Creating new opportunities for community collaboration, Catholic Health announced Niagara Family Medicine Associates has joined its growing physician practice network, Trinity Medical WNY, PC.

Niagara University Camp Courage Crew officers presented Lisa Booz, WNY regional director at Camp Good Days and Special Times, with a check for $10,700 on Thursday. Students raised the funds during their second annual dance marathon in October.

The North Tonawanda mayor's office, in conjunction with the city's Department of Youth, Recreation and Parks, reported entries are currently being accepted for the city's "Decorate for the holidays contest." The contest is open to any North Tonawanda resident who decorates their home or business for the holiday season.

Over the years, one holiday event has given Niagara County residents of all ages a chance to give back to the community while making memories. Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity's annual gingerbread decorating fundraiser gives local families the chance to design gumdrop roofs and licorice walkways for gingerbread houses as they support a local cause.

The Town of Niagara is holding its annual holiday decorating contest for town residents. The event is sponsored by the Town of Niagara Police Club, the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association, and the Town of Niagara Beautification Committee.

Music brings all sorts of people together. That's what the organizers of "Rockin' with Santa" have been doubling down on for the last 20 years in their annual toy-drive event occurring just in time for the holidays.

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas' December program and holiday party will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. Guests will meet and celebrate 115 years of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church. OLC is located at the corner of Oliver and Center streets in North Tonawanda. Use the Center Street door to enter.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold its annual Christmas candlelight service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3229 Upper Mountain Road, Sanborn. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall.

On Thursday around 2:43 a.m., Town of Niagara Police officer Dobmeier heard the sound of exchanging gun fire coming from the area of the Power City Lodge on Delaware Avenue where there was a large party going on. As Dobmeier was approaching the scene, he observed a Cadillac SUV leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.

Sanborn's Business Association is hosting its fifth annual Shop Local / Shop Sanborn event for Small Business Saturday. For the first time, it has expanded into a full weekend of deals and holiday comforts for those who are in the know.

During the holiday season, Americans across the country have a unique opportunity to strengthen their local economies, support their communities, and get great services and products by "shopping small" - patronizing small businesses in their own communities. The holidays give us all the chance to reconnect with our neighbors and, whether you're grabbing a cup of coffee from the shop around the corner or shopping at a local bookstore, every purchase at a small business makes a difference to those who matter most: our neighbors.

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering together as a community and to celebrate good times by eating together and playing some games.

The holiday season is here and many are taking the time to give back. However, it should be remembered that, for all the donations made during the holiday season, that generosity may end up just being something for the holidays.

RAC Engineering, P.C. is a premier Structural Engineering firm founded in 2009 by Robert A. Curtis, PE. Curtis has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of the construction and engineering industry. Unique to the industry, Curtis began his career in the field on construction sites experiencing the real time application of design initiatives.

After coming out of executive session, Wednesday night's Niagara-Wheatfield Regular School Board Meeting began with two presentations.

The NCCC Foundation is the recipient of a $400,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. This three-year grant supports a youth sport/leadership program between Niagara County Community College and the Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda School Districts.

On the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 10, the idea of compassionate public policy will be explored at a mini-conference at Niagara Falls' City Council Chambers, 745 Main St. All members of the community are welcome to this free event, which will include refreshments and will be held from 6-8 p.m.

"The Oak Ridge Boys: Down Home Christmas" stops inside The Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.rivieratheatre.org or by calling 716-692-2413. This show is presented by Latshaw Productions.

Heart of Niagara Animal Rescue Inc. welcomes families to its "Breakfast With Santa Paws" benefit this holiday season. Taking place at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 7001 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, "Breakfast With Santa Paws" will be from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

Heart, Love & Soul was founded by a prayer group from Sacred Heart Parish more than 30 years ago. Originally a pantry group, it became a place for a daily meal, and eventually moved to Ontario Avenue in the City of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls business owners Linda and Mark Milanovich of George's Appliance Inc., and Ghandi Jourdi and Master Khechen of Master Khechen's Martial Arts Academy were recognized earlier this month for their contributions towards development of a security camera network intended to protect Pine Avenue business and customers in Niagara Falls.

From the outside, the Summit Mall in the Town of Wheatfield looks completely deserted. But once inside, and with a little imagination, it's hard to not see the vision of what this place could be.

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo on Thursday announced the former Niagara Catholic building was sold. NC was shuttered in 2018 due to a lack of funding.

Deposits for Food begins its seventh year of collecting returnable beverage containers and scrap metal, with all proceeds going to three Niagara County food pantries. In slightly over six years, founder Angelo Sarkees of Lewiston, a SUNY at Buffalo graduate, has donated $72,000 to Community Missions, and Heart, Love & Soul, both in Niagara Falls; and Care and Share Food Pantry in Ransomville.

The State University of New York Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the board of trustees of Niagara County Community College, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Dr. William J. Murabito as the seventh president of the institution.

More than 100 volunteers and eight restaurants from the Niagara community will partner with Community Missions for its seventh annual #GivingTuesday event on Dec. 3.

As part of the Liberty Partnerships Future Leaders program at Niagara County Community College, students from Lockport High School and North Park Junior High School will focus their community service efforts on environmental improvements this year.

Niagara County's taxpayers can expect their property tax rates to be reduced to a historic low next year if the budget prepared by County Manager Rick Updegrove and Budget Director Dan Huntington is approved by county lawmakers next month.

A special guest visited the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station last week named, Tianna Colarusso. The 9 year old was commissioned in as the youngest honorary U.S. Air Force 2nd lieutenant as part of the "Airman for a Day" program.

Though the New York Legislature is out of session, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello wants to start the grass-roots conversation on a bill that is likely to pass if opposition does not stop it.

The Niagara River Greenway Commission will meet Tuesday, Nov. 19, to determine the consistency of the next round of projects. The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. at the NOCO Pavilion in Sheridan Park at 450 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda.

The fifth annual "Art Off The Wall" exhibition and fundraiser to benefit the Carnegie Art Center opens at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, and will give visitors a unique opportunity to purchase original artwork. Local artists have donated works priced at $20 for the event.

Free Agent, a locally owned and operated retailer, has opened a location at Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA. The 2,700-square-foot store can be found inside entrance 5, next to DAVIDs TEA. In celebration of its grand opening, Free Agent will offer 20% off eligible items through Nov. 11.

The students and chefs of the baking and pastry arts program at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) have been working for months now planning and now building the life-size gingerbread village that is a part of "Gingerbread Wonderland."

At a recent Town Board meeting, officials in the Town of Wheatfield had a lot to deliberate through, according to Supervisor Don MacSwan. The first matter of business was a public hearing on the preliminary budget, which was approved without any further input.