171 Search Results

• Buffalo State Mens Hockey Fall Buffalo State Mens Hockey Falls To Brockport

  • From: JoeG211
  • Description:

    The hits kept coming from Buffalo State (6-14-1) but it wasn’t enough to hold off 4th place SUNY Brockport (12-9).
    
    It was a hard fought game with Buffalo State dominating the physical play from early on. They seemed to be overwhelming Brockport all over the ice and just pushing them around. Brockport just turned out to be too much.
    
    It was a smooth first period with only 2 penalties from Buffalo State and 9 shots on goal from each team. The period went back and forth and you could feel the tensions rising with each hit. Not too many scoring chances for either side, both goalies were playing on top of their heads.
    
    The second period started off just like the first. Both teams were going hard at each other trying to be the first one to open up the scoring. 5:30 into the second period Brockport did just that. Off a face-off in Buffalos zone Brockport made a few quick moves with the puck and quickly deposited it in the back of Buffalo's net. “That first goal was a blown assignment that found its way in,” coach Nick Carriere said about his team letting that one slip in.
    
    Less then 6 minutes later Buffalo would strike back to tie the game. On a 2-on-1 breakaway, Joel Sheppard floated a beautiful pass to Nick Petriello for the one timer. Buffalo State kept bring the physical play also. Brockport had 17 shots on goal that period compared to Buffalos 3. You could never tell that Brockport controlled that period the way Buff State manhandled them on the ice.
    
    Buffalo States penalty kill was on point shutting down there power plays that period. Once the 3rd period started though they would have their work cut out for them.
    
    Brockport took the lead 2-1 on a rebound off the goaltender’s pads, shoveling the puck in the net. The assault wouldn’t end there though as Buffalo was soon on another penalty kill. First it was 4-4 then 4-3 for Brockport then back up to 5-4. Buffalo States defense and their goalie did an amazing job keeping them in the game during the penalty kill.
    
    “I thought our penalty kill was great out there tonight just a couple bounces didn’t go our way” Coach Carriere commented. At the end of the 5-4 power play Brockport crashed the net and on what should have been a whistle for goalie interference pushed the puck in to increase the lead 3-1. It was a very questionable goal and one that ended up being the deciding factor for the game.
    
    Even though they were down Buffalo didn’t give up in the least bit. They continued to bring the pain and bear down on Brockport hoping they would crack. They did just that with 1:02 left in the game. Buffalo used some quick passes and stormed the net to pull within one goal. It would be a little to late for it though.
    
    They would get one more chance with Brockport sending somebody to the penalty box Buffalo was going on the power play and pulling their goalie. They had a 6-4 man advantage but couldn’t make anything out of it, the game had been decided. Coach Carriere was impressed with his teams play. “We got hot late - it was good to see. Too bad it happened late but that’s what you like to see the team fight and not give up.”

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  • 3 days ago
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• And the Winner is... And the Winner is...

  • From: Bahia89
  • Description:

    

     

    Passion, talent and school spirit were set to collide in the crowded campus center cafeteria on Thursday night. It was the Annual "Ms. Winterfest" pageant at Hilbert College, and the five contestants were set to compete in the five categories of formal wear, school spirit, talent, professional wear, and question/answer.

     

    The "Ms. Winterfest" pageant is second to the "Mr. Hilbert Pageant" that was showcased in the fall semester.According to past attendees of the Hilbert pageants this pageant was much more entertaining than those of the previous years. As a past attendee myself, I can say the same.

     

    The night was just beginning when contestant Maggie Fage promised the crowd that she could make a soda can smaller and she smashed it against her head. The crowd was wowed and I could vaguely remember her promise days earlier for an entertaining talent. "Not many girls can do my talent" she stated and she danced her way off the runway.

     

    The crowd was moved by the outstanding performances as the evening progressed. Contestant Jaquanna Hamilton, JQ, served the crowd a personal poem and chanted "no one on the court has swagga like the Hawks" to show her school spirit. Shannon Connor played "Kissed by a rose" by seal on the piano and Jill Cohen danced with Maggie. Alyssa Hulbert, another contestant, impersonated a TV personality from "Jersey Shore" as she performed with two of her friends. There wasn’t a dull moment in the evening.

     

    The event was coordinated by Jean Macdonald, the director of student activities. However she stated that many ideas were drawn from past performances since Macdonald is a recent addition to the Hilbert community. With that said, Macdonald began making the pageants more personalized with the addition of a new "Hilbert pride" category. While speaking to Ms. Macdonald she stated that a "free seat at the winter ball and $200" was on the line for Ms. Winterfest.

    

     

    After the question/answer portion of the pageant the contestants were able to show off their dance moves while the scores were tallied. The tables then began to rumble as host Nate and Bryan requested a drum roll. "In second place we have Shannon" Bryan said and he handed over a red ribbon. "And first place goes to JQ” the host said and the crowd cheered for their new Ms. Winterfest.

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  • 4 days ago
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• A Resume for Success A Resume for Success

  • From: Bahia89
  • Description:

     

    

     

    “Writing a resume that gets you noticed!” was the title of a much needed event at Hilbert College. With the upcoming graduation in May, many students would need to make the final touches on their resumes. Dan Compo, the event coordinator is also a graduate assistant in the career development center stated that “it has always been a popular workshop in the past and people always need assistance when writing a resume”.

     

    The workshops was based on the information that should be included in a resume to catch an employer’s attention. Compo suggestion is that all resumes should be consistent with formats as well as information. Compo, who is also in charge of the Junior Leadership course suggests taking “leadership positions as well as extracurricular activities”. “You want to include things that make you stand out above the rest” states Compo.

     

    “It’s a good opportunity” stated Jessica , a sophomore attending the event. “I don’t have a resume and in high school they really don’t push you to make one”. Jessica was only one of a few participants that attended the workshop but Compo stated that another workshop will take place on Thursday. As one of the attendees, I have also picked up a couple of tips on how to be more consistent and what information will aid my job search.

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  • 5 days ago
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• Athletes welcome here Athletes welcome here

  • From: Bahia89
  • Description:

    

     

    “It really is great to be a student-athlete in college and hopefully you will choose Hilbert”, Richard Walsh, the director of athletics stated to the prospective college students on Saturday morning.  The first “Athletics open house” of the year had commenced and students gathered with their parents to watch the three part presentation followed by a tour of the college.

