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Showing posts with label Pete Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pete Robinson. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
A chili and chowder cookoff planned for 1-4 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Second Presbyterian Church on Van Buren Street aims to raise funds for the annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive.
The cookoff, now in its third year -- kind of -- is expected to be bigger than in years past -- in part because organizers are reaching out to area restaurants, specifically inviting them to participate. Cream & Sugar Cafe and Lock 34 have already signed on for the fundraiser. Several other restaurants are expected to join them.
Previously, what was a chili-only cookoff, was primarily for amateur cooks as just something to do -- and maybe a reason for PB&J organizer Pete Robinson to eat chili. Non-professionals are still encouraged to enter the competition, and will have their own categories and their own prizes.
Pros and non-pros alike will each compete in "best chili" and "best chowder" categories as judged by tasters provided by East Niagara Post, sponsors of the re-branded cookoff. There is no monetary contest fee for entrants. The cost of competing is five quarts of whatever is being entered -- whether it's chili, chowder or both. It is open to anyone who wishes to enter.
The chili and chowder will be sold for just $1 per cup and 100 percent of the funds will be donated to A Hand Up, Inc., the non-profit organization that oversees the annual PB&J Drive. Alternately, a cup of chili or chowder can be "bought" for a jar or peanut butter, jelly, or fluff.
In addition to chili and chowder, baked goods will be available -- and donations of baked goods are being sought.
For more information or to participate, contact +Scott Leffler at scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com or 795-2727.
Catch up quick
Friday, March 13, 2015
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
Pat Brady, who has been leading the Lockport Fire Department as interim chief, has taken the city up on its offer to lead the department permanently, despite a hefty pay cut.
Brady, who had until 5 p.m. Thursday to accept the position, waited until just about the last minute before accepting the offer.
"We're very excited to have him and he's going to do an excellent job," said Lockport Fire Board President Pete Robinson.
Similarly, Mayor Anne McCaffrey said, "I look forward to working with Pat as the fire chief."
Brady has been making over $67,000 annually — in base pay alone — as a captain on the department. The new chief's salary of $53,000 is at least a $14,000 annual pay cut for Brady — at least for now.
McCaffrey said the annual $53,000 salary is in effect during his 12-week probationary period and can be renegotiated after that.
Brady has been serving as acting chief since December. He was one of six candidates to apply for the position of chief.
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
Brady, who had until 5 p.m. Thursday to accept the position, waited until just about the last minute before accepting the offer.
"We're very excited to have him and he's going to do an excellent job," said Lockport Fire Board President Pete Robinson.
Similarly, Mayor Anne McCaffrey said, "I look forward to working with Pat as the fire chief."
Brady has been making over $67,000 annually — in base pay alone — as a captain on the department. The new chief's salary of $53,000 is at least a $14,000 annual pay cut for Brady — at least for now.
McCaffrey said the annual $53,000 salary is in effect during his 12-week probationary period and can be renegotiated after that.
Brady has been serving as acting chief since December. He was one of six candidates to apply for the position of chief.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The City of Lockport Fire Board will discuss the near- and long-term future of the leadership of the city's fire department at a 5:30 p.m. Thursday meeting.
Pete Robinson, president of the Fire Board, said they will discuss the appointment of an interim chief to take the helm of the department until a permanent replacement can be found for Thomas Passuite, who retired as chief on Thursday.
It is expected that interviews to find a successor to Passuite will begin in January.
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Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
news@eastniagarapost.com
The City of Lockport Fire Board will discuss the near- and long-term future of the leadership of the city's fire department at a 5:30 p.m. Thursday meeting.
Pete Robinson, president of the Fire Board, said they will discuss the appointment of an interim chief to take the helm of the department until a permanent replacement can be found for Thomas Passuite, who retired as chief on Thursday.
It is expected that interviews to find a successor to Passuite will begin in January.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Friday, October 31, 2014
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| Niagara County Majority Leader Rick Updegrove stands at the lectern with PB&J Drive founder Pete Robinson to his side. PB&J drive volunteers surround them. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS) |
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
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| The official proclamation naming November as Peanut Butter & Jelly Month. |
That’s how Niagara County Legislature Majority Leader Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport, explained what has become an annual tradition to a pair of new lawmakers Tuesday: the donation, by Majority Caucus legislators, of a heaping portion of peanut butter and jelly to boost the local Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive.
