Buffalo News, WNY News, Buffalo NY

Kenmore West Blue Devils boys varsity volleyball team excited about upcoming season

2011-09-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Going gets tough for JFK Lady Bears

2011-08-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

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.”

Campus confidential: Amherst High School

2011-08-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

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.”

National Grid reaches out to customers

2011-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

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.”

Travis Pitzonka leaves Lancaster for St. Francis College

2011-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

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.”

Spend the night with the Buffalo Bisons

2011-08-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

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.

Legislature Calls on County Executive and Health Department to Release Appropriated Funds for Rodent Abatement

2011-08-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

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.”

GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAW TO ALLOW STATE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM TO OPEN ON WEEKENDS

2011-08-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

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."

GOVERNOR CUOMO TO SIGN LAW TO PROHIBIT SALE OF CHILD PRODUCTS CONTAINING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS

2011-08-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

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."

Lynyrd Skynyrd at Artpark

2011-07-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

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.

.38 Special rocks Artpark

2011-07-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Tonawanda's Gateway Harbor Inc hosting 2nd annual Chocolate Festival

2011-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Niagara University Tourism Major, Wendy Reyes, Receives Ronald H. Brown Memorial Scholarship

2011-07-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

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.

White House Statement from the Press Secretary

2011-07-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Buffalo News: GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LAW TO CREATE MISSING VULNERA...

2011-07-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

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.)

Niagara-Wheatfield High School presents honor roll students

2011-07-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Kenmore East High School high honor roll

2011-07-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Review of Cheap Trick at Artpark Buffalo, NY

2011-07-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Dominating year for Nichols High School

2011-07-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Niagara-Orleans softball all-stars unveiled

2011-07-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

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).

Senator Geroge D. Maziarz highlights lumber’s legacy

2011-06-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Grill with creativity and Safety

2011-06-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

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

Clarence Center Summer Centerfest kicks off the season

2011-06-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Lancaster Fire Company welcomes new members

2011-06-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

North Tonawanda History Museum show off city beauty through photos

2011-06-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Don Swartz to have three new plays debute at Ghostlight Theatre

2011-06-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

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.”

Local WNY financial advisors host seminar

2011-06-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Fire Damage Restoration

Fire Damage Clean Up

Water Damage Restoration

Smoke Damage Clean Up

Mold Remediation

Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Adult Home to host open house

2011-06-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

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.

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ASSEMBLYMAN JONATHAN BING

2011-06-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

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.

New York Canals Fully Operational This Weekend

2011-06-06T12:30:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Kyle Smith setting records at Brockport

2011-06-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

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.”

Buffalo News

Water Damage Clean Up Hamburg NY

Buffalo Seminary's Sarah Miller leaves her mark

2011-05-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

It isn’t always easy to see the good side of things after a loss.

But as Sarah Miller walked off the lacrosse field for the very last time in her scholastic career she was able to hold her head high because, she knew she was part of a special season.

A senior who spent four seasons on the Buffalo Seminary lacrosse team, Miller was a tri-captain and backbone of a squad that went 9-4-2 in the regular season and could arguably be called one of the most competitive teams in the programs history.

Though Buff Sem is far-and-away the smallest school in the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association, they had a smart, talented team that never gave up.

They scored wins over bigger schools, beating Sacred Heart and sweeping two from Nardin, and were competitive in all but one game-the lone exception was to powerhouse Nichols.

Though her heart was breaking after a 10-6 semifinal loss to Sacred Heart that spelled the end the season Miller smiled and talk about how much this team meant to her.

“Our team has definitely grown tremendously,” she said. “This year we walked on with a small squad thinking ya know, we might not make it to the playoffs, and we made it this year. It was incredible to be here with the girls. We’ve had a really tight bond with everyone.

To be part of this team was just wonderful it was an honor to be a captain on this team. I’ve watched the girls on this team grow tremendously. They’ve come out, they’ve worked hard. Today was not our best showing.
It’s really sad for me, as a senior, to be leaving this team.”

While it was easy for Miller to speak from the heart and talk about how much the team touched her, there are no proper words that can fully describe what Miller meant to Buff Sem lacrosse.

Sure, the Hawks had plenty of talented players this season. Maddy Paulk was brilliant in net.
Victoria Lester proved to be one of the best all-around players in the league and Katy Melber had a deadly shooting-eye.

But as good as this team was Miller was the X-factor that brought all of the pieces together. Miller was the one who, if things were falling apart, could get everyone to refocus.

“She’s definitely the one who, when she is there, everyone is a little more confident in themselves,” said teammate Olivia Knauss. “I think she has that calming voice and she can really rally us all up. She’s gives us these (motivational) speeches on the bus while going out to the games...She’s pretty inspiring and she’s great to watch. She’s a great teacher.”

Miller had the skill to takeover a game, but her greater value was in the kind of leader and calming force she was on the field. A true sign of a great player is when you make those around you better.
Sarah Miller did that.

“I think she’s a really good team player,” said Knauss. “She can take the ball to the net every time, but she doeswork it around. She knows how to settle it down. She (uses) her head. She’s a good leader.”
But in Miller’s eyes she is simply doing her job, nothing more and nothing less. If things got tough Miller said it was a group effort that helped the team get back on track.

“I think the best thing to do was just kind of work through it,” Miller said. “I could only say so much or do so much. It was more the girls who came out and listened to what I had to say, what our coach had to say.
I think it speaks volumes for the team that they were able to take what we said and transform it onto the field.”

Feeling that the stage is set to keep the program strong Miller, who will continue her playing career at Division III Bates College, has two keys bits of advice for the returning girls.

“Keep up your momentum and ‘leggo’ that was our little saying of the year,” Miller said with a smile. “There’s a Chris Brown song (Look at Me Now) and at the beginning he (says) ‘leggo!’ So we would just kind of screamed it.”

Theodore Reid & Marcus Jacksonsibanda of Cheektowaga arrested for possession of marijuana by Cheektowaga Police officers Jessica Mack and Matt Arnold

2011-05-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Cheektowaga Police arrested three Buffalo men at roughly 1:36 a.m. Saturday, May 21 after being stopped at a police traffic checkpoint.

Cheektowaga Police were running a road checkpoint on Genesee Street and East End when officers observed a vehicle approach with a front passenger not using their seatbelt.

Cheektowaga Police officers Jessica Mack and Matt Arnold detained the vehicle and noticed remnants of marijuana cigarettes in the ashtray of the vehicle.

Upon further questioning of the individuals, one of them turned over a bag of marijuana to Lt. Brian Gould.

The three were arrested and were found to be in possession of two additional bags of marijuana. While searching the vehicle, Officer Mack discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun hidden in the backseat.

The serial number of the gun was defaced in such a way that it could not be read.

Theodore Reid, 19, of East Amherst Street, Marcus Jacksonsibanda, 18, of Clarence Avenue, and Chemere Barclay, 20, of Durham Avenue were arrested.

All were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and criminal possession of a defaced firearm. They were arraigned in Cheektowaga Town Court and sent to the Erie County Holding Center.

Ivy Lea Construction honored by EPA and U.S. Department of Energy

2011-05-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ivy Lea Construction has earned a 2011 Home Performance with Energy Star Century Club Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Ivy Lea Construction is one of a select few that improved energy efficiency is more than 100 homes over the past year. Over the past 25 years, Ivy Lea has been a leading service in re-modeling in the Western New York area. The company specializes in home construction, including bathrooms, windows, concrete projects, and home energy audits.

“Ivy Lea Construction is very proud to be recognized by the EPA as a Century Club contractor for the second year in a row,” said Mike Washington, president of the company. “We have participated in the Home Performance with Energy Star program in New York for the past 10 years; it was a natural fit for our company, since we were already making several of these improvements in the home improvement projects that we were already installing.”

For more information about Ivy Lea, visit www.Ivyleaconstruction.com. For more information about the Energy Star program, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 888-STAR-YES.

Chris van Allsburg to make rare appearance at Talking Leaves Books

2011-05-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Esteemed children’s book author and illustrator, not to mention Caldecott award winner, Chris van Allsburg will make a rare appearance at Talking Leaves Books.

The book signing will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, June 6 at their location at 951 Elmwood Ave.
Allsburg will be signing copies of his book “Queen of the Falls,” the story of Annie Taylor, the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

In 1901, 63-year-old Taylor rode over the Falls in a barrel. She was a charm school teacher without much charm of her own to spare. She was also widowed and unemployed at the time of her descent down the Falls.

Allsburg has examined her quest for fortune and fame in his book. She attempted to make her ordinary life extraordinary. Taylor’s sheer force of will accomplished this goal. Anyone wishing to have a book autographed must purchase a book from Talking Leaves and get a ticket for the signing line.

Allsburg has won two Caldecott medals, a National Book Award nomination, three major movies have been based on his books, and millions of his books have been sold worldwide. For more information, please contact Alicia Michielli at Talking Leaves, Elmwood by calling 884-9524, e-mailing talkingleaveselmwood@gmail.com. You can also contact Jonathon Welch at 837-8554 or tleaves@tleavesbooks.com.

Police Blotter of the Tonawandas for the week of May 22

2011-05-24T11:45:00.001-07:00

Endangering the welfare of a child

Gerald J. Mastreson, 41, of Condon Ave., Buffalo, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for two counts of endangering the welfare of a child at 11 a.m., Monday, May 9.

He was held for court.

May 10

Multiple charges

Edward A. Jarnot, 46, Fletcher Street, Tonawanda, was arrested for driving while intoxicated at 11:40 p.m., Tuesday, May 10. Jarnot also received traffic violations, such as having no registration, no insurance, failing to keep right and failing to notify a change of address. Jarnot was first observed in an unregistered vehicle crossing over a double line. When he was pulled over the officer could detect intoxication. He had a BAC of .22 and was held for court.

May 12

Underage drinking party

Amanda C. Ebling, 22, Fletcher Street, Tonawanda, was arrested for hosting an underage drinking party and unlawfully dealing alcohol to a child at 1 a.m., Thursday, May 12.

She was released on an appearance ticket.

At the same party, Ross J. Myers, 19, of Dekalb Street, was caught leaving the scene of the party.

He was arrested for aggravated DWI, driving on the sidewalk and having tinted windows. Myers was stopped near Gibson and Fletcher streets.

He had a BAC of .18 percent. He was held for court

Violating court order

Laurie M. Putz, 35, Ensinger Road, Tonawanda was arrested on for violating a court order of protection at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 12. She was held for court.

May 13

Possession of controlled substance

Michael E. Schlifke, 20, Warren Drive, Tonawanda, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance at 1:30 a.m., Friday, May 13. Schlifke was stopped by police, who knew there was a warrant out for him, based on a previous petit larceny charge. After he was pulled over, officers found cocaine in his possession. He was held for court.

