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.

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

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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.

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.

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.  

The Museum Village is easy  to reach at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road in Amherst.  We are minutes from the 990, Millersport Highway, Niagara Falls Blvd, and Transit Road.  LIKE US on Facebook, and visit our website at www.amherstmuseum.org.

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.


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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.

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.

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.”

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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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 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.

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.

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.

Monday, June 6, 2011

New York Canals Fully Operational This Weekend

From Metrowny.com

ALBANY, NY (06/03/2011)(readMedia)--

The entire New York State Canal system is expected to be opened to navigation at 7 a.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011, the New York State Canal Corporation announced today.

High waters and swift currents had delayed the opening of some segments of the 534-mile-long canal system that spans Upstate New York.

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, "It's terrific news that the entire system will be opened for this first weekend in June when Canal communities typically begin to experience the seasonal economic impact that is so vital for jobs and growth in upstate New York."

The final segments to open are the section of the Erie Canal from Lock 24 at Baldwinsville, Onondaga County, to Lock 26 in Clyde, Wayne County, and Lock CS-1 that connects the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to the Erie Canal in the Finger Lakes region.

As the high waters receded and safety conditions improved, various sections of the Canal system had been opened over the past few weeks.

Mariners are advised to use caution because some buoys and other navigation aids may have been moved off station because of the fast running water. Floating debris also could cause a hazard. Some overhead clearances may be reduced because of the high water.

As always, boaters are reminded to always wear or have nearby personal flotation devices.

Heavy Spring rains and the melt from a deep winter snow pack had resulted in high water and excessive flows that stalled the placement of necessary navigation guides.

Updated information on Canal conditions is available via the "Notice to Mariners" service. Please see the weblink http://www.canals.ny.gov/news/notices/index.shtml . You may subscribe for free by calling (518) 471-5016.

Real-time updates also are available through free subscription to Canals TRANSAlert at the weblink http://www.canals.ny.gov/tas/index.html . You may select the times and locations you wish to monitor.

By telephone you can get updated information by calling 1-800-4CANAL4 (choose prompt 3).

-30-

The 524-mile-long New York State Canal system is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York state, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

Lockport Community Television offering training classes designed for teens

Lockport Community Television is offering summer video training classes designed for teens.  The classes are held at LCTV’s studio facilities at Kenan Center Arena Annex, 433 Locust Street in Lockport .
 
Two sessions are available: July 11-28 and August 8-25.  Classes meet from 9 AM – noon, Monday to Thursday for three consecutive weeks.  There are no classes on Fridays.
 
Classes are open to young people ages 13-18.
 
Students will learn the basics of studio television production, including use of a studio camera, computer graphics (Compix GenCG), and directing an in-studio program with multiple cameras.  Students will also work with portable camcorders, and computer non-linear editing with Final Cut Express.  Students will work in groups to make short video projects, which will be shown at a parents’ reception at the completion of the course.  A field trip will also be taken to WGRZ-TV (Ch. 2) in Buffalo .
 
The program fee is $75 per student.  No experience with computers or video equipment is necessary.  The program is open to students from any Western New York community or school district.
 
For more information or to request an application form, call LCTV at (716) 434-1733.  You may also download an application from LCTV’s website at www.lctv.net

Carl Paladino rips into Buffalo Board Of Education in scathing letter

The following is letter acquired by Metrowny which was sent from Carl Paladino to the Buffalo Board Of Education. Metrowny in no way endorses Carl Paladino's, his statements or views.

Carl P. Paladino
June 3, 2011
Buffalo Board Of Education
Room 801
City Hall
Buffalo, New York 14202
Re: Dysfunctional Board

Dear Members of the Board:

Enclosed are copies of my most recent communications with the Board.
On behalf of the children in our City public schools, and their parents, who you are
charged with representing, we implore you to join in an immediate vote of no confidence
and demand for the resignation of James Williams to be effective no later than the end
of this school year.

We no longer care if you must pay him a 6 month termination fee. We've lost
millions in waste and grants that he failed to apply for. Our children can't wait another
year for education improvements. Less than 50% of all students and less than 25% of
black males graduated last year.

