Roswell Park Receives $1.5 Million Competitive Contract for Tobacco Cessation Program

Cancer center to partner with health-care providers across region to reduce tobacco dependence

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has been awarded a five-year, $1.5 million contract to operate the Western New York Tobacco Health System Change Center (WNY-THSCC). The Center is funded by the New York State Tobacco Control Program and will promote systems changes supporting expanded tobacco-cessation services throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The Western New York Tobacco Health Systems Change Center is one of eight centers across the state that will collaborate with targeted health-care providers to assist these organizations in the adoption of policies and programs designed to help patients quit using tobacco products. The newly awarded competitive contract represents a change in approach for the RPCI program, which has previously focused on engaging and assisting medical offices and staff in Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties.

“Our continued presence in the four northern counties of Western New York, as well as the expansion of our geographic coverage to now include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties, is an opportunity to refocus our efforts and concentrate on collaborations with health-care organizations, including health-care systems and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Through these partnerships, we will identify and implement policies to promote the delivery of tobacco control services across a diverse mix of health-care settings,” said Martin Mahoney, MD, PhD, Professor of Oncology in the departments of Health Behavior and Medicine at RPCI.

The program strives to increase the number of health-care provider organizations that have systems to screen all patients for tobacco use, deliver brief advice to quit at all visits, and provide assistance to help patients quit successfully. Evidence demonstrates that brief advice to quit smoking from a health-care provider significantly increases the odds that a smoker will quit.

“We will maximize our efforts by working with health-care organizations that primarily serve patients who are disproportionately impacted by tobacco dependence, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and mental-health service providers,” added Kimberly Bank, RN, Director of the WNY-THSCC.

While New York State has made great strides in reducing tobacco use, smoking prevalence has not declined for those with low incomes and less education, and those with self-reported poor mental health. These at-risk groups can least afford the costs of tobacco and the consequences of addiction.

To learn more, contact the WNY-THSCC at 716-845-8255 or visit its website at www.facebook.com/TCCofWNY.

FREE Fashion Show TONIGHT!

Come to a FREE Fashion Show TONIGHT to celebrate successes of Memorial’s bariatric surgery patients  

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center will hold a free fashion show with a compelling angle this evening: All the models have successfully undergone minimally invasive metabolic and bariatric (weight loss) surgery and have lost a lot of weight … in many cases well over 100 pounds.

This will be an opportunity for them to “strut their stuff” before family, friends and the public and they have some wonderful stories to tell about the dramatic improvements they have experienced in their health and quality of life. Fashions will be provided by the show’s sponsor - DKNY in the Niagara Fashion Outlets.

WHAT: A Celebration Fashion Show

WHEN: Today (Tuesday) from 6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Antonio’s, 7708 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY

WHO: Fashions by DKNY in the Niagara Fashion Outlets will be modeled by patients who have successfully undergone life-changing minimally invasive bariatric (weight loss) surgery from Niagara Metabolic & Bariatric Services (Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center). Physicians and staff from Niagara Metabolic & Bariatric Services also will be on hand.

Headway of Western New York Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser

Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., will host their annual fundraising event, “Moonlight on the Green” on Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. It will be held at Westwood Country Club, Windows on the Green, 772 North Forest Road, Williamsville (corner of North Forest Road and Sheridan Drive). People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center, which is celebrating 20 years of providing quality patient-centered care to Western New York, is the lead sponsor. The event features food, drink, a silent auction, a large basket raffle and live music.

Proceeds benefit Headway of WNY’s mission to ensure that individuals in WNY with brain injuries, other disabilities, and seniors have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible in the community. The event is known for its unique 200+ baskets raffle. Tickets are $50 each Presale, and may be purchased online before May 14 by going to headwayofwny.org, or you may purchase tickets at the door for $55 each. Ticket price includes a buffet dinner, two hours open bar (beer, wine, soda), a silent auction, basket raffle and door prizes. For more information, call 716-408-3117 or visit headwayofwny.org.

Headway of WNY strives to help a variety of people, from young adults to seniors, in their journey after injury and disability. Services include: advocacy, direct support groups, a resource directory, community education program and a partnership with the Veteran’s Hospital to support veterans who are injured and their families.

Brain injury is often referred to as the unseen epidemic.

• Every 21 seconds one person in the U.S. sustains a traumatic brain injury.

• 30 years ago, most people with severe injuries would have died. Now with improved trauma care, 230,000 persons are hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury each year, and survive.

Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides resources, support groups, recreational programs, training and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY, Inc. is a volunteer support, advocacy and resource organization that was founded in 1985 by caring families and individuals who have survived brain injury and other disabilities.

Susan Conners to Speak about Tourette Syndrome at Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome

As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome Susan Conners, author and president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The presentation, entitled “Tourette Syndrome – What makes us tic?” will take place on Friday, May 9, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.

Conners will focus on a number of topics relating to Tourette Syndrome, including criteria for diagnosis, common neurological disorders, as well as strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.

