Published: September 20, 2009 12:55 am      

GLYNN: Travers thrilled Artpark crowds

Thousands of folk music enthusiasts with fond memories of those Artpark performances surely stopped to reflect for a moment when they heard that Mary Travers had died.

She was the one the audience always focused on when Peter, Paul & Mary were singing those memorable songs like “If I Had A Hammer,” “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.”

I can still see misty-eyed people in that theater in Lewiston when Ms. Travers was bobbing her long blond hair to keep the time with “Puff the Magic Dragon,” a crowd favorite for generations.

Over the years, the trio made several other sold-out appearances on Western New York stages including the former Melody Fair in North Tonawanda.

As anyone who lived through the tumultuous 1960s knows, Peter, Paul & Mary offered a reassuring voice in a country where angry debate was fueled by an unpopular war, a growing concern for the environment, and often raucous demonstrations.

Sure, they had their critics. Some other folk singers charged that their sound was too commercial, lacking authenticity. That never dissuaded millions from applauding.

Mary Allin Travers, 72, a native of Louisville, Ky., died Wednesday at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut.

She left her mark — as did the talented trio — in the cultural and entertainment complex along the Niagara Gorge and with fans around the globe.

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ROLE CHANGES: Sister Barbara Pfohl, executive director of Heart & Soul, Ontario Avenue, for the past 11 years, is stepping aside this month as Sister Mary McCarrick assumes that post.

The latter will continue her responsibilities for publicity and grants while assuming the additional administrative duties.

Sister Barbara will remain on staff as manager of the facility that provides vital supplies to 375 families per month.

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SUNDAY NOTEBOOK: The new Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport in Kentucky has a 5,500-foot main runway, a sparkling terminal with white columns and hundreds of acres for expansion. According to an article in USA Today, the airport lacks only one feature: airline passengers. Jonathan Ornstein, CEO of Mesa Air Group, notes that Congress is spending millions on building runaways and other improvements at smaller airports. “This is a complete waste of money,” Ornstein insists.

The Niagara Falls International Airport might end up on that list some day unless a stronger marketing strategy is adopted to secure scheduled passenger service.

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ABOUT MARILYN: A new biography about Arthur Miller recalls the famed playwright’s failed marriage with actress Marilyn Monroe.

The author also notes that ex-New York Yankees star Joe DiMaggio, another former husband to Ms. Monroe, strongly objected to “the sexuality” she displayed in the movie “Niagara,” filmed here in 1952.

DiMaggio and the actress divorced nine months after their 1954 wedding.

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WORD OF CAUTION: Motorists who have been ignoring the 35 mph speed limit along Lockport Street in Youngstown are learning quickly that it’s strictly enforced by the village police.

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UP IN SMOKE: The Oneida Nation of Indians, which operates the Turning Stone Resort & Casino near Utica, plans to convert a former grocery store in Angola into a factory for making cigarettes.

While three New York governors have shied away from a showdown with Native Americans over the tax issue, the Oneida tribe currently sells nearly $34 million worth of untaxed cigarettes per year at its outlets.

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OVERHEARD AT STARBUCKS: “What’s with all the school teachers running for office? If the pattern continues, they’ll soon be able to have the Committee of the Whole meeting at Harry Abate School.”

Contact reporter Don Glynn at 282-2311, ext. 2246.