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VOL 2 NO. 51
Amanda Hansen Foundation continues to donate furnaces By Kimberly Snickles
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014
WS Youth Theatre presents ‘Tangled with a Twist’
WEST SENECA SUN EDITOR
Christmas wasn’t looking so merry for West Seneca resident Ken Hansen. Thoughts of his daughter Amanda, who he lost to carbon monoxide poisoning after a sleepover at her friend’s house almost six years ago, were haunting him. He just wanted to make sure this tragic event never happened to another family again. “I was starting to feel helpless,” he said. “I hate giving people false hope.” Hansen is the founder of the Amanda Hansen Foundation, an organization that focuses on providing free carbon monoxide detectors to those in need. In addition to these efforts, Hansen and Assemblyman Michael Kearns teamed up to provide local residents with furnaces and help save a life. Residents were asked to fill out a brief survey and describe their need for a furnace with the hopes of receiving a donation. But the task wasn’t as easy as it seemed. Hansen started to feel hopeless when an overwhelming amount of residents began reaching out that they were in need. Many families and individuals were living with old and faulty furnaces and could not afford a new one. Without
By William Homan SUN CORRESPONDENT
PHOTO SUBMITTED
A donated furnace was recently installed for a disabled veteran in Buffalo. the proper funding and assistance, Hansen would only be able to donate a few furnaces and would have to put others on hold. “I didn’t realize how bad people were in need of them,” said Hansen. “I’m getting all of these stories and I wish I had 100 furnaces to give away, but I don’t. I feel bad I have to turn people down.” However, thanks to the generosity of several local businesses, Hansen is proud to announce that he can now give away 12 furnaces with the optimism of receiving donations for more. The five companies that not only
helped donate furnaces, but also provided free installation, include Northeast Mechanical, Warm and Fuzzy, Heat Wave, Roy’s Plumbing and Heating, and Reimer Heating. Two private citizens also reached out to donate a furnace. “It’s a beautiful thing watching all these people come together,” said Hansen. “They don’t care about their business, they care about the Amanda Hansen Foundation and I find that truly amazing.” Hansen and Assemblyman Kearns are also hosting a large CO detector giveaway on Saturday, Jan. 3 at West
Seneca West High School. The event will kick off the 17,000th CO detector donated throughout the years. Awards will also be given to those businesses and individuals that help to make the foundation a success. “It’s turning into a nice Christmas,” said Hansen. “I was very blue, but it’s turning around. It’s the community that steps out along the way that means a lot to me.” For more information about the Amanda Hansen Foundation or to provide a donation, visit www.amandahansenfoundation.org
Local author releases book to help with grief during holidays By Kimberly Snickles WEST SENECA SUN EDITOR
Darcy Thiel knows a thing or two about being caught off guard. She unexpectedly lost her husband Tim to stage IV gallbladder cancer four years ago and her life has changed ever since. “You really can’t imagine all the different ways that this person has infiltrated your life,” said Thiel. Thiel only had five months left to spend with her husband after the cancer was diagnosed. During this period, Tim tried to show his wife the ins and outs around the house and prepare her for this time without him, but it wasn’t so simple. “When he passed, I would sometimes send my son to school with dirty socks and this wasn’t like using the snow blower, I know how to do this,” she said. “Then it finally hit me that we used our laundry machine like a laundry shoot, so we put our laundry in there when it was full and did a load.
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I realized that we didn’t have an extra person making dirty clothes, so I wasn’t do laundry often enough.” Understanding that even small tasks like this may be difficult during the grieving process inspired Thiel, a West Seneca resident and marriage and family counselor, to write her second book, “Life After Death, On This Side of Heaven,” which follows the Thiel-Colvin family through their journey of learning how to cope after losing a loved one. “It’s our personal story and covers topics such as how to get through holidays and anniversaries, how you parent, how to handle things like social security, wills, and health insurance and all typical things associated with grief and loss,” said Thiel. The book follows in the footsteps of Thiels’ first book “Bitter and Sweet: A Family’s Journey with Cancer.”
