North tonawanda sun a 12 20 2014

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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

C PO W N

Y. co m

N O RT H TO NAWA N DA

Community Papers

of Western New York, LLC

Locally Owned!

WEEKEND FORECAST FRI SAT SUN 33o/26o 35o/28o 34o/26o Partly cloudy with 30% chance of snow

Cloudy with a chance of snow late

Partly cloudy with 40% chance of snow

SPOT ‘BABY SAMPSON’ TO WIN PAGE A3

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.CPOWNY.COM

VOL 1 NO. 26

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014

Help change the lives of those in need

By Kori Sciandra

NORTH TONAWANDA SUN EDITOR

Christmas is right around the corner and most of us will be finishing up our holiday shopping this weekend. While you’re out, try to remember those children and teenagers

who might not have the luxury of enjoying the holidays the way we all hope to enjoy them. As you shop, consider purchasing an extra toy or a new sweater to donate to a family in need this Christmas.

As it has done all year, the Disabled American Veterans organization (DAV), located

in the Twin Cities, has been collecting various different donation items for the holiday season. They recently delivered three truck loads of toys to the families of homeless or low-income veterans, all due to the overwhelming support they have received from the community.

However, it doesn’t stop there. The DAV is asking residents to help them finish out 2014 by ringing in some holiday cheer for these veterans and their families.

See “DAV” on Page A3.

Swartz gives a memorable performance of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Sallie Moppert

NT SUN CORRESPONDENT

It was a standing ovation in the packed house of the Starry Night Theatre, last Saturday, for the winter performance of a beloved holiday classic. “It’s a Wonderful Life” made its return to the stage in North Tonawanda this December, much to the delight of the audience members, some of whom have been performance faithfuls that have seen the show every time since it made its debut in 2002. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of the three winter performances, in addition to “A Christmas Carol” and “All Through the Night,” that is presented every three years on a rotation basis.

For those who may not be familiar with the holiday tale, the story is about a man named George Bailey, a man who has spent most of his life giving to the people of his hometown of Bedford Falls. He runs

a small business and loan company that was started by his father. The business and loan company is the one business that is not owned or run by Mr. Potter, who nearly owns the entire town.

When George’s Uncle Billy loses some money from the business on Christmas Eve, George realizes that he will be held responsible for the loss, be sent to jail and the company would collapse.

George contemplates what life would be like without him, an angel named Clarence comes to him, courtesy of the prayers of his friends and family, and shows George that he has truly had a wonderful life and can make it through this trial and tribulation.

“What a wonderful film.

I love it.” said Director L. Don Swartz. “I watch it evMaddy and her father, Jesse Swartz. ery Christmas. I also love Photo by Sallie Moppert. to stage it on the Ghostlight stage. I think each time we come back to it, and this is of a small town struggling See “Performance” production number five, I to survive during hard ecoon Page A2 am more amazed at the sim- nomic times.” ple power of its depiction

Pictured above is newly appointed City of North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur Pappas.

Photo submitted to The Sun by city hall

Council appoints Pappas as mayor Kori Sciandra

NORTH TONAWANDA SUN EDITOR

It was with both regret and anticipation North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt officially resigned from his position as mayor at the Tuesday, Dec. 16 common council meeting. After serving the City of North Tonawanda for the past five years and having a tremendous impact on the economic growth within the city, Ortt has chosen to pursue a seat in the New York State Senate serving the 62nd District. He will begin his term in January, 2015.

In conjunction with Ortt’s transition to the Senate, his seat as mayor will be filled by North Tonawanda Alderman At Large Art Pappas, who was appointed to the position by the common council. Pappas will serve as Mayor to the City of North Tonawanda for the remainder of Ortt’s term.

See “Mayor” on Page A2.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

LETTERS AND EDITORIALS ..................... SECT. A PAGE 4

FOOD TRUCK DISCUSSION...................... SECT. A PAGE 8

BURGLARY ARRESTS ............................... SECT. A PAGE 5

SECT. B PAGES 1-3 SPORTS..................................................SECT.

WINTER CONCERT ................................... SECT. A PAGE 5

GRANT SUPPORTS DAY CARE ................. SECT. B PAGE 4

SQUARE DANCING TRADITION .............. SECT. A PAGE 6

SEXUAL HEALTH, STD AWARENESS ....... SECT. B PAGE 5

KIDS HELP REFUGEES .............................. SECT. A PAGE 7

SECT. B PAGES 7-9 CLASSIFIED ADS ...................................SECT.

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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

A final production

Our Eighteenth Annual Remembrance Tree In tribute to those who have died during the past year and the family and friends who loved them, a memorial ribbon with your loved one’s name and date of death has been placed on our tree.

After December 30th, you may stop at our office if you wish to save your memorial ribbon and angel.

Wishing you a blessed holiday season.

Saber Funeral Home 549 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, NY • 692-0271

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Performance • from front This production also marked a very special occasion for the Swartz family, the owners and operators of the Starry Night Theatre. Madison Swartz, the daughter of Jesse Swartz who played the role of Mr. Gower, made her theatre debut, playing the role of Zuzu Bailey, sharing the role with fellow actress Tiffany Nowak, and a townsperson. The Swartz

family was very happy to welcome young Maddy on to the stage for her first production and to join into the family’s love for the theatre.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” was the final production for the Starry Night Theatre for this year. In 2015, the company will be putting on more performances of other shows, including “Little Women” in Feb-

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If he wishes to continue serving as mayor past the duration of the term, he will have to campaign for the position in the November 2015 elections.