Conners, M.Ed. was a middle school teacher for 33 years and helped found the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State in 1984. She has been president of the organization ever since. A resident of Snyder, NY, she served on the National Tourette Syndrome Association’s board of directors for 12 years and was also founder and chairperson of its educational committee. Conners recently had her first book published entitled The Tourette Syndrome and OCD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Educators. She has also consulted with and made appearances on numerous television programs, including ABC’s 20/20, the Emmy award-winning HBO documentary I Have Tourette’s But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me, and a BBC Discovery Channel Special on Tourette Syndrome, to name a few.

The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Susan Conners is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees, which includes admission to the gallery space of the Museum of disABILITY History. For more information or to register, call 716-629-3626.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

Snap Out of It Portrait Exhibit at Windsong

Williamsville, NY— The community is welcome to stop out this June and see a beautiful portrait exhibit compliments of esteemed photographer Missy Kennedy Cleary. Missy has generously offered to display her Snap Out of It gallery of photos that display portraits of some of Buffalo’s beautiful women to bring attention to the importance of preventive breast cancer screening.
Those who truly enjoyed her special exhibit in September 2013 at the Burchfield Penny Art Gallery in Buffalo will have a second chance before the photos are shipped to Boston and for those who missed it, this is a must see. The exhibit is titled appropriately Snap Out of It and as Missy recalls she had to say just that to the many women she photographed who denied their own exquisiteness. “Look how beautiful you are, she would remind them.” This exhibit will be selected from the Buffalo business women and civic leaders she has photographed.

Since graduating from RIT Missy Kennedy Cleary has been making photographs professionally. She worked briefly with the legendary Bacharach Studio in New York (as their first female photographer), and once drawn back to Buffalo her portrait business has kept her quite busy. Missy declares, “Every woman over 40 should have a fabulous photograph of herself.” Women of all ages benefit from feeling fabulous, perhaps even stunning or glamorous and Missy knows just how to make them feel radiant. Come and see for yourself at Windsong Radiology Group this June. And don’t forget to remind the beautiful women in your life that preventive screening is the key to early detection of breast cancer. You could save a life.

Windsong Radiology Group is the largest free standing radiology facility in the metro Buffalo area and one of the busiest in the nation, performing over 300,000 imaging exams per year. It is a full-service diagnostic imaging practice staffed by 17 Board Certified and Fellowship trained radiologists who deliver cutting edge service. It was the first center in the area to be recognized as a Breast Center of Excellence by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. It has the reputation of pursuing and acquiring the most advanced technology available and employs only highly trained, certified technologists. The Group works closely with referring physicians, their patients and local insurance carriers to establish the least invasive and most medically appropriate procedures.

Raising Matty Christian Inspirational Documentary Featured at Spring 2014 disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series

The Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. will host the Spring 2014 Annual disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series on Friday, April 25, 2014, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dipson Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main Street in Buffalo. The featured film is Raising Matty Christian. The purpose of the event is to educate attendees, challenge stereotypes and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities.

The movie profiles the life of Matthew ‘Matty’ Christian (1983-2009), from the town of Canton, MA, who was born without full limbs or a tongue. The film chronicles his dally struggles and how his parents, Allie and Jerry Christian, raised him to face his challenges head on and his uplifting achievements that followed as a result. The 84-minute documentary focuses on Matty’s legacy of strength and determination.

A reception will be held 5 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo (half mile from theatre). The film’s Director and Producer Christian de Rezendes and Associate Producer Paul Plotkin will be the keynote speakers. They will share why they created the movie and how they have been inspired.

De Rezendes was introduced to the project by his friend and the film’s associate producer Paul Plotkin of Saunderstown, RI, who the Christian family hired to edit and transfer VHS home movies to DVD. De Rezendes, along with his wife and co-producer Amanda de Rezendes, were hired by Allie and Jerry Christian in the fall of 2011. “Raising Matty Christian is a truly inspirational story,” said de Rezendes “You can’t watch a few moments of video and not be moved by how Matty’s achievements apply to your own life and how you can improve your own outlook every day.”

“From a diversity aspect, the film could have a significant effect on acceptance of others who are different,” said disABILITIES Film Festival Director and People Inc. Associate Vice President David Mack-Hardiman. “The film is so inspiring because Matty led his life like he did not have any limitations. He was an amazing athlete, friend and mentor. I think people of any age and families should strive to have an open mind after watching the movie.”

Movie tickets are available in advance at the Museum of disABILITY History and can also be purchased at the Amherst Dipson Theatre on the day of the event. Tickets are $5 per person. The speakers’ segment at the Museum is free to all film screening patrons.

To learn more, visit www.disabilityfilmfest.org or call the Museum of disABILITY History at 716-629-3626. The sponsor of the Spring 2014 Annual disABILITIES Film Festival is the New York State Council on the Arts.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Community leaders to rock for better health

Community leaders and elected officials will join members and friends of the Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary for a “rockin’ good time” Friday when the Auxiliary holds its 13th Annual Rock-A-Thon to benefit the hospital.

Participants will rock in chairs for half-hour increments with each rocker soliciting pledges. Proceeds will be used to purchase needed equipment for the medical center. The Auxiliary has raised nearly $100,000 at previous rock-a-thon events.

Drop-ins are welcome and coverage is invited. For information, please call Mary Norton at 278-4159.

