Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, wants its neighbors to grill safely as Memorial Day rings in the unofficial start of the summer cook-out season.

"When it comes to grilling meats, it is best to remember 'don't put it on the bun until it's done,'" said James DiMartino, Tops' senior manager of food safety. "We love our burgers, but no matter the size or seasoning, all burgers made with ground beef need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160° F to kill any harmful bacteria, such as E.coli."

Among the safety tips for summer food preparers are:

•Use a meat thermometer (0-222° F) to take your burger's temperature by inserting it in the thickest part and waiting 15-20 seconds for a reading.

•Safe temperatures for chops, steaks and roasts from beef, veal and lamb are 145° F for medium rare, 160° F for medium, and 170° F for well done. For ground and whole poultry, the temperature should be 165°F, and pork chops and roast should be 145° F. For all meats that you may want to add stuffing to, the item must reach 165°F and then held for 16 seconds.

•Marinated foods should be stored in the refrigerator at 41°F, and not on the counter or outdoors. If the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, keep some of it in a separate container before adding the raw meat, poultry or seafood. Never reuse marinade.

•When preparing summer salads, ensure that all ingredients are pre-chilled, to 45°F or less, before they are all mixed together. Other ingredients can be cooled overnight in shallow pans.

•All potatoes, tuna, eggs and mayonnaise should be cold. Potatoes, macaroni and eggs should be cooked one-day ahead, and canned tuna pre-chilled overnight in the refrigerator.

Tops Markets LLC is headquartered in Williamsville, and operates 153 full-service supermarkets - 148 company-owned and five franchise locations under the Tops, Grand Union and Bryant's banners. With more than 15,000 associates, Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer.

For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. cut the ribbon Friday on its 520-linear-foot dock extension along the Central Wharf at Canalside in Buffalo, doubling the dock's length and bringing the total amount of berthing space to nearly 1,000 feet. It will allow for up to 40 additional boats to dock at Canalside.

"Today's ribbon-cutting demonstrates another move by Gov. Cuomo to enhance the experience for the anticipated 800,000 individuals that will visit Canalside this season," said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. "The dock extension will boost seasonal and recreational use of the Buffalo River and Canalside, further connecting residents and visitors to our region's greatest natural asset. We heard from the public that it wants increased access to the waterfront, we listened and we delivered."

The majority of the docks will have 30 inches of freeboard, to match the existing floating docks. The last 40 feet at the southern end fill have a lower profile with 12 inches of freeboard to allow easier access for smaller vessels like kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft. BFLO Harbor Kayak is now set up at the south end of the site, toward the Skyway pier and DL&W Terminal. A platform and gangway at the southern end of the docks, as well as an additional gangway at the northern end, will allow increased and efficient access to the docks.

New this year is also water bike rentals through Water Bikes of Buffalo.

"When first installed, these docks were the only publicly accessible, wheelchair-accessible docks in the region," said Tom Nowak, president of Great Lakes Watersports Institute, which runs the program Adaptive Watersports at Canalside. "They have proven enormously successful and the extension will make this great waterfront asset available to even more people."

In addition to the seasonal docks, ECHDC purchased a floating platform to allow for safe and easy docking for larger vessels, like tall ships. The floating platform has an adjustable access platform and two gangways to efficiently manage circulation of tours and crowds when large ships are visiting. It will be used for events such as the Maritime Festival, when Canalside will welcome the tall ships Peacemaker and Lynx to Buffalo's waterfront to celebrate the maritime history and tradition along one of the world's most storied canalways, Sept. 13-15.

Congressman Brian Higgins said, "Increased activity along Buffalo's waterfront is creating additional demand for facilities to accommodate all of the new and returning visitors. With each project we build excitement and momentum that is important to Western New York, not only for the public space it provides, but the jobs and economic opportunities multiplying as a result of the groundwork we've built."

State Sen. Mark Grisanti said, "I am excited to be a part of yet another development downtown. This expansion on the waterfront will provide more access for those who enjoy watersports. I again encourage everyone to come on down and check out Canalside and all the great things happening every day."

State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, "This is another sign of progress and another opportunity for Western New Yorkers to come out and enjoy Buffalo's waterfront. Canalside has so much to offer, and we must build on this momentum and continue to support economic development. I thank Gov. Cuomo and my colleagues in government for their ongoing focus on rebuilding Buffalo, starting at the water's edge."

Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, "Public access to the water should be the No. 1 goal as efforts are undertaken to improve our waterfront. This latest project shows an ongoing commitment by Gov. Cuomo to provide that public access, and create new recreational opportunities for all boaters during the upcoming summer season at Canalside."

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "The extension of the Canalside dock adds another feature to a one-of-a-kind attraction here on our waterfront. Visitors who enjoy boating, kayaking and canoeing will feel right at home as they take to the water and enjoy the summer at Canalside, with recreational opportunities for all to take part in."

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "Today's announcement is further proof of the continued progress along the Buffalo waterfront that's spurring new investment and job growth. I'd like to thank Gov. Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Duffy for their dedication to the City of Buffalo and Canalside, where there's something for everyone. The dock extension is another part of this great success story, bringing more city residents and visitors to downtown Buffalo and our beautiful waterfront."

