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YBPA preparing for summer
By Terry Duffy
Editor-in-Chief
The Youngstown Business and Professional Association held its annual spring get-together on Tuesday at the Ontario House (Stone Jug) in Youngstown.
As is customary, the affair served as an organizational session for YBPA, with the installation of its board of directors and officers for 2019 by Town of Porter Justice David Truesdale.
Included are: Cheryl Butera, YBPA president; Dotty Riordan, vice president; Mark Butera, secretary; Steve Zastrow, treasurer; and YBPA board members Stephanie Cattarin, Quain Weber and Catherine Stella.
The session had its focus on the newsmakers thus far for YBPA in 2019 and what’s in store for the months ahead. Included was the successful eighth annual O’Riordan St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebration that took over village streets last month; and the recognitions of the Youngstown Galley as Youngstown Business of the Year; Gary Zanardi of Youngstown VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 as Town of Porter Citizen of the Year; and Shawn D’Luhy of St. John’s Episcopal Church as the Village of Youngstown Citizen of the Year.
All will be honored at the Chamber Gala, taking place Thursday, May 9, at the Niagara Falls Country Club.
Also in the news was a significant funding announcement by Niagara County 1st District Legislator Clyde Burmaster. Burmaster, through his resolution for funding from the Niagara County Economic Development 2019 budget, announced he was able to secure a $1,500 appropriation toward YBPA’s annual brochure program.
“This will be used to help support our 2019 advertising program,” Mark Butera said. “This was really out of the blue; this came from Seneca Niagara Community Development Funds that Legislator Clyde Burmaster was able to access.”
Coupled with Burmaster’s assistance are matching funds from the William C. Mayne Niagara Falls Bridge Commission grant program.
“We have submitted our application for matching funds,” Mark Butera said.
Also anticipated is funding pledged from the Town of Porter toward the 2019-20 YBPA brochures. Now in planning, the updated brochure is expected to include an expanded map and coverage extending from the Village of Youngstown to the hamlet of Porter on the town’s eastern end.
“(YBPA) is the prime organization that has taken upon themselves to ensure travelers will know of the many historic, recreational, business and entertainment venues this area is famous for,” Burmaster said. He noted funding would enable YBPA “to embark on a new, improved shared services initiative for 2019.”
Among YBPA’s projects for 2019 is the upcoming Welcome to Summer Street Dance and Car Show, Thursday, June 20. Also on the calendar are the 20th annual Jack Beatty Hospice Memorial Regatta and the Town of Porter Lake Fest this summer.
Cheryl Butera said planning for this annual summer favorite is well underway. Look for the always-fun bands and street dancing for all ages; pony rides by Lakeside Quarter Horses; bounce houses and clowns; food, drink a great car show and, of course, beach balls.
Look for the details on these and more for 2019 on the YBPA membership page, www.youngstownnewyork.com, and plus YBPA’s Facebook page.
Town of Porter Justice David Truesdale installs YBPA board members and officers for 2019. (Photo by Terry Duffy)