    
    Over fifty families were in attendance and the day started off with a brief meeting with the coaches and some of the staff. After which, the group was led into Bogel Hall where the presentation were given. The director of admissions, Timothy Lee gave a brief overview of the history of the college as well as some statistics about the college.  “You are not a number here, you are an individual” Lee stated as he emphasized the small class sizes and individual attention students receive from their professors.

    
    “We focus on academics” was the central theme of the open house and Mr. Walsh confirmed this with his presentation. “Division III is all about the student athlete” Walsh stated reinforcing the fact that academics come first and for the most part student-athletes play for the fun of the game. At this point a certain tension was in the air because of the strong message that academics were a big part of Hilbert College. As a student here, I can say that this is definitely true.

     

    To give a professor's perspective of the college, Mary Ann Hobar, the head of the Forensic Science department, was the last presenter. Ms. Hobar’s presentation was arguably the most interesting because she not only refused to speak with a microphone, she spoke on the level with the future college students. “You know that stuff you see on CSI? We do it for real” Hobar stated as she went on to speak about the differences between TV and real world Crime Scene Investigation. Attending this open house definitely brought back some memories of when I began my college search and why I chose Hilbert. I can say the same about the mother that quietly whispered to her son “you should definitely come here”.

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• Mozart Magic Mozart Magic

  • From: blaisones
  • Description:

     

     

    

    “Nobody has so made me weep and tremble with rapture at the knowledge of nearness to what we call the ideal,” mused Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, commenting on his love for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

    

    Buffalo’s classical music fans---and elderly---braved the frigid elements this last weekend of January, 2010 to celebrate one day in 1756 when unparalleled talent and beauty placed itself inside a newborn’s mind and soul. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra presented M&T Bank Classic Series Happy Birthday Mozart to excited fans.

    

     

    The performance began with Overture to The Abduction from the Seraglio, an opera set in a Turkish harem. The tone jumped from soft to strong multiple times with help from a fortified percussion section. The Turkish sounds were interesting to the ear, and this was an excellent first piece to demand the listeners’ attention.

     

     

    “The overture was my favorite part. The music was exciting and very engaging,” said long time BPO patron Sally Egan who attended Mozart’s birthday party with her mother for the last three years.

     

    After applause, the myriad of percussionist thinned while audience members cleared their throats and shifted in their seats, and the musicians shuffled scores on black music stands. The first chair violinist stood to synchronize the orchestra, and Conductor Matthew Kraemer led Soloist Pierre Roy to center stage for Mozart’s Concerto in C major for Oboe.

    

                                                                                   (Pierre Roy)

     

    Roy dabbed his forehead with a white handkerchief and breathed deep, waiting for his queue as the orchestra built the melody behind him. A single, drawn out note suddenly drifted gently over the vibrating strings, asserting its presence, slowly gaining strength, then falling into a florid combination of joy. The oboist’s face turned deep red after pushing through long, elegant phrases. His struggling expression contrasted the lovely music it produced, and, if the environment were different, his efforts may have inspired shouts of “Blow, man! Blow!”

     

     

     

    Even with a few jewels hidden inside the Concerto, its three movements dragged on past many attention spans. “I was afraid to close my eyes,” remarked Kimberly Blais. “It was nice, but that second part was just too long,” she continued.

     

     

     

    

    Following Roy, another distinguished soloist Caroline Goulding joined the BPO for Concert No. 5 in A major for Violin. Only 17, Goulding is an accomplished musician and recording artist. Her red gown swept the floor as she vehemently swayed and rocked during her performance. Youthful passion conveyed the impression of belief in every note. She lived the music. Her energetic style paired well with Conductor Kraemer who is known for his “energized sense of interpretation.”

     

     

    “Incredible, she is like a little Mozart!” exclaimed Gary Palowski, clearly wowed.

     

     

     

    The concert finished with Symphony No. 35 in D major, real Mozart magic---real fire. During the first movement, allegro con spirito, thrill, excitement, and fun resonated from the musicians on stage.

     

     

    Kleinhans Music Hall hosted an annually celebration not just of a composer’s legacy, but of the spirit and ecstasy still living and carried on by generations and generations to come

     

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• Williamsville South Stomps Swe Williamsville South Stomps Sweet Home 68-52

  • From: Tsuj10
  • Description:

     

    Home court advantage prevailed Friday night in a contest between two WNY ranked large schools, as Williamsville South’s balanced offense proved too strong for overmatched Sweet Home in a 68-52 victory. 

    

    Phil Stasiak paced the Billies in scoring with 20 points, while senior point guard Mark Coppola added 17 and seven dimes.  In his first start of the season, lanky junior center Erik Hansen grabbed 15 rebounds, creating several extra possessions.

     

    Williamsville South led the entire way – the Billies started the game on a 9-1 run - keyed by two Coppola lay-ups and an open three from Hansen.  The Panthers, however, trimmed the deficit to 26-25 and kept the score within five at halftime.  A nine point third quarter in which Sweet Home shot under 30% from the floor proved costly, and the victors never conceded their double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.  Junior forward Joe Licata, also the Billies’ standout football QB, canned three of his four treys in the second half, receiving many open looks after drive-and-dishes from Coppola and kick-outs from do-it-all forward Kevin O’Connell.

     

    Stasiak’s game has markedly improved since last year’s sectional trip - he seems far less tentative and more confident driving towards the basket.  The Billies’ engine, Coppola, a varsity player since 8^th grade, deserves credit for his teammate’s development as well.  The diminutive point guard splits double-teams with ease, displays excellent court vision, and makes acrobatic, left-handed lay-ups look second-nature.  If Coppola can remain poised and limit his turnovers, Williamsville South will again be a tough Class A-1 foe in the sectional tournament at Buffalo State College. 

     

    Sweet Home’s shifty point guard Keron Briggs led all scorers with 20, while D.J. Nettles added 10 points despite picking up his fourth foul late in the third quarter.  Briggs kept the Panthers in contention through twenty minutes of action, thieving several passes and notching fast-break lay-ins.  Nettles, the All-WNY football cornerback, expended most of his energy on the defensive end trying to slow Stasiak and Licata in addition to battling Hansen on the glass.  Due to foul trouble, the senior forward appeared reluctant to attack the basket, and instead settled for 10-to-15-foot jumpers; the mid-range game is not his forte.