May 14

AUO

Patrick S. Carncross, 21, Burns Court, Tonawanda, was arrested on a warrant for aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Aggravated DWI

Lindsay Peace, 26, Taunton Place, Buffalo, was arrested for an aggravated DWI at 11:46 p.m., Saturday, May 14 on Goundry Street in North Tonawanda.

She had a BAC of .18 and was held on $250 bail.

May 15

Dealing to a minor

Michael F. Laratonda, 22, Grove Street, Tonawanda, was arrested for unlawfully dealing alcohol to a child at 1:40 a.m., Sunday, May 15.

According to City of Tonawanda Police, Laratona was playing beer pong with the various individuals at the party, which was located in an apartment complex.

Police stated that the residents located below the apartment became annoyed when the ping-pong ball kept hitting the floor and notified police about the disturbance.

Laratona was released on an appearance ticket.

Multiple charges

Paul J. Brady, 30, 2nd Avenue, North Tonawanda, was arrested for assault and menacing, criminal obstruction of breath during a domestic disturbance at 3 a.m., Sunday, May 15.

He was held for court.

May 16

Arrested on warrant

Mikhail Yuzbaslev, 29, Herr Road, Clarence Center, was stopped by Amherst police at 12:52 a.m., Monday, May 16. The officer saw that there was a previous warrant for a violation of a city ordinance in North Tonawanda.

Amherst police turned him over to the North Tonawanda Police Department.

He was held on $250 bail

North Tonawanda Department of Youth tennis clinics

2011-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

The North Tonawanda Department of Youth, Recreation and Parks is now accepting reservations for their summer mini tennis clinics. Lessons are open to youths ages 6 through 13.

There will be two different clinics offered. The first will be for girls, five days a week, Monday through Friday, July 11 to 29. Girls ages 6 to 9 will have the 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. session, while girls ages 10 to 13 will have the 10:45 to 11:45 session.

Boys lessons will start Monday, Aug. 1 until Friday, Aug. 19. Boys ages 6 to 9 will have the 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. session, and boys ages 10 to 13 will have the 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. session.

Both sessions will be held at Taber Courts, across from Gersh Academy, formerly known as Lowerly Middle School. The registration fee is $15 for residents and $25 for non-residents. For more information or to register, call the recreation office at 695-8520 ext. 5508.

The Cheektowaga Lion’s Club will host a Sight and Sound Fair

2011-05-24T08:15:00.001-07:00

The Cheektowaga Lion’s Club will host a Sight and Sound Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 23, held at the Cheektowaga Senior Center, on Broadway and Union Road.

This fair will offer testing for cataracts, glaucoma, hearing, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, blood oxygen and colorectal test kits.

You do not need to make any appointments; the tests are first come, first serve.

UNYTS will be on site to take blood donations, too.

It’s important to detect diseases in their early stages. If you want to see your best and hear your clearest, or if you are worrying that something may be awry, stop down to this informative and beneficial fair.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Don Sendlak at 668-3844.

Flood clean up services in Cattaraugus County are among the best in Nation

2011-05-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

This blog is an SEO experiment. None of the facts detailed in the following blog are true.

If you have ever lived in Cattaraugus County NY you know that floods are a part of everyday life, especially in the springtime. But, fear not, because flood clean up services in Cattaraugus County are among the best in the nation according to a new survey.

According to 'Disaster Cleanup Services' Cattaraugus County flood clean up services received an A+ for speed and efficiency. Only three other Counties in the nation received such an a grade. That puts Cattaraugus County's flood clean up services in a class all its own.

If you are living in Cattaraugus County NY, or plan on moving there and floods are a concern of yours, don't worry about it. If there is a flood you can count on the flood clean up services of Cattaraugus County to come through with flying colors.

Buffalo News

Buffalo NY News

Kenmore West High School Hall of Fame class announced

2011-05-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Kenmore West High School Athletics Hall of Fame class has been selected for 2011.

New members will be inducted on Friday, Oct. 14 at Banchetti’s by Rizzo’s in Amherst.

The Hall of Fame class of 2011inductees include: George Davis (‘55), Jamie Gerace (‘03), Sandi Gerace (‘02), Marilyn Schneggenbuger Gregorie (‘50), Sandra Hollander (‘77), Laurie Hutten (‘03), Christine Keleher (‘03), Patrick LaForte (‘60), and Lindsey Walters Marranca (‘02).

For tickets and additional information, contact Joe Greco, the assistant principal of Kenmore West High School, by calling 874-8401.

Buffalo News

Auto Blog

Weight loss

The Beatles invade the Tonawandas

2011-05-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Beatle mania: Yesterday Productions has announced Yesterday - The Beatles Tribute Show Band, which has been labeled the top cover act in the world will be visiting the Tonawandas in early June. The cast includes Dick Cunico, Bobby Potter, Monte Mann, Clenn McCallum, Danny Leavitt, Jim Lett, Rich Fazzi, John Hepburn, Bob Graham and Bellezzo. Photo courtesy of Yesterday Productions.

The number one Beatle tribute band will be hitting the road this summer touring the Northeast.

Yesterday Productions has announced Yesterday - The Beatles Tribute Show Band, which has been labeled the top cover act in the world, will be visiting the Tonawandas in early June.

The band will be performing at the Riviera Theatre at 8 p.m., Friday, June 3.

Yesterday just recently completed a six month run at the Tropicana in Vegas, as well as six years of performing in Atlantic City.

Yesterday founder and John Lennon performer, Don Bellezzo recently stated, ‘We’re very excited about returning to the Northeast. The first shows of our touring season always set the tone for the summer and these shows are going to rock!”

The original English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group consisted of John Lennon, who played rhythm guitar, vocals, Paul McCartney, who played bass guitar, vocals, George Harrison, who played lead guitar, vocals and Ringo Starr, who played drums and vocals.

Audience members will be able to enjoy the authentic recreations of live Beatles concerts with gifted performers who will not only look like the original fab four, but will sound like them as well.

The group will recreate the historic performances from the early 1960s through the mid 1970s. Performances will be reproduced from appearances on the The Ed Sullivan Show, The Hollywood Bowl and Shea Stadium with their “Magical Mystery Tour.”

The cast includes Dick Cunico, Bobby Potter, Monte Mann, Clenn McCallum, Danny Leavitt, Jim Lett, Rich Fazzi, John Hepburn, Bob Graham and Bellezzo.

For tickets or information, call 692-2413 or visit www.rivieratheatre.org. To learn more about the Beatles cover band, visit www.legendsofyesterday.com.

The Riviera Theatre is located at 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda.

Buffalo News

Rachel Allen keeps firing for Tonawanda Lady Warriors softball team

2011-05-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

If you are Rachel Allen what do you possibly do for an encore?

Allen, the starting pitcher for the Tonawanda Lady Warriors softball team, burst onto the varsity scene as a seventh grader.

That’s right, seventh grader.

Throwing her first varsity pitch as a 12-year-old middle schooler, few could begin to imagine the pressure Allen must have been feeling. But she handled that first season with an amazing show of confidence, maturity and poise.

Allen did exactly what you expect from a pitcher. She gave her team a chance to win every time she walked into the pitching circle.

Coming into Year Two you might think that Allen would be feeling pressure because more was now expected of her.

But she just shrugged that notion off and said, if anything, she’s feeling even better because she has that year of experience on her resume.

“I thought it was easier this year than it was last year,” Allen said.

No longer navigating uncharted waters, Allen said having a year of varsity under her belt has helped her settle into her role and be even more secure this year. But at the same time Allen knows she still has a lot to learn.
Which is why she feels lucky to be working with such a great catcher like senior Danielle “D.T.” Tyler.
Saying that Allen has tremendous ability, Tyler can read her young pitcher’s emotions very well and knows how to keep her calm and focused. Whether it’s loosening her up with an inside joke or simply reminding Allen she has a capable defense backing her up Tyler said she is very impressed with how Allen has pitched in her career.

“She doing really good, for being an eighth-grader, she throws awesome,” said Tyler.

“She gets a lot of people out with her screwball. She’s improving a lot. So I just keep reminding her of that. Try to pick her up when she gets nervous or she gets frustrated because a lot of these teams are really good hitting teams, and there’s you can do about that.”

Secure in what she brings in the circle Allen wants to be a complete player which is why she has focused this season on improving herself at the plate.

“The biggest surprise from Rachel this year has been her hitting,” said coach Jay Hall. “She’s hitting the ball very well.

She’s had one or two hits almost every game.”

Still, pitching is Allen’s forte and she has that drive to constantly search out ways to get better.

Already having good command of her pitches, especially her screwball and fastball, Allen took private lessons and worked on expanding her arsenal of pitches.

“I learned new pitches,” Allen said. “A curve and drop curve.”

Rachel Allen is a young lady of few words. She would rather do her talking on the field.
So far she’s been doing that very well.

Buffalo News

Buffalo NY News

WNY Health News

Buffalo Business News

Hillary Panek reaches milestone

2011-05-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

(Thinkstock photo)

Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com

by Mike Pidanick, Metro Source

Hillary Panek had no idea what coach Jeff Kryszczuk had to say as the Alden High School coach held a softball in his hand and said he had a special announcement to make. Turns out, she was the star of the moment.

Panek became just the second pitcher in Alden softball history to record more than 500 career strikeouts, the latest in a long line of feats for the standout senior right-hander.

“It feels awesome,” she said after a 12-2 win over ECIC-IV rival Tonawanda. “I never would have anticipated it. I didn’t even know what number I was at and then my coach just announced it to me. I was just shocked.”

Panek’s not worried about stats. Described by her coach as “a great team player,” she was focused on mowing down another league rival. So Kryszczuk waited until the postgame meeting to discuss milestones.
“I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want to mess her up; she was in her groove,” Kryszczuk said. “So we surprised her after the game; she only needed two so I knew she’d get that.”

She got 12 and stands about 100 strikeouts short of the school record, held by former teammate and 2007 graduate Carlissa Cole. Panek has been remarkable in the pitching circle and also at the plate, where she’s batting better than .400 on the season.

“She brings everything each and every day and she’s a team player,” Kryszczuk said. “She’s a great player to coach. She’s very coachable, very friendly and she has great chemistry with the team; she’s a great player for the team.”

Panek has been on the varsity squad since the eighth-grade and is in her fourth year in the starting lineup. She’ll play next season for St. John Fisher College and likely be remembered as one of the best at Alden.
“I think I’ve had a great time playing for Alden and I just love the game,” she said.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

School Budget fails in NT School District

2011-05-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thinkstock Image

By: Sarah Seweryniak

Residents in the North Tonawanda School District rejected a proposed $65 million school budget Tuesday, May 17.