25,200 Metro readers plan to 138,615 Community Papers of WNY PHOTO SUBMITTED
Darcy Thiel, MA, LMHC
See Author Page 2
For years, the West Seneca Youth Theatre has held different fundraising events in order to raise money for their productions. However, due to the increase in popularity of the organization and the number of kids participating, this year brings with it a slight change in plans. For the first time ever, the West Seneca Youth Theatre has added another production to take the place of the spaghetti dinner that is normally held around this time of year. “Tangled with a Twist” will take place at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 10, at West Seneca West Middle School. The full-length show with an intermission features 40 different Disney characters with a story line that is loosely featured around “Tangled” and the story of Rapunzel. Tickets cost $7 and will help pay for set pieces, costumes, rights for songs, and more. In addition to the show, there will also be a basket raffle featuring donations from local businesses, including but not limited to Nino’s Pizza, Mighty Taco, and AlbrightKnox Art Gallery. Thirty minutes prior to each show, there will be an opportunity for children to have their faces painted, as well as purchase wands and crowns. Those who arrive in costume will also be seated in a special VIP section. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to meet Belle, who will be in attendance to help promote the West Seneca Youth Theatre’s last production of the year, “Beauty and the Beast,” which will run at 7 p.m. on June 26 and June 27 at West Seneca East Senior High School. Candice Kogut, director of the West Seneca Youth Theatre, noted that while the group may have outgrown certain events, the growth is ultimately for the best and she would not have it any other way. “Not only do we get the chance to expand what we are doing, but it also means that more kids are getting involved in something,” Kogut explained. “It’s giving them a chance to collaborate with other kids and develop so many skills. Also, in this case, it’s giving them another chance to perform. These kids are all familiar with the larger-than-life characters and it gives them a chance to really sink their teeth in.” With performances at the Hamburg Festival of Lights, the West Seneca Youth and Recreations Breakfast with Santa, the Kiwanis Club Christmas Party for Handicapped Adults, and January’s fundraiser, the youth theatre remains extremely busy. However, according to Kogut, it doesn’t stop there. “January 11 we’ll be right back at it and preparing for our production of ‘Legally Blonde,’ which is scheduled to take place May 22 and May 23.” She went on to commend the work that everyone involved puts in, noting that some of the kids are taking part in “Legally Blonde” and “Beauty and the Beast.” “These kids really are professionals,” Kogut said. “We only get to practice once a week and we split the time we have between the two productions. That means they are asked to work at home and practice their dances and memorize lines on their own time. They really step it up. I truly think they are the best group of kids in WNY.” In addition to the work that the members of the youth theatre and their families put in, Kogut also applauded the support the organization receives from the community. She noted that everyone from the people at town hall to the various principals and staff members at the local schools they utilize have always been nothing but helpful. Tickets are currently on sale for the “Tangled with a Twist” production and can be purchased at the West Seneca Youth and Recreation office, through a West Seneca Youth Theatre parent, or at the door. For more information on any of the other upcoming performances visit www.freewebs.com/wsyt or check out their Facebook page under the title “West Seneca Youth Theatre.”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
MAKE-A-WISH ......................................... SECT. A PAGE 3
SPORTS............................................... SECT. B PAGES 1 – 4
EDITORIAL ............................................... SECT. A PAGE 4
CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... SECT. B PAGES 5– 7
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
POLICE BLOTTER ..................................... SECT. A PAGE 5
DANCING WITH THE STARS..................... SECT. B PAGE 8
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE................................ SECT. A PAGE 5
COMMUNITY EVENTS ............................. SECT. B PAGE 8
www.westsenecasun.com editorial@westsenecasun.com
HOLIDAY HEROES.................................... SECT. A PAGE 6
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE WEST SENECA SUN
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The West Seneca & Elma Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Learning to cope Author from Page 1
Thiel said writing was the best way to let out all of her feelings and helped her to heal. She started a blog on the CaringBridge website where she kept everyone up to date on what was happening at home and how she and her family were getting through her husband’s soonto-be passing. These journal entries are included in both books and also contain guest book entries. “What makes these different from other books is that they were written in real time. It’s very raw
and personal and not just a reflection of looking back, going through the good, the bad, and the ugly,” she said. Thiel is not only an author; she is also a guest speaker at several local colleges and organizations. She hopes that her writing and words inspire others to get through the grieving process in a positive way. For more information on “Bitter and Sweet: A Family’s Journey with Cancer” and “Life After Death, On This Side of Heaven,” visit www. darcythiel.com
July wedding in the works Mr. and Mrs. Edward Buckholtz, of Blasdell, announced the engagement of their daughter, Renae Marie Buckholtz to Craig Stephen Szymanski. The future bride works as a school counselor. Szymanski holds a Masters of Business Adminis-
tration in business finance and is the son of Rose Szymanski of West Seneca and the late Henry Szymanski. He is employed at General Mills. The couple will marry in July 2015. Congratulations!
