lit during a 6 p.m. ceremony Saturday.
Twelve trees are being decorated by Middleport businesses and community organizations for the annual affair.
The public is invited to attend.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
news@eastniagarapost.com
Twelve trees are being decorated by Middleport businesses and community organizations for the annual affair.
The public is invited to attend.
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Friday, November 27, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
APPLETON -- The Town of Somerset Historical Society will hold its annual Victorian Christmas Open House from 1 - 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Babcock Cobblestone Museum, 7449 Lake Road -- west of the power plant.
The house will be decorated in traditional Victorian Christmas fashion, complete with an ornately adorned Christmas tree, antique toys, and model trains whistling through a village setting.
Christmas music will be played throughout the afternoon on the antique pump organ and guests are invited to sing along to their favorite Christmas carols. Biscuits will be baking in the beehive oven while fresh butter for the biscuits is being churned. Young and old may want to push the plunger up and down to help churn the cream into butter.
There will be horse drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, cookies and punch, and -- of course -- Santa Claus.
The event is free.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
news@eastniagarapost.com
The house will be decorated in traditional Victorian Christmas fashion, complete with an ornately adorned Christmas tree, antique toys, and model trains whistling through a village setting.
Christmas music will be played throughout the afternoon on the antique pump organ and guests are invited to sing along to their favorite Christmas carols. Biscuits will be baking in the beehive oven while fresh butter for the biscuits is being churned. Young and old may want to push the plunger up and down to help churn the cream into butter.
There will be horse drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, cookies and punch, and -- of course -- Santa Claus.
The event is free.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
New Directions Youth and Family Services -- parent company to Wyndham Lawn in Lockport -- has launched its 2015 “Save a Christmas” program, an annual drive providing holiday gifts to low-income or single-parent families served by New Directions’ community-based programs through individual gift donations or family sponsorships.
The program, originally referred to as the “Angel Tree Program,” was first started in 2013 by Ashleigh MacLachlan, wrap-around care coordinator at New Directions.
“Save a Christmas” was inspired by MacLachlan’s personal experience of dealing with domestic violence and leaving home with her mother and brother when she was nine years old. As a child, she received a gift from an angel tree program which, according to Ashleigh, essentially “saved her Christmas.”
“That first Christmas we were involved with a program similar to the ‘Save a Christmas’ program,” said MacLachlan. “I specifically remember the gifts I received that year, and it meant so much to me that someone I didn’t know had gotten these things for me.”
Because of her own experience, MacLachlan decided to start an annual holiday donation program at New Directions to make Christmas a happier day for those with a similar background.
“Our annual program gives people in our community the opportunity to sponsor a family or donate a special gift on a child’s wish list that he or she probably would not have received otherwise,” said MacLachlan.
The program donated gifts to 67 children in 2013, and 250 children in 2014. The goal of this year’s program is to benefit at least 300 children in Niagara, Erie and Allegany counties.
To save ‘Save a Christmas’ for a child this holiday season, visit SaveAChristmas.org or contact Jeff Mendola, Director of Mission Advancement at New Directions, at 839-9500 or jmendola@ndyfs.org. Donations can be dropped off at Wyndham Lawn, 6395 Old Niagara Road.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
news@eastniagarapost.com
New Directions Youth and Family Services -- parent company to Wyndham Lawn in Lockport -- has launched its 2015 “Save a Christmas” program, an annual drive providing holiday gifts to low-income or single-parent families served by New Directions’ community-based programs through individual gift donations or family sponsorships.
“Save a Christmas” was inspired by MacLachlan’s personal experience of dealing with domestic violence and leaving home with her mother and brother when she was nine years old. As a child, she received a gift from an angel tree program which, according to Ashleigh, essentially “saved her Christmas.”
“That first Christmas we were involved with a program similar to the ‘Save a Christmas’ program,” said MacLachlan. “I specifically remember the gifts I received that year, and it meant so much to me that someone I didn’t know had gotten these things for me.”
