Professor Herbert Richardson's vision for his property on North Fourth and Center streets is finally coming to fruition. The entrepreneur and Edwin Mellen Press author is about to open his two-story corner building, which he is calling "Lewiston Small Shops."

Oh, sure, when you watch Artpark's version of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" next week, it will be shiny, smooth and, in a word, magical. But just because it looks effortless on stage doesn't mean the production work behind the scenes is easy.

Just under 200 boats hit the water off the shore of Grand Island for the seventh annual Paddles Up Niagara.

On Aug. 11-12, British redcoats will once again scan the eastern horizon for signs of Continental soldiers intent on capturing Old Fort Niagara.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to announce a new partnership to use health information exchange technology, which will improve the quality of care and delivery of medical treatment to local veterans, especially those returning from recent conflicts.

It's never too late to learn a new craft. Here is your opportunity to discover a hobby, brush up on a technique or master a skill at Artpark's new adult art workshops.

Viatran Corporation of Wheatfield recently presented Niagara Hospice with $8,060, which was raised largely through a Chiavetta's barbecue.

"It was really a good time for people," Gordon Deppe says of the 1980s. "A lot of good memories. Positive economics. People were just having fun. It was like 10 years of Halloween, in a way."

Parents of the late Jonathan Miller assembled this week with Lewiston Kiwanis and KeyBank officials to announce the 34th annual Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival 5K Run is Saturday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m.

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, was joined Thursday by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, Shelby Supervisor Merle Draper, Ridgeway Supervisor Brian Napoli and Medina Mayor Andrew Meier to announce that they were able to get the funding for the Bates Road Project restored by the New York Department of Transportation.

Fresh Air children and host families enjoyed an exhilarating experience at Niagara Falls' American side. The families "soaked up the experience" on the Cave of the Winds tour.

Jennifer and John Cooper present an American flag to Michael Beam, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. The flag, which has 15 stars, is a reproduction of the flag in use during the War of 1812.

The Lewiston Council on the Arts was recently recognized as a recipient of two grants awarded through the Arts Niagara Decentralization program.

Twelve criminal justice majors from Niagara University recently joined Assistant Professor Dr. Diana Falco on a three-week study abroad program that examined law enforcement policies in four European countries.

Corpus Christi Church is once again looking for Buffalo's best pierogi. This historic east side church is hosting its fifth annual "Buffalo's Best Pierogi" contest on Saturday, Aug. 18. It begins at 4:30 p.m., and is open to all amateur cooks and businesses.

Rock Camp was held at Artpark from July 16-21. Young musicians, ages 10-14, performed hits by The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Weezer and more on July 21 on the Amphitheater stage at Artpark.

What child could resist a trip on the carrousel with their favorite stuffed animal? Bring your best bear friend for a fun-filled afternoon of games, crafts and treats at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum.

This Wednesday, 740 kids from Niagara and Erie counties came out to enjoy a spectacular picnic filled with food, fun, and games. The Grand Island Lions Club Special Kids Picnic, an annual event dedicated to offering safe, supervised activities to developmentally disabled and physically handicapped children, has become a Grand Island tradition.

The eighth Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Festival, an annual festival held on Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Museum grounds known for its tractor shows, family festivities and rich farm history offerings, is fast approaching.

The Aquarium of Niagara is the beneficiary of $1,000 thanks to a trio of business leaders. Marketing directors presented Gay B. Molnar, director of development at the Aquarium, with a check recently.

An interview with Ann Wilson of Heart ahead of the band's "Tuesday in the Park" concert at Artpark.

The much-needed rain showers cleared just in time Sunday afternoon for the opening ceremonies of the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas. Every year, this weeklong event remains as an anticipated center point in the summers of local residents.

Beginning this fall, Niagara University's College of Education will offer a new master's degree program for candidates seeking certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

The Wheatfield Farmers' Market will celebrate its second annual "Christmas in July" from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25.

More than 370 physician practices and counting are now utilizing HEALTHeLINK, Western New York's clinical information exchange, to improve the quality of patient care through better access to clinical information.

Santa Fe was named "Best for Food" in the 2012 Rand McNally/USA Today "Best of the Road" competition. The New Mexico town topped five other destinations - including Lewiston - to take the title. The official announcement was made Tuesday afternoon as part of the Destination Marketing Association International annual convention in Seattle.

The emphasis will be on holistic health, community gardening and good old-fashioned fun Saturday, July 21, when Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center host summer festivals at two downtown locations.

When Chris Castellani learned HAL was launching an $18.12 campaign to help fuel the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights and the War of 1812, he stepped up to the plate in a huge way.

What if the Village of Lewiston had its own version of the famous Pearl Street Grill & Brewery smack dab in the middle of Center Street? That's one proposal under consideration for the long-vacant Frontier House.

On Friday, Dr. Gino Sementa, a veterinarian from Rochester, was visiting Three Sisters Island at Niagara Falls State Park when he observed a white dog on "Little Brother Island," which is just down stream from Three Sisters Island.

KeyBank has completed its acquisition of 37 retail banking branches owned by HSBC Bank NA in Buffalo and Rochester.

Community Missions and Canal Fest of the Tonawandas are partnering again this year to help the homeless and hungry through the 2012 annual Duck Race. The ducks will swim and race on Saturday, July 21, at 3 p.m. in the canal between Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.

The Duck Race will have yellow, pink and blue ducks racing down the Erie Canal; 2,000 ducks up for adoption at $5 each. Buyers can purchase individual ducks or they can choose to purchase a "Quack Pack" for $25, in which they will receive six adopted duck racers.

Monday evening, Rep. Kathy Hochul, NY-26, supported the passage of two bills that will help veterans transition back into civilian life: the Veteran Skills to Jobs Act and the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012.

ABC Preschool is hosting an open house for parents of prospective 3 and 4 year olds from 6:30 until 8 p.m. on Aug. 21.

From squirrels on Jet Skis to talking dogs and playful cats, we all love watching our pets perform for the camera. And now, your best video snapshots can win you a $25 gift certificate to Furry Friends Too Pet Foods & Supplies.

The 2012 results are in, and the total net weight of recycled electronics increased 26.9 percent to 318,541 pounds, resulting in $10,000 donated by Sunnking for future programs at Camp Good Days.

The Andrew Bird concert scheduled for Monday, July 16, at Artpark has been moved. The general admission show now will begin at 7 p.m. at Asbury Hall at Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

Huey Lewis & The News performed July 3 as part of "Tuesday in the Park" at Artpark. Watch a video of the show.

Film tribute on Wednesday, July 18, to include performances in such films as "A Face in the Crowd" (1957), "No Time for Sergeants" (1958), "Hearts of the West" (1975) and "Onionhead" (1958)

Dennis Brochey and Nicholas Conde took the oath of office Monday in the Village of Lewiston. The two men join Mayor Terry Collesano and trustees Bruce Sutherland and Vic Eydt on the Village Board.