"Now's the Time" Completed at The Connection |
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Renowned WNY artist Chuck Tingley has recently completed a towering mural gracing the walls of The Connection at 1700 Main Street in Niagara Falls. The selection of this particular location holds profound significance for Tingley, as The Connection serves as a haven for teenagers, fostering a nurturing environment for socializing, partaking in activities, and more.
In expressing his sentiments, Tingley shared, "I'm honored to be included in the Niagara Falls public art movement, specifically here at The Connection building and what they represent. A place for the youth that's open daily for them to congregate, play games, and to learn and grow. My hope is that my mural encapsulates that same spirit - as it starts with the youth."
He continued with an inspiring message, saying, "There are ways to bring about political and social change through peaceful and positive activism. To all of the young ones, keep sharing your values and keep speaking your truth with the world. And for the rest of us, including myself, may we all be good listeners when the kids have something to say. They are the future, our future."
An official unveiling of this captivating mural is scheduled to take place at the site on October 7, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm. During this event, light refreshments will be served, and the public is cordially invited to join in celebrating this extraordinary artistic achievement.
Funding for this mural was provided by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
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The Niagara Falls Power Project Launched in 1961, the Niagara Power Project is New York State’s biggest electricity producer and a major tourist attraction. |
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After the “catastrophic collapse” of the Schoellkopf Power Station in June 1956, the New York Power Authority set out to construct a replacement power station 4.5 miles downstream from Niagara Falls, along with “a giant reservoir to be located further downstream near Lewiston.” The plan was known as the Niagara Power Project.
As head of the power authority, Robert Moses spearheaded the project. One of the first obstacles was that land for the reservoir was on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation. The Tuscarora tribe didn’t want to relinquish any of their land, so they took their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 1960, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the power authority—authorizing it to seize 550 acres of the 6,300-acre Tuscarora Reservation at a cost of $1,500 per acre. This caused the displacement of 175 members of the Tuscarora tribe and 37 of their homes.
Other obstacles were the dangerous working conditions along the Niagara River gorge. During construction of the power station, two giant Euclid construction trucks plunged into the river and twenty laborers died in construction-related accidents.
Construction of the power station took three years, 11,700 workers, and $737 million. In 1961, the Niagara Power Project produced its first power. At the time, “it was the largest hydropower facility in the Western world.”
President John F. Kennedy gave a dedication speech from the White House, declaring that the project represented “a new and more prosperous era for the Niagara frontier” and “an example to the world of North American efficiency and determination."
Today, the renamed Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant is “New York State’s biggest electricity producer, providing up to 2.6 million kilowatts of clean electricity.” This occurs through the combined efforts of the Lewiston Pump Generating Plant and 25 turbines that spin 748,000 gallons of water per second. Power is generated when a gated tunnel under the city diverts water from the Niagara River into two reservoirs and the reservoirs release the water.
In 2017, the National Parks Service designated the area as the Niagara Power Project Historic District. It includes the 341-acre Reservoir State Park, which “was built atop fill generated by construction of the power project.”
At the Niagara Power Project Power Vista, “visitors can learn about the history, culture and people of the Tuscarora Nation” and “the history and operations of hydroelectric power in the Niagara Region through interactive, engaging exhibits.” They can also see some pretty spectacular sights from the observation deck.
Author: Hope L. Russell, Ph.D.
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Inclusion and Access: Deaf Awareness Week at the Aquarium of Niagara Sponsored by the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area |
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The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is committed to ensuring that the richness of our region is an experience accessible to all. From the installation of wheelchair lifts on our Discover Niagara Shuttles to actively sponsoring a multitude of events, our goal remains clear: to provide every individual with the opportunity to delve into the profound history and heritage of our remarkable region.
In a recent collaboration undertaken in honor of Deaf Awareness Month, the Aquarium of Niagara partnered with Deaf Access Services, a program under the People Inc. umbrella. Together, they worked to elevate the presentation quality for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sponsored by the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, the event featured dynamic talks and presentations seamlessly integrated with American Sign Language interpreters. These interpreters also enhanced captivating hands-on experiences, such as the interactive M&T Bank Shark and Ray Bay.
We will continue to explore ways we can help improve the experience at our local attractions and historical sites for all people.
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That's a Wrap! (Almost) The Discover Niagara Shuttle service runs through October 9th. |
The Discover Niagara Shuttle will continue running on weekends through Monday October 9th. After another successful season, we're already looking at improvements for the 2024 season!
One of our favorite additions for 2023 was our vehicle wraps that showcase the art of Polly King, one of Niagara Falls' most prolific artists.
The special thing about this project is the fact that more than anything, Polly felt that art existed to be enjoyed. This summer, communities along our 13 mile stretch and Lockport were able to enjoy Polly's art as it drove by. In case you haven't seen them all, take a look at the seven wraps completed this year.
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Polly King Portrait of the Month Each month, we'll feature one of the countless portraits painted by Polly King. Each portrait, each person has a story! |
One of Polly King's gifts was her amazing use of color. In this portrait, the subject's fiery red hair simply captivates.
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