Pappas has a lengthy history of community service in the community. He served on the North Tonawanda Board of Education for 17 years, 10 of those years he was named board president; he served on the Niagara County School Board for 9 years, two of those years as board chair; and 30 years on the North Tonawanda Youth Board.

The common council believes Pappas will be an asset to the city and looks forward to working with him heading into 2015.

Ortt offered a warm welcome to Pappas and is looking forward to assisting him with his transition to mayor, as well as, thanked his colleagues and the city for allowing him the opportunity to serve. “...I would like to thank the residents of North Tonawanda who gave me the chance to serve as their mayor over

North Tonawanda Common Council.

Photo submitted by city hall the past five years. Next to serving in combat, it was the best job I have ever had,” said Ortt. “I just want to thank the residents for their faith, for their trust in me, and I look forward to serving as your next state senator.”

Pappas, who begins his term as Mayor of North

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Tonawanda Jan. 1, was humbled by his recent appointment.

“I would like to thank the council for their support. It was a process and the questions were pretty involved.

I am thankful I was able to answer them to satisfaction.

This has been a fast, furious situation with Alderman At Large and this opportunity for Mayor,” said Pappas. “...Regardless of whether we think things are perfect or not, they’re not perfect.

There is always more to do, but when we compare ourselves to other cities in our county and even compared to Erie County and cities around the state, North Tonawanda stands out because it has made a lot of progress in the last five years.

That is due to the leadership of the Mayor, who is now go-

ing to Albany.”

He continued, “The council works well together. I am honored and proud to be a part of a team that is moving forward. I can assure you, just with the little part that I have been involved in with economic development, things are in good hands.”

Pappas’s seat as Alderman At Large will become vacant, once again, as of the first of the year. The council plans to fill the seat using the same process they used in the past to fill former council members Nancy Donovan and Robert Clark’s seat.

According to City ClerkTreasurer Scott Kiedrowski, a legal ad will be placed after the first if the year if not sooner for resumes and the process will begin with dates and deadlines, which will be announced at a later date.

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If your group has some news to share, written releases can be submitted by e-mail to mondesko@cpowny.com or lkirchmyer@cpowny.com.

Or by postal mail to the Editorial Department, Community Papers of WNY., 75 Boxwood Lane, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. The deadline for submitting releases is 5 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding each Sunday’s issue, so any submissions for the Dec. 27 editions must be received no later than Monday, Dec. 22. Submitting a press release does not guarantee publication.

Ortt says goodbye as he heads to the senate, Pappas welcomed with open arms

$

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ruary, “The Boys Next Door” in May and the musical “Nunsense” in August. Auditions for “Little Women” will take place in January.

The Starry Night Theatre is located at 170 Schenck Street, North Tonawanda.

For more information, contact the Starry Night Theatre at 743-1614 or visit www.starrynighttheatre.com.

Guidelines

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Crossword Answer

A-3

The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

Spot ‘Baby Sampson’ billboards for your chance to win The Buffalo Zoo announced on Dec. 15, the name of a baby giraffe who was born in October. His name is Sampson.

Sampson was born on Friday, Oct. 24, to mother, 5-year-old A.J, and father, 3-year-old Moke.

Both are first time parents.

The day was a special one for giraffe keeper, Vicki Hodge. Oct. 24 is her grandparents’ wedding anniversary, and also the anniversary of the death of her grandfather, whose middle name was Sampson. She named the baby in memory of him.

The name announcement coincides with a series of billboards that were unveiled around the Buffalo area the same day, revealing Sampson’s name to the community.

Community Papers of WNY, LLC and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising provided the billboards, “A New Baby, A New Year”. CPOWNY

DAV offers thanks to the community DAV • from front The organization is in need of toys for children 12 years and under, TOPS gifts cards, Burger King gift cards, boxed foods, and toiletries.

These items make such a difference at the homeless veterans shelter and the DAV is hoping, with the help of the community, they will be able to bring joy to the lives of those in need this season.

This is the season of giving. Take time out of your holiday season to give back to those who have given

Get your tickets for the show

Bob Casell, President, Community Papers of WNY, LLC; Donna Fernandes, Ph.D., President AND CEO, Buffalo Zoo; Rick Dvorak, VP and GM, LAMAR Outdoor Advertising. will roll out a year of family-friendly activities and promotions on and off Zoo grounds throughout 2015. These efforts serve not only to welcome the giraffe and promote the Zoo as an institution of family

recreation, but also to highlight conservation efforts and educational offerings for the community at large.

A contest to win the named, baby giraffe plush animal, is currently underway.

Have You Spotted Me Yet? ENTER-TO-WIN Find all 8 Sampson billboards

Sharp-eyed readers need to spot all eight billboards that feature the new Buffalo Zoo baby giraffe Sampson.

The first family from each of the 25 community papers to correctly submit all eight routes and cross-street billboard locations, will receive the collectible giraffe.

Outdoor billboards will be in place from Dec. 15 until Feb. 1, 2015.

The following are a list of Wheatfield Senior Trips: •St. Patrick’s Day Show from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday, March 12.

Tickets cost $45, deposit of $25 due Jan. 18. Final payment due Feb. 13.

Following lunch at Sean Patrick’s Irish Restaurant, enjoy a musical celebration by Richie & Debbie Derwald with Irish dancers joining in a colorful variety show. Choose: corned beef & cabbage, roast pork loin or baked haddock.

