Fulton County Living (.com)
By Shelley D Brienza
Owner: Sandra Town
Location: Town of Mayfield
Website: http://www.fultoncountyliving.com/
Shelley: What inspired you to make a website dedicated to Fulton County history?
Fulton County Living (FCL): As I was doing my family's genealogy, I kept finding
websites where I had to pay for the information. I thought you shouldn't have to pay for your heritage.
Shelley: How do you make this work?
(FCL):
I have a lot of help from historians, local libraries, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, city and town archives and
being active in Fulton County communities.
Shelley: What advice would you give someone
if they wanted to start up a website dedicated to history?
(FCL):
Be accurate, name your sources and do not be afraid to ask for help.
Shelley: What
is your favorite part of maintaining your website?
(FCL): Getting
emails from people who have found the information they had been looking for.
Shelley:
What is the secret to its success?
FCL): A love for Fulton County
history.
Shelley: Is this a hobby or a new career move for you?
(FCL): I have always loved history. This is a dedicated hobby for me.
Shelley: What else do you like to do?
(FCL): I enjoy
hiking and other outdoor activities but have a love for finding old graves in the woods that have been abandoned.
Shelley: How can the public help you? Do you need help?
(FCL):
Any information on Fulton County and family genealogy along with photos of any year is appreciated.
Kathryn’s Korner 1-15-12
Oprah’s
‘Next Chapter’ premiers with Steven
Tyler
I tuned into Oprah’s
OWN Network with great anticipation to see her show “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” where she interviews famous
and interesting people in their homes. She premiered with Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith and most recently as
a judge on “American Idol” at his home in New Hampshire.
What I liked about the format is that Oprah goes back to her roots as an interviewer as well as Steven
Tyler’s roots as a singer in a rock band. Steven talks about the first time he met lead guitarist Joe Perry and how
he felt like that was his true calling as a singer/songwriter.
New Hampshire is actually where Tyler grew up and his home on the little Lake
Sunapee still beings him peace, especially when he walks in the nearby woods and sees the friendly people of the small town.
Even though Oprah made her name in Chicago, she seemed
to share the wonder of a small town and the quiet of a walk in the woods with Tyler.
It was neat to see Tyler struck
by the simplicity of the woods and lake and even Oprah rubbing the moss on a rock and smelling the earthy goodness of the
deep woods.
Where I glean my own peace is also on a lake here in the Adirondacks with woods all around. It’s a long way from my pursuit of an acting career
in New York City and Los Angeles, but I’ll take the peace any day by comparison.
The interview went into some difficult subject matter that
included Tyler’s admission he abandoned his wife and daughter to tour
with the rock band and he wasn’t the father he should have been. "My heart is still broken that I did that," Tyler
said of leaving his first wife and daughter, Mia, who was also part of the interview. Although they had been estranged, Mia
has written a book about her ordeal and Tyler said reading it gave him a new appreciation for what she went through.
The book gaveTyler a new
perspective and Mia said she has now forgiven him and they are closer than ever.
Future shows on Oprah’s Next Chapter are to include a Hasidic Jewish family who has never watched
television, having a sleepover with the Food Network's Paula Deen, and touring Skywalker Ranch with George Lucas. If they
are anything like the opening show with Steven Tyler, they should be well worth watching.
Kathryn Spira, a native of Cleveland who pursued an acting career in New York City and
Los Angeles, now pursues free lance writing from Caroga Lake in Fulton County.
Previous columns and contact information may be accessed at her Web site www.kathrynskorner.com.
Gloversville, NY-
This young lady is super talented and
is making her dreams become a reality. Welcome Beth Zaje or as us locals know her, Beth Zajaceskowski. Check out her latest
video and watch for her upcoming CD and local venues showcasing her singing skills to all!
Beth Zaje
Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club
By Shelley D Brienza
“We are taking away every excuse there
is as to why someone cannot afford to get healthy“, said Amer Abdallah owner of Lockport Athletic and Fitness Club.
