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The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
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O RC H A R D PA R K & E A S T AU RO R A
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of Western New York, LLC
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WEEKEND FORECAST FRI SAT SUN 33o/26o 35o/28o 34o/26o Partly cloudy with 30% chance of snow
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY COMMUNITY PAPERS OF WNY, LLC
Cloudy with a chance of snow late
Partly cloudy with 40% chance of snow
OPHS SENIORS SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT PAGE 3 VOL 2 NO. 51
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.ORCHARDPARKSUN.COM
OPHS hockey team gives back to local family in need By Tim Fenster
ORCHARD PARK SUN EDITOR
Orchard Park Varsity Federation Hockey Team Coach Derek Gilham believes that being on a sports team is about more than tallying wins and playing a good game. Gilham also believes an honorable sports team gives back to its community, and this season more than ever he and his players are working to demonstrate that. “We made it a point to get more involved, and it really just took off,” Gilham said. Most recently, the hockey club partnered with Comforting Hugs Foundation, a young non-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort and support for children - and their families suffering from cancer, longterm illness of a disability. That partnership gave the team the opportunity to give a special Christmas present to T.J. Ackley, a 7-year-old Alden boy battling battling neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer, as well as bone cancer. “It’s something I thought was important, especially during the holiday season,” said Gilham, adding that community service projects were staple of previous high school and college hockey teams he had played for. Knowing the team was looking for a community service project, Tracy Mc-
East Aurora and Orchard Park tally storm expenses, review response By Tim Fenster
ORCHARD PARK SUN EDITOR
Photo Submitted
Members of the Orchard Park Varsity Federation Hockey Team shopping at Toys R US with gift cards that were donated to the family of T.J. Ackley. Gowan, the mother of freshman team member William, reached out to Kathy Tabor, founder and president of Comforting Hugs. Tabor arranged for the team to “adopt” the Ackley family this holiday season. Tabor said the family’s medical bills have driven them to a bare-bones existence, and forgo holiday shopping. “They have no extra money for anything for Christmas,” she said. “They’re just getting by.” The hockey program, comprised of 80 student-
athletes, collected thousands in donations, gifts and gift cards for the Ackley family. The gifts were stockpiled, kept secret from the Ackleys, and at last unveiled to the family during a special evening ceremony Friday, Dec. 19. To top it off, the team and Comforting Hugs arranged also to give the Ackleys a night to remember. First, the Alden family was picked up via limo, paid for by Comforting Hugs because the family van had recently broken down.
The limo took the family to Duff’s for dinner, the restaurant picked up the tab, and then it was off to Leisure Rinks, where Orchard Park faced off against Clarence. But prior to the game, the Ackleys were invited on the ice for a special ceremonial puck drop. The team then, finally, presented the Ackleys with their gifts, along with six team jerseys - one for each member of the family.
November’s infamous snow storm may be more than a month past, yet local officials continue to tally up the cost of damages and assess their response to the “wall of snow.” Emergency Management Team Deputy Manager Craig Thrasher reported that the Village of East Aurora and the Town of Aurora suffered close to $1.5 million in additional expenses, infrastructure damage and lost business opportunities. Thrasher spoke at the village board’s Monday, Dec. 15 meeting. All told, the town and village incurred approximately $547,000 in storm-related costs. Meanwhile, town and village businesses suffered roughly $335,000 in storm-related expenses, most of which came from structural damage and contractor services. Missed business opportunities accounted for another $625,000 in estimated loses. “We tract that because of the impact storm had on business,” Thrasher said. The damage assessment was reviewed by auditors with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, whom Thrasher said were helpful in identifying damages. The Town and Village of Orchard Park, meanwhile, incurred well over $1 million in storm-related expenses, according to Supervisor Patrick Keem. Previous estimates, which are now several weeks old, put the expenses at about $850,000. Unlike Aurora, those figures do not include private businesses. Emergency Manager Rich Mrugalski said the total expenses may not be completely tallied until next year. However, Keem expressed confidence that the town would recoup the majority of those costs. Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo requested a major disaster declaration to be issued for counties effected by the storm. State and local governments had more than $46.6 million in response expenses and infrastructure damage verified as a result of the snowstorm, according to the governor’s office. The threshold for FEMA aid is $27.3 million.
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Orchard Park Police draw criticism over Bills game towings
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Supervisor Patrick Keem and Orchard Park Police are at odds over the latter’s decision to tow vehicles that were parked illegally on Taylor Road during last Sunday’s game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Fans had to pay upwards of $200 to get their vehicles back after the game. Many said it was unfair, because they hadn’t seen any ‘no parking’ signs on the street. But in an Orchard Park Police statement released two days after the game, police said there are 37 ‘no parking’ signs in the area the cars were removed from. They also pointed out that those same fans would have had to walk past several signs to reach the stadium. “Anyone who parked there would have to walk by several of these signs on their journey
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
BABY SAMPSON ....................................... SECT. A PAGE 2
SPORTS............................................... SECT. B PAGES 1 – 3
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POLICE BLOTTER ..................................... SECT. A PAGE 5
DANCING WITH THE STARS..................... SECT. B PAGE 4
SECT. A PAGES 8 MAKE-A-WISH ........................................SECT.
CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... SECT B, PAGE 6 – 9
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The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
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The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Keem: towing vehicles Six Orchard Park High School ‘had nothing to do with seniors sign their national letters of intent making money’ Tow from Page 1 “When cars are parked on the sides of a roadway it limits the areas where these 35,000{-plus} people can walk,” Wehrfritz said. “The roadways then become crowded with pedestrian traffic and create a very hazardous situation.” Although Keem acknowledged the safety problems created by the parked cars, he said his feelings are with the fans who left the stadium to find their cars gone. “If I was attending a game in a different city and came out to find my car towed, I’d be a little upset to say the least,” Keem said. Keem added that he’d made his feelings known to police, and that he would have preferred ticketing but not towing those fans. Police say it’s fairly common to tow a handful of vehicles from the roads near Ralph Wilson Stadium. But this marks the first time they towed so many. The combination of a sold-out crowd and muddy conditions that closed a number of “satellite” lots left late-arrivers facing a parking shortage. Meanwhile, an accident on Southwestern
Boulevard caused traffic delays near the stadium. The combination of traffic and parking problems led to many desperate motorists parking wherever possible, police said. Owners were forced to pay $200 towing fees, on top of the $25 parking tickets and cab fare for a ride to their vehicles. None of these fees added to town coffers. The ticket fee merely covers the personnel and administrative costs of handing out and processing the parking ticket, Keem said. “It had nothing to do with making money,” Keem said. In the days following, the town received a number of complaints - some very heated - from fans who went through that hassle. Keem said the town will try and make it better known that parking is banned from roads near the stadium. The town may begin posting notices about the roads on its website, and erecting clearer ‘no parking’ signs. The current signs, which say ‘no parking this side of street,’ added to the confusion, Keem said.
Photo Submitted
From left: Molly Hennessy, Shaye Swiatek, Haley Hollins, Alexa Hillis, Andrew Sipowicz and Morgan Wellenzohn signing their National Letters of Intent at a signing ceremony at the Orchard Park High School.
Six Orchard Park High She typically rows in the Andrew pitches and plays School seniors signed their five seat. Alexa is looking first base. He is looknational letters of intent forward to further develop- ing forward to going to to play their sports at the ing relationships with the Canisius and joining their college level. The seniors coaches and the girls on the successful baseball prosigned at a signing ceremo- University at Buffalo row- gram. ny at the Orchard Park High ing team. Shaye Swiatek will be School on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Haley Hollins will be playing softball at the Molly Hennessy will playing tennis at Niagara University at Albany next play softball at St. Bo- University next year. Hal- year. She has been playnaventure next year. She ey has been playing ten- ing since she was six years has been playing since she nis since she was just four old. Shaye primarily plays was eight years old. She years old. Haley plays both short stop. She gravitated pitches, plays second base singles and doubles. She toward the coaching staff and outfield. She is looking wanted to continue playing at the University at Albany forward to continuing her tennis in college because it and is looking forward to softball career at St. Bo- keeps her focused and dis- working with them next naventure. ciplined. year. Alexa Hillis will be rowAndrew Sipowicz will Morgan Wellenzohn will ing at the University at Buf- be playing baseball at be diving at Michigan State falo next year. Alexa began Canisius College. Andrew next year. Morgan began rowing during the fall of has been playing baseball diving during her freshman health counselor in New York 2013 and quickly excelled. since he was five years old. year of high school. She State. A graduate of Wheaton See Our Christmas Village Display! College in Illinois, Ms. Thiel earned a Master’s Degree Now Taking Reservations For in Clinical Psychology. In New Year’s Eve Gift addition to her writing, she Certificates Special Menu Served 4-10pm counsels couples and families Make Great (by Reservation Only) in her West Seneca practice, Gifts Open New Year’s Day Regular Hours established in the mid-1990s. Thiel is also an accomplished Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner presenter, whose topics related Monday - Saturday 11am-10pm to terminal illness, patient adSunday 11am-8pm vocacy, and grief/loss inspire Casual Fine Dining Where Good Friends & Great Food Meet Gluten Free Options, Allergy Sensitive and Peanut Free Western New York audiences. Life After Death, On This Side of Heaven is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & 716-592-9979 Noble, and other Internet sites. 12133 Vaughn St (Rt 240), East Concord, NY 14055 It is also available in most local www.marysfiresideinn.com bookstores in WNY. Thiel may be reached at CLASSIFIEDS her author site at www.darcythiel.com, on her blog at helpforhealing.wordpress, or Run your classified ad by by email at darcy.helpforhealcalling 716/608-8000 5952 Camp Rd., Hamburg, NY 14075 • 716-649-2554 ing@verizon.net.
