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Getting there from here
By Lynn Zerschling Sioux City Journal staff writer

You can't get here from there.

In 2003, David Carney (Kenmore East Class of ’88) discovered that simple axiom proved true as he drove to his new apartment on Outer Drive on Sioux City's north side. The problem was Carney was on U.S. Highway 75/Lewis Boulevard only a half mile away.

"I could see where I was supposed to be over on Outer Drive," Carney, who had been hired as a senior civil engineer for the City of Sioux City, recalled. "Except I couldn't get there. There was no road. So I got out my map and figured a way to get there."

Little did the Buffalo, N.Y., native know that a few years later he would play an instrumental role in bridging that connection over railroad tracks, the Floyd River and vacant ground in the heavily industrialized Hoeven Valley.

Now, road graders and crews are building that key transportation link that will bridge the gap between the north and east sides of the community.

Construction began in 2004 on the most expensive road building project in Sioux City's history to connect Floyd Boulevard with Highway 75/Lewis Boulevard. The construction bill continues to mushroom, from $29 million to the most recently reported $31.9 million last year.

Carney said the price tag now approaches $35.1 million due to delays in securing needed agreements with the railroads. Because of delays, the road won't open until late 2008 or early 2009 instead of later this year.

The east-west link

For a number of years, city planners talked about building the road as a needed transportation link through the heavily industrialized Hoeven Valley connecting the city's north and west parts of town with Morningside. On the roads crossing the valley now, motorists often find themselves waiting for trains.

"Back in the early to mid-1980s we had a plan to have Outer Belt Drive to run around the city, starting with the Singing Hills intersection with I-29, across the Floyd River to Hamilton (Boulevard) and pop out on Riverside Boulevard," Brent Nelson, senior city planner, said.

"The council later decided that the part that went west of Hamilton wasn't worth it financially and didn't open up enough ground. Besides, it took out a lot of expensive homes. For the longest time, that portion between Singing Hills between I-29 and South Lewis Boulevard was called Outer Belt South."

With the construction of the so-called bypass by the Iowa Department of Transportation, "what we have is much the same result we had been looking at," Nelson said. "The connector is the last piece of that puzzle. I don't ever think it will go west of Hamilton. Sioux City would have to grow many, many times over to justify a $50 to $60 million project.

"This will complete the loop from Hamilton Boulevard around the city down to Singing Hills," he noted. "There is something approaching a brick wall between the east side and west side now."

Once the connector opens, motorists will be able to cut significant time from their cross-city trips.

"This way, we can be at the mall in 10 minutes Conversely, you can go the other way and it will help bring more people to the Wal-Mart and Shopko developments up north," Nelson said.

Carney added, "I think the Sioux City School District was really looking to use this because their buses get stopped all the time at those congested rail crossings at 28th and 31st streets. The one on 31st is closed up to 40 percent of the day because of switching operations."

Economic development

"Reliable transportation is one of the keys to economic growth," Marty Dougherty, the city's economic development director, said.

"I would point to what happened in the Singing Hills area and around the new (Lakeport Commons) mall. A lot of that growth in Morningside has been attributable to the construction of the bypass and Singing Hills Boulevard."

In order for growth to occur in the Hoeven Valley, Dougherty said the city has to eliminate as many of the railroad/vehicle conflicts as possible. The new project will do just that by bridging one set of tracks and going under another.

"We will see some additional commercial opportunities open in the Floyd Boulevard-Outer Drive area. We've already had some interest expressed in that."

In the longer term, the Hoeven Corridor Plan calls for allowing the railroads to grow in the valley.

"We all hate waiting for a train, but they are contributing to our economy and growth of other industries in the area. We need to eliminate that conflict so that can occur," he noted. "The longer term impact will be tremendous."

The challenges

The main reason the price is high to built that half mile of road is high is because that half mile of road must cross one set of tracks, go under another and span the Floyd River.

The city agreed to build a temporary track -- dubbed a "shoofly" -- near Lewis Boulevard and then build a new track. Near Floyd Boulevard, the city plans to build a four-lane bridge across the Union Pacific/Canadian National tracks and the Floyd River.

The city relocated the Floyd Softball Complex to make room for the new road, placing the ballfields in Chautauqua Park. The ballpark land, however, was lower than the grade needed for the new street.

"More than 500,000 cubic yards of dirt was moved in," Kenny Van Ballegooyen, project manager for Howard R. Green Co., said. "We brought in about 150,000 cubic yards from the Pinney (borrow) pit. The rest came from that pile from Wal-Mart."

When the Wal-Mart Supercenter was built on Floyd Boulevard, the city entered into an agreement in 2002 to use the dirt cut out of that big hill to make room for the store. Using that dirt saved the city between $500,000 to $600,000.

"We filled it up about 10 to 12 feet higher," Ballegooyen noted. "Last year we graded it and built the approach berm. We just seeded it."

Staged construction

Because of the scope of the project, the city hired Howard R. Green to oversee design, engineering and construction administration. Green will be paid $6.1 million.

The city and consultants have divided the project into stages, awarding the first contract in the fall of 2004 to build the Terminal Drive extension.

Outer Drive will dip under the Burlington Northern/Sante Fe railroad tracks because it was deemed too expensive and complicated to build a bridge over the tracks. Because the road will go 14 feet below grade, groundwater and run-off from thunderstorms and melting snow will need to be pumped out of the underpass.

Construction of that railroad shoofly, approximately 24 feet west of the tracks, will cover 248 feet, Ballegooyen said. A total of 7,000 feet of track will have to be constructed.

Last year, contractors started building the new intersection at Lewis Boulevard, a project that will be finished this summer..The contractor is removing an abandoned bridge and starting to do excavation for the box culvert. Last to be built will be the four-lane, 1,100-foot long bridge spanning the Floyd River and a set of tracks.

Railroad delays

"We are waiting on the railroad -- all of us have been waiting for a year," Carney stressed. "We had been on schedule for a late 2007 completion."

Canadian National owns one of the lines, but leases it to Union Pacific,. The UP, he said, wanted to replace the 115-pound rail with a 136-pound one and asked the city to pay for the heavier line. The figure translates into pounds per foot of rail.

"The city's position is that it is an improvement and they should pay for it," Carney said, saying the final agreement calls for the city to install the heavier line, but UP will pick up the tab.

The city is waiting for the railroads to sign other agreements.

"Work on these projects was stopped essentially a year ago until the agreements were obtained," Bill Moran, an executive with Howard R. Green said in a recent letter to the council. "As you know we have diligently prodded the railroad along to try to get these agreements moving,"

Carney said the delays are boosting construction costs by an average of 10 to 12 percent a year.

"Once we get the two agreements signed with the railroads, we'll be letting bids really fast," Ballegooyen predicted.

With the work that has been completed to date, he remarked, "It's pretty impressive to see how it's all changed in just the last few years."

'Mair's Office' is open Sabre fans show support for Hamilton player with huge sign By John Kernaghan The Hamilton SpectatorBUFFALO (Oct 25, 2006) You have to look up, way up, from ice level to see it but the sign is still the biggest in the joint. 'Mair's Office' is carefully taped to the uppermost wall at one end of the HSBC Arena, an extra bit of inspiration for Hamilton's Adam Mair each time he steps on the ice for the Buffalo Sabres. Mair may be a fourth-line or situational player for the NHL's top team, but to some Sabre fans, he represents the heart of the outfit. So every home game last season and this, Matt Dziomba and Krystal Sondel carry the three-foot-high letters up to the nosebleed territory and attach them to the wall. "It started in the '03-04 season when we bought a mini-pack of tickets," said Dziomba, 23. "It was about 3 a.m. and I was on-line with some friends. I asked them to join us up in Mair's Office." The pair say Mair's jump and energy are mostly responsible for the expression of support each home game, but Dziomba said a rather dead atmosphere in the HSBC facility also inspired the sign. "In the Aud (former Sabres home, the Memorial Auditorium), there were signs dangling all over the place. There was nothing at HSBC." Since Mair's Office debuted, several others now shout out support for players. There's Maxi Nation, celebrating crafty forward Maxim Afinogenov, a territory called Pominville in honour of Jason and DRUUUUUURY, a drawn out tribute to co-captain Chris Drury. Sondel, also 23, said it was easy to support a player like Mair. "He doesn't have the scorer's touch but he sets up plays, hits and checks. Fans love it when he gets on the ice and goes to work. The Mair's Office thing has caught on as a result and it's there on all the message boards." Dziomba, who has yet to meet the player, said no one on the Sabres finishes checks like Mair does and he thinks linemate Andrew Peters has improved his game alongside the Steeltown products. And, yes, Mair's willingness to duke it out doesn't hurt. "The middleweights are the most fun to watch drop the gloves," he said. Sondel met and had Mair sign a handmade Mair's Office poster when she worked as an intern with the Sabres. Mair, meantime, said, "It's great to feel appreciated when you step on the ice. They started with a mini-pack of tickets in my first season here and now have season tickets. That's great support." This year the pair even upgraded the sign. "They went from bold to italic, got a little fancier," he said. What's next? Maybe lights if this so far unbeatable outfit goes all the way.

