We’re about to enter another season here in Western New York and across the country — football season! Whether you’re a season ticket holder or watching the game in a bar with family and friends, there’s one individual that no winning team can be without, and that’s a designated driver.

“While game day is always a highly anticipated event, it is also a day frequently associated with heavy drinking, reckless behavior, drinking and driving, and an increase in motor vehicle crashes,” said Monica Farrar, director of The Resource Training Center in Amherst. “If alcohol is part of your game day, plan ahead and plan on having a sober ride that will get you home safe and sound.

Family fun walks, children’s activities, games, education, community resource tables and prizes are all part of the annual Breastfeeding Walks & Healthy Baby Festivals hosted by Catholic Charities Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. The events will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31 in Delaware Park in Buffalo and on Wednesday, Aug. 5 in Hyde Park in Niagara Falls.

The Buffalo walk and festival will be at the Colvin Avenue and Amherst Street entrance of Delaware Park, and the Niagara Falls event will be held in Hyde Park near the splash pad at Hyde Park Boulevard and Pine Avenue.
All are invited to attend, especially families, caregivers and anyone in support of a healthy start for babies or who would like to learn more about breastfeeding.

The popular Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, featuring nearly 40 vendors selling fresh, seasonal and local produce and products, continues on Saturday, July 4. Hours at the open-air market, a program of the Elmwood Village Association, are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine, through November. 

The “Double Up Food Bucks” program is back for a second season and will be available at the market from July 4 through the end of October. The program provides low-income individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits with a $1 for $1 match (up to $20) to purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Please visit the Elmwood Village Association table at the market for details.