Fellow Timon ‘00 alum and West Seneca native, Evan Maloney, now branch manager at Evans Bank Lancaster location gets $1,000 to sponsor the Bishop Timon Football Program.
Maloney, who is a friend of Charlie & Paul, found out what little funding the Timon football program received in comparison to the Catholic big-wigs Canisius and St. Joe’s. (upward of $80,000 each school compared to Timon’s $11,000, which includes paying the coaches).
Although Timon football has not been a championship team in several years, it’s good to know people still have faith and give support back to where they came from. That is the nature of a true Buffalonian.
Maloney heard of Comerford and Fitzpatrick taking the reins and immediately jumped on board. Evan, a former Timon athlete and Nazareth College basketball player, knows a good athletic program stems from dedicated coaches.
“I know for a fact that Charlie and Fitz will take this program where it needs to be. They’ve got that South Buffalo competitive drive that will carry this team for the long haul.”
Evans Bank has donated $1,000 to the Timon football program in hopes that it’s use for upgraded equipment and/or tournament expenses can give the two new coaches an unexpected quick breath of relief, while the calm before the storm of what is high school football begins.
For more local news and sports, go to www.metrowny.com.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
New attitude for West Seneca West football team.
By: Jennifer Orr
“We can expect a hardworking, physical team,” coach Joe Cantafio said of his varsity players that make up this year’s West Seneca West Indians Football roster.
There were equal parts optimism and anticipation as he spoke of the teenage players that have gone through painstaking training while most of their friends were at the beach this summer.
The WSW Indians have victory on the team’s collective mind, which is only natural when considering the extensive practicing that governed the group over recent months. Between daily work out and training sessions, attending a team camp out of Depew High School, and bringing in two coaches from Sienna Heights University in Michigan, it’s safe to say that the players work as a unit – and a collaborative one at that.
“I think we have great team chemistry and a young, enthusiastic team that is very unselfish,” Cantafio explained. “There’s a great ‘team first’ attitude.”
Cantafio emphasized the unity that surrounds this year’s varsity football team, adding that each player is an important link in the chain that is the West Seneca West football team.
However, all teams do have their star players – which is only natural in the world of sports. And among the leading Indians on this year’s football roster are captains Steve Koepnick and Pat Braunscheidel. Koepnick, an offensive guard and linebacker, and Braunscheidel, a fullback and linebacker, will be guiding their teammates through the season with one objective: victory as a team effort.
Other key players include Andy Huegel, running back and linebacker; Steve Riggs, quarterback and linebacker; Matt Wheelock, tight end and defensive end; and Tyler Perna, receiver and corner back.
As for the opening game, which took place on Saturday at the Syracuse Carrier Dome against Eastern Syracuse Menoa, enthusiasm was in the air. Between the anticipation surrounding the start of a new season and the naming of WSW graduate Dennis Hartman, ’76, as honorary captain, things seem bright for the Indians.
“We’re excited and honored to be representing Section 6 in Western New York at the Carrier Classic,” Cantafio concluded.
“We can expect a hardworking, physical team,” coach Joe Cantafio said of his varsity players that make up this year’s West Seneca West Indians Football roster.
There were equal parts optimism and anticipation as he spoke of the teenage players that have gone through painstaking training while most of their friends were at the beach this summer.
The WSW Indians have victory on the team’s collective mind, which is only natural when considering the extensive practicing that governed the group over recent months. Between daily work out and training sessions, attending a team camp out of Depew High School, and bringing in two coaches from Sienna Heights University in Michigan, it’s safe to say that the players work as a unit – and a collaborative one at that.
“I think we have great team chemistry and a young, enthusiastic team that is very unselfish,” Cantafio explained. “There’s a great ‘team first’ attitude.”
Cantafio emphasized the unity that surrounds this year’s varsity football team, adding that each player is an important link in the chain that is the West Seneca West football team.
However, all teams do have their star players – which is only natural in the world of sports. And among the leading Indians on this year’s football roster are captains Steve Koepnick and Pat Braunscheidel. Koepnick, an offensive guard and linebacker, and Braunscheidel, a fullback and linebacker, will be guiding their teammates through the season with one objective: victory as a team effort.
Other key players include Andy Huegel, running back and linebacker; Steve Riggs, quarterback and linebacker; Matt Wheelock, tight end and defensive end; and Tyler Perna, receiver and corner back.
As for the opening game, which took place on Saturday at the Syracuse Carrier Dome against Eastern Syracuse Menoa, enthusiasm was in the air. Between the anticipation surrounding the start of a new season and the naming of WSW graduate Dennis Hartman, ’76, as honorary captain, things seem bright for the Indians.
“We’re excited and honored to be representing Section 6 in Western New York at the Carrier Classic,” Cantafio concluded.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Camp confidential: Kenmore East High School
By: by Dave Ricci, Metro Source
It’s pretty simple really.
If you how up everyday and work your hardest, good things will happen.
As the Kenmore East Bulldogs enter the new varsity football season they have an optimistic outlook about the road ahead.
“We always have a goal of getting to the (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Its no different this year,” said
Ken-East head coach Matt Chimera. “We didn’t have a great year last year. We’ve got some kids that have come back who didn’t play last year, and we’ve got some kids that have come out that have never played...I know it’s tough without the experience, but they’re pure athletes so we’ll see what happens.”
Leading the way will be hulking junior lineman Jared Dolan.
“The team is looking good. Hitting hard,” Dolan said during a recent practice. “We’ve got some hard workers out here.”
Also back for the Bulldogs will be senior Tom Comfort (fullback/linebacker), senior Russ Williams (lineman/kicker), senior Rob Ormsby (receiver/defensive back) and Josh Kluge (linebacker).
New faces include Nate Weller, an eleventh grader who is up from junior varsity as well as Jordan Wainwright who had previously played soccer for Ken-East.
Wainwright (running back/receiver/defensive back) is one of several newcomers who, though they may not have much football experience,
they do bring a great attitude, a desire to learn and a level of athleticism that will make the very useful in key skilled positions.
Chimera added that while it would probably be a bit much to expect any of these football newcomers to be the go-to-guy that will tally 400 yards per game, he said this core of new faces have been a very pleasant surprise.
Chimera added that a big plus in his eyes is the fact that the majority of the team has been together all summer lifting, working out together three times a week and taking part in the camp at Buff State.
From within the players also know it’s up to them to deliver when game time comes. Yes, the coaching staff will map out a game plan and prepare the team. But the players know they have to pull their weight and execute on the field.
“You’ve got to play with a lot of heart,” said Dolan. “Play to win. I just want to win, but we’ve got to work hard.”
The Bulldogs also have nearly 40 kids on the JV squad which bodes well for the future as solid players as well as numbers are coming up through the system.
Ken-East will set up shop in Class A North with Sweet Home, Grand Island, Starpoint and McKinley, as well as North Tonawanda and Williamsville North, who have been shifted from AA.
The Bulldogs open the season at home on Sept. 3 against Will-North, 2 p.m. kickoff.
It’s pretty simple really.
If you how up everyday and work your hardest, good things will happen.
As the Kenmore East Bulldogs enter the new varsity football season they have an optimistic outlook about the road ahead.
“We always have a goal of getting to the (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Its no different this year,” said
Ken-East head coach Matt Chimera. “We didn’t have a great year last year. We’ve got some kids that have come back who didn’t play last year, and we’ve got some kids that have come out that have never played...I know it’s tough without the experience, but they’re pure athletes so we’ll see what happens.”
Leading the way will be hulking junior lineman Jared Dolan.
“The team is looking good. Hitting hard,” Dolan said during a recent practice. “We’ve got some hard workers out here.”
Also back for the Bulldogs will be senior Tom Comfort (fullback/linebacker), senior Russ Williams (lineman/kicker), senior Rob Ormsby (receiver/defensive back) and Josh Kluge (linebacker).
New faces include Nate Weller, an eleventh grader who is up from junior varsity as well as Jordan Wainwright who had previously played soccer for Ken-East.
Wainwright (running back/receiver/defensive back) is one of several newcomers who, though they may not have much football experience,
they do bring a great attitude, a desire to learn and a level of athleticism that will make the very useful in key skilled positions.
Chimera added that while it would probably be a bit much to expect any of these football newcomers to be the go-to-guy that will tally 400 yards per game, he said this core of new faces have been a very pleasant surprise.
Chimera added that a big plus in his eyes is the fact that the majority of the team has been together all summer lifting, working out together three times a week and taking part in the camp at Buff State.
From within the players also know it’s up to them to deliver when game time comes. Yes, the coaching staff will map out a game plan and prepare the team. But the players know they have to pull their weight and execute on the field.
“You’ve got to play with a lot of heart,” said Dolan. “Play to win. I just want to win, but we’ve got to work hard.”
The Bulldogs also have nearly 40 kids on the JV squad which bodes well for the future as solid players as well as numbers are coming up through the system.
Ken-East will set up shop in Class A North with Sweet Home, Grand Island, Starpoint and McKinley, as well as North Tonawanda and Williamsville North, who have been shifted from AA.
The Bulldogs open the season at home on Sept. 3 against Will-North, 2 p.m. kickoff.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Rascal Flatts headlines country caravan
By: Dave Ricci
Not going to lie, I’m pretty mad that I won’t be able to attend this show as it falls opposite a family wedding.
But for those lucky people that are free, Aug. 13, will provide a country caravan as super group Rascal Flatts headlines a show that includes Justin Moore,
Sara Evans and Easton Corbin at Darien Lake.
Comprised of lead singer Gary Levox, guitarist Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus on bass Rascal Flatts displays an unequaled blend of harmonies in memorable classics such as “Bless The Broken Road,” “I’m Moving On,” and “What Hurts The Most.”
Hitting town in August, you can also bank on the band playing their warm-weather anthem “Summer Nights.”
The band’s current hit, “Easy,” which features guest vocals from Natasha Bedingfield is quickly climbing the charts.
Very commercially successful, Rascal Flatts has a strong legion fans, many of whom are 20-somethings.
Yet despite all of the sold out shows, awards and top-10 hits, some critics unfairly chastise Rascal Flatts for the way they straddle the fence between pop and county.
Hey guys, guess what. That’s what mainstream country is. Old school country blended with pop and Southern rock.
The fact that the band just comes out, writes and plays from the heart makes the criticism even more mind blowingbecause it isn’t as if Rascal Flatts is attempting to be something they aren’t.
My advice. Rascal Flatts is a very good band. Take them for what they are worth and you won’t be disappointed.
Easton Corbin was part of the Taste of Country concert that took place at Coca-Cola Field on June 3.
Performing his hits “Roll With It” and “A Little More Country Than That,” Corbin easily won a strong round of applause before saying good night.
Watch for Easton to pay tribute to one of his strongest influences when he covers the Kenny Chesney hit “Don’t Happen Twice.”
The act I wanted to see the most is Justin Moore.
Blending country with a rock and roll image Moore has that quirky coolness where girls and guys love him equally.
Moore introduced himself with a string of hits, “Small Town, USA,” “Backwoods,” and “How I Got To Be This Way,” that came off of his self-titled CD.
His current hit “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” is a winner.
Scoring five No.1’s in her career, Evans was one of the few traditional country artist to emerge out of Nashville in the late 1990s at time when country was feeling the pop/rock influence.
Friday, August 12, 2011
YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s famed Diabetes Prevention Programming offered
The YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s famed Diabetes Prevention Programming (DPP) will be offered at three branches: Delaware, Niagara Falls, and Southtowns Family YMCAs.
This 16-week program is based on research from the National Institutes of Health and the Center for Disease Control. Research has shown that lifestyle modifications that achieve and maintain modest weight loss in adults with pre-diabetes reduced the risk of developing full-blown diabetes by 58 percent.
This program meets in a group setting, where personal lifestyle goals are set with the help of trained coaches. Each hour-long session will cover diet, exercise, and behavior modifications.
The program will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Aug. 16 to Dec. 6 at the Southtowns Family YMCA, 1620 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca and the Niagara Falls YMCA, 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, and 9 to 10 a.m., Saturdays, Aug. 20 to Dec. 10 at the Delaware Family YMCA, 2564 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.
A referral from your physician is required, and fees are paid in full for those with BlueCross and BlueShield coverage. Independent Health subscribers will have a $50 co-pay.
For more information, e-mail wellness@ymcabuffaloniagara.org or call 276-5985.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Immigration Chaos
By: Fergus Hodgson
The presence of illegal immigrants in the United States continues to generate ineffectual political initiatives, from employment verification mandates <http://www.numbersusa.com/content/learn/illegal-immigration/map-states-mandatory-e-verify-laws.html> to referendums <http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-tuition-petition-certified-20110722,0,5076236.story> against in-state tuition access.
These fail to resolve the underlying causes for the presence of illegals, such as the arbitrary (see the immigration lottery <http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html> ), expensive, and humiliating immigration process (and I speak from experience). They also tend to ignore what happens to the individuals caught in the bind — the supposed deportation process — as though they’ll just disappear from America.
Last week, however, the Center for Immigration Studies <http://cis.org/About> released a lengthy report <http://www.cis.org/articles/2011/reasoner-alien-removal.pdf> , “Deportation Basics: How Immigration Enforcement Works (Or Doesn’t) in Real Life.” This report is particularly revealing because CIS scholars tend to oppose “current, high levels of immigration,” in favor of a “low-immigration, pro-immigrant” vision.
Despite the apparent low-immigration, pro-immigrant contradiction, CIS scholars deserve credit for at least addressing the touchy deportation subject. In doing so, they present the thinking of those who sincerely believe stricter enforcement of the prevailing laws is the way to go, and they are perhaps the most prominent organization with that perspective.
That perspective, though, is fraught with confusion and prejudices, and it begs for a rebuttal.
The author uses a pseudonym, “W.D. Reasoner,” which seems unnecessary, but he notes that he is a retired government employee with many years of experience in immigration administration. Presumably, that allowed him to observe what he admits is a cumbersome and dysfunctional process of deportation.
