BUFFALO - A new and unique program at D’Youville College is using professional actors to portray patients needing medical care to help teach health care students collaboration among a variety of fields including pharmacy, physician assistant, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, dietetics and chiropractic.

D’Youville is one of the very few colleges or universities in the nation teaching all seven disciplines under one roof, making it ideal for interprofession collaboration.

A $62,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo helped in the creation of a simulation center, named the Interprofessional Clinical Advancement Center, located at 2900 Main St., that houses simulation rooms.

The grant funded two of the rooms, one a simulated hospital room, and another representing an outpatient clinic. The center will eventually house seven simulation rooms.

“The rooms are equipped with media to enable simulation of real-life patient scenarios and recording equipment to allow students to review their interaction with other health care students,” said Dr. Lynn Rivers, chair of D’Youville’s physical therapy department, who is a co-investigator of the project and is coordinating the renovations of the center for the program.

D’Youville health care faculty create the patient case scenarios that require coordinated care.

“This will create authentic scenarios that will teach students the importance of interprofessional collaboration with other health care professionals. It will help solve problems and provide coordinated care from the ER, ICU, the hospital, outpatient clinic and home settings,” said Dr. Karen Panzarella, assistant professor of physical therapy at D’Youville, who is heading the curriculum development of the interprofessional simulation program.

There are 25 faculty members from all seven health care disciplines involved with the simulation project. Each third-year student will have a four-hour session in the program to help better prepare them with what is happening in the real world of coordinated health care in today’s hospitals and all clinical environments.

Most health professional training in the United States is focused typically on the training of students solely within their discipline. Therefore the ability to work on coordinated health care is never learned prior to clinical practice. This can lead to poorly coordinated patient care and adverse outcomes, according to Panzarella.

Gail Golden, Christopher Standart and Loraine O’Donnell, three local professional actors who occasionally perform at the Kavinoky Theatre at D’Youville, and a number of non-actors have been trained by faculty to act as patients with specific health care problems for the students to analyze and prepare a coordinated plan of care.

Joe Demerly, managing director of the Kavinoky, selected the actors he thought would best fit the role.

“The actors will be briefed by the appropriate faculty as to how to best portray symptoms of certain illnesses. It will be basically an improvisational situation for the actors as there is no hard script,” Demerly said.

“The actors don’t know what the students will say so they will improvise their responses,” Demerly added. “The scenarios will be different each time and the actors will help steer the students to the right diagnosis.”

The program leaders said, “The vision of this new program is to assure that health care students can function on a holistic-integrated team to assure high-quality patient-centered care. In this program our students from different health disciplines are required to work together in developing a plan of care and to recognize the unique and complementary contributions of the health care team serving the patient.”

“Our intent is to create as realistic and cutting-edge an environment as possible with the flexibility to change as much as is necessary to maintain current standards of care and to anticipate future trends in health-care delivery and responses to an aging population’s health care needs,” Rivers added.

Pharmacy student Daniel Kubit, ’14, completed the four-hour program thought the exercise was extremely valuable.

“It not only gave us a life-like scenario to practice the respective professional skills we have learned thus far in class but, more importantly, it gave us a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s journey through the health care system,” Kubit said. “If patient care is to improve in the future, it will be a result of each profession working more closely with one another.”

Dr. Gary Stoehr, dean of the school of pharmacy at D’Youville, believes the program presents the opportunity for students to appreciate each other’s knowledge in specific disciplines.

“They receive support feedback on how they did from other students, faculty and the actors,” Stoehr said.

“The scenario is as authentic as we can make it and, because each episode is recorded, the students do not want to make any mistakes. It’s a great introduction to the real world of health care,” Stohr added.

The ability to provide patient-centered care is the required mandate emerging from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and is becoming part of educational accreditation standards, according to the college.

LANCASTER- The Erie County Department of Central Police Services, in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Services, has announced the receipt of an award of $967,981 from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for funding from the Public Safety Answering Point Consolidation, Improvements and Enhancements Grant. This grant will be used primarily to implement the Phase III portion of the E-911 Improvement project, improving communications interoperability between services and municipalities.

