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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
N O RT H TO NAWA N DA Locally Owned!
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WHEATFIELD HOCKEY LOOKS TO REPEAT
LEARN HOW TO TRIM YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
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VOL 1 NO. 23
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014
Merchants welcome patrons to annual Winter Walk By Kori Sciandra
NORTH TONAWANDA SUN EDITOR
What better way is there to welcome a Western New York winter than to just embrace it? In the Twin Cities, the Downtown Merchants As-
sociation are encouraging residents to do just that. Embrace the winter weather as they tackle some Christmas shopping next month. For the last 15 years the Downtown Merchants Association in both North
Tonawanda and Tonawanda have hosted the annual Winter Walk event. This special event showcases small businesses located on Webster Street in North Tonawanda and Main Street in Tonawanda. Winter Walk will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat-
urday, Dec. 6 in the downtown corridor of the Twin Cities. Throughout the day, each store will feature a different theme. While shopping, patrons can indulge in complimentary hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cookies, and more.
17 year tradition, Rockin with Santa, is set to rock Elks Lodge
Although the day will highlight local businesses and allow for shoppers to check some items off their shopping lists, there will also be a variety of activities for children to take part in. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hay Rides pulled by horses will take children down Webster Street, over the bridge, down Main Street and back again.
See “Winter Walk” on Page A4.
North Tonawanda Sun:
Your choice for community news Kori Sciandra
By Mary Mazur
NT SUN CORRESSPONDENT
NORTH TONAWANDA SUN EDITOR
The Elks Lodge, located at 55 Main St., Tonawanda, is set to host the 17th annual Rockin with Santa Christmas event from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The concert, that used to be held on Broad Street, has become a longstanding tradition in the North Tonawanda community. Each year it raises money and Christmas gifts for needy families in the surrounding area. This year the concert will feature local rock sensation Widow Maker. The cover charge for this year’s concert is an unwrapped gift for a child up to the age of 16. Last year the event provided gifts for more than 140 families in the area. The list of families comes from a number of different organizations including: The Boys and Girls Club, The YMCA, and St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Francis. Eight female volunteers from the Zonta Club wrap the gifts each year once they have been donated. Then on the Sunday morning before Christmas 30
The Tonawanda News released a statement last month notifying the public of its plans to cease publication Jan. 31, 2015. The publication is considered a staple within the community and has impacted residents lives for more than 130 years. It has provided up-to-date, daily community news to its readers and it’s sad to see a neighboring publication close its doors. Community Papers of Western New York would like to reassure residents there is still an outlet for community news in the Tonawandas. The North Tonawanda Sun will continue bringing weekly coverage to the community by telling your stories and sharing your accomplishments. The Sun has no intention of replacing the Tonawanda News, as its purpose is different from ours. As a weekly publication, serving the Twin Cities and Wheatfield, the Sun will continue to provide an outlet for readers to become informed about city government, share achievements, learn about school happenings, stay updated on high school sports, and share their opinions with the community. The Sun wants to hear your opinions. Utilize our “Opinions and Editorial” page as a way to reach out to your community. Hand written letters will not be published. If you are shy and don’t want to leave your name, you’re in luck. Community Papers of WNY is bringing back the “Blow of Your Steam” column. Feel free to call the “Blow of Your Steam” hotline at 6689065 and let us know what’s on your mind. Please use your best judgement when calling the hotline and remember The Sun is a community newspaper. Profanity, slander, or use of foul language will not be published. If you know of an event and would like coverage, email North Tonawanda Sun Editor, Kori Sciandra at ksciandra@cpowny.com, call 668-5223 ext. 8147 or 860-0851. For sports, contact CPOWNY Sports Editor, Tom Gallagher at 668-5223, ext. 8168 or email tgallagher@cpowny.com. To read similar stories, visit the Community Papers of Western New York website at cpowny.com.
Bring your unwrapped gift as your cover charge. Photo submitted. families will come to the local fire hall and each child will get to pick three gifts from the community. “Our hardest age group is between 14-16,” said John White who explained older children normally end up getting gift cards from the monetary donations the event receives. John White and his wife Kate White started the Rockin with Santa tradi-
tion 17 years ago, because they were looking for a way to give back to the community after their children had grown. “You are always looking for something to do, most of the people just want to help out,” said White who explained that many of the 30 community members that volunteer have been doing it for years for similar reasons.
Monetary donations for the event can be sent to: “Kids,” PO Box 96, Tonawanda NY 141500096. The concert will feature music from the local award winning rock band Widow Maker. The band, that rocks stages all over Western New York, features four performers: Michael Hund, Alison Janet, Band Bassist and Carl Messina.
New Non-Surgical Protocol For Neuropathy What is Neuropathy? Neuropathy is a collection of disorders that occurs when nerves of the peripheral nervous system are damaged. The condition is generally referred to as peripheral neuropathy. In the United States, over 20 million people suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can be brought on by a number of different causes including diabetes, back problems, and certain drugs. Damaged nerves send incorrect signals to the brain causing scattered messages resulting in numbness, burning, tingling, and sharp pain sensations that are usually felt in the feet, legs, hands or arms. Symptoms associated with the motor portion of the nerve may also include muscle weakness, cramping and spasms as well as a lack of coordination and poor balance.