    

    South, the 8^th ranked large school entering the match, improves to 10-3 on the season, while Sweet Home (AA) drops to 10-3.  The two teams will square-off again this Friday at Sweet Home in a ‘Coaches vs. Cancer’ show-case game at 7:30pm.

    Several Videos from the game

     

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• Buffalo State Womens Hockey Fa Buffalo State Womens Hockey Falls To Plattsburgh State In A 10-0

  • From: JoeG211
  • Description:

    Plattsburgh State (14-1-1), the No.2 ranked team in the nation was just to much for Buffalo State (8-9-1) to handle on the ice, going down by a score of 10-0.
    
    The first period though would have no indication of the outcome of the game. Buffalo State hung right in their with Plattsburgh State even out shooting them 11-10. They played hard and weren’t’ going to just give the game to the No.2 ranked team. Buffalo State showed they had a lot of heart and wouldn’t be pushed around by the bigger dominate team.
    
    Even with their hard play in the first period Plattsburgh still came away with two lucky goals. “Those first goals were pucks that bounced in and somehow managed to find their way into the net,” Coach Rob Burke said. It was those two breaks though that would began the scoring show for Plattsburgh.
    
    At the end of the first it looked like Buffalo would be able to run with Plattsburgh. However that was proved wring at the start of the second period. Buffalo immediately gave up a penalty to Plattsburgh giving the strong team a chance to sieze control.
    
    22 seconds into the power play and Plattsburgh lit up the light to increase the score 3-0. Buffalo State trying to kill off penalties would be the theme for the second half. 3 minutes later Plattsburgh would get a golden opportunity by getting a 5-3 advantage over Buffalo. Thanks to spectacular play by Buffalos starting goalie Alyssa Koniar (7-7-1) Plattsburgh wouldn’t be able to captailze on it. “Alyssa has played every minute in all of our games and we couldn’t ask more from her” Coach Burke said. She truly did play on top of her head that whole period.
    
    When the pucks in your zone the whole time there isn’t much that can be done. It’ll wear down the goalie when the defense can’t clear the puck. Ill advised penalties in the second half tore down Buffalo and kept the attack on their side of the ice. “ The wheels literally fell off” was the term used by Coach Burke to explain what happened. 5 penalties helped lead to 6 goals for Plattsburgh to easily put them ahead 8-0 by the end of the second.
    
    The third period was much the same as the other Plattsburgh dominated the ice and kept the puck in Buffalo’s end. Still this team never gave up and continued to fight no matter how high the score got. Even though they were outmatched and outmuscle they gave their all and refused to just lay down.
    
    “Everyone looks forward to playing at a high tempo and quality. We expect to execute our game at a high level and that didn’t happen tonight. This is a good team though that has come a long way from were they have been” Coach Burke commented. He would be referring to Buffalo State only winning two games last year but turning it up this year “This season we have the second highest wins since this program began and I think we will only rise from here”.
    
    Buffalo State has a chance to show what their made of when they have to face Plattsburgh again on a back-to-back home ice stand.

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Denim and Diamonds: A Sparklin Denim and Diamonds: A Sparkling Night for Roswell

  • From: schumeea1
  • Description:

    Roswell Park Cancer Institute took guests on a magical journey to Paris Friday evening without ever leaving Buffalo. Their third “Denim and Diamonds” fundraiser event lit up the night at Asbury Hall and included Parisian drinks, food, fashion and an Eiffel tower on every table. 

     

    “We wanted to create a fundraiser where people could wear their favorite jeans or something a bit more causal than your usual black tie, have some fun, and enjoy a romantic evening in the weeks before Valentine’s Day,” said Susan Basil, co-chair of the event. “Having it in the winter when it’s cold and nasty outside gives Buffalonians a way to escape the cold and have a night out.”

     

    Basil explained that the event was previously held in the summer, but with the wealth of Roswell fundraisers during the summer months, including the Ride for Roswell and Carly’s Club events, they decided to take advantage of the slower winter season to draw patrons out for the cause. The Parisian “city of lights” aura fit perfectly with the majestic Asbury Hall, so Basil and her committee decided to marry the two to create a night of great escape. 

     

    “The venue is such a local gem, we wanted people to come see how gorgeous it is,” she said, glancing around at the cozy cellar bar area, an intimate complement to the soaring ceilings and magnificent arches above. 

    

    By hosting a more casual affair, Roswell hoped to bring out a younger crowd to help the cause. “Most people have a connection to Roswell in one way or another. Our goal is always to bring those people out of the woodwork. When most people think of philanthropy, they picture old people in their sixties and seventies,” Basil explained. “But anyone can help out, either by coming to a fun event like this one, or donating time at one of our other events. We always need help stuffing envelopes, staffing events, sending out fliers. Whether people can donate an hour, or two hours, or a day, we can always use people who want to help a good cause.” 

    

     

    Many supporters came out to Denim and Diamonds, decked out in their favorite jeans and sparkling jewels. The hall glowed with a lit-up model of the Eiffel tower as guests milled around the silent auction table, danced to music by the vivacious Nik Lite and participated in a live auction featuring a “Night at the Sabres” package and a framed autographed photo of the Sabres French Connection. Winners could score a ride on a zamboni, an invitation to the Lindy Ruff post-game press conference, and suite tickets to a game, as well as a player meet-and-greet. 

     

    No Roswell event would be complete without an inspiring testimony, and this evening’s speaker was Kathleen Hogan, leukemia survivor. She spoke of her battle with pink boxing gloves in hand and a quaver in her voice, referring to her treatment as “Going to the Roz for my cocktail hour.”  She asked guests to raise a glass to “my happy New Year,” celebrating one year cancer-free, and thanked her doctors and donors for their help and support. 

     

    “At Roswell, I found hope,” she said. “I have so much hope that all the patients battling right beside me would be given a second change at life, like I have. I’d just like to tell everyone: whatever challenges life gives you, fight. Fight for your life, fight for whatever you believe in.” 

     

    Friday night, Roswell Park Cancer Institute supporters danced for what they believed in, enjoying Exquisite Catering fare, Merritt and Oak Hill wines, and the company of friends and family to benefit patient care and research at Roswell. Every dollar donated to Roswell becomes $4 of grant support in the fight against cancer. In a battle that touches so many lives, that’s a dollar very well spent. 

