Church offers history, spirits

Riverside Presbyterian Church, located at 84th Street and Lindbergh Avenue in Niagara Falls, is presenting a speakers' series.

The series will begin on Friday, March 11, when Dr. Bill Feder will discuss "Building the Future of Our Community by Developing an Awareness of Our History."

Feder is a well-known retired history teacher who is an expert on Niagara County history.  He was also a long-time member of the Niagara County Legislature, where he developed the Niagara Historical Trail to promote historical tourism in Niagara County.  He is a published author whose works include a treatise, "The Evolution of an Ethnic Neighborhood That Became United in Diversity," analyzing the history of the east side of Niagara Falls.

On Friday, April 8, Town of Niagara Supervisor Steve Richards will present "Ghosts, Apparitions and Spirits."

Richards, a noted ghost hunter, is a founder of the Dark Starr Paranormal Research Society. He will show footage and recordings of spirits and explain how he uses infrared cameras, digital recorders and electromagnetic meters to capture images of ghosts. He has searched for ghosts in a number of local places, including the former Porta-Niagara Girls Club, Oakwood Cemetery and Pharaoh's Bar.

Both programs begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the presentations at 7 p.m. The events are open to the public.