Community leaders scheduled to rock include:

8:30 a.m. Niagara Falls Community Development Director Seth Piccirillo

Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Charles Walker

Assistant Director Jill Shuey, Niagara University Office of Sponsored Program & Foundation Relations

9:00 a.m. Jocelyn Touma, rocking for Niagara Falls City Councilman Andy Touma

Director Ray Geiser, Palliative Home Care of Niagara, Inc.

9:30 a.m. Marketing & Public Relations Director Doug Mooradian, Health Systems Services.

10:30 a.m. Marjorie Gillies, Niagara Beautification Commission

11:00 a.m. Publisher Peter Mio, Niagara Gazette

Niagara County Legislator Owen Steed
Niagara Falls City Councilman Robert Anderson Jr.

Ron Anderluh, Niagara Street Business & Professional Association

12 noon Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster

Memorial Park Block Club President John Cooper

1:30 p.m. Niagara Falls Fire Chief Thomas Colangelo

State Assemblyman John Ceretto

2:30 p.m. Executive Director Greg Larson, Niagara Falls Family YMCA

Applications available for Sass nursing scholarship

Applications are now being accepted for the Ruth and William O. Sass Scholarship to encourage excellence in the field of nursing.

Named in honor of Dr. and Mrs. William O. Sass, the scholarship is awarded annually to one or more qualified applicants pursuing a course of study for a baccalaureate degree in nursing. It is funded from interest income assigned to an endowment fund in their name at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

Scholarship recipients must be a graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Niagara Catholic High School or Lewiston-Porter High School.

Other criteria for consideration include academic achievement, community involvement and commitment, nursing career goals, personal and professional references and the availability of other resources.

Upon graduation, awardees are expected to apply for appropriate employment vacancies at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and to accept a position if offered.

Applications must be submitted to the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Foundation no later than May 15. To obtain an application, please call 278-4604.

AMHERST SENIOR CENTER PARTNERS WITH HEARTS & HANDS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Amherst, NY – The Amherst Center for Senior Services is partnering with Hearts & Hands to reach more seniors in Western New York. Hearts and Hands connects older, frail or vulnerable individuals in under-served communities with care receivers for door through door transportation, companion visits/caregiver respite, wellness checks/phone pals, and minor home repairs and maintenance. By linking those in need with a dedicated volunteer, Hearts and Hands hopes to enable the elderly and those with long term health concerns to remain safely in their homes. Services are delivered free of charge through the best efforts of dedicated volunteers.

Senior Outreach Services (SOS) at the Amherst Senior Center has partnered with Hearts & Hands in Akron and Clarence and will now service Amherst. SOS is a government funded program providing assistance to persons age 60 and older. Some SOS services have cost shares/contributions, but case management is always free and available to all seniors residing in the Towns of Amherst, Clarence and Newstead.

SOS provides free of charge, case management services with staff trained to identify and coordinate all available community and government services, thus eliminating much of the red tape that can cause frustration to seniors and their caregivers.

Hearts and Hands is a not-for-profit, neighbor-helping-neighbor organization which pairs volunteers with care receivers for needed services. The organization, founded in 2003, provides services to underserved areas in Western New York.

Senior Outreach Services can be reached at (716) 636-3070 and Hearts and Hands can be reached at (716) 406-8311.

Cultural attractions collaborate to create seven-stop ‘passport’ event in Erie and Niagara counties

History in Your Backyard

Seven Erie and Niagara County cultural attractions are teaming up to present a collaborative weekend, May 8-10, enabling guests to visit all seven locations for one low price. “History in Your Backyard” participants will receive a commemorative “passport” that will be stamped at each attraction. The passport will also contain discounts for numerous local restaurants.

Additionally, participants who visit and receive a stamp at each site will be entered into a drawing to win a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls courtesy of Rainbow Air Helicopter Rides! Participants will also be entered to win a gift basket from each participating attraction. Details will be available at each location.

Cultural attractions taking part in History in Your Backyard include:

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village: 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst, 689-1440, www.bnhv.org.

Col. William Bond/Jesse Hawley House: 143 Ontario St., Lockport, 434-7433, http://niagarahistory.org.

Erie Canal Discovery Center: 24 Church St., Lockport, 439-0431, http://niagarahistory.org.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum: 180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda, 693-1885, www.carrouselmuseum.org.

Museum of disABILITY History: 3826 Main St., Buffalo, 629-3626, http://museumofdisability.org.

Niagara Aerospace Museum: 9900 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, 297-1323, http://wnyaerospace.org.

Niagara County Historical Society: 215 Niagara St., Lockport, 434-7433, http://niagarahistory.org.

Passports can be purchased at any of the participating cultural attractions (with the exception of the Col. William Bond/Jesse Hawley House) and can be used throughout the entire weekend. The cost is $25 for adults in advance and $30 on the event weekend. The ticket price for children and students is $10 in advance and $15 on the event weekend. Children 2 and under will be admitted free. A family ticket is also available for $50 in advance and $60 during the event.

Please contact any of the participating attractions for more information. Each attraction will be operating under its usual weekend hours.