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Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Born February 2, 1914 in Lockport, she was the daughter of Clarence and Effie (Shaw) Naylor.
She was predeceased by husband Frank W. Dittmer in 1988. Beloved mother of Robert (late June) Dittmer. Cherished grandmother of Robert Dittmer Jr., and Frank (Debra) Dittmer. Cherished great grandmother of Dustin, Brent Dittmer, Jessica, Jacob and Malina Dittmer.
Violet was active in scouting in the 1950's and 1960's. She was the past president of B. Leon Dolan Post 410 Auxiliary and was active with the Second Presbyterian Church.
There will be no prior visitation. Graveside Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday at Cold Springs Cemetery. Arrangement by the Taylor & Reynolds Funeral Home, Transit and Niagara Streets. Memorials to Niagara Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
Please visit taylor andreynolds.com.
Born on March 22, 1973 in Muncie, IN he is the son of Michael J. Ryan of Williamsville and the late Pamela (Krentz) Ryan who predeceased him on September 29, 2011.
Christopher worked as a waiter for The Buffalo Chop House, Russell’s and more recently at Francesca’s Ristorante Italiano in Buffalo. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing tennis football. Besides his father Christopher is also survived by his brother Jeffrey M. (Andrea) Ryan of Buffalo and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call Wednesday, April 1st from 4-8 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will be held Thursday, April 2nd at 11 AM.
Memorial donations to Kids Escaping Drugs, 920 Harlem Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224 or go to www.makeachangewny.org would be appreciated by the family.
Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com
John served in the National Guard and was a serviceman at Harrison Radiator retiring in 1999 after 35 years. He was a member of the Lockport Clowns where he was “Hobo” The Clown for over 40 years, also a member of the Lockport Planning Board, and the Canal Task Force. John enjoyed wind surfing, antique cars, trains, traveling and also racing Hobie Cats.
More important than all of his accomplishments were the people in John’s life. Known by so many as a kind and gentle man, John easily collected friends along the way, and these friends became members of his extended family. John was generous with his time and willing to help anyone – whether with a home repair, boat problem, or a sailing lesson. It is John’s loyal commitment to people – including strangers that will be missed. John is known, respected, and cared for by so many especially those in Lockport; Sherkston Shores, Canada; and Tarpon Springs, FL because he cared for and respected them first.
Devoted and loving husband for over 48 years to his wife Jane (nee Hayes) Hall of Lockport; John was also the loving father and sailing partner to both Julie Hall of Milwaukee, WI; and Joel (Jennifer) Hall of Hilton, NY and the one and only “Junior” to granddaughters Jacie and Jordyn Hall. He is also survived by a brother Charles Hall of Largo, FL, a sister-in-law, Joan Hall; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by a brother, William Hall, and his parents Prentice (Ted) and Marion (nee Webb) Hall.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Thursday, April 2nd from 1-4 and 6-9 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A celebration of John’s life will be held there on Friday, April 3rd at 10 AM. Internment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery. Memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
Please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com.
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Below is the full text of Mayor Anne McCaffrey's press release announcing her candidacy for a full term as mayor.
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Below is the full text of Mayor Anne McCaffrey's press release announcing her candidacy for a full term as mayor.
Lockport City Mayor, Anne McCaffrey, announced her candidacy today to seek a full term as Mayor, in which she plans to continue the fiscal recovery of Lockport that she has led since taking office just over a year ago.
Since McCaffrey took office in February of 2014, she identified multiple financial crises facing Lockport and immediately took corrective actions to stabilize the city’s finances and prevent future distress on city taxpayers.
“I am running for mayor to continue the hard work that must be done to build upon the economic improvements that we have made in the past year,” said McCaffrey. “We have created fiscal accountability through a number of safeguards, including the implementation of a new independent audit committee, policies that create greater financial transparency and spending reductions that have put us back on a responsible path.”
A focus on economic development has led to new development including Cornerstone CFCU Arena, The Lockport Locks Flight of 5, and Trek, Inc., which McCaffrey considers flagships and local economic drivers for the future. This development has already brought over 200 new jobs to Lockport. “We have put our local economy in a position to grow and develop, we are seeing great interest in new private sector investment, and I want to continue the momentum we have achieved since we have restored fiscal responsibility to Lockport.”
McCaffrey firmly believes in leading by example. After taking office, she cut up the mayor’s credit card and sold the mayor’s official vehicle, returning the proceeds back to the taxpayers. In addition, with the cooperation of the city council, she implemented new nonpartisan ethics reforms that will restore public trust and bring greater transparency to Lockport City Government. “I have the opportunity to speak to residents every day, as a member of the Lockport Rotary or volunteering with Youth Mentoring Services, residents want a city government that has the community’s interest at heart. People take pride in their city, and elected officials should take pride in representing the community,” said McCaffrey.
The mayor concluded, “As the mother of three, I want to give our children opportunities for success, I want to grow our community, encourage development, create jobs and keep our city safe and affordable. The future is bright. We have taken the right steps to put us on the path to success and I am proud to announce my candidacy to keep us on that path.”
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Berniece Joyce Baldwin passed away March 31, 2015 in Absolut of Gasport in Royalton.
Born in Royalton on August 7, 1920 she was the daughter of Chester and Alice (Zachariah) Rankie. Berniece worked for Harrison radiator for 20 years in production retiring in 1976. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lockport where she was a Deaconess. Berniece enjoyed spending her winters in Florida with her husband, the late Edwin Baldwin who passed away in 1986.
Berniece is survived by her son Richard A. (Virginia) Baldwin of Rochester Hills, MI; grandmother of three and great grandmother of nine; sister of Clyde (late Virginia) Rankie of Lockport and the late W. Frederick (Martha) Rankie; also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call Thursday, April 2nd from 9-10 AM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will follow at 10 AM. Interment will be in Wrights Corners Cemetery.
Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com.
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey is seeking election to a full term as mayor, she announced today.
McCaffrey, 47, was thrust into the position of mayor just over a year ago following the sudden resignation of former Mayor Mike Tucker on Feb. 21, 2014. She has been tasked to righting the city's financial ship during her tenure and began her office with a series of small moves to show taxpayers her administration was going to save money, including the cancellation of a pair of city credit cards and sale of the mayor's city-paid-for car.
“I am running for mayor to continue the hard work that must be done to build upon the economic improvements that we have made in the past year,” said McCaffrey. “We have created fiscal accountability through a number of safeguards, including the implementation of a new independent audit committee, policies that create greater financial transparency and spending reductions that have put us back on a responsible path.”cCaffrey's political career began in 2011 when she was elected to the Common Council. A year later she was appointed as president of the Council by then-Mayor Tucker who referred to her “a rising star of the city.”
McCaffrey lives on Willow Street with her husband Chris and their three daughters.
Mike Pillot has announced intentions to seek the position of mayor, as well. There are reports of another Democratic candidate expected to announce, as well.
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McCaffrey, 47, was thrust into the position of mayor just over a year ago following the sudden resignation of former Mayor Mike Tucker on Feb. 21, 2014. She has been tasked to righting the city's financial ship during her tenure and began her office with a series of small moves to show taxpayers her administration was going to save money, including the cancellation of a pair of city credit cards and sale of the mayor's city-paid-for car.
“I am running for mayor to continue the hard work that must be done to build upon the economic improvements that we have made in the past year,” said McCaffrey. “We have created fiscal accountability through a number of safeguards, including the implementation of a new independent audit committee, policies that create greater financial transparency and spending reductions that have put us back on a responsible path.”cCaffrey's political career began in 2011 when she was elected to the Common Council. A year later she was appointed as president of the Council by then-Mayor Tucker who referred to her “a rising star of the city.”
