By: Dave Ricci
When asked about the prospects of the 2011 season coach Gary Tocke smiled and simply said, “If I wasn’t excited I wouldn’t be here.”
As Tocke leads the Kenmore West Blue Devils boys varsity volleyball team into the season he knows there are plenty of question facing his young team. But he believes they can find the answers together.
Graduating 10 of 13 kids will indeed create plenty of questions. But the legendary Ken-Ton coach is certainly savvy enough to know how to dissect a new season and what to tell his boys to get them off on the right foot.
“I tell everybody, never sell us short. Everybody is undefeated (in camp).” Tocke said with a wink. “That’s what I told them. I said you’re gonna have to work hard because the level is going to be different than what you are accustomed to. So you’re going to have to put forth the effort. You’re going to have to just play with a lot of intensity. And if they do, then we’ll see what happens. But I always tell them I’ll tell you how we did in the season in November (at our banquet).”
Ben Bowler and Alex Keller are the two key departures from the Blue Devils roster.
Keller was an extremely intense and athletic young man who could seemingly play just about anywhere.
Bowler, meanwhile, was a four-year starter and was one of the best setters the program ever had.
Though a kid like Bowler comes along once every 10 years, if your lucky, the Blue Devils know it’s about looking to the future and making the most of the talent in camp.
Leading the way will be Tocke’s three senior returnees, Tim Kelly (outside hitter), Scott Lachut (right side) and Tyler Appenheimer. Kelly and Lachut are expected to see a considerable amount of playing time.
“I think Scotty Lachut and Tim Kelly can possibly take us a to a pretty good level,” said Tocke.
“They’re both sound players. They have limitations to a point, but they have a lot of other qualities that make them better than average. They’re the ones that have to sort of lead us down the road and bring the younger kids up.”
Knowing that he and Lachut will most likely be the voices of leadership on the floor Tim Kelly said that thought the team is young in varsity years, he feels the continuity built through years of friendship will help them succeed.
“Everyone works hard everyday,” said Kelly. “We all come in. We all get ready together and we just try our best.”
Junior Alex Schwagler, up from junior varsity, is one of several players that are in the mix to win the job of starting setter. Schwagler is looking to rebound after an injury cut his JV season short last year.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Going gets tough for JFK Lady Bears
By: Jennifer Orr
When the going gets tough, the team needs to get tough, too. At least that’s the way the JFK Lady Bears varsity soccer team sees things as a group in a highly challenging division.
And so, for the Lady Bears, practice has been a big part of their day-to-day activities. Two solid hours of practice and a half hour of conditioning everyday have become part of the norm for every member on the team.
“Practice, conditioning, skill work,” said coach Rich Mattison, who has taught physical education classes to 14 of the 20 girls on the team since they were in third grade. “I always emphasize that they have to practice the way they expect to play.”
Many of the Lady Bears have played soccer together for years, which can be highly beneficial for the team. Mattison called attention to a new kind of spirit within the team – a new attitude, he says.
“The attitude is different in this year’s team. They’re coming in this year expecting to win more than they have in the past. They want to do it, they know they can do it, they’ve been working hard,” he explained. Among this season’s top players are seniors Emily McGee and Krysta Wiess. McGee, a forward, is probably one of the fastest kids in the state according to Mattison, who added that she is a top prospect for college track teams. Wiess, also a forward, is known for her agility and exceptional ball handling skills among her coaches and teammates.
Other leading players on this year’s roster include senior midfielders Sarah Kapanek and Erin Kraus, and sophomore defensemen Ashley Wieczorek,Katelyn Sikora. Between the team rookies and veterans, there is the right amount of everything – equal parts experience and enthusiasm.
Mattison has one prediction for JFK’s season opener at Lackawanna High School on Wednesday, Sept. 7, which is “to come out hard, play hard, and win the game.”
And as for Mattison’s thoughts on his players, many of whom he has known since their elementary school days: “It’s nice to be coaching at a varsity level with a bunch of girls who are not only good players, but also good people.”
When the going gets tough, the team needs to get tough, too. At least that’s the way the JFK Lady Bears varsity soccer team sees things as a group in a highly challenging division.
And so, for the Lady Bears, practice has been a big part of their day-to-day activities. Two solid hours of practice and a half hour of conditioning everyday have become part of the norm for every member on the team.
“Practice, conditioning, skill work,” said coach Rich Mattison, who has taught physical education classes to 14 of the 20 girls on the team since they were in third grade. “I always emphasize that they have to practice the way they expect to play.”
Many of the Lady Bears have played soccer together for years, which can be highly beneficial for the team. Mattison called attention to a new kind of spirit within the team – a new attitude, he says.
“The attitude is different in this year’s team. They’re coming in this year expecting to win more than they have in the past. They want to do it, they know they can do it, they’ve been working hard,” he explained. Among this season’s top players are seniors Emily McGee and Krysta Wiess. McGee, a forward, is probably one of the fastest kids in the state according to Mattison, who added that she is a top prospect for college track teams. Wiess, also a forward, is known for her agility and exceptional ball handling skills among her coaches and teammates.
Other leading players on this year’s roster include senior midfielders Sarah Kapanek and Erin Kraus, and sophomore defensemen Ashley Wieczorek,Katelyn Sikora. Between the team rookies and veterans, there is the right amount of everything – equal parts experience and enthusiasm.
Mattison has one prediction for JFK’s season opener at Lackawanna High School on Wednesday, Sept. 7, which is “to come out hard, play hard, and win the game.”
And as for Mattison’s thoughts on his players, many of whom he has known since their elementary school days: “It’s nice to be coaching at a varsity level with a bunch of girls who are not only good players, but also good people.”
Friday, August 26, 2011
Campus confidential: Amherst High School
By: Mike Pidanick, Metro Source
The Amherst High School football team opened some eyes last season in the ultra-talented Class A. With many of the same names on the roster this season, the Tigers hope to be even better.
“We’re really picking up where we left off last year,” said linebacker Baba Cole, one of seven returning starters on defense. “We feel like we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. We want to improve on last year and make another run for it.”
After a 6-1 regular season last season, Amherst seems poised for another strong season in 2011. Speed will be the name of the game for the Tigers, who plan on using that turf field to their advantage.
“We’re going to be a spread on offense and an eight-man front on defense that comes at you from all angles. So we’re going to try to use that speed and athleticism for us.
“We should be fun to watch. Win, lose or draw, we should be fun to watch.”
The speed will have to be the strength because there is a lack of size on Amherst ‘s roster. But the effort is there and the Tigers hope the skill guys will find the room to make things happen.
“We’re thin up front,” Murphy said. “We just don’t have a lot of big guys right now at our school that are out playing. So we have to piece that together a bit.
“But we’re going to be fine - the kids we have are working hard and getting better.”
Junior quarterback Justin Twarog is back to lead the offense and he’ll have some weapons in senior receiver Brandon Borden as well as Jonathan Belton, who Murphy said “is a real threat down the field.
The Tigers lost all-star running back Keeon Colvin to graduation, but they’ve got a talented new back to replace him. Senior Justin Burke transferred to Amherst after running for 1,800 yards last season at St. Mary’s of Lancaster .
Defensively, the Tigers will be led by senior linebacker Marquis Artis, who topped 100 tackles last season. Senior Matt Gallineau, a four-year starter, and senior Baba Cole are also back at linebacker.
“We have a good core of guys coming back,” Murphy said. “They know how to practice and they know what it takes.”
The Amherst High School football team opened some eyes last season in the ultra-talented Class A. With many of the same names on the roster this season, the Tigers hope to be even better.
“We’re really picking up where we left off last year,” said linebacker Baba Cole, one of seven returning starters on defense. “We feel like we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. We want to improve on last year and make another run for it.”
After a 6-1 regular season last season, Amherst seems poised for another strong season in 2011. Speed will be the name of the game for the Tigers, who plan on using that turf field to their advantage.
“We’re going to be a spread on offense and an eight-man front on defense that comes at you from all angles. So we’re going to try to use that speed and athleticism for us.
“We should be fun to watch. Win, lose or draw, we should be fun to watch.”
The speed will have to be the strength because there is a lack of size on Amherst ‘s roster. But the effort is there and the Tigers hope the skill guys will find the room to make things happen.
“We’re thin up front,” Murphy said. “We just don’t have a lot of big guys right now at our school that are out playing. So we have to piece that together a bit.
“But we’re going to be fine - the kids we have are working hard and getting better.”
Junior quarterback Justin Twarog is back to lead the offense and he’ll have some weapons in senior receiver Brandon Borden as well as Jonathan Belton, who Murphy said “is a real threat down the field.
The Tigers lost all-star running back Keeon Colvin to graduation, but they’ve got a talented new back to replace him. Senior Justin Burke transferred to Amherst after running for 1,800 yards last season at St. Mary’s of Lancaster .
Defensively, the Tigers will be led by senior linebacker Marquis Artis, who topped 100 tackles last season. Senior Matt Gallineau, a four-year starter, and senior Baba Cole are also back at linebacker.
“We have a good core of guys coming back,” Murphy said. “They know how to practice and they know what it takes.”
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
National Grid reaches out to customers
National Grid is reaching out to their customers across New York and other states to share some energy-saving tips with them this summer. Energy usage can skyrocket in the summer, especially during the long, hot spells when everyone turns on their air conditioning and fans, and refrigerators and freezers are doing double duty. Conserving energy usage elsewhere doesn’t just help lower energy bills, but it also helps ensure that there is plenty of power to go around.
The energy giant’s elaborate system of measuring how much power there is from moment to moment indicates that there shouldn’t be any problems keeping up with the energy demand of the 6 million customers they serve, but also hope that those same customers will help them stretch the available energy even further.
“Power usage and demand is literally a minute-by-minute balancing act,” says National Grid’s Steve Brady. “Behind the scenes there is a lot of activity that the average customer doesn’t even think about.”
That includes rerouting power from low-use areas to high use, falling back on backup generators when the usage gets too high and even shutting some generators off if the usage drops. It also takes into consideration not just the energy usage readings of the moment, but also trends over the past years, economic activity and customer patterns.
In Western New York, there tends to be periods of holding patterns, but when the temperatures spike as they have been recently the power usage spikes with it. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to power brownouts -- instances where the power delivered to the home is enough to run appliances but not at peak efficiency -- or even blackouts. National Grid’s elaborate systems are in place to keep that from happening, but that job is made much easier with their customer’s help.
Their web site -- nationalgridus.com -- has a number of energy-saving tips for making the home’s energy usage more efficient. From things to do in the kitchen to ways to make laundry and lighting less of a drain on the checkbook, there are a myriad of tips that don’t take much to implement. Many of these tips are something that only a power company might think of.
Changing the thermostat just a few degrees can definitely have an impact on the bottom line -- a 3 degree temperature change in the right direction can cut almost 20 percent off the energy usage for the home’s heating and cooling. And something as simple as closing the curtains on the side of the house where the sun is shining can cut down on how hard the air conditioning has to work to keep the house cool.
Some energy-saving tips require a one-time investment, such as changing the bulbs to a more efficient type or lower wattage. Putting new gaskets on the refrigerator and keeping fans and vents clean will also make a big difference.
“It’s the small things,” Brady says. “If you start putting even two or three of those together, you can start to see a real difference. Energy usage has to do with the economy as well as the weather. People are really starting to take energy costs seriously and finding ways to save.”
Friday, August 12, 2011
Travis Pitzonka leaves Lancaster for St. Francis College
by Mike Pidanick, Metro Source
As Travis Pitzonka leaves Lancaster for St. Francis College, he sees opportunity as he heads to the next level.
“I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “They run a 3-4 defense and all four of their linebackers from this past season graduated. So everything is wide open.
“I’m going to come in and work hard and earn my spot.
And when Pitzonka says he’s going to work hard, he means it. Last summer, he was one of Lancaster’s Iron Man Award winners based on offseason workouts. That effort paid off when the games started to count for real as Pitzonka, a 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker, had an outstanding senior season for the Redskins.
He collected 103 tackles and won the Tomahawk Award as the team’s hardest hitter. He also earned Class AA South 1st Team honors.
He hopes to play as soon as he can at St. Francis, a Division I Football Championship Subdivision program located in Loretto, Pa. The Red Flash are coming off a disappointing 1-10 season and Pitzonka hopes to be part of the solution.
“I can’t wait to get down there and get to work,” he said.
Before he departs, Pitzonka had one last chance to show Western New York what he can do. He earned Defensive Player of the Game honors for the South team in a 28-20 victory in the the 36th annual Kensington Lions Club’s All-Star High School Football Classic.
“I had a great time being part of this game,” said Pitzonka, who had nine tackles and an interception. “It was great to play again with two of my teammates, Jeremiah Luderman and Austin Bauer - it was fun to play with them for a game, and I got to meet a couple of new friends, too. It was a great time.”
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Spend the night with the Buffalo Bisons
The Clarence Chamber will be hosting a community night alongside the Buffalo Bisons on Friday, Aug. 19 at Coca-Cola Field, for their game against the Toledo Mud Hens.
Tickets for this Friday night bash are $12 each, for reserved seats behind home plate Section 101, no less. Game time is 7:35 p.m. sharp, with the ballpark gates opening at 6 p.m.
Fireworks will blast off following the game. Come take part, and join in the excitement of this first ever Clarence community night with the Bisons.
To purchase tickets, stop by the Chamber office at 8975 Main St. or call 631-3888. A limited number of tickets is available. Be sure to get your tickets before Aug. 10.
Tickets for this Friday night bash are $12 each, for reserved seats behind home plate Section 101, no less. Game time is 7:35 p.m. sharp, with the ballpark gates opening at 6 p.m.
Fireworks will blast off following the game. Come take part, and join in the excitement of this first ever Clarence community night with the Bisons.
To purchase tickets, stop by the Chamber office at 8975 Main St. or call 631-3888. A limited number of tickets is available. Be sure to get your tickets before Aug. 10.
Legislature Calls on County Executive and Health Department to Release Appropriated Funds for Rodent Abatement
Buffalo, NY – The Erie County Legislature passed a resolution calling on the County Executive and Health Department to release the funds appropriate for rodent abatement.
On April 14, 2011 the Legislature passed a resolution that appropriated $70,000 for use in rodent abatement. The money was intended to be used to for training of town and village officials in rodent abatement methods including baiting.
At the Legislature’s annual Mid-Year Budget Hearings Legislator Lynn Marinelli (D-Tonawanda and Buffalo) asked officials from the County Health Department what steps were being taken to distribute this money to the municipalities. The Health Department officials said they were waiting on direction from the County Executive on how to distribute the funds.
“These funds should have been used for rodent abatement months ago,” stated Marinelli “I can’t understand what the Administration is waiting for, but I can tell you that the residents of my district expect this money to be spent and this problem to be confronted immediately. Saying that we are waiting on a plan is unacceptable – action needs to be taken now to control the rat population.”
The resolution also called for the addition of 2 positions in the Health Department that deal with rodent abatement to be restored. Those positions were eliminated from the County budget this year by the Administration.
“The County Executive has said this is not a state mandated service that the County has to perform,” Marinelli explained. “But I am saying that the residents of the County of Erie are the ones that are proclaiming this a mandate. Rodent abatement is high on the list of priority for the residents and that is what makes it an important issue for the County.”
On April 14, 2011 the Legislature passed a resolution that appropriated $70,000 for use in rodent abatement. The money was intended to be used to for training of town and village officials in rodent abatement methods including baiting.
At the Legislature’s annual Mid-Year Budget Hearings Legislator Lynn Marinelli (D-Tonawanda and Buffalo) asked officials from the County Health Department what steps were being taken to distribute this money to the municipalities. The Health Department officials said they were waiting on direction from the County Executive on how to distribute the funds.
“These funds should have been used for rodent abatement months ago,” stated Marinelli “I can’t understand what the Administration is waiting for, but I can tell you that the residents of my district expect this money to be spent and this problem to be confronted immediately. Saying that we are waiting on a plan is unacceptable – action needs to be taken now to control the rat population.”
The resolution also called for the addition of 2 positions in the Health Department that deal with rodent abatement to be restored. Those positions were eliminated from the County budget this year by the Administration.
“The County Executive has said this is not a state mandated service that the County has to perform,” Marinelli explained. “But I am saying that the residents of the County of Erie are the ones that are proclaiming this a mandate. Rodent abatement is high on the list of priority for the residents and that is what makes it an important issue for the County.”
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAW TO ALLOW STATE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM TO OPEN ON WEEKENDS
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a law to allow the Board of Regents to determine what days the state library and museum will be open, giving the Regents the ability to set a new schedule that better serves the public and weekend visitors to Albany.
"The state library and museum is a testament to New York's extraordinary history and should be made as accessible as possible to all those who visit our state's capital," Governor Cuomo said. "This law will allow for the public to visit the museum on weekends without additional costs to taxpayers. I thank Senator McDonald and Assemblywoman Nolan for sponsoring this legislation."