“We are here to improve our community, and to support the people who work every day toward that goal,” Updegrove said. “The Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive turns five this year, and it has become a local charitable effort we should all be proud of. Along the way, it’s helped thousands of people.”
Updegrove and Legislator Wm. Keith McNall, R-Lockport, welcomed the volunteers at the core of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive Tuesday night, presenting them with a proclamation declaring November “Peanut Butter & Jelly Month” in Niagara County. Majority Caucus lawmakers also donated 11 dozen jars of sandwich spreads: six dozen jars of peanut butter, equally divided between creamy and chunky, three dozen jars of grape jelly, and two dozen jars of strawberry jam.
Lawmakers showing personal support for the PB&J Drive has become an annual fall tradition in Niagara County. Updegrove and his colleagues embraced the unique food drive in its second year, when he, McNall, and Legislator Tony Nemi, R-Lockport, made a surprise donation of six dozen jars of peanut butter and jelly to support the drive.
Since then, support for the drive has been a rite of passage in the Majority Caucus, with Republican lawmakers expected to each make a sizeable donation to the local effort. It also has, in some years, provoked good-natured competition between the Legislature’s Majority and Minority, with the two groups vying to show more generosity to the drive.
“The Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive keeps food that children like on the shelves of our local food pantries, and we wanted to recognize them tonight for proving, five years in a row, that good people can make the world better,” McNall said. “Making our caucus’s donation to the Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive is one of the truly satisfying things we do every year, because it’s good to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors who are making good things happen for both people they know and total strangers.”
One of the major forces behind the drive has been New York State Courts Sgt. Pete Robinson, who helped organize the inaugural drive and every year’s collection since. Robinson was on hand Tuesday night at the Niagara County Courthouse.
“People want to be a part of something that they can see the fruit of their labor,” Robinson said in a recent interview in East Niagara Post. “You can make a change one jar at a time ... like our logo says, 'spread the love.’”
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| Niagara County legislators pose with PB&J volunteers. |
“As a social studies teacher, I try to instill in my students that they can make the world a better place, but they need to start with their own communities,” Andres said after handing a dozen jars of grape jelly over to Robinson. “The Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive proves that’s true. It was a real honor to get to talk with these great volunteers.”
The Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive will continue through Dec. 6. Individuals interested in learning more can visit the Drive’s Facebook page.
Lawmakers also urged county residents to do what they can to support the drive, pausing for a bi-partisan photo with PB&J Drive volunteers to promote the event. Individuals interested in supporting the drive are invited to stop by the Niagara County Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse, 175 Hawley St., Lockport, or any of the sites listed on the PB&J Drive Facebook page.
Niagara County Legislature Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso said his party will be making a donation to the drive, as well.
Information on the drive is also available by calling Robinson at 510-7108.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
As the weather cools, the folks from Lockport's Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive are planning on heating up, holding their first meeting of the 2014 season at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 71 Van Buren St. in Lowertown.
The group is always looking for new volunteers, according to organizers.
"People want to be a part of something that they can see the fruit of their labor," said Pete Robinson, founder of the annual collection. "They should come to the meeting to find out more about it."
Now in its fifth year, the drive has continually grown, collecting jars of peanut butter, jelly and fluff and then donating those jars to Western New York food pantries, organizations, and the needy.
"You can see the need and how you have helped to make this drive one of the most rewarding benefits of charity one can do," Robinson said. "You can make a change one jar at a time ... like our logo says, 'spread the love.' "
Get the daily East Niagara Post email update.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
news@eastniagarapost.com
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The PB&J Drive officially runs during November and December, but it helps
local food pantries all year long. This delivery went to St. John's in June.
(ENP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER)
|
The group is always looking for new volunteers, according to organizers.
"People want to be a part of something that they can see the fruit of their labor," said Pete Robinson, founder of the annual collection. "They should come to the meeting to find out more about it."
Now in its fifth year, the drive has continually grown, collecting jars of peanut butter, jelly and fluff and then donating those jars to Western New York food pantries, organizations, and the needy.