McCaffrey lives on Willow Street with her husband Chris and their three daughters.
Mike Pillot has announced intentions to seek the position of mayor, as well. There are reports of another Democratic candidate expected to announce, as well.
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NEW YORK — Five good-government groups are publicly questioning why a publicly announced ethics deal has not been made available for public view.
The organizations — Common Cause of New York, Citizens Union, Brennan Center for Justice, New York Public Interest Research Group, and Reinvent Albany — issued a joint press release calling for state leaders to make the compact available for public view prior to the passage of the state budget.
Their statement follows below in its entirety:
news@eastniagarapost.com
NEW YORK — Five good-government groups are publicly questioning why a publicly announced ethics deal has not been made available for public view.
The organizations — Common Cause of New York, Citizens Union, Brennan Center for Justice, New York Public Interest Research Group, and Reinvent Albany — issued a joint press release calling for state leaders to make the compact available for public view prior to the passage of the state budget.
Their statement follows below in its entirety:
A NY state ethics deal may have been reached, but no one has yet seen a bill. Only 15 hours remain before the deadline of the state budget's required passage is reached.
It is unacceptable in a functioning democracy that an ethics bill about the disclosure of legislators' outside income hasn't even been disclosed to the public. Yet it will be introduced in a moment's notice, fast tracked with a message of necessity, and the legislature will vote on a major reform bill with no one having a chance to review it let alone read it.
Over the past few years, too many important bills on major issues have been handled using this short-circuited and nontransparent process. There has not been one public hearing on how to handle legislators' outside income yet a law will be introduced and passed within hours addressing the issue.
Press releases and news accounts should not be considered reasonable substitutes for the legislative process. Without bill language we can't assess the true value of these reforms, but we can be sure we don't like the way our state government is functioning.
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The National Weather Service calls for partly sunny skies today with a high near 37 and a low around 25.
Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 40 and a low around 31. Thursday, there's a chance of showers, otherwise partly sunny with a high near 59 and a low around 43. Good Friday, there's a chance of rain with a high near 47 and a low around 30.
Saturday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 38 and a low around 26. Easter Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 39 and a low around 31. Monday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 48.
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Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 40 and a low around 31. Thursday, there's a chance of showers, otherwise partly sunny with a high near 59 and a low around 43. Good Friday, there's a chance of rain with a high near 47 and a low around 30.
Saturday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 38 and a low around 26. Easter Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 39 and a low around 31. Monday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 48.
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I have to admit that writing reviews for nonfiction books is not exactly my favorite thing to do. There is a lot of pressure to keep true to the historical accuracy. There is also the added pressure when the book is a memoir, especially when it’s of someone you admire. I had a bit of that issue with "You Can’t Make This Up" by Al Michaels. Which may be why this will likely be one of the shortest reviews I have written.
When I saw the book on the shelf at the library, I knew I had to grab it and give it a thorough read. I could tell from the end of the first chapter that this book was not what I expected. Typically, a memoir would talk about their lives a bit more than Al does. Rather, he barely touches upon his early life and instead gives us snapshots of the growth of his broadcasting career.
First off, let me tell you that this book gives the general public a unique look at some pretty well-known events in the sporting world. From his seat at Lake Placid in 1980 to his friendship with O.J Simpson, Al Michaels gives us a behind the scenes look, and makes it interesting.
Additionally, Michaels explains the sometimes complicated relationships with his fellow sportscasters. We learn that the beloved Howard Cosell was a cantankerous old man at the end of his career who drank his friends and colleagues away. We get an inside look at the aloofness of Frank Gifford, and the high praises Michaels gives Dennis Miller and Chris Collingsworth.
Al Michaels is a man who is living his dream. Ever since he was a child, he would set up the neighborhood games and announce the action. From high school, through college, Michaels emulated his heroes as he described the action to listeners everywhere, eventually working alongside those very heroes.
Michaels rehashes his history of announcing with great colloquial prose. His writing, with help from a ghost writer, is easy to read, and engaging to the reader, where said reader is pulled into events that seem so familiar. Michaels reinforces the idea that he is one of our friends ready to share in joy and anguish of the gladiatorial barrage of our favorite teams.
When I first picked up the book, I had already heard about the book. It was described as a fantastic book detailing the life of Al Michaels. It was said to give his life story the public showing that it deserved. I went in expecting exactly that. It was not what I got from the book.
You Can’t Make This Up was not the life story of Al Michaels. It was a group of snapshots extending over a long career in the broadcast booth. And it was fascinating. While I wish there was more of Michaels’s life outside the booth, the stories contained were thrilling and engaging. If you get a chance to grab this book from the library, I highly suggest taking the time to read it. We already like Al Michaels. This book gives us a chance to like him a little bit more.
While I have steered away from reviewing nonfiction books, there will be several upcoming. There will be one about Bob Dylan and another which may barely qualify as nonfiction. It is much harder to write these reviews than writing reviews for fiction books, but I will endeavor to give it my best shot. I hope you will still enjoy them as much as the fiction reviews. Stay tuned. We’ll be charting some new territory.
+Craig Bacon has a face for radio and a voice for ASL interpreting. You can contact him at craigebacon@gmail or following antics on Twitter at @hippieboy73.
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The Buffalo Sabres scored four unanswered goals, including two empty-netters, to beat the Arizona Coyotes 4-1.
Andrej Meszaros scored twice for the Sabres and Brian Gionta had two points in the road win.
Connor Murphy got the scoring started just 1:17 into the first period, putting the Coyotes up 1-0, assisted by Sam Gagner and Klas Dahlbeck.
Meszaros scored a power play goal at 4:27 of the second to tie the game, assisted by Andre Benoit and Mikhail Grigorenko. Meszaros scored again at 13:36, putting the Sabres in the lead for good. His second goal was assisted by Nicholas Deslauriers and Zac Dalpe.
Gionta scored an empty-net goal shorthanded at 18:11 of the third period, assisted by Marcus Foligno and Mike Weber. Rasmus Ristolainen made it 4-1 at 19:17, assisted by Gionta and Matt Moulson on another empty-net goal.
Anders Lindback stopped 28 of 29 shots for the Sabres, while the offense took 36 shots against the Coyotes.
The Sabres next play Wednesday when the Maple Leafs come to First Niagara Center.
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Andrej Meszaros scored twice for the Sabres and Brian Gionta had two points in the road win.
Connor Murphy got the scoring started just 1:17 into the first period, putting the Coyotes up 1-0, assisted by Sam Gagner and Klas Dahlbeck.
Meszaros scored a power play goal at 4:27 of the second to tie the game, assisted by Andre Benoit and Mikhail Grigorenko. Meszaros scored again at 13:36, putting the Sabres in the lead for good. His second goal was assisted by Nicholas Deslauriers and Zac Dalpe.
Gionta scored an empty-net goal shorthanded at 18:11 of the third period, assisted by Marcus Foligno and Mike Weber. Rasmus Ristolainen made it 4-1 at 19:17, assisted by Gionta and Matt Moulson on another empty-net goal.
Anders Lindback stopped 28 of 29 shots for the Sabres, while the offense took 36 shots against the Coyotes.
The Sabres next play Wednesday when the Maple Leafs come to First Niagara Center.
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Monday, March 30, 2015
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GASPORT — A pet trapped in a Gasport Road home Sunday was rescued by fire personnel.
According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call reporting a house fire at 4803 Gasport Road. Upon arrival, patrol units observed dark colored smoke and flames on the north-west corner of the house.