Current law requires the library, which houses the state museum, to be open for at least eight hours every week day. The new law still requires the library to be open at least five days a week, but allows the Board of Regents to decide which days it will be open.
Senator Roy McDonald said, "The opportunity for local community residents and visitors to learn about New York's rich history is very important. The museum's many impressive displays tell a story of New York's founding and important role in the history of this nation. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important measure into law and I welcome visitors to our area."
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan said, "With tight budgets and constrained spending, it is important to continue to find ways to make our institutions of public learning, such as the state museum and library here in Albany, open and accessible to the public without extra costs. Governor Cuomo has done this today, and I applaud him for signing this bill. We must continue to look to the lessons throughout New York's history as we rebuild the Empire State, and allowing for the state library and museum to be open to the public on weekends is a step in the right direction."
"The state library and museum is a testament to New York's extraordinary history and should be made as accessible as possible to all those who visit our state's capital," Governor Cuomo said. "This law will allow for the public to visit the museum on weekends without additional costs to taxpayers. I thank Senator McDonald and Assemblywoman Nolan for sponsoring this legislation."
Current law requires the library, which houses the state museum, to be open for at least eight hours every week day. The new law still requires the library to be open at least five days a week, but allows the Board of Regents to decide which days it will be open.
Senator Roy McDonald said, "The opportunity for local community residents and visitors to learn about New York's rich history is very important. The museum's many impressive displays tell a story of New York's founding and important role in the history of this nation. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important measure into law and I welcome visitors to our area."
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan said, "With tight budgets and constrained spending, it is important to continue to find ways to make our institutions of public learning, such as the state museum and library here in Albany, open and accessible to the public without extra costs. Governor Cuomo has done this today, and I applaud him for signing this bill. We must continue to look to the lessons throughout New York's history as we rebuild the Empire State, and allowing for the state library and museum to be open to the public on weekends is a step in the right direction."
Monday, August 1, 2011
GOVERNOR CUOMO TO SIGN LAW TO PROHIBIT SALE OF CHILD PRODUCTS CONTAINING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he will sign a law to prohibit the sale of child care products containing the flame retardant chemical TRIS which has been known to cause cancer in test animals and has been banned for decades from children’s clothing.
"This new law will continue our efforts to protect children from potentially hazardous chemicals," Governor Cuomo said. "For years this product has been known as a potential carcinogenic and appropriately banned from children's clothing, and it is long overdue that we extend these protections to other child care products. I thank the sponsors of this legislation, Senator Grisanti and Assemblyman Sweeney, for their work to ensure New York's children are protected from chemicals that could cause them harm."
The legislation bans the sale of any consumer merchandise intended for use by children under three, such as baby toys, car seats, crib mattresses and strollers, if the product contains the TRIS chemical. Violators would be charged $1,000 per day for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second violation. Since 1977, TRIS has been banned from use in children’s clothing, although its low cost has led to a proliferation of its use in baby gear including strollers, nursing pillows and rocking chair foam. The law applies to any products sold after December 1, 2013.
Senator Mark Grisanti said, "It is shocking that a chemical known to cause cancer in test animals has been used so widely in child care products. The signing of this bill is a major step forward in protecting our children from the dangers of TRIS, and parents should welcome this new safeguard as an important cautionary measure for the future health of children across the state. I commend Governor Cuomo's leadership in signing legislation that protects children from harmful substances."
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney said, "Children are more sensitive to and are at increased risk from chemical exposure. The passage of this legislation is an important step to protect children from unnecessary health risks caused by chemicals found in products designed for young children. There are safer alternatives to TRIS that do not have the same health concerns."
"This new law will continue our efforts to protect children from potentially hazardous chemicals," Governor Cuomo said. "For years this product has been known as a potential carcinogenic and appropriately banned from children's clothing, and it is long overdue that we extend these protections to other child care products. I thank the sponsors of this legislation, Senator Grisanti and Assemblyman Sweeney, for their work to ensure New York's children are protected from chemicals that could cause them harm."
The legislation bans the sale of any consumer merchandise intended for use by children under three, such as baby toys, car seats, crib mattresses and strollers, if the product contains the TRIS chemical. Violators would be charged $1,000 per day for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second violation. Since 1977, TRIS has been banned from use in children’s clothing, although its low cost has led to a proliferation of its use in baby gear including strollers, nursing pillows and rocking chair foam. The law applies to any products sold after December 1, 2013.
Senator Mark Grisanti said, "It is shocking that a chemical known to cause cancer in test animals has been used so widely in child care products. The signing of this bill is a major step forward in protecting our children from the dangers of TRIS, and parents should welcome this new safeguard as an important cautionary measure for the future health of children across the state. I commend Governor Cuomo's leadership in signing legislation that protects children from harmful substances."
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney said, "Children are more sensitive to and are at increased risk from chemical exposure. The passage of this legislation is an important step to protect children from unnecessary health risks caused by chemicals found in products designed for young children. There are safer alternatives to TRIS that do not have the same health concerns."
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Artpark
By: Dave Ricci
Out of the ashes of tragedy, new chapters have been written.
Virtually every fan of rock and roll knows the tragic story of the 1977 plane crash that killed Lynyrd Skynyrd front man, Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer, Cassie Gaines.
But what people tend to forget is that Jacksonville’s favorite sons are still on the road, and are coming to Western New York.
Lynyrd Skynyrd returns to our region when they headline the Tuesday, July, 26 show at Artpark in Lewiston.
On a 10 year hiatus since that horrific plane crash that left several other band members seriously injured, Lynyrd Skynyrd returned to the road with a successful 1987 tour and have since put out seven albums, the most recent was “God and Guns” that was released in 2009.
Led by founding member and lead guitarist Gary Rossington and front man Johnny Van Zant,
Also on board are guitarist Rickey Medlocke. A longtime associate of the band’s, many die-hard fans know Medlocke for not only writing the Skynyrd tune “White Dove” but also for his memorable falsetto voice on lead vocals.
Holding true to the foundation and musical values the original band was built on the current edition of Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t disappoint in anyway.
Rossington is still a first rate guitarist and Van Zant, with his powerful voice and stage presence, is hauntingly similar to his late, great big brother. Only Johnny Van Zant could do justice to Skynyrd classics like “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,”
“Call Me The Breeze,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” and others.
Sadly, these Southern Rock icons have tasted sadness more than once in their careers as guitarist/founding member Allen Collins (1990), bassist Leon Wilkerson (2001) and keyboardist Billy Powell (2009) have also passed away. But they still keep pushing on. But not for a easy paycheck. They keep going because music is in their blood and every show is a way to honor their fallen friends.
The current band was assembled with great care to ensure that the integrity of the “Lynyrd Skynyrd” name would be maintained.
It isn’t a thrown together simply for a quick-buck road trip type of band. Every guy in the current lineup fits the Lynyrd Skynyrd mold perfectly and understands how lucky they are to be in this band.
The rest of Lynyrd Skynyrd includes drummer Michael Cartellone, Robert Kearns (bass) and guitarist Mark Matejka and Peter Pisarczyk, who joined the band shortly after Powell’s death.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, on their seventh try, was finally welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2006.
They ranked No.95 on Rolling Stone’s greatest acts of all-time list and Guitar World dubbed “Free Bird” as the third best guitar solo ever.
The Mick Hayes Band is slated to open the show at 6:30 p.m.
Out of the ashes of tragedy, new chapters have been written.
Virtually every fan of rock and roll knows the tragic story of the 1977 plane crash that killed Lynyrd Skynyrd front man, Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer, Cassie Gaines.
But what people tend to forget is that Jacksonville’s favorite sons are still on the road, and are coming to Western New York.
Lynyrd Skynyrd returns to our region when they headline the Tuesday, July, 26 show at Artpark in Lewiston.
On a 10 year hiatus since that horrific plane crash that left several other band members seriously injured, Lynyrd Skynyrd returned to the road with a successful 1987 tour and have since put out seven albums, the most recent was “God and Guns” that was released in 2009.
Led by founding member and lead guitarist Gary Rossington and front man Johnny Van Zant,
Also on board are guitarist Rickey Medlocke. A longtime associate of the band’s, many die-hard fans know Medlocke for not only writing the Skynyrd tune “White Dove” but also for his memorable falsetto voice on lead vocals.
Holding true to the foundation and musical values the original band was built on the current edition of Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t disappoint in anyway.
Rossington is still a first rate guitarist and Van Zant, with his powerful voice and stage presence, is hauntingly similar to his late, great big brother. Only Johnny Van Zant could do justice to Skynyrd classics like “Free Bird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,”
“Call Me The Breeze,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” and others.
Sadly, these Southern Rock icons have tasted sadness more than once in their careers as guitarist/founding member Allen Collins (1990), bassist Leon Wilkerson (2001) and keyboardist Billy Powell (2009) have also passed away. But they still keep pushing on. But not for a easy paycheck. They keep going because music is in their blood and every show is a way to honor their fallen friends.
The current band was assembled with great care to ensure that the integrity of the “Lynyrd Skynyrd” name would be maintained.
It isn’t a thrown together simply for a quick-buck road trip type of band. Every guy in the current lineup fits the Lynyrd Skynyrd mold perfectly and understands how lucky they are to be in this band.
The rest of Lynyrd Skynyrd includes drummer Michael Cartellone, Robert Kearns (bass) and guitarist Mark Matejka and Peter Pisarczyk, who joined the band shortly after Powell’s death.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, on their seventh try, was finally welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2006.
They ranked No.95 on Rolling Stone’s greatest acts of all-time list and Guitar World dubbed “Free Bird” as the third best guitar solo ever.
The Mick Hayes Band is slated to open the show at 6:30 p.m.
.38 Special rocks Artpark
By: Dave Ricci
When discussions of best concerts you ever saw come up and never fail to tell friends that one of, if not the best shows, I ever saw was put on best .38 Special.
Serving as the opening act for, of all bands, Black Sabbath, .38 Special came to the The Aud as part of their Special Forces Tour and put on a show to remember.
They sounded great and their stage presence combined for the full package that, in my humble opinion, outdid the far more famous Black Sabbath.
If anything has changed since that day it’s that .38 Special has gotten better.
The boys from Jacksonville, Florida played to more than 9,000 fans at Artpark in Lewiston on July 12 and showed that they were as strong as ever.
You didn’t have to wonder for too long why this show was a success. It went over with fans because it was .38 Special.
It wasn’t a mish-mash of guys you didn’t know playing under the .38 Special name.
Founding members Dan Barnes (vocals/guitar) and Donnie Van Zant (guitar/vocals) are still front and center, along with long time band mate, bassist Larry Junstrom, an extremely underrated musician.
Opening with “Rockin Into The Night,” .38 Special also played their stable of hits including “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys,” “Since You’ve Been Gone,” “If I’d Been The One,” “Second Chance,” “Like No Other Night,” “Take Me Back To Paradise” and of course their signature song and No.1 hit
“Caught Up In You,” which wrapped up the show.
Products of the Southern Rock movement of the 1970s, as 1980s wore on .38 Special’s music took more of a arena rock type of theme, yet all of their songs still retained the feel of their southern roots.
In fact what I find the most interesting about .38 Special though they have their own unique sound, even if you aren’t familiar with their work you can easily get into the music because it finds away to strike a chord of familiarity with everyone.
The most touching moment came when Donnie Van Zant spoke to the crowd about his older brother, the late, great Ronnie Van Zant, former front man of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Donnie told everyone that Ronnie had encouraged them to follow their dreams as a band and to never give up.
Donnie then dedicated “Rebel to Rebel” to his late brother and the fallen Skynyrd members.
While the show was outstanding the true testament that .38 Special is still just a bunch of good ol’ boys actually came off stage with opening act, Dave Constantino Band.
Constantino, a Buffalo Music Hall of Famer and leader of legendary bands Talas and the Tweeds, via facebook said that he recalled Talas sharing the bill with .38 Special at a local club during the 1970s. when Barnes and Constantino met up at Artpark, Barnes looked at Dave, smiled and said, “Tonawanda, right?”
Barnes didn’t forget Talas. And it’s that kind of loyalty that keeps fans standing by .38 Special, too.
When discussions of best concerts you ever saw come up and never fail to tell friends that one of, if not the best shows, I ever saw was put on best .38 Special.
Serving as the opening act for, of all bands, Black Sabbath, .38 Special came to the The Aud as part of their Special Forces Tour and put on a show to remember.
They sounded great and their stage presence combined for the full package that, in my humble opinion, outdid the far more famous Black Sabbath.
If anything has changed since that day it’s that .38 Special has gotten better.
The boys from Jacksonville, Florida played to more than 9,000 fans at Artpark in Lewiston on July 12 and showed that they were as strong as ever.
You didn’t have to wonder for too long why this show was a success. It went over with fans because it was .38 Special.
It wasn’t a mish-mash of guys you didn’t know playing under the .38 Special name.
Founding members Dan Barnes (vocals/guitar) and Donnie Van Zant (guitar/vocals) are still front and center, along with long time band mate, bassist Larry Junstrom, an extremely underrated musician.
Opening with “Rockin Into The Night,” .38 Special also played their stable of hits including “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys,” “Since You’ve Been Gone,” “If I’d Been The One,” “Second Chance,” “Like No Other Night,” “Take Me Back To Paradise” and of course their signature song and No.1 hit
“Caught Up In You,” which wrapped up the show.
Products of the Southern Rock movement of the 1970s, as 1980s wore on .38 Special’s music took more of a arena rock type of theme, yet all of their songs still retained the feel of their southern roots.
In fact what I find the most interesting about .38 Special though they have their own unique sound, even if you aren’t familiar with their work you can easily get into the music because it finds away to strike a chord of familiarity with everyone.
The most touching moment came when Donnie Van Zant spoke to the crowd about his older brother, the late, great Ronnie Van Zant, former front man of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Donnie told everyone that Ronnie had encouraged them to follow their dreams as a band and to never give up.
Donnie then dedicated “Rebel to Rebel” to his late brother and the fallen Skynyrd members.
While the show was outstanding the true testament that .38 Special is still just a bunch of good ol’ boys actually came off stage with opening act, Dave Constantino Band.
Constantino, a Buffalo Music Hall of Famer and leader of legendary bands Talas and the Tweeds, via facebook said that he recalled Talas sharing the bill with .38 Special at a local club during the 1970s. when Barnes and Constantino met up at Artpark, Barnes looked at Dave, smiled and said, “Tonawanda, right?”
Barnes didn’t forget Talas. And it’s that kind of loyalty that keeps fans standing by .38 Special, too.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tonawanda's Gateway Harbor Inc hosting 2nd annual Chocolate Festival
The administrators at Tonawanda's Gateway Harbor Inc. are hosting the second annual Chocolate Festival, scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept 17 at Gateway Harbor Park in North Tonawanda.
Chocolate-related vendors are urged to contact the North Tonawanda Recreation and Parks Department at 695-8520 for more information. The festival is also looking for farmers who are interested in participating in this year’s event.
The Gateway Committee plans this year’s festival to be bigger and better than it has been in years past. This year, the festival has teamed up with the historical Riviera Theater to include Webster Street in the venue and double the entertainment.
Vendors and farmers can contact Patricia Brosius at 695-8520 ext. 5500.
Chocolate-related vendors are urged to contact the North Tonawanda Recreation and Parks Department at 695-8520 for more information. The festival is also looking for farmers who are interested in participating in this year’s event.
The Gateway Committee plans this year’s festival to be bigger and better than it has been in years past. This year, the festival has teamed up with the historical Riviera Theater to include Webster Street in the venue and double the entertainment.
Vendors and farmers can contact Patricia Brosius at 695-8520 ext. 5500.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Niagara University Tourism Major, Wendy Reyes, Receives Ronald H. Brown Memorial Scholarship
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. (July 26, 2011) – Another day, another national scholarship earned by a student in Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Wendy Reyes, an NU senior from El Paso, Texas, is the lone recipient of this year’s Ronald H. Brown Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an undergraduate minority student committed to the pursuit of a career in the travel industry. The $3,000 scholarship is given in honor of the late commerce secretary and his enormous contributions to the U.S. travel and tourism industry. This is the 16th year that the award has been granted.
“On behalf of the Destination & Travel Foundation Board of Directors, I congratulate you for being chosen as the winner of the 2011 Ronald H. Brown Memorial Scholarship,” said Judith Harris, senior director of membership for the U.S. Travel Association, a national, nonprofit organization representing all components of the travel industry.
As a student studying Tourism Destination Management at NU, Reyes aspires to work for a convention and visitors bureau after graduation. She will spend the next academic year studying abroad at Germany’s International University of Applied Science Bad Honnef (IUBH), one of Niagara University’s partner schools in the Leading Hotel Schools of the World organization. Upon completion of the program, Reyes will receive degrees from both schools, which was among the primary reasons that she enrolled at Niagara.
