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Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John LaFalce remembered by those he helped on their journeys
Ask about John LaFalce and you will likely hear about his intelligence, his ability to reach across the aisle, and how important the legislation he helped pass in Congress was to his home. 'He was a registered Democrat, but he represented all of Western New York,' said Mary Brennan-Taylor, one of his former staffers who is now the vice president of programs for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier. 'He may have been born in Buffalo, but he truly was Niagara County's congressman.' The Tonawanda resident who served in Congress from 1975 to 2003 died April 11 at Niagara Hospice, reportedly from kidney failure. He was 85 years old. His legacy in Niagara County was cemented early in his career, as he got Superfund legislation enacted in the wake of the Love Canal crisis. He and then-President Jimmy Carter were in Niagara Falls in October 1980 as Carter signed the second emergency declaration for the area, permitting federal funds to help relocate more than 500 families residing near the toxic site. Among other issues, LaFalce fought against predatory lending practices, helped keep Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station open in 1995, secured federal funding for improving Olcott Harbor in the early '90s, and helped with plans to turn the vacant Turtle building in Niagara Falls into a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. Brennan-Taylor worked on LaFalce's first Congressional campaign in 1974, appreciating his approach to public service and sharing similar views on important issues as the then-New York State Assembly member was running for higher office. The two kept in touch after he won, and in 1992 LaFalce asked her to work for him in his district office. In his Buffalo and Niagara Falls offices, Brennan-Taylor would advise the congressman on many issues simmering in his district, whether it had to do with the nuclear materials at the Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston or wanting the Peace Bridge border crossing to be a double span. LaFalce took the time to take care of smaller matters such as helping a constituent's father get his World War II medal. LaFalce was also more than comfortable being among his constituents, whether on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls or meeting with the UAW Local 686 in Lockport, or bringing federal employees to his district to see the conditions for themselves. 'When working with perhaps an opponent or someone who didn't agree with you, he would allow grace and not back them into a corner,' Brennan-Taylor said. 'That is missing in politics.' Lockport native Kim Glas, the current president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, also got her start in Washington politics working for LaFalce from 2000 to 2003. Her desire to work for him came after one of her SUNY Geneseo professors, Bill Cook, had LaFalce mentor him in a Congressional race. 'I was intent to work for John,' Glas said. 'I loved his intellect. He was a workhorse who put Western New York first.' Glas was part of his small staff as a senior legislative assistant and deputy press secretary, whose duties involved advising floor votes on legislation, writing op-eds and letters, and advising LaFalce on issues in the district. As the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, LaFalce was instrumental in enacting financial services reform in the wake of 9/11, making sure American institutions would not unknowingly fund terrorist activity. From there, Glas continued on at Capitol Hill for another seven years before joining the Obama administration, working for the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. But she never forgot the lessons she learned in LaFalce's office. 'He always taught me to ask the hard questions and be thoughtful in your approach,' Glas said. Tributes have poured in for LaFalce from various New York politicians including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who worked in his office in the 1980s, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, said in a statement, 'Congressman LaFalce will be remembered for all that he did. However, standing up for the residents of Love Canal in the face of environmental catastrophe, and directing the eyes of the world on Western New York, forced a national reckoning with the dangers of industrial pollution, further underscored his fearless leadership.' The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Buffalo Niagara Chapter recognized LaFalce for his part in the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988, which made it easier for women to start their own businesses. 'Congressman LaFalce gave women business owners a seat at the table and the tools to build lasting success,' chapter president Patti Lamcabelli said. 'His vision, paired with NAWBO's advocacy, helped open doors for generations of women entrepreneurs.' Nate McMurray, who ran for Congress several times in the past decade, had LaFalce's endorsement during the 2020 campaign in the 27th Congressional District. 'He was the last of a breed: a man of books and parishes, of law and labor, of corner tables and Latin Mass,' McMurray said in a Facebook post. 'He had rough edges, yes—but he came from a time when public service was about more than power. It was about stewardship.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
The 20 Best Things To Do In Tampa, Florida