Gasport Chemical Hose Company, along with Terry's Corners Fire Company, responded to extinguish the fire. All residents were able to exit the house safely, while the pet, reportedly trapped in the home, was saved by fire personnel. A
The estimate of damage is undetermined at this time. The investigation is continuing by the Niagara County Origin and Cause Unit.
news@eastniagarapost.com
According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call reporting a house fire at 4803 Gasport Road. Upon arrival, patrol units observed dark colored smoke and flames on the north-west corner of the house.
Gasport Chemical Hose Company, along with Terry's Corners Fire Company, responded to extinguish the fire. All residents were able to exit the house safely, while the pet, reportedly trapped in the home, was saved by fire personnel. A
The estimate of damage is undetermined at this time. The investigation is continuing by the Niagara County Origin and Cause Unit.
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The Stoll Brothers Band will be rocking the Historic Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. April 6.
Presented by LCTV and the Historic Palace, this free concert is part of the local TV series, “Music in the Night.” The concert will be taped for later airing on LCTV and WLNF Radio 90.5 FM.
The Stoll Brothers, an iconic and beloved Lockport band, are Dave Stoll on guitar and lead vocals, Dan Stoll on drums and vocals, Chris Peacock on bass, and Andy Geier on guitar. They play the very best of classic rock favorites and their own original songs.
Admission is free and the doors will open at 6 p.m. Full concessions will be available (with beer and wine for those of legal age). Concessions benefit the operation of the Historic Palace Theatre.
Upcoming concerts for Music in the Night:
For more information about the concert series, call LCTV at 434-1733.
news@eastniagarapost.com
The Stoll Brothers Band will be rocking the Historic Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. April 6.
Presented by LCTV and the Historic Palace, this free concert is part of the local TV series, “Music in the Night.” The concert will be taped for later airing on LCTV and WLNF Radio 90.5 FM.
The Stoll Brothers, an iconic and beloved Lockport band, are Dave Stoll on guitar and lead vocals, Dan Stoll on drums and vocals, Chris Peacock on bass, and Andy Geier on guitar. They play the very best of classic rock favorites and their own original songs.
Admission is free and the doors will open at 6 p.m. Full concessions will be available (with beer and wine for those of legal age). Concessions benefit the operation of the Historic Palace Theatre.
Upcoming concerts for Music in the Night:
- April 13: “High Horse”
- April 20: “Navigator”
- May 11: “The Who Dats”
- May 18: “Workingman’s Dead”
For more information about the concert series, call LCTV at 434-1733.
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ALBANY — A bill introduced by state Senator Rob Ortt, R–North Tonawanda, that would toughen laws for improperly disposing a body, passed today in the Senate. The bill (S2957) would create Amanda Lynn’s Law, named after Amanda Lynn Wienckowski whose body was found in a Buffalo garbage tote in January of 2009. The law would change the crime from a misdemeanor to a Class D Felony.
Amanda Lynn’s Law addresses the issue of tampering with potential crime scene evidence. The bill relates to a person knowingly moving, or concealing a human corpse as a way to hinder the discovery of a death.
“It’s unfortunate that the need for such a reasonable law is even necessary,” said Sen. Ortt. “However, current law is far too lenient in cases where individuals commit terrible acts, move or conceal dead bodies, and yet they don’t face felony charges. By passing this law, I believe we can help honor Amanda Lynn Wienckowski’s memory by ensuring that similar heinous acts are punished to the fullest extent of the law."
Wienckowski’s family has been fighting for justice for Amanda ever since the Erie County Medical Examiner ruled the 20-year-old Kenmore native died of an accidental drug overdose. A second autopsy done by a California pathologist determined Wienckowski was strangled to death. Her family maintains she was murdered. Till this day, no one has been charged in connection with Wienckowski’s death.
Steven Cohen, the attorney for the Wienckowski family said, “In most instances, the unlawful disposal of a body involves a homicide. A law making such disposal a felony will deter accomplices from facilitating such crimes.”
The bill is being sent to the Assembly.
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 |
| State Sen. Rob Ortt |
Amanda Lynn’s Law addresses the issue of tampering with potential crime scene evidence. The bill relates to a person knowingly moving, or concealing a human corpse as a way to hinder the discovery of a death.
“It’s unfortunate that the need for such a reasonable law is even necessary,” said Sen. Ortt. “However, current law is far too lenient in cases where individuals commit terrible acts, move or conceal dead bodies, and yet they don’t face felony charges. By passing this law, I believe we can help honor Amanda Lynn Wienckowski’s memory by ensuring that similar heinous acts are punished to the fullest extent of the law."
Wienckowski’s family has been fighting for justice for Amanda ever since the Erie County Medical Examiner ruled the 20-year-old Kenmore native died of an accidental drug overdose. A second autopsy done by a California pathologist determined Wienckowski was strangled to death. Her family maintains she was murdered. Till this day, no one has been charged in connection with Wienckowski’s death.
Steven Cohen, the attorney for the Wienckowski family said, “In most instances, the unlawful disposal of a body involves a homicide. A law making such disposal a felony will deter accomplices from facilitating such crimes.”
The bill is being sent to the Assembly.
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Lockport-area gas prices dropped a cent in the last week according to AAA East Central’s weekly Fuel Gauge report. The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline, based on reports from 22 stations in the Lockport area, was $2.483, up from $2.494 last week and $3.719 this time last year. The national average is $2.420.
Today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.42 per gallon. Consumers are paying two cents more than one month ago and $1.13 less than the same date last year. The national average has now fallen for 17 of the past 23 days.
The status of regional refineries continues to be a driving factor for gas prices in many parts of the country. While prices over the past month are higher for many drivers, year-over-year price comparisons continue to highlight universal savings. Sharply lower oil prices have resulted in substantially less expensive gas prices in every state.
After briefly rising back above $50 per barrel last week, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil dropped back below that threshold to end last week. Crude prices have fallen to multi-year lows due largely to ample global production. The possibility of increased exports from Iran should a nuclear deal be reached this week would further increase production and has for now offset any “risk premium” stemming from regional stability due to violence in Yemen. A possible deal between the West and Iran could bring an estimated 500,000 barrels per day of additional oil to the global market, which would add more supply to an already well-supplied market and exert further downward pressure on crude prices. At the close of Friday’s formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled down $2.56 at $48.87 per barrel.
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Today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.42 per gallon. Consumers are paying two cents more than one month ago and $1.13 less than the same date last year. The national average has now fallen for 17 of the past 23 days.
The status of regional refineries continues to be a driving factor for gas prices in many parts of the country. While prices over the past month are higher for many drivers, year-over-year price comparisons continue to highlight universal savings. Sharply lower oil prices have resulted in substantially less expensive gas prices in every state.
After briefly rising back above $50 per barrel last week, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil dropped back below that threshold to end last week. Crude prices have fallen to multi-year lows due largely to ample global production. The possibility of increased exports from Iran should a nuclear deal be reached this week would further increase production and has for now offset any “risk premium” stemming from regional stability due to violence in Yemen. A possible deal between the West and Iran could bring an estimated 500,000 barrels per day of additional oil to the global market, which would add more supply to an already well-supplied market and exert further downward pressure on crude prices. At the close of Friday’s formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled down $2.56 at $48.87 per barrel.
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ALBANY — State Sen. Rob Ortt released a statement today expressing his support for confirmation of Chief Executive of Empire State Development Howard Zemsky.
The statement follows below in its entirety:
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ALBANY — State Sen. Rob Ortt released a statement today expressing his support for confirmation of Chief Executive of Empire State Development Howard Zemsky.
The statement follows below in its entirety:
As an elected official whose priority is economic development and job creation, I was proud to vote for Mr. Zemsky's confirmation. I believe his leadership will have a positive impact on Western New York. As a Western New York native, Mr. Zemsky understands the unique challenges we have faced over the years. I look forward to working with him to promote growth and development in our communities.