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Are you Experiencing Pins & Needles? Numbness and Tingling? Pain or Burning in your Feet or Hands? New Non-Surgical Protocol for Neuropathy: A new development in Class IV laser technology called Deep Tissue Laser Therapy has been shown to improve the function of the blood vessels that feed the nerves by sending radiant infrared energy deep into the walls of the blood vessels and tissues that surround the injured nerves. This improves the elasticity and function of the blood vessels. As the blood vessels become healthier, the nerves begin to thrive. Additionally, Electroanalgesic Treatment is used to reduce the ability of the affected nerves to transmit pain signals and promote healing by means of the depolarization effects on the nerve cells. This computer-assisted treatment offers exemplary patient success in the treatment of PAIN, without piercing the skin. Moreover, therapies including Whole Body Vibration and Hydromassage are designed to improve circulation, strength and balance.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE .......................... SECT. A PAGE 2
TAX EXEMPTIONS .................................... SECT. A PAGE 6
GIVING BACK ........................................... SECT. A PAGE 2
COMMON CORE....................................... SECT. A PAGE 7
SANTA VISITS THE CARROUSEL MUSEUMSECT. A PAGE 3
MIDNIGHT LIQUORS .............................. SECT. A PAGE 8
OPINIONS AND EDITORIALS................... SECT. A PAGE 4
SPORTS .................................................SECT. SECT. B PAGES 1-2
COMMUNITY SERVICE ............................ SECT. A PAGE 5
SECT. B PAGES 5-7 CLASSIFIED ADS ...................................SECT.
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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ returns Make this holiday one to remember to starry night theatre By Kori Sciandra
NORTH TONAWANDA SUN EDITOR
By Sallie Moppert
NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
It’s a Wonderful Life has been a classic movie for years, beloved by people of all generations. It has become a tradition in many families to watch this touching story and it has also become a favorite production of The Starry Night Theatre in North Tonawanda. The theatre has been performing its adaptation to the stage by James W. Rogers of the 1946 movie from Frank Capra since 2002 and it is the fifth time that it has been the featured winter performance, being rotated out every three years along with A Christmas Carol and All Through the Night. “I love how the story portrays a small town that is struggling through financial difficulties and how they help each other out,” explained director Don Swartz. “It portrays a strong sense of community and what is possible when come together for the common good.” The story focuses on a man named George Bailey who wonders what life would be like if he had never been born. An
angel named Clarence is sent to George by the prayers of his loved ones to show him how different things would be if he was not around. The production will feature a cast of over thirty people. Some of the performers include Brandon A. Czerwinski as George Bailey, Carla Kwasniak as Mary Bailey, Carl Tamburlin as Mr. Potter, and Nathan Schuh as Clarence. There will also be people playing the roles of the citizens of Bedford Falls, who will be singing many popular and well known Christmas carols throughout the production. The production of It’s a Wonderful Life follows the classic story with some minor changes. Some of the changes include tweaks to the set used in the production and the costumes worn by the performers. For those in the community that have seen the previous performances of It’s a Wonderful Life by The Starry Night Theatre, there will be some surprises added into the performance that repeat audience members will enjoy. “The audience will en-
joy seeing a movie they have seen many times live on the stage,” Swartz added. “They enjoy the Christmas decorations and the many Christmas carols that the citizens of Bedford Falls sing.” The show will run at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11; at 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13; and at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14. Tickets for the show are $17 for general admission and $15 for veterans, students and seniors. Tickets can be reserved online at the theatre’s website or by contacting the theatre directly. As 2014 comes to a close, The Starry Night Theatre is already preparing for the upcoming performances in 2015. The schedule for 2015 includes: Little Women in February, The Boys Next Door in May and the musical Nunsense in August. Auditions for the productions are posted on the theatre’s website. The Starry Night Theatre is located at 170 Schenck Street in North Tonawanda. For tickets or more information, contact the theatre at 743-1614 or visit www.starrynighttheatre.com.
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As we begin to wrap up 2014, there is so much to be thankful for. Each year, in my family, its tradition for each of us to say what we are thankful for as we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner. Among the obvious are our health, wealth, friends, family, and the delicious meal we have been blessed with. While I believe in the importance of this tradition, it seems simple. It feels like we should be listing more things we are thankful for, because there is so much more to appreciate in this world. I say it’s time to start showing our appreciation. We may not all be able to afford to sponsor a family for the holidays. Maybe we can’t afford to provide a second family with a hot meal, or lavish them with toys under the Christmas tree. But, we can do something. How big or how small that something is, depends on you and your family. This is your choice, so make it a memorable choice. This holiday, while you sit and enjoy your meal or while you drink coffee and digest, talk to your family about what ideas they might have. Ask what charities or organizations they keep close to their hearts and see if there is something you, as a family, can do to help. Involve
Take time to make a difference. Photo submitted. the children - they might surprise you. There is no right or wrong answer and the possibilities are endless. You can make a difference if you try, you just have to take some time out to brainstorm. Here are a few ideas to get the conversation started: •An anonymous monetary donation to your favorite charity or donate in the name of a loved one. •Prepare a meal and drop it off to a family in need. •Put together a bag of canned food while you’re grocery shopping and stop by the local food pantry or food bank. •Donate a bag of dog/cat food or a pet bed at the nearest SPCA. •Get some friends/neigh-
Studio 74 to celebrate grand opening The latest business to join the ranks of the city’s burgeoning Webster Street scene is Studio 74, a massage therapy and special events studio. The 1,463-square-foot studio, located at 74 Webster St., was formerly home to Partners in Art. The owner is Danielle Sniadecki, a North Tonawanda native and licensed massage therapist. “I am so proud and excited to be part of the resurgence of Webster Street and downtown North Tonawanda,” Sniadecki said. “I have been waiting my whole
bors together and help winterize an elderly neighbors home. •Offer to shovel a neighbors driveway or sidewalk These are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling. Come together this season and make a difference in someone else’s life. It’s so easy to caught up in the holidays - whether it is the stress of preparing the perfect meal for your family, finding the right presents for your inlaws, or making sure Santa gets everything on the children’s Christmas list. Make it about something more this year. Give back. Give to someone who needs it more than you do. You never know how big of an impact you might have on their lives and the lives of their family members.
life to give back to the community I grew up in.” The woman-owned, locally operated business has a spa room to offer massage therapy treatments and will eventually add a small retail boutique. A separate space is available to host spa parties, special events, arts and crafts classes, birthday parties, art exhibits and more. The studio will celebrate its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, with a vendor trunk show.
