The Lewiston Peace Garden, located at 476 Center St., has definitely evolved over the years. Eva Nicklas from the Lewiston Council on the Arts explained how it began as a "funky gravel parking lot" and, after years of hard work, is now recognized as an International Peace Garden by the International Peace Garden Foundation.

"It's a beautiful green space that all of Lewiston is proud of," Nicklas said.

The Peace Garden contains a fountain, a stage, different kinds of flowering plants, and memory bricks throughout.

The garden has been host to various events over the years, including belly dancing, poetry readings, chainsaw artists, and fundraising events. But this summer will be different.

Motorists take note: The Village of Lewiston has converted the corner of Portage Road and Cayuga Street into a four-way stop. (photo by Joshua Maloni)

A garden reflecting the "Peaceful Rewards for Fruitful Labors" was dedicated at Murphy Orchards in Burt on Friday, June 1.

Hops-n-Vines, the super-cool lounge located at 490 Center St. (below Casa Antica), is celebrating its first anniversary next week. Proprietors Chris Salada, Kurt Minervino and John DiMino will host series of special events to mark the occasion.

Old Fort Niagara announced this week it will commemorate the bicentennial of the Declaration of the War of 1812 with a day of special programs on Saturday, June 16.

Organizers have been busy with last-minute preparations for the Town of Porter's 200th birthday celebration, which opened Friday night and continues this weekend at Porter on the Lake Park.

Memorial Day observances in the area included "Soldiers through the Ages" at Old Fort Niagara, which featured activities honoring soldiers through three centuries of the fort's existence.

Dr. John Huebschmann, an anesthesiologist at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, recently returned from a nine-day medical service mission in Europe with the "Hope For Tomorrow" foundation. This culminated in a meeting and blessing from Pope Benedict XVI on May 31.

Buffalo Cabinetry, a new member of the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, celebrated a ribbon-cutting at its showroom located inside Payne's Carpet Outlet. Members of the chamber, as well as elected leaders and representatives from the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association, were on hand to welcome Buffalo Cabinetry into the business community.

Last August, a tollhouse used at Lewiston's suspension bridge to Canada was gifted to the village. The building was placed in the driveway of Clerk Anne Welch whose husband, Bob, a Historical Association of Lewiston volunteer, worked to refurbish the unit.

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School's annual Marty Violante Memorial Golf Classic, this year honoring Jack "Bear" Dempsey, will take place on Monday, July 16, at Niagara Frontier Country Club, 1058 Lake Road, Youngstown.

What will health care look like in our community as a result of health care reform, and what issues will impact the care you receive? Mount St. Mary's Hospital, in conjunction with the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, will host a free community presentation titled "Healthcare Reform: What it will mean for our community and small business."

Tuesday, Niagara Falls School Board member and local attorney Johnny G. Destino announced his candidacy for New York State Senate. Destino will challenge long-time incumbent George Maziarz in the Sept. 13 Republican primary to represent voters in the newly configured 62nd District, which now includes the City of Niagara Falls.

VIDEO: Memorial Day 2012 was observed in the Village of Lewiston with a special ceremony at Academy Park.

The first day in June will mark 200 years since the Town of Porter was founded. In commemoration of its bicentennial, the town has a lineup of events for the weekend of Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3, that will have something for everyone to enjoy.

Alan Hastings, the restaurateur who put "The Haystack" sandwich on the global map, is trying his hand at something completely different this summer: restoring a beat-up auto body shop.

Short and varied topics - from Joe Davis to Legacy Drive to bigger recycling and garbage containers - were among a host of discussion items at Thursday's brief Lewiston Town Board monthly regular meeting.

First Niagara Bank, Lewiston branch, was chosen for the 2012 Chairman's Award by the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce board of directors and chairman of the board, George Osborne.

At Monday's Village of Lewiston Board meeting, Fine Antiques owner Ron Craft, a former trustee, warned of vehicles not paying attention to pedestrians.

The Lewiston Democratic Committee announces the following endorsements were unanimously made:

The EmStar Emergency Department of Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center recognized local emergency medical service professionals at an award's dinner on Wednesday at the Niagara Falls Country Club.

The public is invited to spend a day in the sun with the family of the late Jonathan Miller as they gather funds to support local communities. The J-Mill Memorial Charity Giving Fund's third annual golf outing and dinner is scheduled this year for Monday, Aug. 13, at the Niagara Frontier Country Club in Youngstown.

The Home Assistance Referral Team celebrated its volunteers Wednesday during a special luncheon held at First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston.

The Historical Association of Lewiston hosts its annual membership meeting on Tuesday, May 29, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Barton Hill Hotel & Spa, 100 Center St. The event is open to all dues-paying members of HAL.

This year, for its plant and perennial sale, the Youngstown Garden Club presents "Kitchens in Bloom."

The eighth annual Golf Classic, sponsored by St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and School, will be held Monday, July 30, at Niagara Frontier Country Club.

Team Hope of Lewiston's Relay For Life held a basket auction and a skeet-shooting fundraiser at the 3F Club in Lewiston. The money raised from the events will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Dominic J. Ceretto, 84, of Niagara Falls, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late John and Maria (Boetto) Ceretto Guerrucci and stepson of the late Adolph Guerrucci.

When we lose a loved one, it seems nothing is right with the world. The sorrow that follows can be debilitating for anyone, and grief for a child can be a confusing process.

The Stella Niagara community is preparing for the 10 Mile Sidewalk and Garage Sale by cleaning out the attic.

Members of Lewiston's KeyBank branch participated Tuesday in the 22nd annual "Neighbors Make the Difference Day." Workers, including Jennifer Haseley (left) and Dawn Bonora, spruced up Academy Park, touching up soil and pulling weeds.

The Lewiston Community Lions Club recently attended a fundraiser at the New Tuscarora Nation House for the family of Shoney Dubuc. Shoney, age 6, a burn victim, recently succumbed due to his injuries. The Lions made a donation at the event.

Looking for travel tips for the 518-mile Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway along the freshwater shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania?

Time to Dance hosts a free class for students interested in its competition team on Sunday, June 10, from 1 until 3 p.m. At 5000 Saunders Settlement Road. A parent informational meeting will take place at the same time. Spots are limited. Call 716-946-7909 for more information.

The Village of Youngstown has chosen to honor the late Mayor Neil C. Riordan as the Youngstown Citizen of the Year. His public service work throughout the years will not be forgotten, and many of the projects and initiatives that he started will have an impact on many generations to come.

Two "interesting discussions" marked a somewhat longer than typical Porter Town Board regular meeting, Monday night at Town Hall.

Peaceful? Normal? Tranquil? That's not how folks will describe the lakeside community of Wilson on Friday, June 8, starting at 6 p.m. That's when this town will set the pace with its third annual Amazing Race.

Grandpaws Pet Emporium recently opened at 784 Center St., in the Village of Lewiston.

The phrase "You get what you pay for" has never rung true at Artpark.

Until now.

Miss Carly Posa's first-grade students at St. Peter R.C. School visited Lewiston business Enchanted Florist to buy Mother's Day presents.