DYSTER’Ê S CELL LINCOLN IRRELEVANT PHONE SPEED-DIAL TO NF “PC ” CROWD PAGE 5 PAGE 2

FREE MAY 8 - 15, 2012 VOL. 13, NO. 19 FREE SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS Watchdog council demands answers ...

Story:Page 3 2 REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Lincoln no friend to the slaves? (Publisher’s note: This is the final of the great Seneca war chief Farmer’s Tubman leading 300 escaped slaves installment of a three-part investiga - Brother in the city’s North End, where across the bridge have been put to rest, tive series by Niagara Falls Reporter the trail crossed a small stream known does the city of Niagara Falls really Editor in Chief Mike Hudson examin - MIKE HUDSON today as Bloody Run. need a park, a museum and walkway ing spurious claims that the city was a Led by a cowardly colonist named on the bridge dedicated to commemo - major hub of the Underground Rail - Railroad.” John Stedman – who fled the scene and rating an event that was so unimportant road in the years prior to the Civil War, Even the most fervent advocates of saved himself – the entire 25-man Tubman herself couldn’t remember claims that are now being used to jus - Underground Railroad history could wagon train party was wiped out, what year it happened in? tify the spending of millions of tax - not argue that its ill-documented activ - along with a British relief column Let’s contrast Tubman’s vague rec - payer dollars celebrating a history that ities here were as important to the his - made up of about 80 members of the ollection with a more concrete Niagara never happened.) tory of the region or, indeed, of the vaunted 80th Regiment of Light Falls experience by another individual United States itself as did the century- Armed Foot, by experienced Indian who had a little bit to do with freeing Even the most disinterested among long conflict between the European fighters trained in guerilla tactics. the slaves, Abraham Lincoln. us are aware that the Niagara Frontier colonists and Native American Indian The battle, popularly known as the Not being illiterate, Lincoln was possesses a rich and varied history, one tribes that played itself out violently Devil’s Hole Massacre, was the largest therefore able to jot down his own involving undeniably important histor - right in our own backyards. single defeat suffered by the British at awed impressions of Niagara Falls fol - ical and cultural figures of just about The French and Indian Wars, Pon - the hands of solely Native American lowing an 1848 visit. The following is every race, creed and ethnicity. tiac ’s Rebellion, the Revolutionary forces during the entire colonial pe - an excerpt from a 500-word account in Why then is the administration of War and the War of 1812 – the bicen - riod. Whole books have been devoted Lincoln ’s own hand, originally pub - Mayor Paul Dyster already spending tennial of which is now being crimi - to the battle and its repercussions, but lished in the nine-volume “The Col - what will amount to millions of tax - nally ignored by the Dyster the names of Farmer’s Brother, John lected Works of Abraham Lincoln.” payer dollars to celebrate a dubious, administration – were all but episodes Stedman and Lt. George Campbell, the “ Niagara Falls! By what mysteri - though undoubtedly politically correct in the larger game that would deter - brave but headstrong commander of ous power is it, that millions and mil - history that – even if it were true and mine who would control what was then the British relief force, are all but un - lions, are drawn from all parts of the verifiable, which it isn’t -- would be America ’s western frontier. known here. The state has erected a world, to gaze upon Niagara Falls ?” largely insignificant in comparison There was the burning of the small marker to commemorate the bat - the future president wondered. with the region’s well-documented French Fort du Portage in 1759 and the tle, while the city has done nothing. “There is no mystery about the past? later burning of Fort Little Niagara Contrast this with the reputed train thing itself, every effect is just such as Let’s take a look at some of the during the Revolutionary War. The Old ride taken by Harriet Tubman in 1856 any intelligent man, knowing the city’s actual history, much of which Stone Chimney – perhaps the oldest ar - or 1857, she couldn’t quite remember. causes, would anticipate. If the water goes completely without commemora - chitectural artifact west of the Hudson Like Davey Crockett killing a b’ar moving onward in a great river reaches tion, and compare it with the largely River in New York State – stands when he was only three or John Henry, a point when there is a perpendicular concocted history put forth in the re - crumbling and neglected in a former that steel-driving man who died in a jog of a hundred feet in descent… It is cently released Niagara Falls Under - factory parking lot on Buffalo Avenue race against a steam-powered hammer, plain the water will have a violent and ground Railroad Heritage Area , bore witness to both of these events. much of Harriet Tubman’s life has continuous plunge at that point. Management Plan, which points up 23 On Sept. 14, 1763, a wagon train been relegated to the quasi-historical “It is also plain the water, thus sites in the city that allegedly “served loaded with supplies bound for Old and often whimsical status of lore and plunging, will foam and roar and send important functions during the forma - Fort Niagara was attacked by a large legend. up a mist, continuously, in which last, tion and operation of the Underground force of warriors under the command The story of her brief passage during sunshine, there will be perpet - through what would eventually be - ual rainbows. come the city of Niagara Falls is based “The mere physical of Niagara on a single paragraph in a highly prob - Falls , is only this. Yet this is really a NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER lematic booklet, “Scenes in the Life of very small part of that world's wonder. P.O. Box 3083, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14304 Harriet Tubman.” It's power to excite reflection, and Phone: (716) 284-5595 Although billed as her autobiogra - emotion, is it's great charm.” E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.niagarafallsreporter.com phy, Tubman, who was illiterate, had a Lincoln visited Niagara Falls dur - Site hosted by Niagara Internet ghostwriter named Sarah H. Bradford ing his return trip from Boston to actually write it. Only about 40 error- , between Sept. 23 and Oct. 5, “The Truth is Always Fair” riddled pages of the 132-page book is 1848. Later, on July 25, 1857, he re - Tubman’s spoken word story, the rest turned here, signing the register at the being letters from well wishers about famous Cataract House Hotel as “A. PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF Frank Parlato Jr. Mike Hudson what a nice person she was. Lincoln and Family.” The book was published in 1869, Comically, absurdly and ultimately more than a decade after Tubman al - tragically, the former site of the SENIOR EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR legedly passed through Niagara Falls Cataract House is one of the 23 Niag - Margaret Coghlan Dr. Chitra Selvaraj on a train bound from Rochester to ara Falls sites identified in the Under - Canada , crossing over a bridge located ground Railroad Heritage Area CITY EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS near the present day site of the Management Plan as being important, Ron Churchill Tony Farina Whirlpool Bridge . though not because the Great Emanci - Lenny Palumbo Even if her account was factual, pator whose Proclamation freed all the Michael Calleri MARKETING DIRECTOR her time in what is now Niagara Falls slaves then living in the United States Michelle Reeb Frank Thomas Croisdale amounted to about 15 minutes, assum - but because the hotel was known to ing that the train was traveling at the employ black waiters. then-normal speed of 25 miles per “Many of these waiters had born in hour. the South and had likely escaped from All contents copyright © 2012 Niagara Falls Reporter Talk about 15 minutes of