“Thanks to generous organizations such as yours, I will be able to further my education and continue to produce academic results that exceed expectations,” wrote Reyes in an acknowledgment letter to the Destination & Travel Foundation Board of Directors. “My goal is to assist in the development of a city’s positive perception and create a source of economic sustainability through tourism efforts. I know that this award will be a tremendous help to me in the continuation of my academic success, and I look forward to the time when I can help others as you have helped me.”
The Destination & Travel Foundation, formerly the DMAI Foundation, is a complementary organization to both DMAI and to the U.S. Travel Association. The DMAI Foundation was formed in 1993, and in February 2009, DMAI and the U.S. Travel Association joined resources of their foundations to create a stronger organization, better capable of serving the interest of destination marketing professionals and highlighting the impact of travel around the world.
Niagara University
Founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856, Niagara University is a private liberal arts university with a strong, values-based Catholic tradition. Its four academic divisions include the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. The university also maintains an Academic Exploration Program that provides a learning community for students who are undecided about their major, as well as numerous opportunities through Continuing Education.
Wendy Reyes, an NU senior from El Paso, Texas, is the lone recipient of this year’s Ronald H. Brown Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an undergraduate minority student committed to the pursuit of a career in the travel industry. The $3,000 scholarship is given in honor of the late commerce secretary and his enormous contributions to the U.S. travel and tourism industry. This is the 16th year that the award has been granted.
“On behalf of the Destination & Travel Foundation Board of Directors, I congratulate you for being chosen as the winner of the 2011 Ronald H. Brown Memorial Scholarship,” said Judith Harris, senior director of membership for the U.S. Travel Association, a national, nonprofit organization representing all components of the travel industry.
As a student studying Tourism Destination Management at NU, Reyes aspires to work for a convention and visitors bureau after graduation. She will spend the next academic year studying abroad at Germany’s International University of Applied Science Bad Honnef (IUBH), one of Niagara University’s partner schools in the Leading Hotel Schools of the World organization. Upon completion of the program, Reyes will receive degrees from both schools, which was among the primary reasons that she enrolled at Niagara.
“Thanks to generous organizations such as yours, I will be able to further my education and continue to produce academic results that exceed expectations,” wrote Reyes in an acknowledgment letter to the Destination & Travel Foundation Board of Directors. “My goal is to assist in the development of a city’s positive perception and create a source of economic sustainability through tourism efforts. I know that this award will be a tremendous help to me in the continuation of my academic success, and I look forward to the time when I can help others as you have helped me.”
The Destination & Travel Foundation, formerly the DMAI Foundation, is a complementary organization to both DMAI and to the U.S. Travel Association. The DMAI Foundation was formed in 1993, and in February 2009, DMAI and the U.S. Travel Association joined resources of their foundations to create a stronger organization, better capable of serving the interest of destination marketing professionals and highlighting the impact of travel around the world.
Niagara University
Founded by the Vincentian Community in 1856, Niagara University is a private liberal arts university with a strong, values-based Catholic tradition. Its four academic divisions include the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. The university also maintains an Academic Exploration Program that provides a learning community for students who are undecided about their major, as well as numerous opportunities through Continuing Education.
White House Statement from the Press Secretary
The President has been advocating a balanced plan that would reduce our deficit by $4 trillion by making large cuts in domestic and Pentagon spending, reforming entitlement programs, and closing tax loopholes for corporations, millionaires and billionaires. This sort of approach won support from Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, but the House Republicans walked away after insisting that the budget be balanced on the backs of seniors and the middle class.
Now, faced with the “my way or the highway,” short-term approach of the House Republicans, Senator Reid has put forward a responsible compromise that cuts spending in a way that protects critical investments and does not harm the economic recovery. All the cuts put forward in this approach were previously agreed to by both parties through the process led by the Vice President. Senator Reid’s plan also reduces the deficit more than enough to meet the contrived dollar-for-dollar criteria called for by House Republicans, and, most importantly, it removes the cloud of a possible default from our economy through 2012. The plan would make a meaningful down payment in addressing our fiscal challenge, and we could continue to work together to build on it with a balanced approach to deficit reduction that includes additional spending reforms and closing tax loopholes for corporations, millionaires and billionaires.
Senator Reid’s plan is a reasonable approach that should receive the support of both parties, and we hope the House Republicans will agree to this plan so that America can avoid defaulting on our obligations for the first time in our history. The ball is in their court.
Now, faced with the “my way or the highway,” short-term approach of the House Republicans, Senator Reid has put forward a responsible compromise that cuts spending in a way that protects critical investments and does not harm the economic recovery. All the cuts put forward in this approach were previously agreed to by both parties through the process led by the Vice President. Senator Reid’s plan also reduces the deficit more than enough to meet the contrived dollar-for-dollar criteria called for by House Republicans, and, most importantly, it removes the cloud of a possible default from our economy through 2012. The plan would make a meaningful down payment in addressing our fiscal challenge, and we could continue to work together to build on it with a balanced approach to deficit reduction that includes additional spending reforms and closing tax loopholes for corporations, millionaires and billionaires.
Senator Reid’s plan is a reasonable approach that should receive the support of both parties, and we hope the House Republicans will agree to this plan so that America can avoid defaulting on our obligations for the first time in our history. The ball is in their court.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Buffalo News: GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAW TO CREATE MISSING VULNERA...
Buffalo News: GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAW TO CREATE MISSING VULNERA...: "Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a law to create a statewide alert system for missing vulnerable adults, similar to the nationwide Am..."
Remarks by President Obama to the National Council of La Raza
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you! Thank you so much. (Applause.) What an extraordinary crowd. Thank you. Please have a seat.
It is good to be back with NCLR. (Applause.) It is good to see all of you.
Right off the bat, I should thank you because I have poached quite a few of your alumni to work in my administration. (Laughter.) They're all doing outstanding work. Raul Yzaguirre, my ambassador to the Dominican Republic -- (applause) -- Latinos serving at every level of my administration. We've got young people right out of college in the White House. We've got the first Latina Cabinet Secretary in history, Hilda Solis. (Applause.) So we couldn't be prouder of the work that so many folks who've been engaged with La Raza before, the handiwork that they're doing with our administration. And as Janet mentioned, obviously we're extraordinarily proud of someone who is doing outstanding work on the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. (Applause.)
Recently, 100 Latino officials from across the government met with Latino leaders from across the country at the White House. I know some of you were there. And I think all who attended would agree that we weren’t just paying lip service to the community. Our work together, not just that day but every day, has been more than just talk.
What I told the gathering at the White House was we need your voice. Your country needs you. Our American family will only be as strong as our growing Latino community. (Applause.) And so we’re going to take these conversations on the road and keep working with you, because for more than four decades, NCLR has fought for opportunities for Latinos from city centers to farm fields. And that fight for opportunity –- the opportunity to get a decent education, the opportunity to find a good job, the opportunity to make of our lives what we will -– has never been more important than it is today.
And we’re still climbing out of a vicious recession, and that recession hit Latino families especially hard. I don't need to tell you Latino unemployment is painfully high. And there’s no doubt that this economy has not recovered as fast as it needs to. The truth is it’s going to take more time. And a lot of the problems we face right now, like slow job growth and stagnant wages, these were problems that were there even before the recession hit.
These challenges weren’t caused overnight; they’re not going to be solved overnight. But that only makes our work more urgent -- to get this economy going and make sure that opportunity is spreading, to make sure everyone who wants a job can find one, and to make sure that paychecks can actually cover the bills; to make sure that families don’t have to choose between buying groceries or buying medicine; that they don't have to choose between sending their kids to college or being able to retire.
My number-one priority, every single day, is to figure out how we can get businesses to hire and create jobs with decent wages. And in the short-term, there are some things we can do right away. I want to extend tax relief that we already put in place for middle-class families, to make sure that folks have more money in their paychecks. And I want to cut red tape that keeps entrepreneurs from turning new ideas into thriving businesses. I want to sign trade deals so our businesses can sell more goods made in America to the rest of the world, especially to the Americas.
And the hundreds of thousands of construction workers -- many of them Latino -- who lost their jobs when the housing bubble burst, I want to put them back to work rebuilding our roads and our bridges and new schools and airports all across the country. There is work to be done. These workers are ready to do it. (Applause.)
So bipartisan proposals for all of these jobs measures would already be law if Congress would just send them to my desk, and I’d appreciate if you all would help me convince them to do it. We need to get it done. We need to get it done. (Applause.)
Now, obviously, the other debate in Washington that we’re having is one that’s going to have a direct impact on every American. Every day, NCLR and your affiliates hear from families figuring out how to stretch every dollar a little bit further, what sacrifices they’ve got to make, how they're going to budget only what’s truly important. So they should expect the same thing from Washington. Neither party is blameless for the decisions that led to our debt, but both parties have a responsibility to come together and solve the problem and make sure that the American people aren’t hurt on this issue. (Applause.)
I just want to talk about this for a second, because it has a potential impact on everybody here and all the communities you serve. If we don’t address the debt that’s already on our national credit card, it will leave us unable to invest in things like education, to protect vital programs.
So I’ve already said I’m willing to cut spending that we don't need by historic amounts to reduce our long-term deficit and make sure that we can invest in our children’s future. I’m willing to take on the rising costs of health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid to make sure they’re strong and secure for future generations.
But we can’t just close our deficits by cutting spending. That’s the truth, and Americans understand that. Because if all we all do is cut, then seniors will have to pay a lot more for their health care, and students will have to pay a lot more for college, and workers who get laid off might not have any temporary assistance or job training to get them back on their feet. And with gas prices this high, we’d have to stop much of the clean energy research that will help us free ourselves from dependence on foreign oil.
Not only is it not fair if all of this is done on the backs of middle-class families and poor families, it doesn’t make sense. It may sound good to save a lot of money over the next five years, but not if we sacrifice our future for the next 50.
And that’s why people from both parties have said that the best way to take on our deficit is with a balanced approach –- one where the wealthiest Americans and big corporations pay their fair share, too. (Applause.) Before we stop funding energy research, we should ask oil companies and corporate jet owners to give up special tax breaks that other folks don’t get. (Applause.) Before we ask college students to pay more to go to college, we should ask hedge fund managers to stop paying taxes that are lower in terms of rates than their secretaries. Before we ask seniors to pay more for Medicare -- (applause) -- before we ask seniors to pay more for Medicare, we should ask people like me to give up tax breaks that we don’t need and weren’t even asking for. (Applause.)
So, NCLR, that’s at the heart of this debate. Are we a nation that asks only the middle class and the poor to bear the burden? After they’ve seen their jobs disappear and their incomes decline over a decade? Are we a people who break the promises we’ve made to seniors, or the disabled, and leave them to fend for themselves?
That's not who we are. We are better than that. We’re a people who look out for one another. We’re a people who believe in shared sacrifice, because we know that we rise or fall as one nation. We’re a people who will do whatever it takes to make sure our children have the same chances and the same opportunities that our parents gave us -- not just the same chances, better chances, than our parents gave us. That's the American way.
And that's what NCLR is all about. That's what the Latino community is all about. When I spoke to you as a candidate for this office, I said you and I share a belief that opportunity and prosperity aren’t just words to be said, they are promises to be kept. Back then, we didn’t know the depths of the challenges that were going to lie ahead. But thanks to you, we are keeping our promises.
We’re keeping our promise to make sure that America remains a place where opportunity is open to all who work for it. We’ve cut taxes for middle-class workers and small businesses and low-income families. We won credit card reform and financial reform, and protections for consumers and folks who use payday lenders or send remittances home from being exploited and being ripped off. (Applause.)
We worked to secure health care for 4 million children, including the children of legal immigrants. (Applause.) And we are implementing health reform for all who've been abused by insurance companies, and all who fear about going broke if they get sick. And these were huge victories for the Latino community that suffers from lack of health insurance more than any other group.
We’re keeping our promise to give our young people every opportunity to succeed. NCLR has always organized its work around the principle that the single most important investment we can make is in our children’s education -– and that if we let our Latino students fall behind, we will all fall behind. I believe that. (Applause.)
So we’ve tied giving more money to reform. And we’re working with states to improve teacher recruitment and retraining and retention. We’re making sure English Language Learners are a priority for educators across the country. We’re holding schools with high dropout rates accountable so they start delivering for our kids. We’re emphasizing math and science, and investing in community colleges so that all of our workers get the skills that today’s companies want. And we’ve won new college grants for more than 100,000 Latino students. And as long as I am President, this country will always invest in its young people. (Applause.)
These are victories for NCLR; they are victories for America. And we did it with your help. We're keeping our promises. (Applause.)
Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t have unfinished business. I promised you I would work tirelessly to fix our broken immigration system and make the DREAM Act a reality. (Applause.) And two months ago -- two months ago, I went down to the border of El Paso to reiterate -- (applause.) El Paso is in the house. (Laughter and applause.) To reiterate my vision for an immigration system that holds true to our values and our heritage, and meets our economic and security needs. And I argued this wasn’t just the moral thing to do, it was an economic imperative.
In recent years, one in four high-tech startups in America –- companies like Google and Intel -– were founded on immigrants. One in six new small business owners are immigrants. These are job creators who came here to seek opportunity and now seek to share opportunity.
This country has always been made stronger by our immigrants. That what makes America special. We attract talented, dynamic, optimistic people who are continually refreshing our economy and our spirit. And you can see that in urban areas all across the country where communities that may have been hollowed out when manufacturing left, or were having problems because of an aging population, suddenly you see an influx of immigration, and you see streets that were full of boarded-up buildings, suddenly they're vibrant with life once again. And it’s immigrant populations who are providing that energy and that drive.
And we have a system right now that allows the best and the brightest to come study in America and then tells them to leave, set up the next great company someplace else. We have a system that tolerates immigrants and businesses that breaks the rules and punishes those that follow the rules. We have a system that separates families, and punishes innocent young people for their parents’ actions by denying them the chance to earn an education or contribute to our economy or serve in our military. These are the laws on the books.
Now, I swore an oath to uphold the laws on the books, but that doesn't mean I don't know very well the real pain and heartbreak that deportations cause. I share your concerns and I understand them. And I promise you, we are responding to your concerns and working every day to make sure we are enforcing flawed laws in the most humane and best possible way.
Now, I know some people want me to bypass Congress and change the laws on my own. (Applause.) And believe me, right now dealing with Congress --
AUDIENCE: Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can!
THE PRESIDENT: Believe me -- believe me, the idea of doing things on my own is very tempting. (Laughter.) I promise you. Not just on immigration reform. (Laughter.) But that's not how -- that's not how our system works.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Change it!
THE PRESIDENT: That’s not how our democracy functions. That's not how our Constitution is written.
So let’s be honest. I need a dance partner here -- and the floor is empty. (Laughter.)
Five years ago, 23 Republican senators supported comprehensive immigration reform because they knew it was the right thing to do for the economy and it was the right thing to do for America. Today, they’ve walked away. Republicans helped write the DREAM Act because they knew it was the right thing to do for the country. Today, they’ve walked away. Last year, we passed the DREAM Act through the House only to see it blocked by Senate Republicans. It was heartbreaking to get so close and see politics get in the way, particularly because some of the folks who walked away had previously been sponsors of this.
Now, all that has to change. And part of the problem is, is that the political winds have changed. That’s left states to come up with patchwork versions of reform that don’t solve the problem. You and I know that's not the right way to go. We can’t have 50 immigration laws across the country.
So, yes, feel free to keep the heat on me and keep the heat on Democrats. But here’s the only thing you should know. The Democrats and your President are with you. (Applause.) Are with you. Don't get confused about that. (Applause.) Remember who it is that we need to move in order to actually change the laws.
Now, usually, as soon as I come out in favor of something, about half of Congress is immediately against it even if it was originally their idea. (Laughter.) You noticed how that works? (Laughter.) So I need you to keep building a movement for change outside of Washington, one that they can’t stop. (Applause.) One that's greater than this community. (Applause.)
We need a movement that bridges party lines, that unites business and labor and faith communities and law enforcement communities, and all who know that America cannot continue operating with a broken immigration system. And I will be there every step of the way. I will keep up this fight, because Washington is way behind where the rest of the country knows we need to.
And I know that can be frustrating. This is a city where “compromise” is becoming a dirty word; where there’s more political upside in doing what’s easier for reelection, what’s easier for an attack ad, than what’s best for the country. But, NCLR, I want you to know, when you feel frustration or you’re feeling cynical, and when you hear people say we can’t solve our problems or we can’t bring about the change that we’ve fought so hard for, I do want you to remember everything that we’ve already accomplished together just in two and a half years. And I want you to remember why we do this in the first place.
Recently, I heard the story of a participant at this gathering that we had at the White House that I was telling you about at the top of my speech. So this participant’s name was Marie Lopez Rogers. (Applause.) And Marie was born to migrant farm workers in Avondale, Arizona. As a young girl, she and her brother would help their parents in the cotton fields. And I’m assuming the temperatures were sort of like they’ve been the last couple days here in D.C. And it was in those cotton fields that Marie’s father would tell her, “if you don’t want to be working in this heat, you better stay in school.” So that's what Marie did.