“This grant will provide a huge boost to emergency communications capabilities in Erie County and will strengthen all agencies’ ability to respond to events in a timely and effective manner,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Clear and timely communications are essential at all times, but particularly in times of crisis. With this grant Erie County will take a big step forward in establishing those communications.”

Erie County’s current 911 system consists of older, outdated equipment that is difficult to replace and cannot handle the types and amounts of information necessary in 21st-century emergency communications. Upon completion, Phase III of the E-911 Improvement project will create for the first time ever in Erie County a modern communications hub, usable by law enforcement, fire and emergency services, and medical personnel from any municipality. Communications compatibility between municipalities will also be greatly enhanced. Furthermore, in addition to the 911 hub downtown, the funding will allow for a remote backup location essential for continuity of operations.

“Upon completion of this project, Erie County will be able to provide state-of-the-art emergency communications to all of our first responders. We will have laid the groundwork that will allow us to utilize new technologies such as texting to 911, once those capabilities are developed by the various providers,” said Commissioner of Central Police Services John Glascott. “It is a challenge trying to keep up with ever-evolving technology, and this grant will allow us to stay current and provide the citizens of Erie County with the best service possible.”

Emergency Services Commissioner Daniel Neaverth said, “Timely, accurate information is critical during emergencies. This state-of-the-art enhancement puts all public safety answering points on the same page countywide and allows a seamless transfer of data when seconds count. The grant awarded is a great example of what can be accomplished when departments and agencies collaborate for a common goal.”

The Erie County Legislature must approve a resolution allowing the grant to be used for the E-911 Improvement Project.

“I’ve been a strong advocate for the completion of this project, especially for smaller communities with high call like the Village of Depew,” remarked Legislator Terrence D. McCracken (D-Lancaster, Depew, South Cheektowaga, Alden.) “I look forward to its implementation and all that it will do to help different towns and villages throughout the county and especially in the Village of Depew.”

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Central Police Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/cps/ On the Erie County Department of Emergency Services, visit http://www.erie.gov/depts/community/emergency_fsd.asp

Orleans/Niagara BOCES Welding teacher Eric Farrell loves to teach his students about making sculpture in his class at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.

“We were approached to make bike racks for downtown Medina, but they wanted something creative,” said Farrell. “It was right up our alley. The students were very excited about not only to be creative, but to be able to help out the community as well.”

The students created a one-foot replica of four designs for consideration and two were chosen for the students to start working on.

Tom Smith pitched an idea of a 3-D apple, which is a symbol of the village.

“They really liked it, but it was a bit of a challenge to put together,” said Smith. “We had to make each individual part in AutoCAD and then use a CNC machine, a plasma cutter, bend the material and then weld and grind it. Each piece had to be the same exact size.”

Kaiya Peterson was in charge of bending the metal to make the frame.

“It had to be exact and I had to hammer it and tack it down,” she said. “It is still a work in progress, but I am really happy how it is turning out.”

Samuel Maryjanowski made the center beam of the apple.

“I really enjoyed helping to weld this together,” he said.

The unique project just adds to the excitement and enthusiasm that many of the students have about the class.

“I know there was a lot of demand for welders,” said Michael Moore. “This class is providing me with the skills to be welder and there are great people in this class and a great teacher.”

Seanan Gruenauer said he got interested in the program after to talking to his uncles who are in the trade.

“They told me this is a good trade and they need a lot of workers,” he said. “I enjoy fixing things and making things, so this was a good fit for me. As a skilled worker, I never will be without a job.”

The class is hoping that they will have the bike racks completed soon and they should be making their appearance in downtown Medina this summer.

LANCASTER - Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve, Inc. invites the public to “Meander in the Woods” from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, in Depew. The event will raise funds to support environmental education programs at Reinstein Woods.

“This event puts a unique spin on the dining experience,” said Friends President Linda Arndt. “This year, we decided to add a new twist by serving desserts in the woods.”