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Born on March 5, 1993, she is the daughter of Daniel F. and Pamela L. (Potempa) Russell. Kelsey is also survived by her dearly loved brother, Zachary Russell, who held a special place in her heart; grandparents, Katherine Russell, Eugene Russell and Joanne and Philip Potempa; aunts and uncles, Deborah (John) Lewis, James Russell, Steven Russell, Dr. Gregory (Stacey) Potempa, Dr. Michele Potempa and Leslie (Lamar) Potempa-Purdie; 13 loving cousins and her very special friend, Prince Knight.
A funeral celebration of Kelsey’s life will be held on Thursday at 9:30 AM at Ridgewood Bible Church, 7073 Ridge Road, Lockport. In lieu of flowers, a “Memorial” in Kelsey’s name can be sent to Living Bright, 3152 Drew Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Attn: Evan. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.langefuneralhomeinc.com.
“In tears we saw you sinking, and watched you pass away. Our hearts were almost broken, we wanted you to stay. But when we saw you sleeping, so peacefully, free from pain, how could we wish you back with us, to suffer that again. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for parts of us went with you, the day God called you home.”
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BUFFALO — The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has recalled goaltender Andrey Makarov from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Makarov (4/20/93, 6’1″, 186 lbs) joins the Sabres for his fourth career NHL recall after being signed by Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2012. With the Amerks this season, Makarov has played in 37 games, recording a 15-17-3 record with a .902 save percentage and 2.98 goals-against average. After joining the Amerks in March 2014, he helped the team close out its regular season by posting a 7-3-0 record, while registering a .927 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average.
In the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs, Makarov went 2-3-0 in five games played and recorded a .907 save percentage and 3.01 goals-against average.
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Makarov (4/20/93, 6’1″, 186 lbs) joins the Sabres for his fourth career NHL recall after being signed by Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2012. With the Amerks this season, Makarov has played in 37 games, recording a 15-17-3 record with a .902 save percentage and 2.98 goals-against average. After joining the Amerks in March 2014, he helped the team close out its regular season by posting a 7-3-0 record, while registering a .927 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average.
In the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs, Makarov went 2-3-0 in five games played and recorded a .907 save percentage and 3.01 goals-against average.
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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — The Sunday morning stabbing on Dysinger Road that sent a man to ECMC occurred during a robbery, according to New York State Police.
NYSP and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department were called to an apartment building at 6604 Dysinger Road around 11:50 a.m. to investigate the incident. Investigation revealed that the victim of the assault, 34-year-old Justin West had been robbed of cash at knifepoint and stabbed in the leg by Derrick Powell, 31.
West was transported to Erie County Medical Center via Mercy Flight for a wound to his lower leg and treated while responding troopers and deputies began to search for Powell, who had fled on foot after the incident. He was eventually located hiding in a closet of a nearby apartment building.
Powell stands charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned before Lockport Town Justice Cheryl Antkowiak and remanded to the Niagara County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. He is to return to court on Thursday.
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NYSP and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department were called to an apartment building at 6604 Dysinger Road around 11:50 a.m. to investigate the incident. Investigation revealed that the victim of the assault, 34-year-old Justin West had been robbed of cash at knifepoint and stabbed in the leg by Derrick Powell, 31.
West was transported to Erie County Medical Center via Mercy Flight for a wound to his lower leg and treated while responding troopers and deputies began to search for Powell, who had fled on foot after the incident. He was eventually located hiding in a closet of a nearby apartment building.
Powell stands charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned before Lockport Town Justice Cheryl Antkowiak and remanded to the Niagara County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. He is to return to court on Thursday.
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The many thousands of amateur film critics at the Internet Movie Database rarely agree on anything and they also rarely give movies grades much higher than 7.5. So when you see the 9.2 rating for The Godfather on IMDB.com and then you see that it is a grade made up of almost one million votes, you start to realize how universally respected this film really is. There are a lot of reasons why so many people love The Godfather, but you really have to see it to understand its appeal.
The dialogue in the movie, coupled with the precise timing in which it is delivered by the actors, is what makes this movie almost impossible to stop watching. Even after you have seen the movie literally 100 times (at least, that is when I stopped counting how many times I have seen it) and know what is coming next, you are still riveted to the conversations going on between guys who are deciding life and death in an almost casual way.
One of the more brilliant moves that lead to the production of The Godfather was hiring an unknown actor named Al Pacino to play the lead role of Michael Corleone. Up until he landed the role that would launch his career, Pacino had done most of his lead work in stage productions. It was Pacino’s work in a live stage production that caught the attention of director Francis Ford Coppola and inspired Coppola to fight bitterly with the studio about putting an unknown actor in a lead role. In my opinion, The Godfather falls very flat without Pacino and I consider Coppola’s casting decision to be one of the most significant events in movie history.
Usually, when I am watching a three-hour movie, I get to a point where I think it should have ended an hour earlier. With The Godfather, I never want the movie to end. The story is so engaging and played so well by the cast that I feel like I am watching something much more significant than a movie. But when the ending does arrive, it just feels so perfect.
Another reason I like The Godfather so much is because, each time I watch it, I find myself so wrapped up in the mafia strategy that I am trying to determine the inspiration behind each decision the characters make. How did Don Vito know that the first person to approach Michael about a meeting after the Don’s death would be the family traitor? I found the structure and mechanisms within the movie to be so engaging that I study the film now as much as watch it.
I have seen plenty of three-hour movies where character development was lacking, but that is not the case with this movie. We have decided by the start of the second hour which characters we care about, which ones we do not care about, and which ones we hope get whacked before the movie ends.
This movie works hard to successfully establish a strong emotional attachment with its audience and, as any artist will tell you, a strong emotional attachment is what makes art enduring. The Godfather plays on so many emotional levels that there have been books written about the effect the movie has on an audience. This is the ideal way to make a movie and the movie world was blessed to have Coppola re-create that magic in the greatest sequel of all-time. But that is another review.
Good movies tell stories and do not need jazzy special effects or tons of gore to grab an audience’s attention. The story of the mafia is one that has fascinated Americans since the 1930s and continues to be the stuff of American legend. The Godfather is a timeless masterpiece that will be as relevant 100 years from now as it is today and stands as the pinnacle of movie making that so many directors continue to strive for.
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5
+George N Root III is a drive-in fanatic who knows that drive-in season is just around the corner. In the meantime, he hopes you enjoy these classic reviews of the great and significant movies throughout history.
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The National Weather Service says that showers are likely this afternoon with a high near 41. Tonight, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a low around 28.
Tuesday, snow is likely with a high near 36 and a low around 23. Wednesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 39 and a low around 31. Thursday, showers are likely with a high near 56 and a low around 42.
Good Friday offers a chance of showers with a high near 49 and a low around 29. Saturday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 39 and a low around 28. Easter Sunday will be partly sunny with a high near 40.
news@eastniagarapost.com
Tuesday, snow is likely with a high near 36 and a low around 23. Wednesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 39 and a low around 31. Thursday, showers are likely with a high near 56 and a low around 42.
Good Friday offers a chance of showers with a high near 49 and a low around 29. Saturday, there's a chance of snow showers with a high near 39 and a low around 28. Easter Sunday will be partly sunny with a high near 40.
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Sunday, March 29, 2015
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ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced an agreement on the 2015-16 State Budget.
The Budget agreement includes landmark education reforms and investment, an ethics package with the nation's strongest disclosure laws for legislators with outside income, and new investments in rebuilding and growing the state's economy, including $1.5 billion for the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and $500 million to make New York the first in the nation to have statewide broadband.