It is not your choice or right to equivocate on the issue. You are elected to
implement the will of the people you represent. You have abrogated your right to speak
for and protect the children of Buffalo. You have violated the public trust. Your Board is
and has been a farcical joke with no respect.for the weight of responsibility entrusted to
you. Williams, his cohorts on the Board and Phil Rumore, on whose watch for 30 years
the system has collapsed into the abyss, has dictated to you that his sickly and lame
administration will continue for another year. The collective Board lacks a cogent
understanding of its role and the intestinal fortitude to do the job. Even one more day of
incompetent leadership is an eternity for the children who have been denied an
education and the opportunity for a fulfilling life by a corrupt education cabal.

The Board has failed pathetically to recognize and act deliberately to rid the system
of its arrogant and incompetent Superintendent who, despite his finger pointing, is
primarily responsible for the chaotic state of the system today. Parents, children,
teachers and the community have lost all respect for him.

Your collective, laid back attitude shamefully allowed Williams to fully control and
relegate the Board to the sidelines as spectators while the system denigrated and
stagnated. The extension of Williams' contract shocked the community. Rewarding
failure illustrates gross incompetence. Useless and hollow rhetoric instead of proactive
change have been the mantel of the Williams' administration. Meeting after meeting
you have sat there listening to feel-good presentations unable to connect the violence
on our streets with our school dropout rate.

James Williams in devoid of any real vision, the tools to implement that vision and
most importantly, any real sensitivity to the children of our community. His tenure should
have ended months ago when it was discovered that he withheld from the Board, during
his contract extension deliberations, a material fact, that being a scathing report from
the State pointing out the failures of the system and the Superintendent. His overt lies
to the Board over the Campus West closure, the hiring of 28 administrators many of
whom were unqualified, his out of control absences from Buffalo, especially during such
critical times, his insulting absences from key meetings with State officials and his
denial of information requested by the Board illustrate his disrespect for the Board, the
children, their parents and the citizens of our City.

Two weeks ago Williams agreed that if it was the consensus of the Board that he
leave, he be allowed to resign with dignity effective at the end of the school year and he
would not seek any further compensation. To buy time to further their own agendas
Chris Jacobs and Florence Johnson equivocated and demanded a "proper evaluation
process" to delay a vote of "no confidence" until after Pam Cahill, a supporter of the
discharge of Williams, left the board on May 13, 2011. The delay also gave them and
some inner city ministers time to coerce RoiTaylor and Ruth Kapsiak with threats of
reprisal if they supported discharge. The Board has failed to disclose each and every
evaluation and its particulars which will reveal the complicity of certain Board members
whose evaluations were designed to prop up what would otherwise be a failing grade.
The community demands the release of all information relative to the current
evaluations. We will then connect all the dots.

You have been misled into equivocation by Board members who selfishly have a
political agenda, fear embarrassment because they participated in the hiring of Williams
and are complicit with apparent leaders of inner city constituencies to protect their
control over patronage, assignments and contracting and otherwise feed on the graft
and corruption of $945 million budget. For 20 years Florence Johnson has sought
power only for the sake of power with a total disregard for the children of her own
community. She has no regard for the forgotten children she relegates to a
dysfunctional life.

Florence Johnson does not want Williams' immediate resignation or retirement
because she wants to maintain "Black" leadership instead of the "best" leadership no
matter what the color. She complains that Dr. Ogilvie has no "urban" experience when
in fact he has supervised, investigated and reported on the Buffalo system and has wide
experience in educating challenged children.

The Community demands the immediate resignation or discharge of the Board, the
discharge of James Williams and appointment by the State Board of Regents of a
Special Master to operate the school system for a minimum of 5 years.

The good teachers in the system must send Phil Rumore packing. Enough is
enough. He has recklessly conspired with Florence Johnson and Chris Jacobs to
influence and interfere with Board deliberations and coerce board members. We are
asking the Erie County District Attorney and the U.S. Attorney to investigate. Federal
funds are involved.

Our New York State legislative delegation must approve legislation to empower the
New York State Board of Regents to discharge the Board of Education and the
Superintendent and take over the system. The issue must rise above politics to correct
this travesty. There are only 8 session days left in Albany.

The children of our City demand the right'to an education.