That description leads to his and CIS’s most important confusion. Despite the abject failure of federal officials to curb illegal immigration — about 11 million <http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php?ReportID=133> live here — even with multiple agencies on the job, he wants to divert more Justice Department resources to them. The call for expanded budgets goes to show how these agencies have an incentive to maintain the problem, not end it.
Reasoner notes at least 20 required forms to initiate an immigration charge, greater than one-year backlogs for hearings (which only 41 percent of defendants attend), and a scarcity of detention space. This fecklessness matches that of the E-Verify program <http://www.thepelicanpost.org/2011/05/11/immigration-status-checks-an-employer-obligation/> , where even U.S. Customs and Immigration admits 54 percent <http://www.cilawgroup.com/news/2010/02/25/report-highlights-e-verify-accuracy-problems/> of unauthorized workers receive approval for employment. Yet, he does not call for legislative changes, nor does he acknowledge that they are fighting a futile battle.
Reasoner also points to a “significant review and restructuring” of another agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This has been going on for nearly two years, and its claim to success is the cancellation of many contracts, but total spending has continued to climb.
Reflective of the entire report, the term “alien,” which legally <http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=2382> refers to any non-citizen, appears throughout. Even jargon such as “alienage” arises — whatever that means. Offensive to many, “alien” dehumanizes immigrants and promotes a fallacious us-versus-them mentality that undergirds the report.
This collectivist mentality manifests itself with repeated calls for the dismissal of due process “trappings” in immigration disputes. Apparently, benefit of the doubt and presumption of innocence are less relevant when someone may be born outside of the country.
Additionally, the supposed adverse impacts of illegal immigrants on health and social service systems merit mention, while their cultural and economic contributions do not. Contrary to popular perception, illegal immigrants are not heavy users <http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbp/tbp-032.pdf> of welfare, and the majority pay <http://reason.org/news/show/122411.html> income taxes. Cato Institute research <http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=13089> also suggests that legal status would enable higher wages and greater tax contributions.
The irony is that what Reasoner describes as “thousands of productive hours” toward deportation are a waste of time, and they divert our attention from real problems. Already Puerto Ricans immigrate to and work in the United States without impediment. And any Cuban that arrives here receives permanent residence status within one year <http://feministing.com/2010/12/08/for-proof-the-dream-act%E2%80%99s-a-good-idea-look-at-cuban-americans/> . Do we lose sleep at night over that reality?
Of course not; nor should we — just as we would not seek to impede someone moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Far from being a plague, migration elevates <http://www.learnliberty.org/content/impact-immigration-jobs-and-income> human prosperity and helps to hold governments in check <http://www.fff.org/comment/com1106m.asp> .
I remember a visit to Ellis Island, the place where so many people without documentation once found welcome in the United States. Sadly, millions of people now assume grave risks to immigrate illegally, and they testify to a legal route that no longer greets immigrants with open arms.
Fergus Hodgson is a policy advisor with The Future of Freedom Foundation (www.fff.org).
The presence of illegal immigrants in the United States continues to generate ineffectual political initiatives, from employment verification mandates <http://www.numbersusa.com/content/learn/illegal-immigration/map-states-mandatory-e-verify-laws.html> to referendums <http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-tuition-petition-certified-20110722,0,5076236.story> against in-state tuition access.
These fail to resolve the underlying causes for the presence of illegals, such as the arbitrary (see the immigration lottery <http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html> ), expensive, and humiliating immigration process (and I speak from experience). They also tend to ignore what happens to the individuals caught in the bind — the supposed deportation process — as though they’ll just disappear from America.
Last week, however, the Center for Immigration Studies <http://cis.org/About> released a lengthy report <http://www.cis.org/articles/2011/reasoner-alien-removal.pdf> , “Deportation Basics: How Immigration Enforcement Works (Or Doesn’t) in Real Life.” This report is particularly revealing because CIS scholars tend to oppose “current, high levels of immigration,” in favor of a “low-immigration, pro-immigrant” vision.
Despite the apparent low-immigration, pro-immigrant contradiction, CIS scholars deserve credit for at least addressing the touchy deportation subject. In doing so, they present the thinking of those who sincerely believe stricter enforcement of the prevailing laws is the way to go, and they are perhaps the most prominent organization with that perspective.
That perspective, though, is fraught with confusion and prejudices, and it begs for a rebuttal.
The author uses a pseudonym, “W.D. Reasoner,” which seems unnecessary, but he notes that he is a retired government employee with many years of experience in immigration administration. Presumably, that allowed him to observe what he admits is a cumbersome and dysfunctional process of deportation.
That description leads to his and CIS’s most important confusion. Despite the abject failure of federal officials to curb illegal immigration — about 11 million <http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php?ReportID=133> live here — even with multiple agencies on the job, he wants to divert more Justice Department resources to them. The call for expanded budgets goes to show how these agencies have an incentive to maintain the problem, not end it.
Reasoner notes at least 20 required forms to initiate an immigration charge, greater than one-year backlogs for hearings (which only 41 percent of defendants attend), and a scarcity of detention space. This fecklessness matches that of the E-Verify program <http://www.thepelicanpost.org/2011/05/11/immigration-status-checks-an-employer-obligation/> , where even U.S. Customs and Immigration admits 54 percent <http://www.cilawgroup.com/news/2010/02/25/report-highlights-e-verify-accuracy-problems/> of unauthorized workers receive approval for employment. Yet, he does not call for legislative changes, nor does he acknowledge that they are fighting a futile battle.
Reasoner also points to a “significant review and restructuring” of another agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This has been going on for nearly two years, and its claim to success is the cancellation of many contracts, but total spending has continued to climb.
Reflective of the entire report, the term “alien,” which legally <http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=2382> refers to any non-citizen, appears throughout. Even jargon such as “alienage” arises — whatever that means. Offensive to many, “alien” dehumanizes immigrants and promotes a fallacious us-versus-them mentality that undergirds the report.
This collectivist mentality manifests itself with repeated calls for the dismissal of due process “trappings” in immigration disputes. Apparently, benefit of the doubt and presumption of innocence are less relevant when someone may be born outside of the country.
Additionally, the supposed adverse impacts of illegal immigrants on health and social service systems merit mention, while their cultural and economic contributions do not. Contrary to popular perception, illegal immigrants are not heavy users <http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbp/tbp-032.pdf> of welfare, and the majority pay <http://reason.org/news/show/122411.html> income taxes. Cato Institute research <http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=13089> also suggests that legal status would enable higher wages and greater tax contributions.
The irony is that what Reasoner describes as “thousands of productive hours” toward deportation are a waste of time, and they divert our attention from real problems. Already Puerto Ricans immigrate to and work in the United States without impediment. And any Cuban that arrives here receives permanent residence status within one year <http://feministing.com/2010/12/08/for-proof-the-dream-act%E2%80%99s-a-good-idea-look-at-cuban-americans/> . Do we lose sleep at night over that reality?
Of course not; nor should we — just as we would not seek to impede someone moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Far from being a plague, migration elevates <http://www.learnliberty.org/content/impact-immigration-jobs-and-income> human prosperity and helps to hold governments in check <http://www.fff.org/comment/com1106m.asp> .
I remember a visit to Ellis Island, the place where so many people without documentation once found welcome in the United States. Sadly, millions of people now assume grave risks to immigrate illegally, and they testify to a legal route that no longer greets immigrants with open arms.
Fergus Hodgson is a policy advisor with The Future of Freedom Foundation (www.fff.org).
Monday, August 1, 2011
GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAND BANK LEGISLATION
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a law allowing municipalities to create land banks to convert vacant properties into uses that support community revitalization.
Land banks are local entities authorized to take control and redevelop vacant or abandoned properties to where they can better serve the public interest. With many Upstate municipalities suffering from an overabundance in vacant and abandoned properties due to population losses, land banks will give cities and counties a new tool to rebuild communities and foster local economic development.
"Land banks will finally give local authorities the much-needed ability to take community redevelopment into their own hands," Governor Cuomo said. "Abandoned buildings and properties have brought blight and desolation to many communities. This legislation will allow for new economic development projects and improve neighborhoods across New York state. I included the creation of land banks in my urban agenda as a way to help transform our struggling urban communities. I thank Senator Valesky, Assemblyman Hoyt, and the Legislature for their attention to this issue and working to pass this bill."
The new law will allow cities and counties to create and administer land banks to convert vacant, abandoned or tax-delinquent properties into productive use. These properties could be redeveloped or resold to better balance the supply of buildings with the local demand for them. The land banks will operate under the New York State Urban Development Corporation.
Governor Cuomo's Regional Councils will also benefit from the creation of land banks because it will create an inventory of land that the councils can use when developing their plans.
Senator David Valesky said, "Abandoned and vacant properties create a host of problems in upstate cities and today we have a solution that will let localities undertake projects to recreate these properties into serving the needs of their community. Governor Cuomo has many times traveled to communities across Upstate New York to discuss the need for economic revitalization and I applaud his decision to sign this historic legislation as it will put in place an important tool to improve villages and towns across this state.
Former Assemblyman Sam Hoyt said, "Other states have seen the value of using land banks to convert dilapidated properties and rebuild communities, and New York is much better off with this new law. This signing is a win-win for homeowners, businesses, and all New Yorkers, and will improve the quality of life and raise property values in many Upstate neighborhoods. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill, and I am looking forward to working alongside him as we bring jobs and economic development to New York state."
Land banks are local entities authorized to take control and redevelop vacant or abandoned properties to where they can better serve the public interest. With many Upstate municipalities suffering from an overabundance in vacant and abandoned properties due to population losses, land banks will give cities and counties a new tool to rebuild communities and foster local economic development.
"Land banks will finally give local authorities the much-needed ability to take community redevelopment into their own hands," Governor Cuomo said. "Abandoned buildings and properties have brought blight and desolation to many communities. This legislation will allow for new economic development projects and improve neighborhoods across New York state. I included the creation of land banks in my urban agenda as a way to help transform our struggling urban communities. I thank Senator Valesky, Assemblyman Hoyt, and the Legislature for their attention to this issue and working to pass this bill."
The new law will allow cities and counties to create and administer land banks to convert vacant, abandoned or tax-delinquent properties into productive use. These properties could be redeveloped or resold to better balance the supply of buildings with the local demand for them. The land banks will operate under the New York State Urban Development Corporation.
Governor Cuomo's Regional Councils will also benefit from the creation of land banks because it will create an inventory of land that the councils can use when developing their plans.
Senator David Valesky said, "Abandoned and vacant properties create a host of problems in upstate cities and today we have a solution that will let localities undertake projects to recreate these properties into serving the needs of their community. Governor Cuomo has many times traveled to communities across Upstate New York to discuss the need for economic revitalization and I applaud his decision to sign this historic legislation as it will put in place an important tool to improve villages and towns across this state.
Former Assemblyman Sam Hoyt said, "Other states have seen the value of using land banks to convert dilapidated properties and rebuild communities, and New York is much better off with this new law. This signing is a win-win for homeowners, businesses, and all New Yorkers, and will improve the quality of life and raise property values in many Upstate neighborhoods. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill, and I am looking forward to working alongside him as we bring jobs and economic development to New York state."
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Congratulations AAA scholarship winners of WNY
AAA Insurance administrators are pleased to announce the winners of the third annual AAA Insurance Scholarship for Community Excellence.
Marisa Ann Vero of Lancaster was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She recently graduated from Lancaster High School and plans to attend the University at Buffalo, where she will major in pre-medicine. She is the daughter of Thomas and Susan Vero.
Lauren Hollasch of Getzville was awarded a $500 scholarship. She is a graduate of Williamsville North High School, and plans to study math education at SUNY Geneseo. She is the daughter of Oren and Lynne Hollasch.
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have maintained an average of at least 3.0, demonstrate leadership and volunteer work, actively participate in extracurricular activities for at least two years, and plan to attend a college in New York state.
For more information, visit www.AAA.com/insurance.
Marisa Ann Vero of Lancaster was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She recently graduated from Lancaster High School and plans to attend the University at Buffalo, where she will major in pre-medicine. She is the daughter of Thomas and Susan Vero.
Lauren Hollasch of Getzville was awarded a $500 scholarship. She is a graduate of Williamsville North High School, and plans to study math education at SUNY Geneseo. She is the daughter of Oren and Lynne Hollasch.
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have maintained an average of at least 3.0, demonstrate leadership and volunteer work, actively participate in extracurricular activities for at least two years, and plan to attend a college in New York state.
For more information, visit www.AAA.com/insurance.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Breanna Heck stays cool with the Cool Gel n’ Cap
Five-year-old Breanna Heck has a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, which causes her to easily overheat. Her mom Jenny searched for something to help her daughter for years; finally, she found a solution.
What she found is the Cool Gel n’ Cap, a character-themed and colorful “cooling hat” that prevents Breanna from overheating and the seizures she would sometimes endure.
The inventor of this product is Timothy Panicali of Elma. He knows firsthand how beneficial his creation can be for parents of young children. He developed it after his son bumped his head and started crying, and Panicali created a makeshift ice pack inside one of his son’s hats to relieve the hurt.
A few years later, Panicali has a finished product that he launched at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, where he attracted the attention of Walgreens and other health care providers. This hat can be just what the doctor ordered for bumps and bruises to the head, earaches, and fever.
“I has helped her so much,” Heck said. “Now, when she feels like she is getting too warm, she says ‘I need my hat on.’ This hat has truly been a blessing.”
These first aid hats received a National Parenting Publications Award, and accolades are pouring in from doctors, nurses, pharmacists and moms.
To learn more, visit www.coolgelncap.net or www.dravetfoundation.org.
What she found is the Cool Gel n’ Cap, a character-themed and colorful “cooling hat” that prevents Breanna from overheating and the seizures she would sometimes endure.
The inventor of this product is Timothy Panicali of Elma. He knows firsthand how beneficial his creation can be for parents of young children. He developed it after his son bumped his head and started crying, and Panicali created a makeshift ice pack inside one of his son’s hats to relieve the hurt.