The Budget agreement holds spending growth below two percent for the fifth consecutive year, continuing a record of fiscal discipline that has reversed decades of state budgets where spending grew at a higher rate than inflation or personal income growth.
Governor Cuomo said: "With this agreement, we address intractable problems that have vexed our state for generations. After decades of leading the nation in education spending but lagging in results, New York will set an example for all other states with a complete overhaul of the entrenched education bureaucracy. These reforms – accompanied by an unprecedented financial investment – will put students first by bringing accountability to the classroom, recruiting and rewarding our best teachers, further reducing over-testing, and finally confronting our chronically failing schools.
"I said I would not sign a Budget without real ethics reform, and this Budget does just that, putting in place the nation's strongest and most comprehensive rules for disclosure of outside income by public officials, reforming the long-abused per diem system, revoking public pensions for those who abuse the public’s trust, defining and eliminating personal use of campaign funds, and increasing transparency of independent expenditures.
"This is a Budget that all New Yorkers can be proud of.
"I commend Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Skelos, and their colleagues in the Legislature for their hard work and leadership in reaching this agreement."
Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said: "I am pleased that we have arrived at a responsible Budget agreement that lives within the 2 percent spending cap, rejects tax increases and meets the needs of every region of this state – reflecting the priorities of our Senate Republican conference. Thanks to a dramatic reduction in the Gap Elimination Adjustment along with an overall school aid increase of approximately $1.4 billion, students will continue to have the resources they need to learn and thrive. The Budget also includes a blueprint for significant new reforms designed to improve performance in the classroom, reduce over-testing and promote excellence in teaching. In addition, we make sound investments in our infrastructure to create new jobs and encourage the private sector to build and grow. Working together, the Legislature and Governor have also significantly tightened up the state’s ethics and disclosure laws to improve transparency and restore the public’s trust. I thank the Governor, Speaker Heastie, Senator Klein and all of the members of the Senate and Assembly for their hard work and contributions to this year’s enacted Budget, which we expect to pass on time before April 1."
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said: "Throughout this Budget process, the Assembly Majority pledged to stand strong for New York’s families. This financial plan provides historic increases in education funding for our children, funds our Higher Education Road to Success initiative, provides safe and affordable housing for a growing number of New Yorkers who are on the brink of homelessness, and grows our economy. I am particularly proud that this agreement builds upon our core values to strengthen our families, uplift our communities, and restore faith in our government. I thank Governor Cuomo and our colleagues in the Senate for their hard work in crafting a Budget that will help move New York forward."
The Budget agreement includes spending in the following categories:
Full details and language are to be released Monday.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
| Gov. Andrew Cuomo |
The Budget agreement includes landmark education reforms and investment, an ethics package with the nation's strongest disclosure laws for legislators with outside income, and new investments in rebuilding and growing the state's economy, including $1.5 billion for the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and $500 million to make New York the first in the nation to have statewide broadband.
The Budget agreement holds spending growth below two percent for the fifth consecutive year, continuing a record of fiscal discipline that has reversed decades of state budgets where spending grew at a higher rate than inflation or personal income growth.
Governor Cuomo said: "With this agreement, we address intractable problems that have vexed our state for generations. After decades of leading the nation in education spending but lagging in results, New York will set an example for all other states with a complete overhaul of the entrenched education bureaucracy. These reforms – accompanied by an unprecedented financial investment – will put students first by bringing accountability to the classroom, recruiting and rewarding our best teachers, further reducing over-testing, and finally confronting our chronically failing schools.
"I said I would not sign a Budget without real ethics reform, and this Budget does just that, putting in place the nation's strongest and most comprehensive rules for disclosure of outside income by public officials, reforming the long-abused per diem system, revoking public pensions for those who abuse the public’s trust, defining and eliminating personal use of campaign funds, and increasing transparency of independent expenditures.
"This is a Budget that all New Yorkers can be proud of.
"I commend Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Skelos, and their colleagues in the Legislature for their hard work and leadership in reaching this agreement."
Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said: "I am pleased that we have arrived at a responsible Budget agreement that lives within the 2 percent spending cap, rejects tax increases and meets the needs of every region of this state – reflecting the priorities of our Senate Republican conference. Thanks to a dramatic reduction in the Gap Elimination Adjustment along with an overall school aid increase of approximately $1.4 billion, students will continue to have the resources they need to learn and thrive. The Budget also includes a blueprint for significant new reforms designed to improve performance in the classroom, reduce over-testing and promote excellence in teaching. In addition, we make sound investments in our infrastructure to create new jobs and encourage the private sector to build and grow. Working together, the Legislature and Governor have also significantly tightened up the state’s ethics and disclosure laws to improve transparency and restore the public’s trust. I thank the Governor, Speaker Heastie, Senator Klein and all of the members of the Senate and Assembly for their hard work and contributions to this year’s enacted Budget, which we expect to pass on time before April 1."
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said: "Throughout this Budget process, the Assembly Majority pledged to stand strong for New York’s families. This financial plan provides historic increases in education funding for our children, funds our Higher Education Road to Success initiative, provides safe and affordable housing for a growing number of New Yorkers who are on the brink of homelessness, and grows our economy. I am particularly proud that this agreement builds upon our core values to strengthen our families, uplift our communities, and restore faith in our government. I thank Governor Cuomo and our colleagues in the Senate for their hard work in crafting a Budget that will help move New York forward."
The Budget agreement includes spending in the following categories:
- Total State Operating Funds: $94.25 billion; 2.0% growth
- School Aid: $23.5 billion; 6.1% growth
- Medicaid: $17.741 billion; 4.6% growth
- Funds from financial settlements: $5.4 billion, including $1.5 billion for the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and $500 million to make New York the first in the nation to have statewide broadband.
Full details and language are to be released Monday.
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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — New York State Police have arrested a suspect in relation to this morning's stabbing on Robinson Road.
The male victim was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC with non-life-threatening injuries according to police.
Neither the name of the suspect nor victim have been released.
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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — New York State Police have arrested a suspect in relation to this morning's stabbing on Robinson Road.
The male victim was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC with non-life-threatening injuries according to police.
Neither the name of the suspect nor victim have been released.
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"Wood, Paper, Scissors," an exhibit featuring four women artists working in unique mediums opens today at the Kenan Center. An opening reception will be held from 2-5 p.m. at the Kenan Gallery, 433 Locust St.
Running through April 26, the exhibit includes Pennsylvania book sculptor Jodi Harvey-Brown, book artist Diane L. Bond, collage artist Marie Prince, and wood sculptor Doris Timkey. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. (The gallery will be closed April 4, 5, and 18.)
Besides bringing together four women artists in one exhibit, the unique nature of the materials used, as well as a large amount of work in 3-dimensional form, makes this an especially accessible exhibit. Using literary classics like Moby Dick or Harry Potter as the foundation for sculpture, or hand-making books, as done by Harvey-Brown and Bond, appeals to our sense of familiarity with everyday objects. Even Prince’s collages depicting each United States president, and Timkey’s marionettes and figurines, work with familiar materials and images, reimagining them as objects of art.
One of the Kenan Gallery’s most popular events will take place in conjunction with this exhibit. “Tea & Tour” features light luncheon fare, desserts and assorted teas, served in the Kenan Center parlor. Guests are then treated to a conversation with the artists featured in the exhibit. The event takes place from 1-3 p.m. April 19. Cost is $25 per person, and advance reservations by April 13 are required since seating is limited. To reserve, individuals are asked to call 433-2617 during business hours.