Local author’s newest book set for release
Author Darcy Thiel has released the long-awaited sequel to Bitter and Sweet: A Family’s Journey with Cancer with her new book, Life After Death, On This Side of Heaven, published by Baby Coop Publishing, LLC. Written in the same spirit as Bitter and Sweet, the sequel chronicles the Thiel-Colvin family’s journey as they rebuild their lives, following the sudden loss of husband and father, Timothy Colvin at a young age. The author offers a raw and honest account of the path she and her family has taken through their grief and loss. “From emotional turmoil, to the practical, every day tasks of dealing with insurance companies, I’ve attempted to create a sort of ‘handbook’ for anyone moving forward with a devastating loss,” explains Thiel, who is a licensed mental
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The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
to the W W W. O R C H A R D P A R K S U N . C O M
Want to share your opinion with us? Dear Orchard Park & East Aurora 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 Orchard Park & East Aurora 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 town issue that 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 that I ask is that the letter be well written and that you include your name and address in the letter as well. Please refrain from using any profanity or name calling for that will not be published in the paper. The letter to the editor is strictly a constructive way for the community to voice their opinions on matters and have it be published for our readers. I hope that this opportunity will pique your interest. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please send your letters to: Attn: Tim Fenster, OP Sun Editor Community Papers of WNY 75 Boxwood Lane Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Email: tfenster@orchardparksun.com
Don’t forget American soldiers away from home on Christmas We all are looking forward to the joys of family at Christmas. Many of our men and women in the service will not share in that joy. We still have more than 10,000 troops in Afghanistan, and many more serving throughout the world. What a bleak Christmas it will be for them, thousands of miles from their loved ones. Even many of those stationed stateside will not be able to get home during this holiday season. We veterans at the Orchard Park American Legion can remember the loneliness we felt being away from home, especially during the holidays. Many of us were in foreign lands, some in combat situations. It wasn’t a pleasant time for us. So, too, it won’t be a pleasant time for our men and women serving today, regardless of the holiday they celebrate. Being away from home is just one of the many sacrifices our troops suffer
protecting our great nation. It is doubly hard during the holidays. Christmas means so much to many of us. Too many households will have a somber Christmas this year with a loved one missing at the Christmas feast. As you say grace before the Christmas dinner, include a little prayer for the safety of our troops and for an end to the hostilities in the Mid East. Be sure to remind the kids that because of our men and women in uniform, they can expect Santa at home in a peaceful country. Support our troops by flying your flag that day and showing their families that you are thinking of them and their loved one away from home. The Orchard Park American Legion wishes all a holy and merry Christmas. Gene Blamowski Orchard Park American Legion
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How Orchard Park’s Highway Department handled Snovember
Photo Submitted
Fred Piasecki Orchard Park Highway Superintendent The November storm presented the Orchard Park Highway Department with one of the greatest challenges it has ever faced. This article details the preparation, role and performance of OP Highway in that event. By Thursday Nov. 13, National Weather Service forecasters were predicting a severe Lake Effect event in the Buffalo area starting the following Monday or Tuesday. As predictions of possible snowfall reached 24 -36 inches and the impact area was projected to be just south of the city, we began to prepare for a serious storm. We checked our salt supply to be sure we had enough to last four to five days of running full tilt. We topped off our fuel supply at Highway as we are the fueling station for Police, Fire, and emergency medical vehicles as well as the Highway Department. We inspected our plow trucks and high-lift loaders to be sure they were in top operating order and had staff reviews of possible conditions and how
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of Connecticut, the roads and streets were finally cleared. Police, Fire, EMS, Emergency Management and many dedicated and helpful staff and good samaritans helped Orchard Park make it through this internationally noted weather catastrophe without a single loss of life. I am particularly proud of the 25 employees at Highway who tirelessly worked long hours in tense, demanding and dangerous conditions to deal with this storm of historical proportions. They deserve our appreciation and thanks. The storm is not yet over for the Highway Department. Trees and shrubs suffered massive damage - especially pines and evergreens. Homeowners will be gradually bringing their broken branches and brush to curbside. Highway crews will, as weather permits, be collecting and recycling them, dealing with both the storm and its aftermath. Fred Piasecki, Orchard Park Highway Superintendent
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doned and were impeding snow removal efforts. Worsening conditions forced us to narrow our focus to keeping the mains open and providing for emergency services. Strike teams were formed at each fire hall putting plow trucks with police, ambulance and fire to plow the way for them to get through to calls. As the snow depth increased beyond plow capacity, we stationed one of our five high-lift loaders at each of the three fire halls to keep it open and escort emergency vehicles to their destinations. A fourth loader was used to keep the Highway garage and fueling station open. There were multiple power outages, the largest affecting nearly 2,000 homes. NYSEG said it would take at least two days to get in and restore power but the police department located a NYSEG crew stranded at the stadium. Highway dispatched a high-lift loader which got to the crew at the Ralph and cleared the way for them to reach and fix the outages in a matter of hours rather than days. We started requesting help on Tuesday night. It began to trickle in late Thursday with more substantial resources arriving Friday morning. The state’s addition of 22 loaders to our five and the gradual end of the storm made more rapid progress possible. With the additional help of the National Guard and three truck-sized snow blowers sent by the State
