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A startup organization in Lockport is looking to raise $30,000 for football equipment.

The Lockport Junior Lions was formed to give more youth in the community the opportunity to play football and cheer. The group has joined the Greater Rochester Pop Warner organization.

The organization is also holding team registrations. The schedule follows:

• Saturday: Noon - 2 p.m. at the Kenan Center
• May 7: Noon - 2 p.m. at the Dugout (Transit Road)
• May 14: Noon - 2 p.m. at the Dugout
• June 4: Noon - 2 p.m. at Kibler Park
• June 11: Noon - 2 p.m. at Kibler Park
• July 23: Noon - 2 p.m. at Kibler Park

For more on the Junior Lions, visit www.juniorlionsfootball.com. To donate to their GoFundMe campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/eqx7ku9w.

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The Lockport Express skated to a 4-1 victory of the Wilkes-Barre Miners Sunday afternoon at Cornerstone Arena. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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The Lockport Express scored four goals Sunday afternoon against the Wilkes-Barre Miners, powering the team to a three-game sweep of the Pennsylvania team.

The Lock Monster made an appearance at Sunday's Express game, posing for photos with hockey fans at Cornerstone Arena.

Frank Vecchio Jr. scored a pair of goals for the Lockport team and assisted on a third, while Lockport goaltender Sam Fitzpatrick stopped 22 of 23 shots for the win.

Vecchio's first goal came on the power play at 9:32 of the first period, assisted by Justin Andriaccio and Dylan Jenkins. Just 1:06 later, Anthony Tomassi made it 2-0 with a goal assisted by Brendan McFall and Frankie Bodami. Andrew Logar put the Express up 3-0 at 14:30, assisted by Vecchio and Gibson Stuart.

Vecchio added his second of the game -- and 22nd of the season -- at 11:16 of the third period. Bodami and Stuart assisted.

In the third period, Connor Landregan scored one for Wilkes-Barre, assisted by Hunter Hackling and Zacharia Ouladelhadjahmed, leading to the 4-1 final.

"Cookies for George" raised money for ENP's George Root -- 50 cents at a  time. There were also dozens of other gifts donated, including proceeds from  both hockey games. The ice time fees for the alumni game were also  graciously waived by the arena.

With the three-game sweep, Lockport's record now stands at 18-16-6, three points better than the Syracuse Stampede and good for fourth place in the NA3EHL West. Syracuse, however, has a game at hand against Lockport and will face off against the Express for Lockport's last two games of the regular season.

The Express will play a pair of games against the Jersey Shore Wildcats on Feb. 20 and 21.

The Lockport Express team donated ticket sales to East Niagara Post's George Root, while also holding a basket raffle and 50/50 split for Root, who is undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. The game was followed by a 4 p.m. Lockport Hockey Alumni game -- with ticket proceeds also going to Root.

An online fundraiser for Root continues at GoFundMe.com/LoveGeorge. As of the publishing of this article, $845 had been raised online. It was not immediately known how much was raised on Sunday.

John Ottaviano looks over gift baskets donated to the cause.

RELATED LINKS: 

• PODCAST: Lockport Express vs. Wilkes-Barre Miners 021416 (George Root Day)
• Photo album from the day's events

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A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held for the Lockport Lightning girls U13 Soccer club on Feb. 28. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

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Lockport Lightning Girls U13 Soccer will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Dale Association, 33 Ontario St.

The dine-in only dinner will also feature a basket raffle to include Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits suite tickets.

Tickets for the dinner are $7 pre-sale and $8 at the door.

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Donations are still being sought for a fundraiser for East Niagara Post and East Niagara Radio contributor George Root.

The columnist and radio personality is undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. A benefit is being held for him from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Cornerstone Arena beginning with a Lockport Express hockey game against the Wilkes-Barre Miners and concluding with a Lockport Hockey Alumni game to start at 4 p.m.

In between the two, there will be a worn-jersey auction, a 50/50 split and basket raffles. Basket donations have come in from a wide variety of local businesses and individuals, but more are being accepted until Friday.

Tickets to the pair of games is $20 per person or $40 per family of four. They are available in advance at ART247, Howell Motors Ford, and Sub Delicious.