Abdallah is also the former United States Light Heavyweight Champion. He was a star in the martial arts field, a former
U. S. kickboxing champion and New York State Golden Gloves head coach who never lost as a pro.
Championships include:
1992 Gold Medal – Junior Olympics
Amateur North American Light Heavyweight champion
Amateur Jordanian
Super Middleweight Champion
Professional USKBA W.N.Y. Light Heavyweight Champion
Professional ISKA New York State
Light Heavyweight Champion
Professional WKA East Coast U.S. Champion
Professional KICK United States Light Heavyweight
Champion
As a professional kick boxer and promoter Amer Abdallah has always been respectful of Lockport’s
sacred boxing history, bringing together greats from the past, while showcasing those today. Abdallah’s wife and business
manager Liz Bouchard helps promote their shows. In 2009 their “Redemption” show was promoted by the Lockport based
promotions company Lace Up Promotions, which they own and has absorbed the former Fight Night Promotions. They’ve expanded
their markets to Rochester, Syracuse & Connecticut. Lace Up Promotions said they are just proud to be based out
of Lockport. The promotions company has taken a new direction, and brought in fighters from local martial arts schools to
display their talent in the ring. “This is our opportunity to bring all of the martial arts schools in Lockport together
and share the platform. I’m proud to be able to work with these reputable schools and represent Lockport in the way
we do. It’s the goal, to put a Lockport fighter on every single fight and to bring the sport back, put kickboxing back
on the map, and definitely showcase Lockport, N. Y., as a pinnacle of kickboxing .My wife trains right next to me. My father
made me get into marital arts when I was eight and I didn't want to and then I got successful at it and it developed into
karate. Later on I had earned a scholarship and I fought over seas for a couple years. One door opened the other; and
a series of blessings back to back began to happen,” said Abdallah.
The next major blessing that happened
is where you will find Abdallah mostly these days, at his athletic club he owns and runs in Lockport. The Lockport Athletic
& Fitness Club, which has been in business now for the last eight years. “I started the whole health and fitness
idea of Lockport in 1997 when we were downtown in Lockport. We started with just a kickboxing gym, slowly we were first
working with inner city kids with just a regular boxing program and there it evolved and we started seeing men, women, people
of all different demographics began coming in and trying the classes. We were seeing how many lives were becoming affected.
We were seeing a whole lot of change. We moved out of our downtown location and moved up the street to this location
in 2003 and opened up The Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club,” Abdallah shared.
He continued saying, “We've
expanded and it was a little bit of a risk and weren't sure how people of the community would react, then members started
to see results and it changed so many peoples lives. So we started offering the right kind of programs and that is why year
after year we have been voted the number one fitness facility in the area. We were always the first to introduce the newest
kind of training. Equipment is equipment. Machines are machines. There will always be a new clubs opening with the newest
machines. The number one key that differentiates us and separates us from every other club is our programs and service
we offer. We are a full service club. Our Core 360 program has been off the charts with results. We are proud of this program.
We are the first in this area to introduce ‘Hot Yoga’ by this summer. People cannot afford to get in shape. We
feel everybody deserves the chance to live a healthy life. Everybody in our facility is a certified coach. We are the lowest
in what we charge at only $19 a month to start. We are taking away every excuse there is as to why someone cannot afford to
get healthy.”
Abdallah said they have levels of service and criteria that they have to meet. And in
speaking to him I could hear his pride in his voice in everything that they do. From professional athletes to first time members
who have never been in a place like this working out or on that kind of equipment before, people can go in there and feel
like they are part of a big family. It’s a family run business. “You don't have to come dressed up to
come work. We have a big family environment. We have the mayor, legislators, doctors, lawyers, school teachers, and a very
friendly, non intimidating atmosphere. I absolutely love what I do. I don't feel like I am employed and am blessed to
be in this position,” Abdallah said.
What sets Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club apart from their competitors
is that they are the first fitness business in the area that will let you try before you buy with no risk and no obligation.
They offer the most affordable membership in the area, while being Lockport’s #1 fitness facility! They GUARANTEE results!
Their award winning member service has kept them voted Lockport’s #1 health club! No other club in the area offers the
services, programming or group training that they do! You can pay month to month on any membership level you choose while
they create a solution to your fitness needs. Abdallah said, “We feel if we can't earn your business then we don't
deserve it.” That means that you will have a membership catered specifically for your individual needs. They offer the
most luxurious amenities such as aromatherapy steam rooms, individualized private showers, and locker rooms in the area.
They feature their own tanning center in the club specializing in meeting all of your tanning needs. The Endless Summer
Tan Center offers a state of the art bed, including one of the newest super beds on the market, the Sunstar ZX32, which features
the latest in tanning technology, including a separate facial tanner.