 

View/Sign Guestbook
Christopher H. Parker		Kenmore East Class of 1974
PARKER-Christopher H. Of Buffalo N.Y., entered into rest, suddenly, July 3, 2007. Dear father of William Thomas Parker; beloved son of Dolores (nee Mendes) and Joseph Marynowski and George Parker; loving brother of Kathleen (Mitchell) Mayer and Helene (Kyle) O'Hara; cherished uncle of Kyle Jr., Richard, Matthew, Michael, Nicholas and Faith; also survived by relatives and many friends. No prior visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in St. Leo the Great Church, 885 Sweethome Rd., Amherst on Saturday morning at 9:00 o'clock. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Christopher was a Navy veteran of the Viet Nam War and one of the original crew members of USS Nimitz. Arrangements by the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel).   Published in the Buffalo News on 7/6/2007.
Guest Book • Funeral home info • Flowers • Charities

 

In memoriam William Larsen

Larsen, William J.   LARSEN-William J. May 23, 2007; beloved husband of Jacqueline (nee Hagan); loving father of Nora and Lauren Larsen; son of William and the late Shirley May Larsen; caring brother of Jill (John) Jenkens, Debi Larsen and Jackie (Russell) Vaughan. Friends may call 3-8 PM Friday at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst (one mile north of Maple Rd. just after Klein). Funeral Service will be held Saturday 10 AM at Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, 6864 Campbell Blvd., Pendleton. Memorials to Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Rd., Box 200 LPO, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Published in the Buffalo News from 5/24/2007 - 5/25/2007. Notice • Guest Book • Funeral home info Flowers • Charities

In memoriam Christopher J. Santella

SANTELLA-Christopher J. April 2, 2007; beloved husband of Brandy L. (nee VanHooft) Santella; devoted father of Christyne and Sarah Santella; beloved son of Robert (Mary E.) Santella and Sally (nee Frew) Santella; dearest brother of Robert (Amy) Santella, Patricia (William) McAllister, and Lauren Santella; dear uncle of Samantha, Elisabeth, Isabella, Sophia, and the late William; son in law of Peggy York and Jim VanHooft. The family will be present Tuesday 6-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Drive where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:15 AM and from St. Amelia Church at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Online register book at www.Amigone.com

Bill Gersitz

Meanwhile, the men's team fell one win short of qualifying for the AMCC tournament for the first time. The Mavs still had a remarkable year under first-year coach Mike MacDonald. The team went 11-14 - the most wins for Medaille as a D-III program - after going just 4-46 in the last two years.

Key for the Mavs were the contributions of local players, including starters Bill Gersitz (Kenmore East, sophomore), Jake Reisdorf (Holland, sophomore) and Chris Moscato (Canisius, freshman). Junior James McNeil went over the 1,000-point mark in just two years with the team.
 

 Shannon Nolan

#15 Shannon Nolan Height: 5-9 Class: Freshman Hometown: Kenmore High School: Kenmore East

High School: Played three seasons of varsity basketball … Two-time All-Niagara Frontier League selection … Led team in 3-pointers and served as team-captain as a senior … Averaged 10 points in her final year and led her team to an 18-5 record … Also played three years of softball and two years of volleyball … Pitched a perfect game and two no-hitters during her senior year … Graduated seventh in her class. Personal: Shannon is the daughter of William and Luann Nolan … Born December 7, 1988 … Major is undecided.

St. John Fisher Women's Basketball 2006-2007 ROSTER
No. Name Pos. Yr. Ht. High School Hometown
00 Jessica Ainslie G/F Fr 5-9 Honeoye Honeoye
3 Kristen Taliento F Fr. 5-8 Rush-Henrietta Henrietta
10 Melissa Kanalley G Fr. 5-6 Cardinal O’Hara Tonawanda
11 Allison Boehm F Jr. 5-11 Sacred Heart Academy Cheektowaga
12 Mary Francis G/F Sr. 5-10 Gulf Coast Naples, FL
13 Katelyn Touhey G Fr. 5-6 Maine Endwell Johnson City
14 Meagan Tubbs G So. 5-5 Ticonderoga Ticonderoga
15 Shannon Nolan G Fr. 5-9 Kenmore East Kenmore
20 Kellie Leathem G Fr. 5-8 Catholic Troy
21 Ashley Dean F Jr. 5-9 Horseheads Horseheads
22 Ashley Napoleone G Jr. 5-5 Notre Dame Batavia
23 Christine Isselhard G/F Fr. 5-9 Gananda Macedon
24 Caitlin Grady G Fr. 5-8 Nardin Academy Amherst
25 Jackie Pienkowski G Fr. 5-8 Villa Maria Academy Buffalo
30 Nicole Longo G/F Fr. 5-7 Bishop Grimes Syracuse
31 Erin Cameron G Fr. 5-8 New Albany New Albany, OH
33 Mary Kate Comfort C Fr. 6-1 Orchard Park Orchard Park
35 Lora Foran G Fr. 5-6 The Harley School Rochester
42 Kate Babbie G/F Fr. 5-7 Franklin Academy Malone
44 Jen Van Oss F Fr. 5-11 Archbishop Alter Dayton, OH
Head Coach: Phil Kahler (33rd year – 731-145 record)
Assistants: Marianne O’Connor Ermi, Kathy Baum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Act

Jason Mazurowski, 18, of the Town of Tonawanda, wants to help solve today's environmental problems.
But the geology major offers an assist on some human issues as well.

Not long ago the 2006 graduate of Kenmore East Senior High School received his Eagle Scout badge for a project on getting volunteers together to create a directory of people willing to shovel snow for elderly or homebound people.

"I'm currently studying geology because I want to learn all I can about how our world functions, so I can contribute to the solutions of many of the environmental problems we face today," says Jason, who did his project in conjunction with the Tonawanda Parks and Recreation Department. "I've been looking into careers in either environmental geology, or paleontology."

Now at the University at Buffalo on a merit scholarship, Jason plans to continue in scouting. A member of Troop 202, sponsored by St. Amelia Catholic Church in the Town of Tonawanda, this teen earned 31 merit badges - 10 more than needed to become an Eagle Scout. He joined scouting as a Tiger Cub in 1994.

The son of Jean and Peter Mazurowski graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at Kenmore East. The scholar-athlete earned three varsity letters, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

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Local 1950s home to be featured on HGTV

By BONNIE NAUMANN, bnaumann@poststar.com
Saturday, January 6, 2007 10:55 PM EST
 

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- A cable program devoted to off-beat home decor will cast a spotlight today on a Saratoga Springs house outfitted entirely in 1950s-era furnishings.

Carolyn and John "PJ" Davis decorated their circa-1948 bungalow to pay homage to their baby boomer heritage and to eventually allow others to indulge their own nostalgia.

As the Davises, both 58, began purchasing the home in 1994, they discovered the previous owners -- an elderly couple -- had kept the home's original 1950s-era cabinets, woodwork and decor.

"I had this overwhelming nostalgic feeling," John Davis said. "I said, 'Let's make it a haven for baby boomers.' "

The Davises, who winter in Florida, reside the remainder of the year in another -- more functional -- Saratoga home.

"My wife refused to live there," John Davis said. "It was a little much."

The Davises acknowledged that the home isn't meant to be a replica of a typical home from their favorite decade, but is more a museum for their private collection.

Each room serves as a catchall for themed collections.

The kitchen counter is crowded with ice cream sundae dishes, juice glasses, crank can openers and aluminum canisters, as well as "all the products Mom would have used," John Davis said.

Two bedrooms are outfitted with gender-specific toys, bedding and decorations.

Though many families back then would have been lucky to own one television, the Saratoga home contains 10 television sets, as well as at least 10 vintage radios and about 12 boxes of laundry soap, Carolyn Davis said. The dining room also contains a jukebox, which would normally be in a business.

"Everything that is in there sparks a memory from back in those days," John Davis said.

During the summer, the co-owners of PJ's "Saratoga Style" BAR-B-Q on South Broadway, have offered tours to area residents and church groups who learned of the home through word of mouth.

Visitors typically share stories about their childhoods. The wringer washing machine is particularly evocative, especially of tales about fingers and clothing being caught in the rollers.

The Davises plan to eventually open the house to the public and they are currently seeking advice from museum consultants on how to make that transition.

In the past, if visitors wanted to make a donation, the Davises would send it in the form of a college scholarship to Saratoga Springs High School, Schenectady High School or the Davises' alma mater, Kenmore East High School in the Buffalo area, or the Buffalo City School District. They would likely continue something similar.