    
    

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Golden Eagles Zoom Past Bengal Golden Eagles Zoom Past Bengals

  • From: JoeG211
  • Description:

    The Buffalo State Bengals (6-9) won the tip off against Brockport Golden Eagles (12-4) but it would be one of their few highlights of the night on Tuesday.
    
    After their first basket, Brockport never looked back. Granted Buffalo State kept the game close during the first ten minutes, but  too many turnovers would stop them from overcoming Brockport.
    
    Both teams looked sloppy early on. but the Golden Eagles were able to recover. They calmed down and started to distribute the ball more
    around the court. Despite being bigger and stronger Buffalo State just couldn't keep up. They were never given the chance to assert that power
    over the Golden Eagles which allowed Brockport to control the tempo for the first half.
    
    Buffalo went into halftime down 40-33 and things not looking like they could get better. Brockport out shot Buffalo in every category in the first half.
    The Golden Eagles went 6-13 behind the 3-pt line while Buffalo went a meger 1-5. Brockport made 13 of their 30 FG shots while Buffalo made an abysmal 9-24 which only helped to sink Buff State further.
    
    As the second half began, Buffalo State looked like they had a fire lit under them, going on a 10-4 run to breing them within 1 point of the Eagles. They started to use their size and move the ball around the court more. It didn't
    last as Brockport quickly righted themselves and began to take over.
    
    The second half was a bit more back and forth compared to the first, Buffalo State even outscored Brockport 35-34 in the half.  It would be in vain though as the Bengals waited to long to make a stand, too little too late.
    
    Justin Mitchell, who lead the Bengals with 10 points, was their one bright spot. He played well off the bench and showed how the spirit the teams has once they find it. Even with his dazzling effort bench point were another area where Brockport dominated scoring 35 off their bench compared to Buffalos 12.
    
    If Buffalo State dosen't clean up their play on the court it won't matter how many little surges they have during the game. They'll countinue being outplayed unless they have a balanced attack during the entire game, instead of waiting for the last fews minutes to really attack.

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Play for Haiti Play for Haiti

  • From: Bahia89
  • Description:

    

     

    

     

    “Let’s go Hawks” the crowd chants as the team struggles to get the ball over the net. They score and the crowd claps wildly. As in any sport, two teams challenge each other in an effort to become the champion. However, on Monday the Hilbert Hawks Men’s volleyball team had something different in mind. The object of this match was not solely to win but to raise the spirits of those in Haiti.

    This game was one of the two games played that day and the object was to support the Haiti Relief Effort. Unlike in a typical fundraiser, the Hilbert College Hawks intent was to “Play for Haiti” in an effort to provide hope for those suffering from the recent earthquakes. The team’s high spirits was inspiring and one could not help but clap when the team rallied their efforts. The audience became a part of the team as they shouted words of guidance to the players though out the game. It was easy to see that the hearts and minds of the people were with those in Haiti.

     

    After the first game I spoke to the head of sports information, Kara Rehbaum and asked her a few questions. Ms. Rehbaum informed me that the idea for the Haiti Relief Effort came from the AMCC (Allegany Mountain Collegiate Conference). “The AMCC is composed of eleven colleges and each college is looking for ways to assist in the cause” stated Rehbaum. The Goal of the Haiti Relief Effort through the AMCC is to raise money to support the people of Haiti.

     Even though the volleyball games were solely for the purpose of raising Haiti’s spirits, there will be two basketball games on Wednesday in which there monetary funds will be collected from donations as well as through concessions. Ms. Rehbaum stated that the Hawks are looking for unique a creative ways to collect money for Haiti instead of “leaving a bucket at the door”.

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• Buffalo.com Gets To Know Local Buffalo.com Gets To Know Local Talent

  • From: dmodica
  • Description:

    Buffalo.com presented a live show at The Mohawk Place benefiting the Western New York Food Bank and spotlighting the talented local band Son of the Sun on Saturday night. Here Come the Comets and The Thermidors also performed for the energized crowd who came out to support the gifted local musicians.

    Taking a break from their performances, members of The Thermidors and Son of the Sun shared a few laughs and information about their bands with Buffalo.com’s Gabrielle Farah in a video interview.

    Proclaiming themselves “Rock and Rollers,” the Thermidors credit their interesting band name to a revolt that occurred during the French Revolution. Members of the crowd visibly enjoyed their set and enthusiastically danced along to their music. The Thermidors’ next scheduled show is in New York City and they welcome any new fans to come join them in the big city for their performance.

     

    At first the members of Son of the Sun jokingly shared that their band name came from a Duck Tales Comic Book. Quickly correcting themselves, they divulged that is actually from a piece of William Blake’s poetry. The band describes the style of music they play as “50’s and 60’s inspired” and their harmonious and reflective sound is something all music lovers should experience at a live show.

     

    Luckily, the band has two upcoming showsin the Western New York area. They will be playing a special acoustic set at The Town Ballroom on February 26^th and plan on “bringing the hippie love” to Chippewa on February 27^th when they play at Croc Bar.

     

    Check out Gabrielle's video from the show at http://www.mybuffalo.com/_Buffalocom-Presents-Gabrielle-Mohawk-Place/video/898447/85283.html 
    

    Visit http://www.myspace.com/sonofthesunmusic for information about Son of the Sun and check out http://www.myspace.com/thermidors to listen to The Thermidors' full album.

     

    Photos from this event were taken by Buffalo.com’s Jeff Noto. View them all at http://www.mybuffalo.com/_Son-of-the-Sun-Here-Come-the-Comets-and-The-Thermidors-at-Mohawk-Place-January-23-2010/set/50990/85283.html

     

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• Disney On Ice Brings A Little Disney On Ice Brings A Little Magic To Buffalo

  • From: dmodica
  • Description:

    On Friday, Disney fans of all ages showed up in their favorite princess fashions to the HSBC Arena for The Disney on Ice Princess Classic show. Enthusiastic attendees enjoyed an ice dance show filled with classic Disney music, impressive sets and gorgeous costumes that brought back pleasant childhood memories. 

    The first half of the show consisted of a montage of favorite moments from Disney movies including Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and Mulan. The princesses and their princes giftedly skated to beloved Disney songs such as “Under The Sea,” “Once Upon A Dream,” and “A Whole New World” while audience members happily sang along.