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we would deal with them. We put our 10 trucks with plows and salt bodies in the garage to keep the salt dry so it would not clump and we waited for events to unfold. The storm began in earnest late Monday night with snowfall rates quickly increasing to 3 to 5 inches per hour causing serious visibility problems. The first 6 to 8 inches were very wet and laid down a heavy base which was hard for plows to manage. We worked the main roads to keep them open and started to progress into the secondaries and subdivisions. As visibility problems got worse, we had to focus on keeping the fire halls, access to the MACC and the mains open. The first 24 hour round was hard but we were generally holding our own and, with a brief break on Wednesday, we began to make progress on the secondaries and subdivisions. Forecasters had initially predicted a second blast that would gradually move South. It came but did not move and was again putting down 3 to 5 inches an hour. In a matter of a day the snow depth increased from between 2 and 3 feet, depending on the part of town, up to between 6 and 7 feet with blowing, drifting and near zero visibility. Efforts were further hampered by increasing numbers of abandoned cars blocking roadways and key intersections. Despite the driving ban, more than 120 vehicles had been aban-
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A-5
The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Police Blotter W W W. O R C H A R D P A R K S U N . C O M
Burglary Around 11:12 a.m. Dec. 13, East Aurora Police responded to a report of burglary at a residence on Buffalo Road. The victim told police he had left the residence due to roof damage caused by heavy snowfall. When the victim returned on Dec. 13, he discovered that someone had taken a container holding $400 from his dresser. Police are continuing to investigate.
Burglary On Monday, Dec. 8, Orchard Park Police responded to a reported burglary on Brookview Terrace. The victim was out of town and returned to find items out of place and missing. The stolen items include cash, a camera and accessories, for a total value of $660. Police are continuing to investigate.
Use of Cell Phone While Driving Around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Orchard Park Police pulled over a vehicle near the intersection of Sheldon and Abbott roads after observing the operator use a cell phone while driving. Police pulled over the vehicle, which contained six occupants. Police determined that both the driver, Adan Mendez, 36, of Miami, and one of the occupants, Efrain Lopez, 26, of Homestead, Fla., were in the country illegally. Police cited Mendez with using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, and turned both over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Trespassing On Saturday, Dec. 13, Orchard Park Police responded to a complaint that individuals were hunting illegally on private property off Hammocks Drive. Police are continuing to investigate and are working with New York State Environmental Conservation Police due to the belief that illegal hunting occurred there.
Petit Larceny On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Orchard Park Police responded to a report of petit larceny on Lake Avenue. The victim’s unlocked vehicle was entered and an iPhone, a Motorola Razr and other items were stolen. The value of the stolen items is $850.
Burglary
Park Road. The offender took 10 individual cans of Red Bull and three four-pack cases of the same energy drink. The value of the stolen items is $49. Police have a suspect and are continuing to investigate.
Disorderly Conduct Around noon Thursday, Dec. 11, Orchard Park Police responded to a report of an altercation involving two females at the BOCES alternative school on Baker Road. The female students, one 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, were both charged with disorderly conduct.
Unregistered Motor Vehicle Marijuana Possession
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Orchard Park Police pulled over a vehicle on South Abbott and Newton roads after observing that the vehicle had no license plate. Upon speaking with the operator, Wilson Baker, 20, of Buffalo, police determined that the vehicle was also unregistered and lacked insurance. Baker was charged with operating an uninspected motor vehicle, unlicensed operation, unregistered motor vehicle, inadequate headlights and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
Burglary On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Orchard Park Police responded to a report of grand larceny that occurred at a vacant home on Middlebury Road. Contractors were working on the house, and sometime after leaving the house on Dec. 8, a person entered and stole more than $3,500 worth of equipment.
DWI Around 4 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Orchard Park Police responded to a vehicle that was stopped in the road near the intersection of Lake and Abbott roads. The operator, Gregory Yates, 41, of West Seneca, was found unresponsive at the wheel. Police managed to put the vehicle in park and wake Yates, who showed signs of intoxication. Yates failed his field sobriety tests and was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated. Yates submitted to a breath test, which showed a reading of .13 percent blood alcohol concentration. He was charged with stopping in a roadway, using a cell phone while driving and DWI. He was released on his own recognizance.
On Friday, Dec. 12, Orchard Park Police responded to Mighty Taco, 3340 Southwestern Boulevard, after receiving reports that an individual may be intoxicated and pose a driving risk. Police responded and found the subject, Ryan Roberts, 24, of Orchard Park, to be in possession of marijuana. Roberts was issued a ticket for unlawful possession of marijuana and given a ride home.