Jodi Harvey-Brown, a trained dancer and dance teacher, received her art training at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Being a self-described bookworm by nature, Harvey-Brown turned her passion for the written word into crafting exquisitely detailed paper sculptures from books. Her work has been featured in numerous design and art magazines and websites, and exhibited at the Van Blijkshof Gallery in the Netherlands and the Mini Art Exhibit in Israel.
Orchard Park artist Diane L. Bond has been creating handmade books for more than 20 years. A graduate of SUNY Buffalo State and a Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan in Book Arts, Bond is also a NYS certified art teacher who has frequently taught grades K-12 as a visiting artist, and also holds workshops at the WNY Book Arts Center. Bond says that her collective experiences from working as a graphic designer, apprentice bookbinder and art educator along with training with several well-known book artists have given her the skills and abilities to create finely crafted functional books as well as one of a kind and small edition bookworks.
Since arriving in Western New York from Switzerland, modern dance-trained artist, Doris Timkey, has found a new passion in sculpting wood. She incorporates her experience as a dancer and movement therapist in her work, whether she’s creating whimsical figurines or enchanting marionettes for which she designs and hand-stitches the costumes and wigs.
After many years working in social services, Williamsville artist Marie Prince has devoted her energy full-time to artistic endeavors. She enjoys painting with acrylics and adding “found objects” to create the final work. Her most ambitious project to date has been her collage series, “The Presidents” which took more than a year to complete and includes 43 collages, each commemorating an American president. The collage series was exhibited at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in 2013, and was reproduced in a paperback book.
Sponsor of the Kenan Center Gallery 2015 Exhibitions are M&T Bank with additional support from the Kenan Arts Council, Grigg-Lewis Foundation, and Kenan Quilters’ Guild. For more information, call 716-433-2617 or go online to www.kenancenter.org.
news@eastniagarapost.com
Running through April 26, the exhibit includes Pennsylvania book sculptor Jodi Harvey-Brown, book artist Diane L. Bond, collage artist Marie Prince, and wood sculptor Doris Timkey. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. (The gallery will be closed April 4, 5, and 18.)
Besides bringing together four women artists in one exhibit, the unique nature of the materials used, as well as a large amount of work in 3-dimensional form, makes this an especially accessible exhibit. Using literary classics like Moby Dick or Harry Potter as the foundation for sculpture, or hand-making books, as done by Harvey-Brown and Bond, appeals to our sense of familiarity with everyday objects. Even Prince’s collages depicting each United States president, and Timkey’s marionettes and figurines, work with familiar materials and images, reimagining them as objects of art.
One of the Kenan Gallery’s most popular events will take place in conjunction with this exhibit. “Tea & Tour” features light luncheon fare, desserts and assorted teas, served in the Kenan Center parlor. Guests are then treated to a conversation with the artists featured in the exhibit. The event takes place from 1-3 p.m. April 19. Cost is $25 per person, and advance reservations by April 13 are required since seating is limited. To reserve, individuals are asked to call 433-2617 during business hours.
Jodi Harvey-Brown, a trained dancer and dance teacher, received her art training at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Being a self-described bookworm by nature, Harvey-Brown turned her passion for the written word into crafting exquisitely detailed paper sculptures from books. Her work has been featured in numerous design and art magazines and websites, and exhibited at the Van Blijkshof Gallery in the Netherlands and the Mini Art Exhibit in Israel.
Orchard Park artist Diane L. Bond has been creating handmade books for more than 20 years. A graduate of SUNY Buffalo State and a Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan in Book Arts, Bond is also a NYS certified art teacher who has frequently taught grades K-12 as a visiting artist, and also holds workshops at the WNY Book Arts Center. Bond says that her collective experiences from working as a graphic designer, apprentice bookbinder and art educator along with training with several well-known book artists have given her the skills and abilities to create finely crafted functional books as well as one of a kind and small edition bookworks.
Since arriving in Western New York from Switzerland, modern dance-trained artist, Doris Timkey, has found a new passion in sculpting wood. She incorporates her experience as a dancer and movement therapist in her work, whether she’s creating whimsical figurines or enchanting marionettes for which she designs and hand-stitches the costumes and wigs.
After many years working in social services, Williamsville artist Marie Prince has devoted her energy full-time to artistic endeavors. She enjoys painting with acrylics and adding “found objects” to create the final work. Her most ambitious project to date has been her collage series, “The Presidents” which took more than a year to complete and includes 43 collages, each commemorating an American president. The collage series was exhibited at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in 2013, and was reproduced in a paperback book.
Sponsor of the Kenan Center Gallery 2015 Exhibitions are M&T Bank with additional support from the Kenan Arts Council, Grigg-Lewis Foundation, and Kenan Quilters’ Guild. For more information, call 716-433-2617 or go online to www.kenancenter.org.
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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — Mercy Flight has been requested for a stabbing victim in the 6600 block of Dysinger Road.
The stabbing occurred shortly before noon. Rapids VFC was called to attend to the victim. Shortly after, Mercy Flight was called to transport the victim to Erie County Medical Center.
No further details are available.
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The National Weather Service calls for sunny skies today with a high near 38 and a low around 34.
Monday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 40 and a low around 28. Tuesday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 37. Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 41 and a low around 32.
Thursday calls for a chance of showers with a high near 59 and a low around 40. Good Friday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 48 and a low around 31. Saturday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 40.
news@eastniagarapost.com
Monday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 40 and a low around 28. Tuesday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 37. Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 41 and a low around 32.
Thursday calls for a chance of showers with a high near 59 and a low around 40. Good Friday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 48 and a low around 31. Saturday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 40.
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Saturday, March 28, 2015
Jason L. Blankenship, 35, 7963 Transit Road, East Amherst, was charged around 5:32 p.m. Thursday with third-degree assault and second-degree harassment. According to the LPD arrest report, Blankenship punched a struck a man in the face at a West Avenue bar on Feb. 28. He was found on Weld Street on Thursday and charged. He is due in City Court on Monday.
Erin Kanalley, 36, 18 Cave St., was charged around 4:36 p.m. with failure to clear her sidewalk in front of 39 Harvey Avenue. The alleged offense occurred on March 13. She turned herself in on Thursday and is due in City Court on Tuesday.
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City of Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey will present the 10th Annual Key to the Locks Award to honor Lockport’s Dianne Koplas, May 9.
Mrs. Koplas, who passed away in 2014, was a driving force behind many programs that promoted tourism and the history of Lockport, the Erie Canal and the Lockport locks.
Mrs. Koplas was instrumental in developing tours of First Presbyterian Church’s Tiffany windows and architectural and trolley tours of historic Lockport. As a Niagara History Center volunteer, she and fellow volunteer Lois Begley created the Center’s “Step Back in Time Players,” a re-enactor troupe representing famous Lockportians of the past. Mrs. Koplas was also a past president of the History Center’s Board of Directors.
She and her family created the Koplas Lecture Series, honoring the memory of her late husband, John, to sponsor annual speakers at Lockport’s Palace Theatre. This will now be renamed the John and Dianne Koplas Lecture Series.
The Annual Key to the Locks Award was established to recognize persons in Niagara County who exemplify the community spirit or promote the heritage or preservation of the historic Erie Canal.
A partial list of previous winners includes: Rosemary Bernard, for her continuing efforts to educate the community about the history of the Erie Canal; David Kinyon, for his promotion of the Flight of Five project; Carol Schmelz, for her work in establishing the Canalway Trail through Pendleton; artist Joe Whalen, for a lifetime of showcasing the Canal through his paintings; Jeffery Degnan, for his work in promoting the Erie Canalway Corridor; and Jane Whitmore, for beautification work along the historic Lockport locks.
The 10th Annual Key to the Locks Award ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, in the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport.
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Mrs. Koplas, who passed away in 2014, was a driving force behind many programs that promoted tourism and the history of Lockport, the Erie Canal and the Lockport locks.
