2004 -- an eventful year in northern Niagara

A look back at 2004 in the Lewiston Porter area

by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 29, 2004

Northern Niagara area residents saw more than their share of news makers in 2004 -- the excitement of new faces and promising projects to continuing concerns on the region’s environmental issues; enjoyable celebrations of its history and heritage; well-deserved recognition of the numerous individuals and groups who made their mark in our community over the past year.

And oh yes, we had our good times -- many, many of them. Our literal smorgasbord of festivals were again a success and the excitement and enjoyment that come with each continues to grow.

You see, for a relatively small, rural population, our area indeed had its share of news-making events in 2004. Some of a serious tone, many more of an upbeat nature.

What follows is an encapsulation -- albeit rather brief due to space limitations -- of the many, many news happenings that were part of our lives in northwestern Niagara County over 2004.

The Year Opens ...

January opened amidst both high expectations on what could come, as well as building frustrations by many over recurring problems and the uncertainty on these issues that lies within for many in our area.

Town of Lewiston residents saw their first experiences of Fred Newlin and his dynamics as newly-elected Town Supervisor. Throughout the year, Town Board members worked in progressive fashion on various fronts and the results have begun to show. For example, progress was made with neighboring residents to settle lingering concerns on the Riverwalk housing proposal, a project which is now making progress with approval for a limited number of new, single family homes in the area and exciting ideas for more. Movement on a municipal golf course project with developer Mike Dowd and his Old Creek Development has also been showing promise, with possible movement soon in the future.

On the downside, a referendum for chartering the Lewiston Public Library went down to defeat and library officials continue their work with the town officials on funding issues.

But Lewiston Town Board members remained constant throughout the year on keeping the financial interests of residents in the spotlight.

An example has been their steadfast unified front on negotiations with the Niagara Power Coalition towards crafting a new, favorable re-licensing agreement with the New York Power Authority. Look for more on these news items as 2005 gets under way.

Porter News

In Porter, the Town Board saw a change in composition with newly-elected members Jeff Baker and Lawrence White coming on, and new ideas presented and acted upon on many fronts. The town opened the year with a damaging fire at its highway department garage, which also saw communities throughout the area banding together with resources to aid Porter’s highway crews.

A selection of news makers included the unveiling of an attractive, new town Web site, movement on finalizing the town’s Master Plan with an eye for the future, the town’s participating in the village of Youngstown’s Sesquicentennial celebrations, the holding of Porter’s first ever Cabbage Festival and favorable news on the financial end as the Porter Board presented a budget that called for a tax decrease and improved services for residents.

Youngstown Celebrates

Speaking of Youngstown, that community throughout the year has been observing its many sesquicentennial celebrations in fine fashion. From the Nancy Price Power Run in early spring, to the Youngstown Level Regatta in June, the historical presentations at Fort Niagara, summertime community events such as concerts and plays, to a fun-filled community picnic in the summer and a three-location sesqui bash last fall, almost every event in the quaint village over the past year has carried a sesquicentennial theme. Happy Birthday Youngstown. May your next 150 years be as successful as your last.

Lew-Port News

Over at Lew-Port, there was also news a-plenty as the year moved along. February saw the opening of the impressive Lewiston Porter Middle School Library/Media Center. However, the Middle School complex also fell victim to a very damaging fire in its music department soon after which necessitated in adjusted schedules for students and a rebuilding of the facility later in the spring.

The year also saw a newly elected School Board, an unexpected tax increase for district residents, construction on various campus facilities, including a new high school football stadium, and impressive achievements by both Lew-Port students and athletes. Lew-Port’s football Lancers, for example, made an impressive return to the Section VI championships at Ralph Wilson Stadium, only to lose to a powerhouse Iroquois squad.

CWM Problems

The year also saw some disturbing items on the environmental front as Chemical Waste Management continued to make news. Following revelations of radiological issues on the CWM Balmer Road property, residents reacted, both to these concerns as well to as CWM’s long-range operating plans in the town, through vocal protests both at a Porter Town Hall session in February and a heated forum in May at Lew-Port High School. Both issues remain a concern of many to this day.

But enough of the sobering news. Let’s return to the fun stuff.

All Those Festivals

As noted earlier, northern Niagara was again immersed in festivals throughout the year. You name a month ... you’ll see a festival or a notable happening of one form or another in northern Niagara. A scattering of the memorable events (aren’t they all?) for 2004 include: the Neptune Water-ski Club’s New Year’s ski; the Bonds Lake Winterfest; Youngstown Winter Carnival; Olcott Beach Polar Bear Swim; St. Patrick’s Day at the Summit Park Mall; Village of Lewiston Spring Fling; Lewiston Smelt Festival; the Greater Lewiston Business Association Gala; the Lewiston Porter Relay for Life; Week of the Young Child in Ransomville; the Jay Brake Motorcycle Rally; Lewiston Arts Festival; Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival; Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. Field Days; the Niagara Air Show; the Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival; Lewiston Harvest Festival; town of Porter Cabbage Festival; and the Lewiston Christmas Walk celebrations. Add to that a number of local weekly concerts in the villages of Lewiston and Youngstown and the numerous happenings at Artpark and you can see how northern Niagara is a popular destination of many.

The year closed with excitement as the Greater Lewiston Business and Professional Association embarked on a new era -- The Lower Niagara Region Chamber of Commerce -- and all the promise this group brings to the region.

Yes, northern Niagara in 2004 was indeed an exciting place -- be it as a resident or a visitor. While the area may have its problems (and who doesn’t) on the whole with its awesome attractions, entertainment and business offerings and great residents, it remains one of the best areas both to live and visit.

2005 opens with both excitement and promise for many. Stay tuned.