A few years later, Panicali has a finished product that he launched at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, where he attracted the attention of Walgreens and other health care providers. This hat can be just what the doctor ordered for bumps and bruises to the head, earaches, and fever.
“I has helped her so much,” Heck said. “Now, when she feels like she is getting too warm, she says ‘I need my hat on.’ This hat has truly been a blessing.”
These first aid hats received a National Parenting Publications Award, and accolades are pouring in from doctors, nurses, pharmacists and moms.
To learn more, visit www.coolgelncap.net or www.dravetfoundation.org.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
GOVERNOR CUOMO LAUNCHES WESTERN NEW YORK REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched his Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, which will redesign the relationship between the state government and businesses to stimulate regional economic development and create jobs statewide. The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, local officials, business leaders, and community members to launch the Regional Council at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.
The Western New York Regional Council will be led by Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo, and Howard A. Zemsky, the Managing Partner at Larkin Development Group, who will both serve as Regional Co-Chairs. The Regional Council will coordinate the economic development of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties. A complete list of members of the Western New York Regional Council is included below.
"For too long, Albany has imposed one-size-fits-all economic development plans across the state, ignoring the unique assets and challenges of each region," Governor Cuomo said. "Today, we are taking a new approach. With the Regional Councils, we will empower individual areas like Western New York to chart their own course for job creation and growth and we will send a clear message that New York is open for business."
The Regional Councils represent a fundamental shift in the state's approach to economic development, from a top-down development model to a community-based approach that emphasizes regions' unique assets, harnesses local expertise, and empowers each region to set plans and priorities.
Currently, New York State's economic development efforts are managed through dozens of separate state and local agencies. The Regional Councils will now bring together stakeholders in every region of the state to serve as a coordinated point of contact for economic development. Each Regional Council will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and will be led by two Regional Co-Chairs from the business and academic community. Additional membership is comprised of local leaders from business, academia, labor, agriculture, nonprofits, and community-based organizations.
Each Regional Council will develop a plan for the development of their region. The state will work with the Regional Councils to align state resources and policies, eliminate unnecessary barriers to growth and prosperity, and streamline the delivery of government services and programs to help the Regional Councils carry out their plans for development.
Governor Cuomo has already made historic changes to the state's economic development grant application process to support the Regional Councils. Through a new Consolidated Funding Application that combines resources from dozens of existing programs, the Regional Councils can now apply for $1 billion in state funding for projects they determine to be part of their regional strategy.
Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy said, "Governor Cuomo's groundbreaking economic development strategy will put our state back on the right path. Only by focusing on what our regions actually need can we take full advantage of our resources and keep businesses and jobs here in New York. The Regional Councils will enable every section of the state to prepare individualized economic plans and will make the regions the drivers of their own success."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "New York can no longer afford to have the worst business climate in the nation. The economic development strategies of Albany's past have failed to solve the challenges we face today. Governor Cuomo's Regional Councils create a more efficient business model that empowers individual regions to determine what is best for their own communities and incentivizes thoughtful economic policies through competition. I am excited to work with every region to maximize their potential and bring investment and jobs to New York State."
Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo and Co-Chair of the Western New York Regional Council, said, "By creating the Regional Councils, Governor Cuomo is addressing the specific economic development needs of each area of New York State. This approach is exactly what Western New York needs to rejuvenate its economic climate. Under Lieutenant Governor Duffy's leadership, the Western New York Regional Council will work to ensure that residents and businesses from Niagara to Erie to Chautauqua counties are able to build a healthy business climate for the region, including leveraging the resources of the higher education institutions in the area. I look forward to working with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and my colleagues on the Regional Council on creating an environment that will generate jobs and bring prosperity not only to Western New York, but to the entire state."
Howard A. Zemsky, Managing Partner at Larkin Development Group and Co-Chair of the Western New York Regional Council, said, "Since his first day in office, Economic Development has remained a top priority for Governor Cuomo and his administration. The Western New York Regional Council will focus on the generating jobs and keeping families in this state. We will look to maximize the region's resources and revitalize Western New York's economy from the ground up. New York, in all its diversity, was once regarded as one of the most business friendly state in the nation and I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Duffy, as well as all the Western New York stakeholders in restoring that reputation."
Governor Cuomo created the Regional Councils through Executive Order. The ten Regional Councils cover the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
To learn more about the Regional Councils, please visit www.nyopenforbusiness.com <http://www.nyopenforbusiness.com> <http://www.nyopenforbusiness.com>
Western New York Regional Council Members
Regional Co-Chairs
Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo Howard A. Zemsky, Managing Partner at Larkin Development Group
General Members
Robert Gioia, President, Oishei Foundation David Porter, Plant Manager, Cummins, Inc.
Robert T. Brady, Chairman & CEO, Moog
Connie Vari, Executive Vice President & COO, Kaleida Health Dr. Rosa Gonzalez, Owner/Assistant Professor & Chair, Emergency Management Program, RGonzalez Consulting, Inc./Erie Community College Dr. Raul Vazquez, Founder & CEO, Urban Family Practice, P.C.
Jennifer J. Parker, CEO, Jackson Parker Communications, LLC Pamela R. Henderson, Managing Partner, Henderson-Woods, LLC Paul Brown, President, Buffalo Building & Construction Trades Jeff Belt, CEO, SolEpoxy Brenda W. McDuffie, President & CEO, Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
Aaron Bartley, Executive Director, PUSH (People United for Sustainable Housing) Buffalo John R. Koelmel, President & CEO, First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
Dr. Charles Edmondson, President, Alfred University Thomas A. Kucharski, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise Andrew J. Rudnick, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership Deanna Alterio Brennen, President & CEO, Niagara USA Chamber Colleen C. DiPirro, President & CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce Duncan Ross, President, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards
Elected Officials
Erie County Executive
Chair of Niagara County Legislature
Chautauqua County Executive
Chair of Cattaraugus County Legislature
Chair of Allegany County Legislature
Mayor of Buffalo
Mayor of Niagara Falls
Mayor of Jamestown
Elected officials will serve in an ex-officio basis and will participate in discussions and the planning process. In regions composed of more than two counties (except for the New York City region), members will include:
* the chief executive or supervisor of each county; and
* the chief executive or supervisor of the three municipalities with the largest population (limited to one municipal representative per county)
10 Regional Economic Development Councils
* Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington)
* Central New York (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego)
* Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates)
* Long Island (Nassau, Suffolk)
* Mid-Hudson (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester)
* Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie)
* New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond)
* North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence,)
* Southern Tier (Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins)
* Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara)
The Western New York Regional Council will be led by Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo, and Howard A. Zemsky, the Managing Partner at Larkin Development Group, who will both serve as Regional Co-Chairs. The Regional Council will coordinate the economic development of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties. A complete list of members of the Western New York Regional Council is included below.
"For too long, Albany has imposed one-size-fits-all economic development plans across the state, ignoring the unique assets and challenges of each region," Governor Cuomo said. "Today, we are taking a new approach. With the Regional Councils, we will empower individual areas like Western New York to chart their own course for job creation and growth and we will send a clear message that New York is open for business."
The Regional Councils represent a fundamental shift in the state's approach to economic development, from a top-down development model to a community-based approach that emphasizes regions' unique assets, harnesses local expertise, and empowers each region to set plans and priorities.
Currently, New York State's economic development efforts are managed through dozens of separate state and local agencies. The Regional Councils will now bring together stakeholders in every region of the state to serve as a coordinated point of contact for economic development. Each Regional Council will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and will be led by two Regional Co-Chairs from the business and academic community. Additional membership is comprised of local leaders from business, academia, labor, agriculture, nonprofits, and community-based organizations.
Each Regional Council will develop a plan for the development of their region. The state will work with the Regional Councils to align state resources and policies, eliminate unnecessary barriers to growth and prosperity, and streamline the delivery of government services and programs to help the Regional Councils carry out their plans for development.
Governor Cuomo has already made historic changes to the state's economic development grant application process to support the Regional Councils. Through a new Consolidated Funding Application that combines resources from dozens of existing programs, the Regional Councils can now apply for $1 billion in state funding for projects they determine to be part of their regional strategy.
Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy said, "Governor Cuomo's groundbreaking economic development strategy will put our state back on the right path. Only by focusing on what our regions actually need can we take full advantage of our resources and keep businesses and jobs here in New York. The Regional Councils will enable every section of the state to prepare individualized economic plans and will make the regions the drivers of their own success."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "New York can no longer afford to have the worst business climate in the nation. The economic development strategies of Albany's past have failed to solve the challenges we face today. Governor Cuomo's Regional Councils create a more efficient business model that empowers individual regions to determine what is best for their own communities and incentivizes thoughtful economic policies through competition. I am excited to work with every region to maximize their potential and bring investment and jobs to New York State."
Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo and Co-Chair of the Western New York Regional Council, said, "By creating the Regional Councils, Governor Cuomo is addressing the specific economic development needs of each area of New York State. This approach is exactly what Western New York needs to rejuvenate its economic climate. Under Lieutenant Governor Duffy's leadership, the Western New York Regional Council will work to ensure that residents and businesses from Niagara to Erie to Chautauqua counties are able to build a healthy business climate for the region, including leveraging the resources of the higher education institutions in the area. I look forward to working with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and my colleagues on the Regional Council on creating an environment that will generate jobs and bring prosperity not only to Western New York, but to the entire state."
Howard A. Zemsky, Managing Partner at Larkin Development Group and Co-Chair of the Western New York Regional Council, said, "Since his first day in office, Economic Development has remained a top priority for Governor Cuomo and his administration. The Western New York Regional Council will focus on the generating jobs and keeping families in this state. We will look to maximize the region's resources and revitalize Western New York's economy from the ground up. New York, in all its diversity, was once regarded as one of the most business friendly state in the nation and I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Duffy, as well as all the Western New York stakeholders in restoring that reputation."
Governor Cuomo created the Regional Councils through Executive Order. The ten Regional Councils cover the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
To learn more about the Regional Councils, please visit www.nyopenforbusiness.com <http://www.nyopenforbusiness.com> <http://www.nyopenforbusiness.com>
Western New York Regional Council Members
Regional Co-Chairs
Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo Howard A. Zemsky, Managing Partner at Larkin Development Group
General Members
Robert Gioia, President, Oishei Foundation David Porter, Plant Manager, Cummins, Inc.
Robert T. Brady, Chairman & CEO, Moog
Connie Vari, Executive Vice President & COO, Kaleida Health Dr. Rosa Gonzalez, Owner/Assistant Professor & Chair, Emergency Management Program, RGonzalez Consulting, Inc./Erie Community College Dr. Raul Vazquez, Founder & CEO, Urban Family Practice, P.C.
Jennifer J. Parker, CEO, Jackson Parker Communications, LLC Pamela R. Henderson, Managing Partner, Henderson-Woods, LLC Paul Brown, President, Buffalo Building & Construction Trades Jeff Belt, CEO, SolEpoxy Brenda W. McDuffie, President & CEO, Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
Aaron Bartley, Executive Director, PUSH (People United for Sustainable Housing) Buffalo John R. Koelmel, President & CEO, First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
Dr. Charles Edmondson, President, Alfred University Thomas A. Kucharski, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise Andrew J. Rudnick, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership Deanna Alterio Brennen, President & CEO, Niagara USA Chamber Colleen C. DiPirro, President & CEO, Amherst Chamber of Commerce Duncan Ross, President, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards
Elected Officials
Erie County Executive
Chair of Niagara County Legislature
Chautauqua County Executive
Chair of Cattaraugus County Legislature
Chair of Allegany County Legislature
Mayor of Buffalo
Mayor of Niagara Falls
Mayor of Jamestown
Elected officials will serve in an ex-officio basis and will participate in discussions and the planning process. In regions composed of more than two counties (except for the New York City region), members will include:
* the chief executive or supervisor of each county; and
* the chief executive or supervisor of the three municipalities with the largest population (limited to one municipal representative per county)
10 Regional Economic Development Councils
* Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington)
* Central New York (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego)
* Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates)
* Long Island (Nassau, Suffolk)
* Mid-Hudson (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester)
* Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie)
* New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond)
* North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence,)
* Southern Tier (Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins)
* Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Buffalo News, WNY News, Buffalo NY: Remarks by President Obama to the National Council...
Buffalo News, WNY News, Buffalo NY: Remarks by President Obama to the National Council...: "THE PRESIDENT: Thank you! Thank you so much. (Applause.) What an extraordinary crowd. Thank you. Please have a seat. It is good to be..."
GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAW TO CREATE MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT ALERT SYSTEM
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a law to create a statewide alert system for missing vulnerable adults, similar to the nationwide Amber Alert program, which will help authorities locate cognitively impaired persons who go missing.
The new law is in response to a number of instances where cognitively impaired individuals have wandered away from home and gone missing for an extended period of time, often placing themselves and others at risk.
"By creating this alert system we are protecting vulnerable adults who go missing from potential harm and helping families find and return their loved ones to safety," Governor Cuomo said. "Today New York joins a number of other states that have seen the value of this type of system in keeping safe cognitively impaired adults who wander away from home. I thank Senator Defrancisco and Assemblyman Magnarelli for sponsoring this important legislation."
The new system provides for the rapid public dissemination of information regarding adults with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other cognitive impairments who go missing. Under the new law, the same Amber Alert mechanisms used to find missing children will be activated for missing vulnerable adults, including the printing and distribution of photographs and posters, a toll-free twenty-four hour hotline, a curriculum for training law enforcement personnel, and assistance for returning missing vulnerable adults who are located out of state.
Senator John Defrancisco said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for signing into law this vital legislation that will set into motion a tremendous public outreach effort whenever a vulnerable senior citizen goes missing. Several years ago a woman here in Syracuse with Alzheimer's left her home in the middle of the night and traveled all the way to Connecticut, placing herself in harm's way. With a 'Golden Alert' system, New York will have new tools to protect vulnerable adults from the tragedies that can happen when they mistakenly leave home."
Assemblyman William Magnarelli said, "For many years we have seen the success of the Amber Alert system at locating missing children, and with today's signing New York will model this program to locate and return to their homes missing senior citizens with cognitive impairments. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law, and it should give families across the state reassurance that New York is standing ready to help whenever a loved one should go missing."