•Nashville, Tn. April

positioned throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area

Route and cross-street cross-s locations of billboard: 1._____________ 1._____________________ 5._____________________ 2._____________ 2._____________________ 6._____________________ 3._____________________ 7._____________________ 3._____________ 4._____________ 4._____________________ 8._____________________

With warm wishes to our neighbors, friends and associates this holiday season. For your trust and goodwill we are sincerely grateful.

C

PO W

N

Y.c

om

JAMES A. RIZZO

Community Papers

of Western New York, LLC

* Contest ends February 1st, 1 envelopes must be postmarked by February 6th

Higgins announces more than $2.12 million for Niagara County Head Start Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the award of more than $2.12 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for Niagara County Head Start.

“When we provide children with the tools to learn at an early age, it opens doors to education and opportunity for years to come,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.

CPOWNY

READERS

BY THE NUMBERS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

THE

to their peers, children who participated in Head Start are more likely to compete academically in high school and attend college after they graduate. A study conducted in California showed that for every dollar invested in Head Start we create $9 in return through increased earnings, employment, family stability, decreased government assistance, crime, and special education costs.

ATTORNEY AT LAW 150 PAYNE AVENUE NORTH TONAWANDA, NY 14120

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Media Audit July-Aug. 2013

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Niagara County Head Start, Inc. Executive Director Geraldine Donovan noted that the organization has been in the business of Head Start since 1977 and currently serves 470 children.

Head Start is based on a national model that promotes school readiness among low-income families with a particular focus on language and literacy, as well as cognition and development. When compared

13-18, 2015, Approximately $709, five nights lodging, five breakfasts, three dinners including the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater. Spectacular performances at the Grand Ole Opry and Kenny & the Krooners. Guided tour of Nashville, including the Parthenon, Country Music Hall of Fame, Tour of Belle Meade Plantation – the “Queen of Tennessee Plantation”, Johnny Cash Museum & Gratuities.

Contact Jean at 6945567 or Joan at 693-7355 for information and reservations.

With Glad Tidings At The Holidays

Name:____________________________________________ N ame:________ Address:__________________________________________ Address:______ City:________________State:_________Zip:_____________ City:_________ Phone:____________________________________________ Phone:_______

Mail this completed form to: Community Papers of o WNY Attn: Sampson Billboard Billbo Contest PO Box 790 Cheektowaga, NY 14 14225

so much for you and your loved ones.

If you wish to donate, please drop your donation item(s) off at 460 North Ave., North Tonawanda, at past DAV Commander Gerald Tidd’s home. If you wish to donate and are unable to drop the item off, contact Tidd at 310-2004 to make arrangements for your item(s) to be picked up.

The DAV is grateful to all of those who have contributed to this cause and wish to say thank you.

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Niagara County Office for the Aging

111 Main St., Suite 101 Lockport, N.Y. 14094 Phone: 716-438-4020 • www.niagaracounty.com/aging

HIICAP

Health Insurance, Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program Provides free, unbiased information and assistance with:

• Explanations of Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D • New York State EPIC Program • Comparing Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans • Assistance with Interpreting Medical Bills • Understanding the Appeals Process • Referrals to Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help Program

MEET WITH TRAINED HIICAP VOLUNTEERS

Lockport Senior Centre 33 Ontario St., Lockport 2nd Thursday of each month

John Duke Senior Center 1201 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls By appointment

North Tonawanda Senior Center 110 Goundry St. By appointment

For more information or an appointment, call 438-3030

A-4

The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

The Sun Editorial & Letters W W W. C P O W N Y. C O M

Want to share your opinion?

Dear North Tonawanda residents: Do you ever feel the need to get something off of your chest? Do you have something important to say, but don’t know how to get your voice heard?

Well, welcome to the North Tonawanda Sun “Letter to the Editor” page.

The letter to the editor page is designed to have community members write in and voice their concerns and/or opinions.

If you have a city issue you would like to address, please send me a letter. If you want to recognize someone for doing a good deed, please send me a letter.

Any topic that you feel is important, I would like to hear about it. All I ask is the

letter be well written and you include your name and address in the letter.

Please refrain from using any profanity or name calling. The letter to the editor is strictly a constructive way for members of the community to voice their opinions on matters and have it be published for our readers.

I hope this opportunity will pique your interest. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Please send your letters to: Attn: Kori Sciandra, North Tonawanda Sun Editor Community Papers of Western New York 75 Boxwood Lane Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Email: ksciandra@cpowny. com.

Handwritten letters will not be published.

Leading by example, Legislature reduces own budget At the Annual Budget Meeting the Erie County Legislature Majority Caucus voted to reduce its own budget by nearly $100,000.

The reduction was achieved by eliminating a position, slashing the office supply budget line and reducing its rental costs, among other cuts.

“When the new Republican-aligned majority took control of the Legislature in 2014, one of my first acts as chairman was requesting an audit of the Legislature

Legislature, the new majority has been able to make real changes and we are seeing tangible results and savings. The Legislature expects to return a surplus at the end of 2014 and we will continue to look for additional opportunities to save,” said Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo.

The following cuts were approved: · Fringe Benefits – Reduced from 1,049,147 to $1,023,900 – a savings of $25,247

by the Comptroller’s Office.

Thanks to the findings of that audit, we were able to identify savings and take corrective action. As we near the end of this year we have a better understanding of our budget needs under the new majority and were able to reduce next year’s budget accordingly,” said Chairman John Mills.