Herbert F. Darling Inc., the contactor, completed the $998,000 project on time and on budget. New York Power Authority funds and the balance of the inner harbor state funds paid for this project.

To reserve dock space, contact the dock operator, Brand On Services Inc., at 716-851-6501.

ECHDC recently launched its 2013 season of summer programming at Canalside and debuted www.canalsidebuffalo.com, a mobile-friendly events calendar. This year, Canalside will host more than 800 events and activities presented by 108 local individuals and organizations. It is expected that the programming will attract 800,000 visitors to Buffalo's waterfront. New offerings this year include "Canalside Food Fight" - a series of food truck competitions; a games and leisure component featuring an outdoor reading room and games, such as badminton and other lawn/board games, as well as pool, ping pong and foosball in The Ruins; and "A Celebration of Music" with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Friends. Old favorites returning with expanded programming include Explore and More Children's Museum, Young Audiences of WNY and the African American Cultural Center. Also back for 2013 are the Saturday Artisan Market, Music at the Ruins and fitness programs, such as yoga, tai chi and Zumba.

University at Buffalo earthquake engineer Michael C. Constantinou said that, while Friday's earthquake near Ottawa, Canada, appears to have caused little damage, it should nonetheless remind people that the East Coast is not immune to temblors.

"Fortunately, this is a relatively minor earthquake," said Constantinou, director of the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory at UB's Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research. "It serves as a reminder, though, that we're not immune to this type of seismic activity."

The quake struck at roughly 9:45 a.m. near Shawville, roughly 45 miles northwest of Ottawa. Preliminary measurements from Canada indicated the quake measured at 5.0 or 5.1 on the Richter scale. The U.S. Geological Survey placed it at a 4.4 magnitude temblor.

The quake occurred roughly 6 miles (9.8 kilometers) underground, the USGS said. Reverberations were felt almost immediately in the Buffalo Niagara region (220 miles southwest) and other parts of upstate New York and the Northeast.

Constantinou, professor in UB's Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, said he isn't surprised that the quake moved as far and as fast as it did. Past studies, including ones on the 2011 Virginia earthquake, indicate that geologic structure and rock properties on the East Coast allow seismic waves to travel farther without weakening compared to the West Coast, he said.

To reach the Buffalo Niagara region, the waves traveled under Lake Ontario, which at its deepest point is about 250 meters (820 feet) deep. Joseph Atkinson, a professor in UB's Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering who studies Lake Ontario, said the seismic waves are unlikely to have an impact on the lake.

More information about MCEER can be found here: http://mceer.buffalo.edu.

At Tech Wars, students will compete throughout the day in more than 15 different events, including Habitat for Humanity home design and modeling; bridge design and testing; robotic soccer; catapult challenges; T-shirt logo design; mousetrap-powered cars; and electric cars. The day's largest event, the robotic cage match, will feature radio-controlled 40-pound fighting robots in a battle royale spectacular. Two machines will enter, one will be victorious - but all will be entertained.

Representatives from Dream It, Do It and other local businesses will also participate in the day's activities. Tech Wars is sponsored by the Western New York Technology Education Association, the Western New York Career Pathways Consortium and the ECC South Campus Technologies programs.

For more information, call 716-851-1612 or visit www.wnytea.com/ECCTW.html.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is notifying the public that it will close its offices nationwide on Friday, May 24, as a result of government-wide automatic spending cuts that took effect on March 1. Absent any action to overcome these required reductions, the department anticipates the need to close and suspend operations for an additional six days over the remainder of the current fiscal year.

The closures are expected on:

• Friday, May 24
• Friday, June 14
• Friday, July 5
• Monday, July 22
• Friday, Aug. 2
• Friday, Aug. 16
• Friday, Aug. 30

A public hearing on Niagara County Community College's proposed $49 million budget will be held at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at the county courthouse in Lockport.

The budget includes a 2.6 percent tuition increase of $96 per year, which brings the total tuition cost to $3,792 per year.

William Ross, chairman of the Niagara County Legislature, said even with the increase, the college's tuition is near the middle of rates charged by all of the state's community colleges and is less than Erie Community College. Ross also is a member of the NCCC Board of Trustees.

Ross called it a "flat budget" as far as the county's $8.87 million contribution. "We have had no increase, I believe, for the seventh straight year," he said.

NCCC President Dr. James P. Klyczek is expected to attend the public hearing.

After the hearing, if there is a consensus of opinion among the county legislators, he will recommend passage of the budget, Ross said. If legislators have questions or want further discussion, the final vote on the NCCC budget could be held at the June 18 meeting.

"I thought, overall, it is a good budget," Ross said.

Any capital projects proposed by the college will be reviewed separately by the County Legislature. Those projects, if approved would be funded 50 percent by the county and 50 percent by the SUNY (State University of New York) system, Ross said.