The budget, which included cuts to staff and programs had a 1,121 to 813 vote.

Board members must now decide if they should amend to budget plan and have another vote or accept a contingency budget, which would include more mandated cuts to the district.

The $64,633,961 budget that voters did not vote through came with a tax levy of 1.95 percent.

The board will have until June to amend the budget or go with a contingency.

As for the board of education, incumbent Frank DiBernardo was re-elected, receiving 1,059 votes.

Also elected was Donna Braun, who won with 1,177 votes and Colleen Osborn with 989 votes.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Governor Cuomo Blasts Plans To Slash Federal Homeland Security Funding

2011-05-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Andrew Cuomo (by Pat Arnow)

Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to block a proposal to slash federal homeland security funding given to the states by 50 percent. In his letter, Governor Cuomo said the dramatic cut would hamper New York's efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and protect New Yorkers. House Republicans have proposed reducing the grant funding from $2.2 billion this year to $1 billion next year.

"These cuts would significantly impact our ability to train and equip police, firefighters, and other first responders and otherwise maintain the highest level of security New Yorkers need and deserve," Governor Cuomo wrote.

The Governor's letter can be found below:

Dear Speaker Boehner and Leader Reid,

       At a time when the federal government is warning that we may see retaliatory attacks for the death of Osama Bin Laden, congressionally proposed cuts to state and local homeland security grants for the FY2012 federal budget would undermine the very initiatives that have been put in place to protect our nation and people from the persistent and evolving threat of terrorism.

       Since September 11th, New York State has been the target of thirteen terrorist plots. Most were thwarted through the collaborative investigative prowess among local, state and federal law enforcement officials, as well as citizens who reported suspicious activity. Some plots, including Faisal Shazad's attempted bombing of Times Square and the crowded Theatre District, failed. Under all scenarios, federal support to the state and local officials who are literally on the front lines of the war of terrorism being waged against us is essential. The capability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from a terrorist attack requires the full participation of all levels of government. That is exactly what the funding made available through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants has as its goal.

       Thursday's arrest by the NYPD of two suspects who were targeting multiple synagogues and the Empire State Building demonstrate that the death of Bin Laden does not mean the threat of terrorism has abated. With the 10th anniversary of September 11th and the opening of World Trade Center Memorial only months away, this plot was simultaneously the latest success story and sober reminder that our city and state remains in the crosshairs of those who use bombs and bullets to make their points. Osama Bin Laden himself cited the 10th anniversary as a date his followers should target for attack. Now is not the time for the federal government to step back from the partnership with state and local governments in defense of our nation.

Your leadership is needed to prevent these harmful cuts and to ensure that our nation does not degrade its abilities to meet the threat of terrorism.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Anthony Albert of Cheektowaga arrested for marijuana growing operation

2011-05-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com

A Cheektowaga man was arrested at 1:30 a.m. Friday, May 6 after complaints from neighbors led to a police surveillance of the area.

Cheektowaga Police were watching the residence of a man living on Pleasant Parkway, after a multitude of residents in the neighborhood had complained of an increase in vehicle traffic and a pickup truck with a loud muffler frequenting the house in the very early morning hours.

Cheektowaga Police Officers, Michael Menth and Jeff Scaglione, observed a pickup truck with a loud muffler and subsequently saw a drug deal occur between the occupants of the vehicle and a resident on Pleasant Parkway.

The officers prevented the truck from moving and had to chase down male resident, Anthony Albert, 35, of 47 Pleasant Parkway.

Officers found cocaine on the individuals in the truck and the money used in the transaction with Albert.

Albert was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
The truck occupants included Thomas Farruggio, 42, of Wayside Drive in Depew, Amy Farruggio, 35, of Benz Drive in Cheektowaga and David Torgalski, 42, of Gold Street in Buffalo.

They were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the house at 47 Pleasant Parkway from Judge Thomas Kolbert.

Upon serving the warrant, the officers found crack cocaine and an indoor marijuana growing operating consisting of more than 30 marijuana plants.

Albert was additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, third degree; criminal possession of marijuana, second degree; criminal use of drug paraphernalia, second degree; and unlawful growing of Cannabis.

Judge Kolbert arraigned Albert. His bail was set at $10.000 cash and $25,000 bond.

He was the sent to the Erie County Holding Center.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz announces he will run for Erie County Executive position

2011-05-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz announces he will be running for Erie County Executive.

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: CHRISTOPHER GORDON Sun Editor

As Mark Poloncarz made his decision to run for County Executive official Saturday morning, he believes it was a symbolic gesture of Mother Nature that the sun came out the second he announced his candidacy in front of a packed crowd at the Lackawanna Public Library.

“I think there is a reason why the sun just came out,” said Poloncarz, who currently serves as Erie County Comptroller.

A large group of supporters cheered as he declared himself a candidate for the county’s top seat.

“I am announcing my candidacy to become Erie County’s next county executive and I humbly ask for your support,” said Poloncarz.

The Democratic candidate will seek to unseat incumbent Chris Collins, who recently announced he would seek a second term.

Poloncarz said he chose his hometown of Lackawanna to kickoff his campaign for a number of reasons.

“I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth,” said Poloncarz.

He said as the son of a steel worker, he was taught the value of hard work.

While he admits that the county is in better fiscal condition then it was when he took office six years ago, Poloncarz said the county will not see growth under the direction of Collins.

“It was a crisis in leadership,” said Poloncarz about his decision to run.

“Chris Collins said he was going to run Erie County like a business,” said Poloncarz, adding he believes he has failed to live up to that promise.

He accused Collins of offering high salaries to “big shots” and said that he “raised taxes and decimated services.”

Poloncarz believes it is vital for the county to work with the private sector to give Erie County long-term fiscal stability.

According to Poloncarz, the county has endured too many “frivolous lawsuits” during Collins’ four-years in office.

He was also critical of Collins’ decision not to use funds in the surplus to help with needed projects such as roads. Poloncarz added in his estimation, Collins used the surplus to “piggy bank” the money as a way to protect his own job.

Poloncarz also believes Collins created a sense of urban versus suburban life and ignored rural areas.

“Erie County deserves better,” said Poloncarz.

If he is elected, Poloncarz vowed he would restore funding to libraries, as well as funding for the arts and cultural community.

He also plans to bring financial stability to the county by solving issues with Medicaid.

“I will aggresively fight Medicaid fraud,” he said.

Poloncarz also intends to work on a long-range plan for regional development throughout the county.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Benjamin Mahle, Noco employee, busted for selling alcohol to minor

2011-05-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Cheektowaga Police Department’s Vice Gambling and Narcotics Unit conducted a joint investigation with the New York State Liquor Authority Friday, April 29 regarding the underage sales of alcohol in a variety of convenient stores and bars throughout Cheektowaga.

At approximately 5:27 p.m. an 18-year-old decoy was employed and sent to numerous establishments to attempt to purchase alcohol.

The decoy selected a can of Tilt Malt Liquor, containing 12 percent alcohol, at Noco, located at 642 Cleveland Drive, from the cooler.

The decoy approached the counter where the offender, Benjamin Mahle, 23, of Harlem Road in Amherst, was working as a cashier. Mahle completed the sale of the alcoholic beverage without asking for identification from the decoy, or even inquiring about the decoy’s age. The decoy gave Mahle $3.08 for the can of Tilt in official Cheektowaga Police Department funds.

An investigator, who was part of conducting the stings, witnessed the sale.

The alcohol was subsequently turned over to the investigator to be held as evidence in any future hearings regarding this sale.

Mahle was arrested and transported to Cheektowaga Police Headquarters and was charged with one count each of unlawfully dealing with a child, first degree, and prohibited sale of alcohol under the ABC Law.

The offender was booked and issued an appearance ticket for a return date of May 9. Judge Dennis Delano will arraign him.

Noco was one of 25 establishments checked for underage sales during this operation.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

WNY Police officers honored for heroism

2011-05-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Police agencies from Western New York and Southern Ontario will honor the memories of the police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The 14th annual Niagara County Police Appreciation Day Interfaith Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 400 Ridge St. in Lewiston.

This year’s guest speaker will be Michael J. Violante, Niagara County district attorney. Host pastor will be Rev. Susan C. Keppy, a chaplain with the Lewiston Police Department. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the service.

This service is held the night prior to the 23rd annual candlelight vigil in Washington, DC. The Niagara County service will feature the reading of the Roll of Honor, a roster of the officers killed in the line of duty over the years. Area musicians and a rifle salute will pay homage to the police officers who put themselves in harms way to protect the safety of all.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Family of 9/11 victim relieved by news of bin Laden’s death

2011-05-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Paul Walier stopped at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery in North Evans Monday afternoon to visit the grave of his sister, Margaret Walier-Seeliger, who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. Walier visited the cemetery one day after the man believed to be responsible for the attacks, Osama bin Laden, was killed by U.S. special armed forces during a raid in Pakistan.

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Christopher Gordon Sun Editor

Paul Walier and his family awoke Monday morning to news they had waited for since Sept. 11, 2001: Osama bin Laden was finally dead.

Margaret Walier-Seeliger, a graduate of Frontier High School, was among those killed inside of the World Trade Center nearly a decade ago when two planes struck the towers during the terrorist attack.

Paul was asleep Sunday night when President Barack Obama told the world that a strike by special U.S. forces in Pakistan led to the death of bin Laden. But he said it was a sense of relief for the family, noting that hearing the news was “surreal.”

“There was some joy in there,” he said, noting that he told his family if and when the day ever arrived, “you’re going to wake up in the morning not expecting it.”

Walier admitted he was losing hope that bin Laden would ever be captured. Part of the reason was because there have been so many other major stories, he was nervous that the focus on bin Laden may not have been as strong.

“Bin Laden over the last few years kind of got pushed to the back,” said Walier.

He and his family were glad to hear that the man ultimately responsible for the death of his sister was finally brought to justice.

“Relief might be the best word,” said Walier.

He credits Obama and the U.S. government for finally being able to bring the news that families have been waiting upon for nearly a decade.

“I think they have to be commended from the president all the way down,” said Walier.

After hearing that bin Laden was killed, Walier said it brought back a lot of the emotions from the day of the attack.

“We needed to get this guy in a bad way,” said Walier, adding “It doesn’t bring back my sister.”

“I commend the military and the intelligence for following up on him,” said Walier.

With bin Laden dead, Walier said he is worried about the potential for retaliation by members of al-Qaida, the bin Laden-led militant Islamic group, which took credit for the 9/11 attacks.

Walier fears whether bin Laden left instructions to his followers if he was killed. While he and others wait to see if there is any type of retaliation, he said Margaret would be thrilled at the news of bin Laden’s death.