fame! slavery,” the report notes dryly. Now that the ridiculous stories of NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 3 Council majority to probe spending at Holiday Market By Frank Parlato Jr. developed appearance of the Market, he added, “We and that Mr. Rivers’ firm will assist Global in the ac - got nothing, nothing but a joke.” counting and providing all relevant information. They may have thought it was over when they Mr. Fruscione was equally blunt: “I think we Last week, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster submitted their final report on April 30 to the city. were defrauded on the market we got. The city and told the media that he has no concerns about the han - Apparently it is not. state put up the money and Rivers disappeared. He dling of dollars — public or private — by Mr. Rivers Global Spectrum made the final report for the did not deliver what he promised. It was a solid rip or any of the market organizers. Holiday Market - the outdoor vendors market on Old off. Nothing was done right Mayor Dyster said he believes Mr. Rivers’ firm Falls street that operated last year from November “$144,000 was spent on the ice skating rink and did a quality job of both organizing and running the 26 to December 31. he took in just $6,000. That’s as stupid as it comes. market under the circumstances. The Market was developed by Idaho developer, Some vendors were not paid. The state paid an addi - Still the report leaves many questions unan - Mark Rivers with $450,000 of public money - tional $32,000 to the Buffalo News meaning the pub - swered. It does not mention that Mr. Rivers was him - $225,000 from the city and $225,000 from the state lic investment was close to $500,000 and nothing to self a vendor. He operated seven of the 30 booths. through USA Niagara. show.” Were his employees paid by taxpayers? Was his Mr. Rivers was supposed to match the $450,000 Gerry Genova, head of the tourism advisory inventory paid by taxpayers? Who got the money of public money with an equal amount of private board, was with Mr. Fruscione during the interview from the sale of these products? money or in-kind goods and services to create a and agreed to be interviewed also. USA Niagara President Chris Schoepflin said $900,000 market. He said that his board had initially voted against the project was expected to create 300 part-time jobs, Global Spectrum is an international management the market and that Mr. Rivers set up some “make $30,000 in sales tax for the city, $35,000 to $50,000 company that locally operates the Niagara Falls Con - believe businesses” he said would be at the market in added parking revenue, and $3,000 more in bed ference Center and was assigned to monitor the ex - to make it look like he had actual vendors in order to tax from increased hotel stays penditure of public money for the Holiday Market. persuade the city to give him money. In the report there is no proof of any of this. Now there seems to be a problem. “Mr. Rivers met those first critical hurdles with The market in reality was four concerts, an ice- A majority on the Niagara Falls City Council feel make believe businesses and you could tell: specialty skating rink, 30 wooden booths, not unlike tool sheds the report made for Mr. Rivers’ is “totally insuffi - cookies and pretzels etc. So he could say, ‘we have and several tents for vendors, a 21-foot-tall Christ - cient,” and “vague.” vendors’” Mr. Genova said. “Something is not right mas tree, some decorations and scattered events – the Council Chairman Sam Fruscione told the Niag - here and that’s the next phase here. ‘Are we the latter mostly paid by sponsors. ara Falls Reporter that the Holiday Market’s final re - patsy?” One interesting detail – in terms of what was port “was a mere outline, with a whole bunch of fluff. promised and what was delivered - is that while Mr. …I need to see invoices and bank statements. Proof As early as March 2011, the Holiday Market Rivers said 250,000 people would likely come to the of expenses. Receipts. I want the actual books. What came on the public horizon. market, the Global report places the figure at 75,000. I have instead is a summary and based on that sum - Reported in local newspapers as, “A European- Another promise was one where Mr. Rivers, re - mary, they must have assumed the council are dum - style holiday market along Old Falls Street in down - peatedly, including in a written email to the board mies. This is what I call a make-believe audit. It’s town Niagara Falls,” Mr. Rivers, president and chief members of USA Niagara, said that the market will like the Wizard of Oz. Where is the man behind the executive officer of Brix and Co. of Idaho, emerged “include 80 vendors.” curtain?” to partner with the city and state in a total investment There were only 35, of which seven were oper - Mr. Fruscione is not alone in suspecting the suf - of “between $900,000 and $1 million,” according to ated by Mr. Rivers himself. ficiency of the report, and is joined by two of his the Niagara Gazette. Looking further into the report, one learns that council colleagues, Robert Anderson and Glenn It was billed as “an indoor-outdoor market that the cost of the 30 vendor’s booths was around Choolokian. would feature 80 vendors offering regional, national $100,000. Mr. Choolokian told the Reporter, “I think it is and international goods and food and a regular sched - The Reporter contacted Dominic Cortese, of unbelievable that they said they spent over $700,000 ule of entertainment and events. An estimate pro - Cortese Brothers, who built the sheds. He confirmed on an event like that…. There is no way there was vided to the city council (by Mr. Rivers) suggests the that the price of $100,000 was accurate. $700,000 spent down there. There is no way this was proposed market could draw as many as 250,000 The Reporter contacted John Echel, Brix Nia - a $700,000 market. people to Old Falls Street by year’s end,” according gara's lead operational and logistics person for the “I want proof that it was spent. I want to see to the Gazette. market to get a handle on other costs. every nickel. I want proof of how much money came Mr. Rivers informed city lawmakers that his When contacted by the Reporter, Mr. Echel said, in and how much was donated in in-kind services. company would run the event as a nonprofit opera - “I did not get paid in full for what I worked. I was “This is a very poor report for determining what tion. He said he would contribute his efforts free of paid the first couple of months and the last payment happened to $450,000 of the public’s money.” charge. I had to settle for substantially less than the amount Mr. Fruscione said he was troubled by the lack With questions swirling, the Reporter contacted I billed for…. Mark Rivers shorted me….I think he of receipts for tens of thousand of dollars Mr. Rivers Ryan Coate of Global Spectrum who supervised the was in over his head.” or his company got in reimbursements. report. Mr. Coate said Global Spectrum, the escrow The Global report also reads that “Advertising “We need the real ledger. Anybody can make up agent for Mr. River’s company, has nothing to hide. was critical to raising awareness of the Market and a receipt on a computer. I want proof of every reim - “The report was audited by Freed Maxick CPA driving traffic to specific events… a number of pro - bursement.” of Buffalo NY.,” he said. “They went through all the motions/giveaways... were successfully executed Council Member Robert Anderson said he won - auditing tests that are proper procedures. Everything with the media partners.” dered how $700,000 could have been invested into was done legitimately. Everything has passed the test One of these media partners Mr. Rivers utilized what was supposed to be a successful market and the of the CPA firm. The council is more than welcome was Family Magazine. According city got none of its money back. to go through it with Freed Maxick at the city’s ex - to Michele Miller, owner, publisher and editor of the “They made nothing?’ he said, “I’m pretty sure pense.” magazine, founded in 1984, she said was stiffed on we took a nose dive. It was not an investment at all. The formal agreement states that Global Spec - a bill owed by Mr. Rivers to the tune of more than It was like going to the race track.” trum will provide the city, USA Niagara and Brix $1,000. Referring to the shabby, undersized and under - with a “full and complete” accounting of the event (Contd on page 4) 4 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Holiday Market: lots of questions; Rivers’ rebuttal Dyster needs (Contd from page 3) The expenses were: “I never received any money.... time on FOILs Ms. Miller told the Reporter, “We Ice Rink: $145,106; Concerts: The money was placed into a trust ac - assumed Mr. Rivers word was good. $113,220; Advertising/Marketing: count that Global managed for the en - For those who have followed the We tried every way possible to politely $103,770; Booth Construction: tirety of the market. No one ever wrote Niagara Falls Reporter’s repeated at - request our unpaid bill for advertising $103,280; Salaries: $100,677; Tents a check to me except for some reim - tempts to get information from the be paid. Mr. Rivers ignored us. I just $61,182; Food Show Expenses bursements on behalf of the market decidedly non-transparent Dyster ad - sent the bill to a collection agency… I $22,833; Insurance: $21,000; Land - that I made in advance.” ministration, we are pleased to an - am sure the entire community would scaping: $19,585; Travel: $15,100; Is there any missing money? nounce that we have received word be upset. I mean this gent had to know Part-time salaries: $13,495; Retail & “Read the audit. There is no miss - from Nadine Wasson, Principal Clerk his reputation was going to ruined one Ice Rink: $10,222; Propane: $8,342; ing money. I am sure you will go out of the Niagara Falls City Clerk's Of - way or another if he does not pay his Decorations: $7,122; and various and lie. There is more accounting and fice. bills.” smaller items totaling another $22,000. auditing of this project than most pub - As her letter below indicates, the Moving into the category of The Holiday Market cost $782,423 lic projects.... You’re a liar you’re a Dyster administration requires 25 bizarre and foolish decisions, the re - and brought in $83,682, a business that negative Nelly. You serve no societal days to determine if the Reporter’s port speaks of the concerts. lost $698,741 in 37 days. purpose. Why for a second should I FOIL requests seeking to find out “There was no profit earned from talk to you?... I have no reason to be - how the Dyster administration is any of the concerts,” the Global report The report raises many more ques - lieve that you have it in your DNA to spending the public’s money will be said “The concerts were designed to tions. How much money was really write a fair and balanced story…. I did revealed to the public or will continue bring awareness of the event, provide spent? One item, $61,000 for tents invest personal money and I did invest to be kept a secret. a unique holiday experience, generate seems high. Did the ice rink really cost an extraordinary amount of personal foot traffic and elevate the stature of $144,000? Who got salaries of time on this.” downtown Niagara Falls as a venue for $108,677? The promises you made were a lot world-class entertainment.… The con - There is no breakout as to what different than what the public actually certs did not perform well and were a vendors showed up. There are no fig - got. large expense of the overall market.... ures about who made money selling “There were a number of projec - Global Spectrum is hopeful that this what goods. tions and targets that were made. Part series of concerts has allowed the op - It appears there was no mechanism of the challenge that we had … is that portunity to raise awareness to the in place to calculate attendance. the council did not decide to make its venue as a concert destination in Niag - Were there the 300 temporary jobs final approval of the project until Oc - ara Falls, New York. Mr. Shoeplin said would be created? tober leaving us with about 90 days to Of course, this is odd. Niagara Where were the media schedules, put together a project that should have Falls is to be a “concert destination,” the proof of ads running and at what taken nine months or more.” Ms. Wasson’s letter reads in full: but concerts here “do not perform costs? So what was the value of this proj - well.” Of course, this story would not be ect? “Date: May 1, 2012 Here are the Facts: The Canadian complete, if we did not speak to Mr. “It brought thousand of people To: [email protected] Tenors ticket sales grossed $9,334.85. Rivers. into the heart of downtown at a time of “From: Nadine Wasson According to the report, the act cost I asked him about WNY family year when there are usually only “Re: FOIL Requests made by $40,000, plus production. magazine. dozens. It generated commerce. It Frank Parlato Aaron Neville grossed $9,240.55. He said, “they either have or will shined a light on Niagara Falls as a “The City of Niagara Falls is in He cost $25,000. be paid.” holiday destination. It brought families receipt of numerous requests from BPO grossed $7,062.94 and cost He scolded next. down to a safe and secure environ - Frank Parlato pursuant to the New $17,500. “You could not pick me out of a ment, proved that downtown Niagara York State Freedom of Information Elisabeth Von Trap grossed police lineup yet you character assas - Falls after dark in the winter can be a Law. Specifically, those requests in - $2,817.04. She cost $3,500 plus pro - sinate me every chance… You do not safe pedestrian place; it generated ac - clude material pertaining to the court duction, have journalistic integrity” tivity; it generated business; it sup - house / municipal building, NFC, $86,000 was allegedly spent on I asked, “Why did you get in - ported existing business.” Peter Kay, legal consultants, Hope VI acts. Sales were less than $30,000. volved in this project at a not for profit Did you make a profit? Project, LiRo Engineers, Legends But this was nothing compared to level?” “No. I wasn’t paid a nickel. I spent Basketball Courts, authorized person - the ice skating rink. The alleged cost “I wanted to try to do something thousand of dollars out of my own nel/ City bank accounts and docu - of the rink: $146.448. good and meaningful in the commu - pocket and hundred so hours of my ments pertaining to Kevin Cotrell and During the event, the rink at - nity,” he said. time and my staff time.” the North Star Project. tracted only 366 paying customers for Why? Was it pure altruism? a total income of $6,463. “Because some people actually “I always felt Niagara Falls could Someone decided to spend care about their community. Some do better and I would love to be a part $144,448 on an ice skating rink for a people care about doing good. Some of its renaissance… If we could build 37 day event and it lost $138,000. people are actually interested in trying something great out of this maybe Where is the rink now? to make places better. I know you like there would be a business opportunity to tear everything down by being neg - of some kind.” Perhaps most telling is the income ative and being a liar, being untruthful Mr. Fruscione said he, Mr. Ander - generated by paying customers. and being a horrible reporter but some son and Mr. Choolokian will be meet - of us actually like to try to do good in ing with corporation counsel, Craig Here is the list: our community.” Johnson to determine how to pursue a Is Niagara Falls your community? vigorous legal probe of this matter. “No later than May 25, 2012, Vendor Rental: $17,238.50 “I’m a Western New York guy.” He also said he intends to meet the City of Niagara Falls will notify Food show Rental: $11,350.00 Was the market a success? with Mr. Coate of Global Spectrum. you that your various requests will ei - Concert Income: $48,630.38 “Sure it was. By the standard that The Reporter will be following this ther be granted or denied.” Consignment sales: $6,930,00 was drafted for it, it was of course.” matter closely in the coming weeks. Ice Rink Revenue: $6,463.00 Did you personally pocket any The Reporter will announce the money? news one way or the other. NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 5

