Hometown Spotlight is a weekly 30-minute show spotlighting the people, places, and things happening around our Hometown!
Interested in supporting or being a guest on the show? Send an email to: spotlight@wlvl.com
Grace Platt and guests from Lockport Main Street Inc. stop by to talk about happenings in Lockport during September!
To keep up to date with events in our area, be sure to visit: https://www.discoverlockport.com/events
On this Labor Day Weekend edition of Spotlight, we chat with Lori Dool-Griswold, a Lockport native and 5-time American Cornhole League Champion. She talks about her experiences in the sport and also gives some tips on how to improve your game!
To learn more about Lori and the American Cornhole League, visit:
https://loridool.com
https://www.iplaycornhole.com
In this episode, Jacob Keuhn talks about "A Ride to Remember," a HERO100 Golf Marathon at Shelridge Country Club in Medina to benef Folds of Honor. Along with two other members, he will be playing 110 holes of golf on September 11, 2026 to honor the 110 stories climbed by the brave first responders who entered the World Trade Center. The event raises funds for educational scholarships that support the families of fallen and disabled military members and first responders in Western New York.
To learn more and to donate, visit: https://charity.pledgeit.org/shelridgecc/@jacobkuehn
On this episode, Ayla and Ellie chat with Niagara Falls resident Sanquin Starks, who is joining the SUNY Niagara men’s basketball staff as a volunteer assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. They are also joined by SUNY Niagara men’s basketball head coach Bill Beilein.
To learn more about SUNY Niagara athletics, visit https://www.ncccathletics.com
On this edition of Hometown Spotlight, we are joined by Nate Lopez who is the owner of Carefree Boat Club of Buffalo! Nate talks about the boating experience here in WNY and discusses what the services offered by Carefree Boat Club. Its boating, without the bloated costs! Set sail from the Erie Basin Marina or Gratwick Riverside Park Marina.
To learn more, visit: https://carefreeboats.com/new-york/buffalo/ or call 716-404-3330
On this episode of Spotlight, local independent artist and musician Tamara Kozak discusses the inspirations for her artwork, her music, and the usage of technology (including A.I.) in modern music compositions. Featured in this episode are her songs "Coffee At Daybreak" and "The Roar of Niagara."
To hear more of Tamara's music, please visit suno.com/@tamarakozak1959
Discover the Dale! On this episode of Spotlight, we are joined by Bob O'Connor (Marketing Director) and Gretchen Doty (Senior Center Director) of The Dale Association to discuss the mission of The Dale, it's 75th anniversary, and the open house taking place 8/15/26. The open house runs 10a - 2p at 33 Ontario Street in Lockport, NY.
To learn more about The Dale Association, please visit https://daleassociation.com or call (716) 433-1886
On this episode of Hometown Spotlight, members of the Warlocks 1507 Lockport High School Robotics team discuss robotics, STEM, the history of the Warlocks 1507, and their involvement in Canal Cleanup Day which takes place at Widewaters on August 22nd.
To learn more about the Warlocks 1507 and Canal Cleanup Day, please visit https://warlocks1507.com or https://www.instagram.com/warlocks_1507
On this episode of Hometown Spotlight, local entrepreneur Melissa Ulrich talks about establishing and operating her local apparel and clothing store, Bling.
Bling is located at 18 Market Street Lockport, NY 14094
Learn more about Bling at: https://bling716.myshopify.com or call 716-480-0636
Niagara Gazette Film Critic Michael Calleri joins a special "At The Movies" edition of Hometown Spotlight to discuss The Odyssey, IMAX theaters, and Spiderman: Brand New Day.
You may read Michael's reviews in the Niagara Gazette, or on Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/profiles/critic/michael-calleri
Grace Platt and guests from Discover Lockport tell us about all the events lined up for the month of August.
To learn more about what's happening on our hometown, be sure to regularly visit https://www.discoverlockport.com
Local artists & entrepreneurs Alexander & Alexandria Thom join this episode of Spotlight to talk about West Side Studio, Gallery, and Spin Art.
To learn more, visit https://thelocket716.com/west-side-studio/
Ryan Mauer joins this episode of "Spotlight" to talk about the 2026 Barker Corn Festival and the mission of the Ontario Shores Community Organization.
To learn more, visit: https://ontarioshorescommunityorganization.org
On this episode, Mark Beckstein "The Video Guy" discusses his journey of opening up a local local business and discusses the services he provides.