Spot ‘Baby Sampson’ billboards for your chance to win The Buffalo Zoo announced on Dec. 15, the name of a baby giraffe who was born in October. His name is Sampson. Sampson was born on Friday, Oct. 24, to mother, 5-year-old A.J, and father, 3-year-old Moke. Both are first time parents. The day was a special one for giraffe keeper, Vicki Hodge. Oct. 24 is her grandparents’ wedding anniversary, and also the anniversary of the death of her grandfather, whose middle name was Sampson. She named the baby in memory of him. The name announcement coincides with a series of billboards that were unveiled around the Buffalo area the same day, revealing Sampson’s name to the community. Community Papers of WNY, LLC and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising pro-
Bob Casell, President, Community Papers of WNY, LLC; Donna Fernandes, Ph.D., President AND CEO, Buffalo Zoo; Rick Dvorak, VP and GM, LAMAR Outdoor Advertising vided the billboards, “A New Baby, A New Year”. CPOWNY will roll out
Have You Spotted Me Yet? ENTER-TO-WIN Find all 8 Sampson billboards
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positioned throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area Name:____________________________________________ N ame:________ Address:______ Address:__________________________________________ City:________________State:_________Zip:_____________ City:_________ Phone:_______ Phone:____________________________________________
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a year of family-friendly activities and promotions on and off Zoo grounds
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Mail this completed form to: Community Papers of o WNY Contest Attn: Sampson Billboard Billbo PO Box 790 14225 Cheektowaga, NY 14 C
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throughout 2015. These efforts serve not only to welcome the giraffe and promote the Zoo as an institution of family recreation, but also to highlight conservation efforts and educational offerings for the community at large. A contest to win the named, baby giraffe plush animal, is currently underway. Sharp-eyed readers need to spot all eight billboards that feature the new Buffalo Zoo baby giraffe Sampson. The first family from each of the 25 community papers to correctly submit all eight routes and crossstreet billboard locations, will receive the collectible giraffe. Outdoor billboards will be in place from Dec. 15 until Feb. 1, 2015.
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The West Seneca & Elma Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014
Make-A-Wish child surprised with Hawaiian themed party to celebrate upcoming trip
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLASER STUDIOS
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLASER STUDIOS
Evelyn’s mom said her daughter’s smile lit up Macy’s Walden Galleria after a successful Hawaii surprise. 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 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, “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.
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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-A-Wish Western New York, the family dreamed of a tropical getaway. “Evelyn heard about Hawaii from her
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The West Seneca & Elma Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
The Sun Editorial W W W. W E S T S E N E C A S U N . C O M
Snowstorm lessons learned By simply turning on the national news or Weather Channel, it is manifestly clear that major weather events and the catastrophic effects are becoming more commonplace, here in Western New York and throughout the country. As the oscillations of weather events continue we are left with some sobering thoughts; extreme weather events are here to stay and we will probably see another one this winter. One area which needs to be improved
regarding disaster responses deals with getting Essential Medical Personnel to hospitals and getting nonessential vehicles that should not be on the streets off the road and out of the way of snow removal workers. We need to improve the process of identifying essential personnel with respect to natural crises in New York. I wrote to Governor Cuomo asking that he consider amending New York State driver’s licenses through an executive order
to designate and identify key medical personnel including licensed doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians aides, pharmacists and other licensed medical personnel. This will allow workers at hospitals and other critical organizations the option of having the words Essential Medical Personnel or EM printed on their licenses. In short, this will help with the rapid and efficient flow of personnel who are fundamental in handling the health problems
which arise during major storms. This will also enable law enforcement to readily identify who should and should not be on the road so that clearing snow and debris will not be further hampered by cars which should not have been on the road in the first place. Today many hospitals are regional facilities that require professionals throughout Western New York. These licensed professionals provide critical services and care needed
in a major weather event. Although in the last storm we relied on these critical services during this weather crisis, many essential personnel who were called into work at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo were turned away and were as a result unable to get to work. Even though many of these workers would be needed to provide lifesaving care to many impacted by the storm, they had the challenge of finding alternate routes or returning to