Local volunteers, business people and elected leaders took part in the festivities. Those honored included:

•Lewiston Business of the Year - The Brickyard B.B.Q. & Pub / Tin Pan Alley

•Youngstown Business of the Year - Melloni's Market Place

•Sanborn Business of the Year - Wendt's Propane and Oil

•Ransomville Business of the Year - Fillmore Chapel United Methodist Church

•Village of Lewiston Citizen of the Year - Dr. Jerry Mosey

•Town of Lewiston Citizen of the Year - Lewiston Volunteers of Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center

•Youngstown Citizen of the Year - Claudia Andres

•Town of Porter Citizen of the Year -William and Jean Siddall

•River Region Partnership Award - Tedesco Construction Services, Inc.

•Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award - Artpark & Company

>>We have three full photo galleries showcasing highlights of the gala. Click here to see the images.

After 10 weeks of entertaining, stylized dancing from Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff, Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough, Alexandra Raisman and Mark Ballas and Zendaya and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, only one couple will be crowned "Dancing with the Stars" champions. These four remaining couples will have one last opportunity to impress the judges and viewers on Monday, May 20, concluding with the season finale, Tuesday, May 21, on the ABC Television Network.

In the final two-hour performance show on Monday, May 20 (8-10:01 p.m.), the remaining couples will compete in three rounds of dance. In the first round, each couple will take on a new routine in a dance style that the judges would like to see again. In round two, the couples will be challenged to a Cha Cha relay, where each pair dances to a different section of the same song. In the last round - and one of the biggest competitive dances of the season - the couples take on a supersized freestyle featuring special effects, additional dancers and unexpected surprises.

In the two-hour season finale on Tuesday, May 21 (9 p.m.), the entire celebrity cast returns, including Any Dick, Dorothy Hamill, D.L. Hughley, Wynonna Judd, Victor Ortiz, Ingo Rademacher, Sean Lowe and Lisa Vanderpump. The returning stars will perform a show-stopping opening number with the pro and troupe dancers. The show will feature music from Pitbull, who will perform his new single, "Hands Up," and Wynonna will sing "I Want to Know What Love Is."

In addition, PSY will take to the stage with his latest hit, "Gentleman," and Jessica Sanchez will sing her version of Pitbull's "Feel This Moment."

The fourth-place couple will be eliminated within the first hour of the show, and in a final element of the competition, the three remaining couples will perform a new routine in an "Instant Dance"- where they will tackle a style they know, but to music given to them for the first time live on television. This routine will be scored out of 30 and will round out the judges' scores across both nights.

Advanced Dental is located at 9501 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls.

For more information on "Operation Whiter-Brighter" and/or to schedule an appointment, call Advanced Dental at 716-297-1711.

The Health Association of Niagara County Inc. will present six awards at its annual meeting and luncheon at noon on June 6 at the Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Drive, Lewiston. The nonprofit agency will also conduct elections for its board of directors.

Network in Aging of Western New York Inc. will receive the Outstanding Partner Award for providing opportunities for resource exchange, professional development and partnerships enhancing HANCI's efforts to improve the quality of life for older persons and their families. Also honored will be Anthony Restaino, commissioner of the Niagara County Department of Social Services, who will receive the Chris Richbart Heart of HANCI Award for working collaboratively in support of HANCI and numerous other nonprofit organizations in the Niagara community. The Outstanding Sponsor Award will go to First Niagara Bank N.A., which supports HANCI's vital afterschool programs and capital projects. The Chairperson's Award for Distinguished Service will be presented to James Ward, HANCI board member and executive assistant to State Sen. George Maziarz, for his many years of dedication and service. A Special Recognition Award will be presented to the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University, for his commitment to HANCI and the greater Niagara community.

The emotional high point of the luncheon will be the presentation of the Karen Albond Courage in Caring Award, presented annually to an individual who perseveres in service to others despite a disability. Dorothy Rosino, who passed away after a courageous 11-year battle with cancer, will receive the award posthumously. She was nominated by her friend, Karen Gallo, fellow foster grandparent volunteer and best friend, who cited Dorothy's tenacity in continuing to tend to her students at 79th Street School, always putting them first.

Tickets are $30 each. Reservations are being accepted at 716-285-8224, ext. 101, or ksmith@hanci.com. Reservations are due by May 29.

Picnic Under the Stars

The summer season kicks off with the BPO's return to Bidwell Park in the Elmwood Village on Tuesday, June 25, and Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora on Thursday, June 27, each beginning at 7 p.m. These free, outdoor concerts will be conducted by Matthew Kraemer, and will feature a mix of Americana, taking listeners from the Cotton Club to the Motor City, and Broadway to Hollywood.

The Bidwell Park concert is made possible with support from Wendy Pierce. The concert at the Knox Farm State Park is presented with support from Lakeshore Savings, Realty USA and Fox Run of Orchard Park.

BPO at Fort Niagara

At 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29, the BPO will perform a bombastic concert at one of the area's oldest historic sites: Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown. Kraemer conducts this concert of classical favorites, including works by Rossini, Copland, Dvorak and Beethoven, concluding with the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky.

The concert is free for children younger than 6; $10 for students; and $20 general admission. A family four-pack is available for $49. All tickets will be available through the BPO box office at 716-885-5000 or www.bpo.org. Tickets include admission to the park.