The new law is in response to a number of instances where cognitively impaired individuals have wandered away from home and gone missing for an extended period of time, often placing themselves and others at risk.
"By creating this alert system we are protecting vulnerable adults who go missing from potential harm and helping families find and return their loved ones to safety," Governor Cuomo said. "Today New York joins a number of other states that have seen the value of this type of system in keeping safe cognitively impaired adults who wander away from home. I thank Senator Defrancisco and Assemblyman Magnarelli for sponsoring this important legislation."
The new system provides for the rapid public dissemination of information regarding adults with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other cognitive impairments who go missing. Under the new law, the same Amber Alert mechanisms used to find missing children will be activated for missing vulnerable adults, including the printing and distribution of photographs and posters, a toll-free twenty-four hour hotline, a curriculum for training law enforcement personnel, and assistance for returning missing vulnerable adults who are located out of state.
Senator John Defrancisco said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for signing into law this vital legislation that will set into motion a tremendous public outreach effort whenever a vulnerable senior citizen goes missing. Several years ago a woman here in Syracuse with Alzheimer's left her home in the middle of the night and traveled all the way to Connecticut, placing herself in harm's way. With a 'Golden Alert' system, New York will have new tools to protect vulnerable adults from the tragedies that can happen when they mistakenly leave home."
Assemblyman William Magnarelli said, "For many years we have seen the success of the Amber Alert system at locating missing children, and with today's signing New York will model this program to locate and return to their homes missing senior citizens with cognitive impairments. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law, and it should give families across the state reassurance that New York is standing ready to help whenever a loved one should go missing."
Food Bank of WNY election results 2011
Kevin Cavalieri, chairman of the Food Bank of WNY’s board of directors, has announced the results of the elections which recently took place.
Elected to the 24-member board for a three year term are: Brent Bahnub, First Niagara Bank; Martha Buyer, the Law Offices of Martha Buyer, PLLC; Kevin Darrington, Tops Markets, LLC; Kevin Klotzback, Five Star Bank; Deana Stevenson, Buffalo Public Schools; and Tim Wangler, Wegmans.
Re-elected for a second three year term were Maureen Rasp-Glose, Verizon, and David Tincher, General Mills. Re-elected to the executive committee were: chair, Kevin Cavalieri, M&T Bank; vice chair, Michael Mann, McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers; treasurer, Tom Berical, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, PC; and secretary, Bill Shephard, Insyte Consulting.
Elected to the 24-member board for a three year term are: Brent Bahnub, First Niagara Bank; Martha Buyer, the Law Offices of Martha Buyer, PLLC; Kevin Darrington, Tops Markets, LLC; Kevin Klotzback, Five Star Bank; Deana Stevenson, Buffalo Public Schools; and Tim Wangler, Wegmans.
Re-elected for a second three year term were Maureen Rasp-Glose, Verizon, and David Tincher, General Mills. Re-elected to the executive committee were: chair, Kevin Cavalieri, M&T Bank; vice chair, Michael Mann, McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers; treasurer, Tom Berical, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, PC; and secretary, Bill Shephard, Insyte Consulting.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Kenmore West High School high honor roll
The following Kenmore West High School students have earned places on the high honor roll for the fourth marking period.
Grade 9: Maria Adam, Devin Angevine, Michael Bass, Kendall Bazinet, Lydia Beinhauer, Emma Brown, Mary Burke, Angela Carr, Julia Cascio, Alexander Clark, Brian Cotroneo, Alexus Crispin, Julianna Crouch, Breyanna Davis, Olivia Digesare, Sarah Donato, Katie Dugos, Hannah Eberle, Audrey Filey, Sarah Flessa, Colin Flynn, Adam Fron, Taylor Gartland, Rachel Gehring, Zoe Gionis, James Gugliuzza, Mackenzie Hadaway, Jamie Hager, Benjamin Havey, Charlee Hanneberger, Kaitlyn Hojnowski, Ryan Hussar, David Johnson, Angela Kazmierczak, Adam Kerr, Adam Michael Kerr, Adriana King, Michelle Lang, Jaclyn Lauck, Parker Lee, Miranda Leone, Nicholas Lobrutto, Niko Mancuso, Brianna Mathias, Mariel Matias, Katherine Metzler, Megan Moran, Nicholas Morelli, Michael Nasby, Anna Oberkircher, Samantha O’Connor, Cassandra Panna, Emily Phillips, Emily Piatek, Zarek Plewa, Hannah Post, Matthew Ramey, Madeleine Rapp, Katie Raymond, Faith Reed, Kayla Reed, Jenna Rice, Justin Salazar, Maya Satterwhite, Christine Schake, Samantha Sodaro, Taylor Sorrentino, Katherine Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Jessica Trainor, Samuel Trzaska, Gabrielle Vona, Eric Walborn, Emily Waldron, Thaddeus Wieleba, Katherine Wilson, Alexande Wittenberg, Nicholas Wojnar, and Marymeghan Young.
Grade 10: Renee Abbott, Alexis Ackerman, Joel Acquard, Megan Albert, Marissa Allen, James Benders, Ashley Boice, Eva Boughton, Emily Brucks, Kayla Catalano, Peter Cherico, Alyssa Ciancio, Timothy Covert, Michael Coyne, Thomas Depasquale, Haley Diamond, Carrie Dinardo, Rosalie Dirienzo, Christina Drakeford, Christopher Dymond, James Faso, M. Fiorella-Crandall, Ashley Fries, Joseph Fumerelle, Elizabeth Gallagher, Nicholas Gambini, Lauren Gantz, Lindsay Gantz, Nicholas Gara, Matthew Glosek, Rebecca Gourlay, John Grasso, Amanda Green, Julia Green, Sharon Guarino, Marissa Guszkowski, Kelly Hilbert, Alexandra Himes, Alexis Irwin, Elizabeth Johnson, Samantha Katus, Christina Lekki, Alexander Lutz, Casey Maclead, Chelsea Marino, Logan Marquardt, Laura May, Kaetlin Mcgee, Leah Moretta, Jennifer Morris, Aaron Novickis, Brian Page, Rebecca Pera, Christophe Phillips, Kaitlyn Piatek, Daniel Piersa, Sarah Pray, Hunter Raines, Jacquelyn Sagasta, Alyssa Salatino, Julian Santiago, Johnpaul Scaduto, Aaron Schuman, Nicole Seaman, Kaitlyn Simmons, Nicole Sindoni, Anna Tucker, Anna Uminski, Devon Ward, Alexandra Weber, Brendan Webster, and Joseph Wiktorowski.
Grade 11: Gabriella Alfonso, Benjamin Balderman, Megan Barker, Kelsey Bennett, Sarah Bidwell, Molly Booi, Kari Brown, Olivia Butkowski, William Clark, Carlton Clough, James Coughlin, Jennifer Donato, Courtney Faircloth, Paige Fitzgerald, Liam Flynn, Brenna Gallivan, Emily Gorney, Christopher Haefner, Graham Hamner, Mary Hartrich, Jennie He, Marguerite Hoover, Mary Ieraci, Zachary Janish, Jessica Jolley, Amanda Karaszewski, Brendan Kerr, Simona Kolencikova, Jessica Kuehne, Hannah Larson, Sarah Mador, Kathryn Magee, Kelleen Marek, Alaina Militello, Katherine Miller, Adam Moore, Courtney Nasby, Daniel Norton, Alexis Penepinto, Jenna Panepinto, Elizabet Pellegrino, Deanna Peterangelo, Tyler Pfalzer, Steven Pilat, Heather Prior, Domenic Rao, Lyndsay Raymond, Haley Rice, Matthew Rudin, Lindsey Sagasta, Jonathan Salas, Taylor Santomauro, Zaid Shogan, Jasdip Singh, Taylor Smith, Ryan Teator, Jennifer Turano, Jessica Zawadzki, and Christopher Zwick.
Grade 12: Karl Allen, Nathan Anastasia, Andrew Barton, Alanna Blasting, Anna Blatz, Kahle Bostaph, Kyle Brandel, Angela Bufalino, Veronica Burgio, Kevin Caputi, Cara Caserta, Charlotte Clark, Yosef Dorfman, Tessa Drozdowski, Sean Dungan, Jamie Eichinger, Hanna Etu, Christina Farrell, Kelsey Faulise, Alexandria Filey, Brittaney Finley, Lea Finocchi, Avery Fisher, Alexander Fumerelle, Spencer Gates, Martin George, Samantha Geraci, James Goode, William Goode, Anna Gordon, Casey Grass, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Halpin, Anna Hammerschmidt, Colleen Hannon, Chantel Hari, Laura Hoehn, Marika Jugheli, Alex Keller, Chelsea Kerwin, Thomas Knab, Lee Ann Kostempski, Alyssa Kraft, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Loranty, Danielle Lucas, James Mazur, Thomas Mitchell, Melissa Murray, Ian Novickis, Kelly Oak, Kaitlyn Powers, Katelyn Rauh, Paige Reitmeier, Matthew Roberts, Christopher Rodman, Catherine Schake, Robert Seaman, Erolind Simnica, Kirsten Smith, Alexander Spatzer, Brendan Stubeusz, Evan Thomas, Michael Walters, Brianna Webster, Melinda Wenrich, Joshua Wilson, Emilie Wuerch, and Matthew Ziolkowski.
Grade 9: Maria Adam, Devin Angevine, Michael Bass, Kendall Bazinet, Lydia Beinhauer, Emma Brown, Mary Burke, Angela Carr, Julia Cascio, Alexander Clark, Brian Cotroneo, Alexus Crispin, Julianna Crouch, Breyanna Davis, Olivia Digesare, Sarah Donato, Katie Dugos, Hannah Eberle, Audrey Filey, Sarah Flessa, Colin Flynn, Adam Fron, Taylor Gartland, Rachel Gehring, Zoe Gionis, James Gugliuzza, Mackenzie Hadaway, Jamie Hager, Benjamin Havey, Charlee Hanneberger, Kaitlyn Hojnowski, Ryan Hussar, David Johnson, Angela Kazmierczak, Adam Kerr, Adam Michael Kerr, Adriana King, Michelle Lang, Jaclyn Lauck, Parker Lee, Miranda Leone, Nicholas Lobrutto, Niko Mancuso, Brianna Mathias, Mariel Matias, Katherine Metzler, Megan Moran, Nicholas Morelli, Michael Nasby, Anna Oberkircher, Samantha O’Connor, Cassandra Panna, Emily Phillips, Emily Piatek, Zarek Plewa, Hannah Post, Matthew Ramey, Madeleine Rapp, Katie Raymond, Faith Reed, Kayla Reed, Jenna Rice, Justin Salazar, Maya Satterwhite, Christine Schake, Samantha Sodaro, Taylor Sorrentino, Katherine Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Jessica Trainor, Samuel Trzaska, Gabrielle Vona, Eric Walborn, Emily Waldron, Thaddeus Wieleba, Katherine Wilson, Alexande Wittenberg, Nicholas Wojnar, and Marymeghan Young.
Grade 10: Renee Abbott, Alexis Ackerman, Joel Acquard, Megan Albert, Marissa Allen, James Benders, Ashley Boice, Eva Boughton, Emily Brucks, Kayla Catalano, Peter Cherico, Alyssa Ciancio, Timothy Covert, Michael Coyne, Thomas Depasquale, Haley Diamond, Carrie Dinardo, Rosalie Dirienzo, Christina Drakeford, Christopher Dymond, James Faso, M. Fiorella-Crandall, Ashley Fries, Joseph Fumerelle, Elizabeth Gallagher, Nicholas Gambini, Lauren Gantz, Lindsay Gantz, Nicholas Gara, Matthew Glosek, Rebecca Gourlay, John Grasso, Amanda Green, Julia Green, Sharon Guarino, Marissa Guszkowski, Kelly Hilbert, Alexandra Himes, Alexis Irwin, Elizabeth Johnson, Samantha Katus, Christina Lekki, Alexander Lutz, Casey Maclead, Chelsea Marino, Logan Marquardt, Laura May, Kaetlin Mcgee, Leah Moretta, Jennifer Morris, Aaron Novickis, Brian Page, Rebecca Pera, Christophe Phillips, Kaitlyn Piatek, Daniel Piersa, Sarah Pray, Hunter Raines, Jacquelyn Sagasta, Alyssa Salatino, Julian Santiago, Johnpaul Scaduto, Aaron Schuman, Nicole Seaman, Kaitlyn Simmons, Nicole Sindoni, Anna Tucker, Anna Uminski, Devon Ward, Alexandra Weber, Brendan Webster, and Joseph Wiktorowski.
Grade 11: Gabriella Alfonso, Benjamin Balderman, Megan Barker, Kelsey Bennett, Sarah Bidwell, Molly Booi, Kari Brown, Olivia Butkowski, William Clark, Carlton Clough, James Coughlin, Jennifer Donato, Courtney Faircloth, Paige Fitzgerald, Liam Flynn, Brenna Gallivan, Emily Gorney, Christopher Haefner, Graham Hamner, Mary Hartrich, Jennie He, Marguerite Hoover, Mary Ieraci, Zachary Janish, Jessica Jolley, Amanda Karaszewski, Brendan Kerr, Simona Kolencikova, Jessica Kuehne, Hannah Larson, Sarah Mador, Kathryn Magee, Kelleen Marek, Alaina Militello, Katherine Miller, Adam Moore, Courtney Nasby, Daniel Norton, Alexis Penepinto, Jenna Panepinto, Elizabet Pellegrino, Deanna Peterangelo, Tyler Pfalzer, Steven Pilat, Heather Prior, Domenic Rao, Lyndsay Raymond, Haley Rice, Matthew Rudin, Lindsey Sagasta, Jonathan Salas, Taylor Santomauro, Zaid Shogan, Jasdip Singh, Taylor Smith, Ryan Teator, Jennifer Turano, Jessica Zawadzki, and Christopher Zwick.