"You can see the need and how you have helped to make this drive one of the most rewarding benefits of charity one can do," Robinson said. "You can make a change one jar at a time ... like our logo says, 'spread the love.' "
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
The Lockport Fire Board voted this evening to cease operations of a city-provided ambulance service.
The board decision effectively splits off the ambulance service from the Lockport Fire Department and puts into motion a plan to offer city ambulance rights to an outside provider.
Fire Board President Pete Robinson said before the vote that the city is "at a crossroads."
"The city needs to make a decision of whether we're going to fight fires or be an ambulance service," he said. "We can't do both."
Mayor Anne McCaffrey cited financial concerns as the reason to cease city ambulance services.
"This is a decision that the Fire Board had to make based on the city's serious fiscal condition," she said in a written statement following the vote. "Compounding the problem is the fact that the city's two ambulances will need to be replaced in the coming year or two at the cost of approximately $300,000."
"Up until now, Lockport has been one of the only city municipalities in Western New York to offer ambulance service with paid city employees," McCaffrey said, noting that the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda all have private ambulance services.
"At this point, the city will issue an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for a private for-profit ambulance company to perform ambulance service," McCaffrey's statement said. "This will be at no cost to city residents."
McCaffrey said there are currently two potential providers for ambulance service within the city: Rural Metro and Twin City.
"We anticipate that after selection of an ambulance provider, implementation of private ambulance service may commence on or about Sept. 1. We will continue to keep citizens advised as the process unfolds," McCaffrey said.
Fire Board member Mark Provenzano cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he was concerned about the level and speed of care that an outside service might provide.
"Would it be EMTs? Would it be paramedics?" he asked, noting the the answers to those questions aren't yet known.
Alderman Pat Schrader attempted to quash any concerns, though, saying, "We are not deserting the city. The city is safe."
Kevin Pratt, president of the Lockport firefighters union, Local 963, said using a private firm for ambulance calls could mean serious delays, however — especially if there are multiple calls at once.
"It's not lucrative for private services to do 911 calls," he said, so "they'll have one ambulance in the area and when that one's tied up, you're looking for anywhere from nine, 15, 45 minutes" for a second ambulance to be available in the city. ... "so you're looking at a delay."
Pratt added that the ambulance service brings in about $650,000 annually, meaning doing away with the service will result in a loss of revenue for the city.
He figures the city will attempt to recoup that loss by lowering minimum manning of the fire department. "I'm sure they're going to do something with the manning."
Pratt said the mood in the fire department is "pretty down right now. But it's been this way for a while."
Local 963 and the city have been at odds all year, taking each other to court numerous times. Most recently, the city had attempted to reduce the minimum manning level of the department to seven from nine earlier this year. Local 963 responded by filing a grievance. But the city fought the grievance and the matter was sent to New York State Supreme Court where Court Justice Ralph A. Boniello III ruled that the city was within its rights to "adjust staffing levels to account for changes in population, technology, apparatus or other relevant circumstances."
Since that ruling, however, the city has yet to cut minimum manning levels.
Pratt expects that decision to come soon.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
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| PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER/CONTRIBUTOR - Donald Trump spoke to about 700 people Friday night at the Erie County GOP annual Lincoln Leadership Reception fundraiser. |
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Trump didn't commit to running for office,
but many in the crowd hoped he'll run.
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The $100-a-plate dinner offered an upgraded option of $500 per couple for a meet and greet and photo opportunity with Trump, who has hinted that he may be interested in running for governor if he can get the support of the GOP.
“I just happen to think that this state can be turned around,” Trump said during his speech, which at times sounded like a stump speech and at times sounded like a campfire tale including anecdotes about bridges in New York state versus bridges in China.
East Niagara was well represented at the dinner by City of Lockport GOP Committee Chairman Pete Robinson, former Niagara County GOP Chairmen Henry Wojtaszek and Mike Norris, as well as current GOP Chairman Scott Kiedrowski.
Other East Niagara notables included Congressman Chris Collins and former Assemblyman Mike Cole, who now serves as chairman of the Alden Republican Committee.
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| City of Lockport Republican Committee Chairman Pete Robinson was among the many guests at the fundraiser. |
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| Salvatore's Italian Gardens was packed to standing-room-only during Trump's 45-minute speech. |
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| Trump told reporters after his speech that if the Republican Party will unify behind him, he'll run. |
For more photos from the event, click here.
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