'Summer Nights@Kleinhans'

The BPO's second season of "Summer Nights@Kleinhans" will kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 6, with Tchaikovsky Spectacular, conducted by Kraemer. From the ballets of "Swan Lake" and "Romeo and Juliet" to great orchestral works like Marche Slave and Capriccio Italien, Tchaikovsky is one of the Romantic era's most beloved and popular composers.

Audiences for "Summer Nights@Kleinhans" are invited to pack a picnic supper or sample the wares of the Buffalo food trucks and enjoy the grounds of the concert hall and its historic neighborhood setting.

"Summer Nights@Kleinhans" will continue at 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, with "A Tribute to Dave Brubeck." In the closing days of 2012, the music world lost a legend. Jazz composer and pianist Brubeck was 91 when he died. He is credited with introducing the Baby Boom generation to jazz, and popularizing it to a mainstream audience.

The BPO will pay tribute to his legacy with a performance featuring the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, formed by his sons.

JoAnn Falletta will take the podium for the final "Summer Nights@Kleinhans" concert, at 7 p.m. Friday, July 26. "España" features Spanish-inflected music by Chabrier, Falla and Rimsky-Korsakov. Special guest artist Celil Refik Kaya wowed Buffalo when he won the 2012 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, and he returns to the scene of his triumph with this concert.

Tickets for "Summer Nights@Kleinhans" range from $19 to $49 and can be obtained by calling 716-885-5000 or visiting bpo.org.

Play Ball

The BPO and the Bisons continue their Independence Day eve tradition. On Wednesday, July 3, the Bisons will play the Rochester Red Wings at Coca-Cola Field starting at 6:05 p.m. After the game, the BPO will take the field, joined by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and led by Paul Ferington, for a program of patriotic favorites followed by Buffalo's biggest fireworks display. Tickets are available at www.bisons.com.

Celebration of Music with BPO and Friends at Canalside

Over a two-day period, the BPO will share its best with Western New York through a series of free performances at Canalside. The afternoon of Saturday, July 13, offers audiences a chance to see what BPO members do when they're not rehearsing for a concert. Chamber groups, jazz quartets, and percussion ensembles featuring BPO members are all on the schedule.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13, the orchestra will perform a Broadway-themed concert with soloists Gary Mauer and Elizabeth Southard. The Broadway veterans are also husband and wife, and have played opposite one another in major touring productions of "Showboat" and "Phantom of the Opera," as well as many symphonic engagements.

On July 14, the BPO will show off its family-friendly side with an afternoon of instrument demonstrations, workshops and a superhero-themed concert, with music from "X-Men," "The Incredibles," "Spider-man," "Batman" and more.

Lunch with BPO at M&T Bank Plaza

The M&T Bank Plaza summer noontime concert series is celebrating its 44th year, and the BPO will once again perform. Ferington will lead the orchestra on July 16 in this free outdoor concert.

Celebrating Artpark's 40th Anniversary

Artpark is celebrating a milestone year, and for its 40th anniversary, the BPO will perform with a host of special guests at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, recreating the park's 1974 opening concert. Buffalo native-turned Broadway star Michele Ragusa will sing selections from "Phantom of the Opera," "Music Man" and "My Fair Lady." Eminent pianist Norman Krieger, once the winner of the BPO's Young Artists Competition Prize, will perform Chopin's Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brilliante. Dancers from the Festival Ballet of Providence and Neglia Ballet Artists will join the BPO onstage, dancing to selections from ballets by Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov.

All tickets for the concert will be available at www.artpark.net.

Calling all Talented Amateur Musicians

The BPO's newest summer tradition is the "Fantasy Camp." Adult musicians apply to spend the day learning from the pros under Falletta's direction. A day of rehearsals and sectional coaching culminates in an evening performance with the BPO. No audition is required, but applications, available at bpo.org, must be submitted by June 21.

Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Suite, Bizet's Carmen Suites, Copland's Rodeo, and Borodin's Polovetsian Dances are all on the program. Friends, family and community members can cheer them on from the seats in Kleinhans free of charge at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

For further information about the summer concerts, visit www.bpo.org or call 716-885-5000.

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-I-60, announced Friday he nominated United States Army Captain Roger L. Woodworth as his nominee for the New York State Senate's 2013 Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree Celebration. Woodworth will be recognized at a ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday in Albany for his efforts in the military as well as his work as a veteran in Western New York. 


"I am proud to nominate Roger for this honor because of the many contributions he has made and continues to make in our community," Grisanti said. "His efforts at the Veteran One-Stop Center and the Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition, as well as his various interests outside of that work, are to be commended, which is why I am glad to acknowledge the work of him and all veterans as part of our celebration of veterans."


Woodworth was born in East Aurora and is a graduate of East Aurora Senior High School. He enlisted in the Army in 1996, attending basic training in South Carolina and advanced individual training in Virginia. After serving three years as an enlisted terrain analyst on the 42nd Infantry Division Terrain Team, Woodworth attended officers candidate school. He was commissioned in 1999 and began his career as an Army officer with service in Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment, Engineer Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division, as a tactical intelligence officer.