Mrs. Koplas was instrumental in developing tours of First Presbyterian Church’s Tiffany windows and architectural and trolley tours of historic Lockport. As a Niagara History Center volunteer, she and fellow volunteer Lois Begley created the Center’s “Step Back in Time Players,” a re-enactor troupe representing famous Lockportians of the past. Mrs. Koplas was also a past president of the History Center’s Board of Directors.
She and her family created the Koplas Lecture Series, honoring the memory of her late husband, John, to sponsor annual speakers at Lockport’s Palace Theatre. This will now be renamed the John and Dianne Koplas Lecture Series.
The Annual Key to the Locks Award was established to recognize persons in Niagara County who exemplify the community spirit or promote the heritage or preservation of the historic Erie Canal.
A partial list of previous winners includes: Rosemary Bernard, for her continuing efforts to educate the community about the history of the Erie Canal; David Kinyon, for his promotion of the Flight of Five project; Carol Schmelz, for her work in establishing the Canalway Trail through Pendleton; artist Joe Whalen, for a lifetime of showcasing the Canal through his paintings; Jeffery Degnan, for his work in promoting the Erie Canalway Corridor; and Jane Whitmore, for beautification work along the historic Lockport locks.
The 10th Annual Key to the Locks Award ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, in the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport.
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news@eastniagarapost.com
Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement Friday announcing the grand opening of Lockport's Cornerstone CFCU Arena, calling it an "economic generator."
A gala dedication ceremony was held at the arena Friday night, featuring music from the Lockport High School Jazz Band, several speakers, and food from the YWCA Catering Crew.
"The opening of this ice arena is just another example of the success that can happen when we invest in each region from the ground up," Cuomo said in the statement.
The statement from the governor follows in its entirety:
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|
| Gov. Andrew Cuomo |
A gala dedication ceremony was held at the arena Friday night, featuring music from the Lockport High School Jazz Band, several speakers, and food from the YWCA Catering Crew.
"The opening of this ice arena is just another example of the success that can happen when we invest in each region from the ground up," Cuomo said in the statement.
The statement from the governor follows in its entirety:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the new 93,500 square foot ice arena. The Cornerstone CFCU Arena is a $15 million dollar project designed to enhance the quality of life in the community by providing young people with easily accessible activities, while at the same time promoting physical fitness and developing good sportsmanship through supervised games. The arena is also an economic generator, expecting to attract more than 150,000 people each year for public skating, competitive hockey, skating lessons, private parties and performance training. These patrons could create a demand for more than 4,000 nights per year in area hotels. View the arena here.
"The opening of this ice arena is just another example of the success that can happen when we invest in each region from the ground up," Governor Cuomo said. "This completed project, one which the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council recognized, will bring new economic life to the community of Lockport. I encourage anyone looking to skate or play hockey to check out this new facility and see what it has to offer."
The state-of-the-art facility is located at the intersection of Chestnut and Market Street, just south of the historic Erie Canal that runs through the heart of downtown Lockport. The arena, designed by Bammel Architects, PC, houses two NHL-sized rinks, a community room and sports training facility for skaters of all ages. There is 2,000 square feet of tenant space for a restaurant as well as 630 seats for spectators, which are actually heated by the rink's refrigeration equipment.
"Our goal is to make Western New York a hockey destination" says John Ottaviano, chairman of the Cornerstone CFCU Arena. "The benefits from the arena will be felt throughout the region as teams will need to be accommodated in the Amherst and Niagara Falls area when a tournament is in town. This project is proof that we all benefit when we work together.”
The arena also offers opportunities for those with developmental disabilities and special needs. Two members of the gold medal-winning U.S. sled hockey team from the 2014 Paralympic Games, Adam Page and Paul Schaus, worked with the architects to fine-tune specifications that are most suitable for persons with disabilities. Both are Erie County residents. Page, 22, who was born with spina bifida, played on the gold medal-winning U.S. sled hockey team at Vancouver in 2010 as well as last year’s in Sochi, Russia. Schaus, 25, is a former Marine who lost both legs above the knee in the explosion of an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2009.
City of Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey said, “It's been years since the residents of Lockport have seen a project of this magnitude in our city. The arena is an essential piece of the city’s redevelopment puzzle. We welcome the thousands of visitors, new jobs and increased business that have resulted from the completion of a project that serves the entire community.”
The Cornerstone CFCU Arena is a federally designated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Funding for the project came from a bank mortgage and a $1 million grant from the Western New York Regional Economic Council, $1 million from the John R. Oishei Foundation, and a donation of $4 million from the Grigg-Lewis Foundation. A portion of Chestnut Street on the South side of the arena was re-named “Grigg-Lewis Way” as part of today’s grand opening ceremonies.
State Senator Rob Ortt said, “This ice arena is a catalyst for transformation in the City of Lockport and the entire region. Its first-class skating arena is sure to draw thousands of tourists for tournaments and competitions, which will amount to thousands of dollars being pumped into the economy. My colleagues and I are proud to have partnered with Cornerstone CFCU, the City of Lockport and several other local organizations that helped to make this project a reality.”
Assemblywoman Jane Corwin said, "Cornerstone CFCU Arena is only part of the new development and economic growth on the horizon for Lockport. There are many individuals and organizations that must be applauded for their efforts and dedication to our community, including the Grigg-Lewis Foundation, Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and many more. There is a tremendous economic benefit that this arena will bring to our local businesses and community and I look forward to working with the Governor, my colleagues in the legislature, including Senator Rob Ortt and Lockport City officials including Mayor Anne McCaffrey to continue the growth and success of Niagara County and the City of Lockport."
“I had many challenges in my life, but I never looked at those. I only saw what I could do and followed that path which led me to all of the positive accomplishments in my life,” said Adam Page, U.S sled hockey team member. “When the leaders of the city of Lockport had the dream and the vision to a build an ice rink that no one thought could be done, those leaders surrounded themselves with positive and motivated people who helped make that dream come true. I am proud to be working with such wonderful people.”
The arena is home to the "Lockport Express" Junior "A" team which plays in the NA3EHL. The NA3EHL is managed by the North American Hockey League with the aim of developing student-athletes who hope to play in college.
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TOWN OF LOCKPORT — A 20-year-old Niagara Falls man was charged Thursday with a pair of felonies after New York State Police say he struck another person in the face with their cell phone, injuring them.
According to NYSP, Saquan R. Blackmon, 20, was charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree possession of a weapon following an investigation of the event, which happened Tuesday. Troopers were unable to locate Blackmon at the time and secured an arrest warrant in the Town of Lockport.
Blackmon surrendered himself Thursday at the SP Lockport barracks where he was processed and then arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court. He was remanded to the Niagara County Jail in lieu of $250 bail and is scheduled to reappear on Thursday.
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| Saquan R. Blackmon |
According to NYSP, Saquan R. Blackmon, 20, was charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree possession of a weapon following an investigation of the event, which happened Tuesday. Troopers were unable to locate Blackmon at the time and secured an arrest warrant in the Town of Lockport.
Blackmon surrendered himself Thursday at the SP Lockport barracks where he was processed and then arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court. He was remanded to the Niagara County Jail in lieu of $250 bail and is scheduled to reappear on Thursday.
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ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The National Weather Service forecasts snow showers today followed by a chance for flurries with a high near 25 and a low around 15. Another inch of accumulation is possible.
Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 38 and a low around 33. Monday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 41 and a low around 30. Tuesday offers a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 40 and a low around 29.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 45 and a low around 37. Thursday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 55 and a low around 39. Friday offers a chance of showers with a high near 47.