When he steps into his 1950s home, John Davis said, "It's a very calming feeling stepping out of today's rush, rush world."

"It definitely has to be shared," Carolyn Davis said.

When they were children, their parents hardly ever asked them where they were going, the Davises said. They had dinner as a family, watched wholesome television programs and went to bed early. They didn't lock doors, threw block parties and knew their neighbors.

"That simpler life is attractive now," Carolyn Davis said.

Vintage and retro are common home-decorating styles that can now be found in reproduction items in stores as mainstream as Target.

"It is pervasive in our society -- this retro look -- with the PT Cruiser and the like," John Davis said.

The Davises believe that trend is an effort of retailers to capture the expendable capital of recent retirees.

"People are retiring and reminiscing," said Carolyn Davis. "They are the ones with the money to spend."

The Davises wouldn't say how much they have invested to crowd their hobby house with working appliances, lighting fixtures, higher-end wood furniture, antique pottery, vintage toys and other trinkets.

"A lot," Carolyn Davis said. "I don't even know."

At first, they scoured garage sales and antiques malls across the country. But gradually they discovered their efforts were more efficient when directed toward the Internet, particularly eBay.

When cable officials contacted the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce last year, chamber officials pointed HGTV's camera lenses toward the 1950s home, P.J. Davis said.

In June, camera crews spent eight hours filming the home to capture the Davises' three to five minutes of fame.

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 Silverbacks land Mark Bly

GRAND ISLAND
Area native chosen as school chief
By MARY B. PASCIAK
News Staff Reporter
12/8/2006

After more than two decades away from the Buffalo area, Robert W. Christmann will be returning next year, when he steps in as superintendent of the Grand Island School District.
Christmann spent most of his childhood in the Town of Tonawanda and graduated from Kenmore East High School. He began his teaching career in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District, then became a principal in the Frontier School District in the mid-1980s.

After a brief stint in Danbury, Conn., Christmann, 60, spent 20 years in Newark - most of them as superintendent. Now, he's headed back to the Buffalo area.

The Grand Island School Board announced Thursday it plans to appoint him to replace Thomas M. Ramming, who retired at the end of June. The board is scheduled to vote Monday.

"It's really a rare opportunity for any superintendent to be able to serve in a district and a community of the high quality of Grand Island," Christmann said.

The Grand Island School Board hired the Syracuse firm of Castallo & Silky last spring to find a replacement for Ramming. After narrowing the pool of candidates to three, the board backed off on selecting a finalist. In July, the board asked Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Educational Services Superintendent Donald A. Ogilvie to launch a new search.

Christmann was not a candidate in the initial Grand Island search, but did apply in the second round. Board President Richard Little Jr. said the board was impressed with Christmann's 16 years of experience as Newark's superintendent and his service as a member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents' executive committee.

The Newark School District - which, with 2,500 students, is nearly as big as Grand Island - completed nearly $50 million in renovations and additions at its five schools a few years ago, Christmann said. The district is in the last year of a $2.3 million phased-in technology update. And Newark has recently increased the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses.

"He's a very well-respected individual in the industry. He's dealt with a variety of different projects, capital projects, community-related issues," Little said. "He's very personable, very comforting to talk to. He interacts and responds well."

Christmann's wife, Karen, is a special-education teacher in Canandaigua. Christmann plans to rent an apartment in the Grand Island area until he and his wife are able to find a house.

Christmann said he plans to retire from the Grand Island School District after at least five years.

Jack Flatau
Head Coach - 8th year at SU
Cortland State, 1979

Now in his eighth season as head coach, Jack Flatau has built Southwestern University's women's soccer program into a winner that expects to contend at the top of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Association.

Born in Buffalo, Tom attended Kenmore-Tonawanda Schools, and graduated magna cum laude and as an Academic All-American and a member of Phi Beta Kappa from SUNY/Buffalo in 1987 with a BA in communication and history. At UB, Tom was privileged to attend several classes taught by the inimitable Bruce Jackson and Milton Plesur, and noted historian William Allen.

During his senior year at Kenmore East in 1981, Tom began his radio career. The following year, Tom was hired as a news anchor/reporter by WGR News Director Don Dussias, and also served as a locker room reporter for WGR's broadcasts of the Buffalo Sabres. In 1983, Tom began his talk radio career on WGR's "Extension 55" after John Otto left for KB Radio, and in 1987 became WGR's afternoon drive host. In 1989 Tom moved to Tampa and worked with talk radio legends Jay Marvin and Nancy "Fabulous Sports Babe" Donnellan. Later that year Tom was hired by KMOX in St. Louis, and spent 2 years there before returning to Buffalo to become morning drive host of "Breakfast with Bauerle" on WGR.

In 2000, WGR changed to an all-sports format, and Tom and Chris "The Bulldog" Parker pioneered the "guy talk" format with the hilarious "Bauerle and The Bulldog" program. Hilarious or disgusting, depending on your point of view! In 2002 Tom returned to his news/talk roots and became the host of WBEN's 9 AM - 12 Noon program. "Bauerle" covers a lot of ground, with a strong focus on the War on Terror and National Security, important community issues and fun topics.

Bauerle is known as a tough interviewer with eclectic interests and a rambunctious sense of humor. Tom has been cited by "Talkers" magazine as one of the "100 Most Important Talk Show Hosts in America." He has appeared on NBC's "Today," and Fox News Channel's "O'Reilly Factor" and "Hannity and Colmes."

Kevin O'Donnell
  Class - Sophomore Height:
  6-5
Hometown
  Tonawanda, N.Y. High School
  Kenmore East Birthdate
  04/02/1987   Biography:
2005-06: Part of four school records – 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 200 IM and 400 IM… Recorded highest result in school history with third-place finish at the MAACs in the 100 breaststroke… Fastest on the squad in four relays as well as the 200 breaststroke (2:14.34) and 100 breaststroke (59.14)… Participated in four events at the ECACs and finished 12th in the 100 breaststroke… Won the 100 breaststroke four times and 200 breaststroke once… Finished second in 200 breaststroke three times and 100 freestyle once… Member of four first-place relays

Before Canisius: Earned six letters as a member of the swimming team at Kenmore East… All-Section VI two times… All-Niagara Frontier League three times… Niagara Frontier League All-Star… School record-holder in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.38), 100 freestyle (50.76) and 50 freestyle (22.76)… Earned three letters in volleyball for the Bulldogs… Two-time All-NFL selection

Personal: A physical education major at Canisius, Kevin is the son of Thomas and Nancy O’Donnell… Has two brothers, Ryan and Shaun

Born: April 2, 1987

Women's Soccer Coaching Staff

James A. Ruggiero
Head Women's Soccer Coach
(716) 926-8797
jruggiero@hilbert.edu
 

James Ruggiero enters his eighth season as head coach of the Hilbert College Hawks women's soccer program. Ruggiero has led the women's soccer program to two North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Tournament Championships (2002, 2003) while also being named NEAC Coach of the Year in 2002. His impressive 55 career victories makes him the Hawks all-time leader in wins since the Hawks became an NCAA Division III member in 1992.

Since arriving on campus prior to the start of the 1999 season, Ruggiero's teams have shown steady improvement reaching the NEAC conference tournament finals four times. Last fall the Hawks finished 6-9-2 in just their second season of competition in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) garnished the Hawks with All-Academic honors for the third consecutive year for achieving an overall team GPA above 3.0.  "It's rewarding to see our student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom", states Ruggiero.  His last four teams have also received Ethics and Sportsmanship awards from the NSCAA.  Three of his last four teams have been recognized for completing the season without receiving a yellow card.

For Ruggiero, the formula for success begins with recruiting the right players. "We've been fortunate to have some great recruiting classes. These student-athletes are successful both on and off the field," Ruggiero pointed out. "By recruiting good student-athletes everyone wins. The college gets great students, the student-athletes receive a great education, and the soccer team gets more competitive."

An active member in the community, Ruggiero has introduced the women's soccer team to several community service projects. Members of the women's soccer program have been involved with the TOPSoccer program, which introduces mentally and physically challenged youngsters to soccer. The team also participates in the American Breast Cancer walk in downtown Buffalo with all proceeds from the 5K event going to cancer research.

Ruggiero organizes several free coaches clinics to area soccer clubs and recently coached a U-15 girls premier team from the Buffalo United Soccer Club. "I really enjoy doing the clinics and working with the many parents that have become involved with coaching," said Ruggiero, who is a member of the NSCAA and holds a USSF "D" license.

Ruggiero was a standout baseball and soccer player at Kenmore East High School, earning all-league honors in both sports. He continued his soccer career as the starting goalkeeper at Kent State University in Ohio where he graduated in 1978.

Ruggiero holds a degree in architecture and has operated his own business since 1986. Most recently, he was awarded Kent State University's lifetime Varsity K.  He is currently on the NSCAA New York State ranking committee as the ECAC selection committee for post season play.  