“The Majority Caucus is leading by example by making cuts to our own budget and improving efficiency.

Since taking control of the

· Office Supplies – Reduced $20,999 to $10,999 – a savings of $10,000 · Utility Charges – Reduced from $35,000 to $20,000 – a savings of $15,000 · Secretarial Assistant – Reduced from $31,349 to $0 – a savings of $31,349 · Rental Charges – Reduced from $71,875 to $56,875 – a savings of $15,000

Resident thanks village’s DPW I live in the Village of Lancaster and I would like to praise the Department of Public Works (DPW) for the fantastic job they did during our 74 inch snow storm. They worked around the clock having not much

time to sleep or eat.

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HEAP outreach dates to assist residents in need

The Erie County Legislature recently announced that Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreaches will be held throughout the county to assistance residents in need this year. Attendees do not have to live in the specific town/village/city hosting the outreach to attend.

Interviews will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. All applicants will be interviewed.

HEAP is a federally funded program to assist income eligible Erie County residents with the costs of home heating, electric-

ity, and energy conservation. The HEAP outreach will be administered by the Erie County Departments of Social Services and Senior Services and is open to all income eligible households.

Legislator Edward Rath will host HEAP Outreaches on the following dates: • Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Newstead Public Library, 33 Main St., Akron ** Time is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to library hours • Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Clarence Town Hall, 1 Town Place, Clarence Legislator John Mills will host HEAP Outreaches

on the following dates: • Monday, Feb. 2 at Concord Town Hall, in the Auditorium, 86 Franklin St., Springville Legislator Lynne Dixon will host HEAP Outreaches on the following dates: • Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Lackawanna Senior Center, 230 Martin Road, Lackawanna Legislator Ted Mortondates will be announced soon.

Legislator Joseph Lorigo will host HEAP Outreaches on the following dates: • Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Aurora Senior Citizens Center, 101 King St, East

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Editorial Policy: The Sun in publishing articles written by individuals, public officials, columnists and other contributors does not necessarily agree or disagree with the opinions expressed. Any editorial written by our own editorial staff, the managing editor or the publisher will be clearly identified as the specific opinion of the newspaper. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising submitted at his discretion. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors made except to reprint that portion of any ad having an error. Display advertising rates are available upon request.

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e) Dividend proof (stocks, bonds securities, etc.)

2) Social Security numbers for all household members 3) One (1) form of ID for all household members (birth certificate or Social Security card or driver’s license or school ID, etc.)

4) Proof of residency (Rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bill) 5) Current heat and/or electric bill.

For questions or additional information, please call the HEAP Hotline at (716) 858-7644. Also, Erie County residents can apply

online by visiting www. mybenefits.ny.gov.

The HEAP 2014-2015 income guidelines are as follows: Household Size/Gross Monthly Income (Cannot exceed) • 1/ $2,194 • 2/ $2,869 • 3/ $3,544 • 4/ $4,219 • 5/ $4,894 • 6/ $5,569 • 7/ $5,696 • 8/ $5,822 • 9/ $5,949 • 10/ $6,076

Legislature delivers tax cut

25 weekly publications 258,432 HOMES

Aurora Applicants must bring the following documentation to the outreach: 1) Proof of gross income received within the last 30 days for all household members a) Wages: If paid weekly, last four (4) paystubs b) Wages: If paid biweekly, last two (2) paystubs c) Award letters, if applicable (Social Security, Pension, Unemployment, Workers Comp, Disability d) Yearly statement of interest received (savings, checking, CDs, money market account, etc.)

I am happy to report that the Erie County Legislature’s budget amendments have resulted in a tax rate decrease for next year. The Legislature worked together to reduce spending without impacting services. As a result, we were able to lower taxes in 2015. The County Executive’s proposed budget only held the line on taxes but that didn’t go far enough for taxpayers.

In addition, the Legislature realigned funding to allocate money to service groups that are dedicated to helping residents in need. In all, I am very pleased with the adopted budget, I believe we have created a sound budget that prioritizes critical services, provides funding to city and rural community organizations, and respects taxpayers.

Among the cuts made were to the Legislature’s budget.

We voted to reduce our own budget by nearly $100,000.

The reduction was achieved by eliminating a position, slashing the office supply budget

line and reducing its rental costs, among other cuts. When the new Republican-aligned majority took control of the Legislature in 2014, one of my first acts as Chairman was requesting an audit of the Legislature by the Comptroller’s Office. Thanks to the findings of that audit, we were able to identify savings and take corrective action. As we near the end of this year we have a better understanding of our budget needs under the new majority and were able to reduce next year’s budget accordingly. I am pleased we were able to identify these cuts and lead by example.

When I reviewed the County Executive’s proposed budget there were reductions made that I did not agree with. For example, Graycliff Estates, Cornell Cooperative Extension and youth programs throughout Erie County saw reductions.

My colleagues and I worked together to restore funding to the 2014 level for many organizations. Funding was also provided for the Food Bank of

WNY and the Buffalo City Mission to assist them as they see an increase in requests for help.

We supported these important agencies and organizations while still reducing taxes.

Our priority remained focused on protecting funding to critical services, this included Emergency Services, the Sheriff’s Office and road fund. We heard from many residents who urged the Legislature to protect services while insisting that funding be allocated efficiently.

In any budget process a balance must be struck.