Because of her own experience, MacLachlan decided to start an annual holiday donation program at New Directions to make Christmas a happier day for those with a similar background.
“Our annual program gives people in our community the opportunity to sponsor a family or donate a special gift on a child’s wish list that he or she probably would not have received otherwise,” said MacLachlan.
The program donated gifts to 67 children in 2013, and 250 children in 2014. The goal of this year’s program is to benefit at least 300 children in Niagara, Erie and Allegany counties.
To save ‘Save a Christmas’ for a child this holiday season, visit SaveAChristmas.org or contact Jeff Mendola, Director of Mission Advancement at New Directions, at 839-9500 or jmendola@ndyfs.org. Donations can be dropped off at Wyndham Lawn, 6395 Old Niagara Road.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
Monday, November 23, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
Cornerstone CFCU will sponsor a free holiday movie event for members of its Kangaroo Kids Club at 9 a.m. Friday at the Historic Palace Theatre, 1 East Ave.
The event, which is free to all Kangaroo Kids Club members and their parents, will feature the showing of two holiday movies -- the cartoon short “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and the feature film, “The Santa Clause.” Attendees will also receive a complimentary small popcorn and pop.
Members interested in attending, can get a free child and adult ticket from any Cornerstone CFCU branch. Kids who are not a Kangaroo Kids Club member, can sign up at any Cornerstone branch and immediately receive the tickets, as well as have $5 added into their account.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the free ticket offer is limited to the first 300 Kangaroo Kids Club members.
Cornerstone CFCU is a credit union and financial cooperative that has been serving Niagara County since 1957. For more information, visit cornerstonecommunityfcu.org or call 625-6733.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
news@eastniagarapost.com
The event, which is free to all Kangaroo Kids Club members and their parents, will feature the showing of two holiday movies -- the cartoon short “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and the feature film, “The Santa Clause.” Attendees will also receive a complimentary small popcorn and pop.
Members interested in attending, can get a free child and adult ticket from any Cornerstone CFCU branch. Kids who are not a Kangaroo Kids Club member, can sign up at any Cornerstone branch and immediately receive the tickets, as well as have $5 added into their account.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the free ticket offer is limited to the first 300 Kangaroo Kids Club members.
Cornerstone CFCU is a credit union and financial cooperative that has been serving Niagara County since 1957. For more information, visit cornerstonecommunityfcu.org or call 625-6733.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
Friday, November 20, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream announced this year's Christmas flavors on its Facebook page this afternoon.
According to the post, Lake Effect owners Erik Bernardi and Jason Wulf have been planning the new flavors since last year, following the conclusion of that successful sale, which included The Nog, S'mores and Hot Chocolate, Chevre and Figgy Pudding, and Candy Cane Parfait.
The new flavors, which they refer to as "off the hook," include Yule Log, Oakes Riesling Pear and Toasted Macadamia Nut, Christmas Jingle, and Butterbeer.
The flavors come as a $25 holiday four-pack, which must be pre-ordered through Lake Effect's website by Dec. 5. The boxes must be picked up from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 18 or 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dec. 19 or 20. Each four-pack will also include a wooden nickel good for a free ice cream cone from the scoop shop. Two of the gift boxes will have a "golden ticket" placed inside. Whoever gets the golden tickets will have the opportunity to work with Bernardi and Wulf to create their own custom ice cream flavor.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
news@eastniagarapost.com
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Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream announced this year's new Christmas flavors
via their Facebook today. (ENP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER N.
GRIMMER)
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According to the post, Lake Effect owners Erik Bernardi and Jason Wulf have been planning the new flavors since last year, following the conclusion of that successful sale, which included The Nog, S'mores and Hot Chocolate, Chevre and Figgy Pudding, and Candy Cane Parfait.
The new flavors, which they refer to as "off the hook," include Yule Log, Oakes Riesling Pear and Toasted Macadamia Nut, Christmas Jingle, and Butterbeer.