Ruggiero resides in East Aurora with his wife Paula, and two children, Nico, and daughter, Geenamarie, who is a junior playing soccer at the University at Buffalo.

Cindy Coburn-Carroll - Member of Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

Brian Johnson - on Broadway

Brian Johnson on the Red Carpet at the Tony Awards Show (first row, second from left) for Spring Awakening

Read New York Times review

After its sold-out run at the Atlantic Theater off-Broadway this past summer, Spring Awakening is now in previews at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, where it will officially open on December 10. The show stars two wonderful Buffalonians, Christine Estabrook and Brian Charles Johnson (both pictured above). Johnson, who attended Kenmore East and was a member of Tom Doyle’s Company of Songs, is making his Broadway debut. He was attending NYU Tisch when he landed the role of Otto in the off-Broadway production of Spring Awakening. Theater veteran Estabrook portrayed Martha Huber in the first season of TV’s Desperate Housewives. She originated the role of Pfeni in the 1993 Broadway production of Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig. Spring Awakening has all the makings of a hit. If visiting New York, the show has a $25 Student Rush ticket sold on the day of the performance. There are also a limited number of on-stage seats which go for $31.25.

Q&A: "Spring Awakenings" star

By Kevin Purdy

BROADWAY

By KEVIN PURDY

purdyk@gnnewspaper.com

Broadway audiences now have the chance to see how a Kenmore East student rocked out when nobody was looking.

At least that’s the way Brian Charles Johnson, starring in the Broadway debut of “Spring Awakening,” describes the experience of preparing to play Otto (and Ulbrecht) in a modern rock-based musical.

“Our director told us, for the musical parts, to do what I would do if I was in my room and rocking out to my favorite song,” Johnson said during a recent telephone interview from New York City.

“It made everything easier, really, because you don’t have to fake being this character doing a song, you could just cut out the middle man and be yourself.”

Johnson, 21, a 2003 graduate of Kenmore East, was originally cast in the off-Broadway debut of “Spring Awakening,” which focuses on the sexual awakening of youths in late 19th-century Germany, a heavily repressed society at the time. He’s taken a leave of absence from New York University to star in the Broadway staging, which opened Dec. 10.

The original play lasted for just one show during its New York debut, after a Supreme Court ruling allowed it to be staged following a shutdown under obscenity laws. The new musical based on Frank Wedekind’s play is written by Steven Sater with music by Duncan Sheik, and has the three leads playing both the traditional and modern versions of their characters.

Johnson, whose parents still live in the Buffalo area, answered questions recently about getting and playing his role.


QUESTION: Can you tell me a little about how you got involved with “Spring Awakening?”

ANSWER: Well, I was going to NYU, and they’re affiliated with the Atlantic Theater Company, where the drama school sends some of their students. They were holding auditions at the company, where they’d held the off-Broadway run, and they were desperately searching for kids that looked young and could sing rock music, and didn’t sound like the normal musical theater sound. Duncan Sheik, who did all the music — that was one thing he wanted — to have people who could sing rock music. ... One of the people at Atlantic called in some people who had sang in the past. They called and asked if I could come in and sing a song, and that was kind of a pre-audition.

QUESTION: What song did you sing?

ANSWER: Actually, it’s kind of funny. I was in an a capella group at NYU, and we were doing “Bye, Bye, Bye” at the time. I didn’t have any sheet music with me, that was the most recent thing I had done. I walked in and sang a verse from “Bye, Bye, Bye” a capella.

QUESTION: You’re referring to the ... was that the Backstreet Boys or N*Sync?

ANSWER: Well, they gave me an audition from this, actually, they gave me a number with hundreds of kids there. They asked me to come in and give them more of a rock song, like The Beatles was one of the groups they used. So I came in and sang “Lady Madonna” for them. I got called back throughout the entire month of last November, a year ago, and they finally called in December and said I had the part.

QUESTION: So it wasn’t one of those movie-style auditions where somebody stands up and says, “We have our man!” There was a lot of work to get it, it sounds like.

ANSWER: It was quite a process, but when they did call me and said I had the part, I said, “Oh, thank you so much.” The man said to me, “Are you kidding? You were the first person we cast.” So that was kind of surreal.

QUESTION: Can you tell me a little bit about the part?

ANSWER: I’m one of the three leads, and I play Otto. And I’m one of the school guys that is best friends with the two leads. All of our characters experience, during our teenage years, we’re starting to notice the opposite sex, we’re going through changes in our bodies and everything. That’s pretty much the journey my character goes through, just finding himself as I grow up in this new world. We’re repressed by the adults in our lives, because they don’t want to tell us what’s going on, but we have to find out for ourselves ... that’s what brings the conflict to the piece.

QUESTION: What was it like preparing for the role? What kind of work did you do?

ANSWER: It was really interesting, because really the story lives in two different worlds. During the dialogue, it’s set in 19th century Germany, and then the music starts and we’re the contemporary versions of our characters. The music is supposed to express the kinds of things we can’t in 19th century Germany, which is just go crazy, and show what our liberated mind states would be.

QUESTION: How often do you come back to the Buffalo area?

ANSWER: Until this happened, I would come home pretty regularly, every holiday. Now looking at it, unfortunately, I don’t know the next time I’ll be back. We don’t really have breaks. I mean, we have Christmas off, but that’s the only day off we have. We had a show on Thanksgiving, we have a show coming up on New Year’s Day and Eve ... Obviously, the tourists are coming in then.

QUESTION: What’s the hardest part about having an off-Broadway, and then the on-Broadway, life?

ANSWER: I guess the challenge would be the schedule, and taking care of myself. Having to have the discipline to go home every night, and not go out with friends or whatever. You really have to take care of yourself. It’s a very tough schedule ... But I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a dream come true, and I’m only 21. Couldn’t ask for a much better situation, really.

BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Blue Devils have plenty back

The graduation bug didn’t bite the Kenmore West boys basketball team after last season, and because of that, expectations are high for the Blue Devils.

Coach Jim Badgley returns his entire starting lineup from a team that finished 5-7 in the Niagara Frontier League last season. The group includes last season’s leading scorer in Edvin Ramulic, who averaged more than 15 points a contest. The junior forward will be joined in the post by senior Joe Mogavero, a 6-foot-3 forward with tremendous athletic ability.

“We do have a nice mix,” Badgley said. “We have some kids who can shoot from the outside and we have some size underneath.”

The Blue Devils also have solid ball handling and outside shooting from Mike Maritato and Mike Licata.

Last season’s squad found itself on the losing end of several close games, due in part to inexperience. Now that the top seven players have a full varsity season under their belts, Badgley will look for more poise at crunch time.

“We need to show patience offensively and intensity defensively,” he said. “We tend to play as individuals on offense and don’t help each other out at times. We have to look for the highest-percentage shot and not force the issue.”

While the Blue Devils were young last season, that’s not a problem this year. Of the 14 players on the roster, 13 are either juniors or seniors.

“I think we’re way ahead of where our team was last year,” Mogavero said. “We’ve all played together at some level. It’s helped us get the plays down quicker this year.”

Ken West got ready for the season by testing itself against one of the area’s best teams, scrimmaging St. Joe’s at The Pit. Mogavero said that experience only made his team stronger.

“It helped us all out,” he said.

Badgley said Niagara Falls has to be considered the favorite for the Niagara Frontier League title, but after that, it’s wide open.

“Every school has talent,” he said.

The Blue Devils host the Kenmore West Tip-Off Tournament on Dec. 8 against Timon. League play starts Dec. 15 at Lockport.

Gladiators capture NYAFL championship

11/12/2006
LOCKPORT - Matt O'Malley caught two touchdown passes and John Augustine Jr. threw for a score and ran for another as the Buffalo Gladiators beat the Lyndonville Tigers, 28-6, in the New York Amateur Football League championship game at Outwater Park Saturday night.

The Gladiators (13-0) won their second NYAFL crown in the last three years and advance to the semifinals of the Harvest Bowl X Tournament. They'll most likely host a game Saturday night against an opponent to be determined.

O'Malley, an assistant coach at his alma mater Kenmore East, caught a 7-yard TD from Augustine and a 40-yarder from Kevin Mason (West Seneca East) on a double reverse.

John Nedelkovic had the other Buffalo touchdown and John Burzynski teamed with Paul Urbanek for a safety. Mike Wells, Butch Barber and Ryan Adams all recovered fumbles and Greg Rogers blocked a field goal.

WEEK OF: November 13th, 2006

Erin Whitehead

Erin leads the Lady Trailblazers with 61 points within the first three games of the season, 42 of those points were over the past two games. Erin is a sophomore who comes to Niagara County Community College from Kenmore East High School .

Lakeland CC 85, NCCC 53

Erin Whitehead (Kenmore East) had 20 points and Larryce Ham added 12, but Niagara CCC fell to Lakeland to fall to 0-3 on the season.