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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
BUDWEY’S
Tree trimming trends for this holiday season By Kaitlin Urban
NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
It’s that time of year again. The music is on the radio and the decorations are going up. It’s the holiday season. The lights will be luminous and the stockings will hang upon the fireplace. But what about the main attraction of all decorations? What about the tree? “You don’t just want your tree to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, and just blend in with the rest of your decorations,� said Kathy Marfione of the North Tonawanda Public Library. This is why she is encouraging residents to come to the library’s “New Trends in Tree Trimming� demonstration. The event will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 at the library, 505 Meadow Dr. There is no fee to attend and registration is not required. This demonstration has been newly added to the library’s busy holiday schedule and Marfione is expecting a great deal of interest in the theme. “We find a lot of people taking out books and magazines and videos of the HGTV shows,� she said. “We see a lot of people here that are into interior decorat-
ing and creating the flare of what’s going on. It seems to be popular to find out what’s new and trending.� Interior decorator Candace Harold will be demonstrating how to decorate your tree with the latest trending designs. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, including several years of decorating for a well-known local restaurant, Harold knows how to keep up on what’s currently trending. She will show her audience how to decorate their tree like the “rich and famous,� but on a realistic budget. Marfione said Harold will be following this year’s trend of burlap and nature. She’ll incorporate this theme while she decorates the tree that will be on display at the library throughout the holiday season. While tying in the nature theme with burlap, owls and other natural materials, she will also be showing the audience members how to incorporate meaningful items in their trees. She’ll demonstrate how non-traditional ornaments can be used and tucked in the tree to help begin a meaningful tradition. Since this is the first year for this event, Marfione is hoping to create her own tradition and make this an annual
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Although Santa Claus is known to have reindeer and a sleigh, that doesn’t mean that he can’t enjoy riding horses once in a while. This holiday season, Santa will be taking a ride on some very special horses: carrousel horses. The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum will be hosting its annual Santa on the Carrousel event. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday until Dec. 20. This includes Saturday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. “We’ve been doing this event for well over fifteen years as a way to say thank you to the community and the visitors to the museum for their support throughout the year,� said Museum Director Rae Profrock. “It is our mission to be a center for the families in the community to have fun with each other and to celebrate the holidays together.� The Santa on the Carrousel event will include a lunch and some activities throughout the afternoon. The lunch will consist of things such as chicken
tenders, hash brown potatoes, fruit cups and beverages. Children will also receive a dessert such as a cupcake. Anyone interested in attending the lunch is asked to contact the Carrousel Museum to RSVP ahead of time to ensure that there is space still available. Tickets for the luncheon are $10 per person. The lunch will run from 11 a.m. to noon. The afternoon activities are open to people who attend the luncheon as well as those who are not attending the luncheon. The afternoon activities will run from noon to 3 p.m. There will be various fun activities and crafts for families to enjoy. At 1 p.m., there will be a different type of entertainment each Saturday, including things such as Christmas music. Families will be able to enjoy refreshments and treats such as s’mores and hot chocolate. The Carrousel Museum will be decorated for the holiday season and will feature decorations such as Christmas trees decorated from different eras. The highlight of the afternoon activities will be the chance for children to meet and ride the carrousel with
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Spread holiday cheer in style this year. Photo submitted. demonstration. But, she’ll need the turnout she’s expecting in order for it to be added to the library’s annual schedule. If the event is successful, Harold will come back each year at the beginning of the holiday season to show what’s trending at the time. “I think it’ll be fun. It’ll be
a good way to kick off the holiday season,� said Marfione. “Hopefully it’ll be a fun thing we do every year.� For more information, visit www.ntlibrary.org or call 693-4132. There are also many other events taking place in December. A full schedule can be found on the library’s website.
Santa on the Carrousel at the Carrousel Museum By Sallie Moppert
Flora’s Cafe
Santa himself. Santa will meet with all of the kids as they are riding the carrousel to ask them what they would like for Christmas and also if they have been naughty or nice this year. While enjoying a ride of the carrousel, families will get the opportunity to listen to the new band organ that the Carrousel Museum received only a few weeks ago. The organ is a rare type that originated from the 1920s. Proefrock stated that the new organ sounds like an entire orchestra is playing
and it was a wonderful addition to the museum. Tickets for the afternoon activities are $6 per person. Reservations for the lunch can be made by contacting the Carrousel Museum. The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is located at 180 Thompson Street in North Tonawanda. For more information, contact the Carrousel Museum at 693-1885 or visit www.carrouselmuseum.org.