If those copied with this letter agree with the above please respond by return email
or letter with your name and town or city of residence. The names, emails and cell
numbers of Board members are given below in the event you wish to contact them.

Very truly yours,

Carl P Paladino
Chief Executive Officer
cc: Members of the Buffalo Board of Education

Niagara-Wheatfield HS presents honor students

The faculty and administrators at Niagara-Wheatfield High School would like to announce the students who have earned spots on the merit roll for the third quarter.

Grade 9: John Anderson, Joseph Ayers, Daniel Ball, James Baptiste, Nicolas Barcer, Matthew Bartlett, Joshua Bell, Kylee Black, Jacob Bray, Edward Briggs, Ryan Broadley, Thomas Burket, Brandon Cline, Joel Congi, Christopher Conti, Taylor Dinieri, Daniel Dubetsky, Justin Durkee, Brennen Ferguson, Leah Fineberg, Mariah Folts, Joseph Frantzen, DeVonte Fuller, Dennis Garver, Daniel George, Kimberly Gray, Nicholas Guiher, Samuel Harding, Autumn Hayes, Kaileigh Hill, Zahra Hussain, Christina Kaiser, Lauren Kellinsky, Kevin Kishel, Collin Kitcho, Kyle Kline, Derrick Klosko, Ryan Koch, Holly Kolkmeyer, Aaron Latimer, Joshua Latimer, Michael Markelonis, Austen Martell, Mitchell Mayes, Adriano Medici, Jaylee Mettler, Travis Mountain, Sarie Muscarella, Ayman Mustafa, Eleanor O’Connor, Mathew Paonessa, McKenzie Penque, Dylan Phillips, Robert Privitera, Jacquelyn Randall, Matthew Reddy, Allison Rickard, Matthew Rogalsky, Kimberly Runkle, Chelsea Sheehan, Matthew Swanson, Elijah Szafran, Marcus Taylor, Maria Ventry, Alexandra Williams, August Wilson, Kiayra Wright, Morgan Yamonaco, Alyssa Yanulevich, Mark Zastrow, and Erica Zendano.

Grade 10: Jennifer Abbey, Andrew Alexander, Matthew Berical, Michael Blank, Timothy Bradfield, Gabrielle Cleveley, Alan Coughlin, Johnathon Craig, Danielle Crocoll, Nicolette DeSantis, Sean Donoughe II, Korey Emmens, Faris Farr, Alyssa Fisher, Anthony Forcucci, Nina Frye, Ashley Gates, Brenden Gilewski, Melissa Goeseke, Phillip Gonzales, Jacob Grandolfo, Richard Healey, Megan Hughes, Nilab Hussain, Jeffrey Janese, Jack Kellogg, Cassandra Kitcho, Stephanie Kraft, Adam Kuntz, Lauren Libassi, Johnathan Liberti, Alica Liu, Ryan Logar, Brandon Mack, Anthony Mangione, Jeremy Maurer, Anthony Merante, Thomas ModicaAmore, Amanda Mrzygut, John Mulcahy, Thomas Murphy, Justin Orzetti, Britnie Padin, Alycia Palame, Diana Parra, Nicole Patterson, Shawna Pelczynski, Samantha Ploetz, Vincenzo Quigliano, Ian Reeves, Caitlin Reiss, Mystina Restaino, Dakota Reynolds, David Riford, Mariah Scherrer, Justin Schimschack, Brandon Schrader, Richard Schweickhard III, Anthony Scibilia IIII, Robert Steinjan III, Shawn Sutton, Cassondra Tromble, Faith Tycz, Courtney Weinholtz, Alyssa Wright, and Jessica Wylucki.