Niagara played with their opponents in the first half, trailing 40-26 at the break. In the second, with Gabrielle Flonnoy (16 points) leading the way, Lakeland pulled away. Lakeland

NCCC women's hoops team loses a close one

SANBORN — The Niagara County Community College women’s basketball team is improving, but not to the level it needs to be at to win close games.

Need evidence?

How about the final few minutes of Tuesday night’s 68-64 loss at the hands of Niagara College of Welland, Ontario.

With the score tied at 57 with three minutes remaining, NCCC allowed a few easy buckets and then self-destructed at the foul line, en route to its second loss of the young season.

The Trailblazers missed a pair of front ends on one-and-ones and then Larryce Ham missed two crucial free throws that could’ve tied the game with less than 20 seconds left.

“It came down to free throws down the stretch,” NCCC coach Bob McKeown said. “That’s what really did us in again.”

Sophomore Erin Whitehead (Kenmore East) led the team with 22 points, while Shannon Malik added 17 points, including four 3-pointers. Malik’s treys — along with a trio of 3-pointers from Julie Quarantillo (Lew-Port) led to the Trailblazers’ 32-26 halftime lead.

Kaitlyn McKenna led Niagara College with 24 points and eight rebounds in the win.

Despite the loss and the fact that the Trailblazers don’t return home until mid-January, McKeown is confident that his team is headed in the right direction.

“We were missing a few girls tonight and Niagara College has already played 12 games, but overall I thought we had a much better effort tonight,” he said. “I was very pleased with the girls.”

The NCCC women’s team opened its season with a 71-53 loss to visiting Cayuga.

Alyson Colton led Cayuga (1-1) with 21 points, while Presious Floyd added 17 points. Erin Whitehead (Kenmore East) led NCCC with 19 points, Shannon Malik had 17 points.

NCCC SOFTBALL: Blazers looking to start tradition

MORRISVILLE — NCCC’s Erin Whitehead (Kenmore East) fired a one-hitter, striking out 10, in the nightcap as the Trailblazers salvaged a split at Morrisville State.

By Pat Murray
Niagara Gazette

SANBORN — The Niagara County Community College softball team got a taste of what it’s like to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III championships last season.

So much so, that the Trailblazers want to make it an annual event.

NCCC returns four starters from last year’s 10-8 squad, but the team will ride the arm of a freshman pitcher as it attempts to get back to the regionals.

Rookie Erin Whitehead (Kenmore East) will get most of the starts for the Trailblazers this spring.

“We’ll rely on her heavily,” NCCC coach Bob McKeown said of Whitehead. “She’ll play an important role.”

Dunkin' Brands exec has chance to grow sales in his hometown

Kenmore East grad doubled firm's profits

Jon L. Luther is effusive about the business he leads, which includes Dunkin' Donuts. But he is equally eager to reminisce about his Buffalo roots.

Since early 2003, Luther has served as chief executive officer of Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's.

The 62-year-old executive, who is now based in Massachusetts, has rich memories of growing up in the City of Tonawanda and Kenmore and graduating from Kenmore East High School in 1961.

"I'm so thankful for my good fortune," Luther said. "And I think some of the reason I've had good fortune is because of the values and things I learned here. You've got to give back to that."

Luther, who later added the title of chairman, has spent nearly 40 years in the quick-service food business. He was president of Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits, and for five years in the 1990s, he led CA One Services, an airport food service operator that is a subsidiary of Delaware North Cos.

Dunkin' Donuts has grown to about 6,000 stores, and the chain is ready to expand its Western New York presence through its franchisees, one of whom will open a central bakery. There are 18 Dunkin' Donuts stores in the region, and the company expects the total to grow to 60 by 2010.

10/5/2006 Amy Dziomba

In women's college soccer, D'Youville's Amy Dziomba (Kenmore East) had three goals and an assist in a 4-3 win over Keystone. In men's soccer, D'Youville (1-9) lost its third straight game by one goal, dropping a 2-1 decision to Keystone. Joe Tomasi had 15 saves for D'Youville. In women's volleyball, Brockport swept D'Youville (7-10) in three games despite five kills and three blocks from Courtney Freeman.

Women's Soccer Snaps Streak With Shutout

West Seneca, NY (9/9/06) - The Lady Spartan soccer squad notched their first win of the season with a 6-0 triumph over Penn St.-Berks.

Amy Dziomba (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore East) notched her second-career hat trick, Rachel Placito (Greece, NY/Greece Olympia) scored twice, and Julie Penner (Durham, ONT/Fonda Missionary School; West Africa) scored her first career-goal to end D'Youville's 14-match losing streak.

D'Youville improves to 1-2 overall, 1-0 in the North Eastern Athletic Conference.

Brodfuehrer's goal gives Niagara OT win

10/2/2006

A goal in double overtime by sophomore Eric Brodfuehrer (Kenmore East) gave the Niagara men's soccer team a 1-0 win over Manhattan Sunday in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Freshman John Fiutowski recorded his first collegiate shutout for Niagara (4-5, 2-0 in the MAAC).

Brodfuehrer scored from the edge of the box when his 25-yard shot slipped under the Manhattan goalkeeper in the 104th minute.

Eric Brodfuehrer

Courtney MacVie - Leading teams and future dreams
TOMMY BURKE - Staff Writer



Since a young age, when junior Courtney MacVie first kicked a soccer ball, she has loved the sport. From abandoning her high school social life to her future dreams of coaching, MacVie's life revolves around soccer. In an effort to become a better player, MacVie had to sacrifice a lot in the process.

As a toddler, it was MacVie's older brothers that introduced her to the sport.

"I actually started playing when I was three," MacVie said. "I was really, really little. My two older brothers played and of course I got into it. I wanted to be just like them. I've been playing ever since."

MacVie is a defensive staple and captain of Buffalo's women's soccer team - it was her hard work and dedication throughout the years that has enabled her to achieve these goals.

"I'm from Buffalo, but since the seventh grade I was playing in Rochester," MacVie said. "About five days a week my mom would pick me up from high school and I would go. I wouldn't get home until like ten o'clock at night almost every night. I was doing all my homework in the car."

While her peers at Kenmore East High School were going to dances and experiencing all the other rites of passage associated with adolescence, MacVie was on the road following her dream without any regrets.

"I was really busy with soccer," said MacVie. "I missed a lot but it didn't bother me then, and it still doesn't. I like where I am now and I did the hard work to get there."

MacVie has counted on the help of her family to assist her through her rigorous schedule. Although her brothers were responsible for her introduction to soccer, they have since moved away from the sport. Despite not playing, they remain a major part of her support system, as well as offer advice when needed. Of all her fans, MacVie's parents are her biggest supporters.

"My parents have always been there," MacVie said. "During high school I traveled literally almost every weekend. I'd go to places like West Virginia, Virginia and Florida all the time. I was leaving school on Thursday and getting back late Sunday night. My parents went to every single trip either driving or flying. They spent so much time, effort and money. I can't even think about repaying them. They are definitely the reason I am where I am today."

Hard work and remaining determined are not the only things that MacVie has dealt with though. Last year she was medically red shirted due to various problems.

"I have an extra vertebrae in my spine," said MacVie. "I am hyper-mobile, which means my muscles are not as tight as everyone else's. When I get hit, it's more of an impact for me than for other people. I also had knee surgery in January. I had meniscus issues, so they just went in there and cleaned up my meniscus and tissue behind my kneecap. I was back at it in a month and a half or so."

After a season off, MacVie is healthy and playing again, which is welcome news for her friends and teammates.

Of the twelve juniors currently playing for the Bulls, MacVie lives with seven of them split between two apartments. The little time the girls have between school and soccer is often spent creating their own fun.

"We have a great time together," said junior teammate and roommate Kara Winch. "Like on Halloween when most girls all dress up as like sexy pirates or something we went as Dumb and Dumber. But we went all out. I was in the blue suit. (MacVie) was in the orange suit. (MacVie) blacked out her tooth and we both had top hats and canes. This year Halloween is going to be amazing. But it's a secret. Nobody knows what we are going to be."

Although her schedule is undoubtedly full, MacVie does her best to never miss a meal.

"My favorite thing to do is eat," MacVie said. "My favorite food is Shrek gummies. Oh, and I love turkey night at the dorms - mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries, so good."

This fact is well known to those close to her as exemplified by her Valentine's Day present from her boyfriend.

"For Valentine's Day my boyfriend made me a life-size cake of myself," MacVie said. "He used eighteen box cakes and made a big layout of me playing soccer. For months we would all grab forks and go into my room, sit on the floor and eat cake."

Presently MacVie is also coaching a soccer team of 11-year-old girls. Eventually she would like to coach at the collegiate level but acknowledges that it is a difficult field. In the mean time she'll continue enjoying her life as it is.