The flavors come as a $25 holiday four-pack, which must be pre-ordered through Lake Effect's website by Dec. 5. The boxes must be picked up from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 18 or 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dec. 19 or 20. Each four-pack will also include a wooden nickel good for a free ice cream cone from the scoop shop. Two of the gift boxes will have a "golden ticket" placed inside. Whoever gets the golden tickets will have the opportunity to work with Bernardi and Wulf to create their own custom ice cream flavor.
Flavor #1 –Yule Log
Of course, the first flavor I list is the one that might be over the top. Every year, my family has a traditional Yule Log at Christmas. If you’ve never had one, I always thought of it as kind of a giant Hostess Ho-Ho. This ice cream is our take on that traditional dessert: chocolate cake batter ice cream, swirled with chocolate and blended with chocolate brownies chunks, vanilla pound cake pieces and chocolate flake. Like I said, over the top.
Flavor #2 –Oakes Riesling, Pear and Toasted Macadamia Nut
Wait until you try this one. We created an ice cream built around a Riesling, and the result is one of the best wine ice creams we have ever made. We infused the cream with Leonard Oakes Petillant Naturel Riesling, added a hint of pear and then blended roasted and salted macadamia nuts throughout.
Flavor #3 –Christmas Jingle
We plucked this one right out of our childhood. If your home is anything like ours, we start buying Jingle cookies sometime before Thanksgiving and eat them through the entire holiday season. I can’t tell you all the times I remember playing video games next to a bowl of jingles as a kid. So, to do them justice in an ice cream, we created an ultra rich sweet cream ice cream and packed it with crushed Jingle cookies. Last, we and topped it with colorful decorative sugar crystals just like on the iconic cookie.
Flavor #4 –Butterbeer
We've tested this flavor for months and are glad to announce that we finally finished our final ice cream recipe in time for Christmas. Harry Potter fans rejoice, we have created Butterbeer ice cream. We researched the ingredients and converted them to a creamy and rich Butterbeer flavor. We even top each pint with a vanilla cream “head” just like on a frosty pint. Mischief managed.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Last year around this time, this column had an installment looking at what you could get the nature lover in your family for Christmas. That article, which can be found here, discussed some of my favorite field guides.
Although those books are truly timeless suggestions, not everyone is a book person or they might already have a strong nature library. So, I plan on making a Christmas article an annual occurrence, throwing some alternative ideas out there for you because sometimes it seems so incredibly tough to figure out what to give your loved ones, which tends to add some unneeded stress to the holiday season which is really supposed to be anything but stressful.
For this year, I offer you these suggestions…
Conservationist magazine
You can get a gift subscription online for the affordable price of $12 for 7 issues. That’s not a bad deal for a magazine that is consistently excellent from cover to cover.
Planisphere
A planisphere is a circular tool comprised of two discs that act as a map of the nighttime sky. You place the planisphere over your head and adjust one of the discs for the date and time (because the layout of the sky changes by the hour and by the day). With it, you can then navigate your way through the heavens like an expert.
A quick search of Amazon or Google will find a variety of planispheres, most with a price tag between $9 and $13. When shopping, though, you have to be specific to the latitude or the tool will be useless (not everyone on this Earth sees the same sky). The latitude of Lockport is 43 degrees north. Planispheres are effective for plus or minus 5 degrees. So, if you get one that’s rated for anywhere from 38 to 45 degrees you’ll be fine. You might see some that aren’t specific to the degree and say “40 to 50 degrees,” which is fine for this area because that’s a 45-degree planisphere.
Rain gauge
When we get socked by big storms, a lot of nature watchers get curious about how much rain we got, especially when totals can vary so much across Western New York. Plus, many of those folks are also gardeners and they might be curious as to how their garden or landscaping has fared. There’s also a sense of pride to be taken on social media when someone says he got a half inch of rain and you counter with “oh, yeah? My rain gauge says we got an inch and a quarter!”
