Miss Posa's first grade class at St. Peter R.C. School in Lewiston is learning about culture, ancestry and heritage.

Check out Wayne Peters' photos.

The Wilson Lions planted new trees in Greenwood Cemetery.

Lewiston residents had their opportunity to sound off on the town's $15.6 million tentative 2012 budget and its quest for an override of the state's 2 percent property tax cap in two public hearings Monday night.

Dr. Sherri Lashomb and former resident Bill Kellick met up with one another at the Pan American Games.

November is Native American Heritage Month and Old Fort Niagara is celebrating by hosting a series of special programs.

On Nov. 5, 6 and 12, the fort will offer workshops on traditional Native American skills, such as finger weaving, cornhusk twining, beadwork, quillwork and basketry. The cost of each workshop is $40, and all necessary materials are provided. A full list of workshops and scheduling information is available on the fort's website www.oldfortniagara.org, or by calling 745-7611.

The first night of the popular "Haunted Fortress" fundraiser at Old Fort Niagara was a great success. A perfect autumn evening greeted 1,200 people as they came to the fort Saturday for a good time and to help raise money for programming.

by Terry Duffy
Look for some changes in local U.S. Postal Service operations, starting next month.

As part of a national effort to address deficits and operation costs in the Postal Service, over past months USPS officials have been considering structural changes, including staff changes, consolidations and even closure of facilities throughout the country. Postal facilities large and small have been under review, including many in the Buffalo area.

by Terry Duffy
The Town of Lewiston continues in the preliminary stage for its 2012 budget, as department heads finalize and submit requests on a tentative $15.6 million spending plan, portions of which are expected to be discussed on Monday, Oct. 24.

That evening the Town Board also will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m., prior to its regular meeting, to consider an override by Lewiston of the state's 2 percent property tax cap.

"We have had town increases. We have to figure out how to adjust," Town Supervisor Steve Reiter told board members last month.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Brennan's Irish Pub, 418 Main St., Youngstown.

Lewiston's Hops-N-Vines is hosting its first-ever pumpkin-carving contest.

As formidable, but certainly not as scary as lions, tigers or bears, the second annual Wine, Chocolate & Cheese event will feature its namesake goods -- and much more. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Hosted at the Cambria Volunteer Fire Department, located at 4631 Cambria Wilson Road, organizers of the fundraiser hope to have another successful year. The head count from last year's benefit was more than 400 satisfied guests; so don't be left out of this year's event.

As the crisp chill hits the air and the colored leaves fall to the ground, the ghosts and goblins of Lewiston's historic past begin to creep out of the dark night - especially around Halloween.

The Friends of Dave Quarantillo recently presented members of Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 with a check for more than $2,500, which was the proceeds from the fifth annual Dave "Q" Memorial Bike Run.

After what he called "eight enjoyable years," Lewiston restaurateur Jim Lewis is moving on. He is finalizing a deal to sell his business, The Steelhead, to Alfonse Muto, president of Pine Pharmacy.

"We had a ball here," Lewis said, noting he's happy with his decision. "The right guy's buying it."

Wednesday evening, the Town of Porter Republican Committee honored the Baker family at its annual fall fundraiser, held at the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. firehall.

Old Fort Niagara's centuries-old buildings offer more than a few ghost stories, from the headless ghost that reputedly haunts the 1726 French Castle to unexplained shadows, slamming doors, and eerie orbs. Area residents will have an opportunity to experience the fort's mysterious past during "The Haunted Fortress," set for Saturday nights, Oct. 22 and 29.

Nursing is back in a big way at Niagara University.

On Saturday evening Oct. 1, a group of veterans gathered at Dave's Last Chance Saloon on Saunders Settlement Road in Lewiston for a meet and greet. They are members of the Niagara University Student Veterans Association, which formed in 2010.

For the fourth year in a row, Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center will host "A Conference on Healthcare for Women" to raise awareness among women in the local community on a wide array of issues and actions that can help improve their health. This year's daylong conference, which focuses on family health, is Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Conference Center Niagara Falls.

Artpark has one goal in mind for the 2012 summer season: smaller crowds watching bigger musical acts.