“I think my sister would say good riddance,” said Walier. “It’s a good day.”

In just over four months, Walier will return to New York City for the 10th consecutive year to remember all of the lives that were lost, including Margaret’s, in the 9/11 attacks.

“I go down every year to ‘Ground Zero,’” said Walier. “I haven’t missed a year.”

This year will be extra special for a number of reasons. Among them is a memorial wall being built in honor of the victims.

Along with being the 10-year anniversary, Walier said he believes there will also be a sense of celebration with bin Laden dead.

“I’m looking forward to the 10th anniversary,” said Walier, adding he expects there to be “more bounce in people’s steps” as this news will bring closure to many of the victims’ families.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Buffalo Bisons’ notebook: Injury ends Mejia’s year, adds to Herd’s woes

2011-05-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Dave Ricci, Sports Reporter

Wednesday, May 4, is the first league-wide day off in the 2011 International League season.

This break couldn't come any sooner for the Buffalo Bisons.

As if struggling out of the gate wasn't bad enough for a team that came into the season with so much promise, the Herd's woes continued to grow when it was announced the ace of the staff and Mets' top-prospect Jenrry Mejia's season was over because of an MCL tear in his right elbow.

Mejia was examined by New York Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altcheck on May 2. An MRI at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and was diagnosed with a complete tear of the MCL in his right elbow.

Mejia will most likely require season-ending 'Tommy John Surgery' to repair the damage, but he is seeking a second opinion.

Entering the season as the No. 2 man in the Bison rotation, Mejia became top dog when Dillion Gee was promoted to the Mets.

Mejia threw just four innings in his most recent start, April 29 in Rochester, before exiting the game with discomfort in his pitching arm.

Mejia was 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA and 21 strikeouts in his five starts with Buffalo. Interestingly enough, Mejia struggled during his fourth start in Buffalo on April. Which bodes the question did the tear actually first happen that day?

Then become full blown on April 29.

It's another blow to a Bison staff that had already lost Boof Bonser to "Tommy John Surgery." Bonser went just 3.2 innings in his first start before leaving the game with what was thought to be nothing more than a strain.

............................................................................................................................................

The Herd kicks off an eight game home stand on May 5 when they play host to Louisville.

Dontrelle Willis (2-1, 2.10 ERA) who exploaded on the MLB scene in 2003, winning 14 games for the Marlins and earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. D-Train is scheduled to pitch for Louisville on Mother's Day.

............................................................................................................................................

Scranton-Wilkes/Barre, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, make their first stop at Coca-Cola Field this week as well with three 7:05 starts Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the 1:05 series wrap on May 12.

............................................................................................................................................

Mets third baseman David Wright had this to say about Phillies fans when they broke into chants of U-S-A! U-S-A! when Osama Bin Laden's death was announced during the Mets-Phillies nationally televised game.

"I don't give Philadelphia fans too much credit. But they got this one right."

More Buffalo News and WNY News and Buffalo Bisons News

Airman Jason Babirad of Cheektowaga helps Japanese after Earthquake

2011-05-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

The son of a Cheektowaga couple didn’t know what to expect. He’d seen pictures of the devastation on television and in the newspapers, and he knew he had to help, but he didn’t know how. It didn’t take long for him to find out.

Air Force Senior Airman Jason Babirad, son of Arthur and Roberta Babirad of Kemp Avenue in Cheektowaga, was one of more than 20,000 U.S. military men and women who have provided assistance in support of Operation Pacific Passage.

The operation provides the authorized voluntary return of military family members from Japan in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan March 11. Operation Tomodachi provides humanitarian assistance and recovery operations to the people of Japan.

Operation Pacific Passage has airlifted more than 7,000 passengers and more than 400 pets via military and commercial aircraft from various locations in Japan, and Operation Tomodachi has resulted in more than 400 missions being flown, more than 2,800 tons of cargo, and more than 400,000 pounds of fuel delivered. Military members are also assisting in the cleanup of communities and airports.
“My role and job during Operation Tomodachi is to help provide fire protection,” said Babirad, who is a firefighter with the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, Yokota. “We have performed and are continuing to perform hazardous material assistance, including decontamination of aircraft and personnel if needed. We have also taught the Japanese firefighters pump operations on a truck that we sent to the north. Just providing a safe feeling for the base and then knowing that our main priority is the people, property, and environment is important.”

While nothing can totally prepare service members with the training they need to handle a disaster of this magnitude, the fact that they must be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice has come in handy during this operation.

“This is my first time being involved in an operation like this,” said Babirad, who graduated in 2003 from Cheektowaga Central High School.

“To prepare for this type of operation, we do training monthly on different types of incidents. We train daily on new techniques and operation of new equipment. When this incident happened, we spun up quickly on different types of aircraft being used in support of the operation and anything else in support of the operation.”

Operations of this type are very important because they further demonstrate the longstanding and close working relationships that the United States has developed with many countries around the world over the years.

“This operation is important because we are helping the Japanese who have become family to us,” said Babirad. “Helping a country that has been good to us has never felt better. This type of operation again proves to the world that the United States does care.”

Operation Tomodachi, or Operation Friendship, in the Japanese translation, means helping friends. For Babirad and the others, it has become more like helping family.

“Being involved with this type of operation, helping the Japanese with whatever is needed, makes me feel great,” said Babirad. “Working closely with the Japanese local nationals everyday at the fire station and helping them with their needs is sad. My thoughts go out to all affected. The Japanese are family to me and it feels great to be there for them.”

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Lancaster Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts presents the “Academy Senior Student Exhibition”

2011-05-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Source Staff

The Lancaster Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts presents the “Academy Senior Student Exhibition,” which will feature more than 100 artworks by 15 Lancaster High School seniors. Spectators are welcome to attend the opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at 11 West Main St., in the Village of Lancaster.

Three years ago, Lancaster High School began its Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. This year’s seniors are the first graduating class from the academy. The academy has encouraged in-depth participation in the arts. Students in the academy have welcomed guest speakers to Lancaster and attended concerts, theatrical performances, and art shows.

Students in the academy have also had the opportunity to take special exclusive classes that have focused on team-building, creative problem solving, and exploring careers in the arts. All of the skills students have attained are put to use in their Senior Projects class in which students design, create and display their own independent projects.
With help from academy students of all grades, Lancaster seniors have transformed an empty storefront into a temporary gallery space. This show on May 4 is the end result of a full semester’s worth of work and planning, both in school and at home.

“The goal of the Senior Exhibition Gallery is to create awareness of the arts in our community and to show appreciation for the incredible support that the Lancaster community has provided for our schools. Though temporary, this gallery is the first vital step towards establishing a permanent art gallery in the heart of Lancaster, which will grow to become a must-see destination for visitors to Lancaster,” remarked Art Academy Senior Projects Teacher Brett Miller.

Light refreshments will be served and live music will be performed by Lancaster High School’s string quartet during the opening reception.

Additional gallery hours include: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5, Tuesday, May 10, Thursday, May 12, Tuesday, May 17, Tuesday, May 24, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Admission is free.

For additional information contact, Lancaster High School Visual Arts Academy Advisor Ken Hawley at khawley@lancaster.wnyric.org or Miller at bmiller@lancaster.wnyric.org, or brettnmiller@hotmail.com, or 686-3276.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Four defendants sentenced for selling prescription pills in Cheektowaga

2011-05-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Nicole Gawel

Daniel Smythe, 23, of Cheektowaga, Lindsay Lang, 19, of Orchard Park, Sophie Wroblewski, 39, and Olivia Paschell, 40, both of Buffalo, were convicted of conspiring to distribute oxycontin pills. Chief District Judge William M. Skretny sentenced the offenders to probation.

The four defendants were arrested July 15, 2010 along with 22 others following a long-term investigation into the widespread illegal sale of prescription drugs in the City of Buffalo and its eastern suburbs. To date, 10 of the 26 defendants have been convicted.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. McCabe, Wroblewski and Paschell sold their oxycontin pills in the City of Buffalo. Smythe and Lang obtained oyxcontin pills from a source with ties to a prescription pill trafficking network. They distributed pills to customers in the Cheektowaga and Lancaster area.

The sentences are the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dale Kasprzyk, in conjunction with many local and state authorities such as the New York State Police, the Buffalo Police Department, the Cheektowaga Police Department, the West Seneca Police Department and the Lancaster Police Department.

Find more Buffalo News and WNY News

Mets Tejada getting his work in with the Buffalo Bisons

2011-04-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

(photo: slgckgc on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop)

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Dave Ricci, Sports Reporter

Ruben Tejada isn’t getting ahead of himself.

Sure, the 21-year-old knows he is next in line to take over the job as the New York Mets starting shortstop-but for now he’s more than happy to sharpen his skills in the 716.

The Buffalo Bisons starting shortstop, Tejada is set to inherit the job currently held by Jose Reyes.

Tejada knows full-well that Reyes, who is in the last year of his contract with the Mets, is attractive trade bait should the Mets fade from the NL East chase.

But to his credit Tejada has remained focus on his place in Triple-A.

“I concentrate on my work,” Tejada said. “You never know what may happen tomorrow. I don’t have control of that.”
Though Tejada obviously has aspirations to hang his hat at Citi Field on a regular basis he has sure great maturity by not getting swept up in speculation regarding his future.

That kind of focus has impressed Bison skipper Tim Teufel a great deal.

“He’s concentrating day-to-day,” said Teufel. “I don’t think he’s looking too far into the future. I think he has his hands full here, he has to play shortstop every day here and also swing the bat. So he’s got a job to do here and I don’t think he’s looking too far ahead.”

Making the Opening Day roster at the start of last season, Tejada played 78 games with the Mets - getting 46 starts at second base and 24 at shortstop. While Tejada dazzled with his glove, his bat was a different story as he hit just .213.

“Last year was a great experience for me. I think it made me more ready for this level,” Tejada.

Tejada returned to Buffalo and posted a respectable .280 average in 65 games with the Herd.

Along with his mature way of looking at the whole picture Tejada’s mind set was also helped by the fact the Mets skipper Terry Collins said early on that Tejada would be the starting shortstop in Buffalo and play everyday.

Thus eliminating any doubt in Tejada’s mind how he would be used.

Tejada has been in a groove in the batters box as of late, connecting with four consecutive multi-hit games.

Being utilized at the top of the order as of late, Tejada said he feels comfortable regardless of where he bats.

“No it’s the same,” he said. “Hitting in the seventh or first. Everything is mental.”

Buffalo News WNY News

Third annual Hamburg Music Festival will rock the village on April 30

2011-04-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Good food, great company and excellent music will abound this weekend at the third annual Hamburg Music Festival.