To say that Tampa is enjoying a renaissance is an understatement. Known as the 'Cigar Capital of the World' at the turn of the twentieth century, today Florida's third-largest city is shining bright in the spotlight, having recently been named one of the World's Greatest Places, Best Places to Travel, and the Best Place to Live in Florida. Those accolades are well-deserved, too, with the city's celebrated culinary scene, vibrant arts and culture scene, championship sports teams, and plenty of outdoor activities and beaches to enjoy year-round. I've lived in Tampa for nearly 25 years. It's exciting to see the city's transformation as it comes into its own and shines on the world stage. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Tampa, Florida. Related: The 10 Best Cities To Vacation In Florida Two can't-miss museums line Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park downtown. Tampa Museum of Art boasts one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the Southeast, not to mention a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art. The Glazer Children's Museum is filled with interactive permanent and traveling exhibits that inspire play and discovery for the whole family. A quick (free!) streetcar ride from downtown Tampa to Ybor City affords the opportunity to visit the new site of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Its exhibits feature historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists, as well as the Tampa Baseball Museum, housed in the childhood home of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Al Lopez. Get the lay of the land at the Tampa Bay History Center. The 60,000-square-foot, Smithsonian-affiliated center highlights 12,000 years of Florida history through exhibits, educational films, and interactive displays. Climb onto a pirate ship, walk through a cigar shop, ride with cattlemen, and take your time wandering through the collection of 90,000 historical artifacts. 801 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602 At the turn of the 20th century, Tampa's Ybor City was known as the 'Cigar Capital of the World' – workers at more than 200 cigar factories rolled more than 1 million cigars daily by 1910. Today, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is the only remaining cigar factory still making cigars in Tampa and in all of the U.S. Smokers and non-smokers will enjoy a tour of the factory, from learning about the industry's local history and how tobacco leaves are prepped, to watching cigars being made first-hand. 2701 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 33605 Built nearly 100 years ago, the Tampa Theatre is as much a work of art as the films that are shown and performances that take the stage. Through his elaborate design, theater architect John Eberson installed a 'night sky' with twinkling 'stars' over a style that evokes a moonlit courtyard complete with tile roofs and statues. Every seat in the house is a good one; be sure to arrive early to hear the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ play before the movie begins. 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 With average daytime high temperatures of 72 degrees in the winter and 91 degrees in the winter, anytime is a good time to get outside in Tampa. Meander along the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk that runs along the Hillsborough River through downtown Tampa. Beginning at Sparkman Wharf, a dining destination near The Florida Aquarium, the Riverwalk passes the Tampa Bay History Center, Amalie Arena, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and its museums, and Water Works Park before ending at Armature Works, a thriving food hall that's popular with both visitors and locals. Downtown Tampa, FL Another place to get outside and enjoy the Florida sunshine is Bayshore Boulevard, one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the U.S. at 4.5 miles. Skirting Tampa Bay, Bayshore begins at the edge of downtown Tampa and runs south to Gandy Boulevard. Along the way, marvel at some of the city's most impressive homes and spot dolphins, manatees, and even sting rays in the water below. South of Downtown Tampa, FL For a different perspective, get out on the water to cruise around Tampa Bay at your pace on an electric boat, no experience necessary! Bring your own food and drinks and take in the sites. near the Sail Plaza, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 Head to Amalie Arena to watch the three-time Stanley Cup Champions Tampa Bay Lightning take on their opponents on home ice. The National Hockey League season typically runs early October through mid-April, so there are plenty of opportunities to watch the Bolts play. 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 Tampa Bay Sun FC, Tampa's first women's professional soccer team, took to the pitch in August 2024 as one of the inaugural teams of the USL Super League. The team plays its matches at a waterfront stadium overlooking downtown Tampa; the spring season runs from early February through late May. 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607 Super Bowl LV champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the gridiron at Raymond James Stadium, where the star off-the-field is the pirate ship. Be ready for the firing of the cannons each time the Bucs score. The National Football League's pre-season begins in early August, with the regular season starting in early September and running through early January. 