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A-4
The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
Opinions & Editorial W W W . C P O W N Y. C O M
‘There isn’t enough manpower to enforce the law’ Dear North Tonawanda Sun, Being the new homeowner on the block, I’ve come to realize, after voicing my concerns for the homes that are rattled greater than a mild earthquake daily, that nothing
will be done to enforce the 5 ton limit on trucks that traverse Wheatfield Street. I have passionately reasoned my concern of the effects on the old medina red stone foundations common to the near 100-year-old homes. The constant sewer repairs
Parking lot needs attention The City of Tonawanda parking lot extending from the Broad Street Salvation Army past Walgreen’s property over to the back of the Tonawanda Towers exit on Young Street needs a total strip down and repave. As a resident here for 25 years, each year I see a new and carefully powered patching job. But now the primary fabric of the entire lot has reached a critical point of desintigration, where the newest patches are the only sound, intact surfaces left. Likely, parking lots are a low priority of the city’s budget items. However, I’m sure
are worth mentioning to the taxpayer also, as how cost effective is it to allow this battering to continue daily without any enforcement and penalty? The police informed me there isn’t enough manpower to enforce the law and so Wheatfield
Street residents must payout the expense of damage to their home, along with the noise of trucks over the lawful limit. I’m guessing the sign prohibiting trucks more than 5 tons is “pretend we have a limit.” My neighbor told me
she and her husband brought this same issue up 30 years ago. I wonder how we will keep paying for the continued abuse of the already burdened taxpayers so that others may prosper. I suggest those in authority replace the traffic light they removed
three years ago across from the old Col. Bond School to slow the traffic down, then maybe the sewer line won’t need to be dug up this year. Madeline Doyle, North Tonawanda Resident
The North Tonawanda History Museum explains what they are thankful for
the city engineer, who is diligent to do the best with what little he has allotted to him, would do a fine job if granted adequate funding ro repave over a quarter century of wear and tear on the city property. Perhaps there are parties in the area who are talented in obtaining court, state, and federal grants for city needs. If these smart and energetic people would take on such a project, I’m sure city hall would be obligingly helpful. Sincerely, Eva
•We’re thankful we are in our eleventh year. •We’re thankful we have been in our permanent home almost six full years. •We’re thankful we were granted our Absolute Charter on Sept. 16, 2014. •We’re thankful HSBC Bank discharged $373,750 of mortgage indebtedness this summer. •We’re thankful we have been entrusted with the many hundreds of thousands of items, large and small, that make up our collection. •We’re thankful for our members and supporters, many of you since we began, and for your continuing faith in us and support of your his-
tory museum. •We’re thankful for our volunteers, those who have been with us since Sept. 10, 2003, those who joined us along the way, both for long term help and those who helped briefly along the way to today, and to those special few who invested of themselves in learning what it is that a history museum has to do and took on serious roles, devoting serious time. •We’re thankful to each person who served on our board of trustees since we began, including one who was the first to volunteer for our original steering committee and then resigned before we ever had a first meeting be-
cause she realized what it was going to need from those who served in that role; one who resigned twelve hours after being appointed as a trustee; one who served for six weeks and resigned because he had “philosophical differences with an organization asking for toilet paper while trying to buy a building; those who wouldn’t take time to learn why the role of trustee with our new and developing history museum was different from any previous roles they had filled; those who stuck with us from the beginning as well as those who remained only a short time. •We’re thankful for the advisors and ex-officio trustees
who have always been a more committed bunch than those who came forward to serve on the board of trustees. •We’re thankful for the special, rich and unique history of North Tonawanda and that there were still enough people in 2003 when we were asked to begin who realized it had been slowly being forgotten and not being properly preserved let alone presented, those who asked us to give North Tonawanda back its historical identity. Donna Zellner Neal, Executive Director North Tonawanda History Museum
Statement from Kiedrowski Due to the Election of Mayor Robert Ortt to the New York State Senate there have been many questions throughout our community as to who will be the next Mayor of the City of North Tonawanda.
My name has been “bantered” about for many weeks as the “heir apparent” or the logical choice by my colleagues to ascend to the Office of Mayor. I have been extremely humbled and honored by the
many residents who have stopped by my office, sent me letters and e-mails of encouragement to lend my name to the pool of applicants applying to be the next Chief Executive. My family and I have had
many discussions over the last several weeks regarding this very important and life changing experience that lies on the table before me. While I am very flattered that I am one of many being considered to be the
next Mayor of the “Lumber City” I have decided that at this point in my life that my current family obligations take precedent over the Office of Mayor. Therefore, I will not be submitting my name for
consideration to be the city’s 29th Mayor. My best, Scott P. Kiedrowski North Tonawanda City Clerk-Treasurer
Time to do some Christmas shopping Winter Walk • from front A Petting Zoo will be on hand at Webster and Tremont Streets in North Tonawanda, while in Tonawanda children can enjoy Pony Rides at Main and Adam Streets. Santa will be stopping by the YWCA from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will be available for photos. Winter Walk Chairperson Kay Learned, also of Hodge Podge, believes this is a “great day for kids.” “We host this event every year because it draws people into downtown, but there is really a lot for the CPOWNY
READERS
kids to do,” said Learned. Throughout the day a Band Organ will play from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop out and support the small businesses and get some Christmas shopping done at the same time. “Come out and see the specials, get some Christmas shopping done and support local businesses,” said Learned. While downtown, be sure to stop into the local restaurants and enjoy a meal with your family after a full-day of shopping.
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Members of Jindo Martial Arts, in Tonawanda, gathered and assembled full Thanksgiving dinners for 25 veteran families through WNY Heroes (wnyheroes.org). The packages included a turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, corn and peas, cranberries, dinner rolls and pumpkin pies. In 2013 Jindo Martial Arts assembled 12 packages for the veterans and plans to up the amount to 50 for 2015. Photo submitted.
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James R. Lipps of Kenmore, passed away Nov. 22, 2014, beloved husband of the late Jacqueline M. Lipps; son of the late William and Anna Lipps; dear father of Scott, Lynn (Thomas) Gentry and Vicki RinkDavie; cherished grandfather of TJ (Jacque) Gentry, Christian, Cady, Cassidy, Cydni Rink and Evan Davie; greatgrandfather of Baileigh and Talon Gentry; car-
ing brother of Margie (Joseph) Johns and Donna (the late Charles) Binaut; brother-in-law of Suzie Lipps and Diz Dean, Michael (Joanne) and James (Linda) Hastrich; dearest son-in-law of Alice (the late Lester) Hastrich. Preceded in death by brothers and sisters, William, Clair, killed during World War II, Helen, Harold, Ruth, Dorothy, Kenny and Richard.
