Derek Clyburn doesn’t care if he’s in the starting lineup or coming off the bench at the start of the game. As long as the Cheektowaga Central boys basketball team is ahead at the end of the game, he’s a happy man. Clyburn has moved from a starting role to Cheektowaga’s sixth man and the change has paid dividends, both for the junior forward and for the Warriors. “I give a spark to the team so I like coming off the bench,” he said after pouring in a career-high 20 points in a win over Maryvale. “It doesn’t matter, we play as a team. It doesn’t matter who starts, we’re all a team working together.”Clyburn... more

For Jim and Bonnie Stefanie of Stuffed Chocolate, Ltd., going “back to the grind” every Monday morning isn’t just a saying; it’s a reality. The local business owners are chocolatiers, creating a unique assortment of gourmet confections unlike any others available in Western New York. Established 10 years ago, Stuffed Chocolate, Ltd. began as an online company with a primarily international clientele. But after some time, the Stefanies decided to make themselves known to the community and sweeten it up a bit.“We started to join groups like the [Cheektowaga] Chamber [of Commerce], just getting out... more

BUFFALO - Veterans sled and stand up hockey clinics have been increasing with interest from veterans of all abilities. Clinics are offered in partnership with VA Western New York Healthcare System Recreation Therapy program, USA Hockey, Buffalo Sabres and Hasek’s Heroes and designed to teach hockey skills for sled and stand up players. Equipment and the clinics are provided at no cost. Upcoming clinics are scheduled Sundays at the Riverside Bud Bakewell Ice Rink, 2607 Niagara St. Buffalo. 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Feb. 12; 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 4; 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 18; 11 a.m.... more

BUFFALO, NY - Sometimes, an institution’s progress can be aided by returning heroes’ march forward.After finishing their 2011 season with a championship loss in its NJCAA Region III final, Coach Dennis Greene and his Erie Community College Kats had plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the future of their program. For one, they fought through a 2-8 season to come within one touchdown from stealing their region’s crown from Alfred State. And two, future recruitment into their foray of red and black uniforms was about to get an unexpected boost by a member of their defensive line, former Marine... more

AMHERST - In a game that had a playoff feel to it, it was a fluke goal that decided the contest.Junior defenseman Mike Iannello’s goal 13:45 into the second period was all St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute would need as they defeated St. Francis, 1-0, in a Catholic qualifying game at the Northtowns Center in Amherst.The win gave the Marauders the number seed for the upcoming Catholic school playoffs, while St. Francis will play neighborhood rival Bishop Timon-St. Jude in one of the semifinals Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Buffalo State College Sports Arena.“I thought we played a very good game and St.... more

BUFFALO - If you are a former player or coach from the Buffalo Junior Sabres, the Niagara Scenics or the Buffalo Lightning, the team is looking for you.On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Buffalo Jr. Sabres will face off against the Oakville Blades at 7:30pm at the Northtown Center in Amherst. It’s the final home game of the Ontario Junior Hockey League regular season schedule, and the Jr. Sabres are marking the occasion by hosting its first “Alumni Night.”.The team is inviting all former players of the junior franchise to attend the game and catch up with old friends, coaches and teammates. Family members... more

Although our favorite teams might not be playing in the big game this year, the tradition of gathering at a friends to watch it on a 50-inch flat screen in a room filled with people is still something to celebrate. That tradition may have been a great way to enjoy the show in the past. This year, if your looking for a place to go where you and 10 of your friends won’t have to share one television and rotate seating locations per quarter, Tonawanda bars have great deals going on for the game day event. Beginning at kick-off, Crazy Jakes, 26 Webster St., North Tonawanda, is offering food and drink... more

Concerns for the redistricting of schools in North Tonawanda were raised by the public recently during the school board meeting. The meeting was held in the Alumni Center of North Tonawanda High School, where more than 100 parents gathered to have their concerns heard publicly in front of the school board, so that their ideas may help determine the correct direction for North Tonawanda students. Faced with the decision to make some initial changes to the district boundaries within the city to prepare for the upcoming school board budget, the board presented a few different redistricting options... more

TONAWANDA - Four more Warriors will live forever.The Tonawanda High School Athletic Wall of Fame will welcome four new members when Chris Slauson (Class of 1998), Tom Perkovich (Class of ‘99), Jim Keller (Class of ‘54) and John White (Class of ‘75) will take their place among the legends of THS athletics on Feb. 9.Taking place between the JV and varsity boys basketball games when the Warriors host Eden, the ceremony will start at 6:15 in the George H. Miller Gym.Perkovich is being honored for his achievements in basketball, football and track.Second on the Warriors all-time scoring list with 1,035... more

Bertha Warsitz says the secret to a long and happy life is to eat well, exercise, and “Go to church. No matter what religion you are, go to church.” The Garden Gate Health Care Facility resident turned 101 years old on Tuesday, but her spirits and spunk seem to keep her forever young.Warsitz rang in her 101st year Tuesday afternoon with a party hosted at Garden Gate, where she was the bell of the ball among fellow residents, employees, and her son, Warren. She was presented with a pink and white birthday cake, which she described as beautiful, and happily enjoyed the cake along with one of her... more