Featured community/regional news partners

St. Catharines Arts Awards set for June 8

Better Business Bureau urges donor caution after tornadoes

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma, and in north Texas last week, Better Business Bureau and BBB Wise Giving Alliance have issued tips to help donors make smart giving decisions and to avoid scams.

"After every natural disaster and manmade catastrophe, we see an outpouring of generosity, along with the inevitable scams and frauds," said Art Taylor, president and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. "We urge donors to take the time to make sure their donations are going to legitimate charities that can do the most good for those in need."

"BBB Oklahoma City is so grateful for the immediate response from people all across the country," said Kitt Letcher, the brand new president and CEO of BBB of Central Oklahoma.

LYNC partners with Community Missions to make prom dreams a reality

Ask most anyone who survived their teenage years about prom, and a smile instantly comes to their face. Maybe a story is told about finding the perfect dress, receiving a romantic invitation from a dream date, or particular after-prom activities? Whatever the case may be, even decades later, those memories seem just a fingertip away.

For many students, however, the costs associated with prom prevent them from making such memories.

Niagara County SPCA now a winner

by Susan Mikula Campbell

It wasn't a perfect report, but it was vastly different than the one the Niagara County SPCA got in January 2012 from Barbara Carr.

Carr, executive director of the SPCA Serving Erie County, was part of a press conference held Wednesday in front of the Lockport Road facility in Wheatfield.

On April 4 this year, she accepted the invitation of the Niagara County SPCA to visit and assess the changes made since her last report.

Her new report ends with "Overall, I found the NCSPCA to be well run, despite limited resources at its disposal. The staff, the volunteers and the board should take tremendous pride in what they have accomplished."

YMCA to collect American flags for proper retirement

The eight area YMCA Buffalo Niagara locations will be collecting old worn and tattered flags ready for retirement from June 3-7. Flags will be taken to Forest Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, June 8, for proper retirement. Flags can be donated to any YMCA Buffalo Niagara branch.

For more information, call 716-565-6000 or visit www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an inclusive association of people committed to a common effort to help individuals and families reach their fullest potential in terms of spirit, mind and body. The YMCAs focus on health and wellness is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered for all ages and abilities.