Grade 12: Karl Allen, Nathan Anastasia, Andrew Barton, Alanna Blasting, Anna Blatz, Kahle Bostaph, Kyle Brandel, Angela Bufalino, Veronica Burgio, Kevin Caputi, Cara Caserta, Charlotte Clark, Yosef Dorfman, Tessa Drozdowski, Sean Dungan, Jamie Eichinger, Hanna Etu, Christina Farrell, Kelsey Faulise, Alexandria Filey, Brittaney Finley, Lea Finocchi, Avery Fisher, Alexander Fumerelle, Spencer Gates, Martin George, Samantha Geraci, James Goode, William Goode, Anna Gordon, Casey Grass, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Halpin, Anna Hammerschmidt, Colleen Hannon, Chantel Hari, Laura Hoehn, Marika Jugheli, Alex Keller, Chelsea Kerwin, Thomas Knab, Lee Ann Kostempski, Alyssa Kraft, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Loranty, Danielle Lucas, James Mazur, Thomas Mitchell, Melissa Murray, Ian Novickis, Kelly Oak, Kaitlyn Powers, Katelyn Rauh, Paige Reitmeier, Matthew Roberts, Christopher Rodman, Catherine Schake, Robert Seaman, Erolind Simnica, Kirsten Smith, Alexander Spatzer, Brendan Stubeusz, Evan Thomas, Michael Walters, Brianna Webster, Melinda Wenrich, Joshua Wilson, Emilie Wuerch, and Matthew Ziolkowski.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Athletes on the job
by Dave Ricci, Metro Source
Though the 2010-11 school year has faded into the history books, all over Western New York hundreds of student-athletes took with them the satisfaction of a job well done, off the playing field, as well as on.
In my 10 years over covering scholastic athletics I never cease to be amazed by those kids that find a way to have it all. The kids who are not only top-tier athletes, but good students who also find time to hold down jobs.
It’s a tricky balancing act that involves good time management as well as a lot of drive. But it’s all worth it in the end.
“It’s really rewarding,” Sarah Pray said with a smile.
“That’s why I originally got a job. Was because I wanted to do the French (student) exchange through our school. And it felt good because I turned over a check for $300 as a deposit and it was all my own money. So I plan on paying for that whole trip by myself. So it’s really rewarding.”
Just finishing her sophomore year at Kenmore-West, where she played volleyball and softball, Pray has been working as a clerk at King’ Condrell’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop in Kenmore since October.
“Honestly, I’ve probably found out that kids that are into sports or have done sports are harder workers,”said Rich King. The owners of King’s Condrell’s, Rich, and his wife Melissa have hired nearly 90 high school students-all but one from Kenmore West - during the 17-years they’ve owned their shop on Delaware Avenue.
King said that the student-athletes that they have employed are a pleasure to have because they enter the job force already having marketable skills like teamwork and how to get along with others. Which is why kids that work at Condrell’s tend to stay for an average of four to five years before moving on.
“They’re more dedicated, I think,” King continued. “They’re more willing to do whatever (we ask).”
While it isn’t always easy to spin the plates of work, school and sports Pray said having and understanding boss like Rich King who can work with your schedule, is huge.
“He’s understands that having a little extra money always helps high school kids,” said Pray.
Pray also said how grateful she is that Rich and Melissa always work with her schedule, even on spur of the moment things.
Pray recalled one scheduling conflict where she had to work the night before traveling to a volleyball tournament in Ohio.
When Rich became aware of the long drive Pray and her family would have ahead if she worked late he simply smiled and told her not to worry. That it was ok to head home and prepare for her trip.
But as King explained, being flexible with the schedules of all of his high school-aged workers is something he and Melissa are very mindful of.
And he knows that going that extra mile for them pays of with a better working environment for everyone. King also stresses to his workers that family and school and the two things they should always hold first in their hearts and minds.
“We always work around their school schedules,” King said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re into sports or not. We want them to (get) educated and move on.”
Johnny Alessandra, who just graduated from Kenmore-East, has balanced a job as a driver at Jacobi’s on Kenmore Ave. during the year while also competing for the Bulldogs varsity football, basketball and track teams.
“My dad (John) knew I’d be able to do it,” said Alessandra. “He wanted me to get a job and make some money. He still gives me some money whenever I need it, he wanted me make some of my own money. And it does help you to mature, too.”
Like Pray, Alessandra said that balancing school, work and sports not only gave him a sense of satisfaction of making his own money.
He also acquired a greater appreciation for a dollar and doesn’t waste his money on needless purchases.
Does the grind ever get to be a bit much? Sure. Are there plenty of late night homework and study sessions after a game or a shift at work? Absolutely. But in the end knowing you can clear those hurdles and do it all well is all part of the satisfaction.
“Yeah you have those days,” Pray said with a big smile. “There’s days where I’ve been up til three in the morning studying after work. But Rich really emphasizes how important school work is and he gave me off before my exams.
There are those days where I wish I didn’t have a sport after school. I wish I could just go home do my home work and go to sleep.”
Alessandra agreed with Pray that sometimes it’s tough. But those tough times and lessons learned better prepare you for life and gives you the confidence to know that you can handle anything that comes along.
“I’m going to be playing football at Buff State,” said Alessandra. “I’m not going to have any day to work but Sunday, that’s going to be my only day. I’m going to have to work all day Sunday and find a way to get my home work in. But I know I can do it because I did it in high school for a year.”
Though the 2010-11 school year has faded into the history books, all over Western New York hundreds of student-athletes took with them the satisfaction of a job well done, off the playing field, as well as on.
In my 10 years over covering scholastic athletics I never cease to be amazed by those kids that find a way to have it all. The kids who are not only top-tier athletes, but good students who also find time to hold down jobs.
It’s a tricky balancing act that involves good time management as well as a lot of drive. But it’s all worth it in the end.
“It’s really rewarding,” Sarah Pray said with a smile.
“That’s why I originally got a job. Was because I wanted to do the French (student) exchange through our school. And it felt good because I turned over a check for $300 as a deposit and it was all my own money. So I plan on paying for that whole trip by myself. So it’s really rewarding.”
Just finishing her sophomore year at Kenmore-West, where she played volleyball and softball, Pray has been working as a clerk at King’ Condrell’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop in Kenmore since October.
“Honestly, I’ve probably found out that kids that are into sports or have done sports are harder workers,”said Rich King. The owners of King’s Condrell’s, Rich, and his wife Melissa have hired nearly 90 high school students-all but one from Kenmore West - during the 17-years they’ve owned their shop on Delaware Avenue.
King said that the student-athletes that they have employed are a pleasure to have because they enter the job force already having marketable skills like teamwork and how to get along with others. Which is why kids that work at Condrell’s tend to stay for an average of four to five years before moving on.
“They’re more dedicated, I think,” King continued. “They’re more willing to do whatever (we ask).”
While it isn’t always easy to spin the plates of work, school and sports Pray said having and understanding boss like Rich King who can work with your schedule, is huge.
“He’s understands that having a little extra money always helps high school kids,” said Pray.
Pray also said how grateful she is that Rich and Melissa always work with her schedule, even on spur of the moment things.
Pray recalled one scheduling conflict where she had to work the night before traveling to a volleyball tournament in Ohio.
When Rich became aware of the long drive Pray and her family would have ahead if she worked late he simply smiled and told her not to worry. That it was ok to head home and prepare for her trip.
But as King explained, being flexible with the schedules of all of his high school-aged workers is something he and Melissa are very mindful of.
And he knows that going that extra mile for them pays of with a better working environment for everyone. King also stresses to his workers that family and school and the two things they should always hold first in their hearts and minds.
“We always work around their school schedules,” King said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re into sports or not. We want them to (get) educated and move on.”
Johnny Alessandra, who just graduated from Kenmore-East, has balanced a job as a driver at Jacobi’s on Kenmore Ave. during the year while also competing for the Bulldogs varsity football, basketball and track teams.
“My dad (John) knew I’d be able to do it,” said Alessandra. “He wanted me to get a job and make some money. He still gives me some money whenever I need it, he wanted me make some of my own money. And it does help you to mature, too.”
Like Pray, Alessandra said that balancing school, work and sports not only gave him a sense of satisfaction of making his own money.
He also acquired a greater appreciation for a dollar and doesn’t waste his money on needless purchases.
Does the grind ever get to be a bit much? Sure. Are there plenty of late night homework and study sessions after a game or a shift at work? Absolutely. But in the end knowing you can clear those hurdles and do it all well is all part of the satisfaction.
“Yeah you have those days,” Pray said with a big smile. “There’s days where I’ve been up til three in the morning studying after work. But Rich really emphasizes how important school work is and he gave me off before my exams.
There are those days where I wish I didn’t have a sport after school. I wish I could just go home do my home work and go to sleep.”
Alessandra agreed with Pray that sometimes it’s tough. But those tough times and lessons learned better prepare you for life and gives you the confidence to know that you can handle anything that comes along.
“I’m going to be playing football at Buff State,” said Alessandra. “I’m not going to have any day to work but Sunday, that’s going to be my only day. I’m going to have to work all day Sunday and find a way to get my home work in. But I know I can do it because I did it in high school for a year.”
Friday, July 8, 2011
Niagara Frontier League softball all-stars released
For the second consecutive season, Niagara-Wheatfield standout Caitlin Attfield was named the Niagara Frontier League’s Player of the Year.
The junior shortstop was joined on the All-NFL first team by teammates Katie Gruarin and Alyssa Sciria. Gruarin is a senior outfielder heading to Niagara University and Sciria is a sophomore pitcher, who shared NFL PItcher of the Year honors with Kenmore West senior Alexis Santa Maria.
N-W co-coaches Jim and Melanie Proefrock were honored as the league’s Coach of the Year after leading the Falcons to the Section VI and Far West Regional Class AA titles before falling in the state semifinals.
Kenmore West, Lockport and Niagara Falls each had two first-team selections. For West it was Santa Maria and senior first baseman Maggie Ryan. For Lockport it was junior centerfielder Emily Belfield and junior catcher Nora Passuite. For NFHS it was junior pitcher Kelsi Leo and eighth-grade centerfielder Toni Polk.
Lewiston-Porter junior second baseman Ryleigh Fitzgerald, Grand Island senior shortstop Tara Sozio and North Tonawanda senior catcher Shaina Bunker rounded out the first team.
The second team included: Jessica Lauck (Kenmore West, senior, catcher), Kate Miller (Kenmore West, junior, third baseman), Ally Gonyea (Niagara-Wheatfield, sophomore, third baseman), Kelly McKeever (Lockport, junior, first baseman), Breanna Nowortya (Niagara Falls, senior, first baseman), Stephanie Bielec (Niagara Falls, sophomore, third baseman), Meghan Cuda (Lewiston-Porter, junior, shortstop), Taylor Schultz (Lewiston-Porter, junior, catcher), Laura Amantia (Grand Island, junior, pitcher), Gabe Boldinski (Kenmore East, junior, shortstop), Gaby Johns (Kenmore East, freshman, catcher) and Caroline Fike (North Tonawanda, junior, shortstop).
The third team included: Alaina Militello (Kenmore West, junior, centerfielder), Mary Price (Kenmore West, senior, second baseman), Lauren Devantier (Niagara-Wheatfield, junior, first baseman), Patty Burdick (Lockport, junior, shortstop), Allie Cavagnaro (Lockport, junior, centerfielder), Hannah Hall (Lockport, senior, third baseman), Trina Ciccarelli (Niagara Falls, senior, second baseman), Theresa Fleckenstein (Lewiston-Porter, sophomore, centerfielder), Rachel Spiker (Grand Island, senior, designated hitter), Melissa Gibson (Grand Island, sophomore, outfielder), Jaclyn Bellanti (Kenmore East, junior, infielder), Andrea Scibetta (North Tonawanda, senior, outfielder).
The junior shortstop was joined on the All-NFL first team by teammates Katie Gruarin and Alyssa Sciria. Gruarin is a senior outfielder heading to Niagara University and Sciria is a sophomore pitcher, who shared NFL PItcher of the Year honors with Kenmore West senior Alexis Santa Maria.
N-W co-coaches Jim and Melanie Proefrock were honored as the league’s Coach of the Year after leading the Falcons to the Section VI and Far West Regional Class AA titles before falling in the state semifinals.
Kenmore West, Lockport and Niagara Falls each had two first-team selections. For West it was Santa Maria and senior first baseman Maggie Ryan. For Lockport it was junior centerfielder Emily Belfield and junior catcher Nora Passuite. For NFHS it was junior pitcher Kelsi Leo and eighth-grade centerfielder Toni Polk.
Lewiston-Porter junior second baseman Ryleigh Fitzgerald, Grand Island senior shortstop Tara Sozio and North Tonawanda senior catcher Shaina Bunker rounded out the first team.
The second team included: Jessica Lauck (Kenmore West, senior, catcher), Kate Miller (Kenmore West, junior, third baseman), Ally Gonyea (Niagara-Wheatfield, sophomore, third baseman), Kelly McKeever (Lockport, junior, first baseman), Breanna Nowortya (Niagara Falls, senior, first baseman), Stephanie Bielec (Niagara Falls, sophomore, third baseman), Meghan Cuda (Lewiston-Porter, junior, shortstop), Taylor Schultz (Lewiston-Porter, junior, catcher), Laura Amantia (Grand Island, junior, pitcher), Gabe Boldinski (Kenmore East, junior, shortstop), Gaby Johns (Kenmore East, freshman, catcher) and Caroline Fike (North Tonawanda, junior, shortstop).
The third team included: Alaina Militello (Kenmore West, junior, centerfielder), Mary Price (Kenmore West, senior, second baseman), Lauren Devantier (Niagara-Wheatfield, junior, first baseman), Patty Burdick (Lockport, junior, shortstop), Allie Cavagnaro (Lockport, junior, centerfielder), Hannah Hall (Lockport, senior, third baseman), Trina Ciccarelli (Niagara Falls, senior, second baseman), Theresa Fleckenstein (Lewiston-Porter, sophomore, centerfielder), Rachel Spiker (Grand Island, senior, designated hitter), Melissa Gibson (Grand Island, sophomore, outfielder), Jaclyn Bellanti (Kenmore East, junior, infielder), Andrea Scibetta (North Tonawanda, senior, outfielder).