On Saturday, April 30, over 19 bands will perform at 25 venues in the village throughout the day, offering nearly 12 hours of live music. Proceeds from the event help fund scholarships and grants for local students.

The festival, which draws in thousands of people from the Hamburg area and beyond, is the collaboration of founders Mary Jo Duggan, Patrick McKee, Luke Mumbach and Alison Pipitone.

The group came up with the concept for the festival a few years ago, when the village was in the midst of its major reconstruction project.
“The big idea was to drive people back to the local businesses,” Mumbach said.

During a conversation on how to best regenerate business, Pipitone happened to comment on the amount of talented musicians that Hamburg has to offer. That’s when Mumbach suggested there should be a festival showcasing the village and its local talent.

The foursome quickly got to work, using their varied backgrounds to create a one-of-a-kind evening that benefits area musicians, businesses, patrons and students.

“It’s a win-win all the way around,” Pipitone said.

The festival will feature an eclectic mix of musicians, ranging from ages 15 to 80. Anticipated performances include Leeron Zydeco at Coyote Cafe, After Hours at Ten Thousand Vines Winery and John & Mary (of 10,000 Maniacs) at O’Brien’s Smokehouse.

A student musician showcase will be held at The Palace Theatre from 1:30 to 5 p.m. The students will perform on a stage equipped with amps, drums, lights and video components, thanks to a donation from the Music Exchange in Hamburg.

“The students will feel like they are performing in a professional setting,” McKee said.

The founders urged that festival goers should not confuse the students’ youth with inexperience.

Pipitone, who is a nationally-recognized musician, was impressed by the students who participated in the past showcases.

“They have shown me that we have some young talent in the community,” she said.

Those planning to attend the festival need to purchase a $10 wristband, which grants access into all the venues, as well as transportation to and from the concerts on one of the four “music buses” that will continuously loop around the village. Duggan estimated that one could catch a ride as often as every 15 minutes.

Those wishing to only attend the student showcase can give a $2 donation in place of a wristband.

Each wristband is embossed with the phrase “If not you, who? If not now, when?” The phrase is a call to action for the residents of Hamburg to help preserve music programs in schools.

“We have the ability to keep our community strong and vibrant,” Duggan said.

In the past two years, proceeds from the Hamburg Music Festival have provided three college scholarships, seven grants for various student music-related activities, such as funding music trips for children with financial restraints; sponsored workshops and guest artist concerts; and purchased instruments for the not-for-profit Hamburg Nursery School. The founders have also reached beyond the Hamburg School District to donate funds to Buffalo Public School No. 18.

Since the music festival has quickly established itself as a yearly tradition, the founders have started to plan for the long-term. They have embarked on a fundraising initiative to replace the pianos in the Hamburg School District.

“A lot of the pianos are currently in rough shape,” McKee said.

In addition, the founders have also launched the Hamburg Music Festival’s official website, www.hamburgmusicfestival.com. McKee mentioned the possibility of setting up an online store at the site, where participating bands can sell CDs and autographed posters.

In an effort to curb pollution, volunteers will increase the number of recycling bins in the area on the night of the festival.

“Hopefully people will be mindful and respect our community,” Duggan said.

To purchase a wristband for this year’s Hamburg Music Festival, visit any of the festival venues or Meridia Credit Unions, including the Hamburg High School location. Wristbands may be also purchased online at Hamburg Music Festival’s Facebook page.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

'Volunteer Fair' to support charitable organizations at Eastern Hills Mall

2011-04-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Eastern Hills Mall, VAWNY and WGRZ Ch. 2 will present a Volunteer Opportunity Fair, Saturday, April 30th, from 11 a..m. To 3 p.m. in the Center Court Commons. Speak with representatives and learn how you can make a difference volunteering in your community to support charitable organizations.

For further information visit www.shopeasternhills.com or call Eastern Hills Mall at 633-1600.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Buffalo Museum of Science awarded $1 million grant

2011-04-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

The John R. Oishei Foundation has awarded the Buffalo Museum of Science with a grant in the amount of $1 million. This money will put used to strengthen the museum’s Master Plan, including the funding of two new Science Studios.

These studios will be designed to facilitate content updates to reflect the most modern advances, to keep the museum timely and relevant. Science Studios will open the door for science inquiry and connections to subjects like biomedicine, physical science, and engineering. It will be a superior forum in which to learn about what’s happening in Western New York, too.

The John. R. Oishei Foundation strives to be a catalyst for change, to bolster Buffalo’s economy and overall quality of life for residents.

“The opportunity to support the creation of engaging, hands on science that showcases the exciting innovations taking place in our community was very attractive to our foundation,” said Robert D. Gioia, president of the John R. Oishei Foundation. “We are pleased to support this important effort that through collaboration will bring science alive, and reinvigorate one of our important cultural institutions.”

For more information about these developments, visit www.ScienceBuff.org.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Buffalo Sabres: Do they have the resiliency to win Game 7?

2011-04-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By Michael J. Petro

The Buffalo Sabres have clearly been one of the more resilient teams in the NHL in the second half of the season and into the playoffs, but the Philadelphia Flyers are pushing that resiliency as far as it can go.

The Flyers own ability to come-from-behind, even as their carousel of goalies gets increasingly complicated, has landed the teams in a Game Seven showdown on Tuesday night back in Philadelphia.

Seventh-seeded Buffalo, which powered back into playoff contention thanks to one of the NHL’s best records since the New Year, let a 3-1 lead evaporate yesterday in a Game Six in which it could have closed out the series at home in front of a raucous crowd and packed house.

Ville Leino ended Game Six 4:43 into overtime, as this time the Flyers were successful in finishing off a second consecutive miraculous comeback against the Sabres. Buffalo had taken a 3-2 series lead the game before in Philadelphia, winning 4-3 in overtime after blowing a three-goal first period lead.

While second-seeded Philadelphia may be the deeper and more talented team, it’s taken a tremendous effort by the Flyers to force a deciding game in the best-of-seven series against the underdog Sabres.

"Coming back from two and three goals in the National Hockey League is not an easy thing to do," Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette said after the game. "It’s a difficult thing to do; most of the time you cave. When you have to do it in back-to-back games, it becomes extraordinary. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the resiliency, not just today but because we had to do it two days in a row. The last game didn’t go our way, but today it did. We don’t catch a break last game but today we did and because of it we’re still playing."

Philadelphia has now latched on to the role the Sabres played so well in the late season of the team beating the odds. The Flyers have started three different goalies in the six games and will go back to Brian Boucher in the deciding game after he replaced Michael Leighton following the first period of Game Six. Boucher went on to stop 24 of 25 shots to earn the win in the overtime affair.

Instead of folding, the Flyers have wound up using the switches in net as a rallying cry of sorts. Philadelphia has changed goalies in three of the six games, all while trailing, and come back to win two of those games.

Boucher saw his first action in the series after the Flyers’ Game One starter, Sergei Bobrovsky, was lifted in the first period of the second game. After starts in Games’ Three and Four, Boucher was replaced by Leighton in the Flyers’ overtime loss in Game Five.
The Sabres were supposed to have the clear advantage in goal with Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller, but the Flyers peppered Buffalo’s netminder with 49 shots.

Miller, who has already carried the Sabres to a pair of shutout victories in the series, was also the victim of some untimely sloppy play as a group of deep Philadelphia forwards never stopped breathing down the Sabres’ neck. No lead was safe for the Sabres.

Scott Hartnell, a thorn in Buffalo’s side during the series with his physical play, netted the game-tying goal with just over nine minutes remaining in the third period of Game Six. The Sabres had regained the lead on a Nathan Gerbe goal with 3:51 left in the second period. The game was evened at three apiece earlier in the period after Daniel Briere’s second tally of the game and a goal from James van Riemsdyk.

Thomas Vanek scored twice and Rob Neidermayer notched the game’s opening goal just 2:13 into the opening period to help stake the Sabres to an early 3-1 lead.

Buffalo took the difficult rout to get to the playoffs, so Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff was not surprised they’ll have to do the same to get by the first round series.

"We’ll give it everything we’ve got to win the next one," Ruff said. "We haven’t done it the easy way all year and that will have to continue."

It won’t get any easier in Philadelphia for a Game Seven in which the Sabres will play without its top centerman Tim Connelly, a game after losing right winger Jason Pominville, one of the team’s top scorers and penalty killers so far in the series.

A Brad Richards’ hit from behind sending Connelly, a player with a history of concussions, head first into the boards resulted in the center leaving the game in the second period. Richards was given only a two minute minor penalty for boarding.

After the game, Ruff called the hit a lack of respect for another player on the ice, while Miller said if Richards had previously referred to what the Sabres were getting away with as murder, the hit he put on Connelly was "mass murder."

"For being short-handed, our battle was there until the bitter end," said Ruff, who surprised the media after the game by announcing center Derek Roy, who has missed the past four months with a quad injury will return for Game Seven. "This team is going to battle until the bitter end. We’ve won two games in the their building and now we’re going to have to win one more there."

"We’ve come back and come back and that fourth goal (by the Sabres) was enough to send our team home," Laviolette said. "You come back, just to get a tough deflection on a goal to go down 4-3. How many times can you do that and come back again, but we did. I got fired up just watching."

While the Sabres wanted no part of a Game Seven going into Easter Sunday’s contest, they’ve got to believe they can take advantage of yet another opportunity to show their resilience this season.

"We got one game for everything," Ruff said.

Only question is can they be more resilient than the Flyers?

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Motorcycle Safety Month: No Time to Neglect Safety

2011-04-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul

Despite the recent “snow surprise,” Spring is upon us. Motorcycle riders everywhere are dusting off their bikes and getting ready for warm weather and the open road. It’s not only riders that need to be prepared though, drivers everywhere need to be more cautious and alert while driving. May is Motorcycle Safety Month and it’s quickly approaching, making it the perfect time to learn more before the bikes hit the road.

According to a recent study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, while nationally motorcycle deaths decreased by about 2%, deaths in New York rose almost 18%. With the economy beginning to show signs of recovery, it is expected that the number of recreational riders will increase. Also, with rising gas prices, officials expect the number of those who opt for the more fuel efficient bikes will also see a jump. This means more bikers on the road and more people on the roads we all need to look out for.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 160 fatal motorcycle accidents occurred in New York State in 2010, a number that continues to rise every year. At the County Clerk’s Office, we endeavor to make sure that people are aware that these frightening statistics can be reduced by following a few simple rules
--

    Motorcycle riders can use the “SEE” method to stay safe when sharing the road. Search around you for potential hazards, evaluate any possible hazards and execute the proper action to avoid them. Constant awareness of the road, other drivers and potential obstacles must be practiced in order to stay safe when riding. New York State Law requires that a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation be worn and reflective clothing is recommended. Most motorcycle accidents occur at dusk or after dark, so exercise particular caution when riding during these times.