I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature, the administration and his staff, and all the departments for working together on the 2015 budget.

If you have any questions about a county matter, please contact me at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.

Erie County Legislator, John Mills

A-5

The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

Hoover Middle students Town, city police make three burglary arrests perform annual winter concert

By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT

Last Thursday, Dec. 11, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department warned residents about the chance of holiday season burglaries in the Town and City of Tonawanda after three individuals were arrested for breaking into cars and homes that day in two separate and unrelated incidents, police officers in both municipalities said.

Kyle L. Carter, 22, of Congress Avenue in Buffalo, as well as Erik M. Glover, 29 and Harvest A. Glover, 28, were arrested. Both Glovers, who are husband and wife, live on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. City of Tonawanda spokesman Captain Fredric Foels said Carter was charged with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, criminal trespass in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. The Glovers were apprehended

by Town of Tonawanda officers and charged with four counts of burglary, the town police department said last week. City police were not involved in the Glovers’ apprehension.

During the incident involving Carter, town police were called to the 2700 block of Colvin Boulevard at approximately 1:15 a.m., Dec. 11, near where the Town of Tonawanda borders the City of Tonawanda. Two people were spotted walk-

ing down Colvin, attempting to open door handles of cars parked in the street.

A witness said these suspects were also seen walking up driveways trying to do the same, police said.

Foels said City of Tonawanda police received a call about this incident “sometime after 3 a.m.”

“Town of Tonawanda police arrived; they were able to establish several vehicles had been broken into and property stolen,” said Town of Tonawanda Police Captain Joseph Carosi. “While town officers were investigating, they were notified that City of Tonawanda police were actively chasing a person through backyards.”

“Our officers located Mr. Carter in a backyard on Frederick Road,” Foels added. “Frederick Road is right at the boundary of the city/town line; Frederick Road is in the city. He was taken into custody by our officers.”

According to Foels, Carter was charged with possession of stolen property because he threw a backpack into the snow while officers were pursuing him on foot. The officers recovered the backpack and found it contained items taken from vehicles in the Town of Tonawanda. Additionally, at the time of his arrest last week, Carter had an outstanding parole warrant for previous burglaries, Foels said. Foels was not able to confirm how many cars were burglarized, nor where Carter’s suspected accomplice had gone.

“The town originally thought there were two people involved in all these larcenies and burglaries.

I’m not exactly sure if there was a second person, but I don’t think he was apprehended,” Foels said.

Carosi confirmed Town of Tonawanda police are still in the process of reviewing the collected evidence related to Carter’s arrest, although charges are pending.

In the second incident, at 1:20 p.m., Dec. 11, Town of Tonawanda police went to an address on Idlewood Drive after receiving a call about a burglary in progress. After the burglars fled the scene, a brief foot pursuit ensued, after which officers arrested Erik and Harvest Glover. They have been charged in connection with four burglaries in the Town of Tonawanda between Dec. 8 and Dec. 11.

Carosi issued a statement warning residents to watch out for themselves, since “law enforcement considers the holiday season as burglary season.”

He advised residents to always be vigilant with their homes and cars to reduce their chances of falling prey to potential burglars, and thus keep their valuable personal property safe.

“Police strongly encourage persons to always lock their home and car doors.

The majority of these crimes were committed because opportunity was easy,” Carosi said. “Your first and best defense is to always lock your doors.”

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By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT

On Monday, Dec. 15, Hoover Middle School held its annual winter concert, featuring a wide variety of selections as performed by students of the orchestra, chorus, jazz band, glee choir and concert band, to a packed auditorium of parents, family and friends.

The orchestra, as directed

by Stephanie Cartwright, first performed “Merry Christmas, Cha Cha Cha,” a mashup of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas and “La Bamba.”

They then proceeded with a piece called “Velocity,” followed by “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” a perennial favorite from the 1966 adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Cartwright, orchestra director at Edison Elementary School and Hoover, said the Seuss piece included a “full” orchestra. “Some top students every year from the concert band join us,” she said. “They rehearsed with me extra time, so I really appreciate the extra work that they put into putting this piece together.

It’s similar to a Buffalo Philharmonic concert, how you would see not only strings, but the woodwinds, the brass and the percussion all working as one ensemble.”

The chorus, which vocal music teacher Lisa Welfare directed, performed “Child of Peace” and a folk piece called “Shalom Chaverim/ Hevenu Shalom Aleichem,” during which Joseph Cannizzaro provided vocals for an opening solo. Welfare said the latter number is a traditional Israeli folk song that carries the message of, “Go my friends in peace, until we meet again.”

For their final number, the chorus sang the popular tune, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from the Disney movie “Frozen.” Throughout the three songs, vocal music teacher Lisa Hasselback provided piano accompaniment during the singing.

The jazz band consisted of a group of children from the larger concert band who auditioned to be part of the

more selective group, band director and music teacher Mary Kwitowski said. Their set included “Proud Mary,” “Frosty the Snowman,” with a trumpet solo by Jordan Taylor, and “A Rockin’ Merry Christmas,” a spirited rendition of “Joy to the World,” with an alto sax solo from Tabitha Peterangelo and Jayden Thorpe playing a trombone solo.

After the jazz band was the glee choir, again with Welfare as director and Hasselback as accompanist. The small group of girls in this select choir, who were chosen from the larger group of choral students via auditions, sang “Christmastime is Here,” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” followed by “Jazz Cantate,” “Once Upon a December” from the Disney movie “Anastasia” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” During the final song, sixth-grader William Burhans played the drums.