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Niagara Frontier League: Lockport quartet tops NFL baseball all-stars
Niagara Frontier League runner-up Lockport had a league-high four first team all-stars, which were recently announced by the league’s coaches.
Senior pitching ace Dave Shufelt led the way after going 4-0 with a 2.18 ERA this spring. The hurler struck out 31 and allowed just 16 hits in 25 2/3 innings pitched for the Lions.
His battery mate, Christian VanDenBosch, hit .470 with 21 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits. The senior slugger had seven doubles, three triples and five home runs. He also scored 14 runs.
Junior outfielder Nick DiMartile hit .425 with 20 RBIs and nine extra-base hits. He clubbed five doubles, two triples and two homers, while scoring 13 times.
Senior designated hitter Tom DiCarlo hit .425 with 13 RBIs and seven extra-base hits. He roped three doubles, two triples and two home runs. He also walked 15 times and scored 15 runs.
League champion Kenmore East, Lewiston-Porter and North Tonawanda each had two first-team selections.
For East, senior pitcher Matt Dunn went 4-0 with a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings pitched for the Bulldogs. Classmate Chris Chapin, an infielder, hit .489 with 18 RBIs and 17 runs scored.
For Lew-Port, senior shortstop Alex Nowocien batted .489 with nine doubles, nine stolen bases and 18 runs scored. Classmate Mike Cuddahee, an outfielder, hit .531 with seven extra-base hits, 18 RBIs and 14 runs scored. For NT, senior infielder Jesse Puscheck hit .422 with three home runs, 12 RBIs and 12 runs scored. Classmate Joe Montesanti, an outfielder, batted .400 with three home runs, 12 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and 15 runs scored.
Kenmore West junior infielder Dan Faso rounds out the first team. He hit .486 with six RBIs and eight runs scored.
The second team included: Andrew Dewitt (Niagara Falls, junior, pitcher), Tyler Lloyd (Kenmore West, senior, catcher), Aaron Gilbert (Lewiston-Porter, senior infielder), Steve Gentner (Kenmore East, senior, infielder), Sam Cumbo (Kenmore East, senior, infielder), Dylan Kelly (Grand Island, junior, infielder), C.J. Fadel (Grand Island, junior, outfielder), Johnny Ryndak (Lockport, senior, outfielder), Nick Kellner (Grand Island, senior, outfielder) and Kenny Johnston (Kenmore West, senior, designated hitter).
The third team included: Jeff Spors (Kenmore East, senior, pitcher), Cam Carney (Niagara Falls, senior, pitcher), Sam McCabe (North Tonawanda, senior, catcher), Mike Colosi (Niagara Falls, freshman, infielder), Jordan Matos (Niagara-Wheatfield, senior, infielder), A.J. Jasek (Grand Island, junior, infielder), Tyler Novo (Kenmore West, junior, infielder), Joe DiLaura (Niagara Falls, junior, outfielder), Brad Sammarco (Lockport, senior, outfielder), SEan Slocum (Kenmore West, senior, outfielder) and Brian Brink (Grand Island, senior, designated hitter).
Senior pitching ace Dave Shufelt led the way after going 4-0 with a 2.18 ERA this spring. The hurler struck out 31 and allowed just 16 hits in 25 2/3 innings pitched for the Lions.
His battery mate, Christian VanDenBosch, hit .470 with 21 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits. The senior slugger had seven doubles, three triples and five home runs. He also scored 14 runs.
Junior outfielder Nick DiMartile hit .425 with 20 RBIs and nine extra-base hits. He clubbed five doubles, two triples and two homers, while scoring 13 times.
Senior designated hitter Tom DiCarlo hit .425 with 13 RBIs and seven extra-base hits. He roped three doubles, two triples and two home runs. He also walked 15 times and scored 15 runs.
League champion Kenmore East, Lewiston-Porter and North Tonawanda each had two first-team selections.
For East, senior pitcher Matt Dunn went 4-0 with a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings pitched for the Bulldogs. Classmate Chris Chapin, an infielder, hit .489 with 18 RBIs and 17 runs scored.
For Lew-Port, senior shortstop Alex Nowocien batted .489 with nine doubles, nine stolen bases and 18 runs scored. Classmate Mike Cuddahee, an outfielder, hit .531 with seven extra-base hits, 18 RBIs and 14 runs scored. For NT, senior infielder Jesse Puscheck hit .422 with three home runs, 12 RBIs and 12 runs scored. Classmate Joe Montesanti, an outfielder, batted .400 with three home runs, 12 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and 15 runs scored.
Kenmore West junior infielder Dan Faso rounds out the first team. He hit .486 with six RBIs and eight runs scored.
The second team included: Andrew Dewitt (Niagara Falls, junior, pitcher), Tyler Lloyd (Kenmore West, senior, catcher), Aaron Gilbert (Lewiston-Porter, senior infielder), Steve Gentner (Kenmore East, senior, infielder), Sam Cumbo (Kenmore East, senior, infielder), Dylan Kelly (Grand Island, junior, infielder), C.J. Fadel (Grand Island, junior, outfielder), Johnny Ryndak (Lockport, senior, outfielder), Nick Kellner (Grand Island, senior, outfielder) and Kenny Johnston (Kenmore West, senior, designated hitter).
The third team included: Jeff Spors (Kenmore East, senior, pitcher), Cam Carney (Niagara Falls, senior, pitcher), Sam McCabe (North Tonawanda, senior, catcher), Mike Colosi (Niagara Falls, freshman, infielder), Jordan Matos (Niagara-Wheatfield, senior, infielder), A.J. Jasek (Grand Island, junior, infielder), Tyler Novo (Kenmore West, junior, infielder), Joe DiLaura (Niagara Falls, junior, outfielder), Brad Sammarco (Lockport, senior, outfielder), SEan Slocum (Kenmore West, senior, outfielder) and Brian Brink (Grand Island, senior, designated hitter).
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Bishop Timon-St. Jude HS bestows honors to seniors
Recently, Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School graduated 53 young man, who are distinguished in many areas. Throughout their four years at Timon, they excelled athletically and academically.
Daniel Vogl was named Timon’s Man of the Year. This honor is given to a senior with outstanding academic achievement, character, and leadership. Two Timon teachers, George Tita and Thomas Smith, also received high honors. Tita was named Faculty Member of the Year, for his outstanding grasp of his academic discipline. Smith received the Board of Trustees Franciscan Award, because he displays the spirit of St. Francis in his own life.
This year’s commencement speaker was Christopher Taylor, ‘83, CEO of Mission Essential Personnel in Washington, DC. Michael Drebot and Patrick Gilson delivered the Valedictorian address. Thirty members of the class of 2011 received 152 scholarships. The following students distinguished themselves in their noted disciplines:
Religion, Charles King; English, Patrick Gilson; Mathematics, Michael Drebot; Social studies, Patrick McMahon; Sciences, Patrick Gilson; Spanish, Taylor Nigrelli; Latin, Michael Drebot; Computer science, Robert Johnston; Fine art, Charles Coughlin; Music, Charles Coughlin, St. Clare Award, Joseph Chojnacki; Drama, James Gertz; Excellence in theater production and design, Patrick Gilson; Perfect attendance, Timothy Leahy.
The following students were recognized for their achievements:
Varsity chess team co-captains: Timothy Leahy, Most Valuable Player, and John Nelson, Chess Leadership Award.
Erie - Niagara Scholastic Achievement Recognition Awards: Michael Drebot, Patrick Gilson, and Brian Sullivan.
New York State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition, recognition of excellence: Michael Drebot, Patrick McMahon, and Taylor Nigrelli.
Master Minds Awards: Justin Benham, Michael Drebot, Aaron Gertz, Patrick Gilson, Michael Gospodarski, and Patrick McMahon.
Certificate of Completion of Pro Tools Sound Recording Program: Charles Coughlin, Robert Johnston, Andrew Klimowicz, and Michael Padak.
Emedco Academic Excellence Award: David Scarcello and Brian Sullivan.
Literary Publications Participation Awards, for work on Talisman, Juvenalist, and Tidings: Samuel Connors, Patrick Fahey, Aaron Gertz, Patrick Gilson, Michael Gospodarski, Jacob Jeziorowski, Patrick McMahon, and Brian Sullivan.
State of New York, Office of Comptroller recognizes the academic excellence and civic commitment of Aaron Gertz.
Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award: Brian Sullivan.
U.S. Air Force Math and Science Awards: Michael Drebot and Patrick Gilson.
U.S. Air Force Scholar Athlete Awards: David Scarcello and Brian Sullivan.
The following scholarships were awarded: American Red Cross High School Challenge Scholarship, Daniel Vogl; Business First - Independent Health Community All-Star Award, Daniel Vogl; NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Award, Sean Fey; NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Michael Drebot, Patrick Gilson, and Brian Sullivan; Peter Karamanos Memorial Scholarship, Michael Drebot; Robert J. Rozeski Memorial Scholarship, Michael Drebot and Patrick Gilson; Charles Cahoon Memorial Award for work on the Juvenalist Literary Magazine, Aaron Gertz; James Fecio Memorial Yearbook Award, for contributions to the Talisman, Michael Gospodarski; Don and Jean McCormick Unsung Hero Award, a leader for the Timon community, Daniel Vogl; and Michael Keefe Memorial Scholarship, a Timon athlete with an interest in community service, Daniel Vogl.
Timon’s class of 1961 was honored for their 50th anniversary at the ceremony as well, with honorary diplomas.
Daniel Vogl was named Timon’s Man of the Year. This honor is given to a senior with outstanding academic achievement, character, and leadership. Two Timon teachers, George Tita and Thomas Smith, also received high honors. Tita was named Faculty Member of the Year, for his outstanding grasp of his academic discipline. Smith received the Board of Trustees Franciscan Award, because he displays the spirit of St. Francis in his own life.
This year’s commencement speaker was Christopher Taylor, ‘83, CEO of Mission Essential Personnel in Washington, DC. Michael Drebot and Patrick Gilson delivered the Valedictorian address. Thirty members of the class of 2011 received 152 scholarships. The following students distinguished themselves in their noted disciplines:
Religion, Charles King; English, Patrick Gilson; Mathematics, Michael Drebot; Social studies, Patrick McMahon; Sciences, Patrick Gilson; Spanish, Taylor Nigrelli; Latin, Michael Drebot; Computer science, Robert Johnston; Fine art, Charles Coughlin; Music, Charles Coughlin, St. Clare Award, Joseph Chojnacki; Drama, James Gertz; Excellence in theater production and design, Patrick Gilson; Perfect attendance, Timothy Leahy.
The following students were recognized for their achievements:
Varsity chess team co-captains: Timothy Leahy, Most Valuable Player, and John Nelson, Chess Leadership Award.
Erie - Niagara Scholastic Achievement Recognition Awards: Michael Drebot, Patrick Gilson, and Brian Sullivan.
New York State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition, recognition of excellence: Michael Drebot, Patrick McMahon, and Taylor Nigrelli.
Master Minds Awards: Justin Benham, Michael Drebot, Aaron Gertz, Patrick Gilson, Michael Gospodarski, and Patrick McMahon.
Certificate of Completion of Pro Tools Sound Recording Program: Charles Coughlin, Robert Johnston, Andrew Klimowicz, and Michael Padak.
Emedco Academic Excellence Award: David Scarcello and Brian Sullivan.
Literary Publications Participation Awards, for work on Talisman, Juvenalist, and Tidings: Samuel Connors, Patrick Fahey, Aaron Gertz, Patrick Gilson, Michael Gospodarski, Jacob Jeziorowski, Patrick McMahon, and Brian Sullivan.
State of New York, Office of Comptroller recognizes the academic excellence and civic commitment of Aaron Gertz.
Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award: Brian Sullivan.
U.S. Air Force Math and Science Awards: Michael Drebot and Patrick Gilson.
U.S. Air Force Scholar Athlete Awards: David Scarcello and Brian Sullivan.
The following scholarships were awarded: American Red Cross High School Challenge Scholarship, Daniel Vogl; Business First - Independent Health Community All-Star Award, Daniel Vogl; NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Award, Sean Fey; NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Michael Drebot, Patrick Gilson, and Brian Sullivan; Peter Karamanos Memorial Scholarship, Michael Drebot; Robert J. Rozeski Memorial Scholarship, Michael Drebot and Patrick Gilson; Charles Cahoon Memorial Award for work on the Juvenalist Literary Magazine, Aaron Gertz; James Fecio Memorial Yearbook Award, for contributions to the Talisman, Michael Gospodarski; Don and Jean McCormick Unsung Hero Award, a leader for the Timon community, Daniel Vogl; and Michael Keefe Memorial Scholarship, a Timon athlete with an interest in community service, Daniel Vogl.
Timon’s class of 1961 was honored for their 50th anniversary at the ceremony as well, with honorary diplomas.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Alden’s Meals on Wheels holding a Fund-Raiser on June 12
Alden’s Meals on Wheels has been a generous organization for years, providing an important service to the physically, mentally, emotionally disabled and aging populations. Their sponsoring non-profit organization is Alternative Care Services of WNY, Inc.
Throughout the year, the organization hosts fund-raisers, and one will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 12 at Alden’s Meals on Wheels, 12482 Broadway. Donation for the meal will be $8.50, and includes chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, and a roll with butter. There will also be dessert, baked in the kitchens of Alden’s Meals on Wheels.
Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 394, Alden NY, 14004.
Their office is located in front of the kitchen, and visitors are always welcome to stop in and chat. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Throughout the year, the organization hosts fund-raisers, and one will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 12 at Alden’s Meals on Wheels, 12482 Broadway. Donation for the meal will be $8.50, and includes chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, and a roll with butter. There will also be dessert, baked in the kitchens of Alden’s Meals on Wheels.
Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 394, Alden NY, 14004.