Christopher F. Jarvis Christopher F. Jarvis of of the Town Tonawanda, passed away Nov. 24, 2014. Beloved son of Angela (John) Rutkowski ; dear brother of David (Deborah) Jarvis, Joelyn Jarvis, Step-brother of Reginald (Orlagh) Jarvis, III, father of Alexis Say, Uncle of Brandon Hale, Taylor Jarvis, and Angelina Sardina.
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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
Tonawanda High School discusses community service requirements for students By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
Beginning with next year’s incoming freshman class, all graduating seniors at Tonawanda High School may have to perform a designated number of community service hours in order to be eligible to walk across the stage at graduation, members of the Tonawanda City School District’s Board of Education suggested at its regular meeting on Tuesday. Tonawanda Middle and High School Principal Jessica Lyons and high school social studies teacher Maureen Zarcone told the Board of Education the school’s planning team suggested a total of 20 hours required for students, through their four high school years, to be
able to walk at graduation. Zarcone, who has taught in the Tonawanda City School District for 19 years, emphasized how important she felt it is for students to give back to their communities while studying. “Statistically, it’s a great thing for students to be a part of,” explained Zarcone. “We know that, through research, it has definitely improved interpersonal skills, social development. It increases motivation and it does allow students to have a more positive lifestyle choice, as far as dealing with ideas of lessening destructive behavior.” Zarcone also said, through volunteering, teens are more likely to learn to respect others, be helpful and kind, learn to understand people who are different, develop leadership skills, become more patient
and have a better understanding of citizenship. “When you put all that together, it almost seemed like a no-brainer to us. We somehow wanted to be able to incorporate something like this in our school district,” she added. According to Zarcone, she and Lyons conducted a study of high schools in the area, and found many of them already require community service for their students, and many of them require students to log a certain number of service hours in order to graduate. Instead of this, Zarcone proposed only keeping the students who do not meet the requirement from walking across the stage, rather than going a step further. This will encourage them to participate, but not keep them from graduating. “I polled local high
schools, and we went back and forth on a lot of different scenarios, ideas, discussions for the school planning team, and Maureen would take everything back to her social studies department meetings,” said Lyons. “Our school planning team, with the help of Maureen and the social studies department, came up with this proposal.” The plan for implementation was to begin the new proposal with the students entering ninth grade, the class of 2019, so incoming juniors and seniors will not suddenly have to complete 20 hours in one or two years. The ideal plan is for the students to complete five service hours per year, but they will also be encouraged to finish them early. “We say that they should be reached by May 15, and
they will be kept track of,” Zarcone said. “On the report cards, we’re going to come up with a way to let the parents know where they stand, so it’s a constant communication with the families.” Zarcone also said she wants to ensure that seniors who are at risk of not meeting the required amount of service hours, and thus not being allowed to walk at graduation, will be notified in writing at the end of the first semester of their senior year in January. That way, those students who have not successfully met the requirement will not be surprised if they are ineligible to walk with their classmates. Transfer students will likely have the option of having their hours pro-rated and having to do a lesser number. Additionally, all service
hours will be completed at agencies on a pre-approved list, so students will only be working for organizations that are reputable and provide safe volunteering environments for the students. Anyone who chooses a different agency must have that agency approved by a service learning coordinator, who will be assigned to organize the new program. Churches and non-profit organizations will be included, Zarcone said, as well as others. “I like the consequence – they won’t be allowed to walk across the stage, because I think that’s going to be powerful,” Superintendent Dr. James Newton said after Zarcone and Lyons’ presentation. “Students like to walk across the stage at graduation.”
District hears presentation on proposed veteran school tax exemption By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
At its budget advisory team meeting on Tuesday night, members of the Tonawanda City School District Board of Education and community members heard a presentation on the possible future implementation of a new veterans’ property tax exemption for school taxes, to give veterans a tax break while slightly raising taxes for other residents. City and Town of Tonawanda Assessor David Marrano and Nancy DiLonardo, deputy director for Erie County Real Property Tax Services, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the budget advisory team explaining how such a tax exemption would work if the district decides to opt in to this exemption, which other districts have already picked up. This would go into effect no earlier than the 2015-16 academic year in the City of Tonawanda, and possibly later. DiLonardo gave an example of two properties, both assessed at $130,000. If the school district opted not to
have the new veterans’ exemption, both of these homeowners would pay a total of $2,255.50 in school taxes. If the school district did opt in to it, the veteran would receive a tax bill of $1,782, or a $473.50 tax decrease. At the same time, the nonveteran who did not qualify for the exemption would get a school tax bill of $2,316.60, a $61.10 increase. “Like any exemption, there are folks who will benefit from it, and there are folks who are going to pay a little more. The question, really, to any school district, is: do you feel strongly enough that services that veterans have provided is something some of your other property owners are willing to pay a little extra for? That really is the gist of it,” Marrano said. According to Marrano, a new law, which Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law on Dec. 18, 2013, now allows school districts to opt into an alternate veterans’ exemption for school tax purposes. To be eligible for the alternate exemption, a veteran must have served in active duty from 1941-1945 for
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World War II, 1951 to 1955 for Korea, 1961 to 1975 for Vietnam, or 1990 to the present for the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. This tax exemption has existed in some form since the mid-1980s, Marrano explained. “If you served in what we call a non-combat position, you would have a 15 percent allowance,” Marrano said. “For combat, you get an extra 10 percent or 25 percent allowance…you may have served from 1969 to 1973 and qualified for the 15 percent, but if you weren’t deployed into a combat zone, you wouldn’t qualify for the 15 percent.” Amounts are
based on total assessed home value up to a cap, which is higher for combat veterans and disabled veterans. Pro-rata veterans’ exemptions, which existed until they were replaced with the alternative exemptions, were for similar periods of war and were “more lucrative.” Vietnam-era or earlier veterans who applied before the mid-1980s would have this exemption. It was not part of Governor Cuomo’s law, but if the school did decide to opt in, these veterans would also be able to apply for the alternate tax exemption to be used for school tax purposes.