Woodworth served in leadership positions at various levels. In 2004, he was deployed to the Sunni Triangle and the four North-Central Provinces in Iraq. He led U.S. service members in ground combat and stability operations with Task Force Liberty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its work. Following re-deployment in 2005, he continued to serve into 2006, at which point he assumed an operations officer role.


Woodworth's current assignment is as an engineer operations officer. He is also a traditional member of the New York Army National Guard with more than 16 years of combined active and National Guard service. His awards and decorations are too numerous to list, but include Bronze Star Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.


Woodworth continues his service to veterans by remaining actively engaged in veterans' advocacy and service through various veteran-oriented committees and councils. He serves on the Erie County Legislature's VALER4Valor Committee and the VA WNY Healthcare Systems VA Advisory Council, among other veterans' advisory positions. He most recently served as chairman of the board of directors of the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY and was instrumental in its founding. He also serves as treasurer of the WNY Veterans Housing Coalition.


"I am honored to have been selected as the Distinguished Veteran for the 60th Senate District of the State of New York," Woodworth said. "I am humbled by the opportunity to represent all the veterans of the 60th Senate District whose service on behalf of our nation and community is as equally worthy of induction to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. A tradition that continues through the work of the great veteran service and advocacy organizations that I've had the pleasure and honor of working with, I thank Sen. Grisanti for this prestigious honor."


Woodworth holds an MBA from the University at Buffalo's School of Management's Executive Program and an undergraduate degree in management. He held various management positions at M&T Bank and currently works full-time as president and CEO of the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY. He lives in Orchard Park with his wife, Ellen, and their four children.

"Under Gov. Cuomo's leadership, productions and post-productions are flocking to New York, creating new jobs and pumping billions into our economy," said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams. "I am pleased to welcome Gigi Semone to our team, and look forward to working with her as we continue to make the Empire State the place to be for the film and television industry."

 "This is an exciting time to join the Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development," Semone said. "The office is on a record-breaking path, bringing new productions - and jobs - to all parts of the state. I am honored to take on this new role, and am committed to fostering the growth of this critical economic development engine."

As executive director, Semone will be responsible for marketing New York state as a location for film and television production, and will also oversee new initiatives championed by Cuomo to grow the industry - especially upstate. Semone will report to Rhoda Glickman, senior vice president for arts, culture and film development.

Semone comes to ESD with extensive industry experience. Most recently, she was the executive vice president of national publicity for Sony Pictures Entertainment, where she crafted and executed national broadcast, digital, print and radio publicity strategies. Prior to joining Sony, Semone was the vice president of Walt Disney Company's East Coast publicity division, where she successfully managed all aspects of magazine publicity for live action and animated films, and executed east coast events and press coverage.

Semone received her B.A. from Colgate University. A native New Yorker, she resides in New York City with her husband.

Since Cuomo took office, New York state's film and television tax credit program has taken off - experiencing a surge in program applications. It is estimated that the 349 projects that have filmed or applied to the program during the Cuomo administration will result in more than $5.5 billion in direct spending in New York. Many major television and film productions have cited the program as a leading factor in their decision to film and produce in New York.

For more information, visit http://www.nylovesfilm.com/index.asp.

Empire State Development is New York chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy by supporting private sector investment and job growth. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of assistance, ESD enables businesses to grow and create jobs throughout New York. ESD is also the lead agency for Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils, the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, Minority and Women-Owned Business Services, Small Business Assistance, and Tourism, which manages "I Love NY," the state's iconic brand. For more information, visit www.esd.ny.gov.

During a private luncheon at the Jackson Center with Roberts, Higgins presented the center with an official, signed copy of the House of Representatives' bill naming Western New York's federal courthouse for Justice Jackson.

"It is an honor to join the current chief justice as we recognize Robert Jackson, a distinguished Supreme Court justice and Western New Yorker who shaped our legal system and will now be forever recognized and remembered through the naming of the new federal courthouse," Higgins said.

He introduced a bill calling for the naming the new U.S. Courthouse in Buffalo for Robert H. Jackson in December of 2011. The bill, cosponsored by the full, 29-member bipartisan New York delegation, was approved by the House of Representatives on July 23, 2012, and signed by President Obama on Oct. 5. A ceremonial dedication naming the courthouse for Jackson is scheduled to take place this summer.

Robert H. Jackson was raised in Western New York and practiced law in Buffalo and Jamestown. He was a U.S. attorney general, a distinguished member of the U.S. Supreme Court who presided over some of the most important cases of his time, and was appointed by President Truman to prosecute Nazi war criminals in the Nuremburg Trials.

Higgins represented Chautauqua County, home of the Robert H. Jackson Center, from 2005-12.

Illustrating the continuity between its original and current coaches lineup, "The Voice" will bring back Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton for its fifth cycle in fall and will pair Levine and Shelton with Shakira and Usher for the sixth cycle in midseason. Carson Daly will return as host for both cycles.

The announcement was made Friday Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming, NBC Entertainment.

"We locked in a plan several months ago to have the outstanding Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green rejoin Blake and Adam for cycle 5, and we're pleased to announce that the original four coaches are going to be back together in the fall," he said. "They're the reason this show was launched so strong for the first three cycles and we owe them a debt of gratitude. And after careful consideration of everyone's schedules for next spring, we are excited to be returning the current cycle of judges — Shakira and Usher along with Blake and Adam — for cycle six, which will premiere after the Winter Olympics."

