Ceretto: Don't turn faith-based groups homeless

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, is sponsoring Assembly bill 8800-A, legislation that would authorize the use of school buildings and sites for religious meetings and worship when the facilities are not in use for school purposes. Since the services hosted by these organizations are open to the general public, Ceretto said there is no reason why they should be prohibited from using public buildings.

Ceretto noted that the legislation came in response to the New York City Department of Education's (DOE) plan to evict a number of religious congregations from their traditional houses of worship.

"Many of these groups are small churches that have used public schools as a weekend place of worship for years," Ceretto said. 

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Niagara Falls Bridge Commission elects 2012 officers

At its annual general meeting, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission elected its slate of officers for 2012.

Michael J. Goodale was elected chairperson, and Thomas G. Pryce was elected vice chairperson. Linda M. DiPasquale was elected secretary, and Ernest K. Smith was elected treasurer. Janice A. Thomson, Norma I. Higgs, Kenneth E. Loucks and Patrick D. Brown comprise the rest of the NFBC board.

The bi-national Niagara Falls Bridge Commission owns and operates the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston bridges between Canada and the U.S.

U.S. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the governor of the state of New York, and Canadian commissioners serve at the pleasure of the premier of the Province of Ontario. All officers hold their respective office.

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Mount St. Mary's mission committee to host Valentine's Day fundraiser

The mission committee of Mount St. Mary's Hospital will host its 10th Valentine's Day Extravaganza on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the main lobby of the hospital. The annual event benefits the St. Vincent de Paul employee assistance fund and mission projects. Open to the community from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event features a basket auction, bake sale, 50/50 split, "Plinko" and food. The drawing for prizes will begin at 3 p.m.

The Mount St. Mary's mission committee raises funds to support various needs in the community and Mount St. Mary's employees for certain financial needs. The event is open to the public.

William Gacioch and family make $2 million gift to NU

Niagara University announced today that it has received a $2 million gift from William Gacioch, Class of 1961, and his family for the renovation of Meade Hall, which will be renamed the Gacioch Family Alumni and Admissions Center. 

"Bill Gacioch's continuing commitment to Niagara University is very inspiring," said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University. "He has served the university in a number of ways, including his membership on the board of trustees. His support of the Meade Hall project is very personal for him and the development of the Gacioch Family Center will ensure his legacy on the Niagara campus."

As a freshman in 1957, Gacioch knew that he could only afford his first year at Niagara, so he met with the Rev. Edward Burke, C.M., to discuss his financial options.

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