Susan Wiggs’ novel “Wayward Girls” was published a year ago today and a new paperback edition is now available at bookstores. The story, set in the 1960s, follows girls sent to the Good Shepherd Refuge in Buffalo, part of a network of Catholic reformatory institutions.
Wiggs, a New York Times bestselling author, grew up in Olean. She started researching reformatories after a trip back to Western New York.
Project Play Western New York collaborates with community organizations to offer its Free Play Series at no cost to parents. During summer and winter school breaks, kids can enjoy free play at locations in Buffalo and around Western New York. Project Play WNY is a nonprofit initiative supported by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation as part of the foundation’s focus on youth sports and recreation. In recent years, Project Play WNY has made grants for softball, baseball and t-ball leagues and clinics in the area, offered free swimming lessons and provided programming for youth coaches.
For Goodness Cakes provides personalized desserts for children in foster care or facing other forms of adversity. An all-volunteer “Sprinkle Squad” of bakers and coordinators makes it all possible.
The 130 acres of Varallo Vineyards include an 8-acre lake, walking trails for self-guided tours and a restaurant, event facilities, lodging and a growing list of immersive activities. From weddings to corporate retreats and guided tours, the winery serves as a scenic setting for private parties and special events. The visitor experience is just as big a priority as the quality of the wine.
Maple Weekend 2026 is taking part on farms all across New York, including many in the greater WNY area, the last two weekends of March (21-22 and 28-29).
From its start as Maple Sunday with a few Wyoming County sugar houses in 1995, the celebration has grown to include four days of festivities across New York every March. Visitors are able to observe syrup production firsthand, enjoy farming-related activities and try delicious, locally made treats.