And because of that, because of the tireless, back-breaking work of her parents, because of their willingness to struggle and sacrifice so that one day their children wouldn’t have to –- Marie became the first in her family to go to college. And, interestingly, she now works at the very site where she used to pick cotton -- except now city hall sits there and Marie is the town’s mayor. (Applause.)
So that’s the promise of America. That is why we love this country so much. That is why all of us are here. That's why I am here. Some of us had parents or grandparents who said, maybe I can’t go to college, but someday my child will go to college. Maybe I can’t start my own business, but I promise you someday my child will start his or her own business. I may have to rent today, but someday my child will have a home of her own. My back may be tired, my hands may be cut, I may be working in a field, but someday –- someday -– my daughter will be mayor, or secretary of labor, or a Supreme Court justice. (Applause.)
Hermanos y hermanas, that promise is in our hands. It’s up to us to continue that story. It’s up to us to hand it down to all of our children –- Latino, black, white, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled, not disabled. (Applause.) We’re one family, and we need each other. And if we remember that and continue to focus on that, if we come together and work together as one people and summon the best in each other, I’m confident that promise will endure.
Thank you very much. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
It is good to be back with NCLR. (Applause.) It is good to see all of you.
Right off the bat, I should thank you because I have poached quite a few of your alumni to work in my administration. (Laughter.) They're all doing outstanding work. Raul Yzaguirre, my ambassador to the Dominican Republic -- (applause) -- Latinos serving at every level of my administration. We've got young people right out of college in the White House. We've got the first Latina Cabinet Secretary in history, Hilda Solis. (Applause.) So we couldn't be prouder of the work that so many folks who've been engaged with La Raza before, the handiwork that they're doing with our administration. And as Janet mentioned, obviously we're extraordinarily proud of someone who is doing outstanding work on the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. (Applause.)
Recently, 100 Latino officials from across the government met with Latino leaders from across the country at the White House. I know some of you were there. And I think all who attended would agree that we weren’t just paying lip service to the community. Our work together, not just that day but every day, has been more than just talk.
What I told the gathering at the White House was we need your voice. Your country needs you. Our American family will only be as strong as our growing Latino community. (Applause.) And so we’re going to take these conversations on the road and keep working with you, because for more than four decades, NCLR has fought for opportunities for Latinos from city centers to farm fields. And that fight for opportunity –- the opportunity to get a decent education, the opportunity to find a good job, the opportunity to make of our lives what we will -– has never been more important than it is today.
And we’re still climbing out of a vicious recession, and that recession hit Latino families especially hard. I don't need to tell you Latino unemployment is painfully high. And there’s no doubt that this economy has not recovered as fast as it needs to. The truth is it’s going to take more time. And a lot of the problems we face right now, like slow job growth and stagnant wages, these were problems that were there even before the recession hit.
These challenges weren’t caused overnight; they’re not going to be solved overnight. But that only makes our work more urgent -- to get this economy going and make sure that opportunity is spreading, to make sure everyone who wants a job can find one, and to make sure that paychecks can actually cover the bills; to make sure that families don’t have to choose between buying groceries or buying medicine; that they don't have to choose between sending their kids to college or being able to retire.
My number-one priority, every single day, is to figure out how we can get businesses to hire and create jobs with decent wages. And in the short-term, there are some things we can do right away. I want to extend tax relief that we already put in place for middle-class families, to make sure that folks have more money in their paychecks. And I want to cut red tape that keeps entrepreneurs from turning new ideas into thriving businesses. I want to sign trade deals so our businesses can sell more goods made in America to the rest of the world, especially to the Americas.
And the hundreds of thousands of construction workers -- many of them Latino -- who lost their jobs when the housing bubble burst, I want to put them back to work rebuilding our roads and our bridges and new schools and airports all across the country. There is work to be done. These workers are ready to do it. (Applause.)
So bipartisan proposals for all of these jobs measures would already be law if Congress would just send them to my desk, and I’d appreciate if you all would help me convince them to do it. We need to get it done. We need to get it done. (Applause.)
Now, obviously, the other debate in Washington that we’re having is one that’s going to have a direct impact on every American. Every day, NCLR and your affiliates hear from families figuring out how to stretch every dollar a little bit further, what sacrifices they’ve got to make, how they're going to budget only what’s truly important. So they should expect the same thing from Washington. Neither party is blameless for the decisions that led to our debt, but both parties have a responsibility to come together and solve the problem and make sure that the American people aren’t hurt on this issue. (Applause.)
I just want to talk about this for a second, because it has a potential impact on everybody here and all the communities you serve. If we don’t address the debt that’s already on our national credit card, it will leave us unable to invest in things like education, to protect vital programs.
So I’ve already said I’m willing to cut spending that we don't need by historic amounts to reduce our long-term deficit and make sure that we can invest in our children’s future. I’m willing to take on the rising costs of health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid to make sure they’re strong and secure for future generations.
But we can’t just close our deficits by cutting spending. That’s the truth, and Americans understand that. Because if all we all do is cut, then seniors will have to pay a lot more for their health care, and students will have to pay a lot more for college, and workers who get laid off might not have any temporary assistance or job training to get them back on their feet. And with gas prices this high, we’d have to stop much of the clean energy research that will help us free ourselves from dependence on foreign oil.
Not only is it not fair if all of this is done on the backs of middle-class families and poor families, it doesn’t make sense. It may sound good to save a lot of money over the next five years, but not if we sacrifice our future for the next 50.
And that’s why people from both parties have said that the best way to take on our deficit is with a balanced approach –- one where the wealthiest Americans and big corporations pay their fair share, too. (Applause.) Before we stop funding energy research, we should ask oil companies and corporate jet owners to give up special tax breaks that other folks don’t get. (Applause.) Before we ask college students to pay more to go to college, we should ask hedge fund managers to stop paying taxes that are lower in terms of rates than their secretaries. Before we ask seniors to pay more for Medicare -- (applause) -- before we ask seniors to pay more for Medicare, we should ask people like me to give up tax breaks that we don’t need and weren’t even asking for. (Applause.)
So, NCLR, that’s at the heart of this debate. Are we a nation that asks only the middle class and the poor to bear the burden? After they’ve seen their jobs disappear and their incomes decline over a decade? Are we a people who break the promises we’ve made to seniors, or the disabled, and leave them to fend for themselves?
That's not who we are. We are better than that. We’re a people who look out for one another. We’re a people who believe in shared sacrifice, because we know that we rise or fall as one nation. We’re a people who will do whatever it takes to make sure our children have the same chances and the same opportunities that our parents gave us -- not just the same chances, better chances, than our parents gave us. That's the American way.
And that's what NCLR is all about. That's what the Latino community is all about. When I spoke to you as a candidate for this office, I said you and I share a belief that opportunity and prosperity aren’t just words to be said, they are promises to be kept. Back then, we didn’t know the depths of the challenges that were going to lie ahead. But thanks to you, we are keeping our promises.
We’re keeping our promise to make sure that America remains a place where opportunity is open to all who work for it. We’ve cut taxes for middle-class workers and small businesses and low-income families. We won credit card reform and financial reform, and protections for consumers and folks who use payday lenders or send remittances home from being exploited and being ripped off. (Applause.)
We worked to secure health care for 4 million children, including the children of legal immigrants. (Applause.) And we are implementing health reform for all who've been abused by insurance companies, and all who fear about going broke if they get sick. And these were huge victories for the Latino community that suffers from lack of health insurance more than any other group.
We’re keeping our promise to give our young people every opportunity to succeed. NCLR has always organized its work around the principle that the single most important investment we can make is in our children’s education -– and that if we let our Latino students fall behind, we will all fall behind. I believe that. (Applause.)
So we’ve tied giving more money to reform. And we’re working with states to improve teacher recruitment and retraining and retention. We’re making sure English Language Learners are a priority for educators across the country. We’re holding schools with high dropout rates accountable so they start delivering for our kids. We’re emphasizing math and science, and investing in community colleges so that all of our workers get the skills that today’s companies want. And we’ve won new college grants for more than 100,000 Latino students. And as long as I am President, this country will always invest in its young people. (Applause.)
These are victories for NCLR; they are victories for America. And we did it with your help. We're keeping our promises. (Applause.)
Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t have unfinished business. I promised you I would work tirelessly to fix our broken immigration system and make the DREAM Act a reality. (Applause.) And two months ago -- two months ago, I went down to the border of El Paso to reiterate -- (applause.) El Paso is in the house. (Laughter and applause.) To reiterate my vision for an immigration system that holds true to our values and our heritage, and meets our economic and security needs. And I argued this wasn’t just the moral thing to do, it was an economic imperative.
In recent years, one in four high-tech startups in America –- companies like Google and Intel -– were founded on immigrants. One in six new small business owners are immigrants. These are job creators who came here to seek opportunity and now seek to share opportunity.
This country has always been made stronger by our immigrants. That what makes America special. We attract talented, dynamic, optimistic people who are continually refreshing our economy and our spirit. And you can see that in urban areas all across the country where communities that may have been hollowed out when manufacturing left, or were having problems because of an aging population, suddenly you see an influx of immigration, and you see streets that were full of boarded-up buildings, suddenly they're vibrant with life once again. And it’s immigrant populations who are providing that energy and that drive.
And we have a system right now that allows the best and the brightest to come study in America and then tells them to leave, set up the next great company someplace else. We have a system that tolerates immigrants and businesses that breaks the rules and punishes those that follow the rules. We have a system that separates families, and punishes innocent young people for their parents’ actions by denying them the chance to earn an education or contribute to our economy or serve in our military. These are the laws on the books.
Now, I swore an oath to uphold the laws on the books, but that doesn't mean I don't know very well the real pain and heartbreak that deportations cause. I share your concerns and I understand them. And I promise you, we are responding to your concerns and working every day to make sure we are enforcing flawed laws in the most humane and best possible way.
Now, I know some people want me to bypass Congress and change the laws on my own. (Applause.) And believe me, right now dealing with Congress --
AUDIENCE: Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can!
THE PRESIDENT: Believe me -- believe me, the idea of doing things on my own is very tempting. (Laughter.) I promise you. Not just on immigration reform. (Laughter.) But that's not how -- that's not how our system works.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Change it!
THE PRESIDENT: That’s not how our democracy functions. That's not how our Constitution is written.
So let’s be honest. I need a dance partner here -- and the floor is empty. (Laughter.)
Five years ago, 23 Republican senators supported comprehensive immigration reform because they knew it was the right thing to do for the economy and it was the right thing to do for America. Today, they’ve walked away. Republicans helped write the DREAM Act because they knew it was the right thing to do for the country. Today, they’ve walked away. Last year, we passed the DREAM Act through the House only to see it blocked by Senate Republicans. It was heartbreaking to get so close and see politics get in the way, particularly because some of the folks who walked away had previously been sponsors of this.
Now, all that has to change. And part of the problem is, is that the political winds have changed. That’s left states to come up with patchwork versions of reform that don’t solve the problem. You and I know that's not the right way to go. We can’t have 50 immigration laws across the country.
So, yes, feel free to keep the heat on me and keep the heat on Democrats. But here’s the only thing you should know. The Democrats and your President are with you. (Applause.) Are with you. Don't get confused about that. (Applause.) Remember who it is that we need to move in order to actually change the laws.
Now, usually, as soon as I come out in favor of something, about half of Congress is immediately against it even if it was originally their idea. (Laughter.) You noticed how that works? (Laughter.) So I need you to keep building a movement for change outside of Washington, one that they can’t stop. (Applause.) One that's greater than this community. (Applause.)
We need a movement that bridges party lines, that unites business and labor and faith communities and law enforcement communities, and all who know that America cannot continue operating with a broken immigration system. And I will be there every step of the way. I will keep up this fight, because Washington is way behind where the rest of the country knows we need to.
And I know that can be frustrating. This is a city where “compromise” is becoming a dirty word; where there’s more political upside in doing what’s easier for reelection, what’s easier for an attack ad, than what’s best for the country. But, NCLR, I want you to know, when you feel frustration or you’re feeling cynical, and when you hear people say we can’t solve our problems or we can’t bring about the change that we’ve fought so hard for, I do want you to remember everything that we’ve already accomplished together just in two and a half years. And I want you to remember why we do this in the first place.
Recently, I heard the story of a participant at this gathering that we had at the White House that I was telling you about at the top of my speech. So this participant’s name was Marie Lopez Rogers. (Applause.) And Marie was born to migrant farm workers in Avondale, Arizona. As a young girl, she and her brother would help their parents in the cotton fields. And I’m assuming the temperatures were sort of like they’ve been the last couple days here in D.C. And it was in those cotton fields that Marie’s father would tell her, “if you don’t want to be working in this heat, you better stay in school.” So that's what Marie did.
And because of that, because of the tireless, back-breaking work of her parents, because of their willingness to struggle and sacrifice so that one day their children wouldn’t have to –- Marie became the first in her family to go to college. And, interestingly, she now works at the very site where she used to pick cotton -- except now city hall sits there and Marie is the town’s mayor. (Applause.)
So that’s the promise of America. That is why we love this country so much. That is why all of us are here. That's why I am here. Some of us had parents or grandparents who said, maybe I can’t go to college, but someday my child will go to college. Maybe I can’t start my own business, but I promise you someday my child will start his or her own business. I may have to rent today, but someday my child will have a home of her own. My back may be tired, my hands may be cut, I may be working in a field, but someday –- someday -– my daughter will be mayor, or secretary of labor, or a Supreme Court justice. (Applause.)
Hermanos y hermanas, that promise is in our hands. It’s up to us to continue that story. It’s up to us to hand it down to all of our children –- Latino, black, white, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled, not disabled. (Applause.) We’re one family, and we need each other. And if we remember that and continue to focus on that, if we come together and work together as one people and summon the best in each other, I’m confident that promise will endure.
Thank you very much. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
Niagara-Wheatfield High School presents honor roll students
The following students from Niagara-Wheatfield High School have earned places on the fourth quarter honor roll.
Grade 9: Amanda Acee,Nataliya Aponchuk , Noah Asklar, Daniel Ball, Matthew Bartlett, Alexis Becker, Kyle Bennett, Kylee Black, Jason Bolea, Brianna Bors, Brandon Borzillire, Margaret Bourque, Kelsey Braham, Brianna Brandy, Megan Breier, Ashleigh Burgio, Bailey Cadwallader, Simrandeep Chahal, Elijah Coni, Jason Den Haese Jr., Daniel Dubetsky, Taylor Falzone, Nicholas Forcucci, Joseph Frantzen, Madelyn Gansworth, Dennis Garver, Daniel George, Kevin Grzeskowiak, Caitlyn Hannam, Amanda Hatfield-Wilson, Austin Hayes, Autumn Hayes, Shayna Helbig, Rachel Hempel, Sarah Herr, Brittany Hovland, Tristin Ingalsbe, Nicolette Jacobs, Joseph Kelly, Derrick Klosko,Holly Kolkmeyer , Matthew Kostiw,Joshua Latimer, Samantha Lelito, Edwin Leon, Alison Marshall, Sean Martin, Samuel Mattheus,Jack Mayo, Christian Montes, Jenna Montesanti, Michael Mordick, Aishah Mulkey, John O’Rourke III, Dylan Phillips, Dominick Pitruzella, Mitchell Pittman, Allison Plunkett, Robert Richau, Rebecca Rider, Cameron Rucci, Bailey Salemi, Helle Sauer, Robert Schimschack III, Miranda Silvernail, Nicholas Sperrazza, Elijah Szafran, Rafay Tariq, Chelsie Tolli, Jack Travers, Cody Treichler, Frank Vecchio II, Tanya Verma, Iason Vranic, Jillian Wagner, Lindsey Walter, Zachary Wilkinson, Leanne Wills, Kiayra Wright, Kelsey Yeates, Shane Zaharkin, and Erica Zendano.
Grade 10: Stephany Antonov,Elizabeth Barrett, Chelsea Beane, Matthew Berical, Arooj Bhatti, Casey Buccarelli, Nathan Budziszewski, Jordan Calkins, Ryan Callen, Rebecca Campbell, Anthony Cappuccilli, Courtney Carella, Taylor Churakos, Gabrielle Cleveley, Nicole Cosmano, Tyler Couch, Danielle Crocoll, Laura Crooks, John Danvir, Alyssa DePetris, Katelyn Doan, David Dobmeier , Zachary Dubuc, Jonathan Emmons, Cory Evans, Brianna Fiorita, Jared Franciosa, Christopher Galvano, Ashley Gates, Brianna Hasfurter-Wall, Michael Hils, Alexa Holler, Nilab Hussain, Jenna Hussey, Alexis Johnson, Terra Juda, Jack Kellogg, Cassandra Kaleigh McMonagle, Laura Messer, Vienna Mills, Amanda Mrzygut, Kyle Mt Pleasant, Dennis Murphy, Jordan Paige, Megan Perry, Samantha Ploetz, Zora Raglow-DeFranco, Elizabeth Raymond, Kyra Rieker, Michael Robins, Mitchell Ross, Alec Scalzo, Yaraslav Selevchuk, Melissa Smith, Jaclyn Smolen, Robert Steinjan III, Francesco Strangio, Murray Taylor II, Jessica Trunzo, Ondraea Tubbe, Sara Walck, Marissa Watroba, Courtney Weinholtz, Joseph Whitman, Alyssa Wright, Joseph Yanulevich Jr., Erika Zambotti, and Daniel Zendano.