Rain gauges are cheap ($3 to $10) and can be found at any local hardware store and their small size lends them to being excellent stocking stuffers.
+Bob Confer lives in rural Gasport. Follow him on Twitter @bobconfer or email him at bobconfer@juno.com.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
Monday, November 16, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
Thanksgiving and holiday floral arrangements may be ordered through Opportunities Unlimited -- to benefit people with disabilities.
Proceeds from all floral sales, classes and events benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale to the public for holidays and year-round.
Thanksgiving floral arrangements, feature tropical planters with holiday trim, one-sided or full centerpieces priced $20 to $30. Orders are due today with pick-up on Nov. 25.
Holiday floral arrangements, feature Poinsettias, wreaths and more priced from $9.99 to $30. Orders are due Wednesday with pickup on Dec. 5 and 7.
Visit www.oppunlimited.org/greenhouse/store or contact Robert Bracikowski at greenhouse@oppunlimited.org or 504-2617 ext. 244 to order arrangements. Lockport pick-ups are at 107 Heath Street. Corporate deliveries are available for large orders.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
news@eastniagarapost.com
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Tropical arrangements for Thanksgiving and Christmas
are available through Opportunities Unlimited.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
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Proceeds from all floral sales, classes and events benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale to the public for holidays and year-round.
Thanksgiving floral arrangements, feature tropical planters with holiday trim, one-sided or full centerpieces priced $20 to $30. Orders are due today with pick-up on Nov. 25.
Holiday floral arrangements, feature Poinsettias, wreaths and more priced from $9.99 to $30. Orders are due Wednesday with pickup on Dec. 5 and 7.
Visit www.oppunlimited.org/greenhouse/store or contact Robert Bracikowski at greenhouse@oppunlimited.org or 504-2617 ext. 244 to order arrangements. Lockport pick-ups are at 107 Heath Street. Corporate deliveries are available for large orders.
East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
NEWFANE -- The annual Newfane Holiday Light Up and Parade will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4 on Main Street.
Cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa will all be part of the days festivities in addition to the parade. Santa will be brought in on a horse drawn wagon, and the lights in town will be lit as the parade makes it way down Main Street. The Wishing Tree will be lit along with a special light up display at the gazebo.
The Newfane United Methodist Church will hold its annual Candy Cane Lane which features vendors, food and crafts beginning at 4 p.m. the same date. Then following the parade, Grace Bible church will hold its first night of the Living Nativity.
Any organization or community group that would like to participate in the parade is asked to contact parade chairman Pat Darrow at 512-9731. This event is sponsored by the Newfane Business Association.
news@eastniagarapost.com
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This guy will be in Newfane on Dec. 4 for the annual Holiday Light Up and
Parade. (ENP FILE PHOTO)
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Cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa will all be part of the days festivities in addition to the parade. Santa will be brought in on a horse drawn wagon, and the lights in town will be lit as the parade makes it way down Main Street. The Wishing Tree will be lit along with a special light up display at the gazebo.
The Newfane United Methodist Church will hold its annual Candy Cane Lane which features vendors, food and crafts beginning at 4 p.m. the same date. Then following the parade, Grace Bible church will hold its first night of the Living Nativity.
Any organization or community group that would like to participate in the parade is asked to contact parade chairman Pat Darrow at 512-9731. This event is sponsored by the Newfane Business Association.
Catch up quick
Friday, January 2, 2015
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Cornerstone CFCU employee Susan Rohring hand Major Jose Santiago of the Lockport Salvation Army a check, while Robert Pfeil, vice president of human resources at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
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ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
Cornerstone CFCU got ugly for a good cause.
The community credit union held its second Ugly Sweater Contest on Dec. 17, in which employees donated $5 for the "privilege" of wearing an ugly sweater — with proceeds going to charity.