Restaino annoouf thne Recporeter amnd foremer nemter gped fraom hris mtoyuth. wellm-ayoar didt ntot ceare nto tadlk meuch dabout council member was also He spoke as if what he had to say Mr. Restaino but seemed content to By Joseph seen in the audience. was of world importance, but his sen - enter into a long soliloquy about him - There was Niagara Falls tences, of what I could hear, were long, self and things going on in the city and F. Donovan city court Judge Angelo tortuous and hard to follow. Indeed I issues that confronted the city, the state Morinello and Dr. Melvin had to creep closer, to hear him since and the world. Dyster, Mayor Paul Dyster’s father. as his speech rambled on from five to As the audience ignored him. On May 1, Former Mayor Vince Anello was also ten to 15 minutes, people were clearly One of the organizers, was it Tony Robert Restaino officially announced in attendance and was greeted with un - not paying attention. Restaino, I believe so, tried his best to he was running for New York State As - usual warmth by dozens in the crowd They were talking to each other. get the crowd to pay some attention sembly for the 145th district. as if it were a homecoming. Picture a room of 400 people. The but people were just not interested in He will likely face Republican It was not lost on this observer that Mayor of the city is speaking and no - Mayor Dyster on himself. John Ceretto. there were a fair number of young peo - body is listening. It was almost as if he It was extremely awkward. I was Mr. Restaino’s kick-off event was ple who you might not ordinarily see were the background music. surprised myself when Mayor Dyster held at Antonio’s Banquet Center , on at this kind of event. Not only Alicia It did not seem to me that the spoke of the powerful connections he Niagara Falls Blvd. It commenced at Laible, who was there, and who has Mayor was cognizant that few were had. 5:30 and, by my watch, ended pretty come to represent locally the ideal of listening to him and the bulk of the He held up his cell phone and much around 7:30. young people taking an interest in gov - people were enjoying the party, dis - said, “I have Governor Cuomo on my It was a free event. Our rough ernment, but also a great many others. cussing the candidate and doing what speed dial.” He spoke also of having crowd estimate was 400 people at - Perhaps they see something in Mr. people do at political events – social - the President’s and US Senator Kristin tended. Restaino, something a little different izing, making contacts and discussing Gillbrand’s private phone numbers, if Among the crowd were what some than the usual politician. business. I heard him correctly. might call a galaxy of stars, a “who’s Perhaps it is their naive hope that I crept a little closer because the All told, it was a 25 minute speech. who” of Niagara Falls notables. There government can be a force for good in din of the audience grew louder and When it was finally over – and indeed was former school superintendent and a positive sense, instead of only as a louder. People were laughing and it was no burden to the audience- since businessman, Carmen Granto, busi - negative force that restrains and con - shouting and frankly some spoke they were not listening anyway - Mr. nessmen Frank Accardo, George Satar - strains. louder so that they could be heard over Gallagher got up, got the audiences’ at - ian, Bobby Tavano, Steve Reddy of To so many – Albany has an odi - the crowd which prompted others to tention and introduced Mr. Restaino. Gross PHC, lawyers Robert Viola, ous reputation for self serving and a speak louder… and louder. Mr. Restaino, for a Democrat – or Joseph Leone, David Boniello, Angelo mandate to drive every young, intelli - Nobody in the back could hear as we call them in my neighborhood Massaro and several others who gent person out of New York State to one word or seemed to care either. with our accent – a Demon-rat - is a lot looked like lawyers. go to places where government is less From what I could gather, the Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital (Continued on page 8) of a burden on its people. CEO Joseph Ruffolo was there and Ni - The food served was not unrea - agara Falls School board members sonable - for events of this kind. It was Don King, Nick Vilardo, Russ almost sumptuous. There was pasta in Petrozzi, Jimmy Cancemi, and Art Alfredo and in Tomato sauce and roast Jocoy were there too. beef, turkey, Buffalo chicken wings, Kyle Andrews, the Niagara Coun - cheese, veggies and dips, and beer, try treasurer, Niagara Falls Council wine and soda. members, Glenn Choolokian Chair - Bill Gallagher, a former council man Sam Fruscione, Bob Anderson, member in the early 1970’s, and a for - Robert Anderson and Kristin mer writer for this publication, was the Grandinetti, County legislators, Dennis Master of Ceremonies. Virtuoso and Jason Zona, Mark Car - After a crisp, neat speech, Mr. penter, a council member from the Gallagher introduced Mayor Paul Dys - town of Niagara, Sylvia Virtuoso, the ter to speak. Honestly it was peculiar town clerk of Niagara, and Joseph I was unprepared by the solemnity Ohol, the councilmember from Cam - of his demeanor, the monotone of his bria were among elected officials pres - voice and the clear unimportance of ent. what some might call near-drivel that Bruce Battaglia a former publisher 6 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Don’t bet stupidly at the casino, win big with sports betting In the backwards, nearly third world state known as generally consider betting 1-2% of their bankroll per Lenny New York, the people there may legally bet on horse game as the safe way to avoid going bust. 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Seneca Niagara has one of the highest house ad - and factor it into point spreads and money lines, If you’re going to sign up with an offshore vantages anywhere. Few serious gamblers go there. forcing favorite players to pay a premium for their sportsbook, be certain to research them. Some are An inside joke amongst pros is that Seneca once preferences. This makes betting underdogs a better more reputable than others. Most are dishonest. thought of giving its customers a complimentary value. Sometimes betting underdogs alone, with Many a story has been told of big winners being sud - dunce cap as a consolation prize. some selectivity and strategy, can be an entertaining denly dropped as customers without collecting what Betting on sports is a smarter gamble. And if you way to supplement your income. is rightfully theirs. Many sportsbooks are located in know what you are doing, you can play and win Similarly, most gamblers prefer to bet “overs” countries like Costa Rica and Jamaica where there money indefinitely. rather than “unders” when betting on totals - the is no Better Business Bureau to hear your grievance. Sports betters are offered a 10-cent line or “dime gamble of betting over or under the total number of With Major League Baseball in full swing, let’s line” with point spreads set by the odds-maker. points or runs scored by both teams. Those who bet look at some helpful hints that will keep you in the Whichever team you place a wager on, whether it is overs get the short end of the stick from odds-makers black: The analysis of “starting pitchers” is the big the favorite or underdog, you risk 10 percent more who know people tend to bet that way. This makes factor in determining odds. Successful baseball bet - than you can win. If you bet $110 you can win $100. unders the more desirable option. tors devote most of their time charting pitchers. The $10 is the house’s commission or “vigorish” for Betting against “public opinion” is the best way Some pros insist analyzing pitching match-ups taking whatever bet you want to make. It’s how to go. In the world of sports-betting, like most other amounts to 75% of baseball handicapping. sportsbooks and bookmakers make money on their aspects of life, the majority is usually wrong. That’s Another useful strategy is to bet winning streaks. wagers. Betting the 10-cent line requires you to win why sportsbooks and bookies rarely go out of busi - Baseball lends itself to long winning and losing 52.38% of your wagers to break even. When you are ness. If the public could accurately gauge the out - streaks. Many successful baseball bettors bet on a able to consistently achieve a percentage higher than come of sporting events, there would be nobody left team after it wins three games in a row and ride the this, you are no longer “gambling” you are an in - to take their bets. Find out what teams the public streak as long as it lasts. Often odds-makers are slow vestor. “likes” and look for reasons to bet the other side. The to adjust their lines accordingly. In any event, if you This is often a better plan than betting on stocks, more lopsided the percentage of people backing a make a habit of betting against teams on a winning bonds or the commodities market. team, the greater the probability it is destined to be streak you’re asking for trouble. Baseball is bet differently than the dime line. A a losing bet. When betting on baseball totals, pay