Marijuana Possession On Sunday, Dec. 14, Orchard Park Police pulled over a vehicle near the intersection of Big Tree and Taylor roads after observing the driver turn without signaling. Upon speaking with the driver, police determined that each of the vehicle’s occupants was in possession of either marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia. Police also found open containers of alcohol in the vehicle. The driver, Juan Rivera, 41, of Buffalo, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle and unsafe turn. The occupants, L. Caballero-Arcel, 24, of Buffalo, and Logan Caballero-Arcel, 19, of Buffalo, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana as well.
Petit Larceny Around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Orchard Park Police responded to a report of petit larceny at Kohl’s, 3430 Amelia Drive. The offender, a 17-year-old female from Lackawanna, had attempted to take several T-shirts and sports bras. The value of the stolen items was just over $100. The offender was charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.
DWI
AUO
Around 9:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, Orchard Park Police approached a vehicle found pulled over near a church on Ellicott Road near Cole Road. The operator, John Marciniak, 56, of Colden, attempted to flee when police approached, but stopped when officers told to stop. Maciniak was found to be showing signs of intoxication and failed his field sobriety tests. He was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated and submitted to a breath test, which showed a reading of .11 percent blood alcohol concentration. He was charged with DWI.
Around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Orchard Park Police pulled over a vehicle near the intersection of East Quaker Road and Potter Avenue after a license plate reader determined that the vehicle had suspended registration. Upon speaking with the operator, Ethan Pries, 23, of West Seneca, police detected an odor of marijuana. Pries turned over to police a container of marijuana and various drug paraphernalia that was coated in marijuana residue. Pries was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to turn over a suspended license to the Department of Motor Vehicles, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. Pries was released on $200 bail.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Orchard Park Police responded to a reported petit larceny at Family Dollar, 3021 Orchard
AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge winners announced Western New Yorkers will be able to turn to their smartphones for information on child care, thruway conditions, rental properties, landlords and other topics, thanks to creativity and innovation that emerged from the 2014 AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge. The winners of the twomonth “virtual hackathon” were announced Dec. 4 by AT&T, along with community partners including the University at Buffalo, State University of New York at Fredonia, Z80 Labs Technology Incubator, InfoTech Niagara, Launch NY, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, d!g Buffalo and Hack Upstate. The contest challenged local developers, entrepreneurs, designers and technologists to leverage open data to build smartphone apps that serve community needs. The competition aimed to connect and engage citizens with government and demonstrate how mobile technologies can lead to the next generation of tech jobs and investment. The winners - chosen from among 33 entries and more than 125 participants - were announced at a ceremony at d!g Buffalo, at which developers demonstrated their winning apps: •Grand prize ($10,000): WNY Family Connection, created by Scott Falbo and Karl Newell, both from Amherst. This is an iPhone app enabling families in Western New York to find information about facilities and services that matter to them, including schools, child care, recreational sites and more.
•Second place ($5,000): NY Thruway Guide, created by SUNY Fredonia and Buffalo State graduates Sarah Marcy (Amherst), Dan Wheeler (Jersey City, N.J.), Amber Marcy (Jersey City, N.J.) and Shana Marcy (Boonville). This iPhone app assists motorists traveling along New York’s thruway system by providing information on traffic alerts, cameras, rest stops and Highway Advisory Radio messages. •Third place ($3,000): Rentegrity, created by Eileen Ruberto (Buffalo), Tim Nabzdyk (North Tonawanda) and Sarah Quinta (Buffalo), is a mapbased mobile app that helps renters find valuable information about properties and their owners. The app makes it easy to identify places of interest and learn if a landlord is local, if there are recent 911 complaints to the unit or if it’s owned by a community housing group. Plus, the system links to 311 and district council members, so users can submit significant concerns directly to the city. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges made up of local tech experts, community stakeholders and elected officials, who based their decisions upon the apps’ potential impact on Western New York, execution and creativity or novelty. The three winning apps addressed the challenge to solve local problems, resulting in globally applicable solutions that will provide lasting benefits for Western New York. Challenge organizers were thrilled with the participa-
tion and submissions. “The quality of mobile apps created through the AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge demonstrates the vibrancy and talent of Western New York’s technology and entrepreneurial community,” said Marissa Shorenstein, New York president for AT&T. “We applaud our partners at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York at Fredonia, Z80 Labs, InfoTech Niagara, Launch NY, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, d!g Buffalo and Hack Upstate for collaborating with us on an initiative that demonstrates clear demand for programmers, both amateur and professional, to create mobile apps that help our communities connect, build businesses and streamline our daily lives.” Grand prize winner and co-creator of WNY Family Connection, Scott Falbo, said, “We created the WNY Family Connection iPhone app as a way to put important information about day care facilities, schools and family support services into the hands of families in Western New York. As a new parent I’ve realized how important it is to be able to make informed decisions about the things that impact my family, and the WNY Family Connection app does just that. Winning the AT&T WNY Civic App Challenge will help us take this app to the Web and Android phones to expand its reach to even more families in the Buffalo area.” “We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen for this award,” Rentegrity co-cre-