    Cars and other vehicles must also look out for motorcycles. Since motorcyclists often ride to one side of the lane and the motorcycle can hide in seemingly empty areas, motorists - be aware of your car’s blind spots, carefully check before turning or changing lanes and look two or three times before making your move. Allow more following distance for motorcycles -- two or three car lengths are recommended, more if the roads are wet or visibility is poor.

    Riding motorcycles can be an exciting summertime activity, but it is also a dangerous one. Riders can benefit from a Motorcycle Safety Program rider safety class, offered at several local locations for both new riders looking to learn and experienced motorcyclists who want to pick up tips. Class locations and fees can be found at www.nysmsp.org. The American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of New York Buffalo-Erie County Chapter is also holding their 16th Annual Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Event on May 7 at 12:00 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Park, Shelter 21 near the Newton Road entrance for any riders interested in learning more about safety on the road.

On behalf of all drivers, I urge everyone to take caution when sharing the road this summer. Ride smart, ride safe and enjoy the season. A safe summer is a pleasant one for everyone.

Read more Buffalo News and WNY News

North Tonawanda Lady Jacks Andrea Scibetta has skills

2011-04-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Nate Beutel

An appropriate saying when discussing the athletic skills of Andrea Scibetta.

When you first meet her Scibetta,a senior in her second season of varsity softball with the North Tonawanda Lady Jacks, strikes you as being a shy, unassuming young lady.

There’s absolutely no outward sign of the fierce competitor within. While some lead with words, Scibetta is the type of player that simply leads by playing the only way she knows how. Giving it her all.

“I’m definitely an athlete that leads more by (my) actions,” Scibetta said. “I like to just work hard and hope that my team will follow.”

The Jacks starting right fielder, Scibetta is blessed with blazing speed that helps her run down any ball hit in her direction.

But that’s only one facet of Scibetta worth. Sure, she can track down and catch virtually everything that is hit her way, but Scibetta brings more than a reliable glove. She has a high softball I.Q. and the presence of mind to know what to do in all situations.

“She just flat-out never misses a backup,” said NT coach Larry Lash. “Outfield is the backup for all infield play. And infielders like to know (they’re) going to be backed up.”

A great believer in the importance of the defensive side of the game, Lash added that having a girl like Scibetta is invaluable. Especially with such a young team.

“We don’t have as much experience as we did in past years,” said Scibetta. “We want to show them that you have to be quick to the ball. You have to know what you’re going to do once you get the ball. It’s a mental game and you have to be on top of things are all times.”

At the heart of it all is a girl who loves the game and pushes herself hard everyday to make herself better.
Scibetta is that model of what coaches are talking about when they say great practice player. Scibetta takes every minute on the field to heart.

“All they have to do is look in her direction and they will see how hard she works,” said Lash. “Not just in games, but in practice. She is one of the best practice players I’ve ever had.”

Though the Jacks do not have officially designated captains, with 10 newcomers to the team Scibetta is well aware that young eyes are focused on her and she must set the good example.

Extremely modest, you can tell in Scibetta’s words that she doesn’t think of herself as someone that others would look up to.

More often than not, she’ll deflect talk to senior catcher Shaina Bunker,a varsity veteran since seventh grade, as the true leader.

But its that modesty and selflessness that makes Scibetta so special to have around. And the kind of girl that can help a young team stay confident through the ups and downs of a season.

“They have great character and I know that they’re trying to get better,” Scibetta.

That’s not to say Andrea Scibetta is all business. Hardly. Striking that good balance that you want in a leader, one minute Scibetta will impart advice to a teammate. The next, she’ll be laughing with the girls as they share inside jokes.

Read more Buffalo High School Sports and WNY High School Sports

Erie County prepares to replace four bridges in Lancaster

2011-04-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Public Works Commissioner Jerry Sentz announced that bridges on Cemetery and Pavement roads in Lancaster will soon be replaced. There are four bridges in total, with two on each road. All of the bridges have been flagged for safety concerns numerous times in the past. In light of those concerns, the county has been working to secure funding for these projects as quickly as possible.

The two Cemetery Road bridges went out to bid Thursday, April 14. The project will cost an estimated $6 million, with 80 percent being paid by the federal government, 15 percent by the state, and 5 percent by Erie County. The two bridges will be demolished and replaced. The road will be closed, with a detour in place, while construction is underway.

The first Cemetery Road Bridge, over Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and Erie Street, was built in 1936 to replace an at-grade railroad crossing. There have been numerous inspection flags on the structure in recent years, but none serious enough to close the bridge. Lancaster School District has been detouring school buses around the bridge, which is a major inconvenience to the district. A new 105-foot steel girder bridge will replace the current structure.

The second bridge on Cemetery Road, over the north branch of Plum Bottom Creek, was built in 1923. Inspectors found safety concerns on the span on several occasions in recent years. The concerns were addressed and the bridge remained open. A new 20-foot concrete box culvert will replace the current bridge.

“I am happy we were able to put the funding in place for these important bridge projects in Lancaster. This upcoming construction highlights my administration’s focus on infrastructure maintenance and repair work. Any time safety concerns are raised with county bridges, we work to secure funding for repair or replacement as quickly as we can,” said Collins.

“I have been working in cooperation with the county executive and public works engineers to move these projects forward and was pleased to learn that these overdue projects will be repaired now,” remarked Erie County Legislator, District 5, Dino Fudoli. “Due to the size and scope of the work, repairs to these bridges will generate many jobs. This is great news for the residents of the Town of Lancaster.”

The two bridges on Pavement Road will go out to bid Thursday, April 28. The project will cost an estimated $2.8 million, with 80 percent being paid by the federal government, 15 percent by the state, and 5 percent by Erie County. The road will be closed, with a detour in place, while construction is underway.

Both bridges on Pavement Road were built in 1962 by the New York Central Railroad. They have received several “red flag” warnings in recent years. While not cause for bridge closure, red flags indicate issues which require immediate repair. The 159-foot steel beam bridge over the CSX Railroad will be replaced with a 68-foot concrete box beam structure. The other 129-foot bridge over abandoned railroad tracks will be eliminated. Crews will use compacted earth fill to come up to the road level and then pave to continue the roadway.

The estimated contract completion date of the projects on Cemetery and Pavement roads is
November 30, 2012.

“I know many citizens in Lancaster have anxiously been awaiting these projects,” said Sentz. “I’d like to thank design consultants Erdman Anthony and Urban Engineers for getting us ready to take these projects out to bid.”

More Buffalo News and WNY News

North Tonawanda hosts Canal Clean Up

2011-04-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

By: Sarah Seweryniak

The rain couldn’t keep volunteers away for the sixth annual Canal Clean Up, which took place Saturday, April 16.

“I am very pleased to see that the volunteers are here on a rainy and chilly morning,” said City of North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt. “It shows the commitment with the people coming out for the sixth annual event, which is getting bigger every year.”

As part of the annual celebration of Earth Day, the event featured more than 50 volunteers, which included North Tonawanda High School students, Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association members. The clean up, which was run by North Tonawanda Waterfront Commission Committee Chairperson Kevin O’Connor, began at Mayor’s Park off of Sweeney Street and concluded with a luncheon that was sponsored by Ortt.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to a community that gives us so much,” said resident Mitch Banas, who was with his son Jackson volunteering with Boy Scout Troop No. 184.

Since North Tonawanda has been involved in the annual clean-up, the city has noticed that with each passing year there is less debris in the canal, which helps add to the beautification of the city and the waterfront as the city prepares for the beginning of the 187th navigation season.

“We usually do a good job of not only cleaning the canal side by moving debris, but even stuff that’s in the canal or dredging in the canal like logs and branches,” said Alderman Eric Zadzilka.

The City of North Tonawanda’s clean up also runs in conjunction with New York State’s annual canal clean up event. Last year more than 90 groups participated in the weekend clean up. The Canal Corporation, Parks and Trails New York and EFC seek assistance of canal communities and partners to organize clean-up activities in canal parks, along public promenades, and on the Canalway Trail.
“The growth of the Canal Clean Sweep in recent years clearly shows that local pride in the canal and the Canalway Trail is high and the spirit of volunteerism is flourishing across the state. Especially in such challenging economic times, the canal system and Canalway Trail, which are growing in prominence as a world-class tourism destination, become even more important as close-to-home recreational resources for local residents and all New Yorkers,” said Executive Director of Parks and Trails Robin Dropkin. “We are pleased to again join community groups and citizens in cleaning up the canal corridor in advance of the summer season.”

The New York State Canal System is made-up of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals, which span more than 524 miles across New York State.

For more information about events along the New York State Canal System, call 800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov.

More Buffalo News and WNY News

Woodrow Wilson Elementary School event focuses on reading

2011-04-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo and WNY News from Metrowny.com

By Nicole Gawel

Woodrow Wilson Elementary School recently held the Read, Write and Share event where books ruled.

Earlier in the school year, Andrea Galenski, principal at Woodrow Wilson, instated a literacy committee in order to gain ideas to be utilized during the inaugural event. It took months to finally bring the event to fruition.

“We knew that the day was going to be centered around literacy and we wanted to be sure that every activity that the children were involved in focused on reading, writing and presenting,” said Galenski.

Each grade level participated and the teachers put their students in groups.

Each group had a few weeks to plan on how they were going to present a book of their choosing to their teachers, family and classmates. Selena Soler, Stuart Mcleod, Bethanie Johns and Caitlin Cork, all third graders in Michelle Struzik’s classroom, explained the process.

Each group was able to select a book that they were already familiar with, and choose the method that they would present it, in the style of book in a bag, script it out, or a PowerPoint presentation.

“We wanted this learning experience to be rich and valuable so we emphasized the importance of using authentic literature,” said Galenski. “Every presentation was based on literature and how that literature could be brought to life through the presentation styles.”

Elizabeth Biro, Christina DiJoseph and Gregory Schulz, reading specialists at the school, created the three presentation styles that students could choose from.

“The presentation expectations became more sophisticated in the higher grade levels,” said Galenski.

“For example, the script it out in grade 5 allowed students the opportunity to create a newscast, or talk show. We really tailored the presentation options to each grade level so that they were age appropriate. The group work was non-negotiable because we wanted to give students the opportunity to work in groups, which is a lifelong skill that they need to have.”

In addition to children presenting various pieces of literature to their parents, they also had the opportunity to attend a book fair in the school’s gymnasium following the day’s presentations.

The Scholastic Book Fair truly was a carnival offering musical chairs with the prize being a book, face painting, coloring, a chance to purchase books and reading supplies, a place to take a picture on the reading coaster scenic background, made by the school’s art teacher, and enormous red and white striped containers complete with golden balloons serving as giant popcorn.

