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JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

+ QUITE A SIGHT - I honestly don't know how many years it has been since I was on a bicycle - let's just say it's been long enough that it makes me question the possibility of the phrase, "just like getting back on a bike." So I have great admiration for those who can bike for miles at a time. As I came to the corner of John James Audubon Parkway and North Forest Road on Saturday I had to stop and wait for a group of bicyclists on their way through the Ride for Roswell route. I was moved by the sight of participants, from babies being pulled in a bike trailer to elderly riders, making their way toward the University at Buffalo's North Campus. I wanted to show the riders my appreciation by honking my horn but rethought the idea, not wanting to disrupt the race or startle those directing traffic. So I just smiled and went on my way to the Amherst police station.

The Ride for Roswell Web site is reporting that Saturday's ride was the "biggest ever," with 5,000 cyclists and more than $1.5 million raised.

+ THE BEST YEARS - I spent a good part of my Monday going through the photos from this past weekend's graduations. They all had one thing in common - the appearance of pride on the students' faces. I want to congratulate all the graduates and wish them the best on what comes next, whether it be entering the career field, attending college or joining the military.

On a personal note I applaud all the soon-to-be Oswego State University students. As an alumna, I must add that the winds are really that bad, but you should appreciate Lake Ontario only yards away and make a stop at Bev's Ice Cream while walking the path along the lake. Hopefully, the 100 inches of snow this past winter was a fluke. Good luck.

+ STADIUM SLUMBER - The first "Great Sleep Out for the Homeless" will be held from 5:30 p.m. July 13 to 8:30 a.m. July 14 at the University at Buffalo's North Campus at the stadium. The event is being organized by Buffalo City Mission to educate attendees on homelessness, how to make good choices and how to make a difference in their communities.

The event is open to adults and youths from grade seven through college. Registration will close on July 6. To reserve a spot, call Aubrey Calhoun at 348-3101 or visit www.buffalocitymission.org. The event will include live music, guest speaker Mark Cahill, an awards breakfast and activities planned throughout the night. Awards will be given out for fundraising/community service and sleep shelter design.

+ DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY - The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation is accepting inquiries in its 2007 Development Disabilities Grant category. Organizations in Erie and Niagara counties serving children and adolescents with developmental disabilities may be eligible for funds. The due date for the letter inquiry is Aug. 22. For more information, visit the foundation's Web site at www.thetowerfoundation.org.

+ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The Blocher Homes Adult Care Facility in Williamsville, 135 Evans St., is currently in need of volunteers to assist with activities, visits and outdoor walks, as well as work in the boutique. Call 504-3488 for details.