     

    Graceful skaters displayed their immense talent throughout the entire show as they twirled and danced into intricate tricks. The lifts and axels were skillfully executed and truly enhanced the show. The skating pair who performed as Ariel and Prince Eric remarkably achieved lifts that had the entire audience in awe.

     

    The sparkling costumes of the skaters and many of the young audience members added a bit of magic to the show. The elaborate castles, carriages and intricate ice dancing sequences also made the first act memorable for all in attendance.

    

    Part two of the show was dedicated entirely to Cinderella’s story and ended with a finale including all the Disney characters that performed throughout the show. Mickey and Minnie joined the Princesses and Princes on the ice for a final dance that especially left the younger attendees wanting more as they waved goodbye to their favorite characters.

     

     

     

     

     

    The family-friendly Disney on Ice Princess Classic show brought together Disney lovers of all ages for a performance that will not be forgotten. Reliving favorite moments from Disney classics appeals to the child in everyone and the smiling faces of all who left the arena prove how cherished Disney movies have become to us all.

     

     

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Community Leader Awards Presen Community Leader Awards Presented

  • From: mhetherly
  • Description:

    By Marian Hetherly
    Buffalo.com Contributor
    
    The National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York presented its 2010 Community Leader Awards Thursday at the Buffalo Convention Center. NFJC President Lana Benatovich said the awardees have distinguished themselves as leaders in their everyday lives. “They’re role models in their schools, at work, in their neighborhoods, in the not-for profit world, or the business and corporate world,” Benatovich said, “of caring about community, of giving to others, of contributing their time, talent, and love.”
    
    The NFJC been working to promote community and combat bias and discrimination in Western New York since its founding in 1951. Benatovich said she is particularly concerned about the recent hate crimes in the news, but praised local law enforcement efforts to identify such crimes. "Western New York, as communities across the country, still has a long ways to go in many areas," Benatovich said. “We want everybody to understand and celebrate a different culture, a different religion, people of different ages, sexes, and sexual orientations.” 
    
    NFJC awards and recipients are as follows:
           • Agency: PUSH Buffalo, a grassroots non-profit organization working to rebuild the West Side of Buffalo and featured on Sunday's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
           • Arts: Audre Bunis, a longtime cultural advocate for Western New York and board member of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center
           • Business: Robert Zak, President and CEO of Merchants Insurance Group and a board member of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise
           • Community Service/Volunteerism: Jennifer Berryman of Ingram Micro, Michael Martin of Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Joyce and Roy Mathis of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Pilgrim St. Luke respectively, Senator William Stachowski
           • Corporate: Greatbatch, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of components for implantable medical devices such as pacemakers
           • Education: Donald and Jane Ogilvie of Erie 1 BOCES
           • Family: Dominic and Diane Cortese of Cortese Brothers Construction Company and Crisis Services respectively
           • Healthcare: Ann Monroe of the Community Health Foundation, Drs. Andrew and Helen Cappuccino of the Buffalo Bills Medical Staff and Roswell Park respectively
           • Interfaith: Reverend Richard Stewart, retired Pastor of Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and founder of the Central City Cafe 
           • Law Enforcement: Vanita Evans, a Community Outreach Specialist with the Buffalo FBI office
           • Legal: Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled, or Disadvantaged, a not-for-profit agency that provides free civil legal services for people 60 or older
           • Media: John Di Sciullo, Director of Strategic Content, News Operations, and Community Affairs for WKBW-TV
           • Memorial Tribute: Cantor Susan Wehle of Temple Beth Am, a victim of the Flight 3407 crash
           • Philanthrophy: Richard and Karen Penfold, founders of the C.I.D. group of companies
           • Public Relations: Daryl Rasuli, President of Rasuli and Associates and retired Communications Director for the NFTA
           • Social Service: Marlene Schillinger, Executive Director of Jewish Family Services of Buffalo and Erie County
           • Special Award: James Kaskie and Jody Lomeo of Great Lakes Health System of Western New York 
           • Youth Awards: Aden Cook of Grand Island High School, Angelica Fournier of WNY Maritime Charter School, Lauren Hoffman of Nardin Academy, Je’Nae Kelley of Charter School for Applied Technology, Danielle Kubena of Clarence High School, James Maiarana of St. Joseph’s Collegiate, Nick Mayes of Niagara Falls High School, Caralyn Mirand of the Park School, Andrew Osei of Canisius High School, MiRonda Piphus of McKinley High School, Jaz’mine Robinson of Hutchinson Technical High School
            • Elizabeth A. Hickey Award: Dalya Kefi of Williamsville South High School 
            • Dr. Manch Scholarship Award: Rebecca Robles of Hutchinson Technical High School
            • Poster Contest: 1st Place - Dillon Blowers of Willow Ridge Elementary School, 2nd Prize - Austin Marshall of Nardin Academy, 3rd Prize – Desawn Davis-Griffin of Willow Ridge Elementary School, 4th Prize – Julianne Suzanne Beiter of Ben Franklin Middle School, Honorable Mention – Ian Dibble of Parkdale Elementary School
    
    More information about the NFJC can be found on its Web site at www.nfjcwny.org.

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• Disney's Royal Treat Disney's Royal Treat

  • From: darleenstr1
  • Description:

    We have been fortunate in Buffalo to have the Disney Company bring one of their fabulous ice shows to our arena repeatedly for several years now.  True, Disney itself has not added many more songs or stories to their portfolio recently.  However, the classics will always be a part of our history. You may assume that if you’ve seen it performed once it’s the same or similar the following year.  Well, if you do then you’re quite mistaken.  Each year Disney brings a new fresh look to the show.

     

    Picture this: as the lights go down in the arena Tinker Bell skates out to lead in our royal princes.  This is our first glimpse at the line up for the evening.  She visits each prince in the order that the stories will be told.  What a fantastic lineup of our favorite stars: Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and our headliner Cinderella.

     

    After Tinker Bell’s spectacular opening act the action continued with each princess’ story told through music and skating.  The opening act of Aladdin begins with Princess Jasmine gliding across the ice with her theme music playing.  She longs for the boy (Aladdin) she met at the market.  The spotlight turns to Aladdin who finds the lamp.  We meet the genie with a bang when he pops out of a magic lamp and befriends his new master.  Aladdin wishes to be a prince to be able to meet Jasmine.   He then disappears off stage and is soon reintroduced with a new costume and a fanfare of music riding on an elephant as Prince Ali.  To convey the magic carpet ride Aladdin is raised up on a carpet at the base of the Castle.  Once Jasmine is convinced to go for a ride with him they float through the air on the carpet to mid rink.  There the carpet gradually descends to the ice and a round of skating as a couple finishes the act.

