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JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

+ A SUDDEN STOP - Conversation at Jim's SteakOut on Chippewa Street froze on April 11, the eve of the first playoff game, as my friend Sara asked, "Who's Ryan Miller?"

As my group debated whether or not one of the employees looked like the all-star goalie, Sara became more and more confused as to who we were talking about. Finally, she asked the jaw-dropping question, of course loud enough to be heard over the restaurant's noise: "Who's Ryan Miller?" If for only a moment, the activity did in fact cease, as those around us looked at her in disbelief. Because of the reaction she asked the question again, only to be hushed by my friend Adam, insisting that she "shut up." Before you judge her, I have to explain that she is from Syracuse.

We almost converted her to a Sabres fan. Prior to going to Jim's SteakOut, we had been at the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center. She listened to the chatter from fans gearing up for the game and debated staying in Buffalo an extra night for the kickoff to the 2007 playoff series. In the end she returned to the land of the Orange.

+ FITNESS - Registration is open for Nordic walking classes on the Amherst bike and walking paths through Forward Fitness Inc. Owner Jill Bronsky said Nordic walking uses two specially designed poles to work the upper body while walking. Adding poles to a walking workout provides more stability and helps remove stress from knees and other joints in the body. Forward Fitness Inc. is partnering with the Ramada Inn in Amherst to offer the Nordic walking classes on the Amherst paths. Dessert Deli will provide lunch with the Women's Only Nordic Walking class. Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is also partnering with Forward Fitness Inc., with a variety of Nordic walking programs, which will be held at Delaware Park. All classes include LEKI pole rental, class instruction, informative handouts and social activities. A schedule of weekly classes and locations is available by calling 639-0566 or visiting the Web site www. forwardfitnessinc. com.

+ SUMMER CAMP - New York State Assemblyman Jim Hayes, R-Amherst, is accepting applications from children in Amherst who would like to attend summer camp for one week this year, free of charge. Hayes said one child will be chosen from among the applicants to be considered for enrollment at one of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation camps. The regular cost of attending DEC camp is $250.

DEC camps are open to children ages 12-17. Campers ages 12-14 may attend Camp Colby in the Adirondack Mountains, Camp DeBruce in the Catskill Forest Preserve or Camp Rushford near Rushford Lake. Campers ages 15-17 attend Pack Forest in the Adirondack Park.

Campers participate in hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, archery, nature study and other camp activities. All meals are included.

To qualify, applicants must live in Amherst, demonstrate financial need, be between the ages of 12 and 17 at the time they will attend camp and show an interest in taking part in the program.

Contact Hayes' office at 634-1895 to request an application. Completed applications should be returned to his office at 5555 Main St., Williamsville, N.Y. 14221, no later than May 1.