Spindle items
JESSICA FINCH Associate Editor

• HAPPY EASTER - In a recent trip to Target with East Aurora Bee Editor Terri Medina, we got a laugh out of today's Easter baskets - Winnie the Pooh's head with a handle and a plush soccer ball. What happened to traditional woven baskets? The new designs are interesting, I guess, just not my preference.

My three siblings and I collected a variety of Easter baskets over the years, filled with cellophane grass in a rainbow of colors. Each year my mom got them out of storage, and we prepared them for the Easter bunny - who had to be creative each year in where he hid them. With four children, there are only so many hiding spots. One year I found mine in the dryer.

But before we could look, we would dress in our new dresses or shirts and ties for church - baskets were sought afterward. As we put on our new dress shoes at the front door, we all scanned the living room, hoping to catch a glimpse of a basket.

After church, we were allowed to find our baskets. And my parents had a collection of photos - the four of us posed, with baskets at our feet, waiting for the chocolate treats. But for me, it has always been maple sugar candy that I was excited to see in my basket. I would nibble on the candy shaped in a maple leaf, hoping to savor it.

• ARTIST TO BE FEATURED IN NYC - Suzete Martins, an artist from Williamsville, will be showing her art at Agora Gallery in New York City from April 18 to May 8. Unable to make the trip? You can still see her work. Visit www.suzetemartins.com to view the collection and her biography.

• A STAR IS BORN - Artpark is inviting all young, aspiring thespians and prospective artists to be guests this summer by enrolling in one of the venue's critically acclaimed, weeklong children's camps, highlighted by an all new session of theatrical activities inspired by one of Broadway's classic musicals.

The camps are: "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" theater camp (Aug. 18-22, $250); and three sessions of art camps (July 7-11, July 14-18 and July 28-Aug. 1, $200). All Artpark camps are limited to children ages 9-14 and take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Enrollment is limited, as one-on-one instruction is emphasized. For an informational brochure and registration form, call the Artpark Box Office at 754-4375 or go online to www.artpark.net.

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The Women's Board of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is currently seeking volunteers to work a few hours per month in the hospital's gift shop or coffee shop.

The Women's Board is a service organization dedicated to helping the hospital further its mission of providing health care services to the community, through their financial support. A variety of fundraising initiatives are conducted throughout the year, which include an annual golf tournament, fashion show, book sales and dinners, just to name a few. Additionally, all proceeds from the hospital's gift shop and coffee shop benefit the hospital.

For more information on membership and volunteer opportunities with this organization, call 689-9451 or 688-8511.