     

    

     

     

    

    

     

     

     

    The first half of the show included five princess’ tales, each told with equivalent embellishment and flare.  The second half of the production was the famed princess Cinderella.  Glamour, fanfare, awe, and finesse filled the show.  As I sat there watching this 90 minute performance I was impressed at how theatrically fine tuned it was.  The show just flowed endlessly from one scene to another without pause.  Bright colorful costumes, flying carpets in the air, fairy Godmothers floating above us, a genie popping out of a lamp, and a different castle background for each set of stars.  Those great effects combined with lighting and smoke effects only added to the drama of the performance.

     

    People of all ages enjoy this show.  As children’s favorite characters come out you can hear screams of joy coming from around the arena.  For only a few more dollars than a movie you can have a fun filled evening that will help create a lifetime of memories.  A reminder though, it is an ice rink and will be cold inside. 

     

    If you’re worried about buying souvenirs they sell lights in the parking lots for ½ the cost ($10) of inside.  Then after the performance they’re only $5.  If you really want to be frugal there’s free coloring pages of all the princesses available at http://disney.go.com/magicartist/coloring/princess/index.html

    And a free download of a coloring page or computer wallpaper of the show at http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/ when you go to this second site you need to click see more by the video. 

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• Opera 2010 Style Opera 2010 Style

  • From: blaisones
  • Description:

     

     Have you ever heard the expression “Everything is a remake of the classics”? On Tuesday night, January 19th, at University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts, this was never so blatant. Mitch Sebastian’s modern re-imagination The Opera Show presented some of opera’s most well know arias within fresh, Broadway like settings.

    
                                              (Photo by MyBuffalo.com contributor Ray Milkowski)

     

      “It’s visually captivating,” said Laura Abate after the first act set in a candy-colored dreamscape.

     

    
      An extravagant queen in a massive, green baroque style wig entered upon a platform where she sang Handel’s beautiful lament “Lascia ch’io Pianga,” from Rinaldo, in a heart-wrenching soprano. Another diva, costumed like a white-faced porcelain doll in a luxurious gown, joined the queen for “The Flower Duet,” by Delibes, as dancers resembling the Joker’s henchmen moved with their character’s subjective interpretation of the music.

                         

     

                                                                                                 (Photo by MyBuffalo.com member Ray Milkowski)

     

      Baritone James Cleverton lightened the mood with his rendition of “Largo Al Factotum,” by Rossini, from The Barber of Seville. The audience laughed as Cleverton acted as Figaro and threw pages off his music stand into the air.

     

     

     

        The dancers played their largest role in the second act. Stage front, below the vocalists and chamber orchestra atop the platforms, a realistic mid-20th century home set the scene. The dancers ate dinner, read the paper, and danced to arias from Carmen among other operas as they acted in their own mini drama.

    
        “I found the dancers to be kind of distracting,” said show-goer and opera enthusiast Jack Peradotto. “At times, I was unable to decide what to focus on, them or the singing,” he continued.

    
        Opera lovers in the traditional sense were baffled most during the third act which went furthest in recreating the classic pieces. Sweeping, colored spotlights and plenty of dry-ice turned The Center for the Arts into a rock concert. Classical fans would never have thought to see Mozart’s Queen of the Night dressed in black leather accompanied by a blaring electric guitar while singing “Der Holle Rache,” or “Hell’s Vengeance,” and would never have thought it would sound so, well, good.

    
       Towards the end of the act, a paper moon rose in the background and small lights spotted the stage to convey the effect of drifting through space as Tenor Christopher Steele bellowed Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot. A subtle, synthesized effect filtered the music for this piece, and the overall harmony of elements successfully captured the spacey tone without subtracting from the virtuosity of the vocals. 

    
       To close the evening, the chamber orchestra, all five singers, and five dancers took center stage to perform “Pearl Fishers Duet,” by Bizet, and the crowd stood to clap at their completion.

    
       “It was fantastic. The modern interpretation appeals to me, and I am not normally an opera person,” exclaimed Larry Abate, happy he attended. “I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed myself,” he declared convincingly.

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• United We Stand: Speaking Out United We Stand: Speaking Out Against Hate Crimes in Buffalo

  • From: schumeea1
  • Description:

     Solidarity was the order of the day at the “United We Stand” rally for equal rights at Asbury Hall Wednesday evening. The event was dedicated to reducing bias-related violence and hate crimes in Buffalo, while giving a voice to the LGBT community of Buffalo.

     “We’re here to show support for each other and to tell the community something’s got to change,” said organizer Marilyn Rodgers. “We want equality and we want justice, and we’re not going to sit back and take it anymore.”

     United We Stand Buffalo is an organization which calls itself a “community-based organization to celebrate diversity and unite all people,” and was founded by Yvonne White and Kathy Kumro in response to recent hate crime activity in the area, including the brutal stabbing of Lindsay Harmon, whose father spoke at the event.

     “I’m just a father who loves his daughter,” he said tearfully, addressing the assembled crowd. “And I just want to say, whether your daughter, sister, father, mother is gay, love them, embrace them before it’s too late. Everyone should be respected without being taunted and demeaned for their way of life.”

     The event drew several high-profile speakers, including Mayor Byron Brown and representatives from Sam Hoyt, Antoine Thompson, and Maria Whyte, among others.

    “I’m here to stand with you against violence and discrimination in our community,” said Brown. “I can commit that there will be a camera located at the corner of Main and Allen streets in the gay entertainment district of Allentown, and we are working with the Public Works commissioner to intensify lighting in those areas. We want everyone to know that regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality or gender identity, Buffalo is a safe place to live, work, and have our family.”

     United We Stand convened the event with the intention of getting the camera installed, improving the lighting in that area, and establishing an LGBT liaison between the LGBT community and the Buffalo Police Department. While Brown promised the camera would be in place within two weeks, the police department was not able to confirm a liaison would be created.

     Buffalo Police Chief Donna Berry, herself a member of the LGBT community, spoke to the importance of community involvement, but did not make any promises from the police department except that the Harmon case was being actively investigated, not only by the police, but a contingent of the FBI.