ator Sarah Quintal said. “It validates that there’s broad community need for this project, and this backing will help us expand Rentegrity to offer thousands of renters access to a larger set of meaningful housing data. With this award from the AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge, we’ll develop new features, grow our community partnerships and work with the city to increase public access to property information.” “Our team would like to thank AT&T, the judges and all those involved in organizing this event. It’s a great honor for the New York Thruway Guide to be selected and represent the civic app challenge in the Greater Western New York area,” said Sarah Marcy, NY Thruway Guide team member. “This investment allows us to enhance and support our current application while giving us the capital to create more innovating applications in the future. It is an exciting time for the tech industry in Western New York and we are thrilled to be a part of it.” “Western New York is realizing the power of innovation in making our lives and our economy better and better,” said Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY. “Congratulations to all the creative minds that came together to build these amazing mobile apps that can be the basis for our next successful business ventures that are ripe for Launch NY support.” Michael Weiner, president and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie
County, said, “The AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge has created many opportunities for data-sharing across the community, and particularly in the nonprofit sector. The apps created for the challenge have tremendous potential to deliver information to people who need it, and it has been exciting to see so many talented developers engage in the search for solutions to some of our community’s most pressing issues.” “The challenge has highlighted the high caliber of Western New York’s technology community and we are proud to have partnered with AT&T, and all the partners, to provide a stage to showcase the talent in this region,” said Peter J. Cimino, vice chairman of InfoTech Niagara. “As the leading technology trade association in the region, we know that mobile technology is the future in both personal and business communications, and it is remarkable to see how it can also be used to benefit society. We thank all the participants for sharing their expertise to ‘solve local.’” “The AT&T WNY Civic App Challenge has been a great addition to the collaboration happening in the ever-growing local startup community,” said Jessica Edwards, curator, d!g Buffalo. “As d!g believes ‘collaboration breeds innovation,’ d!g is proud to partner with AT&T and other organizations to bring this challenge to Buffalo, and d!g would like to congratulate all of the participants for their innovative ideas, and can’t wait to hear the
tremendous results.” “It was a privilege to collaborate with an exceptional team of partners, and to work alongside Western New York’s best and brightest,” said Doug Crescenzi, co-founder of Hack Upstate. “The future is bright for Western New York’s technology sector, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.” AT&T Western New York Civic App Challenge judges included: •Reneta Barneva, chair, computer and information science department, State University of New York at Fredonia •Martin K. Casstevens, manager, business formation and commercialization, University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach •Joel Colombo, president, 360 PSG •Hon. Mark Grisanti, New York State senator •Navpreet Jatana, board member, InfoTech Niagara; enterprise information security manager, Health Now •Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO, Launch NY Inc. •Dan Magnuszewski, managing director, Z80 Labs Technology Incubator •Andrew Nicklin, director, Open NY •Hon. Sean Ryan, New York State assemblyman •Marissa Shorenstein, president, AT&T New York •Michael Weiner, president and CEO, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County •Patrick Whalen, COO, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Inc. (BNMC)
A-6
The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Organizers ‘impressed’ by support from Orchard Park community Drive from Page 1 great to do something like this.� Others are amazed at the generosity shown by the players, the players’ parents and everybody else in the community who gave to the cause. “I knew the boys would come through but I didn’t know to what extent they would get out ... and get involved,� McGowan said. “I’m impressed with the Orchard Park community.�
Orchard Park Seniors Group elections
On Dec. 3,the Orchard Park Senior Citizens Group met for their Christmas/ Election meeting. Due to the Snovember storm, their Thanksgiving / Election meeting was canceled. The group of 100-plus seniors meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Windom Community Church on Abbott Road at noon. In addition to socializing, we sat down for our Christmas meal with pie and ice cream and were entertained by Sinatra singer Tony Pedulla for their enjoyment. At other meetings, we have informative speakers to keep our seniors informed, safe and active. There was even a surprise visit from Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus to wish us all Holiday Greetings. The social period started with wine tasting and cheese from Southtowns Wine & Liquor. Our new officers who were elected to lead the group
for the next two years are: President Jim Twist, VP of Entertainment Irene Czornohus, VP of Membership Dolores Kempston, Travel Director Ruth Duffy, Secretary Jackie Briggs and Treasurer Gail Lipka. Congratulations to all. Special thanks and appreciation goes to outgoing officers: President Joe Manuel and VP Mary Ann Notto for 4 years of work and dedication. Thank you. Our new officers will be installed by Town Supervisor Dr. Patrick Keem, and the blessings of our membership by Pastor Michael Wrigglesworth on Jan. 7 for our diet / reorganization meeting with coffee and donuts. Bring your own brown bag lunch. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of our golden citizens and community. We can be contacted at OrchardParkSeniorGroup@ gmail.com.
HOLIDAY Worship Services Merry Christmas ;
Where Christ And His Word are Preeminet.