And don’t forget to stop by their
very own juice bar called, “City Blends Café” right on the premises to unwind before heading out
or back to work . It is a full service juice bar with over 40 different kinds of shakes and different supplements in their
shakes. Be sure to visit their website (www.lockportathletic.com) for a whole sleuth of information.
The Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club meets all the standards for a very
well equipped facility. The equipment is state of the art and impeccably well kept. All of the personal trainers are knowledgeable,
organized and always motivated. Each member of the staff contributes to the gym's friendly atmosphere. Fitness, nutrition
and coaching together are what makes these programs stand out. From a fitness plan, nutrition plan to pulling it all together
with a certified personal trained coach offers an approach to living fit like no other.
In conjunction with the
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club is sponsoring a fun way to make a donation and a chance to win
a year membership. Come to the front desk at the gym; fill out a ballot with your guesses, choosing one contestant from
their very own weight loss groups. Pick a "Previous Biggest Loser" group and one from the "Newest Biggest Loser"
group who you think will win. If both of your guesses are correct you enter the drawing for a free year membership. "Biggest
Loser" winners will be determined based on the percentage of body weight lost. Each donation is $10.00 and 100% of proceeds
go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation! Abdallah noted, “We are very community minded; we were allowed to raise funds for
Opportunity for Unlimited of Niagara. We donated $2500 to them. This is what makes us successful; giving back to the community.
We give back to over 50 different charities. I know the majority of our clients on a first name basis. We are community minded
and the difference is the best programming and best training. My life’s so blessed at this point in time. We are
from Lockport, running a business in Lockport and giving back to Lockport. I have great supporters and sponsors, a beautiful
and loving family, and a wonderful community that welcomed me back.”
Phone: (716) 439 - LAFC (5232)
Fax:
(716) 439-5992
Email: info@lockportathletic.com
6017 South Transit Rd
Lockport, NY 14094
Monday -Friday 5A-10P/Saturday & Sunday 7A-8P
Mickey Finn’s Restaurant
By Shelley D. Brienza
At Mickey Finn’s they pride themselves with
their commitment to serving you in the restaurant and in the community. Under new management now, owner Tim Bryan says, “We
are huge contributors to Victor High School; we contribute to all the Booster Clubs, as well as anything going on in the town
and village of Victor.”
With menu items freshly cooked to perfection and their relaxed atmosphere, Mickey
Finn’s is a perfect place for that special night out or lunch meeting during the day. For workers that can't get
away for lunch, they offer FREE delivery to local businesses! They offer everything from delicious appetizers and specialty
drinks to gourmet entrees and decadent cheesecake. Check out their full bar with a wide selection of beer, both bottled and
on tap as well as wine and liquor. “Come on down today and enjoy our great food in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere,”
Said Mr. Bryan.
Mickey Finn’s has been around for 15 years. “ I took it over as a new owner
four months ago in mid August. It’s great; a lot of nice people are walking in the doors," he said. Aside
from the restaurant, Mickey Finn’s is a great place to have a party or special event. On the lower level they have a
banquet room that comfortably seats over 100 people. By popular request they have also started off premis catering. Now you
can have their great tasting food almost anywhere!
Before entering the restaurant business Mr. Ryan worked at
Wegman’s for 15 years before going back to school for financing. With his education in finance Tim worked in the mortgage
industry for 8 years. When asked what motivated him to take over Mickey Finn’s, he replied “I always wanted to
run my own business and it seemed like a good fit. My background working with Wegman's along with my financial background
made it an easy decision. Most of all I like the flexibility it gives me to care for my son Jack, who will be 5 years old
in February . It gives me the ability to care for him whenever I need to.
Mr. Bryan pointed out, “Although
we are under new management, we still offer the same great food, in a Victor / Irish themed atmosphere. I took pictures from
the early 1900’s and put them along side pictures from today to give it a ‘then and now’ theme. We offer
take out and free delivery to businesses for lunches and that is something we are trying to get known out there more.”
Be sure to check out their newly updated website found at: www.mickeyfinnsrestaurant.com .
Mickey Finn’s Restaurant and Tavern
14 Railroad Street, Victor NY 14564
Hours: Sun-Fri,
11 am -1am
Sat. 11am -2am
Phone 585-924-4660
Fax 585-924-2578
E-mail tim@mickeyfinnsrestaurant.com