There is also a GoFundMe campaign underway to raise cash for Root. The address is GoFundMe.com/LoveGeorge.

To make a basket donation, contact ENP News Editor Scott Leffler at scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com or 795-2727.

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BUFFALO -- The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team will be selling Marcus Moose plush toys at the team’s Thursday game against the Boston Bruins. Each Marcus Moose will cost $25 and proceeds will benefit SABAH.

Inspired by Marcus Foligno’s nickname “Moose,” Marcus Moose is a stuffed moose wearing a No. 82 Foligno jersey. Fans who purchase a Marcus Moose will also receive an autographed Marcus Foligno trading card in addition to the stuffed animal.

Marcus Moose will be on sale in both wings of the 100 Level pavilion starting at 5 p.m. while supplies last. Any supplies left over will be available at the Sabres store at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5.

VIP packages are also available for purchase. The package includes a Marcus Moose and autographed trading card, as well as two tickets to Buffalo’s March 8 game against the New York Rangers and a meet-and-greet with Marcus Foligno after practice on Feb. 20.

SABAH, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides recreational and educational programs for individuals of all ages challenged by physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.  Through SABAH’s programs, individuals with special needs develop critical skills that enable them to succeed in everyday life.  The organization offers programs throughout Erie and Niagara Counties on turf and on ice all 12 months of the year.  Families affected by disabilities are encouraged to find out more by contacting SABAH at 362-9600 or visiting www.sabahinc.org.

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George Root interviews Lockport Express Coach Frank Vecchio following an Express home game in 2015. Vecchio and several others are putting together a fundraiser for Root, who found out in late December that he has kidney cancer. (ENP FILE PHOTO)

In late December, ENP's own George N. Root III was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The 48-year-old writer and radio personality decided immediately that if it was between the cancer and him, he'd win -- even if the doctors told him that the odds were not in his favor.

Jan. 11, Root had his kidney removed -- and most of the cancer with it. His prognosis improved significantly. But some cancer remains. And George will soon begin chemotherapy in hopes of beating it down.

The doctors' visits, recovery time and time spent worrying has kept him from being able to work as much as he usually would. Mounting medical bills added to that, creating a financial burden that he simply cannot handle without help.

As such, a team of his friends, including those close to the Lockport Express, have planned a Valentine's Day fundraiser for the Class of 1985 LHS graduate at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Arena. The fundraiser includes a pair of hockey games, basket raffles, 50/50 and more.

The Feb. 14 Lockport Express' 1 p.m. home game against the Wilkes Barre Miners will be played in Root's honor, as will a 4 p.m. Lockport Hockey Alumni game. Tickets to the pair of games are $20 per person or $40 for a family of four. All proceeds will be donated to Root to help pay some of his medical costs.

Howie Balaban, left, and George Root call a home  Lockport Express game.

The Lockport Express will auction off player-worn jerseys during the event, and baskets are being sought for the basket raffle. Fundraiser team members, including Lockport Express Owner Steve Bueme, Lockport Express Coach Frank Vecchio, Howell Motors Ford Owner Mike Landers, Lockport City Court Judge Bill Watson, Kim Milani of Sub Delicious, Cornerstone Arena Board Member Tate Pitrello, ENP/ENR Contributor Craig Bacon, and ENP Co-Publishers Heather Grimmer and Scott Leffler will be seeking donations from area businesses.

Businesses and individuals that have signed on for donations include ART247, Capelli Salon, Confer Plastics, DeFlippo's Restaurant, East Niagara Post, Family Video, Howell Motors and the Landers family, Adam Hudson, Mills Jewelers, the Penalty Box, Janet Pitrello, Pulp 716, Riviera Theatre, Schoolhouse Wellness Center, Sub Delicious, Transit Drive-In Theatre, Tom's Diner, and Windsor Village.

Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been created for those who wish to donate but cannot attend the fundraiser. The page, GoFundMe.com/LoveGeorge, had a $50 donation from Milani before having even been made public. The listed goal is $5,000.

"To say that George is a friend to Lockport would be a massive understatement of the word 'friend,' " according to the GoFundMe page. "He pushed for the betterment of the city and region through a weekly column in the Union-Sun & Journal for years before joining East Niagara Post as a contributor. He adds his wisdom and sense of humor to East Niagara Radio hockey broadcasts as well as the weekly radio show, 'Shenanigans,' which exists primarily due to George's insistence that the world needs more of him."