close atten - money line based on odds is used. All your team has Get used to watching movements of the point- tion to each team’s average runs scored per game, to do is win. What makes betting on the money line spread or money line. Line moves occur when there earned run average of starting pitchers, weather and a challenge is that popular or successful teams like is disproportionate action on one team and enable umpires. Wind speed and direction can turn routine the New York Yankees often require a wager of the bookmaker to balance his action. Some line fly balls into home runs, affecting total runs and out - $170, $180 or $200 to win $100. These odds help moves are precipitated by over-zealous amateurs comes of your wagers. Also, know umpires like you the bookmaker balance his bets by encouraging cus - rushing to cash in on what appears a sure thing. Oth - know pitchers. Each one has his own strike zone. tomers to bet on both sides and a reason different ers are the result of syndicates or “sharps” who ac - Those with large strike zones are pitcher’s umpires. books offer different odds. You have to shop around. tually know a good thing when they see it and are Those with small strike zones are hitter’s umpires. In case I might be misunderstood, I am not ad - making the most of the opportunity. Line moves to - Factor this in. vocating anything illegal. In repressive and anti-free - ward favorites are usually the result of amateur ac - Ultimately, every successful gambler will de - dom countries and states, it may be illegal for a tion while line moves toward underdogs are usually velop his “style.” If you stay in long enough, you citizen to bet on sports, a curious form of tyranny. the handiwork of sharps. will acquire a “feel” for making smart plays and Some governments are so hypocritical and repres - Perhaps the most important tool for success is make money, instead of flushing your hard-earned sive that less profitable forms of gambling are al - money management. Undisciplined gamblers bet too dough figuratively speaking down the toilet at the lowed, particularly if they are controlled through the much per game, looking to strike quick. These usu - casino. government or through tricky schemes the govern - ally don’t finish the season. Professional gamblers ment makes with certain tribes or Sovereign Nations. (Contact Lenny at [email protected]) NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 7 Wallenda’s daring, Cuomo’s money, Desantis’ blunder falls to make their case for history. The difference is overseeing the governor’s Regional Economic De - this time the whole world will be watching. We wish velopment Councils. Cuomo says he’s in favor of By Tony Nik, a brave young man of unquestioned acrobatic campaign reform but he has not offered his plan as Farina skill, all the best and hope the event is a grand chap - yet and he’s raising money at a fast clip, perhaps with ter in the history of Falls’ daredevils and boosts the an eye toward the White House in 2016. a run his fa - appeal of the world wonder as a tourist destination ther never made …. The date is official. After for many years to come …. There was more than Wallenda’s upcoming walk months of negotiation, Nik Wallenda will attempt his New York Governor made a dar - into history to talk about last week in Niagara Falls wire walk over Niagara Falls on Friday, June 15, in ing splash of his own last week when he added some as the Niagara Falls Reporter, in an exclusive story, front of what are expected to be huge crowds on both $450,000 to his more than $14.4 million campaign disclosed that city planning chief Tom DeSantis had sides of the gorge and a worldwide television audi - war chest in a Buffalo stop, one of biggest hauls by quietly spent $36,000 to redo his kitchen in 2010 ence. While many had hoped for a later date, extend - a politician in local history. without obtaining the necessary city building per - ing the busy tourist season into mid-September and The Campaign 2014 event was held at the newly mits. We have learned that DeSantis has since ob - possibly even into October, the debate is over and renovated Hotel Lafayette in downtown Buffalo, and tained the necessary permits at a cost of more than Wallenda will officially begin training for his stunt featured a smiling Cuomo mingling briefly with $1,000, including penalties, and will face a new as - on Thursday, May 10, on the grounds of the Seneca some 100 well-heeled donors (minimum $5,000) in - sessment now that the work has been revealed. By Niagara casino, for next month’s event. Visitors will cluding Russ Brandon, the CEO of the Buffalo Bills, all accounts, DeSantis is a top professional, well- be welcome. who is in the midst of negotiations with Erie County schooled in the city’s planning code and thorough in Wallenda will attempt the walk of his dreams and the state over how to pay for more than $200 making sure businesses meet the standards the city over the gorge near the falls without a rescue heliz - million in stadium renovations the team wants as part has set. It is unfortunate that he didn’t abide by the copter hovering nearby, although cable cars at each of a new lease deal. Taxpayers still don’t know how letter of the law in his own case and that oversight end of the two-inch wire rope will be ready to try and much that deal is going to cost them. certainly tarnishes his image as a no-nonsense de - save him should he have trouble in the crossing. Brandon must be hoping he will do as well with fender of the city’s code. In the end, you can’t have While Wallenda is a trained and highly experienced the state as the Hotel Lafayette and developer Rocco it both ways because somebody might catch you. performer, the risk of his crossing is part of the spec - Termini, who in a touch of irony given the Cuomo That’s what happened to poor Tom, a top profes - tacle and he is the latest in a long line of daredevils, fund raiser, received a $2 million grant last January sional who stumbled badly on this one and seriously in all sorts of contraptions or by wire, to brave the from Empire State Development, the primary agency undermined his credibility. 8 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Youth came out; audience listened intently to Restaino Laborers Local 91 (Continued from page 5) endorses Cancemi more conservative than the liberals in Albany and When the speech was over, Mr. Restaino who said for school board when he spoke of his “heart found commitment” to what he had to say in about seven minutes, received a Laborers Local #91 business manager run, to “initiate an effective change…” you could have congratulatory applause. Richard Palladino told the Niagara Falls Re - heard a pin drop. Who knows? Perhaps 200 of the 400 people came porter last week that the local “through our Ex - There was no one talking now. All eyes were fixed there to see if Mr. Restaino could be the one Democrat ecutive Board and through our membership” is on him. who will not sell his soul to the lobbyists, not broker supporting school board candidate Vincent “Along with the majority of New Yorkers, I have bad deals for the community at the behest of Assembly “Jimmy” Cancemi. grown sick and tired of elected officials who claim leader Sheldon Silver. Some clearly seem to believe “He is one of the more intelligent people and they care, yet sit idly by as we continue to lag behind that Mr. Restaino can make a difference. we are thrilled just that he asked us," said Mr. other areas of New York State…” and etc. But will he, if he is elected? Palladino. "I honestly believe that if Jimmy is It was not what he said but how he said that com - Isn’t that the billion dollar question? not on the school board, the community loses.” manded attention. Curiously the one best argument John Ceretto With the upcoming referendum where makes is the fact that he is a nearly $70 million in school upgrades and cap - Republican among a bunch of ital improvements – to be financed through a tax and spend liberals – and plan that will see New York state paying for 100 that he does not need or ex - percent of the costs – with no local monies being pect anything from Sheldon used - to improve all 11 campuses in the district, Silver- so does not have to do local 91 has a lot at stake. his bidding. If the referendum passes, Local 91 members There is no fancy office will find plenty of work over the next five years. for him that mr. Silver can “All work is going to be done by union take away, no special perks, workers, that’s part of the contract,” said Cyn - or appointments to commit - thia Bianco, Superintendent of the Niagara Falls tees with stipends and grand schools. chances at lobbyist money. Mr. Cancemi has been one of the leading What Mr. Restaino may figures on the board in developing the capital offer is at best the golden improvement plan and shepherding it to the mean. A man who can work point where it is on now the ballot. with the majority, but not sell It will be up to voters both for Mr. Cancemi out to them. and the referendum. School board election is on Who knows if that is pos - May 15. The referendum will be held on Sep - sible? tember 25.