their homes. We need to get caregivers to their places of employment during a winter weather event so that the largest amount of people can be helped. I write this in the hope that by the time the next weather event occurs people will have the option to get these designations on their licenses. Michael P. Kearns NYS Assembly 142nd District
Queen of Heaven students indulge in art
PHOTO SUBMITTED
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Peter S (left) gets on the ground to photograph a stick and Anna B (right) practices her photography skills. Seventh grade art students at Queen of Heaven School participated in an on campus art experience during the months of November and De-
cember, in conjunction with the CEPA Gallery. Students met with local photographer Megan Mette to learn more about abstract photography
and what makes a good photograph. Students used digital cameras and equipment brought in by CEPA, and art education coordina-
tor for the gallery Lauren Trent, to abstract their own reality through photographs. Students took photographs indoors and outdoors focus-
Legislature supports federal plan to help veterans receive proper psychiatric care The Erie County Legislature has approved a resolution urging the United States Senate to take immediate action to approve the “Clay Hunt SAV Act,” which would provide servicemen and women better mental health care. The bill would specifically emphasize the need for better evaluation and treatment of psychiatric conditions through the VA and as a result would reduce the suffering of thousands of service members. The Clay Hunt Act calls for speeding up access to mental health CPOWNY
care to veterans, including reservists, boosting VA efforts to hire more psychiatrists, and review all current VA mental health programs for effectiveness. “The legislature unanimously approved a resolution strongly urging the Senate to approve the Clay Hunt SAV Act and ensure that our heroes are receiving the best care possible. A reported 8,000 soldiers commit suicide each year. That number is incredibly troubling and experts in the field believe the merits of this bill can properly address
failures in the system that lead to a high rate of veterans taking their own lives,” said Chairman John Mills. There is a great need for improved mental health care. An estimated 600,000 soldiers suffer from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The act is named after Clay Hunt, a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was wounded during his service and diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. He became active in helping other veterans, including as a
member of Team Rubicon, a non-profit group organization that puts skilled veterans together with first responders to aid in national or international catastrophes and emergencies. Hunt was 28 when he committed suicide in March of 2011. Currently, the bill has been delayed in the Senate and supporters are hoping to bring it up for a vote in 2015. The resolution of support from the Erie County Legislature will be forwarded to Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
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ing on light, contrast, balance and rhythm within the photographs. Queen of Heaven is a S.T.R.E.A.M Academy and the focus of this project
combined technology, art and science. Several of the photographs will be displayed at the Albright Knox Art Gallery from Dec. 30 - Jan. 25, 2015.
ECC’s Dental Lab Tech Program earns grant
Erie Community College’s Dental Lab Technology Program has been selected as a recipient for a $5,000 Foundation for Dental Lab Technology’s Keystone Grant, announced in November by the foundation’s Tallahassee, Fla.-located representatives. The prestigious Keystone Grant was established to support educational institutions with dental laboratory technology programs. The annual and competitive grant selection process awards national recipients based on submitted materials that include a program outline, current efforts being made to strengthen the program and planned usage of the funds. For ECC—a school that also boasts competitive programs in dental assisting and dental hygiene, and consistently posts impressive job placement numbers across Western New York—the award will certainly strengthen an already solid dental focus. “This award is appreci-
ated, 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 wellequipped laboratories at the ECC South Campus, students are instructed in all aspects of prosthodontic dentistry. Opportunities are available for second-year students to work with dentists in private practice, at hospitals and at commercial dental laboratories as they prepare to join the profession.
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The West Seneca & Elma Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014
Police Blotter W W W. W E S T S E N E C A S U N . C O M
Petit larceny
DWI
Andrew Hessel, 32, of Derby, and Xavier Gonzolez-Soto, 28, of Buffalo were arrested Dec. 10 for petit larceny. According to a police report, a complainant said that two subjects came into a store and worked in conjunction with each other. Gonzolez-Soto went along and picked items off the shelf and placed them on the floor and attached a receipt on the items from a previous purchase on Nov. 27 with his name on the receipt. Then Hessel came along and picked up the items with a shopping cart and attempted to leave the store with the items. Gonzolez-Soto made a small purchase and left the store. They were both found by police and returned to WSPD where they were booked, mugged and printed.