Grade 11:
Autumn Ababurko, Brianna Badendyck, Allison Banko, Jonathan Barlow, Samantha Barone, Amanda Bentley, Katie Blendowski, Briana Bolea, William Breen, Christopher Bunker, William Butski, Olivia Caldwell, Jeffrey Calkins, Kayla Candella, Nicholas Conti, Katie DiMatteo, Kimberly Fadale, Marina Hansen, Annie Hubler, Kathryn Huggins, Maria Incorvia, Ryan Koehler, Brittney Kubik, Shawn Kudiba, Stephanie Lang, Zachary Linton, Kara Marchetti, Mark Marchetti, Emily Neuman, Anthony Panattoni, Alissa Portik, Kimberlee Prosser, Kelsey Pyse, Christine Reil, Samantha Roszel, William Salisbury III, Abby Schiesser, Ashley Scibilia, Brandon Sokol, Jacob Sosenko, Brandi Stenzel, Bradley Thomas, Tiffanie Tisack, Sarah Tober, Emily Trunzo, Jaron Vaillancourt, Nicole Waldeck, Melissa Werner, Ethan White, Andrew J. Williams, Joshua Woodcock, Robert Yates, Mahmoud Zeidan, and Brian Zendano.

Grade 12: Heather Barry, Crystal Bisans, Kayla Bradley, Kanisha Brinson, Sarah Buch,  John Buchina, Tyler Casilio, Harmandeep Chahal, Nicole Contrino, Richard Crossley, Nicholas DiCosmo, Andrew Dunbar, Taylor Eckler, Jonathon Estepan, Athena Frankowski, Kaitlin Furdak, Brandon Gilmore, Melissa Guiliani, Anthony Haag, David Hansen, Maria Hansen, Alexander Hester, Christopher Hill, Heather Hill, Stephen Horne, Joelle Hughes, Stephen Janik, Jordan Johnson, Ryan Klosko, Dmitriy Kulik, Kyle Kupiec, Samantha LaMantia, Nicole Lamson, Erick Leon, James Letcher, Koreena Livergood, Devin Lizzo, Christina Martinez, Jordan McGilveary, Nicholas Morreale, Scott Paige, Anthony Patterson, Karen Pierini, Yegunahareeta Printup, Kiersten Reading, Samantha A. Rivers, Samantha L. Rivers, Shannon Roth, John Sakalian, Anwar Salleh, Michael Scherrer, Ashley Schimschack, Matthew Shumate II, Rachel Siuta, Matthew Smith, Thomas Stanley,Random Stevenson, Michael Swanson, Summer Swanson, Maria Vallina, Zachary Vigue, Joshua Vivian, Christopher Willows, Erick Zawislak, and Emily Zuniga.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Kyle Smith setting records at Brockport

By: Nate Beutel, Metro Source

Kyle Smith’s right arm has logged plenty of innings since he first picked up a baseball. But perhaps none have been more impressive than the 75 frames the Niagara-Wheatfield product has tossed this spring for The College at Brockport.

Smith, a senior, owns an 8-1 record along with a 2.28 ERA and a school-record 73 strikeouts for the Golden Eagles, who began play in the double-elimination NCAA Regionals this past week.

“He has been outstanding — he’s been our MVP this season,” Brockport coach Justin Beach said of the second team All-State University of New York Conference selection.

Smith, a former standout at Erie Community College, brought a new approach with him to the mound this spring. After working with some different catchers throughout last summer and into the fall, Smith decided it was time to re-commit to his fastball.

“I’ve been noted as a breaking ball pitcher, a deception guy, but I wanted to make it a point of order to have good command of my fastball this year,” he said. “I wanted to challenge hitters more.”

Part of that process included being more aggressive when ahead in the count, something that Smith has consistently been this season.

“I’m being very relentless,” said Smith, who has walked just 11 batters this year. “If it’s 0-2, I’m not wasting a pitch. I make every strike a quality strike. I want to make hitters expand their zone a little and swing at pitches they shouldn’t.”

Besides his improved heater, Smith has also developed an overhand 12-to-6 curveball that has helped him immensely, particularly against left-handed hitters, according to Beach, who also lauded Smith’s extensive knowledge of the game.

There’s no doubt that Smith, and the rest of the pitching staff for that matter, has also benefitted from the NCAA mandating more wood-like aluminum bats this season.

Still, it’s been a year to remember for Smith, who hopes his final year in green and white continues through the weekend and into the Division III World Series.

“I don’t like to think about moments or scenarios, I’m just prepared to go out and pitch with the same mindset as always — get ahead and stay ahead of hitters,” said a focused Smith, who is just one win shy of the single-season school record.

Beach added, “Kyle has been great for us the last two years and you’d love to see him go out with (a trip to the World Series) along with the rest of these guys.”

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