H27O11 UInSdeEpeHndOenLcDe A vSe.A, NL.FE . Fri. May 11 & Sat. May 12 @ 10 a.m. Craftsman riding mower, Lawn & garden tools, Grandmothers clock, oak glider rocker, sofa, frames prints & pictures, lamps, Queen bed, walnut dresser/ chest of drawers & night stand, mini oak ice box, refrigerator, stove, loads of CDs, DVDs & VHS, Collectibles, bedding, clothes & many more items too much to mention!!! _bo_s_h_a_n_e_li_q_u_id_a_t_o_rs_.c_o_m_ PAT BOSHANE, MANAGER

— LEGAL NOTICE — Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Rainbow Vineyard, LLC has been formed as a domestic limited liability corporation (LLC) by filing Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State on May 4, 2012. Office location is Niagara County. The Secretary of State is designated as the agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process served upon him or her to 5645 Young Rd., Lockport, New York 14094. The pur - pose of the Corporation is to engage in the sale of produce to local supermarkets.

5/8/12 5/15/12 5/22/12 5/29/12 6/5/12 6/12/12

Sign seen in a local nieghborhood, portrays a tender example of toler - ance for one another’s beliefs.

12 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Cancemi the logical choice for Niagara Falls School Board By Frank Parlato Jr. his room and have coffee with him. I had more than But they are working, being productive members of many arguments with him because I was working society, being part of their community, self-suffi - Vincent “Jimmy” Cancemi is running for reelec - and I would get in trouble, never realizing that he cient, living on their own. Just because they are tion to the Niagara Falls Board of Education. Elec - owned the hotel…. After a number of days of this, handicapped doesn’t mean they go away on gradua - tion day is May 15th. He is contesting for one open he told me he owned the hotel and said ‘how would tion. They’re around for 50, 60, 70 years, just like seat with Joseph Marinello Jr. of LaSalle Avenue . you like to go to work for me at Scrufari Construc - everybody else.” There is perhaps something that could be written tion?’” Long before he was a teacher, as he worked to about what the board completed in the last few years Mr. Cancemi agreed and rose to chief clerk of put himself through college, he started a business, with Mr. Cancemi among its members that might in - the works, supervising cost estimating, insurance out of the trunk of his car, using catalogues, selling terest readers, particularly those who vote. qualifications, New York State Labor dollars, pay - furniture door to door. He called it Cancemi furni - For example, the settlement of all union con - rolls, submissions, affidavits, and was involved in ture. tracts, upgrading every facility using state money, in - working on the blowing up ice with After becoming a teacher, he worked this busi - cluding electronic whiteboards in every classroom, dynamite, opening up the flood intakes, the heat in - ness nights and weekends and grew his furniture streamlining programs, without eliminating any club takes and building the Hooker Building . company to a store on Pine Avenue with 12 employ - or extracurricular activity; reducing energy con - Starting in 1961, he worked for eight years with ees. Cancemi Furniture is presently located at 551 sumption and selling surplus electricity; streamlining the Niagara Falls Police and Fire Departments as a 6th Street . maintenance and participating in a now 19-year-old communications officer. Meanwhile, as he worked, While he was a teacher, he met his future wife, streak of not increasing the tax levy – a modern day he went to college, first at NCCC and then Buffalo Kathleen, who was also a teacher, a speech therapist record in New York State. State in the Special Ed program, completed in 2 with the Niagara Falls School District . The two met “I looked at every budget scenario gap,“ Mr. years. at work, married and had two sons, now grown, Vin - Cancemi said of his work on the board. “There were Mr. Cancemi was a Special Education Teacher cent Jr. and Anthony, both of whom still live in Ni - four different plans given to us by the State. And the for a total of 25 years with the Niagara Falls School agara County . thing that is so beautiful, of the 13 positions this year District . He was named Teacher of the Year. He was During what might be arguably a fairly active that we had to cut, nine left because of attrition. And once Director of the Child Find Project/No Child life, Mr. Cancemi found time to be and still is co- the other four will be able to come back in another Left Behind. And, for those who may not know, Spe - Chairman of the Italian Festival, a member of the Ni - capacity. As far as major layoffs, there were none. cial Education is for children who are handicapped agara Falls Boys Club, the Boys Club Auction, the We completely reevaluated our entire maintenance by New York State definition, who need extra time Foundation for Niagara Community College for program by unifying teams of four people taking on tasks, and require a revision of materials that are higher education and President of the Niagara Falls care of three schools and streamlined enough to save presented. Education Foundation. jobs.” “A lot of tender care,” Mr. Cancemi explained, What do you still need to do on the board that Mr. Cancemi spent a quarter of a century teach - “a lot of counseling…and I am proud to say Niagara prompts you to seek reelection?, the Reporter asked. ing special education, working with children with Falls special education rate of graduation in New “We need to get mandate relief from the State,’ learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, men - York State is up over 18% over other cities of the Mr. Cancemi promptly answered. “The state creates tal retardation and physical handicaps. He retired 10 same size. mandates that cost the School Board so many dol - years ago. “When I went into education, Special Education lars, but does not pay for their implementation. We A little of his history may be of interest to voters. children were looked on as a burden. Many felt we have made cuts. We have taken out of our reserves. Mr. Cancemi’s mother and father were born in Sicily, shouldn’t spend money on them because they would We are involved with BOCES because they get more making Mr. Cancemi a first generation American. always be on some sort of social subsidy. I always money than we get and we use their money to pur - The family lived at 316 Memorial Parkway near 12th felt we could teach more academics in what they chase things on state contract less expensively. We and Niagara Street . His father died when Mr. Can - called at that time ‘home schooling wards’ where team with Niagara University , Buffalo State and Ni - cemi was seven. And, after his father died, Mr. Can - they took care of their bodily needs and little things, agara Community College and use the resources of cemi worked as a shoeshine boy on East Falls Street that’s all. They didn’t have reading scores to go fur - all their students taking all their educational pro - then as a paperboy. At age 16, he got his first real job ther and if a child can’t read, where is he going to grams coming into our programs at really no cost to at the old Treadway Hotel, in 1957, as a busboy. Next go? our school district. We have programs where our he became a room service waiter. “What we had to do was streamline the courses. children are taking advanced level courses in high Bruno Scrufari was apparently a guest at the I couldn’t teach an 8th grade book on an 8th grade school. By the time they graduate from high school, hotel at the time. level. I would have to rewrite it down to about a 4th some of them have 15-18 hours of college done, al - “I didn’t know who he was,“ Mr. Cancemi re - grade level and then teach it that way. Otherwise it most the first year done when they finish high called. “I was just a kid coming out of high school. would be like teaching a foreign language with no school. These are great achievements. But above all, Bruno was going through a divorce at the time. I was background. I have many of my old students out we need to curb state mandates.” the room service waiter and he would insist I sit in there working now. Yes, often they are menial jobs. (Continued on Page 16) NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 13 Holiday Market : what was promised and delivered Before, during and after the Holiday Market, which ran from November 26 In describing Market attractions, the website claimed the Market had a until December 31. 2011, developer Mark Rivers advertised the market on his "spectacular Christmas tree." web site: www.niagaramarket.com. However Mr. River’s never posted a true picture of the Niagara Holiday While the website is inactive now, during the event, never once were there Market’s Christmas tree, which was 21 feet tall, but chose insetad to post a posted actual pictures of the Market. cropped picture of the lighted 70-foot-tall spruce at Rockefeller Center. Instead, Mr. Rivers used pictures of real European markets clearly intended to make people believe these were photos of the Niagara Holiday Market. A blurb at the left top of the home page, near the misleading photos, claimed the On the left is the Niagara Market is the largest such event of its kind in the country. tree that was ad - While advertising his vendors row of shops, he used these pictures. vertised on his website. On the right the actual tree.

