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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).

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.

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.

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> .

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.

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.