Grade 11:Autumn Abadurko, Nicole Acee, Jordan Aldred, Alexis Ash, Brittney Bartlett, Erika Benham, Isaiah Brown, Molly Brown, Alora Brusino, Gabrielle Burns, William Butski, Olivia Caldwell, Alexis Cavese, Shieann Charles, Kristina Clendening, Jordan Cuddahee, Marina DiBartolomeo, Kaitlyn Downing, Ryan Elnicki, Kayleigh Falls, Michael Filler, Daniel Foley, Jacquelyn Gatto, Ashley Gilbert, Jonathan Gross, Megan Hardy, Dillon Hayes , Maggie Hempel, Courtney Janzen, Nicholas Johnson, Philip Karch, Brittney Kelly, Joshua Klettke, Rachel Kocsis, Samantha Lamar, Gina Lauricella, Raquel Lowery, William Lumadue, Mark Marchetti, Raman Maur, Katherine Mayes, Coren Mitchell, Sawyer Mosher, Jeremy Moss, Marc Notaro, Anthony Oliveri, Victoria Piazza, Sarah Povinelli, Kristin Rivers, Seena Sallah, Amanda Salvatore, Gregory Schiesser, Alyssa Sciria , Alix Sharrow, Brandi Stenzel, Whitney Taylor, Tiffanie Tisack, Sarah Tober, Emily Trunzo, Brittany VanCuran, Tamara Vyazovaya, Troy Wagner, Nicole Waldeck, Andrew J. Williams, Rachel Winstanley, and John Taylor-Woods.
Grade 12: Nicolas Alexis, Briget Arway, Victoria Baron, Heather Barry, Chelsea Boland, Kelly R. Bourque, Jeremy Brant,Amanda Breier, Kanisha Brinson, Sarah Buch, Kristina Butski, Taylor Casilio, Mariel Chambers, Jeremy Chapman, Taylor Cochran, Jaclyn Corsaro, Katelyn Cuddahee, Cameron Cusick, Devon Danovskis, April Davis, Nicholas DiCosmo, Adam Donner, Robert Dorato, Miranda Dube, Andrew Dunbar, Tyler Duncan, Maria Fera, Kristiana Ferguson, Angelina Ferlito, Chelsea Flynn, Victoria Gray, Katelyn Gruarin, Nicholas Grzeskowiak, Fadouma Hamza, Nicholas Hannam, Brandon Hansen, Brianne Hebeler, Alexandra Hiller, Brittany Hoover, Stephan Horne, Brandon Iacona, Jared Kish, Emily Knab, Emily Kolb, Lucas Kowalczyk, Timothy Krawczyk II, Allina Lamorticella, Gabrielle Lewis, Devin Lizzio, Anthony Lloyd, Kaitlyn Luss, Claire Martin, Steven McDermott, Rhiannon McDonell, Michael McQuade, Lucas Nearhoof, Marissa Oakey, Megan O’Rourke, Joshua Palazzo, Justin Phillips, Paige Printup, Yegunahareeta Printup, Alyssa Remsnyder, Steven Rickard, Terrell Roberson, Matthew Sensie, Yvonne Shaff, Stephanie Soos,Anthony Staschak, Kailey Walck, Renee Whitman,Kelsey Wielgosz,Nicole Zendano.
Grade 9: Amanda Acee,Nataliya Aponchuk , Noah Asklar, Daniel Ball, Matthew Bartlett, Alexis Becker, Kyle Bennett, Kylee Black, Jason Bolea, Brianna Bors, Brandon Borzillire, Margaret Bourque, Kelsey Braham, Brianna Brandy, Megan Breier, Ashleigh Burgio, Bailey Cadwallader, Simrandeep Chahal, Elijah Coni, Jason Den Haese Jr., Daniel Dubetsky, Taylor Falzone, Nicholas Forcucci, Joseph Frantzen, Madelyn Gansworth, Dennis Garver, Daniel George, Kevin Grzeskowiak, Caitlyn Hannam, Amanda Hatfield-Wilson, Austin Hayes, Autumn Hayes, Shayna Helbig, Rachel Hempel, Sarah Herr, Brittany Hovland, Tristin Ingalsbe, Nicolette Jacobs, Joseph Kelly, Derrick Klosko,Holly Kolkmeyer , Matthew Kostiw,Joshua Latimer, Samantha Lelito, Edwin Leon, Alison Marshall, Sean Martin, Samuel Mattheus,Jack Mayo, Christian Montes, Jenna Montesanti, Michael Mordick, Aishah Mulkey, John O’Rourke III, Dylan Phillips, Dominick Pitruzella, Mitchell Pittman, Allison Plunkett, Robert Richau, Rebecca Rider, Cameron Rucci, Bailey Salemi, Helle Sauer, Robert Schimschack III, Miranda Silvernail, Nicholas Sperrazza, Elijah Szafran, Rafay Tariq, Chelsie Tolli, Jack Travers, Cody Treichler, Frank Vecchio II, Tanya Verma, Iason Vranic, Jillian Wagner, Lindsey Walter, Zachary Wilkinson, Leanne Wills, Kiayra Wright, Kelsey Yeates, Shane Zaharkin, and Erica Zendano.
Grade 10: Stephany Antonov,Elizabeth Barrett, Chelsea Beane, Matthew Berical, Arooj Bhatti, Casey Buccarelli, Nathan Budziszewski, Jordan Calkins, Ryan Callen, Rebecca Campbell, Anthony Cappuccilli, Courtney Carella, Taylor Churakos, Gabrielle Cleveley, Nicole Cosmano, Tyler Couch, Danielle Crocoll, Laura Crooks, John Danvir, Alyssa DePetris, Katelyn Doan, David Dobmeier , Zachary Dubuc, Jonathan Emmons, Cory Evans, Brianna Fiorita, Jared Franciosa, Christopher Galvano, Ashley Gates, Brianna Hasfurter-Wall, Michael Hils, Alexa Holler, Nilab Hussain, Jenna Hussey, Alexis Johnson, Terra Juda, Jack Kellogg, Cassandra Kaleigh McMonagle, Laura Messer, Vienna Mills, Amanda Mrzygut, Kyle Mt Pleasant, Dennis Murphy, Jordan Paige, Megan Perry, Samantha Ploetz, Zora Raglow-DeFranco, Elizabeth Raymond, Kyra Rieker, Michael Robins, Mitchell Ross, Alec Scalzo, Yaraslav Selevchuk, Melissa Smith, Jaclyn Smolen, Robert Steinjan III, Francesco Strangio, Murray Taylor II, Jessica Trunzo, Ondraea Tubbe, Sara Walck, Marissa Watroba, Courtney Weinholtz, Joseph Whitman, Alyssa Wright, Joseph Yanulevich Jr., Erika Zambotti, and Daniel Zendano.
Grade 11:Autumn Abadurko, Nicole Acee, Jordan Aldred, Alexis Ash, Brittney Bartlett, Erika Benham, Isaiah Brown, Molly Brown, Alora Brusino, Gabrielle Burns, William Butski, Olivia Caldwell, Alexis Cavese, Shieann Charles, Kristina Clendening, Jordan Cuddahee, Marina DiBartolomeo, Kaitlyn Downing, Ryan Elnicki, Kayleigh Falls, Michael Filler, Daniel Foley, Jacquelyn Gatto, Ashley Gilbert, Jonathan Gross, Megan Hardy, Dillon Hayes , Maggie Hempel, Courtney Janzen, Nicholas Johnson, Philip Karch, Brittney Kelly, Joshua Klettke, Rachel Kocsis, Samantha Lamar, Gina Lauricella, Raquel Lowery, William Lumadue, Mark Marchetti, Raman Maur, Katherine Mayes, Coren Mitchell, Sawyer Mosher, Jeremy Moss, Marc Notaro, Anthony Oliveri, Victoria Piazza, Sarah Povinelli, Kristin Rivers, Seena Sallah, Amanda Salvatore, Gregory Schiesser, Alyssa Sciria , Alix Sharrow, Brandi Stenzel, Whitney Taylor, Tiffanie Tisack, Sarah Tober, Emily Trunzo, Brittany VanCuran, Tamara Vyazovaya, Troy Wagner, Nicole Waldeck, Andrew J. Williams, Rachel Winstanley, and John Taylor-Woods.
Grade 12: Nicolas Alexis, Briget Arway, Victoria Baron, Heather Barry, Chelsea Boland, Kelly R. Bourque, Jeremy Brant,Amanda Breier, Kanisha Brinson, Sarah Buch, Kristina Butski, Taylor Casilio, Mariel Chambers, Jeremy Chapman, Taylor Cochran, Jaclyn Corsaro, Katelyn Cuddahee, Cameron Cusick, Devon Danovskis, April Davis, Nicholas DiCosmo, Adam Donner, Robert Dorato, Miranda Dube, Andrew Dunbar, Tyler Duncan, Maria Fera, Kristiana Ferguson, Angelina Ferlito, Chelsea Flynn, Victoria Gray, Katelyn Gruarin, Nicholas Grzeskowiak, Fadouma Hamza, Nicholas Hannam, Brandon Hansen, Brianne Hebeler, Alexandra Hiller, Brittany Hoover, Stephan Horne, Brandon Iacona, Jared Kish, Emily Knab, Emily Kolb, Lucas Kowalczyk, Timothy Krawczyk II, Allina Lamorticella, Gabrielle Lewis, Devin Lizzio, Anthony Lloyd, Kaitlyn Luss, Claire Martin, Steven McDermott, Rhiannon McDonell, Michael McQuade, Lucas Nearhoof, Marissa Oakey, Megan O’Rourke, Joshua Palazzo, Justin Phillips, Paige Printup, Yegunahareeta Printup, Alyssa Remsnyder, Steven Rickard, Terrell Roberson, Matthew Sensie, Yvonne Shaff, Stephanie Soos,Anthony Staschak, Kailey Walck, Renee Whitman,Kelsey Wielgosz,Nicole Zendano.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Kenmore East High School high honor roll
The following students at Kenmore East High School have earned spots on the high honor roll for the fourth marking period.
Grade 9: Rachel Adel, Thomas Andolesek, Lindsay Andrews, Derek Baker, Amanda Bartolotta, Thomas Barton, Sarah Bissell, Richard Brinkman, Daniel Bub, Brooke Christopher, Clare Christy, Sarah Crissy, Cristina DiStefano, Caitlyn Fisher, Ryan Flynn, Noah Groves, Courtney Haeick, Amanda Hladik, Paige Hoffman, Graham Jones, Nicholas Jurewicz, Christian Kyles, Mario Lodico, Charlote Luft, Jeremy Michalski, Morgan Miller, Delaney Nola, Leah Novo, Erin O’Brien, Brandon Parker, Haley Parker, Alicia Pooley, Jennifer Porreca, Danielle Rosina, Rachel Shapiro, McQuaid Smyth, Julia Snitzer, Jack Stelianou, Andrea Stutz, Jonathan Tessmer, Glenn Thomakos, Samuel Tulipane, Wei Wang, Steven Winters, and Jeremy Wood.
Grade 10: Monika Aleksandrova, Alexandra Barclay, Aaron Barraclough, Kaitlyn Benware, Louis Capizzi, Samantha Cerankoski, Michael Christie, Matthew Cordovani, Michael Crawford, Michael DePasquale, Victoria DePonceau, Alicia DiVita, Matthew Donn, Joseph Dowdall, Peter Dragos, Katherine Fahs, James Feind, Eric Frauenhofer, Timothy Georger, Kirsten Goodrow, Jacquelyn Harning, Elaina Hill, Kathleen Kane, Rebekah Kern, Stephen Kern, Kara Landberg, Nicholas Limina, Alexander Lisowski, Christine McDonald, Peter McNamara, John Mirabella, David Morris, Morgann Obrochta, Kyle Patterson, Daniel Petrino, John Posch, Kimberly Potfora, Kelly Rife, Amanda Roberts, Deirdre Rudroff, Timothy Schmidt, Amanda Schultz, Jacqueline Schwob, Zachary Smith, Hailey Sorrento, Christina Spataro, Trevor Taggert, Brandi Thomas, Nathaniel Weller, Laura Werwinski, Chelsea Weselak, Laura Wilkinson, and Julianne Yendall.
Grade 11: Jillian Annis, James Arnold, Sarah Barth, Jaclyn Bellanti, Paul Brylinski, Cristian Burgio, Tierra Bush, Kristine Butler, Stephen Clapp, Corey Cook, Megan Crawford, Sean Daniel, Cayla Fish, Morgan Flynn, Alex Fultz, Alexander Gradle, Shannon Griffin, Abigail Helsel-Zielinski, Megan Hertel, Ryan Hubbell, Liam Jones, Robert Karker, Cortney LaMacchia, Devon Lambie, Katrina Loss, Courtney Lowinger, Kelsey McCarthy, Lisa McGuire, Aline Musel, Genevieve O’Connell, Katherine Panzica, Sarah Papaj, Dennis Posheluk, Alexander Rauen, Megan Schifferli, Demi Schlotzhauer, Allison Schmitz, Courtney Smith, Samuel Speciale, Mitchell Sperrazza, Joel Stith, Chelsea Swanekamp, Dylan Szucs, Maria Ta, Lindsay Thomas,Brandon Voyer, Jessica Wagner, Tiffany Wagner, Emily Warren, Stefanie Watt, Kevin Weigel, and Kaylee Willis.
Grade 12: Summer Amoia, Amanda Aniolowski, Kathryn Blanch, Ian Boswell, James Boswell, Amy Brooks, Alissa Bumbolo, Chelsea Butkowski, Matthew Butler, David Byrwa, Angeline Cannizzaro, Tyler Coniglio, Maxwell Costello, Valerie Crissy, Matthew Czerniejewski, Diana Dantonio, Collin deGuehery, Megan Fagyas, Kelsie Flynn, Robert Frantz, Kate Ganczarz, Alexandra Gerbec, Jordyn Giannantonio, Alexandria Goudy, Rachel Grandits, Kristin Hatch, Sherrie Houck, Jeffrey Johnson, William Kellner, Alexi Koehne, Christie Loudermilk, Andre Miller, Sasha Nagelhout, Deanna Nolan, Dillon Olivieri, Morgon Olson, Amanda Oppermann, Evan Pagano, Siddharth Patel, Dominique Pizza, Ailsa Prohn, Christopher Quirin, Richard Rambuss, Michael Regis,Kimberlyn Rife, Alec Safy, Nicole Sayre, Thomas Schwob, Nicholas Seigler, Mark Sledziewski, Andrea Snitzer, Richard Sperrazza, Jeffrey Spors, Alexandra Storms, Jessica Tomasello,Timothy Valint, Connor Walters, Kristin Webb, Corey Weigand, Christopher White, Stephanie Wood, Ashley Yager, and Selina Zaccaria.
Grade 9: Rachel Adel, Thomas Andolesek, Lindsay Andrews, Derek Baker, Amanda Bartolotta, Thomas Barton, Sarah Bissell, Richard Brinkman, Daniel Bub, Brooke Christopher, Clare Christy, Sarah Crissy, Cristina DiStefano, Caitlyn Fisher, Ryan Flynn, Noah Groves, Courtney Haeick, Amanda Hladik, Paige Hoffman, Graham Jones, Nicholas Jurewicz, Christian Kyles, Mario Lodico, Charlote Luft, Jeremy Michalski, Morgan Miller, Delaney Nola, Leah Novo, Erin O’Brien, Brandon Parker, Haley Parker, Alicia Pooley, Jennifer Porreca, Danielle Rosina, Rachel Shapiro, McQuaid Smyth, Julia Snitzer, Jack Stelianou, Andrea Stutz, Jonathan Tessmer, Glenn Thomakos, Samuel Tulipane, Wei Wang, Steven Winters, and Jeremy Wood.
Grade 10: Monika Aleksandrova, Alexandra Barclay, Aaron Barraclough, Kaitlyn Benware, Louis Capizzi, Samantha Cerankoski, Michael Christie, Matthew Cordovani, Michael Crawford, Michael DePasquale, Victoria DePonceau, Alicia DiVita, Matthew Donn, Joseph Dowdall, Peter Dragos, Katherine Fahs, James Feind, Eric Frauenhofer, Timothy Georger, Kirsten Goodrow, Jacquelyn Harning, Elaina Hill, Kathleen Kane, Rebekah Kern, Stephen Kern, Kara Landberg, Nicholas Limina, Alexander Lisowski, Christine McDonald, Peter McNamara, John Mirabella, David Morris, Morgann Obrochta, Kyle Patterson, Daniel Petrino, John Posch, Kimberly Potfora, Kelly Rife, Amanda Roberts, Deirdre Rudroff, Timothy Schmidt, Amanda Schultz, Jacqueline Schwob, Zachary Smith, Hailey Sorrento, Christina Spataro, Trevor Taggert, Brandi Thomas, Nathaniel Weller, Laura Werwinski, Chelsea Weselak, Laura Wilkinson, and Julianne Yendall.