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The concert band, the final act, consisted of a group of 110 students from three grade levels, Kwitowski said.

Student teacher Lauren Smith was guest director of the first song, “Lightning,” after which Kwitowski directed “The Gift of Christmas,” a medley of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Away in a Manger” and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful.” They ended with “Let It Snow,” during which a select group of eighth-grade students stood in front to form a small Dixieland band.

Hoover Middle Principal Carmelina Persico said on Monday about 300 students, including vocal and instrumental performers, participated in the winter concert.

When asked what makes her the most excited to be the school’s principal, Persico cited progression and improvement students had made as they progressed through weeks and weeks of practice.

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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

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If you ask any current, or former North Tonawanda High School student what the words “king of the road” mean to them, they’ll likely respond with a smile, and a story about their square dancing days in gym class.

If you ask them what their favorite unit was, most will say square dancing. And if you ask the physical education teachers what question they’re always asked at the beginning of the school year, it will probably be, “When does square dancing start?”

The tradition of square dancing goes back as long as physical education teacher Nancy Miranto can remember. It was even popular when she was a student at NTHS. “As far as I know it goes back to 1962,” said Miranto. “There was a teacher there named Nick Sebek.

He just loved [square danc-

ing] and he was kind of the one that started it and it’s been a tradition ever since.”

Dance is a required unit in high school physical education, but not many other schools choose square dancing.

In NT, this unit quickly turned into a tradition and even a competition. Each year on the last day before students take their winter break, a square dancing competition is held.

The gym fills with more then 45 groups, with eight participants each, dancing to many of the same songs their parents did.

“Parents nowadays are laughing when I tell them that their kids are square dancing to the same songs they danced to,” said Miranto.

Miranto believes this unit is popular, not only because of the catchy songs, but because of the co-ed factor and the social involvement.

“I think the kids like diversifying the curriculum and I think they like the

co-ed factor of it,” she said.

“We teach it in a setting that’s friendly to the kids.”

This is a unit and tradition that involves every student and creates interaction among those who may not socialize with one another, otherwise.

“There’s so much more that we’re teaching than square dancing, but we’re teaching social skills and interaction skills. They’re working as groups, getting along with people and and getting to know students they don’t know,” Miranto said. “In order for the groups to be successful, everyone has to do their part.

These are important values that [students] need to carry on to everyday life.”

The competition creates a great deal of excitement within the student body. Many groups will set themes and even dress up in costumes to help attract the attention of the judges.

Some groups are even particular as to where they are located on the dance floor.

Some believe it’s important to be right on the NT logo in the center of the gym, while others think it’s better to be up front near the judges.

But, no matter what they’re wearing, who they’re with, or where they’re located on the dance floor, the students all have a great time.

The tradition of square dancing at NTHS is still going strong, as students have already signed up for this year’s competition. Miranto and the other physical education teachers look forward to seeing the effort and excitement that comes with this event and hope to see it continue for many years to come.

“I just think that square dancing, at least in NT, is timeless,” said Miranto. “It doesn’t matter if you were in the 1960’s square dancing or in 2014. It’s amazing that it’s lasted this long and I really hope it continues.”

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Superintendent, board president comment on passage of capital project

By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT

Last week, KenmoreTonawanda School District Board of Education President Bob Dana and Superintendent Dawn Mirand offered their comments after Ken-Ton voters approved both propositions of the second phase of the school district’s capital project.

A district spokesman said last week both Proposition One and Two passed Dec. 9, with Proposition One receiving the go-ahead by a margin of 1,151 votes to 247. Additionally, the second proposition passed by a

slightly narrower margin, with 1,080 residents voting “yes” and 326 voting “no.” Of these, only the second proposition will have a small tax impact on voters, an additional cost of approximately $12 per year in taxes for an average resident with an assessed home value of $100,000.

“We are all extremely grateful to the district’s residents for their overwhelming show of support and the efforts of the many dedicated people that made it all possible,” Dana said Dec. 11. “These are difficult times as we continue to strive to provide an atmosphere that provides a safe environ-

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ment and promotes learning, therefore enabling Ken-Ton’s students to achieve the success they deserve.”

“Proposition One and Two were the result of a long list of needs and enhancements that the district decided on a couple of years ago, and this is phase two of an ongoing process to enhance and upgrade our buildings,” Mirand said the day after the vote. “We are just thrilled that the community supported the propositions and excited about going forward with it.

Proposition One includes updates to allow the school buildings to comply with health and safety codes, including updates to the building envelopes, such as improvement of accessibility for students with disabilities, and related updates related to “Scenario I,” which the district voted to pass earlier this year. Among other updates, it includes roof replacements and a bus loop at Lindbergh Elementary School, a new parking lot on Fries Road, gym and locker updates at Kenmore East and a new bus loop at Kenmore West. About 80 percent of the cost will come from state aid, with the remaining total coming from the district’s reserve funds.

Proposition Two includes updates that will help the district’s auditoriums and athletic fields.

Hoover Middle, Franklin Middle, Kenmore East and Kenmore West will see updates to their individual auditoriums, and there will also be updates to and artificial turf installed at Adams Field, Crosby Field and at Kenmore West. About 75 percent of this proposition’s

cost will come from state aid, with taxpaying covering the remaining portion.

