GLBPA to host Greater Lewiston Gala

Several to be honored June 6 at GLBPA Gala

by Sandy Hays-Mies, Executive Director
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, May 8, 2004

Shown above are Captain's Choice sponsors for the Greater Lewiston Gala, June 6 at the Niagara Falls County Club. Pictured left to right, Maria Casale, HSBC Bank USA Youngstown branch; Angelo Calbone, Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center; Paula Mort, Printing Productions; Fred Heuer, Niagara University; Margaret Toohey, Lewiston Insurance Agency, and Janice McCaw, HSBC Bank USA Lewiston branch.

The Greater Lewiston Business and Professional Association will host a Greater Lewiston Gala on Sunday, June 6 at the Niagara Falls Country Club. Several members of the Greater Lewiston community will be honored for their success.

Janice McCaw, president of the GLBPA remarked, "This is a great opportunity to celebrate our region and at the same time recognize the success of several individuals and organizations for their contributions in making Greater Lewiston such a special place."

2004 Honorees

GLBPA reports the following individuals and organizations will be recognized at this year's Gala:

The Niagara River Anglers Association and the Lower Niagara Charter Captain's Association will receive the Benjamin Barton Service Award for their ecological contributions to the Niagara River Region and for the impact that both organizations have on our economy (see related story in today's Sentinel.)

Niagara University will be singled out for their commitment to excellence in education and for the many ways in which they support our community. They will receive the Morgan Lewis Partnership Award.

Margaret Toohey, president of the Lewiston Insurance Agency has been selected to receive the 2004 Business Person of the Year Award for her success in business and for the leadership that she has offered the business association during her tenure as president and as a director.

Favorite's Pizza, owned by Gary Favorite is the 2004 Business of the Year. He is being singled out for his success and support of the community.

Tom Tower of Tower's Farm Market was selected as the recipient of the Youngstown Mayor and Town of Porter Supervisor's Civic Pride Award. He was chosen for his contributions to the agricultural community.

Mamie and Si Simonson of Simonson Photography will receive the Lewiston Mayor and Supervisor's Civic Pride Award. The Simonsons have been in business for over 50 years and are model citizens in Lewiston.

Special Recognition

Former Lewiston Supervisor, Sandra Jo Maslen will receive a special recognition for her contributions to Lewiston and Artpark's 30th anniversary will be celebrated.

Angelo Calbone, president and CEO of Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center has been named the chairperson for this year's event. Serving with him on the committee is Fred Caso, also of Mount St. Mary's, Fred Blue of Hunt Real Estate, Fred Heuer of Niagara University, Janice McCaw of HSBC Bank, Lisa Sweeney of Key Bank, Jackie Falsetti of Annie's Hallmark and Anne Welch, clerk for the village of Lewiston.

The theme of the event is "A Celebration of the River Region." The Greater Lewiston Gala is sponsored by the Modern Corporation. Co-sponsors are as follows:

Captain's Choice Sponsors

Gorge Travel; Hardison Funeral Homes; HSBC Bank USA -- Lewiston and Youngstown branches; the Lewiston Insurance Agency; Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center; The New York Power Authority; Niagara University, and Printing Productions Inc.

First Mate Sponsors

The Niagara Gazette; Pine Pharmacy, and Dr. Mario Violante.

GLPBA notes the Gala will begin at 5 p.m. with wine tasting and will continue with fine food stations. The cost of the event is $55 per person, and the public is invited to attend. For reservations and information, contact the office of the Greater Lewiston Business and Professional Association at 754-9500.

Stay tuned to the Sentinel for much more on this year's Gala as the June 6 celebration draws near.