     Finally, long-time LGBT advocate Madeline Davis, who has been a part of the Buffalo LGBT community for over 50 years, spoke to her experiences. “In my years here, I have seen LGBT people being stabbed, shot, burned. I have seen bar raids, murders and brutal beatings, and for what? We are who we are and we’re proud of it,” she said, raising her voice.

     “These streets belong to us and we’re not going to give them up. We will continue to stand proudly, walk bravely, and act up. This is our city, and we’re not going to go away.”

    United We Stand succeeded in establishing a camera at Main and Allen and garnered a promise from the City to improve lighting in that area, but there is still a long way to go for the LGBT community. As one attendant said, “We can talk all we want, but until someone listens, we’re talking to ourselves.” This event may have incensed attendees to speak up and act out a la Madeline Davis, but it was by no means the solution to a problem. For many members of the LGBT community and other marginalized peoples in Buffalo, events like this are only the beginning.

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• The dudes abide - Lebowski Fes The dudes abide - Lebowski Fest 2010

  • From: MikeKamo
  • Description:

    The Cohen brothers film The Big Lebowski has a cult following similar to movies like Dazed & Confused or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Die-hard fans can quote you every line from the film in their sleep and they tend to drink white Russians exclusively (with the exception of the occasional cold one every now and then). So what’s a Lebowski fan, also known as a Lebowski Achiever, to do in between random showings of the movie on Comedy Central and HBO?
    
    The Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda has just the remedy: Lebowski Fest.
    
    “[The Fest] was an idea that my son and a couple of his friends had,” explains Riviera Theatre executive director Frank Cannata. “I had never seen it before and when I did I never thought it would be this big cult following. We did it last year and the [Buffalo News] Gusto put it on their front cover- we ended up with hundreds and hundreds of people, way beyond what we could possibly imagine.”
    
    The Riviera received a similar turn out this year, with a nearly packed house showing up to watch the Dude (or his Dudeness, which ever you prefer), Walter and Donny drink some cold ones and contemplate life with participating in their favorite past-time: bowling.
    
    “We’re expecting about 800 people this year,” said Cannata, whose Fest is similar to others all around the country. “We’re a bit more prepared this time- last year we went through about 35 gallons of milk for white Russians.” 35 gallons seems a bit much, but the general consensus of the evening was that the film was best viewed with the beverage. “Is there any other way to watch it?” remarked Lebowski enthusiast Sean Lampkin.
    
    The film follows Jeffery Lebowski a.k.a. The Dude (Jeff Bridges), an unemployed booze hound who loves to bowl. When some hit men mistake him as another, wealthier Jeffery Lebowski, the Dude finds himself in the middle of a plot full of ransom, dream sequences full of song and dance, white Russians and missing rugs that really tied the room together
    
    The Riviera’s doors opened up at 6:30 p.m. and fans flooded in from far and wide. “We came all the way from Rochester,” laughed one movie goer. “I wouldn’t miss the chance to see this movie on the big screen for anything.”
    
    Devotees were treated to a stocked bar with all the essentials, as well as live comedy from local comedians before the show started. At 8:00 p.m. the film was fired up to a barrage of cheers. The cheers continued when the Dude first made his appearance, and they continued when the rest of the main cast was introduced- especially when bowling phenom and sexual predator Jesus Quintana graced the screen.
    
    After the show, fans were able to go to the Tonawanda Bowling Center to roll for two hours of open bowling. “It was a great time,” said Lebowski fan Ben Moskal. “With the white Russians and open bowling after, it really made the Fest a fun experience. The Dude certainly would have abided.”
    
    Who knows what’s in store for the Riviera’s next Lebowski Fest, but you can be sure that fans from far and wide will not be out of their element.

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• Dog Show Fancies Fairgrounds Dog Show Fancies Fairgrounds

  • From: mhetherly
  • Description:

    By Marian Hetherly
    Buffalo.com Contributor
    
    The Hamburg Fairgrounds has gone to the dogs this weekend. The Nickel City Cluster All-Breed Dog Show, sponsored by the Buffalo and Ashtabula Kennel Clubs, has taken over the Agri-Center and Expo Hall.
    
    It’s one parade of pedigrees after another as some 3,500 local and national dogs compete for Best in Show. First they compete by breed, then by group. The more they win, the more points they accumulate.
    
    “In this area, this is the first show of the year, so there’s no front runner,” said Rita Bell, President of the Kennel Club of Buffalo and Show Coordinator. “It’s a new beginning for dogs. Anything can happen, so it’s very exciting.”
    
    Each breed has a written standard of excellence, based on coat, gait, body structure, and other defining features. The judges choose the dog that most closely matches its standard.
    
    I caught up with Janet Share of Watkins Glen, New York, as she was grooming her golden retriever, Kateria, for the golden Specialty Show Friday. “Golden retrievers are supposed to have a nice reach and drive, which means when they’re moving, their front reaches out front and their rear reaches behind them.”
    
    “You want to get their coat in the best condition you can,” Share explained. “You trim their feet and their ears and you trim off their whiskers to accentuate the quality of their structure.”
    
    Sarah Blakesley of Lockport entered her Great Dane, Sabre, in Friday’s competition. She said showing can be expensive, but it’s a lot of fun. “Do your research and know which breed is best for you,” Blakesley suggested. ”Once you find that, find a good mentor to get you started and send you in the right direction. It can be a good family sport.”
    
    Friday’s Best in Show was a four-year-old black standard poodle named Sissy, owned by Joseph Verginetti of Cleveland, Ohio. “She’s won 27 Best in Shows and placed first in group 81 times last year,” Verginetti said.
    
    Friday’s group winners were as follows:
    • Terrier: West Highland White Terrier
    • Toy: Maltese
    • Herding: Old English Sheepdog
    • Working: Doberman Pinscher
    • Hound: Smooth Dachshund
    • Sporting: Golden Retriever
    • Non-Sporting: Standard Poodle
    
    There will be separate breed, group, and Best in Show winners, as well as obedience and rally trials, for Saturday and for Sunday. There are also plenty of vendors selling pet supplies and accessories, pet clinics and demonstrations, and a Meet the Breeds event scheduled for Sunday. For more show information, check out infodog.com.

    To see more photos from the event, head to this link on MyBuffalo.com.

    

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• No Complaints from Whiney Awar No Complaints from Whiney Awards

  • From: sutyinabox
  • Description:

     

     

    

    Picture graciously borrowed from the WGR Website, it belongs to them!