Courtney MacVie UB Soccer

MacVie, a 5-8 defender/midfielder from Tonawanda, NY, was an Olympic Development Player at Kenmore East High School. She is a player that Tassy feels is very physical and isn't afraid to mix it up. "Courtney is very physical on the ball and strong in the air," Tassy said. "She is very technical and an accurate passer. She brings leadership experiences and loves the competitive challenges of the position."

Courtney MacVie Defense Junior Tonawanda, NY Kenmore East HS

20

2005: Started against Miami (OH) before being sidelined with a medical redshirt... Took two shots in the game.

2004: Appeared in and started all 19 games as a true freshman...took over as central back when senior captain Brenna McJury was hurt in 10th game of year...posted first career point by notching an assist in 5-2 win against Toledo (10/15)...had three assists in final five games...assisted on game-winning goal in 2-1 win against Cornell (10/26)...a member of MAC All-Freshman Team...earned UB’s Rookie of the Year award.

High School: A four-year letterwinner and two-year team captain for head coach Lisa Siegal at Kenmore East High School... tallied 18 goals and 10 assists as a senior... named All-Western New York First Team and All-State Fifth Team as a senior... named second-team All-Western New York and fifth-team All-State as a junior... three-time All-NFL First Team selection.

Personal: Born June 10, 1986... parents are Andrew and Louise MacVie... has two brothers, A.J. and Nick... favorite athletes are Michael Jordan and Lance Armstrong... favorite musician is Kenny Chesney... was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 2003 Empire State Games... volunteers with the Special Olympics.

Cortland leaves Bengals behind - KE Grad Jason Brown

By AMY MORITZ
News Sports Reporter
9/24/2006

Mark Mulville/Buffalo News
Cortland quarterback Alex Smith is chased by Buffalo State's Tom LaPann.

The goal is simple in its loftiness for Cortland this season - win a national football championship.
On Saturday, the Red Dragons made their case for a run at the Division III title after handily defeating Buffalo State, 38-20, in front of 985 at Coyer Field.

Cortland, which went 7-2 last season and received its first at-large bid to the NCAA playoffs since 1997, returned 20 starters.

Among them is quarterback Alex Smith. The junior out of Niagara-Wheatfield threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Red Dragons' win.

"Pretty much everyone is back from last year, and the offense is clicking so much better," Smith said. "We already have our goals set, and it's to win a national championship. We think we can do it, but we have to take it one game at a time, which is what we did [Saturday]. Our expectations are very high."

Cortland (3-0, 1-0 New Jersey Athletic Conference) entered this weekend ranked in the national top 25 in the three major Division III polls and was as high as 12th in the American Football Coaches Association Poll.

But despite the overall complete game that Cortland played, Buffalo State coach Paul Shaffner still felt his team did more to lose the game than Cortland did to win.

The prime example was field position. Cortland's average drive start was at its own 49. In addition, the Red Dragons converted a fumble and an interception into touchdowns.

"We really beat ourselves today, and our special teams were really a negative force," Shaffner said. "Today was a perfect example of, "Here's the ball, drive 30 yards.' You can't expect to do that at this level."

Cortland started the game with one of those great field positions as Stef Sair had a 46-yard punt return to set the offense up at Buffalo State's 35-yard line.

Three plays later, the Red Dragons opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run by Matt Rickert.

The Bengals (1-2, 0-1 NJAC) answered when Dan Aquilio (Depew) and Jason Brown (Kenmore East) hooked up for a 73-yard scoring play to tie the game.

Cortland then took control and enjoyed a 31-7 halftime lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Bengals put up some points as Peter Nguyen (South Park) had a 55-yard interception return for a score and Dan Lopez (St. Mary's of Lancaster) kept his feet moving to break free for a 23-yard touchdown.

Those are the types of positives Shaffner took out of the game.

"The greatest thing that can be taken out of this game is that at halftime we could have easily looked at each other and said, "What are we doing tonight?' and we didn't," Shaffner said. "Our kids took a couple of deep breaths, regrouped and got after it. . . . We did not give up."

ECC's Loncar strikes

9/19/2006

Brandon Loncar (Kenmore East) scored on a penalty shot in the second half and Scott Augustine (Williamsville East) had six saves as the Erie Community College men's soccer team blanked Finger Lakes CC, 1-0, on Monday to improve to 4-2 overall.

Weddings

The bride, a graduate of Kenmore East High School, attended Daemen College and is employed in customer service by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

The bridegroom is vice president of WebMedia Services Group. The newly married couple will travel to Saratoga Springs and will be making their home in Cheektowaga.

Bartolotta/LaBruna
11/5/2006

Marla A. Bartolotta became the bride of Albert N. LaBruna as the couple were united in marriage during a ceremony that took place at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Terrace Room in Statler Towers, where a reception was given. Chief City Judge Thomas P. Amodeo heard their exchange of nuptial vows. The bride is the daughter of Joseph S. and Margaret L. Bartolotta of Buffalo and the bridegroom is the son of Albert J. and Angiolina LaBruna of Middletown. The bride is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and is employed by Buffalo Service Credit Union. The bridegroom is a graduate of Buffalo State College and is employed at Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. The couple will travel to Paris, France.

Osiak/Kwaizer
11/5/2006

Deacon Stephen J. Swinarski performed the marriage ceremony for his niece, Anna Marie Osiak, and Norman William Kwaizer at 2 p.m. Saturday in St. Louis Catholic Church. A reception was given in Brierwood Country Club for the daughter of Dennis and Linda Osiak of Hamburg and the son of Norman and Phyllis Kwaizer of Town of Tonawanda. The bride is a graduate of Frontier Central High School and University at Buffalo, where she is pursuing a master's degree in nurse anesthesia. She is a cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse in Strong Memorial Hospital. The bridegroom, a graduate of Kenmore East High School, is a heavy equipment operator for King Brothers Construction. The couple will live in Town of Tonawanda after a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Nicole Patrice Huben is bride of Vincent Anthony Polino
11/5/2006

Performing the marriage ceremony for Nicole Patrice Huben and Vincent Anthony Polino at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Benedict Catholic Church, Eggertsville, was the Rev. Leon J. Biernat, director of vocations for the Diocese of Buffalo.

A reception was given in Park Country Club of Buffalo for the daughter of Dr. Robert and Claudia Huben of Amherst and the son of Vincent and Marlene Polino of Town of Tonawanda.

The newly married couple will be at home in Potomac Falls, Va., after a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

A graduate of Nardin Academy and University of Rochester, the bride attended the Sorbonne of the University of Paris and has a master's degree in education from U of Rochester. She teaches English at Belmont Ridge Middle School, Loudoun County, Va.

The bridegroom, a graduate of Kenmore East High School and U of Rochester, is an electrical engineer with NOVA Power Solutions, Sterling, Va.

Howell/Sawyer
10/22/2006

En route to Nassau are Kevin D. Sawyer and his bride, Jill J. Howell, who were honored at a reception in McKinley's Hotel and Banquet Center after their wedding at 2 p.m. Saturday in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda. The Rev. William J. Quinlian heard the nuptial vows exchanged by the daughter of Neil and Katrina Howell of Arcade and the son of Douglas and Cheri Sawyer of Williamsville. The bride is a graduate of Pioneer Central High School and Canisius College and is marketing manager for TVGA Consultants, Elma. The bridegroom is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and attended Erie Community College. He is a sales representative of Orville's Appliances and is president of Sheridan Park Men's Club. The couple will live in Town of Tonawanda.

Fike/Colwell
10/22/2006

A reception was given in Kloc's Blossom Grove before Jonathan A. Colwell and his bride, Jennifer A. Fike, left for the Pocono Mountains. They were married by the Rev. Michael Bowers at 2 p.m. Saturday in Clarence Church of Christ. The bride is the daughter of Richard and Linda Fike of Clarence and the bridegroom is the son of William and Cheryl Colwell of Town of Tonawanda. The newly married couple will make their home in Town of Tonawanda. A graduate of Clarence Central Hiogh School and Berklee College of Music, the bride is a sales associate at Illos Pianos & Music Center and is a violinist with Amherst Symphony Orchestra. The bridegroom is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and attended Erie Community College. He is a Rent-A-Center management employee.

Young/Donoghue
10/15/2006

Traveling to Kuai, Hawaii, and Monterey, Calif., are Patrick J. Donoghue and his bride, Rebecca A. Young, who were married at 1:15 pm. Saturday in Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph D. Wolf officiated for the daughter of Robert N. and Carla A. Young of Town of Tonawanda and the son of Jean A. Donoghue of Town of Tonawanda and the late Patrick Donoghue. A reception was given in the Twentieth Century Club for the couple, who will live in Snyder. The bride is a graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy and Canisius College, where she received a master's degree in business administration. She is associate manager of the WNY Office of the American Diabetes Association. The bridegroom is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and University at Buffalo. He received a juris doctor degree from George Washington University Law Center and is a partner in Collins, Collins & Donoghue.