"We're very fortunate to have these six incredible artists to weave in and out of the show as their performing and recording schedules permit," said NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt. "The show has taken off largely due to the rapport and commitment of these great coaches, in addition to the expert hosting of Carson Daly."

"I am so thrilled that our 'Voice' family has grown from four coaches to six," said executive producer Mark Burnett. This show thrives on the ability of our coaches to continue to balance their enormous music careers with working on 'The Voice' to coach some of the best undiscovered talent in America. The coaching panel of Christina, CeeLo, Adam and Blake was at the heart of this show in its first three seasons, and we are so lucky to have found equal success with Shakira and Usher in season four. Our best seasons are ahead of us."

The current cycle of "The Voice" is averaging a 5.2 rating, 14 share in adults 18-49 and 14.5 million viewers overall on Monday nights, making it the season's No. 3 primetime series on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-49, as well as the No. 2 entertainment series and the No. 1 reality series, according to "most current" results from Nielsen Media Research. The Tuesday edition is averaging a 4.7/14 in 18-49 and 13.4 million viewers overall, making it the No. 4 entertainment series on in 18-49. Every telecast of "The Voice" so far this cycle, excluding recap episodes, has won its time period in adults 18-49.

Shelton, Levine, Green and Aguilera were the coaches for the first three seasons of "The Voice," and helped establish the musical competition series as a dominant ratings force. Shakira and Usher have only built on that, continuing to make "The Voice" a Nielsen hit.

Shakira and Usher will reteam with Shelton and Levine in midseason. The show will receive plenty of promotional pop during NBC's coverage of the February Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia.

"The Voice's" innovative format features four stages of competition: the first begins with the blind audition, then the "Battle Round," the brand new "Knockouts," and, finally, the live performance shows.

During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don't get to see them - thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the artist's voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team. At this point, the coach's chair will swivel so that he/she can face the artist he/she has selected. If more than one coach pushes their button, the power then shifts to the artist to choose which coach they want to work with. If no coach pushes his/her button, the artist is eliminated from the competition.

Once the teams are set, the battle is on. Coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their team of artists, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success along with the help from their celebrity advisers. During the "Battle Rounds," the coaches will pit two of their own team members against each other to sing the same song together in front of a studio audience.

After the vocal battle, the coach must choose which of his/her singers will advance to the next round of competition, while the losing artist is available to be stolen by another coach. Each coach has two steals during the "Battle Rounds."

At the end of the battles, only the strongest members of each coach's roster remain and proceed to the "Knockouts." The artists will be paired again with a member of their team, but this time they find out only minutes before performing who they are being compared against. The artists each select their own song to perform individually, while their direct competitor watches and waits. They are vying for their coach's confidence and decision to take them to the live shows. Their coach will choose the winner and the artist not selected will be sent home.

In the final live performance phase of the competition, the top artists from each team will compete each week against each other during a live broadcast. The television audience will vote to save their favorite artists and the two artists with the lowest number of votes will be sent home each week. In the end, one will be named "The Voice" and will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.

Find more about "The Voice" on NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/TheVoice. Fans can follow the show on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NBCTheVoice and on twitter at @NBCTheVoice and #TheVoice.

The CW Network and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment have announced a multi-year partnership making The CW the exclusive television broadcaster of the two-day, star-studded iHeartRadio Music Festival. The CW will also be the exclusive broadcast home of iHeartRadio's holiday Jingle Ball concert, the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party, album release parties and other concert specials. The agreement also gives the CW exclusive streaming rights to the television specials on CWTV.com following the broadcasts.

Mark Pedowitz, president, The CW, and John Sykes, president of Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises, announced the three-year agreement, beginning with The CW's broadcast of the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party in July.

"The CW is synonymous with what's now and what's next, and that includes music," Pedowitz said. "We have always been known for using the hottest, most of-the-moment music, both on our shows and in our marketing campaigns. Partnering with Clear Channel to present the biggest concert events of the year for our viewers is a natural fit for us, and also gives us more original event programming throughout the year."

"This is an ideal opportunity to take the original content that we create at Clear Channel to new platforms and audiences," Sykes said. "We chose The CW as our partner because we share the same powerful connection to a highly influential young demographic."

The CW will broadcast:

• The iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party, Monday, July 15, at 8p.m. The iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool party is a two-day musical weekend event at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, June 28-29, held as part of the Fontainebleau's BleauLive concert series. It will feature performances by recording artists Pitbull, Ke$ha, Afrojack, Icona Pop and Krewella.
• The iHeartRadio Music Festival, the two-day, start-studded music event returning to MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 20-21. Artist lineup and a broadcast date will be announced in July.
• iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball, Clear Channel's long-standing holiday concert franchise featuring the biggest names of the year in music with surprise superstar guests. Artist line-up and a broadcast date will be announced in the fall.
• iHeartRadio album release parties, Clear Channel's new, breakout live music series featuring superstar artists performing their new music in front of a live audience and sharing behind-the-scenes stories on the eve of their album releases, and other concert events throughout the year.