Fourty-nine employees nominated over 30 different organizations, a testament not only to the employees but also to the many worthy groups in our community. This successful event raised $260. Susan Rohring, the employee who won her choice of charities selected the Sister Mary Loretto Soup Kitchen, located in Lockport.
The Sister Mary Loretto Soup kitchen is run out of the Lockport Salvation Army at 50 Cottage Street. According to Major Jose Santiago of the Salvation Army, the soup kitchen serves 120 meals each week day and 100% of the money donated to soup kitchen goes to providing meals. That’s over 31,000 meals a year to the less fortunate of our community.
Established in 1957 as Unit No. 1 Federal Credit Union, Cornerstone Community FCU is a community chartered, federally insured credit union. Cornerstone has grown to become the largest credit union based in Western New York with more than 48,000 and assets in excess of $355 million. Those who live, work, volunteer, attend school or worship within Niagara County are eligible for membership under Cornerstone’s charter. For additional information, call 434.2290 or visit CornerstoneCommunityFCU.org.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
ROME, N.Y. — New York Air National Guardsmen from the Eastern Air Defense Sector will play a key role tonight as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks Santa Claus and his reindeer.
"NORAD has supported Santa Claus' Christmas Eve operations for more than 50 years and we are always delighted to help," said Col. Michael J. Norton, EADS commander. "I can assure everyone that EADS will do everything in its power to assist Santa with his critical mission."
EADS' Sector Operations Control Center (SOCC) will monitor Santa constantly as he travels across the eastern U.S. delivering toys and gifts. These activities are in support of the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., which leads the Santa monitoring effort.
NORAD started its Santa tracking operation at 5 a.m. Children and parents can call the NORAD operations floor at 1-877-446-6723 for live updates on Santa or track Santa on the web at www.noradsanta.org.
The Santa tracking tradition started in 1955, when a Colorado Springs, Colorado Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement encouraging local children to call Santa listed an incorrect phone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number went into to the Continental Air Defense Command's operations hotline. Col. Harry Shoup, the operations director, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given location updates and a tradition was born.
In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created the bi-national air defense command North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which then took on the tradition of tracking Santa.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.
East Niagara Post will offer updates on Santa's whereabouts throughout the day and night.
Get the daily East Niagara Post email update.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Tharrett, pointing, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Washburn
train for Christmas Eve tracking operations at the Eastern Air Defense
Sector in Rome, N.Y. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
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"NORAD has supported Santa Claus' Christmas Eve operations for more than 50 years and we are always delighted to help," said Col. Michael J. Norton, EADS commander. "I can assure everyone that EADS will do everything in its power to assist Santa with his critical mission."
EADS' Sector Operations Control Center (SOCC) will monitor Santa constantly as he travels across the eastern U.S. delivering toys and gifts. These activities are in support of the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., which leads the Santa monitoring effort.
NORAD started its Santa tracking operation at 5 a.m. Children and parents can call the NORAD operations floor at 1-877-446-6723 for live updates on Santa or track Santa on the web at www.noradsanta.org.
The Santa tracking tradition started in 1955, when a Colorado Springs, Colorado Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement encouraging local children to call Santa listed an incorrect phone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number went into to the Continental Air Defense Command's operations hotline. Col. Harry Shoup, the operations director, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given location updates and a tradition was born.
In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created the bi-national air defense command North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which then took on the tradition of tracking Santa.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.
East Niagara Post will offer updates on Santa's whereabouts throughout the day and night.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
‘Twas the night before Christmas as I sat at my computer,
To see if they identified the latest police shooter.
I shook my head as I just do not see,
How killing police makes anyone feel free.
So I decided to see what was going on with Sony,
Only to find more corporate talk and useless baloney.
The company claims that the movie will be seen,
Even if it has to lose truckloads of green.
As I was tapping away I heard such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave just enough light to see a large, moving shadow.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a beat-up Ford truck leading some guys in military gear.
