APPRECIATION — Each year a resident on Northwood Avenue in the Town of Tonawanda creates a haunted house on his property for residents to walk through. A couple of years ago, the haunted house was shut down because it was deemed a fire hazard by the town’s building inspector.

Well, it’s up and running again this year with no complaints from the inspector, and the neighborhood children seem to be quite pleased to see the return of the haunted house. Several pieces of paper with crayon-written remarks were placed on the house, thanking the resident for keeping up with this tradition.

MEET THE AUTHOR — Ken-Ton area native Amy J. Strychasz will be making a stop in the Buffalo area from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, to sign copies of her newest novel, “Buffalo Gals.” Her book-signing event will be at Talking Leaves Books, 951 Elmwood Ave. in the City of Buffalo.

Set in the Elmwood area of the city, “Buffalo Gals” follows the escapades of new college graduate Marshall Sullivan. On the eve of her graduation, Sullivan celebrates her success and blissfully ignores the weight of her future: bills, no job and no clue how to use her Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

In the midst of the celebrations, Marshall has the first of several hardheaded run-ins with Gabriel Somers. Marshall’s inability to turn off her klutz switch leads to a job as the only female courier in the firm where Gabriel works and creates a lasting impression on him that deepens into love.

Through it all, Marshall relies on the advice of her roommate, Sam, and her grandmother-by-proxy, Marva. Ultimately, her future is of her own making, and Marshall must find her own inner compass to guide her.

As Marshall attempts to win over the male bike messengers, manage her growing relationship with Gabriel and face the uncertainty of life after college, she transitions from student to adult.

Strychasz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Canisius College. She later pursued a master’s degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and works in the area of social work.

Writing fills her free time. She lives in Maryland with her husband, son and three cats. GHOULS AND GOBLINS — I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Parents: remember to check the candy. Trick or Treaters: Stay off the streets, and only stop at homes that have their lights on. Motorists: Watch out for those who are near the streets while going door to door looking for treats.

A SCHOOL’S BEST — Look no further than The Bee to find out who was named to Sweet Home High School’s Wall of Fame. We will have these individuals featured in the Nov. 2 edition.

In other Sweet Home school news, the district’s Board of Education is hosting a parent open forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Norman C. Vergils Community Center, 1901 Sweet Home Road, Amherst.

The open forum format allows parents to talk with the Board of Education on any topic. If you are interested in attending the open forum, call the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at 250-1402 to reserve your space.