You may contact Mark at: thevideoguy.wny@gmail.com or 716-280-1560
Dakota Ward, the owner of Pine Street Horror Haunted House, joins spotlight to talk about this unique local attraction! Pine Street Horror Haunted House is a multi-floor, walk-through haunted attraction located in Lockport.
On this episode of Hometown Spotlight, Lauren Peroni (Operations Manager for JoJo's Ice Cream in Lockport) talks about all things ice cream, and how JoJo's became one of Lockport's hot spots for cool treats! JoJo's is located at 494 West Ave , Lockport and is open all year round!
On this episode, Evidential Psychic Medium Investigator & President of the Lockport Psychic Investigators Juanita Szafranski discusses her experiences as a medium. To contact Juanita, call or text 716-946-4555
Grace Platt from Discover Lockport tells us about all the events lined up for the month of July.
To learn more about what's happening on our hometown, be sure to regularly visit https://www.discoverlockport.com
Sarah joins this episode of Hometown Spotlight to discuss the services provided by Lakeview Sanctuary.
To learn more, visit https://lakeviewanimalsanctuary.org
To volunteer or learn about how you can support the sanctuary, contact Shannon at 716-990-7030 for more details.
On this episode, Norm & Zack discuss the services provided to the local community by Guide Dogs of America.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org
Niagara Gazzette film critic Michael Calleri give his thoughts on "Backrooms" and its 20-year-old director. Could this be the start of a new chapter in Hollywood? Michael also gives his review of Steven Spielberg's latest sci-fi film "Disclosure Day."
On this episode, Coach Clingersmith discusses his experiences with the SUNY Niagara Baseball program and the teams championship winning 2026 season.
To learn more about Coach Clingersmith and SUNY Niagara Athletics, please visit www.ncccathletics.com
Lorna joins Spotlight to discuss her various works about WNY including "Legends, Lore and Secrets of WNY" and "Wicked Niagara: The Sinister Side of the Niagara Frontier." She also discusses her experiences as a local storyteller.
To learn more about Lorna, please visit www.storyhavenstudio.com
Discover Lockport Program Manager Grace Platt joins the show to talk about happenings in Lockport for the month of June. To learn more, visit https://www.discoverlockport.com/events
Coach Flowers joins the show to discuss his experiences involving local youth sports, and to discuss the MBSA Coaches Clinic happening in Lockport June 27 - 28 from 10a - 4p both days.
To learn more, or to get involved, email:
towens41@yahoo.com -or- tarrence63@gmail.com
On this special Memorial Day edition of Hometown Spotlight, Niagara Gazette Film Critic discusses the holiday weekend movie lineup along with upcoming music releases from The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.
Michael Calleri reviews films for the Niagara Gazette, the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, and the CNHI news network. Contact him at moviecolumn@gmail.com
On this special Memorial Day edition of Hometown Spotlight, local veteran Rob Banas chats with other local veterans about their experiences in the service, and beyond.
On this episode, Rob talks about his time in the service and his inspirations for starting veteran focused businesses. Rob also discusses his veteran focused radio show, The Lima Charlie Charlie Show.
Contact Wilco Wealth Management: 716-260-2717
C Suite Insurance: https://www.csuiteinsurance.com
The Lima Charlie Show: thelimacharlieshow.com
Discover Lockport Program Manager Grace Platt joins the show to talk about happenings in Lockport for the month of May. To learn more, visit https://www.discoverlockport.com/events
Local cave experts James Boles Jr & Scott Ensminger join the show to discuss Lockport's underground caves. To reach out to James for info or to provide tips, email jamesboles47@gmail.com
Lucas joins this episode, hosted by Ellie Rose, to talk about the history and happenings at Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World, formerly known as Fantasy Island.
Philip joins the show to discuss his inspiration and experiences owning Grand New Flag in Newfane, NY
Visit Grand New Flag:
6171 McKee Street
Suite C
Newfane, NY 14108
https://grandnewflag.com
On this episode, we are joined by Niagara Gazette movie critic Michael Calleri, who discusses Oscar party pools, reviews the films "The Drama" and "Project Hail Mary," and also talks about an upcoming film starring a recently deceased Hollywood A-lister whose likeness will be recreated by A.I.
Marybeth discusses the mission of the American Red Cross in Niagara County and WNY.
To learn more about the Red Cross, visit:
https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/western-new-york/about-us/locations/western-new-york-chapter.html
https://www.redcrossblood.org
Or, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
Local author Christina Abt joins the show to discuss her new book "The Secret Sand Circle" which tells the story of Dr. Juliet Olivia "Jo" Harkins, a distinguished psychologist dedicated to counseling survivors of abuse and trauma.
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