ON TAP TODAY:
news@eastniagarapost.com
Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 38 and a low around 33. Monday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 41 and a low around 30. Tuesday offers a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 40 and a low around 29.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 45 and a low around 37. Thursday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 55 and a low around 39. Friday offers a chance of showers with a high near 47.
ON TAP TODAY:
- Camp Kenan to hold Easter Egg Hunt and Family Brunch
- Lockport youth to compete in regional Hoop Shoot
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| Cornerstone Arena Board President John Ottaviano, at right, recognizes the board of the Grigg-Lewis Foundation, whose $4 million grant made the arena possible. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF) |
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
About 200 people were on hand Friday night for a gala dedication ceremony at Cornerstone CFCU Arena.
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This plaque now hangs in the entranceway to the
arena.
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Several speakers explained that given all night, it would be impossible to thank everyone involved in making Cornerstone Arena a reality, so they focused on a few key players including the Grigg-Lewis Foundation, the Oishei Foundation, board members and select politicians who helped to promote the cause.
Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey was on hand to help dedicate the arena, as was state Sen. Rob Ortt. Former state Sen. George Maziarz made an appearance as well, joking that it was nice to have a crowd to listen to him again. He retired from office at the end of 2014. Several city and town officials were on hand for the gala, as were numerous business owners.
Cornerstone Arena Board President John Ottaviano spoke at length about the facility's finer points and those who served for seven years meeting semi-weekly the whole time to make it happen — even though many thought it was merely a pipe dream. A few of the speakers admitted as such throughout the evening including Maziarz and Grigg-Lewis Foundation board president Christa Caldwell.
The evening was jovial with several of the speakers making jokes at other speakers' expense — lightheartedly, of course. A plaque was revealed to end the ceremony, but guests lingered, enjoying conversation with fellow attendees and food from the YWCA's Catering Crew.
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Molinaro’s vs Arby’s
During Lent you’d be hard pressed not to drive down Transit Road without seeing a fast food joint advertising their version of a fish sandwich. What the chains don’t realize is that Western New York has been doing fish right for generations. We add a little beer to the batter. When added to the flour, the beer bubbles add body, an amber color, and lightness to the batter. Back in the 1980’s, when Rochester’s Genesee Cream Ale was the best selling beer in America, every bar, restaurant, and church in town had their own version of beer battered fish every Friday. I’m told by many that the Genesee beer was the “Western New York secret” to making a perfect fish fry.
When I quizzed the polite young lady at Molinaro’s Ristorante if their fish was beer battered, she said yes, and when I asked what kind of fish it was a smile crossed my face when she uttered “haddock.” The Molinaro’s fish sandwich was absolutely gigantic. It’s served on a 12 inch sub roll and they give you a choice of toppings. I went with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. I cannot imagine one person being able to eat this $8.99 monster of a sandwich. It consisted of a whole piece of haddock that pops out from every corner of the fresh roll. The batter was thick and the first bite brought back memories. This was it. This was the classic crispy batter I remembered. The fish beneath all that goodness was absolutely perfect. As strange as it sounds, I don’t like my fish to taste fishy. This filet passed the test. As I munched away in gluttonous glory I eyeballed the Arby’s bag next to me and warned myself that I better slow down. I couldn’t stop though, even as I was opening the Arby’s bag I was sneaking flakes of the Molinaro’s fish. Alas, I had to save room for my next dish.
The Arby’s bag crinkled open and I looked at the wrapped $3 sandwich inside. I sighed with a feeling of “well, I better get it over with” but then I was reminded of the experience I had when I picked it up. As I walked through the door at Arby’s the staff greeted me like I was an old friend. The guy at the fryer gave me a smile and said “I like your hat” and I responded with “I, um, like yours too”. Pointing to his Arby’s uniform cap. This got a laugh out of the staff and the manager, Michele, even gave me a friendly wave from the back of the room as she filled orders. This felt more like a family restaurant than a fast food joint. I really wasn’t excited to bite into a chain filet but I took my first one like a trooper. To my surprise it was actually pretty good. Sure, it’s not the beer battered beauty that Molinaro’s was, but it was crisp and the tartar sauce had an addictive sweetness to it. The filet looked to be about twice the size of a McDonald’s filet-o-fish and the roll wasn’t squashed. It actually looked just like the picture that was hanging up at Arby’s.
So, I learned two lessons today. The art of a Western New York fish fry is alive and well at Molinaro’s and that you can get a decent quick fish sandwich, that is actually pretty darn good, from Arby’s. I give Molinaro’s the highest rating possible, on a scale of one to ten they’re a sixteen. This is the real deal. A true Western New York beer battered fish with absolutely no flaws.
+Jay Bérent resides in historical downtown Lockport and he occasionally orders his beer battered fish in a mug, without the batter or fish.
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By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
While the award of "champion" may not have worked out for the Lockport Express for their inaugural season, the NA3EHL considered Lockport's Junior A hockey team deserving of other recognitions.
The team can boast the honors of having the Rookie of the Year in Anthony Merante; General Manager of the Year, Frank Vecchio; as well as being the Organization of the Year. Additionally, the Express led the league in attendance for the 2014-2015 season.
In announcing the Organization of the Year award, the NA3EHL said, "the Express had a great season on and off the ice. In addition to their on-ice success, the Express were a staple in their community, which included such events as a holiday food drive, hosting Santa for the kids at a home game, a charity hockey game involving local policemen and firefighters, post-game skates with fans and kids, development and growth of their youth hockey program and finally the opening and ceremonies surrounding their new state-of-the-art arena."
Explaining Vecchio's award, the league said, "On the ice, Vecchio guided the Express to the 2nd place finish in the Western Division during the regular season with a 24-13-3 record. They also handed Jersey Shore their only loss of the season. Off the ice, the Express endeared themselves to their community and got tremendous support this season, leading the league in attendance. The Express also enjoyed the comforts of their new home, the Cornerstone Arena, which opened midway through the season, with the Express hosting one of the league’s Showcases."
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
The team can boast the honors of having the Rookie of the Year in Anthony Merante; General Manager of the Year, Frank Vecchio; as well as being the Organization of the Year. Additionally, the Express led the league in attendance for the 2014-2015 season.
In announcing the Organization of the Year award, the NA3EHL said, "the Express had a great season on and off the ice. In addition to their on-ice success, the Express were a staple in their community, which included such events as a holiday food drive, hosting Santa for the kids at a home game, a charity hockey game involving local policemen and firefighters, post-game skates with fans and kids, development and growth of their youth hockey program and finally the opening and ceremonies surrounding their new state-of-the-art arena."
Explaining Vecchio's award, the league said, "On the ice, Vecchio guided the Express to the 2nd place finish in the Western Division during the regular season with a 24-13-3 record. They also handed Jersey Shore their only loss of the season. Off the ice, the Express endeared themselves to their community and got tremendous support this season, leading the league in attendance. The Express also enjoyed the comforts of their new home, the Cornerstone Arena, which opened midway through the season, with the Express hosting one of the league’s Showcases."
Meanwhile, of Merante, the league said, "Merante, a 19-year-old rookie from Niagara Falls, New York, ended up leading the Express in scoring this season with 61 points in 41 games played. Merante (6’0/175) ranked tied for 5th among all NA3EHL players with his 61 points, while his 34 assists was tied for 3rd and his 27 goals ranked 7th. During the middle part of the season, Merante went on a 13-game scoring streak, in which he recorded 33 points during that time span."
In addition to the awards, Express forward Nick Siracuse was selected to the 2014-2015 NA3EHL All-Star Team.
Vecchio said the community is largely responsible for the "Organization of the Year" award, saying without their participation, the team could not have accomplished all that it had.
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