Their office is located in front of the kitchen, and visitors are always welcome to stop in and chat. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES ATLAS AIR WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS, INC. AGREES TO KEEP ITS HEADQUARTERS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the headquarters for Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. will remain in Purchase, NY. The company will retain 460 existing jobs and create 50 new full-time positions at this facility.
“Atlas Air Worldwide and its employees have deep roots in New York– and I am proud to say that they are staying and expanding in Westchester County,” said Governor Cuomo. “Other states tried to convince Atlas to leave New York, but we applaud the company for recognizing the benefits of staying in the Lower Hudson Valley.”
Atlas is owned by AAWW, the operator of the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft. It offers a range of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services including air cargo service, military charters, commercial cargo charters, and leasing of aircraft and engines. While the company did receive aggressive incentive offers from several other states it chose to reinvest in New York.
“Atlas Air Worldwide has called New York home for a dozen years and we are delighted to continue to do so,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “Many of our employees have been an integral part of our workforce since we established operational facilities at John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens, N.Y., in the 1990s and since we moved our corporate headquarters from Colorado to Purchase in 2000. We are in an exciting era of transformative business growth – an era that we expect will significantly increase our revenues and earnings over the next few years and beyond. Thanks to the economic and related assistance of New York State and Westchester County, we will be able to maintain our valued workforce, create new jobs and generate economic growth in the community.”
Kenneth Adams, Empire State Development President & CEO and Commissioner said, “ESD is pleased to partner with Atlas Air in this project, which will create and retain hundreds of jobs. Atlas can now be added to the growing list of companies that have chosen to stay and grow in Westchester County in just the last few months. We applaud the company’s commitment to New York and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the local economy of Purchase and its nearby communities.”
In addition, Atlas Air will receive up to $442,000 in sales tax exemptions from the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency.
Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino said “Listening to and working with businesses is how government helps create jobs. That atmosphere of mutual commitment and support is key to economic growth, and that is a philosophy we share with the Governor and Empire State Development, which is similarly committed to promoting investment statewide. We are extremely pleased to have Atlas Air Worldwide staying and expanding in Westchester County.”
State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer said, "Atlas Air Worldwide has revolutionized the freight cargo business. Thanks to Governor Cuomo and his economic development team, this leading innovator will remain and continue to grow in Westchester. The message today is that New York State and Westchester County are dedicated to growing business here."
Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli said “I applaud Atlas Air’s decision to stay at their home in Westchester County. Thanks to the outstanding cooperation provided by Governor Cuomo and the Empire State Development Corporation, County Executive Astorino and the Westchester County IDA, the combination of Excelsior Job Program benefits coupled with Westchester County sales tax exemptions provide Atlas with the user friendly environment that will allow them to stay as the valuable economic partner we have come to know and respect in Westchester. We look forward to their continued prosperity in the future.”
AAWW’s press releases, SEC filings and other information can be accessed through the Company’s home page, www.atlasair.com <http://www.atlasair.com> .
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal: New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov <http://www.NYfirst.NY.gov> ). The mission of Empire State Development is to promote business investment and growth that leads to job creation and prosperous communities across New York State. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov <http://www.esd.ny.gov> .
“Atlas Air Worldwide and its employees have deep roots in New York– and I am proud to say that they are staying and expanding in Westchester County,” said Governor Cuomo. “Other states tried to convince Atlas to leave New York, but we applaud the company for recognizing the benefits of staying in the Lower Hudson Valley.”
Atlas is owned by AAWW, the operator of the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft. It offers a range of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services including air cargo service, military charters, commercial cargo charters, and leasing of aircraft and engines. While the company did receive aggressive incentive offers from several other states it chose to reinvest in New York.
“Atlas Air Worldwide has called New York home for a dozen years and we are delighted to continue to do so,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “Many of our employees have been an integral part of our workforce since we established operational facilities at John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens, N.Y., in the 1990s and since we moved our corporate headquarters from Colorado to Purchase in 2000. We are in an exciting era of transformative business growth – an era that we expect will significantly increase our revenues and earnings over the next few years and beyond. Thanks to the economic and related assistance of New York State and Westchester County, we will be able to maintain our valued workforce, create new jobs and generate economic growth in the community.”
Kenneth Adams, Empire State Development President & CEO and Commissioner said, “ESD is pleased to partner with Atlas Air in this project, which will create and retain hundreds of jobs. Atlas can now be added to the growing list of companies that have chosen to stay and grow in Westchester County in just the last few months. We applaud the company’s commitment to New York and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the local economy of Purchase and its nearby communities.”
In addition, Atlas Air will receive up to $442,000 in sales tax exemptions from the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency.
Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino said “Listening to and working with businesses is how government helps create jobs. That atmosphere of mutual commitment and support is key to economic growth, and that is a philosophy we share with the Governor and Empire State Development, which is similarly committed to promoting investment statewide. We are extremely pleased to have Atlas Air Worldwide staying and expanding in Westchester County.”
State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer said, "Atlas Air Worldwide has revolutionized the freight cargo business. Thanks to Governor Cuomo and his economic development team, this leading innovator will remain and continue to grow in Westchester. The message today is that New York State and Westchester County are dedicated to growing business here."
Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli said “I applaud Atlas Air’s decision to stay at their home in Westchester County. Thanks to the outstanding cooperation provided by Governor Cuomo and the Empire State Development Corporation, County Executive Astorino and the Westchester County IDA, the combination of Excelsior Job Program benefits coupled with Westchester County sales tax exemptions provide Atlas with the user friendly environment that will allow them to stay as the valuable economic partner we have come to know and respect in Westchester. We look forward to their continued prosperity in the future.”
AAWW’s press releases, SEC filings and other information can be accessed through the Company’s home page, www.atlasair.com <http://www.atlasair.com> .
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal: New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov <http://www.NYfirst.NY.gov> ). The mission of Empire State Development is to promote business investment and growth that leads to job creation and prosperous communities across New York State. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov <http://www.esd.ny.gov> .
Monday, June 6, 2011
Acts the Musical Opens Thursday for One Weekend Only
Acts the Musical Opens Thursday for One Weekend Only
The Alden Christian Theatre Society, 1470 Church Street in the village of Alden, performs Acts the Musical, based on the biblical Book of Acts, for five shows Thursday, June 9 – Sunday, June 12. Performances are at 7:30 each evening with an additional matinee on Sunday, June 12 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $11, $9 for students and seniors 65 and over, and seating is by general admission, with the doors opening one-half hour before each performance. Tickets may be reserved by calling ACTS’ reservation line at 937-7770. On opening night, a meet-and-greet with hors d’oeuvres and punch will follow the show, courtesy of Elwood-Jordans Insurance Agency, Broadway in Alden, which is sponsoring all the performances.
The Alden Christian Theatre Society, 1470 Church Street in the village of Alden, performs Acts the Musical, based on the biblical Book of Acts, for five shows Thursday, June 9 – Sunday, June 12. Performances are at 7:30 each evening with an additional matinee on Sunday, June 12 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $11, $9 for students and seniors 65 and over, and seating is by general admission, with the doors opening one-half hour before each performance. Tickets may be reserved by calling ACTS’ reservation line at 937-7770. On opening night, a meet-and-greet with hors d’oeuvres and punch will follow the show, courtesy of Elwood-Jordans Insurance Agency, Broadway in Alden, which is sponsoring all the performances.
Karate: the art of the fight at Presti Karate Centers of Niagara Falls
Presti Karate Centers of Niagara Falls installed state-of-the-art mats, known as zebra mats, which are recognized in the martial arts community as the mats to have.
Presti spent more than $11,000 to have this specialized flooring; this matted room will have three sparring rings.
Over the next two months, Presti’s locations in Niagara Falls and Lewiston will be going through minor changes. They are preparing for installing zebra mats in all Presti centers.
Presti Karate centers have been in business for 41 years. The owner and master instructor, John Presti, is recognized as one of the highest ranked black belts in the nation.
His schools have met the strict guidelines of Grand Master Churck Norris.
For more information, stop into Presti Karate Center at 2809 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls or call 285-9242.
Presti spent more than $11,000 to have this specialized flooring; this matted room will have three sparring rings.
Over the next two months, Presti’s locations in Niagara Falls and Lewiston will be going through minor changes. They are preparing for installing zebra mats in all Presti centers.
Presti Karate centers have been in business for 41 years. The owner and master instructor, John Presti, is recognized as one of the highest ranked black belts in the nation.
His schools have met the strict guidelines of Grand Master Churck Norris.
For more information, stop into Presti Karate Center at 2809 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls or call 285-9242.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cleveland Hill’s Kim Rohe Keeping the standards high
Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com
By: Mike Pidanick, Metro Source
After winning ECIC Division IV Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore, Cleveland Hill’s Kim Rohe certainly feels the pressure to keep the standard high this year. and she’s been able to do just that.
“It is a lot of pressure; I get nervous about it sometimes,” she said. “But it’s going well, my teammates really help me.”
Rohe has enjoyed another stellar season, both pitching and hitting the softball.
“She’s throwing the ball real well,” Cleveland Hill coach Dave Hehr said. “She’s good; she’s doing real well for us. And she can hit the ball, too.
Indeed, Rohe has continued to improve as a junior and that’s bad news for the opposing teams.
She’s led the Eagles to a 9-3 record in ECIC-IV play. She uses an assortment of effective pitches to keep the opposition wondering what’s coming next.
“curve and changeups and my fastball mostly, that’s what I like to use, she said. “Sometimes screweballs, too. Whatever it takes, I guess.”
The young Eagles got off to a slow start offensively, but things have really picked up lately.
“We’re really starting to hit the ball,” Rohe said. “We were having a hard time in the beginning of the season, but now we’re really getting it. It just stinks that the season’s almost over, now.”
Almost over, but not quite. The Eagles have high hopes for the postseason after reaching the Section VI semifinals a season ago.
“We want to do well in the playoffs,” Rohe said.
“We have a good team, we think we can do it.”
By: Mike Pidanick, Metro Source
After winning ECIC Division IV Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore, Cleveland Hill’s Kim Rohe certainly feels the pressure to keep the standard high this year. and she’s been able to do just that.
“It is a lot of pressure; I get nervous about it sometimes,” she said. “But it’s going well, my teammates really help me.”
Rohe has enjoyed another stellar season, both pitching and hitting the softball.
“She’s throwing the ball real well,” Cleveland Hill coach Dave Hehr said. “She’s good; she’s doing real well for us. And she can hit the ball, too.
Indeed, Rohe has continued to improve as a junior and that’s bad news for the opposing teams.
She’s led the Eagles to a 9-3 record in ECIC-IV play. She uses an assortment of effective pitches to keep the opposition wondering what’s coming next.
“curve and changeups and my fastball mostly, that’s what I like to use, she said. “Sometimes screweballs, too. Whatever it takes, I guess.”
The young Eagles got off to a slow start offensively, but things have really picked up lately.
“We’re really starting to hit the ball,” Rohe said. “We were having a hard time in the beginning of the season, but now we’re really getting it. It just stinks that the season’s almost over, now.”
Almost over, but not quite. The Eagles have high hopes for the postseason after reaching the Section VI semifinals a season ago.
“We want to do well in the playoffs,” Rohe said.
“We have a good team, we think we can do it.”
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Jenny Zhang of Williamsville was awarded second place by the Center for Hospitality Research Emerging Scholars.
Jenny Zhang of Williamsville, a senior and hotel administration student at Cornell University, won an interesting prize recently. Zhang was awarded second place and a $250 prize by the Center for Hospitality Research Emerging Scholars.
She worked to compare financial characteristics of an acquisition-minded lodging firm to a firm with no acquisitions.
Projects were selected from a panel of participants in the Hotel Ezra showcase, who examined posters of the research and discussed the projects with the researchers.
Congratulations to Zhang, for her noteworthy scholarly endeavors.
She worked to compare financial characteristics of an acquisition-minded lodging firm to a firm with no acquisitions.
Projects were selected from a panel of participants in the Hotel Ezra showcase, who examined posters of the research and discussed the projects with the researchers.
Congratulations to Zhang, for her noteworthy scholarly endeavors.
Annual Dave Mutton Memorial Race to be held on June 18
Dylan (age 12) and Maxwel Mutton (age 10) are asking community members to attend a benefit for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, to be held on June 18 at MXK Raceway, 800 Bullis Road, Elma.
These two young boys are trying to keep their dad’s, Dave Mutton’s, memory alive through this community endeavor, called the Annual Dave Mutton Memorial Race. This event will raise fund for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Western New York.
Dave Mutton passed away suddenly in 2002. When he was alive, Mutton was a big proponent of Make-a-Wish. The love he had for his boys, this foundation, and go-karting all contributed to the inspiration behind this event.
The boys’ goal is to raise enough money to make at least one wish come true this summer.
The average cost of a wish is $5,000. A wish is more than just a dream come through for a child with a life-threatening illness; it instills hope and strength.
For more information on this event, visit www.DaveMuttonMemorialRace.org.
These two young boys are trying to keep their dad’s, Dave Mutton’s, memory alive through this community endeavor, called the Annual Dave Mutton Memorial Race. This event will raise fund for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Western New York.
Dave Mutton passed away suddenly in 2002. When he was alive, Mutton was a big proponent of Make-a-Wish. The love he had for his boys, this foundation, and go-karting all contributed to the inspiration behind this event.
The boys’ goal is to raise enough money to make at least one wish come true this summer.
The average cost of a wish is $5,000. A wish is more than just a dream come through for a child with a life-threatening illness; it instills hope and strength.
For more information on this event, visit www.DaveMuttonMemorialRace.org.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A War of 1812 Video now at the Lewiston Museum
In the photo L-R: Stephen Powell, Odessa Pictures, Eva Nicklas, Lewiston Council on the Arts & Pamela Hauth Historical Association of Lewiston
(Lewiston, NY) Stephen Powell of Odessa Pictures Buffalo, NY and Lewiston Council on the Arts have collaborated to produce "War on the Niagara: A Trail of Revenge", a 10 minute video that describes a series of skirmishes and battles that broke out along the Niagara Frontier during the War of 1812.