Fanaro/Sullivan
10/15/2006

The Rev. Arthur E. Mattulke of St. Bernadette Catholic Church performed the marriage ceremony for Janeen Renee Fanaro and his cousin, Brian Joseph Sullivan, at 2 p.m. Saturday in Christ the King Chapel at Canisius College. A reception was given in Sean Patrick's Emerald Isle. The bride is the daughter of Karen M. and Frederick J. Fanaro Jr. of Williamsville and the bridegroom is the son of Arthur and Lois Sullivan of Corfu. A graduate of Kenmore East High School, Villa Maria and Buffalo State colleges, the bride is an instructor at Mullen Sisters School of Dance. The bridegroom is a graduate of St. Mary High School and Canisius College and is owner of A. McArthur Co., Corfu. The couple will be at home in Cheektowaga.

John M. Prible, Katie Herberger wed
10/15/2006

Katie Suzanne Herberger and John Michael Prible were married at 4 p.m. Saturday in Church of the Nativity, United Church of Christ, Town of Tonawanda.
The bride's uncle, Deacon John H. Ball of the Archdiocese of Detroit, heard the couple's vows, along with the Rev. Daniel J. Schifeling and the Rev. Kay E. Woike.

A reception was given in the Buffalo Club for the daughter of Mel E. and Carol E. Herberger of Town of Tonawanda and the son of John P. and Kathleen S. Prible of Tampa, Fla.

The bride is director of federal legislative affairs in Washington, D.C., for the Credit Union National Association. The bridegroom is assistant vice president of federal government affairs for Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

The bride, a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Ithaca College, with honors, has a master's degree in political management from George Washington University. The bridegroom is a graduate of University of Florida with a master's degree in international business.

The couple will live in Arlington, Va., after a trip to Costa Rica.

Mannino/Viola
10/8/2006

Stephanie Nicole Mannino and Sean Michael Viola, social studies teachers in Williamsville Central School District, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Friday in St. Amelia Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda. Monsignor Thomas F. Maloney officiated at the ceremony, preceding a reception in Salvatore's Italian Gardens. The bride is the daughter of Anthony and Cynthia Mannino and the bridegroom is the son of Jack and Cheryl Viola, all of Town of Tonawanda. After a trip to Florida, the newly married couple will be at home in Town of Tonawanda. The bride is a graduate of Kenmore West High School and Canisius College, where she is pursuing a master's degree. The bridegroom, a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Canisius College, is working for a master's degree at Buffalo State College.

Wedgewood/Whelan
10/8/2006

St. John Newman Shrine Chapel at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda, was the setting at 3 p.m. Friday when Dana Aron Wedgewood became the bride of Jason Paul Whelan. The Rev. Todd M. Remick officiated for the daughter of John and Sharon Wedgewood and the son of Paul and Molly Whelan, all of Town of Tonawanda. A reception was given in Hearthstone Manor. The newly married couple will be at home in Buffalo after traveling to Acapulco, Mexico. The bride is a patient services specialist at Mercy Hospital and the bridegroom is an emergency medical technician with Rural/Metro Medical Services. They are Kenmore East High School alumni.

Sadlocha/Kirbis
9/10/2006

Couple will travel to Greece

9/10/2006

The marriage ceremony for Dr. Jolene C. Muscat and Dr. Ian A. Mack, graduates of University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, at 3 p.m. Saturday in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Garden City, L.I., was performed by the Rev. Leon J. Biernat, director of vocations for the Diocese of Buffalo.
The bride is the daughter of Larry and Nancy Muscat of Floral Park and the bridegroom is the son of Douglas N. and Denise Mack of Town of Tonawanda. A reception was given in the Woodlands, Woodbury. The newly married couple will be at home in Mineola after a trip to Greece.
The bride, a third year resident of OB/GYN at Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, is a graduate of Floral Park Memorial High School and Johns Hopkins University.
The bridegroom is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a second year resident in emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park.

Darisse/Konczyk
9/10/2006

Nicole Adele Darisse became the bride of David A. Konczyk at 2 p.m. Saturday in St. Amelia Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda. The Rev. Kenneth G. Keenan heard their nuptial vows. A reception was given in Kotecki's Grandview Grove. The bride is the daughter of Sharon L. and Richard E. Darisse of Tonawanda. Parents of the bridegroom are Janice C. and Neil I. Ross of Suffern and the late Ronald F. Konczyk. A graduate of Kenmore East High School and Erie Community College, the bride is a legal assistant with Amigone, Sanchez, Mattrey & Marshall. A graduate of North Tonawanda High School, the bridegroom attended Niagara County Community College and University at Buffalo and is a customer service supervisor with JetBlue Airways. After a trip to Jamaica, the couple will live in West Seneca.

Edwards-Berrie/Case
9/3/2006

Erica Edwards-Berrie will become the bride of Jason Case as the couple are united in marriage during a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. today in the gazebo of Glen Oak Banquet Facility. The Rev. Sarah Gordy of Trinity Episcopal Church will hear their vows. The bride is the daughter of Zetterline Edwards of Buffalo and the bridegroom is the son of Janet Case of Town of Tonawanda. A graduate of Niagara University, the bride is director of Raggedy Ann and Andy Child Care Center, Buffalo. A graduate of Kenmore East High School, the bridegroom is employed with Joan A. Male Family Support Center, Buffalo. After a cruise in the Bahamas, the couple will live in Buffalo.

Levin/Crysler
8/27/2006

En route to Italy are Christopher Richard Crysler and his bride, Jennifer Iris Levin, who were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Samuel's Grande Manor, prior to a reception. Rabbi Drorah Setel of Temple Beth El, Niagara Falls, and the Rev. Francis X. Mazur of St. Gerard Catholic Church, heard the couple's exchange of vows. The bride is the daughter of Betty and Jack Levin of Williamsville and the bridegroom is the son of Gertrude Crysler Zoyhofski of Williamsville and the late Richard Crysler. A graduate of Williamsville South High School and Erie Community College, the bride is a respiratory therapist employed by Buffalo Oxygen. A graduate of Kenmore East High School, the bridegroom recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq with the New York Army National Guard. The couple will live in Buffalo.

Stuff/Metzger
8/20/2006

A reception was given in Harry's Harbour Place Grille for the newly married couple, who will be at home in Buffalo after a trip to St. Lucia. Jennifer Lynn Stuff, a care manager associate with Definity Health, and Brandon Richard Metzger, a customer care professional with Definity Health, were married at 2 p.m. Saturday in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Monsignor Thomas F. Maloney of St. Amelia Church heard the couple's vows. A reception was given in Father Justin Council Knights of Columbus clubhouse. The bride is the daughter of Robert C. and Cynthia Metzger of Town of Tonawanda. Parents of the bridegroom are Mary and Stephen LaBarber, also of Town of Tonawanda. The bride is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and the bridegroom is a graduate of Kenmore West Senior High School and Franklin University. After a Caribbean cruise, they will live in Town of Tonawanda.

Hilliman/Hacker
8/20/2006

Kelly Marie Hilliman, an 11-year member of the United States Ski Team, and Corey Hacker, a graphic designer with ACGroup, East Aurora, were united in marriage at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lake Placid, prior to a reception in the KOA Lodge in Wilmington. They will travel to Thailand and Japan and will be at home in Amherst. James Rogers III, a town justice of Lake Placid, performed the nuptial ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Katherine and Richard Hilliman of Amherst. Parents of the bridegroom are Barbara and Michael Cudeck of Boston and Timothy Hacker of Derby. A graduate of Kenmore East High School, the bride is employed by Home Depot and Supplemental Health Care and is a motivational speaker. The bridegroom, a former member of the U.S. Ski Team, is a graduate of Sessions Design School and Erie Community College.

Caribbean is couple's travel destination
8/13/2006
Marriage vows exchanged by Angela Marasco and Ronald Spengler during a 2 p.m. ceremony Saturday in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda, were heard by the Rev. Richard A. Reina.
A reception was given in Kloc's Blossom Grove for the daughter of the late Canio Marasco and the late Rose Marasco and the son of Richard and Nicole Spengler of North Collins.

A graduate of Kenmore East High School and Canisius College, with honors, the bride is attending Canisius for a master's degree in education. She is a substitute teacher in Williamsville Central School District.

The bridegroom is a graduate of North Collins High School and is a manager of TransWorld Entertainment. The couple will live in Cheektowaga after a Caribbean cruise.