While advertising his skating rink, Mr. Rivers did not show a picture of the actual rink at the Market but a picture of Wollman Skating Rink(lower left) in Central Park in Manhattan. The picture was cropped so that one does not see the well-known skyline in the background. On the right (below) is the actual rink at the Holiday Market. Below is what the Niagara Holiday Market actually looked like. 14 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Open your email every day and save $$$ Niagara Falls’ FinditQuick offers daily savings at local businesses If one subscribes, a simple enough offered $5 car inspections. It’s nor - offer coupons without incurring any task, found in your email each day is mally $21. Rapids Bowling Center of - printing expenses. Shellene in fo rm a t io n about a “daily deal,” each fered $50 worth of bowling for $15. I “Businesses looking for new cus - Reich one an offer to purchase a coupon re - haven’t bowled in years, but at that tomers can take advantage of Find - deemable at a local business with a price, why not? itQuick’s large subscriber base,” he guaranteed minimum 50 percent sav - Wagner’s Farm Market and Grill said. ings off what regular customers pay. offered a coupon for $10 that permits Besides email, FinditQuick mar - Readers of the To subscribe, it is free. the bearer to buy $20 of market prod - kets “daily deals” on Facebook, Twit - Niagara Falls Reporter may have no - A subscriber only purchases the ucts. I’m saving that one for my next ter, a newsletter, a business profile ticed an advertiser on our cover, a ban - coupons he wants. trip to Sanborn. page, banner ads, text ads, Widget ads ner lusciously laid out across the Recently, I found in my email box DJ the Dee Jay Limousine Serv - and more. bottom of the cover page, with an in - a chance to purchase a $15 coupon at ice: $150 for the $300 service of a six “For advertisers, this lets them telligent looking man with an honest Old Man River in North Tonawanda hour night on the town in a limo. Now take advantage of a large network of face endorsing it. for $7.50. I just have to choose which of many subscribers and publishers to reach out The banner is for FinditQuick. I paid $7.50 online with my credit suitors I want to go with to the prom. to discretionary spenders, young ur - Founded more than ten years ago card, printed out the coupon and Every day there is a new deal and banites and other target audiences,” by Ron Halleen Jr. of Niagara Falls , bought $15 worth of food off the menu never any obligation to buy. You don’t said Mr. Pritchard. “Advertisers appre - the company was born out of his on - at the lovely riverside restaurant: six have to use the coupon that day either. ciate the fact that FinditQuick com - line efforts to promote his father’s hot dogs instead of the usual three. Most offers last 30 to 60 days. mission fees are among the lowest in business, Halleens Automotive on Another day, a coupon costing $7 To subscribe, you don’t need a the industry. Once a deal is featured Military Rd. in the town of Niagara . bought $15 at Mikes’ Subs in Ken - credit card or even prove you have the and a buyer buys and prints out the In time, Mr. Halleen modified an more . ability to buy a single coupon ever. coupon, we send the advertiser a internet coupon buying concept to em - On another day comes another Half the fun is the surprise of check.” phasize local businesses and with the email. This time a $50 coupon that opening your email to see what local FinditQuick is located at 8962 intent to generally avoid the vanilla buys $107 worth of range shooting at businesses are offering what discounts. Porter Road in Niagara Falls , NY . and often uninspiring coupon offers of Niagara Gun Range . Ryan Pritchard is in charge of To subscribe, just go online at the national chains. Better Smile in East Amherst of - marketing for the company. He told www.FinditQuick.com. This is about local businesses and fered a $242 coupon for $50 for new the Reporter about opportunities for (Contact Shellene Reich at the deals they offer. patients. United Auto in Niagara Falls local businesses to use FinditQuick to [email protected])

16 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 Dr. Timothy Murphy to lead Referendum top priority for Cancemi (Continued from page 12) Memorial’s Osteopathic Family Then there’s the referendum where energy efficient.” voters on September 25 can decide if Considering he went to the Niagara Medicine Residency Program they want the state to pay 100 percent Falls School District as a student, then of Health Sciences College of Osteo - of capital improvements to the 11 cam - taught there for 25 years, has knowl - pathic Medicine in Kansas City, Mis - puses in the district at around $70 mil - edge of construction, budgets, is a life - souri. He served his family practice lion. long Niagara Falls resident, and has residency at Niagara Falls Memorial “That’s a no brainer,” Mr. Cancemi developed a successful, now 30 year Medical Center and has spent much of said. “If they turn it down this year, I old Niagara Falls business, along with his career practicing family medicine don’t know what we’re going to do. his many unpaid volunteer duties for in North Carolina. He returned to The people have to understand, it is re - mainly educational and youth charities, Western New York in 2010 to eventu - imbursed by the State. There are so it strikes us that Mr. Cancemi has the ally assume the position of Medical Di - many demands – mandates required by right blend of experience, work ethics rector of the PACE/LIFE the state, that costs us money. Now we and motivation to represent the inter - program/"Care of the Frail Elderly" have an opportunity to improve our ests of taxpayers, teachers and stu - along with hospitalist duties at Mercy buildings with state money. If we up - dents, for the challenges that face the Hospital, Buffalo. date our buildings they will be more school district in the next five years. Dr. Murphy holds board certifica - tion from the American Board of Fam - Dr. Timothy Murphy ily Medicine and is fluent in both Spanish and American Sign Language. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical The Osteopathic Family Medicine Center has appointed Timothy G. Mur - Residency Program at Niagara Falls phy, D.O., director of its Osteopathic Memorial Medical Center is a clinical Family Medicine Residency Program affiliate of the Lake Erie College of effective June 18. Osteopathic Medicine, a member of The appointment was announced the Lake Erie Consortium for Osteo - by President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo pathic Medical Training (LECOMT) and Vice President & Chief Medical and is accredited by the American Col - Officer Vijay Bojedla, M.D. lege of Osteopathic Family Practice as Dr. Murphy is a graduate of SUNY an Osteopathic Family Medicine Resi - College at Buffalo and the University dency Program site. NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012 17