Grade 11: Jillian Annis, James Arnold, Sarah Barth, Jaclyn Bellanti, Paul Brylinski, Cristian Burgio, Tierra Bush, Kristine Butler, Stephen Clapp, Corey Cook, Megan Crawford, Sean Daniel, Cayla Fish, Morgan Flynn, Alex Fultz, Alexander Gradle, Shannon Griffin, Abigail Helsel-Zielinski, Megan Hertel, Ryan Hubbell, Liam Jones, Robert Karker, Cortney LaMacchia, Devon Lambie, Katrina Loss, Courtney Lowinger, Kelsey McCarthy, Lisa McGuire, Aline Musel, Genevieve O’Connell, Katherine Panzica, Sarah Papaj, Dennis Posheluk, Alexander Rauen, Megan Schifferli, Demi Schlotzhauer, Allison Schmitz, Courtney Smith, Samuel Speciale, Mitchell Sperrazza, Joel Stith, Chelsea Swanekamp, Dylan Szucs, Maria Ta, Lindsay Thomas,Brandon Voyer, Jessica Wagner, Tiffany Wagner, Emily Warren, Stefanie Watt, Kevin Weigel, and Kaylee Willis.
Grade 12: Summer Amoia, Amanda Aniolowski, Kathryn Blanch, Ian Boswell, James Boswell, Amy Brooks, Alissa Bumbolo, Chelsea Butkowski, Matthew Butler, David Byrwa, Angeline Cannizzaro, Tyler Coniglio, Maxwell Costello, Valerie Crissy, Matthew Czerniejewski, Diana Dantonio, Collin deGuehery, Megan Fagyas, Kelsie Flynn, Robert Frantz, Kate Ganczarz, Alexandra Gerbec, Jordyn Giannantonio, Alexandria Goudy, Rachel Grandits, Kristin Hatch, Sherrie Houck, Jeffrey Johnson, William Kellner, Alexi Koehne, Christie Loudermilk, Andre Miller, Sasha Nagelhout, Deanna Nolan, Dillon Olivieri, Morgon Olson, Amanda Oppermann, Evan Pagano, Siddharth Patel, Dominique Pizza, Ailsa Prohn, Christopher Quirin, Richard Rambuss, Michael Regis,Kimberlyn Rife, Alec Safy, Nicole Sayre, Thomas Schwob, Nicholas Seigler, Mark Sledziewski, Andrea Snitzer, Richard Sperrazza, Jeffrey Spors, Alexandra Storms, Jessica Tomasello,Timothy Valint, Connor Walters, Kristin Webb, Corey Weigand, Christopher White, Stephanie Wood, Ashley Yager, and Selina Zaccaria.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Review of Cheap Trick at Artpark Buffalo, NY
By Dave Ricci
There's nothing quite like the feeling of catching up with old friends.
And that's what it felt like when Cheap Trick took to the stage at Artpark on July 19.
Front man Robin Zander, who was decked out in a white "Dream Police"
uniform, still has some of the best pipes in the business.
His voice was as full and powerful Tuesday night as it was in the band's peak years of the 1970s and 80s.
Comprised of guitarist Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson on bass and Nielsen's son, Dax, on drums, Cheap Trick hit the mark with a crowd estimated at well over 10,000 people.
Cheap Trick remarked at least four times during the course of the night how happy they were to be in Lewiston, and wasn't just lip service as the band had a close call Sunday in Ottawa.
Cheap Trick was performing at the Ottawa Bluesfest when a torrential downpour swooped in and literally tore the stage apart as rivets could be heard popping out of place as the stage began to collapse.
Though none of the band members were among the three people that were reported injured, they did comment that some of their "A" equipment was damaged. An understatement to be sure.
In reality all of Cheap Trick's equipment was either crushed or soaked through and they had to work overtime to find replacement equipment before coming to Western New York.
Though you never would have known anything was out of place as everything sounded close to perfect.
There was balance as no one instrument overpowered the other and vocals were clean and crisp throughout.
Playing a wide variety of selections from their 35-year body of work, the songs that obviously got the best response from fans were the classics such as "I Want You To Want Me," "The Flame," and "Surrender."
Cheap Trick also did a bit of a tease as they saved "Dream Police" for their encore.
Once again, it was like visiting with old friends. Cheap Trick still has a passion for what they do which is what made the show so enjoyable.
Cheap Trick's impact on pop culture was also brought to light as the introduction included sound bytes from various TV shows and movies that referenced Cheap Trick. Most notably a classic moment from The Simpsons' when Bart asked Homer, "Haven't you ever heard yourself on tape?" And Homer casually stated "I prefer to listen to Cheap Trick."
There's no doubt it, Cheap Trick has made their mark.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of catching up with old friends.
And that's what it felt like when Cheap Trick took to the stage at Artpark on July 19.
Front man Robin Zander, who was decked out in a white "Dream Police"
uniform, still has some of the best pipes in the business.
His voice was as full and powerful Tuesday night as it was in the band's peak years of the 1970s and 80s.
Comprised of guitarist Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson on bass and Nielsen's son, Dax, on drums, Cheap Trick hit the mark with a crowd estimated at well over 10,000 people.
Cheap Trick remarked at least four times during the course of the night how happy they were to be in Lewiston, and wasn't just lip service as the band had a close call Sunday in Ottawa.
Cheap Trick was performing at the Ottawa Bluesfest when a torrential downpour swooped in and literally tore the stage apart as rivets could be heard popping out of place as the stage began to collapse.
Though none of the band members were among the three people that were reported injured, they did comment that some of their "A" equipment was damaged. An understatement to be sure.
In reality all of Cheap Trick's equipment was either crushed or soaked through and they had to work overtime to find replacement equipment before coming to Western New York.
Though you never would have known anything was out of place as everything sounded close to perfect.
There was balance as no one instrument overpowered the other and vocals were clean and crisp throughout.
Playing a wide variety of selections from their 35-year body of work, the songs that obviously got the best response from fans were the classics such as "I Want You To Want Me," "The Flame," and "Surrender."
Cheap Trick also did a bit of a tease as they saved "Dream Police" for their encore.
Once again, it was like visiting with old friends. Cheap Trick still has a passion for what they do which is what made the show so enjoyable.
Cheap Trick's impact on pop culture was also brought to light as the introduction included sound bytes from various TV shows and movies that referenced Cheap Trick. Most notably a classic moment from The Simpsons' when Bart asked Homer, "Haven't you ever heard yourself on tape?" And Homer casually stated "I prefer to listen to Cheap Trick."
There's no doubt it, Cheap Trick has made their mark.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Dominating year for Nichols High School
by Dave Ricci, Metro Source
You couldn’t have drawn up a better season if you were given the rights to the movie.
The Nichols Vikings girls varsity lacrosse team entered the 2011 season on a mission.
A second place finish in the Mid-West League in 2010 just wasn’t good enough. They were determined to do better.
Their resolve paid off as the Vikings walked away this season as Mid-West Schoolgirl champions, a title they won during the playoff tournament that was played May 21-22 at Nichols.
The Vikings, who earned the programs very first title since Mid-West League was formed in 1982, sealed the title by defeating Western Reserve 9-3 on May 22.
The Vikings were ranked No.3 in the field of 12 teams.
Along with skilled players, the Vikings had tremendous leadership, as coaches Danielle Vallas and Beth Stone credited the seniors as the key factor that got them over the hump this time out.
Setting the tone were seniors Lauren Basil and Marissa Faso. Basil was named to the All-Metro first team, while Faso was presented with the Metro Leadership Award for her work on and off the athletic field.
The rest of the Vikings certainly weren’t short-changed on post season hardware.
Basil and Spring Sanders were named to the U.S. Lax, WNY chapter, All-American team.
Goalie Julia DiTondo and senior Tori Salmon were tabbed as US Lacrosse Academic All-Americans.
Basil, Sanders and Emily Janiga were named All-Mid-West first teamers, while Julia DiTondo, Faso and Salmon were named to the second team.
Janiga, DiTondo, Sanders and Basil were also selected to first team All-WNY.
Janiga was the Vikings leading scorer and formed a deadly 1-2 offensive punch with junior Kristen Winter.
DiTondo was simply sparkling in net all season and Sanders was as good of a lock-down defender as anyone in the state.
Freshman Madison Sansone was outstanding all year, as well. Sansone played with the poise of an upper-classman.
She never seemed to be in over her head and was always calm and collected whenever her coaches imparted advice.
Sansone has world of promise.
The Vikings bid goodbye to Basil, Faso, Salmon, Sanders, Njideka Noble, Haley McNamara and Nicolette Winder.
Winter, Janiga, DiTondo, Sansone, Shelby Wilde and Elizabeth Benedict are returnees the Vikings will lean on next year.
You couldn’t have drawn up a better season if you were given the rights to the movie.
The Nichols Vikings girls varsity lacrosse team entered the 2011 season on a mission.
A second place finish in the Mid-West League in 2010 just wasn’t good enough. They were determined to do better.
Their resolve paid off as the Vikings walked away this season as Mid-West Schoolgirl champions, a title they won during the playoff tournament that was played May 21-22 at Nichols.
The Vikings, who earned the programs very first title since Mid-West League was formed in 1982, sealed the title by defeating Western Reserve 9-3 on May 22.
The Vikings were ranked No.3 in the field of 12 teams.
Along with skilled players, the Vikings had tremendous leadership, as coaches Danielle Vallas and Beth Stone credited the seniors as the key factor that got them over the hump this time out.
Setting the tone were seniors Lauren Basil and Marissa Faso. Basil was named to the All-Metro first team, while Faso was presented with the Metro Leadership Award for her work on and off the athletic field.
The rest of the Vikings certainly weren’t short-changed on post season hardware.
Basil and Spring Sanders were named to the U.S. Lax, WNY chapter, All-American team.
Goalie Julia DiTondo and senior Tori Salmon were tabbed as US Lacrosse Academic All-Americans.
Basil, Sanders and Emily Janiga were named All-Mid-West first teamers, while Julia DiTondo, Faso and Salmon were named to the second team.
Janiga, DiTondo, Sanders and Basil were also selected to first team All-WNY.
Janiga was the Vikings leading scorer and formed a deadly 1-2 offensive punch with junior Kristen Winter.
DiTondo was simply sparkling in net all season and Sanders was as good of a lock-down defender as anyone in the state.
Freshman Madison Sansone was outstanding all year, as well. Sansone played with the poise of an upper-classman.
She never seemed to be in over her head and was always calm and collected whenever her coaches imparted advice.
Sansone has world of promise.
The Vikings bid goodbye to Basil, Faso, Salmon, Sanders, Njideka Noble, Haley McNamara and Nicolette Winder.
Winter, Janiga, DiTondo, Sansone, Shelby Wilde and Elizabeth Benedict are returnees the Vikings will lean on next year.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Niagara-Orleans softball all-stars unveiled
League champion Albion had a trio of players named to the annual All-Niagara-Orleans League first team, as selected by the league’s coaches.
The Purple Eagles, who claimed their third consecutive league crown with a 12-2 record, were represented by senior first baseman Emalee Soule, junior pitcher Jen Knaak and junior second baseman Tia Prentice.
Soule hit .298 with 17 RBIs, Knaak hit .358 with 13 RBis and Prentice hit .315 with 10 RBIs. Knaak also struck out 97 and had a 1.69 ERA in the circle.
Royalton-Hartland and Wilson, which tied for second place with a identical 10-4 marks, each had two representatives on the first team. Senior pitcher Amanda Werth and freshman catcher Sam Brown are from Roy-Hart, while senior infielder Elise Jancef, a repeat selection, and sophomore pitcher Lindsey Bryer are from Wilson.
Werth, a five-time, first-team selection and a Niagara University signee, hit .560 with an on-base percentage of .656 and 21 RBIs. Brown hit .410 with 15 RBIs. Jancef, a repeat selection, hit .604 with 11 extra-base hits, including four home runs, and 19 RBIs. Bryer hit .542 with 11 doubles and 14 RBIs.
Medina senior pitcher Alishia Foss is also a repeat selection. This spring she hit .358 with 19 runs scored and 13 RBIs. She struck out 73 batters in the circle.
Barker senior pitcher Jessica Hillman, Akron sophomore pitcher Alexis Kidder, Newfane sophomore catcher Jordan Beutel and CSAT sophomore infielder Michelle Maloney round out the first team.
Hillman hit .389 with nine extra-base hits, KIdder hit .413 with eight extra-base hits and 11 RBIs, Beutel hit .306 with 10 RBIs and Maloney hit .509 with a .655 slugging percentage.
Second-team selections included: Sarah Papponetti (Albion, sophomore), Katie Donnelly (Albion, senior), Chelsey Jamieson (Roy-Hart, senior), Jillian Smith (Roy-Hart, senior), Stormie Kruger (Medina, sophomore), Mallorie Gagnon (Wilson, sophomore), Jamie Curry (Wilson, sophomore), Alex Denny (Barker, junior), Olivia Denny (Barker, freshman), Hayley Klumpp (Akron, sophomore) and Katie Shaw (Newfane, sophomore).
Honorable-mention selections included: Ali O’Hearn (Albion, sophomore), Brianna Walker (Roy-Hart, sophomore), Olivia Kelkenberg (Roy-Hart, sophomore), Jen Russell (Roy-Hart, senior), Molly Murphy (Roy-Hart, junior), Megan Corrieri (Roy-Hart, senior), Deseree Hughes (Medina, senior), Emma Fish (Medina, sophomore), Jaime Cogar (Newfane, senior), Shannon Shaw (Newfane, senior), Jamie Kerwin (Newfane, sophomore), Destiny Metzler (Barker, junior), Stephanie Pyra (Barker, junior), Kierstyn Sturmer (Akron, junior), Ashley Popp (Akron, senior), Ashley Wyder (Akron, senior), Samantha Dugo (CSAT, sophomore), Danielle Wright (CSAT, senior) and Kailey Schultz (Wilson, junior).
The Purple Eagles, who claimed their third consecutive league crown with a 12-2 record, were represented by senior first baseman Emalee Soule, junior pitcher Jen Knaak and junior second baseman Tia Prentice.
Soule hit .298 with 17 RBIs, Knaak hit .358 with 13 RBis and Prentice hit .315 with 10 RBIs. Knaak also struck out 97 and had a 1.69 ERA in the circle.
Royalton-Hartland and Wilson, which tied for second place with a identical 10-4 marks, each had two representatives on the first team. Senior pitcher Amanda Werth and freshman catcher Sam Brown are from Roy-Hart, while senior infielder Elise Jancef, a repeat selection, and sophomore pitcher Lindsey Bryer are from Wilson.
Werth, a five-time, first-team selection and a Niagara University signee, hit .560 with an on-base percentage of .656 and 21 RBIs. Brown hit .410 with 15 RBIs. Jancef, a repeat selection, hit .604 with 11 extra-base hits, including four home runs, and 19 RBIs. Bryer hit .542 with 11 doubles and 14 RBIs.
Medina senior pitcher Alishia Foss is also a repeat selection. This spring she hit .358 with 19 runs scored and 13 RBIs. She struck out 73 batters in the circle.
Barker senior pitcher Jessica Hillman, Akron sophomore pitcher Alexis Kidder, Newfane sophomore catcher Jordan Beutel and CSAT sophomore infielder Michelle Maloney round out the first team.
Hillman hit .389 with nine extra-base hits, KIdder hit .413 with eight extra-base hits and 11 RBIs, Beutel hit .306 with 10 RBIs and Maloney hit .509 with a .655 slugging percentage.
Second-team selections included: Sarah Papponetti (Albion, sophomore), Katie Donnelly (Albion, senior), Chelsey Jamieson (Roy-Hart, senior), Jillian Smith (Roy-Hart, senior), Stormie Kruger (Medina, sophomore), Mallorie Gagnon (Wilson, sophomore), Jamie Curry (Wilson, sophomore), Alex Denny (Barker, junior), Olivia Denny (Barker, freshman), Hayley Klumpp (Akron, sophomore) and Katie Shaw (Newfane, sophomore).