Please Join Us For Our
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Armor Bible Church
Contact Info:
5650 Pavers Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127 648-4559 • armorpca.org
St. George Church
A Parish with Spirit and Heart Pastor Pat Ipolito (716) 652-3153 74 Old Glenwood Rd., West Falls
All are welcome to join us in celebrating Jesus’ birth!
Christmas Eve:
Children’s Mass 5pm • Vigil 10pm Christmas Day: 10am New Year’s Eve: 5pm New Year’s Day: 10am Weekends: Saturday 5pm; Sunday 8:30am & 11am Confession: Saturday 4-4:30pm
ST. JOHN VIANNEY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2950 Southwestern Boulevard • Orchard Park, NY 716-674-9133 • www.saintjohnvianney.com
Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve
3:00PM Children’s Liturgy 5:30PM 10:00PM Solemn Mass of Christmas
Christmas Day
9:00AM & 11:00AM Rev. Robert L. Gebhard, Jr. Pastor Rev. Jeffrey L. Nowak, Parochial Vicar
The legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright: Orchard Park High School Art & Technology Education classes collaboratively visited the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright designed residences of the Darwin Martin Family in Buffalo and Derby. Student toured both landmarks as part of their honors art, civil engineering/architecture. and energy technology classes. Students above are at the Martin House landmark.
Area officials continue to evaluate disaster preparedness Storm from Page 1 Keem expects FEMA to reimburse 75 percent of storm-related costs, and the state to reinburse portions of the remaining 25 percent. “It looks like we’re going to get it,� Keem said. “Are we sure? No, {President} Obama has to declare it a federal disaster first.� Thrasher also provided an assessment on the village and town’s response to the staggering snowfall, providing a number of suggestions on ways to improve. “What we do in terms of emergency response is not just responding to the emergency. The impacts are significant on the entire
community,� Thrasher said. “So everything that we do we try to make better and faster and smoother and more effective.� Echoing the sentiments from a discussion at the previous village board meeting, Thrasher said the village and town need a person within the state Department of Transportation whom they can call via cell phone at any time they need. Mayor Allan Kasprzak criticized the DOT at a board meeting earlier this month, calling their assistance delayed and poorly executed. State equipment and personnel didn’t arrive until the morning of Friday,
Nov. 21. And even then, those workers were left waiting on Route 400, because they had not been told who in Aurora to report to. “We need to be in touch with the humans that are directing those assets,� Thrasher said. He also recommended that the town and village more strictly enforce a driving ban, and establish a second control dispatch frequency, pointing out that Kasprzak and Police Chief Ron Krowka had to authorize a third police dispatch line due to the high volume of calls during the storm. Thrasher suggested having a plan to
offer adequate rest and recuperation for stranded and overworked first responders and plow crews, recalling that many village firefighters had to sleep on the station’s concrete floor. Meanwhile, Keem, Mrugalski and Police Chief Mark Pacholec met with officials from across the county and state at a recent Erie County After Action meeting, Keem said. They discussed ways to better prepare for future winter snowstorms of that severity and duration. Keem added that Orchard Park officials had already held After Action meetings to discuss and evaluate the response.
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
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Team members say they were glad to help a family in need and it’s made them a stronger team. “It’s great to be able to help a family during times of need,� said Cole Schiffman, an Orchard Park High School senior. “I think it brings our team closer, makes us feel good about our team and know we can trust each other,� added Kevin McParlane, an OPHS junior. “It feels
reel which featured expert milling, tight tolerances and an impressive attention to detail. Kenmore resident Gojmerac’s waterjet-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 Technolo-
gy 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 state-of-the-art training labs and advanced equipment for students eager to enter the area’s expanding industry.
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A-7
The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Energy tips for colder weather (NAPSI)—Here’s news that may warm your heart-and your home. There’s now a new resource from the Eldercare Locator to help keep older adults safe and warm during the cold weather months. It’s a brochure called “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” and it provides tips about preparing a home for winter weather and saving money on energy expenses. Hints To Help You The brochure suggests you: • Make sure your home is energy efficient by installing a programmable thermostat and sealing and insulating ducts. • Learn about energy assistance programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy
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Baileys
WAS $28.99
Vanilla Cinnamon $
21.99750 ML.
ON SALE
Ecco Domani
WAS $10.99
Pinot Grigio
5.99
$
$7.99 - $2.00 MIR
SAVE $24 On 12 NET Bottles 750 ML. W/MIR
Ryan’s
WAS $18.99
Irish Cream Liqueur NET $14.99 $ - $5.00 MIR
$10.99
Spumante Champagne $
6.99750 ML.
Three Olives $
$19.99 - $8.00 MIR
All Varieties
11.99
NET 1.75 L.
Ilauri Bajo WAS
$10.99 ON SALE
$
$
$8.99 - $2.00 MIR
7.99750 ML. Matua
Sauv. Blanc
NET 6.99750 ML.
Barefoot
SAVE $24 On Case W/MIR
IN STORE SPECIAL
All Types $ 1.5 L.
2/ 20 Magnum
E
AWESOM DEAL!
Toasted Head
WAS $13.99
$
Chardonnay
9.99
NET 750 ML.