I looked at the truck and recognized all too soon,
That the leader of this group was Kim Jong Un.
He was waving his cane as he stood in the back of the truck,
And he could be heard exclaiming that “America was out of luck.”
A crowd started to gather in the middle of the street,
To listen to the words of this misguided little freak.
“I have conquered your movies and your White House will be dead!”
Most people shrugged their shoulders and went back to bed.
I asked him how he intended to bring Obama down,
He replied “With my superpowers and the help of your town.”
I inquired as to what made him feel so bold,
He just smiled and said we feared him, or so he was told.
I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself,
And his round face turned red with anger, like a little Christmas elf.
“You will bow before Kim Jong Un” he yelled out loud,
But by this time I was the only person left in the crowd.
I asked him why his Internet was down and he just hung his head,
He mumbled that the Chinese were mad about something he said.
I put my arm over his shoulder and showed him the town,
I asked why he would want to bring such a dynamic society down.
Then he said that he saw that the American people were cruel,
And that we didn’t know how to live within our own rules.
I shook my head as I had to agree,
Lately, my own people had been embarrassing to me.
He asked, “Why do you defend a country such as this?”
I told him that behind the headlines are the good things you can miss.
There are people in America who care and bring the world cheer,
But they never make it onto CNN, because they don’t inspire fear.
Kim Jong Un said there was a different side to North Korea as well,
He said that not everyone in the country lives in hell.
He told me about his castles, his cars and his lands,
He told me that he is ruler of everywhere he stands.
He said that the people cheer and clap when he walks by,
Because if they didn’t cheer and clap they knew they would die.
I shook my head and asked him why he hated his land,
He said that he didn’t hate them, but he felt they needed a firm hand.
“Look around you,” I said, “there is freedom as far as you can see,”
“Americans are allowed to be whatever they want to be.”
I saw Kim Jong Un scan the horizon looking at freedom all around,
Then he suddenly got misty-eyed and quickly sat down.
“If you truly have freedom,” he said with a tear,
Then why do so many of your people live in fear?
I explained that the media makes things worse than they are,
They use fear to create things like a federal Ebola czar.
America is a great country and it has everything you need,
Kim Jong Un got to his feet, looked me in the eyes and said “Indeed.”
He got back into his Ford pick-up and ordered the engines to engage,
Then he thanked me for showing him how he could change.
But I heard him exclaim ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas America, I have only begun to fight!”
Sigh, what a douche.
George Root is not a poet, but he lives in Niagara County. Merry Christmas everyone and have a great holiday season!
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
All Buffalo-Niagara Post Offices will be open Christmas Eve but all will close at noon except:
Regular mail delivery and blue collection boxes having final collection times before noon will not be affected by these changes, but collection boxes with final collection times scheduled after noon will be collected by noon.
Revised hours will be posted at each Post Office. Customers may call 1-800-ASK-USPS for information about specific Post Office hours.
Post Offices will be closed Christmas Day and only Priority Express Mail will be delivered.
Regular mail delivery and Post Office hours will resume Friday.
Customers can access many postal services and products at local retailers (stamps), at a self-service kiosk or at usps.com.
Get the daily East Niagara Post email update.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
news@eastniagarapost.com
- Cayuga Branch Post Office, 285 Cayuga Road, Cheektowaga - open until 5 p.m.
- Batavia Post Office, 2 West Main St. - open until 3 p.m.
- Orchard Park Post Office, 60 School St. - open until 3 p.m.
- Tonawanda Post Office, 96 Seymour St. - open until 3 p.m.
Regular mail delivery and blue collection boxes having final collection times before noon will not be affected by these changes, but collection boxes with final collection times scheduled after noon will be collected by noon.
Revised hours will be posted at each Post Office. Customers may call 1-800-ASK-USPS for information about specific Post Office hours.
Post Offices will be closed Christmas Day and only Priority Express Mail will be delivered.
Regular mail delivery and Post Office hours will resume Friday.