Honorable-mention selections included: Ali O’Hearn (Albion, sophomore), Brianna Walker (Roy-Hart, sophomore), Olivia Kelkenberg (Roy-Hart, sophomore), Jen Russell (Roy-Hart, senior), Molly Murphy (Roy-Hart, junior), Megan Corrieri (Roy-Hart, senior), Deseree Hughes (Medina, senior), Emma Fish (Medina, sophomore), Jaime Cogar (Newfane, senior), Shannon Shaw (Newfane, senior), Jamie Kerwin (Newfane, sophomore), Destiny Metzler (Barker, junior), Stephanie Pyra (Barker, junior), Kierstyn Sturmer (Akron, junior), Ashley Popp (Akron, senior), Ashley Wyder (Akron, senior), Samantha Dugo (CSAT, sophomore), Danielle Wright (CSAT, senior) and Kailey Schultz (Wilson, junior).
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Senator Geroge D. Maziarz highlights lumber’s legacy
The board of trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum have established the Lumber City History Center Legacy Campaign Committee. Senator Geroge D. Maziarz has accepted the role of overall honorary chair.
Current efforts focus on continuing to make the center a quality location to experience history and a welcome center for visitors to the community. The new campaign’s goal is to raise money to erase the mortgage indebtedness on the location at 54 Webster St.
The museum board remains true to the mission it was founded on in 2003: to give North Tonawanda back to its history and provide its residents with a permanent history center. The museum offers books, publications, and other items in a gift shop area. Plus, maps and tourism information can be gleaned from their visitation center.
The history museum is deeply indebted to HSBC Bank and Regent Properties, who have both been very patient and supportive through the museum’s efforts. Donations can be made through the Buy a Brick program, where can can buy an 8’ by 8’ stone tile for $100 (individual), $250 (family) or $500 (business). Tiles will stay permanently in the interior walls. Donations can also be made through the Lumber City History Center Stewardship program; checks or cash, or a set amount can be automatically charged every month from a credit card.
It is hoped that businesses will join in the campaign for donations. Each person who sends in a written statement of their intention to assist the museum in any way will be immediately listed as a member to the Legacy Society of the North Tonawanda History Museum and will be permanently immortalized on a plaque on the walls of the Lumber City History Center as such.
For more information, stop into the museum at 54 Webster St., North Tonawanda, visit www.nthistorymuseum.org, or call executive director Donna Zellner Neal, at 213-0554.
Current efforts focus on continuing to make the center a quality location to experience history and a welcome center for visitors to the community. The new campaign’s goal is to raise money to erase the mortgage indebtedness on the location at 54 Webster St.
The museum board remains true to the mission it was founded on in 2003: to give North Tonawanda back to its history and provide its residents with a permanent history center. The museum offers books, publications, and other items in a gift shop area. Plus, maps and tourism information can be gleaned from their visitation center.
The history museum is deeply indebted to HSBC Bank and Regent Properties, who have both been very patient and supportive through the museum’s efforts. Donations can be made through the Buy a Brick program, where can can buy an 8’ by 8’ stone tile for $100 (individual), $250 (family) or $500 (business). Tiles will stay permanently in the interior walls. Donations can also be made through the Lumber City History Center Stewardship program; checks or cash, or a set amount can be automatically charged every month from a credit card.
It is hoped that businesses will join in the campaign for donations. Each person who sends in a written statement of their intention to assist the museum in any way will be immediately listed as a member to the Legacy Society of the North Tonawanda History Museum and will be permanently immortalized on a plaque on the walls of the Lumber City History Center as such.
For more information, stop into the museum at 54 Webster St., North Tonawanda, visit www.nthistorymuseum.org, or call executive director Donna Zellner Neal, at 213-0554.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Grill with creativity and Safety
It’s easy to stick to your old grilling standbys, like barbecue chicken and char-grilled steak, but there’s an endless world of possibilities when it comes to you and your grill. Grab that spatula, get out to your patio, and tote along this handy guide to all your grilling adventures. Elizabeth Edelman, co-founder and resident culinary expert at www.DiabetesDaily.com, has some interesting recipes for you to try. These recipes are healthy, nutritious, made with summer’s seasonal ingredients, and delicious.
First, the grilled vegetable and hummus wrap. What you need: two medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into quarter-inch sections; two teaspoons olive oil; eighth teaspoon salt; pinch of fresh ground black pepper; one cup hummus; four pieces of whole wheat wrap bread; quarter cup pine nuts; one bell pepper, sliced; two ounces baby spinach leaves; quarter cup red onion; and quarter cup of mint leaves. Pre-heat the grill over medium heat and brush both sides of the zucchini slices with the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly browned, about four minutes per side. Spread a quarter cup of hummus over each side of bread and sprinkle a tablespoon of pine nuts on top. Top with three zucchini slices, red pepper, spinach, onions, and one tablespoon of mint. Roll up and cut diagonal.
An inventive dish is the grill Asian Copper River salmon. What you need: three pounds Copper River salmon, skin on; two tablespoons Dijon mustard; three tablespoons quality soy sauce; six tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; half a teaspoon minced garlic, and half a teaspoon of fresh, grated ginger.
Heat a grill over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, lay the salmon skin-side down on a cutting board and cut crosswise into six equal pieces. Whisk together with mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. Drizzle the marinade onto the salmon, and let sit 10 minutes. Then, place salmon skin-side down onto grill; discard marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill four to five minutes, depending on fish thickness. Turn with a spatula and grill another four or five minutes. The salmon will be rare in the center, but will continue cooking as it sits. Transfer onto a plate, skin-side down, and let rest 10 minutes. Remove the skin, and serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. This salmon recipe only contains 399 calories, and tastes like a million.
For more yummy summertime dishes, check out Edelman’s Web site before your next outdoor cook out.
A message from Metrowny.com
Make sure you grill safe as well. Don't let children near the grill, keep the gas on low, turn the gas off when your done. Don't keep anything flammable near the flame or propane tank and always. Fire related accidents are a leading cause of injury during the summer months. Have fun but be safe. Read up on Fire Safety Tips
Water Damage Restoration Hamburg NY
Restoration Services in WNY
First, the grilled vegetable and hummus wrap. What you need: two medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into quarter-inch sections; two teaspoons olive oil; eighth teaspoon salt; pinch of fresh ground black pepper; one cup hummus; four pieces of whole wheat wrap bread; quarter cup pine nuts; one bell pepper, sliced; two ounces baby spinach leaves; quarter cup red onion; and quarter cup of mint leaves. Pre-heat the grill over medium heat and brush both sides of the zucchini slices with the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly browned, about four minutes per side. Spread a quarter cup of hummus over each side of bread and sprinkle a tablespoon of pine nuts on top. Top with three zucchini slices, red pepper, spinach, onions, and one tablespoon of mint. Roll up and cut diagonal.
An inventive dish is the grill Asian Copper River salmon. What you need: three pounds Copper River salmon, skin on; two tablespoons Dijon mustard; three tablespoons quality soy sauce; six tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; half a teaspoon minced garlic, and half a teaspoon of fresh, grated ginger.
Heat a grill over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, lay the salmon skin-side down on a cutting board and cut crosswise into six equal pieces. Whisk together with mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. Drizzle the marinade onto the salmon, and let sit 10 minutes. Then, place salmon skin-side down onto grill; discard marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill four to five minutes, depending on fish thickness. Turn with a spatula and grill another four or five minutes. The salmon will be rare in the center, but will continue cooking as it sits. Transfer onto a plate, skin-side down, and let rest 10 minutes. Remove the skin, and serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. This salmon recipe only contains 399 calories, and tastes like a million.
For more yummy summertime dishes, check out Edelman’s Web site before your next outdoor cook out.
A message from Metrowny.com
Make sure you grill safe as well. Don't let children near the grill, keep the gas on low, turn the gas off when your done. Don't keep anything flammable near the flame or propane tank and always. Fire related accidents are a leading cause of injury during the summer months. Have fun but be safe. Read up on Fire Safety Tips
Water Damage Restoration Hamburg NY
Restoration Services in WNY
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Clarence Center Summer Centerfest kicks off the season
By: Debra Durkee, Metro Source
The Clarence Center Meet in the Center group is kicking off summer right with a family-friendly event that promises to have a little something for everyone. Taking place on between 5 and 9 p.m. Friday, June 24, Summer Centerfest activities will be taking Clarence Center by storm.
The list of events is a long one, and every store in the square will be having their own special events for visitors. From face painting, bounce houses and a basket raffle to horse-drawn carriage rides and wine tasting, those in the Meet in the Center group have made sure that there’s something for every member of the family -- because they want every family member to come.
“This is our kickoff to summer, so we try to schedule it to coincide with the end of the school year,” says Linda Carpenter, owner of Yours Truly. “So before people head off on vacation or off to summer camp, we want to give them the opportunity to have a family walk-about through town.”
So there’s plenty for the kids to do, from sampling some of Anderson’s ice cream to getting some balloon animals. Adults can partake in a wine tasting and enjoy the Caribbean music put on by the band, while entering to win one of the many baskets that will be up for raffle.
And the whole family can join in on the treasure hunt. The map has all the participating stores outlined on it, and almost every store will have something fun set up in conjunction with the treasure hunt. Once the map has been stamped by every store, the family is entered to win a prize.
“The treasure hunt is always such a hit, the kids just love it,” says Carpenter. “The whole thing is just a wonderful stroll through town -- and of course, the bikes will be up!”
It’s a particularly meaningful event for one store, as newcomer Creative Essence will be having their grand opening. An arts and crafts store where visitors can learn to create the beautiful handmade pieces they may have always admired, Creative Essence will be having face painting for the kids as they invite the community in to see their newly remodeled space.
The idea behind Summer Centerfest began in the winter. The stores in Clarence Center had always gotten together to put up Christmas decorations, lights and a tree -- and one year, they decided to invite people to the lighting. That grew into the Winter Centerfest, which will be taking place on Saturday, December 3 this year.
“We had so much fun, we decided to do it again for other seasons,” Carpenter says. “People have been so supportive here in Western New York. You truly have to have a pioneering spirit to live here!”
The event will be taking place rain or shine, although if the weather doesn’t cooperate some of the events may get rained out. The majority will still be on, though, because if there’s anything the pioneering spirit of the Meet in the Center group stands for, it’s that the celebration of community will go on. Pets are also welcome, with all the proper precautions. They’re expecting between 600 and 1,000 people to come to the event, so there’s bound to be something for even the furry family members to enjoy.
For more information, contact Linda Carpenter at 741-4500 or friend the Clarence Center: Meet in the Center group on Facebook.
The Clarence Center Meet in the Center group is kicking off summer right with a family-friendly event that promises to have a little something for everyone. Taking place on between 5 and 9 p.m. Friday, June 24, Summer Centerfest activities will be taking Clarence Center by storm.
The list of events is a long one, and every store in the square will be having their own special events for visitors. From face painting, bounce houses and a basket raffle to horse-drawn carriage rides and wine tasting, those in the Meet in the Center group have made sure that there’s something for every member of the family -- because they want every family member to come.
“This is our kickoff to summer, so we try to schedule it to coincide with the end of the school year,” says Linda Carpenter, owner of Yours Truly. “So before people head off on vacation or off to summer camp, we want to give them the opportunity to have a family walk-about through town.”
So there’s plenty for the kids to do, from sampling some of Anderson’s ice cream to getting some balloon animals. Adults can partake in a wine tasting and enjoy the Caribbean music put on by the band, while entering to win one of the many baskets that will be up for raffle.
And the whole family can join in on the treasure hunt. The map has all the participating stores outlined on it, and almost every store will have something fun set up in conjunction with the treasure hunt. Once the map has been stamped by every store, the family is entered to win a prize.
“The treasure hunt is always such a hit, the kids just love it,” says Carpenter. “The whole thing is just a wonderful stroll through town -- and of course, the bikes will be up!”
It’s a particularly meaningful event for one store, as newcomer Creative Essence will be having their grand opening. An arts and crafts store where visitors can learn to create the beautiful handmade pieces they may have always admired, Creative Essence will be having face painting for the kids as they invite the community in to see their newly remodeled space.
The idea behind Summer Centerfest began in the winter. The stores in Clarence Center had always gotten together to put up Christmas decorations, lights and a tree -- and one year, they decided to invite people to the lighting. That grew into the Winter Centerfest, which will be taking place on Saturday, December 3 this year.
“We had so much fun, we decided to do it again for other seasons,” Carpenter says. “People have been so supportive here in Western New York. You truly have to have a pioneering spirit to live here!”
The event will be taking place rain or shine, although if the weather doesn’t cooperate some of the events may get rained out. The majority will still be on, though, because if there’s anything the pioneering spirit of the Meet in the Center group stands for, it’s that the celebration of community will go on. Pets are also welcome, with all the proper precautions. They’re expecting between 600 and 1,000 people to come to the event, so there’s bound to be something for even the furry family members to enjoy.
For more information, contact Linda Carpenter at 741-4500 or friend the Clarence Center: Meet in the Center group on Facebook.
Kenmore West softball clinic to take place June 27 - 29
By: Dave Ricci, Metro Source
If you want to learn the game, then seek out help from the best.
The 2011 Kenmore West softball clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 - 29 at the Kenmore-West Athletic Complex.
The camp, which is for players from ages 7-16, will focus on the core fundamentals of the game such as hitting, fielding, throwing, sliding, pitching and individual position work.
Instructors will be Lady Blue Devils head coach Matt Chimera and his staff of Joe Catalano, Dennis Sarow, Alex Meglin, Karen Johl and JV coach Kim Leggett.
The Lady Blue Devils, one of the most successful and consistent programs in Western New York, won the 2011 Niagara Frontier League championship, the program’s 11th league crown since 1996.
Under the Chimera/Catalano watch the Blue Devils have won four (1995, ‘99, ‘02 and ‘05) sectional titles, three Far West Regional crowns in 1999, 2002 and 2005. The program’s pinnacle of success was winning the New York State Class A championship in 2002, the first state title for a Ken-West sports team.
Catalano, one of the most respected pitching coaches in the state, has worked some of the areas premiere talent including Michelle Krier and Christine Keleher, who was named the 2002 New York State Player of the Year. Along with a laundry list of titles the Blue Devils program spawned dozens of girls that went on to play in college, many for Division I programs.
Chimera, Catalano and Sarow also coached the Western Region to the gold medal in the 2010 Empire State Games.
All very knowledgeable about the game of softball, the Blue Devils coaching staff is known for running very efficient practices that feature multiple stations that are all designed to enhance specific skills needed to play the game.
The Kenmore West High School is located at 33 Highland Ave in Kenmore.
The varsity softball diamond is located at the corner of Highland Ave. and Delaware Road.
Applications can be found at Sorrentino’s Sports Center, or you can call coach Chimera at 877-4801 to register.
Applications, and the $75 fee, can be mailed to Chimera at 12 Deerhurst Park Blvd, Kenmore, NY 14217.
Checks should be made out to the Kenmore Softball Boosters.
If you want to learn the game, then seek out help from the best.
The 2011 Kenmore West softball clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 - 29 at the Kenmore-West Athletic Complex.
The camp, which is for players from ages 7-16, will focus on the core fundamentals of the game such as hitting, fielding, throwing, sliding, pitching and individual position work.
Instructors will be Lady Blue Devils head coach Matt Chimera and his staff of Joe Catalano, Dennis Sarow, Alex Meglin, Karen Johl and JV coach Kim Leggett.
The Lady Blue Devils, one of the most successful and consistent programs in Western New York, won the 2011 Niagara Frontier League championship, the program’s 11th league crown since 1996.
Under the Chimera/Catalano watch the Blue Devils have won four (1995, ‘99, ‘02 and ‘05) sectional titles, three Far West Regional crowns in 1999, 2002 and 2005. The program’s pinnacle of success was winning the New York State Class A championship in 2002, the first state title for a Ken-West sports team.
Catalano, one of the most respected pitching coaches in the state, has worked some of the areas premiere talent including Michelle Krier and Christine Keleher, who was named the 2002 New York State Player of the Year. Along with a laundry list of titles the Blue Devils program spawned dozens of girls that went on to play in college, many for Division I programs.
Chimera, Catalano and Sarow also coached the Western Region to the gold medal in the 2010 Empire State Games.
All very knowledgeable about the game of softball, the Blue Devils coaching staff is known for running very efficient practices that feature multiple stations that are all designed to enhance specific skills needed to play the game.
The Kenmore West High School is located at 33 Highland Ave in Kenmore.
The varsity softball diamond is located at the corner of Highland Ave. and Delaware Road.
Applications can be found at Sorrentino’s Sports Center, or you can call coach Chimera at 877-4801 to register.
Applications, and the $75 fee, can be mailed to Chimera at 12 Deerhurst Park Blvd, Kenmore, NY 14217.
Checks should be made out to the Kenmore Softball Boosters.
GERMAN FESTIVAL AT THE AMHERST MUSEUM
Bring the family out to experience German Culture and Culinary at the Museum on June 25, 2011. Dance to the music provided by The Auslander’s from 2-4 or The Frankfurter’s from 5-8. Listen to melodious songs sung by the Schwaben Choir while perusing authentic German vehicles brought to you by the Volkswagen Association of WNY, the Niagara Section Mercedes Benz Club of America, Porsche Club of America (Niagara Region), and BMW Motorcycle Club of WNY.