“We wanted the entire day to be focused on literacy, so we created a literacy environment in the gym,” said Galenski.

The school librarian, Jessica Stokes, along with the assistance of the publicity committee made the carnival inspired book fair possible.

“The most important part of the day for me was the incredible number of parents and guests that attended this event,” said Galenski.
“It was heartwarming to see so many parents walking through the hallways of our school and participating in the gymnasium activities and watching the students perform in the classrooms.

They say that the more students see their parents connected to school, the better that they do in school and the more that they care about the quality of work that they produce. The students were so proud of their accomplishments, which made them truly excited about sharing it with others, especially their families. I was so grateful for the support that we received yesterday and as I told students that morning, I am so proud of each and every one of them.”

School is Cool at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary

2011-04-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News and WNY News from Metrowny.com

By: Nicole Gawel

This year’s theme of the fourth annual Theodore Roosevelt Reader’s Theatre was “School’s Cool.”

Reader’s Theatre is both a literary and musical production based around one central theme. Jan Millard, Lisa Braniecki and Melanie Bantle, all teachers at the school, began planning for this year’s event the afternoon following last year’s production.

“These talented teachers came up with this idea, and it’s great,” said Thomas Slaiman, principal at the school. “The performances involve skits, acting, singing and reading.”

Each grade level performed a book through a condensed script and in between would act out what was happening and perform songs. This year’s books included Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch, performed by the pre-kindergarten class dressed in winter apparel; Mr. Tanen’s Ties by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, in which all of the kindergarten class donned ties and were dressed for success; A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech, where the first graders wore yellow and black, the district’s colors, and had a thumb’s up day (in honor of Principal Slaiman); and the second graders performed Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! by Dr. Seuss and Jack Prelutsky where five girls wore shirts that spelled out “think,” and dancers were a cross between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake.

Between the skits, musical interludes were performed by Amy Fitzner and her students including, the kindergarteners performing Bubblegum: Joseph Bukowski, Joseph Cascio, Jeremy Kulesz, Andrew Maki, Francesca Marchione, Benjamin Samul, Ericc Schultz, Rhianna Slomba, Lillian Stoll, Trinity Swart and Keelin Travis; the first graders with Butterflies: Joseph Borowiak, Matthew Bradley, Sophia Crimi, Bryce Firkins, Jenna Hitchcock, Shayden Hudson, Paige Kaufman, Anthony Mancuso, Madison McElroy, Damyan Miller, Sara Mrzygold, Liam Murphy, Brenden Schmitz, Autumn Tatko, Jeffrey Vecere Owen Voss; and the second graders performed A Silly Song: Jordan Banach, Ethan D’Angelo, Patrick Dawson, Anthony DiFonzo, Cyrus Fisher, Nathan Getz, Mia Kwiatkowski, Katrina Licht, Austin McNaney, Madison Pede, Gabriel Rashko, Parker Ruzeski, Gina Sarama, Jessica Simon, Kiersten Simon, Hailey Sutton and Tabitha Swart.

“We selected the theme, School is Cool, because we wanted to honor our wonderful principal, Mr. Thomas Slaiman,” said Bantle. “The books were selected based on things he says, the way he runs our school and his personality.”

Thomas’ Snowsuit was chosen because the main character’s name is Thomas and the other character was a principal. Mr. Tanen’s Ties was about a principal who had an extensive collection of ties and was told his ties were distracting the students. Slaiman has at least 200 different ties.

He even has a tie that plays music and one that shows his love of his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees. A Fine, Fine School and Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! Were selected to showcase two schools who thought they were the best.

“Mr. Slaiman is always complimenting the faculty, staff and students on the fine, fine job they do every day to make our school great,” said Bantle.

The students throughout the school look forward to Reader’s Theatre each year because it gives them an opportunity to sing, act, read and learn about a new book and perform in front of their parents, relatives, friends and other teachers in the school.

“Every year Jan Millard, Lisa Braniecki and myself try to create a theme that the students will enjoy and learn topics like life under the sea, books from a specific author, or even some events in history,” said Bantle.

“Our main goal is to expose them to different genres of good literature and music, both current and from the past, and work together as a school to produce a super Reader’s Theatre. It is a joy for us to create this kind of experience for the students. We always try to infuse humor, or showcase a talent, such as a second grader who danced a solo this year and had the audience cheering loudly.”

Next year’s theme is already picked out, a patriotic one, which will highlight each branch of the armed forces.

Actors and narrators of this year’s production included: Kaylee Sclesinger, Patrick Dawson, Matthew Mergenhagen, Riley and Trent Kubiak, Madison Pede, Amanda Plumley, Jayden Pace, Julia Zdyb-Lee, Timothy Witnauer, Jenna Badura, Julia Stechenfinger, Ryan Denne, Jordan Banach, Allie Shultz, Marah Rogowski, Colin Pajak, Kylie Naughton, Zachary Mochol, Hailey Sutton, Ashley Gulczewski, Ryan Schanne, Camdyn Bartholomew, Jillian Bernas, Jonathan Vu, Hailey Gworek, Gina Sarama, Christianna Konczal, Ally Beardi, Joshua Hearn, Emily Boyer, Amari Ross, Brianna Krzysiak, Mariah Roberts, Gillian Samul, Madison Miziak, Kailey Hogg, Skyler Mazurski, Ayden Betti, Kaylee Schlesinger, Miranda Johnson, Tabatha Swart, Kaylee Cork, and Katie Hamm.

Buffalo Bisons’ notebook: Pitching staff already seeing changes; Mets recall Gee

2011-04-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News and WNY News from Metrowny.com

By: Dave Ricci, Sports Reporter

How quickly things can change.

On April 8, the Buffalo Bisons could boast what looked to be the strongest rotation, at least on paper, in all of Triple-A.

Reliable Dillon Gee anchored a staff that included top prospect Jenrry Mejia, 2011 Most Valuable Pitcher Pat Misch and veterans Boof Bonser and Casey Fossum.

Just a little over a week later Gee and Misch have been called up to New York, Bonser (Tommy John Surgery) is done for the season and Fossum is flirting with being a total bust.

Fossum was lit up on his first start of the year on April 11. He gave up seven runs on eight hits-including a grand slam - as the Herd suffered a humiliating 15-1 loss to Pawtucket. It was the worst loss the team ever experienced since moving into the downtown ballpark.

But, after the game, Fossum was more interested in venting about having to play in cold weather.

"When it’s that cold I don't even want to try and throw hard because you're just never loose, you're stiff," Fossum said, "and I'm not gonna cut a pitch loose when it's 20-degree wind chill and risk hurting my shoulder or anything."

In Fossum's defense he hadn't thrown to live batters in 10 days since his last spring training session, so a case could be made he wasn't stretched out enough.

That said, guy, you're with the Mets. If you hope to get up to the bigs again, and, assumably want to pitch in the post season, wouldn't you be pitching in similar cold conditions come playoff time?

Factoring in that Fossum went 2-5 with a 5.75 ERA last season in Japan you can't help but think that maybe, just maybe,his rough outing wasn't just because of the weather.

.....................................................................

Former Buffalo Bison Greg LaRocca stopped by the press box on April 8 with his wife, Amanda, and their two small children.

The 38-year-old native of Oswego, who played for the Bisons from 2001-03, recently retired from baseball after spending the last seven seasons playing in Japan.

LaRocca has spent his final three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League. Upon retiring, Orix had offered LaRocca a job as manager. But "Roc" turned it down in favor of returning home.

LaRocca is currently serving as a scout for Orix.

Like everyone around the world, LaRocca was shocked by the devastating earthquakes and tsunami that struck Japan and said he feels fortunate that he and his family returned home when they did.

"We were texting friends of ours all night long asking are you alright? Are you alright?" LaRocca said. "It was just unbelievable."

LaRocca, who made a career of being hit-by-pitch while with the Bisons, set what he believes to be a world record by getting struck by pitches 100 times in 2008.

...............................................................................

Outfielder, and former No.1 prospect, Fernando Martinez (right hamstring strain) was placed on the DL on April 15. He was hitting .313 this season.

..............................................................................

The Bisons begin an eight-game home stand Monday when they host Rochester at 6:05.

Visit metrowny.com for more Buffalo News and WNY News

William Fichtner on his walk of fame star, Cheektowaga and the Buffalo Sabres

2011-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News and WNY News from Metrowny.com
Free xml sitemap generator

By Nicole Gawel

In 1956, a star was born in Long Island and later moved to Cheektowaga, graduating from Maryvale High School in 1974. He and the world just wouldn’t know of his fate until earning multiple degrees. A requirement in college led him down the right path to his destiny of acting.

Although he may have an illustrious career in the spotlight, actor William Fichtner who now lives in California still has his heart in Cheektowaga and Western New York. Fichtner was honored as the first recipient of the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival’s (BNFF) Walk of Fame-Trail of the Stars’ star Saturday, April 9 on Main Street in Buffalo between the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center and Shea’s.

“We chose Bill Fichtner as the first recipient because of his great career and connection to Western New York,” said Bill Cowell, founder and president of the BNFF.

Many from the neighborhood in which Fichtner grew up, his friends, family and even owners of the places he hung out and still visits when he comes back turned out for the ceremony. The ceremony included the color guard and singing of the National Anthem by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines, the unveiling of Fichtner’s star, hand and feet imprinting, autographs and pictures. A proclamation was given by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown citing that the day would be declared William Fichtner Day.

“This is the fifth year the BNFF has been around and it is ever growing and really establishing itself as a really amazing festival and is noteworthy for all filmmakers and this year is no exception,” said Fichtner.

Roughly a year ago, Cowell contacted Fichtner and asked if he’d be interested in being honored as the first star on the trail of stars.

“It’s a great honor because it is my hometown,” said Fichtner. “I still love to come home. I feel like my heart has always been in Western New York and always will be and to have this sort of recognition for the things that I have done is incredible. We have a lot of people in the entertainment industry from WNY that are amazing. I’m humbled and honored and really excited to be back home and get to be with my sisters and my dad and my friends and to be asked by the BNFF to be recognized this way.”

After graduating from Maryvale, Fichtner went on to SUNY Farmingdale where he earned an associates in criminal justice and then transferred to SUNY Brockport where he received a bachelors in criminal justice and political science. This is where the story starts.

In order to meet all of the requirements to graduate from Brockport, Fichtner needed to take a fine arts course. He didn’t want to be stuck in a lecture hall taking intro to theatre and pursued a different route instead taking an improvisational class.

“I took the improvisational class and loved it. I had a chance to do something that I never really did in high school,” said Fichtner from his home in California. “After that class, the teacher said that if I really enjoyed it that I should do more of it.”