Attendees will enjoy a barbecue dinner catered by Kentucky Greg’s and then stroll a “dessert trail” to sample delicacies which include ingredients that also grow wild in Reinstein Woods. Desserts will include items like dark-chocolate cherry fudge served with iced chocolate-cherry coffee, and lemon balm tea bread served with lemon balm tea.

The Pointless Brothers will entertain the crowd with their blend of bluegrass and country music. Inside the Reinstein Woods’ Education Center, participants can take their chances on more than 80 items offered in a basket auction.

Tickets are $30 in advance and are available at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, in Depew or by calling 683-5959. For a ticket order form that can be mailed, visit www.dec.ny.gov and search for “Meander in the Woods.”

BUFFALO - On June 14, Joe Szafranski will leave Buffalo via bike and head to Rochester, where he will continue on to Syracuse on June 15, and then through Amsterdam and arrive in Albany, New York on June 17. Szafranski will then set aside his bike and walk up the stairs to the New York State Capital Building to discuss funding for Camp Good Days with New York State officials.

The 290 mile cycling journey is Szafranski’s 3rd annual Bike for Cancer effort that he initiated to honor his nephew James “Jimmy” Szafranski, a South Buffalo Discovery School student who lost his life to cancer as a young teen. Joe, who describes Jimmy as “the second most important person in his life next to his daughter”, is hoping to raise awareness for “Cancer Mission 2020” and to raise funds for Camp Good Days through his biking journey.

On Thursday, May 30, prior to the bike ride, the USS Little Rock ship will host a fundraiser to raise awareness and resources for cancer research and Camp Good Days. The USS Little Rock was a US Navy Cleveland-class light cruiser that was converted to a guided missile cruiser. Now the sole surviving member of the Cleveland class, the Little Rock may have been completed too late to see combat duty during World War II, but she will be put to good use on May 30 to help save lives as she welcomes onboard up to 500 participants in the “Ride 4 Cancer” fundraising event held on her deck that evening.

Bring along your camera as the evening will include the viewing of an impressive naval ship and noteworthy vantage points of the Canalside and Lake Erie. Broadway Bobbies, Mineo’s South and Southtowns Liquor will donate the food and beverage for the evening, and music will continue from 6-9 pm to entertain you until sunset. It’s sure to be a memorable night for a worthy cause.

“The reason I started the ride was to give back to an organization that has given so much to Jimmy and my family,” admitted Joe Szafranski when asked why he would spend hours in the elements biking across the state, “Camp Good Days has helped create memories of our time with Jimmy that we might not have otherwise been able to create! Camp Good Days is a world class organization with a world class staff and volunteers. Many of them are part of our extended family,” he continued, noting that the first person he called after Jimmy’s passing was Lisa Booz, the Regional Director of Camp Good Days, and relayed how comforted he was by her kind words.

Approximately eleven thousand Americans die from cancer each week. These are mothers, fathers, siblings, aunts, uncles and friends of our neighbors. Szafranski hopes to put an end to cancer by the end of the decade, and thus the “Ride for Cancer 2020” effort was born.

Tickets for the May 30 fundraiser are $20 and can be purchased by calling Maureen at 912-0190. Donations in any amount can be made at http://www.ride4cancer2020.com or by calling Maureen.

If you or someone you know would like to join Joe Szafranski and others for the ride to Albany on June 14 and help raise awareness for Cancer Mission 2020 and raise funds for Camp Good Days you can contact him via info@ride4cancer2020.com. Ride a leg of the ride or the entire route - or join for the May 30 event to show your support for a truly worthy charity.

Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, recently celebrated the opening of its newest restaurant in the greater Buffalo area at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI).

The new, 300-square-foot, full-service Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant is prominently located inside the front lobby of the institute where it will serve guests, patients and staff of RPCI.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to serve the hardworking staff and families receiving treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute,” said Dunkin’ Donuts Western New York Franchisee Tim Cloe. “Our partnership with Roswell Park Cancer Institute is very close to our hearts and we are honored to help support the outstanding level of care the institute provides to the Western New York Community each day.”