Outside of Lockport, Root is well-known to the NA3EHL hockey community as a broadcaster of Lockport Express games and the director/editor of the weekly "Catching Up with the Lockport Express" YouTube series done for East Niagara Post.

All funds raised will help to defray Root's hospital and doctors' bills. On the off chance that more money is raised than is needed, they will be used at George's discretion. The guy could probably use a vacation.

RELATED LINKS: 

• ROOT: Sometimes an apple a day is just not enough
• ROOT: Starting at the beginning
• ROOT: So how're you feeling?
• GoFundMe.com/LoveGeorge

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OLCOTT -- A benefit will be held for Mary Beth (Gaughn) Hickman from 1 - 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Olcott Fire Hall, 1691 Lockport-Olcott Road.

Hickman suffered a brain aneurysm in September. Proceeds from the event will help offset medical expenses.

The $20 per person pre-sale (or $25 per person at the door) fundraiser will feature food and beverages, a cash bar, 50/50, basket raffles and more. Children under 10 are free.

For tickets or more information, call Becky Thompson at 807-6649 or Chris Dunn at 471-3738.

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Click image to enlarge

The 10u AnJo Bombers Travel Baseball Team will hold a team fundraiser from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at CW's Pub and Grill, 392 Ohio St.

The “Bombers Bash” will a feature sports memorabilia auction and various basket items including a Marcel Dareus signed jersey, Sammy Watkins signed jersey, Robert Woods signed Flicktures drawing and many other collectible items.

There will also be beer, soda, food included in the $25 ticket, as well as basket raffles, 50/50 split and a live auction. The Bills/Eagles game will be on the television.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Event Coordinator Andrea Hy at mcnaae16@gmail.com or at the door the day of the event.

Originally started in 1955 as a joint venture between St. Anthony's and St. Josephs churches, the primary function of the AnJo league has always been to provide and administer a quality baseball program to the children of all ages and abilities in Eastern Niagara County.

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The Lockport locks serve as a crime scene during the upcoming movie, "The American Side," The movie's producers just concluded a successful findraising campaign to market the film in order to grant it a wider opening in 2016. (SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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A Kickstarter campaign to increase awareness about a movie filmed mostly in Western New York -- and partly in Lockport -- met it's $85,000 goal.

The campaign saw 582 backers donate a total of $89,525 prior to the midnight deadline, meaning the film's producers will be able to push for a wider release of the film when it comes to theaters in 2016.

Despite its well-known cast, including Matthew Broderick, Robert Forster, Robert Vaught, Janeane Garofalo and Camilla Belle, the film's independent status means without the publicity campaign, major theater networks would be less inclined to show it than that of major movie studios.

The premise of the movie involves a missing notebook stolen from the hotel room of Nikola Tesla following his death in 1943. The notebook is said to have held ideas for a free-energy system, a death ray and other science-fiction sounding ideas. In the movie, one of the pages is found, leading to a tale of murder and intrigue -- all set in Western New York.
The movie was filmed primarily in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, but a small portion was filmed at the Flight of Five in Lockport on Aug. 19, 2013 including appearances by a pair of Lockport Police Department patrol cars, an SUV and three officers — Lt. Sal Licata, Det. Kevin Schrader and Officer Aaron Belling.

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At left, Norm Sham as McGuire talks with Greg Stuhr as Charlie Paczynski while filming "The American Side" at the Lockport Locks in 2013. (PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY FRANK BARRERA)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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With less than 30 hours to go, an online fundraiser to increase marketing for "The American Side," needs a boost -- to the tune of $17,000.

Alicja Bachleda as Nikki Meeker and Camilla Belle as Emily Chase walk through the Lockport Caves and Underground Boat Rides while filming "The American Side" in 2013.

The movie, filmed primarily in Western New York -- and partly in Lockport -- has completed production but the film's producers want to get the movie into as many theaters as possible. That's why they started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to increase consumer awareness of the movie.

As of 6:45 p.m., the campaign had 419 backers offering $68,183 in pledges towards the $85,000 goal. It's all or nothing, so if the goal isn't met, the project won't be partially funded.