Finally, the Cold War exemption, which is not eligible for the school district to opt in, was added in 2008 for veterans who served from 1956-1960 and 1976-1990, during time periods when there was no active combat. New York State allows these veterans to receive a slightly lower tax exemption of 10 or 15 percent. These veterans are the only group of these three that is not eligible for the new alternate school tax exemption. Currently, the homeowners of 919 properties receive the alternate veteran exemption, which includes the surviving spouses of veterans who have
passed on, Marrano said. 139 veterans currently have the pro-rata exemptions, and can re-apply for the alternate exemption. A total of 86 Cold War veterans in the city are not eligible for the new exemption, Marrano said. In response to the presentation, members of the board considered the consequences and a cost-benefit analysis of slightly raising taxes on some homeowners in order to give an additional benefit to veterans. Marrano asked the advisory team to decide for themselves on this matter. He said, “I truly believe veterans deserve this exemption.”
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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
District capital project vote to be held Dec. 9 enhancements including technology, and other considerations of implementation of “Scenario I,” on which the Board of Education voted earlier this year, in terms of what the district will need. Proposition One will not have any tax impacts on residents. Additionally, “Proposition Two” of the capital improvement project includes enhanced auditoriums at the district’s middle and high schools, as well as renovations and artificial turf added to the athletic fields at Adams Field, Crosby Field and Kenmore West. This part of the project, which is dependent on Proposition One passing, has a projected total cost of $21.7 million, with 75 percent of funding coming from state aid. The rest
By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
On Monday, the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District announced residents and taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on two propositions for the second phase of its capital project from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Hoover Middle School. Voters must be registered with the Erie County Board of Elections at least five days before this date. The capital project will include two propositions: ‘Proposition One” includes building envelopes, which includes brick and mortar work, roofs, doors and windows, Mirand said, as well as some code issues with accessibility, some academic program
will come from a slight tax increase, an estimated one dollar per month for the average homeowner. At last week’s regular Board of Education meeting, members of the public and the school board heard a presentation from Superintendent Dawn Mirand on the status of the project, of which the first construction phase, already approved several years ago, is to be completed by the end of this year. Ken-Ton residents will be able to attend a public hearing on the capital project next Monday, Dec. 1, a little more than a week before the vote. “School districts are asked, regulated and mandated to file a buildings and conditions report. The report determines the state funds that the district
would be eligible for, for certain improvements and enhancements to buildings,” Mirand said. “This started well over eight years ago, and phase one was put before the voters about five years ago.” According to Mirand, 31 percent of Proposition One includes academics, 36 percent will be for the building envelope, 12 percent for technology and 21 percent for health and safety issues. Lindbergh and Edison Elementary Schools are scheduled to receive roof replacements, a new bus loop at Lindbergh, envelope reconstruction, safety system and HVAC upgrades, computer lab upgrades, a new sewer system at Edison and some door replacements. The Franklin and Hoover complexes will receive ma-
sonry restoration, envelope reconstruction and computer lab upgrades. Kenmore West is slated to get locker replacements, a new bus loop and drop off area, a first-floor guidance and attendance area remodeling, roofing, computer lab upgrades and updates to the second-floor guidance area and some classrooms. Kenmore East will get a new parking lot on Fries Road, a new gym and locker room, classroom and computer renovations and new restrooms on the second and third floor. “Proposition One actually has no financial impact. Our state aid ratio is 79.8 percent, so that means for every dollar’s worth of work, it only costs the district about 20 cents. 80 cents is given back from
the state,” Mirand said. “A lot of people ask, at this point, why can’t we use this money for more teachers or extra programs? The state has funds that it gives to districts in different buckets, and this bucket is slated specifically for districts to use for capital improvements. If we don’t apply for the money, other districts certainly will.” After the vote, it will take about two more years before the construction can begin. Once the propositions pass, stakeholder committees will form to give input on the design phase. After this, it will take about six months for the New York State education department to approve the project, after which it will be put out to bid and construction can start.
Ken-Ton parents, community members form new advocacy group istrators, taxpayers and all residents who wish to advocate for a school learning environment that centers on the student.” Morrow said the group is critical of New York State’s overreliance on standardized test scores and a rigid educational system, including too much emphasis on test scores, lessons that are scripted and do not allow for teachers to use their learning styles, overuse of technology and what she referred to as a “flawed and costly teacher evaluation system.” “All of this shifts focus away from a studentcentered learning environment. No one knows a student better than the teacher and the parent, yet, current education
By Kimberlee Sabshin NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
At last Tuesday’s Kenmore-Tonawanda Board of Education meeting, district parents spoke out about a new community group that has formed with the goal of a studentcentered learning environment in New York State schools, complete with a Facebook page, its own website and links to other sites where community members can learn more. Jennifer Morrow, a mother of three children in the Ken-Ton district, told the board about the “Ken-Ton Advocates for Student-Centered Education,” a new group she said consists of and is open to “Ken-Ton parents, students, teachers, admin-
reforms have drastically limited teacher autonomy and have nearly excluded parental input. Children are not political pawns to be used to advance political agendas and private corporate interests,” Morrow read from the mission statement. “Children have the right to a free, appropriate, equal and fair education.” The group’s website can be found at www.kentonadvocates.weebly.com, and Facebook users may type the group’s name into a Facebook search. The website included an anonymous survey for Ken-Ton teachers, which recently generated 130 responses. Only 10 percent of respondents said they were comfortable “expressing their professional
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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
NT Sun seeking freelance writers
(LtoR) Speaker Michael Fisher, Errick Road Elementary Assistant Principal Maria Zawistowski, Errick Road Elementary Principal Nora O’Bryan, Tuscarora Indian School Principal Elizabeth Corieri and Niagara Wheatfield Central School Superintendent Dr. Lynn Fusco. Photo submitted.