There will be games for Children, and we can’t forget the German Food and Beer brought to you by Shannon’s Pub and wine by Passport Wine and Liquor.
Bring the entire family, and join in the festivities. We open at 1pm, and our 35 acres and 10 Historic Building’s will be available for you to tour as well.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Lancaster Fire Company welcomes new members
The Cayuga Hose Company #3 of Depew welcomed two new members: Marvin “Mel” Tribbey and James Thompson, both of whom are from Lancaster.
Thompson works as a bus driver and Tribbey is a bus monitor, both for Carrier Coach, Inc. Both expressed a desire to serve the community and thought the fire department would be an exciting way to do that.
Cayuga Hose Company #3 was established in 1898, and is one of six companies that make up the Depew Fire Department.
Good luck to both men with their future endeavors.
Fire Damage Restoration Lancaster, NY
Thompson works as a bus driver and Tribbey is a bus monitor, both for Carrier Coach, Inc. Both expressed a desire to serve the community and thought the fire department would be an exciting way to do that.
Cayuga Hose Company #3 was established in 1898, and is one of six companies that make up the Depew Fire Department.
Good luck to both men with their future endeavors.
Fire Damage Restoration Lancaster, NY
Friday, June 17, 2011
North Tonawanda History Museum show off city beauty through photos
The North Tonawanda History Museum has applications and entry rules available for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor 2011 sixth annual photo contest. Tonawanda residents are encouraged to capture the beauty of the Canal cities and enter this contest.
Winning entries will be featured in the 2012 Erie Canalway calendar. Contest categories are: bridges, buildings, and locks - distinctive architecture, structures and historic downtowns; for the fun of it, people having fun at canal-related events; on the water- water activities and scenes, barges, and vessels; and nature of the canal - waterscapes, the beauty of the seasons, and wildlife.
Entries may be either digital images in color or black and white, or prints. Prints must be 4x6 inches or 5x7 inches on photo paper. No matted, mounted, or framed prints, please. No negatives.
Deadline for entries is Sept. 8. For more information, visit www.nthistorymuseum.org, or contact museum executive director Donna Zellner Neal, 213-0554.
Winning entries will be featured in the 2012 Erie Canalway calendar. Contest categories are: bridges, buildings, and locks - distinctive architecture, structures and historic downtowns; for the fun of it, people having fun at canal-related events; on the water- water activities and scenes, barges, and vessels; and nature of the canal - waterscapes, the beauty of the seasons, and wildlife.
Entries may be either digital images in color or black and white, or prints. Prints must be 4x6 inches or 5x7 inches on photo paper. No matted, mounted, or framed prints, please. No negatives.
Deadline for entries is Sept. 8. For more information, visit www.nthistorymuseum.org, or contact museum executive director Donna Zellner Neal, 213-0554.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Don Swartz to have three new plays debute at Ghostlight Theatre
Local playwright L. Don Swartz has been writing plays exclusively for the Ghostlight Theatre since 1983, and three of his new titles will be produced for the theatre’s 40th season.
The comic-thriller “Halloween Dreams,” world premiere adaptation of the gothic classic “Frankenstein” and the comedy “Lottie & Bernice in Regrets Only’ will be produced. The season will also include “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Twenty-five of the plays that Swartz wrote for the Ghostlight have later been published by Samuel French, Baker’s Plays, Eldridge Publishing, and others. His plays have been produced in 47 states and abroad, including at the Lough Gar Dramatic Society in Ireland and the Gate Theatre in Guam.
For ticket information, stop into the Ghostlight Theatre, located at 170 Schenck St. in North Tonawanda, or visit www.starrynighttheatre.com.
The comic-thriller “Halloween Dreams,” world premiere adaptation of the gothic classic “Frankenstein” and the comedy “Lottie & Bernice in Regrets Only’ will be produced. The season will also include “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Twenty-five of the plays that Swartz wrote for the Ghostlight have later been published by Samuel French, Baker’s Plays, Eldridge Publishing, and others. His plays have been produced in 47 states and abroad, including at the Lough Gar Dramatic Society in Ireland and the Gate Theatre in Guam.
For ticket information, stop into the Ghostlight Theatre, located at 170 Schenck St. in North Tonawanda, or visit www.starrynighttheatre.com.
Lancaster Redskins never quit against Williamsville North
It might not have looked like much when the Lancaster baseball team put together a two-run rally in the top of the fifth inning in a Section VI quarterfinal contest at Williamsville North. After all, the Redskins still trailed by three runs at the end of that inning and ended up losing the game, 9-4.
The result might not have been desirable. But that was the kind of effort summed up exactly what this Lancaster team is all about.
“That’s what I love about this team, they always bounce back,” Lancaster coach Mark Dalfonso said. “These kids never folded the tent. I’ll tell you, I love this team, they never quit.”
Lancaster finished the regular season at 9-5 overall and 8-4 in ECIC-I. Lancaster heated up at the right time, entering the Section VI playoffs having won six of the final seven contests of its regular season and then beating West Seneca West in the playoff opener.
“This was a great season,” Dalfonso said. “These kids played fantastic; they have never been out of a game all year long.”
The Redskins will lose an assortment of talented seniors to graduation, including pitcher/first baseman George Weber, catcher Derek Braun, first baseman Shane Meegan and centerfielder Kyle Taylor The group may be gone but they will not soon be forgotten by the program.
“They’re all classy kids, they all grey up,” Dalfonso said. “They learned more than just baseman and that’s really what our goal is – even though we do like to win.”
The result might not have been desirable. But that was the kind of effort summed up exactly what this Lancaster team is all about.
“That’s what I love about this team, they always bounce back,” Lancaster coach Mark Dalfonso said. “These kids never folded the tent. I’ll tell you, I love this team, they never quit.”
Lancaster finished the regular season at 9-5 overall and 8-4 in ECIC-I. Lancaster heated up at the right time, entering the Section VI playoffs having won six of the final seven contests of its regular season and then beating West Seneca West in the playoff opener.
“This was a great season,” Dalfonso said. “These kids played fantastic; they have never been out of a game all year long.”
The Redskins will lose an assortment of talented seniors to graduation, including pitcher/first baseman George Weber, catcher Derek Braun, first baseman Shane Meegan and centerfielder Kyle Taylor The group may be gone but they will not soon be forgotten by the program.
“They’re all classy kids, they all grey up,” Dalfonso said. “They learned more than just baseman and that’s really what our goal is – even though we do like to win.”
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Local WNY financial advisors host seminar
Timothy A. Riemer, Kristin E.M. Riemer, Philip J. Pusateri, and Erik O’Keefe - all financial advisors with Ameriprise Financial - will host a seminar about weathering job loss on Tuesday, June 14. The seminar is titled “Weathering Job Loss, Preserving Your Future.”
If you have lost your job recently or your position has been downsized, or if you are fearful these things may happen to you, the seminar is bound to be informative. The seminar will be held at Ameriprise Financial, 6445A Dysinger Road, Lockport.
Space is limited, so please call 439-9105, option two to reserve a spot by Monday, June 13. The is no cost or obligation.
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If you have lost your job recently or your position has been downsized, or if you are fearful these things may happen to you, the seminar is bound to be informative. The seminar will be held at Ameriprise Financial, 6445A Dysinger Road, Lockport.
Space is limited, so please call 439-9105, option two to reserve a spot by Monday, June 13. The is no cost or obligation.
Fire Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Clean Up
Water Damage Restoration
Smoke Damage Clean Up
Mold Remediation
Friday, June 10, 2011
Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Adult Home to host open house
The staff at the Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Adult Home will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at their facility, located at 4520 Ransom Road in Clarence.
“The Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Adult Home provides a compassionate, supportive lifestyle that includes nutritious meal preparation, a stimulating environment, medical management, and a staff who treats residents with dignity and respect,” said administrator Marion Hummell, RN. Tours will be conducted at 11 a.m., and either 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. There will be a question and answer session at 7 p.m., too.
For more information, call Gina Tedesco at 759-6985 ext. 348.
“The Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Adult Home provides a compassionate, supportive lifestyle that includes nutritious meal preparation, a stimulating environment, medical management, and a staff who treats residents with dignity and respect,” said administrator Marion Hummell, RN. Tours will be conducted at 11 a.m., and either 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. There will be a question and answer session at 7 p.m., too.
For more information, call Gina Tedesco at 759-6985 ext. 348.
The Town of Tonawanda wants you to pay attention to bike safety
The Kenmore - Town of Tonawanda school district will be hosting a bike safety rodeo with the assistance of the Town of Tonawanda police, Women and Childrens Hospital, Dick’s Bike Shop and Southtowns BMX.
Children will be able to learn all about bike safety, from the importance of a helmet to maintaining one’s bike to keep it in safe running order. Kids will even receive a free bike helmet. Participants will also have the chance to go through a obstacle course to show off their fierce biking skills.
The bike safety rodeo will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 in the Hoover Complex parking lot on Sheridan Drive. It is intended for students in kindergarten up to sixth grade.
Children will be able to learn all about bike safety, from the importance of a helmet to maintaining one’s bike to keep it in safe running order. Kids will even receive a free bike helmet. Participants will also have the chance to go through a obstacle course to show off their fierce biking skills.
The bike safety rodeo will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 in the Hoover Complex parking lot on Sheridan Drive. It is intended for students in kindergarten up to sixth grade.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ASSEMBLYMAN JONATHAN BING
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the appointment of Assemblyman Jonathan Bing to serve as Special Deputy Superintendent of the New York Liquidation Bureau.
Most recently, Jonathan Bing was serving his fifth term in the New York State Assembly where he represented the 73rd Assembly District since November of 2002. During his eight years in office Assemblyman Bing has authored 70 pieces of legislation, 30 of which have been signed into law. His 2010 legislative successes included the law which provides for no fault divorce in New York State, ending the State's notoriety as the only jurisdiction in the nation without this provision. Continuing his efforts from past sessions to cut red tape for New York's small businesses, Assemblyman Bing authored two laws in 2010 that will reduce administrative burdens in the insurance and real estate brokerage industries.
The Assemblyman served on the Assembly's Health; Housing; Insurance; Judiciary; Social Services; and Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports Development Committees. He was appointed Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation in February 2011, after previously serving as the chair of the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, the Legislative Task Force on People with Disabilities and the Subcommittee on Mitchell-Lama Housing.
Assemblyman Bing has received multiple awards in recognition of his service including the 2008 Hunter College Presidential Medal, a 2008 New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Eco-Star award, and the 2005 Vanderbilt YMCA's Champion of the Year Award.
“Assemblyman Bing is an incredibly talented and committed public servant and I am pleased to welcome him in to our administration,” Governor Cuomo said.
Most recently, Jonathan Bing was serving his fifth term in the New York State Assembly where he represented the 73rd Assembly District since November of 2002. During his eight years in office Assemblyman Bing has authored 70 pieces of legislation, 30 of which have been signed into law. His 2010 legislative successes included the law which provides for no fault divorce in New York State, ending the State's notoriety as the only jurisdiction in the nation without this provision. Continuing his efforts from past sessions to cut red tape for New York's small businesses, Assemblyman Bing authored two laws in 2010 that will reduce administrative burdens in the insurance and real estate brokerage industries.
The Assemblyman served on the Assembly's Health; Housing; Insurance; Judiciary; Social Services; and Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports Development Committees. He was appointed Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation in February 2011, after previously serving as the chair of the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, the Legislative Task Force on People with Disabilities and the Subcommittee on Mitchell-Lama Housing.
Assemblyman Bing has received multiple awards in recognition of his service including the 2008 Hunter College Presidential Medal, a 2008 New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Eco-Star award, and the 2005 Vanderbilt YMCA's Champion of the Year Award.
“Assemblyman Bing is an incredibly talented and committed public servant and I am pleased to welcome him in to our administration,” Governor Cuomo said.
PLUS Model Magazine Pays Tribute to Mia Amber Davis
The June 2011 issue of PLUS Model Magazine dedicated to friend and colleague Mia Amber New York, NY -- Jun 08, 2011
On May 10, 2011, PLUS Model Magazine and the entire plus size industry lost a role model, friend and industry leader, Mia Amber Davis <http://www.miaamberdavis.com/> . As Creative Editor-at-Large for PLUS Model Magazine, Mia Amber was an integral member of the team and to honor her memory, Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Jones, has put together a visually stunning tribute including images and footage from Mia's career in, "Getting to Know Our Cover Model Mia Amber Davis," as well as special thoughts from Erica Watson, Tara Taylor, Gwen DeVoe, Marie Denee, Sharon Quinn, Shante Gordon, Monif C., and fashion giants Ashley Stewart & Just My Size.
Ms. Jones, a longtime personal friend of Mia Amber's, shares in her Editor's Letter, "There are many passionate people in the plus size industry, but I believe that what separated Mia from the rest was her genuine love for the women she represented. She was more than just a model, she knew that being a size 18, while many others were '"shrinking" within the plus size industry, gave her a voice that needed to be heard."
Gwen DeVoe, Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week, shares, "I will sincerely miss Mia's drive, her professionalism, her creativity, her kindness, her friendship, and her genuine love for our industry. Indeed, she was our undisputed Plus Size Super Model."
Stephanie Penn-Danforth, Editor-in-Chief of sister magazine Daily Venus Diva Magazine, shares, "Many of us remember seeing Mia Amber as Rhonda, the curvy statuesque beauty in the cult comedy Road Trip. Seeing her proudly display her curves in a feature film was the confidence booster that many plus size women needed; She made it okay to be proud of every curve but most of all she made it okay to be unapologetic for being a plus size girl and/or woman." A fund has been set up in Mia's name called, "The Mia Amber Fund;"
To make a donation visit www.miaamberfund.com .
More on Mia Amber Davis:
According to Mia Amber's Publicist, "Mia Amber passed away on Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, CA. After experiencing issues with her knee, Mia underwent surgery Monday in LA to remove small tumors from her left knee. Hours immediately after her surgery, Mia felt sore, but was hopeful about her recovery. However the next day she experienced a stint of dizziness and was rushed to the emergency room. Upon reaching the emergency room, the unimaginable happened when Mia lost consciousness and the doctors were not able to revive her. Mia died at age 36, survived by her husband Michael Yard, mother Ida Davis and a host of family and friends."
Contact: Madeline Jones, 646.234.6745, maddy@plusmodelmagazine.com
To learn more about PLUS Mode l Magazine please go to http://www.myprgenie.com/company/profile/plus-model-magazine.
On May 10, 2011, PLUS Model Magazine and the entire plus size industry lost a role model, friend and industry leader, Mia Amber Davis <http://www.miaamberdavis.com/> . As Creative Editor-at-Large for PLUS Model Magazine, Mia Amber was an integral member of the team and to honor her memory, Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Jones, has put together a visually stunning tribute including images and footage from Mia's career in, "Getting to Know Our Cover Model Mia Amber Davis," as well as special thoughts from Erica Watson, Tara Taylor, Gwen DeVoe, Marie Denee, Sharon Quinn, Shante Gordon, Monif C., and fashion giants Ashley Stewart & Just My Size.
Ms. Jones, a longtime personal friend of Mia Amber's, shares in her Editor's Letter, "There are many passionate people in the plus size industry, but I believe that what separated Mia from the rest was her genuine love for the women she represented. She was more than just a model, she knew that being a size 18, while many others were '"shrinking" within the plus size industry, gave her a voice that needed to be heard."
Gwen DeVoe, Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week, shares, "I will sincerely miss Mia's drive, her professionalism, her creativity, her kindness, her friendship, and her genuine love for our industry. Indeed, she was our undisputed Plus Size Super Model."
Stephanie Penn-Danforth, Editor-in-Chief of sister magazine Daily Venus Diva Magazine, shares, "Many of us remember seeing Mia Amber as Rhonda, the curvy statuesque beauty in the cult comedy Road Trip. Seeing her proudly display her curves in a feature film was the confidence booster that many plus size women needed; She made it okay to be proud of every curve but most of all she made it okay to be unapologetic for being a plus size girl and/or woman." A fund has been set up in Mia's name called, "The Mia Amber Fund;"
To make a donation visit www.miaamberfund.com .
More on Mia Amber Davis:
According to Mia Amber's Publicist, "Mia Amber passed away on Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, CA. After experiencing issues with her knee, Mia underwent surgery Monday in LA to remove small tumors from her left knee. Hours immediately after her surgery, Mia felt sore, but was hopeful about her recovery. However the next day she experienced a stint of dizziness and was rushed to the emergency room. Upon reaching the emergency room, the unimaginable happened when Mia lost consciousness and the doctors were not able to revive her. Mia died at age 36, survived by her husband Michael Yard, mother Ida Davis and a host of family and friends."
Contact: Madeline Jones, 646.234.6745, maddy@plusmodelmagazine.com
To learn more about PLUS Mode l Magazine please go to http://www.myprgenie.com/company/profile/plus-model-magazine.
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