Director Jenna Ricker sent out an email this afternoon in support of the campaign. It follows in its entirety:

It is crunch time, so I'm reaching out to ask you to be a part of my Kickstarter campaign.

Kickstarter requires we make our goal, or we aren't funded. We are down to the wire, and we are so close to reaching that goal! With your support, at any reward level, I know we can make it!

Please take a look, takes only a few moments, and if you like what you see, support us:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/917336709/the-american-side-theatrical-release-of-neo-noir-m

Apologies if you get this message twice, or already awesomely backed us. With hours to, I just can't stop spreading the exciting news!

Thank you so much!

Jenna xo

To donate to the campaign, visit the film's Kickstarter page and make a donation by the end of the day Wednesday.

RELATED LINKS: 

• Independent film shot in Lockport, WNY looking for 'kickstart'
• Lockport serves as set for Hollywood movie

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The Lockport locks serve as a crime scene during the upcoming movie, "The American Side," The movie's producers are raising money to market the film in order to grant it a wider opening in 2016. (SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

BY +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

---

An independent film shot partially in Lockport in 2013 is looking for an influx of cash to make a bigger splash when it's released next year.

Producers of "The American Side" are aiming to raise $65,000 by Dec. 10 via a Kickstarter campaign in order to push for a wider opening for the film. Despite the film's star power -- it boasts Matthew Broderick, Robert Forster, Robert Vaught, Janeane Garofalo and Camilla Belle amongst its cast -- it faces an uphill battle for wide distribution due to its independent status.

The project's Kickstarter page emphasizes that the $65,000 they're looking to raise is geared solely towards marketing the film to earn it an opening on more screens in more cities.

Ever stumble across a great film on cable or Netflix and wonder why you’d never heard of it? Too often the answer is simply ‘money’. Major studios control what we see at the movies, even putting out so-called ‘indie’ films that are simply produced by a studio subsidiary. Studios have the resources to promote these films, making them more attractive to theater owners and further limiting the number of screens available for truly independent work. -- "The American Side" Kickstarter campaign

As with all Kickstarters, there are rewards for donation levels from social media shoutouts to t-shirts, digital downloads and the opportunity to see the premiere.

The premise of the movie involves a missing notebook stolen from the hotel room of Nikola Tesla following his death in 1943. The notebook is said to have held ideas for a free-energy system, a death ray and other science-fiction sounding ideas. In the movie, one of the pages is found, leading to a tale of murder and intrigue -- all set in Western New York.

The movie was filmed primarily in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, but a small portion was filmed at the Flight of Five in Lockport on Aug. 19, 2013 including appearances by a pair of Lockport Police Department patrol cars, an SUV and three officers — Lt. Sal Licata, Det. Kevin Schrader and Officer Aaron Belling.

Originally slated to be released in 2014, it is now scheduled for a spring 2016 release. How many screens it's released on is up to the donors.

Watch the Kickstarter video below and visit the Kickstarter page for more details.

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East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

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GASPORT -- Lockport CARES sixth-annual fundraising dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Hartland Bible Church 8110 West Ave.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a huge basket raffle, followed by dinner -- catered by Donna Eick & DeVine Catering.

Tickets are $25 with table sponsorships available.

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Karl Heigl

Friends of Karl Heigl, who, on Saturday, died unexpectedly at the age of 45, are raising money to help pay for his funeral service.

Heigl wished to be cremated and the family is short on funds for the sudden unexpected cost -- so friends have created a GoFundMe drive in hopes of raising $1,500 to held defray costs. So far, $125 of the $1,500 has been raised.

"The Department of Social Services only helps so much," the web page for the online fundraiser explains. "All of the funds will go to his sister, Sheila Harris."

The service is being held from 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St.

RELATED LINK: 

• GoFundMe for Karl Heigl

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St. John's Outreach has started an online fundraiser in hopes of raising $15,491 over the next month and a half.

Outreach Ministry Director Michael Boron said, “The challenges of combating the effects of poverty on families have never been greater.” Boron starting the fundraising off with a $50 donation of his own.

The ministry, which assists those in need through the Sister Helen's Food Pantry, a clothing ministry and furniture ministry, works closely with other human service agencies in the county to improve the quality of people's lives and fight poverty.