On Dec. 1, one week before the capital project vote, the Board of Education, various district administrators and project architects held a panelstyle informational public forum in the auditorium of Hoover Middle School.

It gave residents a chance to learn more about the capital project and have their questions answered.

Although Dana said the district was, legally, not allowed to actually persuade residents to vote for or against the capital project, they were allowed to provide information to the public. The panel included representatives of Gordon W. Jones Architects and Campus Construction Management Group, Inc., the project’s architects.

Mirand said the district entered into the first phase of the project five years ago to assess the longterm needs of the district’s buildings. A committee of community members, administrators and architects discussed what could be done. Dana recalled, “The first time we sat down, it was a real eye-opener to realize what was going on and the magnitude of the project - over $58 million.” Construction of the first phase of the project, which was approved in 2009, is scheduled to be finished by the end of this year.

“This accomplishment goes a long way to assist us in accomplishing [the district’s goals] and to do so in a way that contributes to our financial sustainability,” Dana added last week. “In simple terms, we are all elated.”

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A-7

The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

Errick Road Elementary helps area refugees enjoy holiday season Niagara Wheatfield’s Errick Road Elementary teachers Beatrice Arnone, Mary Ann Brier, Lori Godell, Nicole Pasceri and Lori Pruyn teach a unit on the holidays every year and ask the students if they want to help out people less fortunate in the area. The students and their families happily agree to help out refugees who are new Western New York residents, many who had to flee their country with little more than the clothes on their backs. “My son is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and works with the refugees,� says Mrs. Pruyn. “After he brought it to our attention that many of them were not prepared for our harsh winters and had little or no possessions of their own we started working with Jewish Family Services. They provided us with names, ages and genders so we could put together care packages for them.� “This has been a great year,� says Mrs. Pruyn. “We have just gotten piles and piles of clothes and toys. The students have re-

ally taken ownership of this project and could not wait to come in every day with their donations.� The donations have been so plentiful the classes have already started to put aside items for their families for next year.

To add a holiday feel to their offerings, students spent a day decorating the gift boxes with drawings, cut outs and glitter. “We are so impressed how the students and their parents embraced this project,� says Mrs. Pruyn. “Many of these refugees come from Somalia, Burma, Nepal and various Islamic countries and have literally nothing. We want to thank the Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association for their generous donation of $300 and one of my former students whose Girl Scout group donated the proceeds from their walkathon. We especially want to thank the moms that came in and helped the students to wrap. It was very kind of all them and will definitely make the holiday season a more pleasant and happier time for the families.�

Anthony Strangio, Noah Morelli, Emilie Smith and Olivia Brabarossa-Robinson.

Photo submitted.

ECC makes it six straight at national Mastercam competition For the past five years, students of Erie Community College’s celebrated industrial technology program have enjoyed fall seasons full of awards on the national stage of Mastercam’s Wildest Parts design competition. This year, they continued what has now become an annual tradition of industrial design domination.

In a field open to students

from over 74,800 schools around the country, ECC’s Michael Manzella notched second place and Paul Gojmerac added third place honors as the college’s participants once again mastered the decades-old contest’s postsecondary division. This is the sixth year in a row that an ECC student has been awarded either first, second or third place

in the event, which challenges students enrolled in Mastercam courses to create a unique, original design using Mastercam software.

Williamsville native Manzella earned his honor for “Reel,� a large and complicated titanium fly reel which featured expert milling, tight tolerances and an impressive attention to detail. Kenmore resident Gojmerac’s water-

jet-created “Sextant� not only combined artistic and utilitarian qualities sought after by contest judges, but also exhibited an impressive level of ambition from the ECC student. According to Mastercam judges, “(Gojmerac) gained a much better understanding of the process of taking a concept through all of the steps necessary to become a finished product. The end result was

a great learning experience and an attractive and functional part.�

This victory is simply the latest victory for an ECC Industrial Technology Program that is leading the way in Western New York advanced manufacturing by providing trained graduates to answer the region’s dire need for skilled laborers, manufacturers and technicians. Its enrollment has

surged over the past nine years and, thanks in part to the college’s $926,922 received through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants Program (TAACCCT) in 2012, is now utilizing stateof-the-art training labs and advanced equipment for students eager to enter the area’s expanding industry.

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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014

Council tables resolution requiring new permit for mobile food trucks

ECC’s Dental Lab Tech Program earns grant Erie Community College’s Dental Lab Technology Program has been selected as a recipient for a $5,000 Foundation for Dental Lab Technology’s Keystone Grant, announced in November by the foundation’s Tallahassee, Fla.-located representatives.

The prestigious Keystone Grant was established to support educational institutions with dental laboratory technology programs. The annual and competitive grant selection process awards national recipients based on submitted materials that include a program outline, current efforts being made to strengthen the program and planned usage of the funds.

For ECC—a school that also boasts competitive programs in dental assisting and dental hygiene, and consistently posts impressive job placement numbers across Western New York—the award will certainly strengthen an already solid dental focus.

“This award is appreciat-

ed, and further recognition of the great work done by our faculty,” ECC President Jack Quinn said. “Their number one goal is to train our students for sustainable careers, and this grant will certainly help those in dental lab tech do so.”

ECC’s Dental Laboratory Technology Program trains students to be capable of the design, fabrication and production of dental prostheses, including full and partial dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances.

New state-of-the-art techniques, equipment and materials are emphasized, and within well-equipped laboratories at the ECC South Campus, students are instructed in all aspects of prosthodontic dentistry. Opportunities are available for second-year students to work with dentists in private practice, at hospitals and at commercial dental laboratories as they prepare to join the profession.