With the opening of the RPCI restaurant, Dunkin’ Donuts now has 44 locations in the greater Buffalo area. The opening follows the recent announcement of a partnership between Dunkin’ Donuts and RPCI, through which Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees will donate up to 1.85 million cups of coffee over the next five years to aid fundraising efforts for RPCI.

The fundraising initiative provides RPCI the opportunity to generate monetary donations through its sale of “Cups for Roswell” coffee coupon books. The goal is to raise $750,000 in monetary donations through the sale of these coupon books. The monetary support is earmarked for Phase II of construction on RPCI’s new Clinical Sciences Center, along with providing seed funding to RPCI scientists and clinicians for scientific research projects showing the greatest potential to save lives. Additionally, Dunkin’ Donuts will supplement the partnership with product donations to support various fundraising events and activities organized by Roswell Park Cancer Institute, anticipated to have an estimated retail value of $250,000.

“The life-saving cancer research and supportive patient programs that take place every day at Roswell Park would not be possible without the generous support of organizations like Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, president and CEO of Roswell Park. “Dunkin’s commitment to the care of people with cancer and their overwhelming enthusiasm for the research we conduct here is truly inspiring, and I would like to share my continued gratitude on behalf of our faculty, staff and patients.”

The Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant at RPCI features a modern look that provides a fresh, friendly, vibrant and engaging environment for guests. The new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant offers high-quality, great-tasting menu items that can be enjoyed all day, including signature favorites such as a wide-variety of hot and iced coffee, baked goods along with delicious bakery sandwiches.

Since the 1950s, Dunkin’ Donuts has been a daily ritual for millions of people who come to our restaurants for delicious food and beverages and friendly service at a great value. Over the past 60 years, Dunkin’ Donuts has expanded its menu to include iced coffee, flavored coffees, lattes, Coolatta frozen beverages, muffins, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and bagel twists.

In 2005, the company brought together a “Culinary Dream Team” of acclaimed chefs, led by Executive Chef Stan Frankenthaler, to create new and innovative menu choices for busy people on the go. The company introduced the DDSMART better-for-you menu and afternoon snacks such as flatbread sandwiches to offer guests more choices throughout the day.

Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the leading baked goods and coffee chains in the world, selling more than 1.5 billion cups of hot and iced coffee and more than 2.4 billion donuts and MUNCHKINS donut hole treats every year. To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts, and Twitter, www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts.

Police reports from the

Lockport Police

Department.

May 11

Possession

Zachary E. Webb, 25, 3618 Lockport Olcott Road, Lockport was charged with driving while intoxicated and unlawful possession of marijuana May 11

Patrol observed a vehicle commit multiple traffic infractions.

The drive pulled into Reid’s parking lot, stopped quickly and immediately opened his door. Patrol ordered the driver to close his door.

Field sobriety tests were conducted, which he failed.

He was placed under arrest and during a search of his person a glass multi-colored pipe, which is commonly used for smoking marijuana was located in his right front pocket.

Inside the pipe was a burnt residue and also unburned vegetable matter. The matter field-tested positive for the presence of marijuana.

May 12

DWI

Adam R. Klyczek, 25, 2681 Robinson Road, Apt. 20, Lockport was charged with driving while intoxicated May 12.

Patrol executed a traffic stop for a vehicle and traffic violation. Patrol spoke with the driver and observed him having red, glassy eyes, slurred speech and impaired motor skills. Patrol also observed the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver’s breath.

Klyczek was asked to submit to a series of field sobriety tests. Based on the results, the driver was arrested.

May 13

Charged

Clifford McDowell, Sr., 45, 5312 Ernest Road, Lockport was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated.

Patrol observed the vehicle perform a traffic infraction. Patrol stopped the vehicle and upon approach could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver’s breath.

Patrol had the driver exit and perform several field sobriety tests.