The North Tonawanda Sun is looking for qualified freelance writers who are dependable and possess the ability to produce quality work for our weekly publication. Interested candidates must have knowledge of basic grammar and be familiar with AP Style. The Sun is looking for said writer to submit one to three articles per week, based on candidates availability. A flexible work schedule and availability on Tuesday and/or Wednesday evenings is a plus. Coverage includes common council meetings/ workshops, school board meetings, town board
ENTER TO WIN
Niagara Wheatfield Common Core Parent Night is a success On Nov. 17, Niagara Wheatfield Central School District held its first Common Core Parent Night at West Street Elementary School. Parents of students from kindergarten to 5th grade were invited to dinner and then
attended a two-hour session with Michael Fisher from Orleans/Niagara BOCES, an author, curriculum coach, and educational consultant. Fisher has worked internationally with schools around Curriculum Mapping, Common Core
integration, Instructional Technology, and Curriculum Upgrades and Transformations. He discussed strategies on how to work with and support their children to in this new landscape in education.
HGTV highlights Chautauqua Lake The crew from the popular HGTV Network program “House Hunters” recently completed an episode in the Chautauqua Lake region. Local real estate company Century 21 Turner Brokers worked with the production crew on the episode. Pie Town Productions, the company that produces “House Hunters,” sent a crew of three people to videotape the home buyers and their broker. Michelle Turner, with Century 21 Turner Brokers, worked with the production company for several months to find dynamic house hunters, with an interesting list of criteria for a house. She says she had to provide the production company with information about the home market in the Chautauqua region: the budget specifications of the house hunting buyers, the competitiveness in the area, the challenges of buying a home here and details of the different neighborhoods they were considering. But mostly the show wanted details about the Chautauqua Lake region. “This is the exciting part,”
Turner said. “The exposure this show will bring to Chautauqua County cannot be measured in dollars. ‘House Hunters’ wanted to know as much as possible. What makes it a great place to live, what are people’s favorite activities, what draws people to our area.” The three-person crew, consisting of a field producer, a sound engineer and a videographer, along with Turner and the homebuyers in tow, spent several non-stop days taping the show. The house-hunting couple was videotaped looking at several houses. “Working with them was a lot of fun, but also a lot of long days being on your feet,” Turner said. “It took a lot of energy and patience at the same time.” The crew also taped the buyers at several local establishments. Turner says in the end over 30 hours of footage was videotaped, which will result in the half-hour show that is viewed on the HGTV Network. The crew recently returned to videotape around
the lake and county to highlight the region at its prettiest so they can include it in the episode. It is expected to air on HGTV sometime in the fall/winter season. Pie Town Productions contacted Turner Brokers about a year and a half ago, saying they were interested in producing a show around Chautauqua Lake. The producers wanted to find energetic outgoing buyers that were in the market to buy a home in the area. The challenge for Turner Brokers was whether their clients would successfully navigate the rigorous casting process and obtain approval to be featured in an episode. It took several submissions before they were successful. “House Hunters” is the No. 1 show on the HGTV Network and is distributed to 98 million U.S. households. Episodes of “House Hunters” have multiple airings over several years. All of this means that Chautauqua County will receive an incalculable amount of free national publicity for the next several years.
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meetings and community events held throughout the City of North Tonawanda and the Town of Wheatfield. Job requirements are subject to change, as needed for coverage, each week. Interested individuals should send resume, cover letter, and three examples of published work to North Tonawanda Sun Editor, Kori Sciandra at ksciandra@cpowny.com. No phone calls, please. Visit the Community Papers of Western New York website at www.cpowny. com to read stories about your community and stay up-to-date on high school sports.
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The North Tonawanda Sun / Saturday, November 29, 2014
Farm Museum gets into holiday spirit to thank community By Sallie Moppert
NT SUN CORRESPONDENT
Santa Claus is making a special trip to the Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Museum this December. Santa’s special appearance will be a part of the Farm Museum’s annual Christmas at the Farm event that will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. This is the third year for this holiday event. “This is always such a fun event,” said museum curator Bonnie Haskell. “We love this event because it is all about making the kids happy and having a good time together as a family and as a community.” The Christmas at the Farm event began three years ago. Haskell and former curator Linda Jackson came up with the idea as a way for the museum to say thank you to the community for its support throughout the year and also as a fun event for children and families to enjoy. Even though Jackson has since passed on, the event is
still going strong and brings many smiles and lots of good cheer to the community. Christmas at the Farm is a free event. The fun afternoon will begin with a lunch that includes dishes such as bean soup and roast beef, along with kid friendly foods such as hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. There will also be a dessert table set up with various sweets and treats. Santa Claus will be at the museum from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Children will be able to meet with Santa and parents are welcome to take photos of their children on Santa’s lap. The museum will also have tables set up with holiday crafts for children to make and a table set up with items from the gift shop in case anyone would like to do some holiday shopping while at the event. The museum itself will be decorated for the holiday season, including ornaments, lights and antique holiday displays. “People always tell us that seeing all of the antique decorations that we have set up every year is like going back in time.