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607 If independent shops and boutiques are more your speed, Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood is filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. Pop into The Disco Dolls Studio for sustainable vintage and original clothing, jewelry, art, and more; Microgroove for new and used vinyl; and Health Mutt for something for your four-legged friends, to name just a few spots. Seminole Heights is about three miles north of downtown Tampa Designers like Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Lily Pulitzer are found alongside department stores like Dillard's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom at International Plaza. The mall also boasts an impressive assortment of stand-alone restaurants and a food court for a quicker bite so you can make a day of it. 2223 N West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 Find a European vibe in Hyde Park Village, about two miles south of downtown Tampa, off Bayshore Boulevard. In addition to a few national brands you'll recognize, like Anthropologie and Lululemon, you'll find tantalizing independent shops, boutiques, and restaurants that will tempt your wallet. 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 Cheers went up when St. Pete's popular Trip's Diner opened a restaurant on this side of the bay in Tampa's Seminole Heights. Breakfast favorites at this local spot include the Breakfast Cuban with scrambled eggs, Loaded Grits with cheddar, bacon, and scallions, and a Hubcake, a pancake the size of a hubcap. Trip's is worth getting up early—it's first-come, first-seated, and there's usually a wait on weekends. 6416 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 If you're one to linger over a cup of coffee or tea, make reservations for breakfast or weekend brunch in the sun-lit conservatory at Oxford Exchange. Nibble on Avocado Toast, Breakfast Tacos, or a Salmon Benedict while you plan out the rest of your day. 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 Grab a bite from Gulf Coast Sandwich House to enjoy wherever you find yourself in Tampa around lunchtime. It's DIY-style at this sourdough bakery, from the type of bread (don't overlook the turmeric & black pepper) to the fillings, including meatball and Italian, and even vegetarian options. Be sure to grab a cinnamon roll for dessert. 6703 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 You can never go wrong with a Half and Half Combo for lunch at Columbia Restaurant: a choice of two or a half of a Cuban sandwich, a half-order of Columbia's Original '1905' Salad, or a cup of soup (black bean, Spanish bean, or gazpacho). The oldest restaurant in Florida, this Ybor City institution has been serving its Spanish-Cuban cuisine since 1905. 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 Related: Where To Find Florida's Best Cuban Sandwiches Long before Tampa's dining scene evolved into what it is today, the team at Rooster & The Till took a chance with an adventurous, ever-changing menu that appeals to diners with discerning palates yet is still approachable. Fast-forward a little more than a decade, and the restaurant's shareable plates and entrée-sized dishes have garnered the attention of Michelin. 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 Another of Tampa's dining institutions is Bern's Steak House, a must-visit since its opening in 1956. This classic steakhouse's prime steaks are cut to order and dry-aged in-house for five to eight weeks. The steaks, along with an impressive selection of caviar, seafood dishes and tempting desserts in the famous Dessert Room (separate reservations) are complimented by one of the world's largest wine collections. 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 History and architecture buffs will delight in staying at one of two historical properties in downtown Tampa: Le Méridien Tampa and Hotel Flor. The 130 guestrooms in Le Méridien Tampa, housed in a century-old Federal Court House, once served as judges' chambers and courtroom offices. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Hotel Flor opened in 1927 and was Florida's first skyscraper. The hotel recently underwent extensive renovations in its 210 guestrooms, suites, and public spaces. 601 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 905 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 The European vibes in Hyde Park Village flow into the neighborhood's only hotel, Palihouse Hyde Park Village. The 36-suite boutique hotel feels more like a home where guests are invited to, well, make themselves at home. After a day of exploring, take a seat in The Lobby Bar to unwind a bit before heading out to dinner. 1509 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 Ybor City may be a historic district of Tampa, but it's alive and buzzing with energy. For a stay in the middle of the action, make reservations at Hotel Haya, where the area's rich history and contemporary design blend to create a memorable stay. Stay in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or venture out – the flavors of Ybor await right outside the door. 1412 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Heinz History Center named best history museum by USA Today readers
For two years in a row, the Heinz History Center was named the best history museum in the country. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum again earned the Best History Museum in America from USA Today as part of its annual Readers' Choice Awards. The museum was nominated by a panel of industry experts, then chosen as the best by the public. 'We are honored that USA TODAY has selected the History Center as America's best history museum for the second time,' said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the History Center. 'At the History Center, visitors of all ages can have a meaningful experience while exploring American history. This national recognition means a lot to our staff and volunteers. It reflects the impact we have on communities here in Western Pennsylvania and throughout the country.' Click here for the full list of museums nominated for the award. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