Sharon Abram, 60, of Lackawanna, was arrested Dec. 13 for driving while intoxicated. According to a police report, patrol observed a vehicle driving erratically. It took a while for Abram to pull over and when she did, she pulled over in the middle of the road. When asked if she was drinking tonight, her response was no. Abram refused to take a breath-screening test and refused all other sobriety tests. She was placed under arrest and transported to WSPD.
Petit larceny Dawn Altemus, 46, of Buffalo, and Joshua Altemus, 25, of Buffalo, were arrested Dec. 11 for petit larceny. According to a police report, patrol responded to a larceny complaint at the Kmart on Orchard Park Road. A loss prevention officer had a male and female shoplifter detained in their office. According to the loss prevention officer, the subjects purchased some items from the store, but then concealed additional merchandise worth approximately $616.56 in their layaway cardboard box. The pair was then observed passing all points of purchase before being detained by loss prevention for not paying for the additional merchandise. Dawn and Joshua were taken into custody by patrol and returned to WSPD where they were processed.
Petit larceny Sharon Russell, 58, of Buffalo, was arrested Dec. 13 for petit larceny. According to a police report, patrol responded to the Bon Ton where security stated that Russell put $453 worth of merchandise inside a large black purse that was lined with a second foiled bag, and inside an old Bon Ton bag. After concealing the merchandise, Russell passed all points of purchase, exiting through the cosmetics doors. Russell was returned to WSPD and processed.
Petit larceny James Highway, 32, of West Seneca, was arrested Dec. 13 for petit larceny. According to a police report, officers responded to Tops Market for a report of a shoplifter. The loss prevention officer stated that once the suspect was past the point of purchase and into the parking lot, they escorted him
areas. Detectives were able to pick up Pearce’s trail after the snow subsided, and located a vehicle matching the description used in the robbery at a local motel. Pearce was interviewed about the robbery, but soon fled the area. An arrest warrant was issued and Pearce was located Tuesday, at the Salvation Army by Detectives Daniel Crowe and Sean Donohue. Pearce was arraigned by West Seneca Town Justice Jeffery Harrington and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center.
Robbery Deborah Waugaman, 40, of West Seneca, was arrested Dec. 14 for robbery. According to a police report, patrol was dispatched to Tops Market on Orchard Park Road on a report of a suspect fighting with store employees. Upon arrival, patrol started looking for the suspect who pushed her way passed store employees and out of the store. Waugaman was then found by officers and returned to WSPD where she was booked, mugged, and printed for stealing from the supermarket.
DWI Jeffrey Szewczyk, 22, of Buffalo, was arrested Dec. 14 for driving while intoxicated. According to a police report, a cashier phoned police after Szewczyk left the Lutz’s Mobil without paying for a six-pack of Labatt Blue, one package of peanut M & M’s, and one tin of Skoal tobacco product valued at $16.17. An officer found the suspect and pulled him over. The stolen items were found inside of Szewczyk’s car. He appeared to have slurred speech, impaired motor coordination, glassy eyes, and a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. He was asked to take several sobriety tests, of which he failed. He was returned to WSPD where he was processed.