SAVE Up To $36 On 12 Bottles w/MIR
New Amsterdam WAS $16.99 - $7.00 MIR
Gin & Vodka NET $
9.991.75 L.
Chat Ste Michelle
Riesling WAS $8.99 $
& Dry Riesling
6.99750 ML.
Yellowtail Wines SAVE Up to $24 W/MIR
All Types NET 1.5 L. $
2/ 16 W/$4 MIR Skol
WAS $13.49
Montepulciano
XO
25.99750 ML.
$
ON SALE
$20.99
SAVE $24 On
Ballatore
WAS $9.99
Crown Royal
Pinot Noir
NET Case 750 ML. w/MIR
Limited Edition
16.99750 ML.
WAS $39.99
9.991.75 L.
5.99
$
$
ON SALE
$11.99 - $2.00 MIR
Mirassou WAS
$7.99 - $2.00 MIR
Captain Morgan
WAS $24.99 1671
$11.49 - $2.00 MIR
$
Vodka
NET 9.491.75 L.
Apothic
Red & White $
IN STORE SPECIAL
8.99750 ML.
Black Box
$
All Varieties
SAVE Up to $8 W/MIR
15.993NET L. BOX
$18.99 - $3.00 MIR
A-8
The Orchard Park & East Aurora Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Make-A-Wish child surprised with Hawaiian themed party to celebrate upcoming trip
Evelyn’s mom said her daughter’s smile lit up Macy’s Walden Galleria after a successful Hawaii surprise. On Friday, Dec. 12, Make-A-Wish and Macy’s celebrated National Believe Day, honoring wishes across the nation. Here locally, sixyear-old Evelyn received a grand wish celebration ahead of her wish to go to Hawaii this January. The celebration included many surprises, and much joy. Her mom, Victoria says, “Her smile lit up Macy’s Walden Galleria.� Evelyn is currently battling an aggressive and rare brain tumor. Both her and her family have faced many challenges since the diagnosis – chemotherapy, doctors’
visits and hospital stays. When Evelyn was referred for a wish through Make-AWish Western New York, the family dreamed of a tropical getaway. “Evelyn heard about Hawaii from her aunt who traveled there, and she wanted to go too,� Mom exclaims. The wish trip provides Evelyn a much-needed respite from her daily reality of medical obstacles. Evelyn arrived in style to Macy’s Walden Galleria by stretch limousine, thanks to Status Limousine that helped defray the overall travel cost. When she walked the red
carpet towards her wish celebration, she saw a crowd of familiar faces – friends from her Derby Girl Scouts troop. Macy’s employees, family, and Make-A-Wish representatives were also there to cheer her on, and share in honoring the brave girl. With a tropical flower in her hair, and the blue and white Make-A-Wish shirt on, Evelyn lead the way through Macy’s where she received Hawaiian-themed gifts from the store and enjoyed a princess makeover from the makeup counter. Evelyn yelled out excitedly,
“A bathing suit,� when she opened up her new luggage set, with tropical goodies just for her. “Her younger brother and older sister were also given gifts, which showed that it wasn’t just about Evelyn, but also her siblings who have dealt with so much too,� Victoria adds. As part of Macy’s “Believe�, for each letter made out to Santa at the North Pole, and dropped into the Macy’s red letterbox inside Macy’s stores, $1 is donated to Make-A-Wish nationwide, up to $1-million. On National Believe Day, Evelyn and
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 appreciated, 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.
“Her wish to hike, snorkel and swim is so much more than just that week. It means hope for our family, and it means a time not to worry about her brain cancer.� Macy’s Believe Campaign and letters to Santa continues through Dec. 24. If you wish to learn more about Make-A-Wish, please visit wny.wish.org or call the Buffalo office at 810-9474. You can also refer a child with a life-threatening medical condition by calling toll free (888) 869-9474.
Give a hound a home this holiday season
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
guests made out their letters to Santa to help future wishes come true in Western New York. To their surprise, they all learned that their letters were double donation, as $2 was given for each letter received during Evelyn’s wish party. It was something that made all smile! Evelyn’s celebration ended with cake, much laughter and a ride to Applebee’s for dinner with family. The family talked about their upcoming wish, and how much it will mean for the young girl, who has already been handed so much in life. Victoria says,
Lucille is a 5-year-old Red Tick Hound mix that is available for adoption through HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team. She was found running by herself. Lucille then ended up at a shelter. Sadly, her owner never came for her. She is full of life and has a lot of love to give. Lucille loves going for walks and is an all-around great gal! She is spayed, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations and has tested negative for heartworm disease. She weighs about 60 pounds. Lucille needs a home with no cats or small dogs. Lucille would definitely benefit to have an owner
Photo Submitted
Lucille, a 5-year-old Red Tick Hound mix, is full of life and loves going for walks. who understands the hound breed. If you are interested in adopting Lucille, contact her foster mom at
peachyshell113@yahoo. com or a HEART representative at 821-1915.
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