In January 2007 I attended a great concert at St. Mary of the Cataract Church offering some fine classical music in a grand setting. Jacquie Lodico tells me she is bringing it back again this December 7 th. She noted that some attended last year thinking it was going to be Christmas carols and were exposed for the first time to really good quality music. Many told her they really loved it. I know I did as it was reminiscent of the old world concerts I attend in the churches and cathedrals in Europe.

Here are the details I received from Jacquie. "The Western New York Chamber Orchestra", conducted by Glen Cortese, will perform in a free Candlelight Baroque Concertin the warm ambiance and radiant acoustics of Saint Mary of the Cataract Church,Fourth Street, in Niagara Falls, New York. This glorious Baroque orchestral music of the 17th and 18th century, including Bach's Brandenberg Concerto #2 and selections by Vivaldi, will be performed by some of western New York's finest musicians on strings, flutes and the harpsichord.

Glen Cortese is entering his second season as WNYCO's Artistic Director and Conductor. He is the Music Director of the Oregon Mozart Players and the New York Chamber Sinfonia, and has appeared as guest conductor with prestigious orchestras throughout the U.S. and Europe and is a former Assistant Conductor to the New York Philharmonic. He is a past recipient of the Arthur Judson Foundation Award for a Young American Conductor and has recorded on the Titanic, Newport Classics, Phoenix, Owl, CMS and Le Crepuscule du Disc labels. This concert is made possible, in part, with the support of the Seneca Niagara Casino and is free to the public. "

The following day , Saturday, December 8th, Santa Claus arrives at Antonio's Restaurant on Niagara Falls Boulevard bringing some of the cast from Star Wars including Darth Vader.They will be accompanied by a storybook Princess. This event is sponsored by the Pine Avenue Business Association and the United Way of Niagara and starts at 9:00a.m. Breakfast and a treat bag from Sabta is included in the $10 charge for adults and $5 for children under 12. Part of the proceeds will benefit the United Way of Niagara. For more information you can call PABA at 283-0377.

Holiday decorating in Niagara Falls will be judged again this year by members and volunteers of the Niagara Beautification Commission during the week of December 11th. They will drive throughout the city looking for the best and the brightest. As in the past, there will be five zones with prizes awarded in each zone and one overall grand prize. Previous years have shown amazing displays and I am sure there will be plenty of new ones this year. So be sure to have your lights and music on during that week so you can be included in the competition.

One more suggestion - visit the new and improved light display in Hyde Park sponsored by the United Way of Niagara. It's bigger. It's better. Children "of all ages" will love it.