Valuable team player recognized

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Williamsville East Football Team Manager Tom Drum on a great season.

When game day came, Tom was ready. He was always there with water bottles for the boys; to catch a warm-up ball for the kicker or a congratulatory pat on the shoulder pad after a good play.

I was not able to attend any team practices, but it's my guess that Tom was doing his thing during practice, too.

No, Tom didn't score touchdowns or make the big tackle, but his role was just as important. That's why Tom gets my vote for Very Valuable Team Member.

Michael Rath

Amherst

Residents grateful for storm response

On the morning of Oct. 14, while all of us at St. Mary's Apartments on Mill Street were suffering the effects of the October Surprise, and our only wish was for a hot cup of coffee and an encouraging word, we were greeted by a friendly gal named Joanne, who, with her husband, children and neighbors brought us a coffee urn and boiled water from her home. All of these people canvassed each of the 100 apartments here offering hot coffee, a hot supper that evening and another on Sunday.

For those who could not join the group, hot meals were delivered to them on all four floors because elevators were not usable due to the power outage. Saturday night supper consisted of pizza, salad and coffee - gracious dining, all prepared at their home for us - which we enjoyed by candlelight that also kept us warm as we huddled together. Sunday's supper treat was a complete turkey dinner, all prepared at their home for us, which we again enjoyed by warm candlelight.

Diners were escorted by flashlight up and down the stairs to and from their apartments, while those unable to do the stairs received their hot dinners delivered to them. Our grateful thanks to Joanne Miechowski and her generous, caring family and friends. Joanne is the daughter of Natalie Bartz, who is also a resident at St. Mary's. Natalie, how proud you must be of your thoughtful daughter who made a lot of people warm and happy and helped us forget how cold we were and how much snow covered our cars.

St. Mary's Apartments

residents

Three lanes would cause gridlock

If Main Street was made into three lanes the mayor should be run out of town. This state road is a main east/west route taken by many non-Williamsville commuters who happen to stop and shop occasionally while traveling through this quaint village. I personally travel through the village to frequent my gym several days a week. On my way I often stop at Ed Youngs, Rite Aid, etc. If Main Street turns into a three-lane parking lot, you can kiss my business goodbye. Can you spell GRIDLOCK?

Bob Halt Eggertsville Firefighters handle difficult time

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to the Village of Williamsville Fire Department for its assistance during the recent October storm.

After an auto accident in late August resulting in a badly broken knee, my mom; a resident of the Williamsville Towers Condominiums, had been confined to a wheelchair.

After finally digging ourselves out Saturday morning, my children and I managed to make it down Main Street to check on her and my sister. As we sat in their chilly apartment we slowly accepted the fact that without the elevator, Mom was stuck in her third-floor room for the duration of the power outage. With the inability to apply any weight on her leg, the stairs were not an option. National Grid said it would be at least a week.

As we returned home, at least being able to light a fire and use the gas stove; it gnawed at me - if I could only get her down to her lobby, I could bring her here. Then it hit me. My plan was just to ask the Fire Department if this "rescue" would be something they could help us with. Before I knew it, the gentleman on the other end was asking me my mom's address and apartment number. "We'll be there in 15 minutes," was his response. We jumped back into the car and headed back to the condo. As we pulled up, there were the Fire Department vehicles with their lights flashing. And there was grandma sitting in her wheelchair shaking her head at us in disbelief.

These gentlemen came to our aid faster than the average person can get a live person on the telephone. Two men carried my mom, in the wheelchair, down three flights of concrete stairs in the pitch black. They were gone before I could even say thank you - I'm sure on to help another family in need.

What could have been a very difficult time turned out to be one of the best weeks I've been able to spend with my mom in a long time. We were very fortunate to be able to stay warm and eat hot food at our home, I know thousands of people were not.

Thank you Village of Williamsville Fire Department. You're our heroes.

Carla Baran Clarence Center