The days are getting longer and spring has finally sprung. Prom season is just around the corner and the Lewiston-Porter community is coming together to host the first ever Post Prom Party at Lewiston-Porter High School.

The goal of the party is to provide a safe, fun, supervised, drug and alcohol-free alternative to Lewiston-Porter students and their dates to continue the prom celebration.

The party is extended to students who do not wish to attend the prom itself, but would like to attend the Post Prom Party. The party will begin at 11:30 p.m. and end around 3 a.m., on June 7 - after the prom - at Lewiston-Porter High School.

The event has a "Monte Carlo" theme and will include games, refreshments and prizes for students. Some of the fun activities planned for the party include a mechanical bull, bungee run and a money booth, as well as other games and activities that will be set up in the gymnasium. Prizes will include cash, dorm items and electronics.

The Lancer Council and Post Prom Party committee members are actively seeking donations of items or cash for this event. Desired donations include, but are not limited to:

•Gift cards - Target, Mighty Taco, Walden Galleria Mall, Boulevard Mall, Fashion Outlets of Niagara USA, Best Buy, Tim Hortons, Regal Cinemas, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Nobles, iTunes and restaurants and grocery stores.

•Dorm room items - microwaves, mini-refrigerators, iPod docking stations, pillows, coffee makers, comforters, sports items, board games, portable grills, sleeping bags, luggage, electronics, laundry items, organizers and anything else suited for college freshmen.

Monetary donations and checks can be made out to Lewiston-Porter Activity Fund and mailed to Lewiston-Porter High School, 4061 Creek Road, Youngstown, NY 14174, attention: Lori Hurtgam.

Businesses that donate $25 or more in cash or prize donations will receive an honorable mention in the graduation pamphlet that is distributed at the Lewiston-Porter graduation ceremony. Sponsors will be placed in separate categories in the pamphlet as follows: $25 donation, bronze sponsor; $50 donation, silver sponsor; $100 donation, gold sponsor; $200 and up, platinum sponsor.

Contributing sponsors will also have their business names advertised throughout the Post Prom Party.

With help from the community, Lewiston-Porter High School students can have a safe and fun alternative to after-prom festivities.

This event is 100 percent funded by donations from local businesses, parents and members of the community and no donation will be considered too small.

For more information, contact Hurtgam at 716-754-2110, ext. 2110, or hurtgaml@lew-port.com.

Old Falls Street, USA, the historic three-block destination in downtown Niagara Falls, has released its schedule of activities for the 2013 season. Most activities are presented free of charge while promising "Food, Festivals and Fun ... just footsteps from Niagara Falls!"

For the first time in its history, Old Falls Street is presenting its Wi-Fi Café, near the Comfort Inn - The Point, closest to the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park. The café, complete with newly redesigned vending carts and umbrella tables, will allow guests a scenic place to enjoy lunch while being able to surf the Internet this summer.

"We are happy to feature Wi-Fi Internet capabilities for guests of Old Falls Street this year," said Global Spectrum's Ryan Coate, general manager of Old Falls Street and The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. "This addition, which will be up an running by the beginning of June 2013, will undoubtedly be a welcomed feature for those dining with us in the afternoon."

Another new addition is Kate Elliott, Old Falls Street's new sous chef, who is bringing a fresh approach to the street's food vending. Elliott, a Western New York native and former Nickel City Chef contestant, is the former executive chef at Merge and Juniper restaurants in Buffalo. Her unique style blends Western New York favorites with traditional street food, and vegetarian options as well. This summer, menu items will include a variety of poutines, sliders, sandwich wraps and tacos.

Old Falls Street is also bringing the best of Western New York's food trucks onto the street on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, featuring Amy's Truck on Mondays and The Roaming Buffalo on Tuesdays. Ooh La La Fashion Truck, a mobile retail store vending women's fashions, will also be featured on Tuesday afternoons.

In addition to a fresh new approach to food vending, Old Falls Street will feature the following:

•ENCOUNTER NIAGARA RE-ENACTORS - Meet Niagara's most infamous historical figures as Encounter Niagara allows guests to interact with Nikola Tesla, Annie Edson Taylor, Augustus Porter, The Great Blondin and many others. Encounter Niagara re-enactors will be on Old Falls Street on Wednesday afternoons, July 10 through Aug. 28, from noon to 3 p.m.

•RIDE NIAGARA BIKE RENTALS - Take a self-guided bicycle tour through the area. Ride Niagara bicycles will be available for rent on the park block closest to the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park. Visit www.FallsStreet.com for a full schedule and pricing.

•BACKYARD BOARD GAMES - (summer season - afternoons, middle block) Try your luck at larger-than-life versions of the most popular family games. Challenge friends or sit and relax on Old Falls Street's Adirondack chairs.

•JAZZY SUNDAYS - Sponsored by Legends Bar & Grill, this new free live music series features performances by the region's greatest jazz, Dixieland and big band musicians on Sundays, July 7 through Aug. 25, from 2 to 5 p.m., on Old Falls Street's middle block. The series is "leashed-pet" friendly and also features Encounter Niagara's historical re-enactors.