Callahan/Puma Jr.
8/6/2006

The Rev. Donald R. Francis of St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Falls, performed the marriage ceremony for Kim S. Callahan and Frank J. Puma Jr. at 4:30 p.m. Friday in Samuel's Grande Manor, where a reception was given. Parents of the bride are Thomas J. Callahan of West Seneca and Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Arneth of Town of Tonawanda. The bridegroom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Puma Sr., are of Buffalo. The bride, a teacher in Charter School of Applied Technologies, is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Fredonia State College and is pursuing a master's degree from University at Buffalo. The bridegroom, a graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and Erie Community College, is a labor technician in the Buffalo Police Garage. The newly married couple will be at home in Buffalo.

Koncikowski/Dymock
8/6/2006

Fourteen Holy Helpers Catholic Church, West Seneca, was the setting at 2 p.m. Saturday as the Rev. Edward F. Jost Jr. performed the ceremony uniting Kathryn A. Koncikowski and Michael T. Dymock in marriage. A reception was given in Sean Patrick's Emerald Isle for the newly married couple, who will be making their home in North Tonawanda after traveling to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. The bride is the daughter of Victor E. Koncikowski of Buffalo and the late Judith M. Koncikowski. Susan and David Demmin of Town of Tonawanda are mother and stepfather of the bridegroom, whose father is Thomas Dymock of Buffalo. The bride is is a graduate of Mount Mercy and Buffalo State College and is a loan delivery specialist for M&T Bank in Buffalo. The bridegroom is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Buffalo State and is an assistant meat manager at the Buffalo Wegmans store.

Hornung/Fruehauf
7/30/2006

Katherine Leigh Hornung and Scott Matthew Fruehauf were united in marriage during a ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday in St. Mark Catholic Church. The Rev. Thomas Ribits, D'Youville College campus minister, and Monsignor Francis Braun heard the couple's exchange of nuptial vows. A reception was given in Beaver Island State Park clubhouse for the daughter of Michael F. and Deborah Jo Hornung of Buffalo and the son of Paul J. and Diane G. Fruehauf of Tonawanda. A cum laude graduate of University of Rochester and a Buffalo Seminary alumna, the bride has a master's degree in school psychology from University at Buffalo. She is school psychologist employed by Buffalo Board of Education. A graduate of Kenmore East High School and St. Bonaventure University, the bridegroom is vice president of Fruehauf Associates Inc. After a trip to St. Kitts and Nevis, the couple will live in Buffalo.

Couple's travel destination is Paris
7/30/2006

After a reception was given in Days Inn at the Falls, Jennifer Jo Taylor and Steven Anthony Gorney left for Paris, France. They will be at home in Phoenix, Ariz. The couple were united in marriage during a ceremony at 3 p.m. Saturday in St. Paul Methodist Cathedral, Niagara Falls. The bride is the daughter of Russell and Claudia Taylor and the bridegroom is the son of Paul and Roslyn Gorney, all of Town of Tonawanda. A graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and the University at Buffalo, the bride is an administrative assistant employed by Arizona State University at Tempe. A graduate of Kenmore East High School, the bridegroom is a driver employed by Airgas Dry Ice Inc. in Phoenix.

Mowczko/Cupido
7/30/2006

Amy Mowczko and Steven Cupido, graduates of Kenmore East High School, were united in marriage at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Paul Catholic Church, Kenmore. The Rev. Jay W. McGinnis heard their exchange of nuptial vows. The bride is the daughter of Brian and Margaret Mowczko of Town of Tonawanda and the bridegroom is the son of Enrico and Lorraine Cupido, also of Town of Tonawanda. A reception was given in Hearthstone Manor for the couple, who will travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C. The bride is a graduate of Daemen College and is a front end supervisor at Home Deport, Niagara Falls. The bridegroom is a hardware associate, also at Home Depot in Niagara Falls.

Jennifer L. Terhaar, daughter of Grace A. and and Paul J. Terhaar Jr. of Town of Tonawanda, and Caleb A. Hamlin, son of the Rev. Daniel J. and Nancy M. Hamlin of Clarence, were married at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hamlin Estate, the home of the bridegroom's parents, by the bridegroom's father. A reception was given at the home of the bridegroom's parents. The newly married couple will be at home in Tonawanda after a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The bride is a graduate of Kenmore East High School and Erie Community College and is a dietetic technician at Briody Nursing Home, Lockport. The bridegroom, a graduate of Clarence Central High School, is attending Buffalo State College and is a nano-technology compounder at Abraxis Pharmaceutical Products, Grand Island.

Gina Mansour and Alan E. Govern, graduates of Niagara University, were united in mariage at 3:30 p.m. Friday in St. John Maron Catholic Church, Amherst. The Rev. Georges El-Kahalli and the Rev. Paul M. Nogaro of St. Stephen Catholic Church performed the ceremony for the daughter of Elias and Evette Mansour of Town of Tonawanda and the son of Mary and Eugene Govern Jr. of Grand Island. A reception was given in Samuel's Grande Manor. The newly married couple will be at home in Town of Tonawanda after a trip to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. Recruiting coordinator for Affinity Personnel Solutions, the bride also is a graduate of Kenmore East High School. The bridegroom, a certified public accountant, is a graduate of Grand Island High School and has a master of business administration degree from Niagara U. He is a staff accountant with Freed Maxick & Battaglia.

Suzanne Marie Thomas and Gary Samuel McClure were honored Friday at a reception that was given in Samuel's Grande Manor. The couple married June 3 in a ceremony in St. Petersburg, Fla., prior to a reception at the Dolphin Beach Resort.

The bride is the daughter of Sharon Thomas of Tonawanda and Mark Thomas of Akron. The bridegroom's parents are JoAnne Yannello of Tonawanda and Brian McClure of North Tonawanda. The couple, alumni of Kenmore East High School, are employed by the Governor's Club. The bride is a graduate of D'Youville College and Florida State University, from which she has a master's degree in marketing and advertising. The bridegroom is attending the Art Institute of Tampa Bay, Fla. They will live in Tampa.

The gazebo at Banchetti by Rizzo's was the setting for the garden wedding and reception of Amanda L. Doll and Michael D. Merlin Jr. , who were united in marriage at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. Dorothea Schweitzer performed the ceremony for the daughter of Frederick P. and Lauren L. Doll of Town of Tonawanda and the son of L. Dale Merlin of Lockport and Michael Merlin Sr. of Gasport. A graduate of Kenmore East High School, the bride is assistant manager of an Advance Auto Parts Store. A graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, the bridegroom is an owner/operator employed by Schneider National Trucking. The newly married couple will be at home in Tonawanda.

Stook/Grabowski
6/11/2006

Kenmore Alliance Church was the setting at 2:30 p.m. Friday when Brittany L. Stook and Andrew K. Grabowski exchanged marriage vows before the Rev. Jon Schuerholz. A reception was given in Michael's Banquet Facility before the couple left for Cancun, Mexico. Jillian Mesler of North Tonawanda and Mark Stook of Ocean Side, Calif., are parents of the bride and Karen and Kenneth Grabowski of Town of Tonawanda are the bridegroom's parents. The bride, a graduate of Tonawanda High School, is owner of Yorkshire's Elegant Touch Home Cleaning. The bridegroom, a Kenmore East High School and Erie Community College graduate, is a home performance adviser with GreenHomes America by Hughesco.

Meno/Amantia
6/11/2006

Jacquelyn M. Meno and Joseph C. Amantia, alumni of Erie Community College, were married at 2 p.m. Saturday in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Town of Tonawanda. Hearing their exchange of nuptial vows were the bridegroom's father, Deacon Philip J. Amantia Sr. of St. Gregory the Great Church and the bride's cousin, the Rev. Richard S. DiGiulio of St. Francis of Assisi Church. A reception was given in Salvatore's Italian Gardens. The bride is the daughter of Carmen and Judith Meno of Town of Tonawanda and the bridegroom's father and mother, Petronilla Amantia, are of Williamsville. Employees of JP Morgan Chase Bank, Phoenix, Ariz. in the home equity department, the bride is administrative coordinator and the bridegroom is a loan administrator. She is an alumna of Kenmore East High School and he is a Williamsville South High School graduate. The couple will live in Phoenix after a trip to Hawaii.

Former Town of Tonawanda resident Donald R. Peck was recently honored for his work on the Space Shuttle Return to Flight (RTF) Program at the Johnson Space Center. He was the Boeing Company representative on the data review and timeline investigation team for the Columbia Shuttle accident and the Boeing avionics design certification review team lead prior to RTF. Mr. Peck is employed by the Boeing Company and is the Avionics Digital Systems Manager for the Shuttle Program with 25 years of service. He currently lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and three children. He attended Blessed Sacrament School in the Town and is a 1976 graduate of Kenmore East High School. He obtained his engineering degree in 1980 from the SUNY Maritime College in Bronx, NY, and a MBA degree in 1991 from the University of LaVerne in LaVerne. CA. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Peck, formerly of the Town of Tonawanda. Pictured left to right are Steve Oswald, Boeing VP and Shuttle Program Manager, Mr. Peck and Astronaut Gregory C. Johnson.