Penn Dixie announces new rates for 2015
Best Value Liquor Store robbery suspect arrested The West Seneca Police Detective Bureau executed a robbery arrest warrant at a homeless shelter in Tonawanda for Jeffrey Pearce. Pearce was arrested for the robbery of the Best Value Liquor Store on Southwestern Blvd., which occurred on Nov. 17. Pierce entered the store about noon with his hand in his pocket and told the clerk, “I need $200 or I’ll blow your head off.” The case went cold the next day when the November Knife Storm dumped over seven feet of snow on West Seneca and surrounding
back into the store, into the office, and called the police. Highway did not have a receipt for the products and never attempted to pay. He was brought back to the station, mugged, booked, and printed.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Jeffrey Pearce
The HNHS/Board has voted to increase Penn Dixie membership rates in most categories in 2015. The student, senior, individual, family, grandparents, associate and school memberships will all increase by $5 in each category. These new rates will take affect on Jan. 1, 2015. Current members and new members may renew at the 2014 rates and save a few dollars if done before Dec. 31. Membership forms are available on the website at www.penndixie.org. Memberships are an important source of funding for programs, events and operations of the Penn Dixie Site. Consider adding another $25 to $30 as a donation with your
membership. Memberships and donations are income tax deductible. The admission rates will also be increasing in 2015 for fossil collecting for adults to $9 each, children 12 and under will be $7, and children 2 and under and Penn Dixie members will be free. The winter/spring lecture series will be increased to $5 per person and the astronomy programs will be $4 per person in 2015. The increase in the membership and admissions is necessary to help cover the increased operational, program, insurance, marketing and other costs required to keep Penn Dixie operating.
Resident promotes healthy lifestyle during holidays By Angela Rupp SUN CORRESPONDENT
The holidays are here, and with that, comes many parties. While fun and social events bring us all together, they can also expand our waistlines. That’s why online health and fitness coach Natalie Casey, of West Seneca, wants to help others lose weight and maintain their goals. Natalie is 26 years old, and was born and raised in Buffalo. She and her family currently live in West Seneca. She is a mom to a 21-month-old little boy and the wife to Brett, who is a local member of law enforcement. She explains that after she had her son, she struggled to lose the baby weight and in fact, gained more weight as the days crept on. Natalie joined a gym, and committed to losing the extra pounds. However, two months of going to the gym showed no results, and she became discouraged. Natalie had a full time job, and this was taking more time away from her family, while not producing results. “As a working mom, the last thing I wanted to do was leave my child more so that I could go to the gym. So I gave up on my health, as moms often do, and decided that my needs could be put on the back burner. In the meantime, my husband and I were having a hard time
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conceiving, I had absolutely no energy, and just felt awful,” Casey said. Luckily, she found some encouragement and new hope when she reconnected with a middle school friend who showed her she didn’t have to choose between her family time and being healthy. “With her support I was able to lose 34 pounds. I knew right away that I wanted to pay it forward and help others get healthy, especially families,” Casey explained. Natalie became an online health and fitness coach. It’s an affordable option which provides people with the support and tools they need to get healthier. She works with people on improving their nutrition, incorporating simple, quick home workouts into their life, and making a lasting lifestyle change. She also helps others build their own business as online health and fitness coaches. Prior to this, Natalie was still giving back, working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. With the holidays here, many people fall prey to temptation and overindulging, so Natalie takes a positive outlook on this time of year. “I don’t think that it’s specifically hard to stay on track during a certain time of year. In my opinion people struggle all year long to make healthy choices like eating healthy and getting exercise. The best ap-
proach is to enjoy and indulge in moderation. Life happens. Making sure you’re drinking enough water is so important. Once you’ve had enough food at a party, walking away from where the food is placed is a great idea,” said Casey. Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle as well. Even though it’s colder out, it’s important to bundle up and make it out to get in some cardio. Natalie explains that it doesn’t have to be a large chunk of time to be beneficial to your health. “The holidays are so busy, but you can’t forget exercise. I suggest getting exercise in early in the day so you don’t find excuses not to do it,” she advises. With diabetes surging, and childhood obesity becoming an epidemic, Casey urges parents to take an active role in their children’s lives and diets. It is a passionate subject to her, and one that hits close to home since she is a mom herself. “Now it’s more important than ever before to ensure we are instilling healthy life long habits into our children. We are seeing children, sometimes as young as four, have illnesses like obesity and type 2 diabetes, which used to only show up in adults. It all starts at home. Leading by example is the most important and effective tool we have as parents. It’s also important to educate our children at
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Casey Family a developmentally appropriate level and get them involved. I even let my son help me cook, meal plan, and choose what he eats within reason, of course.” After conquering her own weight loss, Natalie is now active and eating healthy in order to maintain her lifestyle. She knows there are many moms
who put their children first, and she wants parents to make themselves a priority. “I encourage anyone who needs help or support to reach out to me. Helping people get healthier is my passion. We’re all so busy, but getting healthier and taking care of yourself cannot wait. Just remember
it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to take baby steps to better health.” Anyone interested in reaching out can email at nataliecasey88@gmail.com or contact at www.facebook.com/ nataliecasey
87,403 Community Papers of WNY readers plan to remodel their home in the next 12 months. Get the most bang for your advertising buck in a CPOWNY publication!