May 14

Robbery

Jared M. Brown, 16, 218 South St., Lockport was charged Tuesday with second-degree robbery and endangering the welfare of a child.

Patrol responded to Cottage Street for a report of an attempted robbery.

Police spoke with the victim who stated she was walking home from a friend’s house on South Street when three parties were following her on bikes.

The parties reportedly passed her and circled her several times.

She said Brown allegedly began to throw what she believed to be stones at her.

Then a juvenile female allegedly approached her and pushed her into the porch and stated “give me your purse.”

The third juvenile female stood watching in close proximity.

The porch light of Cottage Street turned on and all three parties left the area of bikes. They were unsuccessful at stealing the purse.

Police located three matching the description in the area and the victim positively identified Brown and the two juvenile female suspects.

May 15

Harassment

John F. Apolito, Jr., 29, 5 Case Court, Niagara County Jail, Lockport was charged Wednesday with second-degree harassment.

Patrol was dispatched to Prospect Street to interview the victim in regards to an altercation that occurred after school. The victim stated he was walking with his friend when a white male ran toward him and began punching him.

The victim did protect himself and fought back. He said he did not know the person.

When the fight was broken up, the male allegedly took off running in between houses on Prospect.

Police interviewed a witness who identified the defendant as Apolito.

Investigation revealed this was a random act of violence.

For those who may be hesitant to create a large garden or just don’t have the space, put your gardening skills to the test by participating in the Container Garden contest at this year’s Lewiston GardenFest, sponsored by the Lewiston Garden Club on June 22 and 23.

Container gardening can be whimsical or traditional depending on the containers and plants chosen. Any container will do from terra cotta pots to a watering can or a favorite cookie jar that got chipped. Be creative as found objects can sometimes make the most interesting containers.

Once the perfect container is found, make sure to have proper drainage holes in the bottom to avoid drowning the garden. If the soil is dry one inch or more below the surface, it’s time to water.

Don’t wait until the week of the contest to plant. Start planting early so the roots of the flowers and plants have time to become established. If growing the plants outdoors, the nights need to be around 50 degrees for seedlings.

To help lighten the weight in large planters for easier transport, try adding Styrofoam or empty soda bottles to the bottom before adding potting mix. Think about mixing in fun accessories to add interest to your garden.

“Go ahead and experiment,” said Kay Kalick, Lewiston Garden Club member and chair of the Container Garden Contest. “Container gardens are great for those who say they aren’t gardeners and can be a fun project to involve the kids too. Everyone is a winner because you can enjoy the wonderful garden you designed throughout the spring and summer months”

For examples of past contest entries and to download an entry form for this year’s Lewiston GardenFest Container Garden Contest, visit www.lewistongardenfest.com.

Once registered bring the special garden, along with a stand for display, to the hospitality booth at 4th and Center Streets by 9 a.m. on June 22.

The winner will be chosen by GardenFest visitors who will cast their votes throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday until 4 p.m.

The eighth annual Lewiston GardenFest sponsored by the Lewiston Garden Club runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Located along Center Street, the festival includes a free garden walk featuring the gardens of local Lewiston residents and vendors selling flowers, plants, garden art and more to beautify one’s outdoor space. In addition master gardeners and representatives from floral societies will offer presentations and opportunities to answer gardening questions throughout the weekend.

For more information visit www.lewistongardenfest.com.

LANCASTER - The Lancaster Jr. Redskins football and cheerleading organization is pleased to bring back our varsity football and cheerleading program for the 2013-14 season.

We are currently seeking football players ages 13 and 14 and cheerleaders ages 13 to 15 to participate.

Registration is free, with a refundable equipment/uniform deposit check due at sign up. Cheerleaders may have some apparel costs as well. Football players will receive a free dry-fit T-shirt.

Families are not required to participate in league fundraising or serve a concession stand shift.

For more information or to register, visit our website www.jrredskins.com.

LANCASTER- The Lancaster Police Department, along with the Lancaster Park and Recreation Department and the village’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has joined forces to wipe out graffiti.