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By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT

During its meeting on Tuesday, the City of Tonawanda Common Council voted to table a resolution to renew an ordinance restricting where mobile food trucks may do business in the City of Tonawanda without a mobile food vendor license and a special event permit.

However, Police Chief William Strassburg questioned whether this unfairly singles out food trucks.

The resolution, which the council debated during its informal session with input from other city officials, stated it “shall be unlawful for any mobile food vehicle vendor to operate within 500 feet of the boundary line of any fair, carnival, circus, festival, special event or civic event that is licensed or sanctioned by the city” unless they have these permits.

Previously, the city code required the trucks to have only a special events permit to sell food during special events. If this resolution passes, they will need another one as well.

City Attorney Ronald Trabucco said he added

the portion requiring the food trucks to have a specific mobile food vendor license. However, Strassburg cautioned the council about drawing food truck owners’ ire by keeping them from conducting business, but not other local vendors that may also sell food for a profit. “If the Boy Scouts have an event, they can’t bring the food truck in, but if somebody’s having an event with a trailer the Boy Scouts cook hot dogs out of, they can do it,” the police chief commented.

Strassburg asked if the restriction on food vendors also applied to the Tonawanda Football Clinic, which holds a chicken barbecue on city property.

In response, First Ward Councilman Charles Gilbert pointed out that this resolution, if it does pass at a later date, would not keep the barbecue from happening, since the language is specific to food trucks. Trabucco read the definition of a “mobile food truck” to the council, which is “a self-contained, motorized mobile food unit, in which ready-to-eat food is cooked, wrapped, packaged, processed and portioned for service, sale or distribution.” Therefore, this definition excludes the football clinic and Boy Scouts.

“You’re totally singling out the food trucks. I just know the food trucks have attorneys, and the first thing they’ll say it, ‘You’re totally singling us out. How can you do that?’ I’m just doing this because we have to enforce it, and we’re the ones that will get the grief, complaints and everything else,” Strassburg said.

“You’re putting them in a different class. I just want to make sure that’s what you want to do.”

Strassburg referred to an incident earlier this year, when Mitchell Stenger, an attorney representing Lloyd Taco Trucks and other mobile food vendors, appeared before the council to criticize a resolution, which the council approved in March, requiring all mobile food truck vendors to conduct background checks on their employees.

Stenger had argued brick-and-mortar restaurants are not subject to these laws. “Joe’s Pizzeria doesn’t have to have background checks on their delivery men, and they’re going right to someone’s front door,” he had said.

Peter Cimino, Lloyd Taco Trucks’ co-founder, also said increased restrictions were unnecessary.

“My concern is that we’re going to end up with something that is unfair to the

food truck owners, who’ve been abiding by the existing laws,” he said. “All that we’re asking is that the laws are applied fairly and evenly.”

However, Mayor Rick Davis said the fact that food trucks are still allowed into a city park, where children are likely to be present, means background checks are a good idea, praising Lloyd as a “reputable place” that sells food from trucks. “We can’t think of reputable places. We’ve got to think of an un-reputable place that wants to come in and sell food in our city parks.

If this individual is coming into our city park who is a registered sex offender and something happens, we’re liable.”

The resolution the council passed earlier this week renews the old requirement, which Stenger and Cimino had criticized, for mobile food trucks to conduct background checks on all of their employees.

They also must pay an application fee of $250, including a $25 background check for one employee, per year for the first truck.

For any additional trucks, they must pay a fee of $100, plus the $25 background check fee. The mobile food truck vendors must also pay for background checks for additional employees.

John Rodgers named chair of 23rd annual Diamond Ball

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the community and is active in many civic and professional organizations. He is past president and currently first vice president of the local board of LLS and serves on many of the chapter’s committees. He received the society’s 2010 “Service To Mankind” award presented at the Diamond Ball. Rodgers received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and an MBA from the University at Buffalo, where he serves on the dean of the school of pharmacy’s national industry advisory committee. He resides in Elma with his wife, Susan.

All proceeds from the 23rd annual Diamond Ball will be directed toward research of blood cancers, local patient aid, advocacy, educational and community service programs in the chapter area. For more information regarding the Diamond Ball, contact The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 834-2578.

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Together, we can make a significant impact on the fight against cancer here in our community.”

As executive vice president and chief operating officer, Rodgers oversees all business operations, including sales, product development, information technology and strategy management, as well as Independent Health’s ancillary businesses – Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions, Nova Health Care Administrators, Inc.sm and Reliance Rx sm.

Rodgers was honored as part of the Executive Team of the Year in 2009 along with the rest of the Independent Health executive team by HealthLeaders Media magazine. More recently, he was recognized as one of Western New York’s top executives, receiving Business First’s 2014 “Buffalo C-Level Executive Award.”

In addition, Rodgers is committed to giving back to

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The Western & Central New York Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society announced John Rodgers, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Independent Health, will serve as chairman of the volunteer fundraising and planning committee for the Society’s 23rd annual Diamond Ball. This black tie gala will take place at Samuel’s Grande Manor on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

“I am honored to serve as chair for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Diamond Ball,” Rodgers said. “The mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is closely aligned with Independent Health’s efforts to create a culture of health in the community, and I’m proud to be able to support the organization with its goal of finding cures and ensuring access to the best available treatments for all blood cancer patients.

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