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A-6
The West Seneca & Elma Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Holiday Heroes work to save lives through donation
American Red Cross to offer babysitter’s training
The American Red Cross, Western New York Chapter will host three separate babysitter’s training classes for youths ages 11 to 15 during the upcoming holiday break. Babysitting is often a teenager’s first business. Babysitter’s Training from the American Red Cross builds confidence to hold, feed, and care for infants and toddlers, work with children safely, and deal with emergencies. It also teaches lifelong entrepreneurial and career development skills. Classes will be available at the following dates, times and locations: · 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29 American Red Cross 786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo · 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29 American Red Cross
109 Main Street, Batavia · 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30 American Red Cross 5161 Camp Road, Hamburg “These classes will give students the opportunity to spend part of their holiday break learning things they’ll use the rest of their lives,” said Chuck Marra, Executive Director of the Western New York Chapter. “Babysitter’s Training teaches the caregiving skills parents are looking for in prospective sitters, giving them the opportunity to jumpstart their babysitting careers.” The fun, fast-paced class includes hands-on activities, videos, role-plays, take-home training materials, and discussion that will teach the teenager how to: • Perform basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding.
• Choose age-appropriate games and toys. • Handle bedtime and disciplinary issues. • Identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, and care for common injuries and emergencies. • Communicate effectively with parents. • Find and interview for babysitting jobs. The cost of the class is $85, which includes a Babysitter’s Training Certificate from the American Red Cross, handbook and CD ROM. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, call 1-800-733-2767, or visit www.redcross.org/takea-class. Enter the coupon code GRIFFINMANGANSCHOLARSHIP0314 to receive a $30 discount.
The West Seneca Police Department, Reserve Hose Company and Vigilant Fire Company are joining police, firefighters and first responders from across Western New York in Unyts’ Holiday Heroes campaign. Agencies across the area are hosting blood drives in December and January. The events will also include Donate Life Registry drives where they’ll be encouraging the public to sign up to become organ, eye and tissue donors. Unyts is Western New York’s only organ, eye, tissue and community blood center. The West Seneca Community Blood Drive will take place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
on Monday, Dec. 29 at the Southgate Neighborhood Blood Donation Center (1000 Union Road). Appointments can be made at www.unyts.org or by calling 512-7940. The holidays are generally a time when fewer people give blood, but the need for blood remains. Unyts is the primary provider of blood and platelet products for Kaleida Health, ECMC and all hospitals in Niagara and Wyoming counties. All blood donated through Unyts remains in Western New York. More than 10,400 New Yorkers are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Police, firefighters and first
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responders are urging more people to join the New York State Donate Life Registry. Among the organizations hosting or promoting Unyts drives are: the Erie County Sheriff’s Office; New York State Police in Clarence, Lockport and Batavia; U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Buffalo and Lewiston; the Buffalo Police Department; and fire companies and police departments around the area. A full list of drives is available at www.unyts.org. Information about Unyts and donation opportunities is also online at www. unyts.org.
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A-7
The West Seneca & Elma Sun / Saturday, December 20, 2014
Ringing in the holidays
Jacobs sworn in for second term as clerk
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The West Seneca Youth Theatre has fun performing for the Kiwanis Club Christmas party.
WS Youth Theatre fairies
Chris Jacobs was officially sworn in as Erie County’s ninth county clerk. Over 200 hundred of Jacobs’ family, friends and employees attended the ceremony which was held in the Ceremonial Court Room of Old County Hall. The Newell-Faulkner American Legion Post 880 lead the presentation of colors and Buffalo City Court Judge Amy Martoche presided over the ceremony. Jacobs and Judge Martoche were classmates while attending UB Law School. This is Jacobs’ second term, as he was first elected to the county wide post in November of 2011. Jacobs was re-elected this November with 67 percent of the votes cast. In his remarks, Jacobs thanked his employees at the clerk’s office, “I want you, my staff, to know that your hard work, professionalism and the courtesy in which you deal with our citizens is very much appreciated,” stated Jacobs. Since taking office, Jacobs has solved the major crisis in the clerk’s real estate division where he discovered millions of dollars of uncashed checks and over 100,000 unreturned mortgages. Over the last two years, Jacobs has recorded a $4 million surplus while introducing new technologies to the auto bureaus, such as an online reservation system. Jacobs has also become known for his success with the Erie County “Thank-A-Vet” Program, the largest of its kind in New York State, which now has over 1,000 area businesses offering discounts to Erie County veterans.