     

     

    To be perfectly honest, I was not expecting something with the title ' The Whiney Awards' to bring in guests wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. Then again, I was also expecting something with the title ' The Whiney Awards' to be an actual awards show.

     

    Instead, the third annual event run by the sports radio station WGR consisted of only four awards. You may or may not be familiar with the stations Whiner Line, a phone number available specifically for people to call in and leave a message to complain about really whatever they want. However, since it's a sports station, and because we are the home of the Buffalo Bills, it's usually about that.

     

    Greg Bauch, a producer at WGR who emceed the event, said that usually these kind of people are shunned out for being annoying, but that night " we give them a plaque and a steak."

     

    The four winners consisted of third time winner Henry Dembski, second time winner Paul Slater, another two-time winner who only went by the name The Islander (it's bad when you won't give your real name), and first time winner Sal Alessi.

     

    All of them were grown men, it seemed to be, however Greg claims he's heard evidence that the Whiner Line has saved many marriages, due to it serving as an outlet. The answering machine receives as much as one hundred calls per day, the most popular being the Monday following a Bills game.

     

    Then there was the part that everyone showed up for, the roasting of former Sabre Rob Ray. Heck, this is even the reason I really wanted to go. We've all made jokes about the guy over the years, but this was the first time someone actually centered an event around it. I was never a Rob Ray fan to begin with, but the guy deserves a lot of credit for sitting through this.

     

    The roasters consisted of former Sabres Danny Gare, Scott Metcalfe, and Matthew Barnaby and current Sabres commentator Harry Neale. I asked Mike Robitaille, who was sitting at my table, why he wasn't on the roasting list. He said he was asked, but didn't think he'd be that good at it. But that's alright, he said, he takes enough jabs at Rob during Sabres games.

     

    Unfortunately, I cannot include excerpts of what they said exactly for rating concerns, but to hear Harry Neale using profanities instead of terms involved with color commentary is rather unsettling.

     

    Barnaby and Metcalfe, both former teammates of Ray, indulged in stories from their days in Rochester in the minor league. In case you were second guessing that maybe hockey players aren't the animals they come off as, you were wrong. Not that I would have expected guys like Rob Ray and Scott Metcalfe to be proper gentleman, but there was a story about losing Barnaby in downtown Buffalo, and not knowing his whereabouts for several days.

     

    Following his verbal beating, Rob Ray was given the chance to take the podium and fight back (not physically, thankfully). He said that reminding himself that the evening was to benefit younger generations is what helped him get through the roast (all proceeds from the night benefit the Sabres Alumni Scholarship Fund). His comeback to his beating from the WGR staff was " better to have been a has-been than a never-was."

     

    He made sure that his roasters were not the only ones mentioned, but also, the WGR morning staff, Marshawn Lynch (who can really blame him for that), former Sabre superstar Dominik Hasek, and women with their lack of winning a Whiney Award.

     

    Despite being thrown under several buses, all roasters ended on a very kind note about Mr. Ray. Matthew Barnaby somehow had the cruelest and kindest things to say. His stint was ended by saying that if you want to see the best of Rob Ray, you have to look when no one else is.

     

    Now that former Buffalo Bill Thurman Thomas, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, and newest addition Rob Ray have been roasted, it's interesting to think of who could be taking the hot seat next year (WGR claims that " revenge is best served roasted.") Personally, my money is on Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller, but lets see how the second half of the season goes first.

     

     

    For additional pictures and sound bites and other things I'm sure we cannot mention here, follow the link to WGR's website:

     

    http://www.wgr550.com/Whiney-Awards-2010/6099121
    

     

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• Taking a Plunge For Charity Taking a Plunge For Charity

  • From: dmodica
  • Description:

    From Superman and Batman to penguins and pirates, the 2010 Polar Bear Swim for Charity drew high-spirited characters into icy waters for a good cause on Sunday afternoon.  Raising about $9,600 for Variety Kids, the Silver Creek Food Pantry, and the Silver Creek Rescue Squad, over 80 swimmers braved the 32-degree weather for a dip into Lake Erie.
    
    Pamela Forge, co-coordinator of the 9th annual Polar Bear Swim, was overjoyed with the event’s turnout and expressed her gratefulness for the volunteers and the pledges that the daring swimmers raised for charity.
    
    Referencing the flash flood that tore through Silver Creek last August, Forge commented on the members of the community who are still dealing with its backlash but graciously volunteered their time for the event. “It’s just amazing how giving people are in this community. There is a woman who is volunteering who lost her home in the flood but is still giving her time to help today.  People have such big hearts and there is no stopping them when it comes to helping out the kids.”

    The courageous swimmers, their family members, and their friends warmed up in Silver Creek’s Firehouse on the Lake before and after the plunge with a chili cook-off and energizing music. Primo's Restaurant won 1st place in the cook-off, Richard Smith of the Firemen's Club took 2nd and Tom's Family Restaurant took 3rd.

    
    Plaques were awarded to the swimmer with the highest pledges and the swimmer with the best costume. Attendees also enjoyed raffles, a Chinese auction and of course the plunge, the main event of the afternoon.
    
    Before the plunge, Gary and Lorrie Sheehan expressed their delight over the organization of the event. Gary took part in this event for the first time this year but he and his wife Lorrie are veterans of the plunge into Lake Ontario.  Lorrie shared, “This event is much more family-friendly. This lodge is wonderful and an excellent place to warm up and enjoy time with our family.”

     

    Onlookers cheered while the swimmers jumped, ran and splashed each other as they entered the frigid waters of Lake Erie and quickly climbed back out to dry off.  One swimmer exclaimed, “I didn’t jump in, I fell in!” while another shouted, “That was wonderful! I’m going back in!”
    
    First time swimmer, Matt Komorowski, drove in from Tonawanda for the event and didn’t think the water was too bad. “I didn’t feel it, my barefoot walk back to the firehouse was much worse.“
    
    8-year veteran, Brian Pincoski, was dressed as Superman for the charity swim and shared his fondness of the event. “The cold is definitely worth the cause. This gets more and more fun every year.  The only downfall of dressing as Superman was that my cape stuck to me!”

     

    

    For more information on the Variety Kids charity visit http://www.usvariety.org/

     

    Photos courtesy of Buffalo.com photographer Jeff Noto.

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