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A Celebration of the River Region: GLBPA Gala honors prominent community members by Terry
Duffy It was yet another enjoyable gathering hosted by the Greater Lewiston Business and Professional Association. Sunday June 6 saw the holding of GLBPA's annual gala at the Niagara Falls County Club recognizing prominent individuals, businesses and institutions in the northern Niagara community. Carrying the theme, "A Celebration of the River Region," the evening affair paid tribute to friends, both old and new, for their contributors to life in the Niagara County area. And in typical GLBPA fashion, it was first class all the way. Entering the banquet areas of the Falls Country Club, a maritime theme greeted visitors, complete with decorative miniature schooners on the front lawn and Niagara University Theatre students dressed as Sea Captains greeted visitors as the entrance. Enjoyable Affair The event opened with a meet and greet social that saw a number of familiar faces literally from all walks of life in the Lewiston and Porter areas in attendance, including prominent government and education officials, business representatives and local residents. Attendees spent an enjoyable hour-long plus, perusing various donated items that were up for bid, sampling tasty hors d' oeuvres and socializing with familiar faces and acquaintances, while also taking in all the elegance the Falls Country Club has to offer. Following dinner which featured a number of delicacies expertly prepared by the Country Club chefs and served from four fine food stations (diners were encouraged to make second, third and even fourth visits) the evening recognition program was underway. GLBPA Executive Director Sandy Hays-Mies, who takes the credit for orchestrating this unique affair, opened by recognizing the major contributors of the 2004 Celebration, which included:
Awards Program Following opening remarks by Angelo Calbone of Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center, welcomes by GLBPA President Janice McCaw and representatives from the village and town of Lewiston, Youngstown and Porter areas, the awards program was underway. Hays-Mies, in fitting recognition to the hometown leaders that night, introduced each honoree with an individual story on their contributions to the community. Recognizing Gary Favorite of Favorite's Pizzeria, honored that night as the 2004 Business of the Year, she recalled Favorite's truly early days, from Buzzy's Pizzeria in Niagara Falls to his coming onto the Lewiston scene at Frontier Lanes, to his establishing the family's current business on Cayuga Street in the mini-plaza. Pointing to Favorite's building successes, Hays-Mies spoke of his dedication to the Lewiston community and participation in a number of local activities and sponsorship of youth sports, meriting his honor as 2004 Business of the Year. Margaret Toohey, president of the Lewiston Insurance Agency, received similar personal accolades as Hay-Mies recognized her with GLBPA's 2004 Business Person of the Year Award. Among her accomplishments, Toohey, who serves as president of the Lewiston Insurance Agency, was recognized for spearheading today's GLBPA into a full-service community Chamber, boasting a growing membership and a wide range of offerings for its members, including group health insurance options for small businesses. As she accepted her honor, Toohey recalled her own beginnings on the Lewiston business scene and pointed how others at the time advised her against entering into the insurance business. "I didn't listen," quipped Toohey as she told attendees it has been that type of personal determination which has helped the Lewiston Agency become one of the area's premier insurance groups -- which boasts an all-female staff, by the way. Benjamin Barton Service Award Next up, members of the Niagara River Anglers and the Lower Niagara Charter Captains Association, honored that evening with the Benjamin Barton Service Award, were recognized by Hays-Mies for their continuing dedication in working to establish the lower Niagara River into one of the area's premier fishing destinations. She also traced their beginnings -- such as the Anglers establishing fish cleaning stations to grow their clientele along the Niagara, the building promotional efforts of the Charter Captains in proclaiming the lower Niagara waters in major trade publications, and the two groups combined efforts with GLBPA and the village of Lewiston in establishing the now successful Lewiston Smelt Festival. "These people help make us what we are," said Hays-Mies as she congratulated representatives of both groups at the podium. The program continued, with both longtime associates of the Niagara community as well as recent, newer faces were honored for their contributions to the area. Morgan Lewis Partnership Award The Rev. Joseph Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University, in accepting GLBPA's 2004 Morgan Lewis Partnership Award -- presented in the memory of Morgan Lewis, founder of Lewiston -- recalled the university's presence on the Niagara which dates back to the mid-1850s with six students. Noting its growth over the years, Levesque proudly spoke of Niagara's continuing and diverse involvement in the area, its growing presence with satellite institutions in Canada and its dedication to the quality of life in the Niagara region, as he graciously accepted the honor. Civic Pride Honorees The words commitment and love for the area were echoed by Hays-Mies as she introduced Mami and Si Simonson of Simonson Photography, recipients of the Lewiston Mayor's and Supervisor's Civic Pride Award, and Tom Tower of Tom Tower Farms, recipient of the Youngstown Mayor and Porter Supervisor's Civic Pride Award. Hays-Mies recalled the Simonsons first love of photography while students at RIT and how that developed into a successful business, first in Niagara Falls, then in California, before finally establishing themselves in the Lewiston community over 40 years ago. In addition to their successful photography business on Sixth Street in the village, Hays-Mies spoke of the Simonsons as being truly dedicated lovers of the beauty in Lewiston Porter region, and how they proudly convey it in their photography and extended activities Both are active with the Lewiston Beautification Commission, from working to maintain gardens to supporting this organization in the Lewiston area. "They are responsible, caring, community minded and very proud citizens," said Hays-Mies as she presented the couple the award to thunderous applause. Tom Tower Honored Tom Tower of Youngstown was recognized for his family's nearly 200-year involvement in farming and his continuing dedication and diversity in the agriculture business. "Tom is no ordinary apple grower" said Hay-Mies as she noted how Tower's knowledge and contributions in the agriculture business extend far beyond his quality local produce. Examples include Tower's educational experiences with area children who frequently visit his Youngstown-Lockport Road farm; Tower's annual hosting of foreign students to study his business; ongoing experimental agricultural programs with Cornell University, guest visits to foreign countries, including the People's Republic of China, college lecturing and more. Special Recognition Wrapping up, Hay-Mies paid tribute to Sandy Maslen for her years of contributions to residents of the village and town of Lewiston and to Artpark which is observing its 30th anniversary this year on the lower Niagara with Special Recognition Awards. Maslen was honored for her years of service to the community, from her past roles as a Lewiston Village Trustee and town of Lewiston Supervisor, to her continuing support for the GLBPA, the Lewiston Council on the Arts, the Lewiston Service Guild, and the area business community. "She is truly our ambassador," said Hays-Mies as she presented the honor to Maslen. George Osborne, executive director of Artpark and a GLBPA board member was recognized for his continuing leadership in making this entertainment center a shining jewel in Western New York. "Artpark is not only a premier performing and visual arts center, but also an economic engine for our area," stated Hays-Mies as she lent her congratulations to Osborne. This enjoyable affair concluded soon after.
For the 100-plus guests in attendance it was yet another example
of the quality which the GLBPA brings to the Lewiston community.
Hats off to Sandy Hays-Mies for a job well done. |
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