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The
Blue Wall
2720 Seneca St. West Seneca • 822-2205 SPECIALS PHOTO SUBMITTED
The three fairies from left to right are Alexandra Zagara (West Seneca), Molly Rigby (West Seneca), and Megan Munro (Orchard Park).
Daemen awarded highest national recognition in community service Daemen College has for the seventh consecutive year been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community, service learning and civic engagement. Daemen is one only five institutions in Western New York and among 35 colleges and universities in New York State to receive this national designation in the 2014 general community service category, which is awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). “This prestigious national distinction is a great tribute to our students’ exceptional dedication and hard work to a range of community service activities that have a positive, meaningful impact in our local, regional and international communities,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “We
are immensely honored to be recognized for all of the college’s outstanding civic engagement efforts.” In 2013-14, nearly 500 Daemen students engaged in more than 25,000 total hours in service-learning and community service initiatives. Over the past decade, Daemen has established 35 local and global service learning partnerships. Launched in 2006, the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus-community partnerships. CNCS oversees the award in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, American Council on Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core.
Happy Holidays
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MONDAY
Feast of the Incarnation Thursday, December 25
Christmas Eve Mass 4:00 pm Christmas Day Mass 10:00 am ALL ARE WELCOME!
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
A-8
The West Seneca & Elma Sun /Saturday, December 20, 2014
Save St. Ann’s Church & Shrine issues fundraising calendar
Submission guidelines Many businesses, civic groups and places of worship keep the public informed of their activities by submitting press releases to Community Papers of WNY. If your group has some news to share, written releases can be submitted
by e-mail to mondesko@ cpowny.com or lkirchmyer@cpowny.com. Or by postal mail to the Editorial Department, Community Papers of WNY., 75 Boxwood Lane, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. The deadline for submitting releases is 5 p.m.
on the Tuesday preceding each Sunday’s issue, so any submissions for the Dec. 27 editions must be received no later than Monday, Dec. 22. Submitting a press release does not guarantee publication.
Crossword Puzzle W W W. C P O W N Y . C O M
Buffalo’s 128-year old architectural marvel is featured in 2015 calendars to raise funds and awareness for the Save St. Ann’s Church Revitalization Committee. The annal is both a calendar and arts pictorial, with full color photographs of the ornate interior, stained glass windows, and statuary that remain preserved within the church and shrine. The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has closed the structure to the public since 2012. The organization is seeking ways to prevent the structure from being demolished with the calendar making the public aware of the significance of this house-of-worship. Calendars are $10 each or $12 with shipping and can be ordered via the Save St. Ann’s website: www.
saintannbuffalo.org. Credit card or PayPal can be used online and is a $12.50 charge. “This calendar shows the enormous pride of the people who built this unique church well over a century ago,� explained Ron Bates of the Save St. Ann’s Church & Shrine organization. “The stained glass was fabricated by the famed Bavarian Art Works in Munich, the woodwork was all created by-hand and it is breathtaking. We have pictures of these works of art and more in our calendar.� The pictures from the 2015 calendar include the Sculpted Last Supper above the high altar, the starlit columns, installed in 1904, and the numerous stained glass windows that surround the east transom. St. Ann is the only United
States church that is connected with the original St. Anne de-Baupre Archconfraternity, established in Montreal, Quebec. It is a shrine to St. Ann and one of few parishes built solely by the hand of its parishioners, common German immigrants who built the East Side landmark. The main tower rises over 12 stories tall and contains the largest swinging bell in Buffalo. The children’s book, Santa is Coming to Buffalo, highlights the St. Ann’s bells that guide the jolly elf and his team of reindeer. It will be in-print as the holiday season approaches. More information on St. Ann’s Church and Shrine, including a video of the church’s history is available at www.saintannbuffalo.org
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