Customers can access many postal services and products at local retailers (stamps), at a self-service kiosk or at usps.com.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
AAA Travel reports nearly 11.2 million people in the Mid-Atlantic Region (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) will travel 50 miles of more to get to their year-end holiday destinations. This is an increase of 4.7% from the 10.5 million people who traveled in the same region last year. 10.1 million people will be traveling via car, up 5% from 2013; and 723,000 people will be taking to the sky, an increase of 1.5% from the previous year.
This upward trend marks the highest forecast growth rate for the year-end holiday season since 2009 and the highest travel volume for the holiday period on record. The year-end holiday period is Dec. 23 to Jan. 4.
“The Year-end holidays are a time to connect with close family and friends,” said Jim Lehman, President of AAA East Central. “Many Americans are taking advantage of the fact that this is the longest holiday period since 2008; since Christmas falls on a Thursday this year,” Lehman added.
AAA Forecasts 98.6 million Americans to Travel Nationally
Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
Today’s national average price of gasoline is at $2.51, the lowest level in five years and 71 cents lower than last year, a welcome gift for holiday travelers. Gas prices have fallen for 83 days in a row, helping to increase Americans’ disposable income 3.5 percent from year-ago levels, which has had a positive effect on travel.
Hotel, car rental rates rise modestly
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase four percent from one year ago with travelers spending an average of $143 per night compared to $138 last year. The average hotel rate for AAA Two Diamond hotels has risen five percent with an average cost of $108 per night. Daily car rental rates will average $66, four percent higher than last year.
Airfares fall seven percent this year, driven by low-cost carriers
Average discounted round-trip airfares across 40 top domestic routes are expected to fall seven percent this year. This is influenced by the availability of discounted rates from low-cost carriers in several top markets. AAA encourages travelers to consider the full cost of a ticket when purchasing air travel, as many airlines charge ancillary fees for checked bags, meals, priority boarding and seat assignments.
AAA expects to rescue 1.1 million motorists this holiday season
Between Dec. 23 and Jan. 4, AAA expects to come to the rescue of more than 1.1 million motorists with the primary reasons for breakdowns being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends motorists check battery and tire condition and prepare vehicles for winter driving before heading out on a holiday getaway. Car care tips and information are available at AAA.com.
AAA offers travel planning resources
AAA’s digital tools for travel planning on the go include the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
On AAA.com, travelers can find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using the TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.
AAA’s collection of downloadable eTourBook guides for tablets and smartphones is available free to members at AAA.com/ebooks. Choose from 101 top North American destinations including city titles, like the award-winning Las Vegas, and regions like Wine Country and national parks.
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2014 Year-End Travel Forecast can be found here.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit organization with 83 local offices in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and New York, servicing more than 2.7 million members.
Get the daily East Niagara Post email update.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
news@eastniagarapost.com
This upward trend marks the highest forecast growth rate for the year-end holiday season since 2009 and the highest travel volume for the holiday period on record. The year-end holiday period is Dec. 23 to Jan. 4.
“The Year-end holidays are a time to connect with close family and friends,” said Jim Lehman, President of AAA East Central. “Many Americans are taking advantage of the fact that this is the longest holiday period since 2008; since Christmas falls on a Thursday this year,” Lehman added.
AAA Forecasts 98.6 million Americans to Travel Nationally
- 98.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more, up 4% from the 94.5 million in 2013
- 91% (89.5 million) of travelers will drive to their destinations, up 4.3% from last year
- 5.8% (5.7 million) of people will take a plane, up 1% from 2013
- 3.4% (3.4 million)of Americans will take other modes of transportation, an increase of 3% from 2013
Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
Today’s national average price of gasoline is at $2.51, the lowest level in five years and 71 cents lower than last year, a welcome gift for holiday travelers. Gas prices have fallen for 83 days in a row, helping to increase Americans’ disposable income 3.5 percent from year-ago levels, which has had a positive effect on travel.