•FLICKS ON OLD FALLS MOVIE SERIES - Bring the family to this free weekly movie series featuring free classic and contemporary movies under the stars. Movies are presented each Thursday from July 11 through Aug. 29, beginning at 9 p.m., on Old Falls Street's middle block. For a movie schedule, visit www.FallsStreet.com.

• FRIDAYS ON OLD FALLS CONCERT SERIES - Sponsored by Legends Bar & Grill, this free concert series features the area's finest classic rock and dance bands on Fridays, from June 29 to Aug. 31 (7 to 10 p.m.). Guests are encouraged to remain until 10 p.m. when fireworks are launched over Niagara Falls. For a series line-up, visit www.FallsStreet.com.

OLD FALLS STREET'S 2013 SPECIAL EVENTS:

•LECTURES AND BOOK SIGNINGS - These free events are featured on Old Falls Street's park block

·       Jennifer Pharr Davis (nationally renowned hiker) - Wednesday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. This lecture is presented in collaboration with Niagara Falls State Park and sponsored by the Comfort Inn - The Pointe.

·       Christopher Stoainoff - Niagara Falls City historian and co-author of "Niagara Falls 1850-2000" - Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2 p.m.

•NFFD MOTORCYCLE RUN AFTER PARTY - Saturday afternoon, June 22, on Old Falls Street's Park Block. Join the Niagara Falls Fire Department at the end point of its 8th annual motorcycle run for charity. Everyone is welcome to tour the street, which will be filled with motorcycles, live music, food, drinks and merchandise vending.

•NIAGARA FALLS MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL - Saturday, June 29, through Sunday, June 30, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Experience the greatest of Western New York's art scene with more than 50 local artists and dozens of live bands performing on three stages. Food and merchandise vending will also be featured throughout the weekend. The festival, marking its first time on Old Falls Street, is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.festivalatthefalls.com.

• TOUCH-A-TRUCK - Saturday, Aug. 10, 2 to 5 p.m. (middle block; sponsored by KeyBank on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls). Climb into a fire truck, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles and other larger-than-life trucks to see how first-responders and street technicians spend their days. Free family activities will also be featured.

•6th ANNUAL NIAGARA FALLS BLUES FESTIVAL - One of the largest events of its kind returns to Old Falls Street during Labor Day Weekend. More than a dozen blues bands will play throughout this three-day festival, including Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Mississippi Heat, Bill "The Sauce Boss" Wharton, Cheryl Arena, Richard Ray Farrell, Donnie "Mr. Downtown" Walsh, Mahajibee Blues Band, and many local and regional entertainers. Food, craft and barbecue vendors will also be featured. Spend Sunday morning at the "Blues Gospel Brunch." All activities are free and open to the public. No coolers - support the vendors who help keep the festival free. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsbluesfest.org.

•OKTOBERFEST - Saturday, Oct. 13, from noon to 9 p.m. This fourth annual Oktoberfest benefits the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association and features live entertainment by the Bergholz German Band, the German-American Musicians and the Edelweiss Dancers; street vending; authentic German cuisine; beer and wine.

•MONSTER MASH BREAKFAST - Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. One of Old Falls Street's most popular family events, this fourth annual "monster-size" Halloween party is held inside The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 716-278-2100.

•OLD FALLS STREET'S ITALIAN FEAST - This fourth annual event is held inside The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls and features an authentic Italian buffet and live music. Call 716-278-2100 for tickets.

•HOLIDAY TREE ILLUMINATION - Witness Old Falls Street sparkle this holiday season as all three blocks of trees are illuminated in thousands of LED lights. For more information, visit www.FallsStreet.com.

•STUFF-A-BUS FOOD DRIVE - In the spirit of the holiday season, this fourth annual community-wide effort collects non-perishable food items to benefit Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier. For more information, visit www.FallsStreet.com.

•BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Meet "The Jolly One" himself inside The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. The event includes a deluxe breakfast buffet and other interactive holiday activities. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 716-278-2100.

For more information or to download a full 2013 schedule of events, visit www.FallsStreet.com.

Old Falls Street, USA, managed by Global Spectrum, is a historic three-block destination that connects the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park with the Conference & Event Center, the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and other downtown Niagara Falls attractions. Serving as the "Welcome Center" for residents and visitors alike, the dynamic thoroughfare provides spaces for daily vending and special activities including concerts, festivals and holiday activities. Additional information can be found at www.FallsStreet.com.

Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) manages more than 100 other public assembly facilities around the world.

On the second floor, a remodeled social/banquet hall is complete and will be available to area residents. The new truck bays will be open for all the equipment next week and include a locker area separate from the apparatus for firefighters to ready for their calls.

There is also a special area for the fire company's parade truck, a 1937 Ward LaFrance that will have glass walls for viewing (and to protect the vehicle).

While contractors did the majority of the building of the new facility, volunteer firefighters from Lewiston No. 1 did the majority of the demolition work themselves, saving an estimated $100,000.

Look for a grand opening celebration later in the summer.

Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 was established in 1914 and will celebrate its 100th year anniversary next year.