The old fashioned decorations are just beautiful,” Haskell said. “I think that this year’s decorations and displays is one of the best that we’ve had throughout all of the years of doing this event. I think the decorators really outdid themselves this year.” The museum is planning for hayrides during the event, but with the questionable weather in the area, the tractor hayrides will only be held if the weather is permitting. Unlike other events at the Farm Museum, the museum will not be open to the public during the Christmas at the Farm. “This is more of our way to say thank you to the community rather than a fundraiser for the museum,” Haskell explained. “We had over 200 kids between the two days during last year’s event so things are pretty busy but very fun.” The Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Museum is located at 2660 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn. For more information, contact Haskell at 9906909 or visit www.sanbornhistory.org.
Studio 74 to celebrate grand opening The latest business to join the ranks of the city’s burgeoning Webster Street scene is Studio 74, a massage therapy and special events studio. The 1,463-squarefoot studio, located at 74 Webster St., was formerly home to Partners in Art. The owner is Danielle Sniadecki, a North Tonawanda native and licensed massage
therapist. “I am so proud and excited to be part of the resurgence of Webster Street and downtown North Tonawanda,” Sniadecki said. “I have been waiting my whole life to give back to the community I grew up in.” The woman-owned, locally operated business has a spa room to offer massage therapy
55 Main Street, Tonawanda
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treatments and will eventually add a small retail boutique. A separate space is available to host spa parties, special events, arts and crafts classes, birthday parties, art exhibits and more. The studio will celebrate its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, with a vendor trunk show.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Midnight Liquors By Lauren Kirchmyer REPORTER
Many people have a tradition of going shopping on Black Friday to get lots of deals at the big name stores, but what about the small local businesses? Small Business Saturday is taking place this Saturday, Nov. 29, and Midnight Liquors is ready to offer customers great deals and great service. “Small Business Saturday during the holiday season allows the small business to offer something competitive to the big box stores,” said Dave LiSacchi, owner of Midnight Liquors. Coupons will be available to receive discounts off your wine, champagne or liquor purchases from Saturday, Nov. 29 to Monday, Dec. 1. Be sure to arrive early as the first 500 customers will receive a wine tote bag that carries four wine bottles. A wine tasting event will also take place that day as a way to support local wineries. “A lot of people don’t realize that there are great wines in New York. It’s a great way to introduce wine to people, especially new wine drinkers,” LiSacchi said. Small Business Saturday continues to become a larger and larger event for Midnight Liquors, but it
wasn’t celebrated until LiSacchi purchased the store four years ago. “I’ve lived in the Town of Tonawanda my whole life,” he said. “The previous owner owned this store for over 20 years. When I had the opportunity I thought it was a great time to purchase the business and really grow it.” LiSacchi, who has a background in sales and marketing, was looking for more creativity and freedom in his career. “You put a lot of money into it, hope you create a great service or a great product at a great price, and hope people respond to it.” The response has been well received. As someone whose personal philosophy is “think big but start small,” LiSacchi has doubled the amount of inventory in his store to lower the cost and pass it along to the customers. “We want to create an experience where we not only have the top products but also unique products other stores don’t or won’t carry,” he said. The store offers a variety of wine and liquor products. If you are looking for a product the store doesn’t carry, LiSacchi will find out where it can be purchased and bring it into the store. Are you afraid of buying a bottle of wine or liquor because you’re not sure if you’ll like the taste? Mid-
night Liquors offers a “Try Before You Buy” tasting every Friday and Saturday. “We really take the time to see what you’re looking for and help you pick out the right product for you or your occasion,” LiSacchi said. For those who are happy with their experience and plan to return, Midnight Liquors offers a Midnight Membership card. Sign up for free at the store or online and receive 25 percent off wine and 10 percent off liquor for your first purchase. Members also receive weekly coupons, online shopper club deals and monthly midnight deals. All that is needed to become a member is an email address. BAC members also receive a discount of 15 percent on every wine purchase. The great deals, customer service and prices are just three of the reasons why you should support Midnight Liquors on Small Business Saturday. “Small businesses are shrinking everyday,” LiSacchi said. “I encourage people to go out and support all small businesses that Saturday.” Midnight Liquors is located in Colvin-Eggert Plaza, 3167 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda. Look for the big red “Wine & Spirits” sign. To learn more, call 834-5088 or visit www. MidnightLiquors.com.
Make your own holiday ornament The family ornament workshop will demonstrate how to make a variety of holiday ornaments for all skill levels. There are ornaments designed for both adults and children and participants will take home one to three different holiday ornaments. Cookies and cider, Christmas carols, and a ride on the carrousel
round out a wonderful afternoon of holiday fun. Bring a friend or come make a new one, and share some Christmas memories together. The workshop takes place from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Herschell Carrousel Museum. Tickets are $10 per person (no coupons or passes are accepted for this event). The program is limited to a maximum enrollment of 20, with a minimum enrollment of five needed. Adult supervision is required for all children, however adults are encouraged but not required to register unless you wish
to make your own ornament. Adults may register without children. Call 693-1885 or email education@carrouselmuseum.org today to reserve your place at this unique holiday event. The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is housed in the historic Allan Herschell Company Factory building at 180 Thompson St. in North Tonawanda. For directions and further information about special events, programs or group tours, visit www.carrouselmuseum.org, call 6931885 or send an email to info@carrouselmuseum.org.
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