Hotel, car rental rates rise modestly
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase four percent from one year ago with travelers spending an average of $143 per night compared to $138 last year. The average hotel rate for AAA Two Diamond hotels has risen five percent with an average cost of $108 per night. Daily car rental rates will average $66, four percent higher than last year.
Airfares fall seven percent this year, driven by low-cost carriers
Average discounted round-trip airfares across 40 top domestic routes are expected to fall seven percent this year. This is influenced by the availability of discounted rates from low-cost carriers in several top markets. AAA encourages travelers to consider the full cost of a ticket when purchasing air travel, as many airlines charge ancillary fees for checked bags, meals, priority boarding and seat assignments.
AAA expects to rescue 1.1 million motorists this holiday season
Between Dec. 23 and Jan. 4, AAA expects to come to the rescue of more than 1.1 million motorists with the primary reasons for breakdowns being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends motorists check battery and tire condition and prepare vehicles for winter driving before heading out on a holiday getaway. Car care tips and information are available at AAA.com.
AAA offers travel planning resources
AAA’s digital tools for travel planning on the go include the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
On AAA.com, travelers can find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using the TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.
AAA’s collection of downloadable eTourBook guides for tablets and smartphones is available free to members at AAA.com/ebooks. Choose from 101 top North American destinations including city titles, like the award-winning Las Vegas, and regions like Wine Country and national parks.
AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2014 Year-End Travel Forecast can be found here.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit organization with 83 local offices in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and New York, servicing more than 2.7 million members.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
EDITOR'S NOTE: "A NIGHT AT THE DRIVE IN" will return next week. Today, enjoy George's take on Christmas specials ...
Christmas is kind of my thing, so I wanted to go outside my normal format a little and talk about a few other classic presentations that seem to be drifting away as the years go by. Anyone who is around my age (none of your business) remembers those great Claymation Christmas specials that were in vogue for a decade or so. It was alternative animation before computer 3D animation took over and these specials are a lot of fun.
If you have heard of these Claymation specials, or even seen them emulated in today’s commercials and on the Internet, then you need to do yourself a favor and make sure that you check out the three most essential Claymation Christmas specials of all-time. Christmas just would not be complete without these little gems from the past.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph did not start the Claymation era of animation, but he rapidly became a favorite of Claymation fans around the world. Rudolph wound up starring in two other Claymation specials to go along with his 1964 classic. From Hermey the Elf Dentist to Yukon Cornelius and whatever he is supposed to be, this Claymation classic is something everyone should see at least once.You can still see Christmas decorations based on the designs of these characters and it still sells pretty well on DVD or Blu-Ray every holiday season, which speaks loudly to the popularity of this wonderful Christmas special. Each Christmas, it is not difficult to find images from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in just about any store you go to.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)
There are a few too many musical numbers in this Christmas special for my tastes, but this is one of those Claymation specials that gets dusted off every year and played for the masses on cable television. This one even makes an appearance on network television from time to time, but nothing like it used to when it was first released in 1970.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Mickey Rooney checks in again as Santa Claus and, once again, he does a fine job. But the real stars of this show are the Heat Miser and the Snow Miser. There are tons of covers of the Heat Miser and Snow Miser songs out there and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy even had a minor hit a few Christmases ago remaking those songs. The images in this one are bizarre, but this Christmas special is a lot of fun to watch.
One of the advantages of never growing up is that I am able to maintain a broad perspective on the movies and television shows I grew up with. I still watch the Claymation specials every Christmas and I am trying desperately to get my grandson interested in them as well.
For anyone who is new to these Claymation specials, these are the three I would recommend you get started with. But, in reality, I always recommend that you watch as many Christmas specials as you can every holiday season. A little Christmas never hurt anyone, especially when it is a classic.
George N Root III is a drive-in movie fanatic and Christmas enthusiast. His reviews appear every week and get stranger and stranger with each installment.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
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