THE HOT 5
An opinionated to-do list
By Christopher Schobert

There are two types of Buffalonians: Those who leap out of bed on Thanksgiving morning to run the annual Turkey Trot, and those who struggle out of bed, watch the Macy’s parade with a cup of coffee, thumb through the “Black Friday” ads, and mentally prepare to trot to turkey dinner. I’m in the latter camp, but I have nothing but respect for the former. Since I lack the stamina to run, I’ll salute them below.
Photo courtesy of YMCA Greater Buffalo.
1. YMCA Turkey Trot
Here’s the fact of the month: this year’s YMCA Turkey Trot is the 115th. It’s the oldest continually running foot race in North America, and that’s pretty darn impressive. The reputation of the 8-K race is one of the reasons why more than 10,000 runners congregate at Delaware and Shoreham every year. What often gets forgotten amidst the good times is the cause. The ultimate goal of the Trot is to help kids and families in WNY who might not otherwise have been able to afford to participate in YMCA programs and services. It’s truly a unique and healthy way to support a fine organization. Oh, and part of the fun, of course, is the post-race celebration and awards ceremony. Call it a reward for a job well done.
9 a.m. at Delaware Ave. and Shoreham on Nov. 25; 875-1283 or www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.

Charles Haupt photo by Mike Horowitz.
2. A Musical Feast
Retired BPO concertmaster Charles Haupt’s “A Musical Feast” concert series has become a beloved part of the local music lexicon since its creation, and it’s no wonder. Each program features a stellar lineup of musicians picked by Haupt, and a diverse, original program. The November 14 performance is part of the four-day RendezBlue Festival at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and will include Debussy’s Cello Sonata, featuring Jonathan Golove, cello, and Claudia Hoca, piano; and Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music, featuring Hoca, Golove, and Haupt, violin. FYI, the next two Musical Feast shows are February 11 and April 10.
2 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Ave.; 878-6011 or www.amusicalfeast.com.

3. Forgotten Buffalo Patriots and Pilsner
If you’ve lived in WNY long, you’ve either been to a VFW Post, know someone who spends plenty of time there, or simply drove by one. But many have begun to close. That makes the latest Forgotten Buffalo tour a very special one. “Forgotten Buffalo Patriots and Pilsner” will take you on a visit to some of Buffalo and WNY’s hidden VFW and American Legion sites—a surefire grandma and grandpa favorite, but interesting for any age. The tours include transportation and food and make for a unique jaunt through some of the Queen City’s most interesting spots. FYI, “Jim & Tim’s Irish Buffalo” tour on November 6, which stops by some of the late Tim Russert’s and Jimmy Griffin’s favorite spots, should also be fascinating. But it’s sold out, natch.
5 p.m. on Nov. 13; 833-5211 or www.forgottenbuffalo.com.
Jewelry by Gloria Rapport photo courtesy of the Kenan Center.
4. Holiday Gift Show at the Kenan Center
Yes, it is holiday show time. And the Kenan Arts Council’s annual Holiday Gift Show deserves mention as one of the best. Now in year thirty, it features handcrafted work from forty-eight juried artisans and designers; some are past returnees, some, newbies in the Kenan Gift Show world. The show also features gourmet food vendors, herbal gift sales, basket raffles, and more, and proceeds support the Kenan Center’s community-oriented programs and the Art Council’s scholarships and arts grants to area schools.
5–9 p.m. on Nov. 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Nov. 20, and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Nov. 21 at the Kenan mansion, Taylor Theater, and Education Center at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St., Lockport; 433-2617 or www.kenancenter.org.

5. A Vintage Affair
We always love to include special charity events in Spree; our “La Dolce Vita” column brings you five picks each month. Here is yet another not-to-be-missed choice: “A Vintage Affair,” a wine tasting and auction to benefit the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter on November 12. What makes this such a noteworthy event is the location: the Red Cross’s gorgeous home, the Clement Mansion on Delaware Avenue. It’s an ideal site for such an event, so enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and wine, admire the mansion, and know you’re doing a darn good deed.
6–9:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter’s Clement Mansion, 786 Delaware Ave., Buffalo; 878-2235 or www.buffaloredcross.org.

Associate editor Christopher Schobert hopes the Cowboys lose to the Saints and the Jets to the Bengals on thanksgiving day.


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