After graduating, while working at Mulligan’s Beach Club in Sunset Bay, Fichtner contemplated life and what he was going to do after school. His college sweetheart gave him a gift of a paperback book entitled How To Be A Working Actor. Fichtner read it over and over again that summer. The book discussed what steps were to be taken to become a professional actor.

“Back in the 1970s when I graduated college it wasn’t like it is today, the age of information,” said Fichtner. “If someone said they were going to be an actor, you looked at them like they were from Mars. It wasn’t something that people did. You did other things in your life. That was for someone else. It’s different today. People have access to everything and anything is a possibility now.”

Fichtner read the book, moved to New York City, got a job waiting tables and enrolled in the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts.

“Like all things, you need special people in your life that support you and want you to do well,” said Fichtner. “When I told my mom that I’d like to move to New York City and become an actor there was never a hesitation from her, or question as to what was I thinking, or if I was crazy. My mother was absolutely supportive from the very first time I never mentioned it. She told me I could do anything and that’s what I did.”

Since that fateful journey, Fichtner has appeared in Entourage, Prison Break, was the bank manager in The Dark Knight, was Darren MacElroy in Blades of Glory, Captain Knauer in The Longest Yard, was Attorney Ken Rosenberg in Grand Theft Auto video games, Colonel Willie Sharp in Armageddon, Danny’s father in Pearl Harbor, was in Grace Under Fire, and As the World Turns to name a few. Recently, he was in the accountant in Drive Angry with Nicholas Cage.

“I am someone who tends to pick roles that mean a lot to me,” said Fichtner. “I don’t take just any job. I like to take things that I think are really challenging, interesting. Do I have a favorite role? I really don’t decide to do anything unless I really want to do it, so I have a lot of favorite roles. Usually when something comes along that I find really exciting and challenging I want to do it and there are many of them. One of the highlights was a film with Jeff Bridges, The Amateurs. Black Hawk Down, The Perfect Storm and Contact were all roles that were challenging and I was very excited to be a part of them. The Perfect Storm and Black Hawk Down were my favorites because they were based on true stories. There is a different sort of journey when you’re playing something based on a true story because they are real events with real people and in these particular films there is a tragic element to both stories. There is a real commitment by the actor to make sure you really honor the real people that were involved in this and that is always a special circumstance to be in as an actor.”

Even though Fichtner is living on the other side of the country, he lives everyday through his morals, values and the upbringing instilled in him while growing up in Cheektowaga. He is humble and down to earth and speaks fondly of the Western New York area and his friends and family. His roots are still firmly planted in the area.

One can tell that Fichtner truly is a hometown boy. He still roots heavily for the Sabres and is equally a fan of the Buffalo Bills. Fichtner noted that if Buffalo had any other team he’d be a big fan of them too. He is always rooting for the University at Buffalo Bulls, Niagara, Canisius and every other college and sports team from Western New York.

“I love my hometown teams,” said Fichtner.

Unfortunately the L.A. Kings and Anaheim Ducks don’t always play the Buffalo Sabres every year, but when they do come to California, Fichtner is there with his son. Fichtner told of a story that when the Sabres played the Kings last year, he took his son, who wore a Thomas Vanek jersey to the game. After the game, Vanek signed his son’s jersey and Drew Stafford gave him a stick in which most of the team signed. That stick has a real place of honor in Fichtner’s house.

With the Sabres in the playoffs, Fichtner is excited about the future of the team.

“I hope I can met Terry Pegula someday and say thank you because he has everyone believing and he has a real commitment to turn this team around,” said Fichtner. “Since Pegula took over there is a real difference in the team. We have real young talent on the Sabres. I’ll be a fan of Ryan Miller until the last day he plays and then some. Stafford has had an amazing season this year too. We’re just catching the tip of the iceberg. The heart of the Sabres really comes through. This is just the beginning. Teams go through rhythms and the Sabres are on an upswing and everyone can feel it and the league knows it now. I don’t know if they are going to win the Stanley Cup this year, but they are going to be a force to reckon with, this year and ever year coming up in the foreseeable future. I have a lot to look forward to when it comes to my Sabres.”

Buffalo News WNY News

Marijuana growing operation busted in Town of Hamburg

2011-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

At 1:41 p.m. on Monday, April 11, the Town of Hamburg Police Narcotics Unit, Detectives Bureau and Officer Joseph O’Brien executed a search warrant for the rear residence at 3828 South Creek Road in the Town of Hamburg.

What the officers found when they entered the residence was over 5 pounds of marijuana which was packaged for sale located all through the house.

There were also two marijuana growing operations in the basement.

“These plants were in a meticulous growing operation,” Captain Kevin Trask said. “This looks to be an operation where the suspects grew the plants themselves, harvested the leaves, dried them, packaged them and then sold them to customers.”

While executing the search warrant, which was signed by Hamburg Justice Walter Rooth, police found a Remington .22-caliber rifle with its stock cut off in a bedroom closet.

“As soon as anyone cuts off a stock of a rifle, it makes it illegal,” said Trask. “By doing this you have now made a weapon that is concealable, a hand gun.”

According to police, inside the house they also found digital scales and other items that are believed to be used to process the marijuana.

The plants were taken to Central Police Services in the City of Buffalo, where they will be dried and then weighed. It is estimated that once this is done, there will be over 9 pounds of marijuana. The value of the marijuana was placed at $18,000.

Other items seized were six UV lights, six power supplies, a money counter, a safe, a computer, two cell phones and $900, which was found in a bedroom dresser drawer.

Taken into custody were Joseph M. Curcie, 21, and Ceara E. Hoffman, 19, both of the South Creek Road address, as well as Samuel B. Gardner, 20, of Buffalo.

Found in Gardner’s possession was a driver’s license of a Levittown resident, along with that person’s Bank of America Visa debit card, police said. The owner was being contacted by police.

Curcie and Hoffman were charged with felony second-degree criminal possession of a marijuana and felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, defaced for concealment.

Gardner was charged with felony second-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

All three suspects were arraigned before Hamburg Justice Gerald P. Gorman, who released them all on their own recognizance to return to court at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 28.

click to read more Buffalo News or WNY News

'Summer of Transformation' for Buffalo's Waterfront

2011-04-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today's Buffalo News and WNY News brought to you by Metrowny.com

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation’s (ECHDC) Board of Directors today approved a slate of items that will begin to change the way that Western New Yorkers connect and interact with their waterfront. The board awarded a contract for a temporary extension of the Central Wharf, renewed its contract with Buffalo Place to provide programming at Erie Canal Harbor, which will result in more than 300 events on the Inner Harbor, approved a grant for repairs and restoration to the historic Buffalo Lighthouse and announced that a water taxi service will provide access to various locations along the Buffalo River and Inner and Outer Harbors, a first for the region. Looking towards the future, the board named the contractor who will oversee the engineering and design of a series of historically aligned public canals, due to open during the summer/fall of 2012.

The board awarded a contract for $196,500 to the C. Destro Development Co. of Buffalo for construction of a temporary extension to the Central Wharf. The extension will provide an additional 400 feet of waterfront access for cyclists and pedestrians, resulting in a continuous linkage to the Outer Harbor via the Ohio Street Corridor. The contractor is required to achieve 20 percent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 5 percent Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation and has indicated confidence in meeting that workforce utilization goal.

Buffalo Place will again provide operations, maintenance and special event services at the Central Wharf this summer. Building on the successful programming already in place, ECHDC has committed to tripling the number of events offered on the Inner Harbor this summer. The Cultural Steering Committee, which has been led by Maureen Hurley since 2007, endorsed a series of cultural offerings designed to tell “The Story of Buffalo” in the very place where Buffalo began. These events will complement the existing events offered during the past two summer seasons.

New events will include:

•    The Buffalo Native Creek Festival
•    The Fish and Wildlife Experience Festival
•    Clinton’s Ditch (Historical drama detailing the building of the Erie Canal)
•    The Masten District Jazz Festival
•    Family programming from Explore & More Children’s Museum

“The people of Western New York have made it clear that what they want is connection to the water,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “Our goal is to create linkages along the waterfront so that people can enjoy what’s already available, and to get a sense of the opportunities that are there.”

The water taxi, operated by the Queen City Ferry Company, will link the three distinct areas of Buffalo’s waterfront: the Inner Harbor, the Buffalo River and the Outer Harbor. Queen City is a private venture with Buffalo Sailing Adventures, whose owners have over 30 years combined experience operating passenger and educational vessels on waterfronts nationwide, and have a proven record of success in providing engaging, authentic, and professional public access to Buffalo’s waterways on the Spirit of Buffalo. The $96,500 agreement ensures three years of regular water ferry services (pedestrian and bicycle) with standardized routes and schedules to four locations:

•    The Commercial Slip (Inner Harbor)
•    River Fest Park (Buffalo River)
•    First Buffalo Marina (Inner Harbor)
•    Small Boat Harbor (Outer Harbor)

“As progress moves forward, we are reminded that the water is the anchor that draws growing crowds. Public participation in this process and the actions of the board ensures that families and tourists will visit more often and stay longer as there will be more access and programming,” said Congressman Brian Higgins, who noted the projects approved today are supported by funding secured through the relicensing settlement with the New York Power Authority. “Restaurants, restrooms, a ferry that connects an expanded commercial slip boardwalk to a series of pedestrian paths along the transformed Outer Harbor Parkway, and increased activities brought to us thanks to the experienced leadership of Buffalo Place are creating the destination that the people have demanded and certainly deserve.”

Demonstrating its commitment to preserving our waterfront’s heritage, ECHDC approved a grant of $170,700 for the repair and restoration of the Buffalo Lighthouse. Built in 1833, the lighthouse stands at the mouth of the Buffalo River and is so identified with Buffalo that it was incorporated into the City’s seal. The structure currently sits on federal land owned by the U.S. Coast Guard. Access to the site was restricted in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Congressman Brian Higgins secured over $6 million for reconfiguration of the Coast Guard facilities to allow public access to the area around the historic lighthouse. Construction is expected to begin soon on the grounds and the masonry repair and stonework is being completed in anticipation of the return of visitors to the site this fall.

C&S Companies of Buffalo will provide architectural and engineering design services for the historically aligned public canal system which will be constructed on the Aud Block, in accordance with the terms of a $1.7 million contract awarded today. Construction on the canals will begin later this year and will open during the summer/fall of 2012.

In other business, ECHDC approved its 2012 Operating Budget and named Empire State Development Counsel Leecia Eve as Corporation Counsel.

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary agency of Empire State Development Corporation whose vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty.

click to read more Buffalo News

Click to read more WNY News