This exciting and colorful film takes a close look at some of those raids and retraces the steps of the marching armies. Both sides violated the rules of war when innocent victims were forced into the winter cold after fleeing their burning Villages.
Many were left without shelter and froze to death in the snow.
The public will now have an opportunity to see it at the Lewiston Museum. The Museum will be open Monday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. June through August.
"The War of 1812 is one of the most significant periods in Lewiston's history. The Lewiston Museum is grateful to Odessa Pictures and the Lewiston Council on the Arts for their generosity in sharing this informative video with our members and the public," said Pamela Hauth, Executive Director of the Historical Association of Lewiston.
This project was made possible in part by a Video Production Grant administered by the Tonawanda Council on the Arts.
Holy Angels creates principal position
Joan D. Thomas, president and principal of Holy Angels Academy, has recently announced that the school will be adding a principal to its administrative roster, and that she will continue in her role of president.
Kathleen Fitch Tedesco, a 17-year veteran of Holy Angels, has been named to this position. Tedesco, currently associate for student affairs, will assume her new title as chief internal administrator on July 1.
Tedesco graduated from Holy Angels herself, and has worked at the academy since 1992. First she was a social studies teacher, then took on administrative roles. Tedesco lives with her husband and daughter in Buffalo.
Thomas will continue as the external face of Holy Angels, working with donors, alumnae, and the Western New York community. She joined Holy Angels more than a year ago as president and principal, after working as superintendent of the Orchard Park school district.
Mary Colby has been named assistant principal, and will assume her new position on July 1 also. She will be responsible for managing student life and activities.
Kathleen Fitch Tedesco, a 17-year veteran of Holy Angels, has been named to this position. Tedesco, currently associate for student affairs, will assume her new title as chief internal administrator on July 1.
Tedesco graduated from Holy Angels herself, and has worked at the academy since 1992. First she was a social studies teacher, then took on administrative roles. Tedesco lives with her husband and daughter in Buffalo.
Thomas will continue as the external face of Holy Angels, working with donors, alumnae, and the Western New York community. She joined Holy Angels more than a year ago as president and principal, after working as superintendent of the Orchard Park school district.
Mary Colby has been named assistant principal, and will assume her new position on July 1 also. She will be responsible for managing student life and activities.
Lockport NY Students receive scholarships
The Lockport Community Cable Commission and Time Warner Cable are pleased to announce the recipient of their 2011 scholarship awards.
Zachary Parker, Megan Hirner, Kristy Weiss, Courtney Lang, and Allison Taylor (all Lockport High School students) were awarded $6,400 collectively. These scholarships will be applied to the colleges they choose to attend.
Zachary Parker, who is planning to attend Niagara University, was given the Anjeanette Briones Award, to recognize his outstanding service as a Lockport Community Television student volunteer. Megan Hirner and Kristy Weiss received $1,100 Traditional Scholarships for students majoring in communications or a related field. Both plan to study journalism - Weiss at Buffalo State and Hirner at NCCC.
Lang, Taylor, and Toth were presented with the $900 Roeseler scholarships. Lang will be attending D’Youville College, Taylor will be attending NCCC, and Toth is attending Alfred University.
Zachary Parker, Megan Hirner, Kristy Weiss, Courtney Lang, and Allison Taylor (all Lockport High School students) were awarded $6,400 collectively. These scholarships will be applied to the colleges they choose to attend.
Zachary Parker, who is planning to attend Niagara University, was given the Anjeanette Briones Award, to recognize his outstanding service as a Lockport Community Television student volunteer. Megan Hirner and Kristy Weiss received $1,100 Traditional Scholarships for students majoring in communications or a related field. Both plan to study journalism - Weiss at Buffalo State and Hirner at NCCC.
Lang, Taylor, and Toth were presented with the $900 Roeseler scholarships. Lang will be attending D’Youville College, Taylor will be attending NCCC, and Toth is attending Alfred University.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Catholic schools help mend NY budget mess
If you are grinding your teeth about the current state of economic affairs, these days Buffalo public school districts are coming up with plans to deal with the $1.25 billion cut in state aid.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proposed $1.5 billion in funding reductions to schools, to close the budget deficit without raising taxes. This was approved March 31.
Public school district leaders are discussing laying off teachers, closing schools, and increasing class sizes, to name a few. School budgets will be voted on in the coming weeks. Based on the rejected proposal of spending $130 million on schools in Niagara Falls, it appears taxpayers are in no mood to increase taxes and spending.
New York provides Catholic schools were partial reimbursement for state mandated services like standardized tests, but the governor is reducing those payments by eight percent. The governor asked the bishops how there could be greater cooperation between New York and the church.
“You all tell us in the government that you want quality education, you need to save money and you need more room,” said Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. “We can help you in all three. We do the best job around, we’ll do it at half price and we’ve got room. It’s a no brainer.”
Catholic schools save New York taxpayers $8 billion a year. If these 200,000 students were thrust into the public schools, they would collapse. Catholic schools also outperform public schools. Williamsville Central School District boasts a 73 percent of graduates going on to college (the highest in all publics) compared to Catholic schools where 98 percent are college bound.
Catholic schools are available, affordable and accessible, and when faced with budget cuts in schools all over the state, they just might be the way to go.
In 2006, the Vatican released the document, “The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools,” which pointed out, “It is Catholic because it undertakes to educate the whole person. It provides an education in the intellectual and moral virtues, because it prepares for a fully human life at the service of others.”
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proposed $1.5 billion in funding reductions to schools, to close the budget deficit without raising taxes. This was approved March 31.
Public school district leaders are discussing laying off teachers, closing schools, and increasing class sizes, to name a few. School budgets will be voted on in the coming weeks. Based on the rejected proposal of spending $130 million on schools in Niagara Falls, it appears taxpayers are in no mood to increase taxes and spending.
New York provides Catholic schools were partial reimbursement for state mandated services like standardized tests, but the governor is reducing those payments by eight percent. The governor asked the bishops how there could be greater cooperation between New York and the church.
“You all tell us in the government that you want quality education, you need to save money and you need more room,” said Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. “We can help you in all three. We do the best job around, we’ll do it at half price and we’ve got room. It’s a no brainer.”
Catholic schools save New York taxpayers $8 billion a year. If these 200,000 students were thrust into the public schools, they would collapse. Catholic schools also outperform public schools. Williamsville Central School District boasts a 73 percent of graduates going on to college (the highest in all publics) compared to Catholic schools where 98 percent are college bound.
Catholic schools are available, affordable and accessible, and when faced with budget cuts in schools all over the state, they just might be the way to go.
In 2006, the Vatican released the document, “The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools,” which pointed out, “It is Catholic because it undertakes to educate the whole person. It provides an education in the intellectual and moral virtues, because it prepares for a fully human life at the service of others.”
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Shakespeare in Delaware Park kicks off with Merchant of Venice
Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com
Shakespeare in Delaware Park opens its 36th season with Merchant of Venice, starting Thursday, June 16. Several familiar faces will be taking the stage when the curtain rises, including SDP founder Saul Elkin as Shylock and veteran Peter Palmisano as Antonio.
Palmisano first joined the cast of the Shakespeare Hill stage more than a decade ago when he was in Much Ado About Nothing. Now, after a few years’ hiatus, he’s back and playing the noble, good-natured Antonio.
Antonio is the best friend of another main character, Bassanio. When Bassanio needs some quick cash to court true love Portia, he turns to Antonio to help borrow the money from Shylock, Shakespeare’s infamous Jewish moneylender.
“Shakespeare’s characters are often very, very good or very, very bad,” says Palmisano. “Antonio is just a good guy, and he’s there to help out a friend. He agrees to the absurd ‘pound of flesh’ contract, certain nothing can go wrong. And even when it does go wrong, he’s still very gracious. He’s as noble as they come.”
While playing the bad guy might be more fun, he says that he’s happy to be on stage and ready to get the most out of his character and the performance. He’s avoided seeing other portrayals of the character, because creating from the words is one of the most enjoyable parts.
It’s all there, the character in their own words and the words of those around him. Part of the timelessness of Shakespeare is the ability to put almost any play in any setting, with the characters as lifelike as they were the first time they were performed.
It’s that timelessness that can be intimidating as well. Countless actors have stepped into the same character time and time again, but it’s that process of bringing a character to life that has kept generations of people coming back to the stage.
“These stories, these characters, they’re timeless,” Palmisano says. “At the time they were written, the main goal for so many was finding food to put on the table that night. All of a sudden, you could go and see these plays and begin learning about and understanding each other.”
A former high school English teacher at Lakeshore High School, he has seen that connection sparked by performances of Shakespeare countless times. For Palmisano, that is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching -- or performing.
Of the hundreds of students he would teach, if only a handful of them told him that they had learned to appreciate the work, it was worth it. And at the heart of it, that’s what Shakespeare in Delaware Park is all about.
“That’s what Saul [Elkin] has tried to do for so many years, is to make Shakespeare palatable and bring it to the masses,” he says. “And I feel like I’m the luckiest actor in town to be such a part of that.”
Six nights a week, that’s what it’s all about. Standing behind the stage, watching the sun set over Shakespeare Hill as the crowd fills in. Bringing their wine and cheese, bringing their children, bringing those who have never seen a Shakespeare play. And, at the end of the night, walking away with a new appreciation for one of literature’s great classics.
For more information, including how to become a member, visit shakespeareindelawarepark.org or call 856-4533.
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Shakespeare in Delaware Park opens its 36th season with Merchant of Venice, starting Thursday, June 16. Several familiar faces will be taking the stage when the curtain rises, including SDP founder Saul Elkin as Shylock and veteran Peter Palmisano as Antonio.
Palmisano first joined the cast of the Shakespeare Hill stage more than a decade ago when he was in Much Ado About Nothing. Now, after a few years’ hiatus, he’s back and playing the noble, good-natured Antonio.
Antonio is the best friend of another main character, Bassanio. When Bassanio needs some quick cash to court true love Portia, he turns to Antonio to help borrow the money from Shylock, Shakespeare’s infamous Jewish moneylender.
“Shakespeare’s characters are often very, very good or very, very bad,” says Palmisano. “Antonio is just a good guy, and he’s there to help out a friend. He agrees to the absurd ‘pound of flesh’ contract, certain nothing can go wrong. And even when it does go wrong, he’s still very gracious. He’s as noble as they come.”
While playing the bad guy might be more fun, he says that he’s happy to be on stage and ready to get the most out of his character and the performance. He’s avoided seeing other portrayals of the character, because creating from the words is one of the most enjoyable parts.
It’s all there, the character in their own words and the words of those around him. Part of the timelessness of Shakespeare is the ability to put almost any play in any setting, with the characters as lifelike as they were the first time they were performed.
It’s that timelessness that can be intimidating as well. Countless actors have stepped into the same character time and time again, but it’s that process of bringing a character to life that has kept generations of people coming back to the stage.
“These stories, these characters, they’re timeless,” Palmisano says. “At the time they were written, the main goal for so many was finding food to put on the table that night. All of a sudden, you could go and see these plays and begin learning about and understanding each other.”
A former high school English teacher at Lakeshore High School, he has seen that connection sparked by performances of Shakespeare countless times. For Palmisano, that is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching -- or performing.
Of the hundreds of students he would teach, if only a handful of them told him that they had learned to appreciate the work, it was worth it. And at the heart of it, that’s what Shakespeare in Delaware Park is all about.
“That’s what Saul [Elkin] has tried to do for so many years, is to make Shakespeare palatable and bring it to the masses,” he says. “And I feel like I’m the luckiest actor in town to be such a part of that.”
Six nights a week, that’s what it’s all about. Standing behind the stage, watching the sun set over Shakespeare Hill as the crowd fills in. Bringing their wine and cheese, bringing their children, bringing those who have never seen a Shakespeare play. And, at the end of the night, walking away with a new appreciation for one of literature’s great classics.
For more information, including how to become a member, visit shakespeareindelawarepark.org or call 856-4533.
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Discuss literature in downtown Buffalo NY
Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com
The downtown library will host a community discussion, the PastForward Discussion Series, about the legacy of the Western New York housing policy which began in the 1930s and the challenges with affordable housing today.
The discussion, called “Housing for All: Policy and Reality” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24 at the library, located at 1 Lafayette Square.
This series is made possible through funding from the New York Council for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is part of the library’s ongoing project, “Re-Collecting the Great Depression and New Deal as a Civic Resource for Hard Times.”
Panelists participating on May 24 include Scott Gehl, executive director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Inc., Frank Mesiah, community activist and president of NAACP - Buffalo chapter, Gail Radford, UB historian and scholar on the New Deal, Henry Louis Taylor, Jr., urban historian and director of UB’s Center for Urban Studies, and Christopher Jamele of WBFO Radio.
This evening will introduce stories and artifacts from Western New York’s past, and lead to further exploration and discussion. There will even be lobby displays pertaining to Western New York’s Depression era housing history, and stations where visitors can sign up for customized tours.
For more information, visit www.buffalolib.org.
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The downtown library will host a community discussion, the PastForward Discussion Series, about the legacy of the Western New York housing policy which began in the 1930s and the challenges with affordable housing today.
The discussion, called “Housing for All: Policy and Reality” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24 at the library, located at 1 Lafayette Square.
This series is made possible through funding from the New York Council for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is part of the library’s ongoing project, “Re-Collecting the Great Depression and New Deal as a Civic Resource for Hard Times.”
Panelists participating on May 24 include Scott Gehl, executive director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Inc., Frank Mesiah, community activist and president of NAACP - Buffalo chapter, Gail Radford, UB historian and scholar on the New Deal, Henry Louis Taylor, Jr., urban historian and director of UB’s Center for Urban Studies, and Christopher Jamele of WBFO Radio.
This evening will introduce stories and artifacts from Western New York’s past, and lead to further exploration and discussion. There will even be lobby displays pertaining to Western New York’s Depression era housing history, and stations where visitors can sign up for customized tours.
For more information, visit www.buffalolib.org.
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