Sport’sa w ayn and heo won’t tbe thee last. sBut it is disturbing when it happens and By causes us to pause for a moment to Tony wonder abut the physical and mental Farina toll on a fallen star after their playing days are over. On another sports note, not quite as here was T disturbing but a tragedy nonetheless, shocking news last week that 43-year- famed Yankee closer Mariano Rivera old former NFL star Junior Seau com - suffered what could be, at age 42, a ca - mitted suicide, renewing the debate reer-ending knee injury while shagging over the damage caused by concussion flies in Kansas City . For Yankee fans, injuries to football players during their and I know there are many of you out careers and what effects those injuries there, losing Rivera in what was likely have on their post-football lives. his last year anyway, is like losing a Chronic Brain Encephalopathy is a best friend. Seeing No. 42 walk to the brain dysfunction caused by blows to mound with the game on the line was the head and researchers want to study a reassuring sight, one that we will Unlike the Hard Rock Café summer concerts or the Niagara Falls Blues Seau’s brain to help in their work. never forget. Rivera would usually Festival, the Main St. Music and Art Festival is funded entirely by private What most of us will remember is the close out the game with hardly a peep sponsorships and does not burden taxpayers for its existence. It smacks of sight of Seau chasing down a ball car - from the opposition, using the cut fast good old fashioned Americanism where the people who want to present en - rier during his prime with the San ball they knew was coming but still tertainment find a way to pay for it themselves and make it profitable. Diego Chargers, a clearly hard-nosed couldn’t hit. Rivera is the all-time and talented player who was a big con - leader in regular season saves with tributor to the success of the teams on 608, the all-time leader in post-season which he played. For him to take his saves with 42, a five-time World /Se - own life at such a young age, not far ries champion, and a 12 time all star. removed from his playing days, is cer - The numbers speak for themselves tainly a tragedy and may involve more about what kind of pitcher he was, but than the effects of brain-damaging in - Rivera was, much like his good friend juries. It is clear that many athletes Derek Jeter, one of the classiest ath - have difficulty coping with life once letes ever and one that you could be they retire, no matter the state of their proud to talk about with your children brains. Personal family issues as well and grandchildren, and that’s not some - as financial decisions gone awry can thing you can say about a lot of athletes also lead to destruction and we may of our time. Rivera may have thrown never know the reasons why Seau took his last pitch given the severity of his his own life. What we do know is that injury, but he won’t soon be forgotten it seems like such a senseless tragedy by those of us who have had the pleas - and who was not moved by the sight of ure of seeing him take the mound and his grieving mother sobbing uncontrol - do his thing. Best of luck, Mariano, and lably over the loss of her son. Seau your next stop will be the Hall of Fame wasn’t the first athlete to depart in such on the first ballot. 18 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER MAY 8 - 15, 2012

The evFent haos captureud the imnaginatiodn of thee world. Irt has rsemind ed omil - hafd it nott beenh for the eefforts of StaFte Senaetor Georage Mazsiarz ant d State Assem - lions of people around the world of the glamour and the glory of Niagara Falls. blyman John Ceretto, who together provided the political will, energy and risk- Of course, we have Nik Wallenda to thank for his intrepidity and courage. But, taking, this historic event would not likely have been scheduled to take place.

State Senator George Maziarz and Nik Wallenda Nik Wallenda State Assemblyman John Ceretto and Mr. Wallenda

Photographs by Ron Churchill State Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman John Ceretto were instru - reporters attended, Mr. Maziarz and Mr. Ceretto introduced the dare devil, who mental in bringing Nik Wallenda to the Falls. said he will not be wearing any type of safety harness. Mr. Wallenda said last week that he will likely be wearing jeans and a t-shirt “I’ve done walks longer. I’ve done walks higher. I’ve done walks in the rain for his walk across Niagara Falls on June 15. He will be wearing very thin elk- that were longer and higher, but none of them will compare to this. This is the skin shoes, made by his mother, so that his feet can "feel the wire.” walk of my lifetime,” Mr. Wallenda said. At a press conference in which about 50 local, national, and international MAY 8 - 15, 2012 19 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ROOM FOR RENT. Furnished, shared — LEGAL NOTICE — kitchen/ bath, 19th Niagara St. $200/wk Notice of Formation of a or $450/mo. 716-417-0604 Domestic Limited Liability Company

Name of LLC: Monaco Food and Farms LLC. Date of Filing of Articles of Organi - zation with the New York Dept of State: DEAL REALTY Jan. 10, 2012. Office of the LLC: 4775 Lewiston 754-3301 Upper Mountain Road, Lockport, N.Y., Ni - Niagara Falls 213-6070 agara County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS DealRealtyOnline.com may mail a copy of process to the LLC at •1237 SWANN ROAD . 3 br Ranch C/O United States Corporation Agents w/tons of possibilities. Breezeway & INC., 7014 13th Ave., Suite 202, Brook - finished garage could add extra living lyn, N.Y. 11228. Purpose of LLC: Food sp. Garage door still in place if you pre - Service and Produce and Fruit Sales. No fer a standard garage! Oak kit specific duration attached to LLC. cabinets, lr/dr, CA & hw floors. Slider door to patio & private yard w/ 2 lg 4/3/12 4/10/12 4/17/12 4/24/12 5/1/12 5/8/12 sheds. Fantastic starter or retirement home! $94,900 •4652 UPPER MOUNTAIN ROAD. Beautiful raised ranch w/ 4 brms up — LEGAL NOTICE — and full bath. Lower area has family Notice of Formation of a rm, kitchenette, apt set-up with laundry Domestic Limited Liability Company and storage area. 2-car attached garage and 2-plus detached garage ROZAN GARDEN, LLC (the “LLC”) filed w/220 line. Above ground pool, great Articles of Organization with the NY State lot and fantastic school district. Secretary of State (“NYSSS”) on March $159,900 23, 2012; the LLC is located in Niagara •610 20TH ST. 2-family that is current- County; NYSSS is designated as agent of ly rented out as a single. Separate the LLC upon whom process against it electric, 1 furnace, upstairs apt has 1/2 can be served; a copy of any process bdrms & downstairs has 1 br. Updated served upon NYSSS will be mailed to the siding, windows & roof. 2 porches, LLC at 15 Shadowdale Drive, Stoney parking & newer rugs. Tenant pays Creek, Ontario, Canada L8E5Z4; the pur- $550 per month + all utilities. $29,900 pose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

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