GardenFest is this weekend in Lewiston. The annual event is a time for residents and visitors to get out and explore different gardens and to take notice of the Garden Club's work in beautifying the village. In keeping with that idea, why not venture out a little further this weekend when in search of breakfast? You might find a new morning favorite food.

Village of Lewiston Deputy Clerk Karen Goodman was recognized for her 31 years of service. Mayor Terry Collesano presented her with a plaque of appreciation at Monday's Village Board meeting.

A tree was planted in Hennepin Park this week in memory of longtime bluesman "Harmonica" Dean Germele, who passed away earlier this year.

Lewiston Dance Center students recently took part in the Fairy House Festival a yearly event held at Artpark. The students dressed in their ballet costumes with fairy makeup and fairy wings and performed their ballet dances for onlookers.

Residents in the Village of Lewiston re-elected Mayor Terry Collesano Tuesday. He will begin his second term in July.

Collesano, a Republican, defeated independent candidates Jamie Symmonds and Jacqueline Lampman by a 255-232-55 vote.

Old Fort Niagara will hold its 35th annual "French and Indian War Encampment" July 4-6. The event is the largest re-enactment of the year at the fort and features hundreds of authentically clad French, British and Native American participants.

It will be a pet lover's dream come true July 2 when Grandpaws Pet Emporium moves into its new location at 402 Center St., in the Village of Lewiston. Owner Andrew Bell is renting the entire Fourth and Center streets property in order to expand his popular business, add more food, treat and toy lines, open a pet-friendly café, and adopt out cats to loving homes.

Cheryl Martin, one of three co-chairs on the Lewiston/Niagara Relay For Life committee, has been an involved member of this American Cancer Society event for 14 years.

Cancer impacts the lives of some of the people closest to our hearts, and that is part of the reason for Martin's, as well as many other participants', involvement.

Have you always wanted to have your own little garden spot where you can showcase your creativity and share it with others? Well, the Lewiston GardenFest has just the contest for you!

The fourth annual GardenFest container contest will be held on Center Street in Lewiston June 21-22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the Lewiston GardenFest.

Why do we all scream for ice cream? Because we want more of it, of course.

Fortunately, The Silo Restaurant has us covered. The waterfront eatery has introduced a new dessert that is heavy in history and even heavier in scoops.

Ali Casale, the 2014 Niagara County Peach Queen, had the opportunity to meet Miss America Nina Davuluri at a luncheon hosted by the Erie County Commission of Women in May.

Participants in the year's 10 Mile Garage Sale took a more laidback approach this year. Many homes had sofas and chairs outside for patrons to use (and, of course, purchase), some families offered Tim Hortons beverages and one North Fifth Street home even had a food truck, Duke's Lunch Box, serving sandwiches and snacks.

Lewiston's Sr. Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, a member of the 107th Airlift Wing Security Forces, is among about 125 National Guard soldiers and airmen from across New York who have gathered at the Camp Smith training site this weekend to take part in the 35th annual "TAG Match."

In the past 37 years, four people have served as mayor in the Village of Lewiston. Three of those people are endorsing a political newcomer who seeks that office in the June 17 election.

Richard Soluri, Bill Geiben and Marilyn Toohey are supporting Jamie Symmonds, who is running for mayor against incumbent Terry Collesano and fellow challenger Jacqueline Lampman.

The Village of Lewiston election is Tuesday, June 17. Residents can vote from noon until 9 p.m. at the Red Brick Municipal Building, 145 N. Fourth St.

There's a saying around Lewiston: "Come hungry to Syros."

The family restaurant doesn't skimp on breakfast servings. ... Or tables, for that matter. Subsequently, guests can get in, fill up fast, and get out.

"Feel good food" can mean eating something that's healthy, or partaking of a meal that's made with fresh ingredients. It's not necessarily both - unless Mangia Café & Bakery chef Bec Poletti is making the food. Then you know you're going to eat a great meal that's guilt-free.

Stop the presses: The Villa Coffee House has added blueberries and chocolate chips to its signature thin and crisp pancakes! "We did sort of violate one of Tom's rules, which was putting things into the pancakes," owner and chef Mike Loraine said. "That's a new addition. ... I think the chocolate chips are great."

Troop 829 Scouts and their Scoutmaster teamed up with members of the Youngstown Lions Club Saturday to clean the big ditches at the corner of Carrollwood and Glenvale roads in Youngstown.