“With the warmer months, graffiti is becoming more prevalent with the kids,” remarked Lancaster Lt. Jeff Smith. “So what we’re doing is a graffiti abatement program, which is hopefully going to reduce the amount of graffiti in the town and village.”

Graffiti is a crime and devalues property, invites crime, and gives an impression that a community is an unsafe and undesirable place to live and do business. It is a common problem in most urban areas and the best way to fight it is call the police and promptly clean it up to discourage graffiti vandals from doing it again.

Smith said the police department is encouraging members of the community to call the department if they see graffiti in the community. Also patrol will be more active in locating graffiti in the community as well.

The park and recreation department and DPW will be providing supplies, such as paint and rollers for this effort, and youths, who are sanctioned by the Lancaster Youth Bureau Youth Court, will paint over and cleanup the graffiti under the supervision of a juvenile officer.

“If we catch the kids they will be the ones who will generally clean it up,” said Lt. Smith.

They will be referred to youth court, which handles juvenile cases between the ages of 12 to 17. For those who are 16 to 20 years old, Lt. Smith said Lancaster Town Justice Mark Montour is going to help out and give them a community service sentence.

There are several structures within the town and village that the police already know are marked up with graffiti, including in Como Park, the dyke area by Aurora Middle School, and the sheds located by the railroad tracks, but of course there are areas they don’t know about. That’s why it is important for the community to take action and report it.

“It’s like a broken window. If you have one broken window the next thing you know there is another broken window. We don’t want to leave the graffiti out of there, because the more graffiti left out there it leads to more graffiti. We want to take care of the problem as soon as possible,” remarked Lt. Smith.

To report graffiti within the Town or Village of Lancaster call the police department at 683-2800.

NORTH TONAWANDA - Too often, an evening that is supposed to be remembered as one of the best nights of your high school career can turn into a night that you don’t really want to remember, but it’s just too hard to forget.

Prom, which is a day students think about since the first day they enter into the high school can still be fun, even after the event is over.

This year, rather than going to an after party where there might be alcohol or other substances that you don’t want to be exposed to, head to the North Tonawanda Department of Youth, Recreation and Parks.

The North Tonawanda Youth Board in association with the North Tonawanda Department of Youth, Recreation and Parks will be hosting the Post-Prom Breakfast.

The breakfast is a safe way to enjoy the after party. This way, the night that you spent four years of dreaming about and four hours getting all dressed up for doesn’t have to end at 11 p.m., but can still end on a positive note at the end of the evening.

They will be providing a breakfast free of charge to students who’ve attended the prom. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, cinnamon bread, muffins, juice and coffee.

Doors for the Post-Prom Breakfast will be open immediately following the prom at 11 p.m. and breakfast will be served through 1 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Gratwick Hose, 110 Ward Road, North Tonawanda.

Volunteers for this event are needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 10:15 p.m. and assist with food preparation, food serving, table busing, dishes and clean-up.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Alex Domaradzki at 695-8520 ext. 5510. If leaving a voice mail please leave your name, address and phone number. Volunteers can also leave a message by emailing adomaradzki.recreation@yahoo.com.

LANCASTER- The Village of Lancaster has released its Special Events Series line up for this summer. The series will kick off with Old Home Days, which will run June 30 through July 7.

The event is coordinated by the Lancaster Historical Society. Anyone in Lancaster with a home built between 1815 and 1913 and wishing to participate by displaying a sign in their yard for drive-by or walk-by visual can contact Events Director Lancaster Dawn Gaczewski by May 31 for a registration form.

Gaczewski said the cost of the sign is $20 and the resident can keep the sign after the event. A participant’s home will be added to a program/map that will list all the houses and will also provide an interesting fact about them.

The Independence Days celebration will be held 1 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 3; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 4; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, July 5. This year’s theme is "Old Home Days" to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Old Home Days celebration that was held in 1913 in conjunction with the WNY Volunteer Fireman's Association Convention.