The crowdfunding campaign will be run through GoFundMe. (link) As a 501-c-3 entity, any contributions are tax deductible.

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The Lockport AnJo Bombers 9U travel baseball team will hold a fundraiser during the Buffalo Bills / Tenessee Titans game on Sunday at CW's Bar and Grill on Ohio Street.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $25, which will get attendees food, draft beer, and pop, as well as a chance to win $200. There will also be a large basket auction, 50/50 split raffle and silent auction.

All proceeds will directly benefit the Lockport AnJo Bombers 9U travel team. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets is asked to contact Kristopher or Lindsey Schultz at anjobombers9u@yahoo.com.

The Lockport AnJo Bombers Summer Baseball League originally started in 1955 as a joint venture between two local churches, St. Anthony’s and St. Joseph’s. Over the years, the AnJo league has evolved into a quality program that serves to teach kids of all ages and abilities the game of baseball.

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Ruthy Warda, left and Margaret  Brant were presented with bouquets  of flowers at Lockport CARES. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A pair of Newfane who decided to go for a walk raised $10,000 for Lockport CARES homeless shelter.

Seventy-one-year-old Margaret Brant and 53-year-old Ruthy Warda made the trek to Albany from Lockport to raise money and awareness for the plight of the local homeless, changing despair into hope.

The money raised will help ensure a warm safe shelter for the homeless in Lockport in the coming dark cold winter months.

Lockport CARES is located at 192 Genesee St.

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Lions Frank Eldridge and Tom Ware look over the cheese  and sausage order form. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

BARKER — It is time for the annual Barker Lions Cheese Sale.

Working with Kutters Cheese, the Lions offer a variety of cheeses and sausage. All the members of the club can take orders until October 31. The Cheese is then delivered to the Lions Community Building on Nov, 17, just in time to serve for Thanksgiving.

This year’s variety includes blocks of cheddar and Swiss cheese, cheese curds, cheese balls, cheese spreads, sticks of pepperoni and summer sausage.

To place an order, contact any Barker Lions Member, email Roar@BarkerLions.org, call 778-7001 or visit the Winery at Marjim Manor, 7171 E Lake Road, Appleton.

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Margaret Brant and Ruthy Warda pause for a photo along their 400-mile walk from Lockport to Albany. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

NEWARK — A pair of Newfane women walking from Lockport to Albany entered their second week of the walk today, completing 91 miles so far of a 400-mile trip.

Seventy-one-year-old Margaret Brant and 53-year-old Ruthy Warda started Sept. 1 on what is expected to be a 25-day trek across the state to raise money for Lockport CARES.

According to Lockport CARES, the ladies ran across a couple of men today who were biking the Erie Barge Canal who brought them chocolate — and made a donation to the homeless shelter.

"The dynamic duo walked a little less today, the sun was just too hot," according to Lockport CARES. They are currently spending the night in Newark.

Donations to the cause can be made in person at the "Up the Lake Shop," every weekend in September, located on the Olcott boardwalk or online at www.lockportcares.org using credit card or PayPal.

RELATED LINK:

• Newfane women to walk to Albany for Lockport CARES

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The 4th annual Terry's Corners golf tournament will be held Sept. 20 at the Niagara County Golf Course.

With an 8 a.m. shotgun start, the tournament promises to be a full day of fun including 18 holes of golf, car, lunch at the turn and an after party steak dinner at the Terry's Corners Fire Compnay.

There are prizes for the winning scramble foursome, longest drive, closest to the pin and more. There will also be a basket raffle at the after party. Baskets are still being sought for the raffle.

The cost is $80 per person with teams of four. For more information or to sign up, contact Stephen Baes at 523-2369.

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The fourth annual Teddy Bear Motorcycle Run for Children's Hospital will be held Sunday, Aug. 30.

The motorcycle run, which begins at noon from Attitude's Bar & Grill in Lockport, asks riders to donate one new stuffed animal, which will be given to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

Last year, over 100 stuffed animals were donated in the run. The group is hoping to break the 200-stuffed-animal threshold this year.

The run will leave Attitudes, stopping at Black North in Point Breeze and Time Out 2 in Olcott before returning to Attitudes around 3:30 p.m.

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