Hannah Mergi is giving love and care to Heart & Soul.

The 13-year-old Youngstown dancer has started a program to provide students attending Niagara Falls' Heart, Love & Soul Food Pantry with a fun, stress-reducing activity through her Turning Pointe Foundation.

Water temperatures in the lower Niagara River remain in the low 40s. Despite that, look for a return of boating excitement on the lower river - this year with two separate jet boat operators - starting this weekend.

On May 6, at a meeting of the Niagara County Legislature in Lockport, the Youngstown Business and Professional Association was awarded a grant of $2,225 from the William G. Mayne Jr. Business/Community Enhancement Program.

At its May 14 meeting, members of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston held their annual election of board officers and directors.

The line in the DiMino Tops Lewiston parking lot was so long Friday night, shoppers might've thought Justin Bieber was performing in concert. In fact, children and families lined up to take pictures with one of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Don't be late for this very important date! Lewiston Council on the Arts presents "Alice in Wonderland" Sunday, June 1, at Seneca (Bug) Park, next to the Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St.

The New York Power Authority is undertaking a more than $13 million modernization of its three hydroelectric project visitors centers in Western New York, Northern New York and the Northern Catskills, to upgrade the exhibits, displays and facilities.

The Village of Lewiston has started efforts to spruce up Center Street.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, Marianne Gittermann, chairwoman of the Lewiston Beautification Commission, read a laundry list of chores her group has begun, in cooperation with the village's Department of Public Works.

A 12-hour standoff Sunday ended with a Village of Lewiston resident taken into custody. Leonard A. Zientara, 51, of 430 West Lane, surrendered himself to New York State Police after allegedly setting his house on fire.

For years, police officers in departments throughout Western New York have been struggling to build positive relationships with the public. By incorporating a ride-along program, many are hopeful, including Youngstown Mayor Raleigh Reynolds, that police can void the gap between what people think happens on a typical shift on patrol and what actually happens.

The walkway entrance to the offices of the Lewiston Council on the Arts on Ridge Street recently received a brand-new look. Beau Enterprises of Ransomville and the Village of Lewiston partnered to sponsor the renovation of the walkway with pavers that complement the heritage stones in the historic Lewiston Peace Garden.

The latest example of "shared services" between Lewiston and Youngstown came to be this week when the Dory Trading Post on Main Street moved on acquiring a number of bikes that formerly were a part of the Village of Lewiston.

The St. Francis Guild of Mount St. Mary's Hospital presented one of its annual scholarships to a hospital employee who is furthering her education in nursing. This year's recipient was Christa Bax, left, who is a student at Niagara County Community College.

The annual Lewiston Smelt Festival took place Friday along the village's waterfront. Check out our mega photo gallery for images from the event.

The Lewiston Event Center (formerly Frontier Lanes) is a perfect example of before and after construction work.

"I'm all for reasonability here; we're not going to nitpick every dime."

So commented John Camp, chair of the Artpark & Company board of directors, following conclusion of a prolonged discussion Monday among the Lewiston Town Board over Artpark funding. Included was a heated debate between Town of Lewiston Supervisor Dennis Brochey and Town Board member Ron Winkley. When it was all said and done, Artpark did get approved for an estimated $100,000 in town funding assistance. But the vote was not unanimous; Brochey, who is on record in opposition, voted a staunch "no."

My first introduction to "Mrs. Killdeer" was along a bumpy gravelly road, about 50 feet from a pond. As I approached it in my car I saw this bird skitter out right in front of me pretending to be hurt, like it had a broken wing or a crippled leg or something. It didn't just fly away.

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission recently donated $2,000 to the Lewiston Garden Club. The money will be used to promote the annual Lewiston GardenFest, which is slated for June 21-22 along Center Street.

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly (right) and political humorist Dennis Miller entertained a packed house at Shea's Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo as part of their "Bolder and Fresher" national tour.

Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano will represent the Republican Party in the June 17 election. The incumbent took 56 of 77 votes in Tuesday's caucus, defeating challenger Jamie Symmonds.

"I accept your nomination; thank you," Collesano told a crowd of almost 100 inside the Red Brick Municipal Building gymnasium.

Catholic Health, Ascension Health and Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center have agreed in principle to formalize a comprehensive agreement to have Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center in Niagara County become a full member of the Catholic Health System.

Oh, you won't believe this.