Rides open early on Tuesday, July2 at 6 p.m. Watch for an early bird ride special coming soon. The parade will take place at 2 p.m. It will be the same parade route as last year. There will be more information given on the parade in June.

However, Gaczewski did mention she would love more floats in the parade and if anyone would like to participate contact her by June 15.

The Garden Walk will be held 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and July 21; Arts In The Village will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21; the Taste of Lancaster and 3on3 Basketball Tournament will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3; the Tree Lighting will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23; and lastly to end the event season Christmasville will run Saturday, Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2014. More information on the events will be provided closer to the date.

Anyone wanting to participate in any of these events contact, Gaczewski at 583-4078 or email events@lancastervillage.org.

LANCASTER - John Trojanowski, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew, recently presented a gift and thanks to Dr. Michael Valley for his presentation to the club regarding Lancaster School District’s student achievements and the upcoming budget vote.

Valley is the incoming Lancaster School District Superintendent.

The Lancaster School District has the lowest per-pupil cost in Western New York at $12,894.

At 89.7 percent, Lancaster has the 11th highest Regents graduation rate in Western New York, and this year had the lowest dropout rate in history at just three students.

The tax impact of the new budget will raise taxes 49 cents per $1,000 of addressed valuation. A $150,000 home for example would see a tax increase of less than $75.

For more information regarding our schools, visit the New York State School Report Card online at www.lancasterschools.org/domain/32.

Lacaster-Depew Rotary Club members meet for breakfast at Russell’s at 7 a.m. on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays of each month.

DAY - Helen S. (nee Szewczuk) of Lancaster passed away May 7, 2013; beloved wife of the late John T. Day; dearest sister of the late Anne Roberts; late Mary Odrobina and the late William Murphy; loving aunt of Hope Herrington, Patricia Brennan, Michael Odrobina, Mary Jarzynski, Paul Odrobina, Fran Odrobina and many great-nieces and great-nephews. No prior visitation. Private memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. If desired, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sliwinskifuneralhome.com

KEDZIERSKA - Alma H. of Elma entered into eternal rest May 10, 2013; loving sister of the late Stanley, Jean, Adele Suchocki and Mary Lewis; dear aunt of Stanley (Betty) Suchocki and Michael (Debbie) Lewis; also survived by great nieces and nephews. Visitations were held in the Cichon-Borgosz Funeral Home Inc., in Depew, on Tuesday. Relatives and friends were invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel's Church, in Elma on Wednesday morning. Kedzierska was an active member of the Polish Women's Alliance.

LANCASTER- The Town of Lancaster Youth Bureau is accepting registrations for their special Regents Exam preparation sessions from May 28 through June 18 for the following subjects: Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trig, Biology, Chemistry, Global History & Geography II, and U.S. History and Government, and Physics.

There are a limited number of openings; therefore, students are urged to register as soon as possible at the Lancaster Youth Bureau from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information contact the youth bureau at 683-4444.

The Niagara County Genealogical Society will be hosting the free program “Maiden Names — Unlocking the Mystery,” at 7 p.m. on May 29 at 215 Niagara St., Lockport.

NCGS member Jim Lawson will be the guest speaker. The public is welcome.

We owe a debt of gratitude to female ancestors. They were the mothers and grandmothers to an earlier generation.

Unfortunately, searching for foremothers can be a challenge. Women often changed their names upon marriage, most didn’t own property and they generally left fewer historical records than their male counterparts. Searching for the maiden name of a female ancestor can be difficult but not impossible.

There are various methods available that will help you in your search for your female ancestors. Marriage records, obituaries and bible records are just a few of the places you can search to find that elusive grandmother.

NCGS member Lawson will be the guest speaker this month. He is a professional genealogist — www.kindredquest.com — who has been researching family history for more than 15 years. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogist, Western New York Genealogy Society, Niagara County Genealogy Society and the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

He is a volunteer at the Family History Center as well as a Family History Consultant. He also writes a monthly article for North Tonawanda Genealogy Club newsletter.