Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

Did We Ever Light the Night!

October 1st, 2009 at 10:27 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

The Western New York chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can call Friday, September 25, 2009, a banner day.  A record crowd of more than 2500 turned out in Delaware Park to walk, talk, and party at the chapter’s most successful fundraiser of the year.  Channel 4 has been a proud sponsor of this colorful event since the very first Light the Night Walk eleven years ago.  I was there that first night with a few hundred people and it is so gratifying to see how it has grown dramatically since then as a family-friendly community party that embraces all who fight cancer and commemorates the lives of those who did not survive.  When the evening drew to a close, co-chairs Paul and Karen Nanula announced that Light the Night 2009 raised more than $330,000 for research into blood-related cancers and aid to local patients.  But, Paul urged everyone to stay tuned for a higher total because donations are still coming in.  That lit up the night for everyone!

Before the sun set, you could see the size of the huge crowd ready to Light the Night! Participants carry red lighted balloons, cancer survivors carry white balloons, those who have lost loved ones carry gold balloons in their memory.

Before the sun set, you could see the size of the huge crowd ready to Light the Night! Participants carry red lighted balloons, cancer survivors carry white balloons, those who have lost loved ones carry gold balloons in their memory.

I was pleased to return as emcee and honorary chair of the 11th annual Light the Night Walk.

I was pleased to return as emcee and honorary chair of the 11th annual Light the Night Walk.

The walk proceeds at a brisk pace around Ring Road in Delaware Park.

The walk proceeds at a brisk pace around Ring Road in Delaware Park.

Many families form teams in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Team Ron’s Kids walked in memory of Ron McNally of Buffalo.

Many families form teams in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Team Ron’s Kids walked in memory of Ron McNally of Buffalo.

It takes a lot of volunteers to support an event like this. Volunteer Nathan Thomas was handing out cheese sticks to the walkers.

It takes a lot of volunteers to support an event like this. Volunteer Nathan Thomas was handing out cheese sticks to the walkers.

These enthusiastic volunteers were passing out apples along Ring Road.

These enthusiastic volunteers were passing out apples along Ring Road.

Volunteers kept the grills hot and the hot dogs grilling!

Volunteers kept the grills hot and the hot dogs grilling!

Leukemia survivor Liz Harrer of Lockport told the crowd about the support she has received from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Leukemia survivor Liz Harrer of Lockport told the crowd about the support she has received from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I interviewed Dan Bermingham of East Aurora for News 4 at 11 and the Ten O’clock News on CW23. His 6 year old daughter, Julia, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May, 2007.

I interviewed Dan Bermingham of East Aurora for News 4 at 11 and the Ten O’clock News on CW23. His 6 year old daughter, Julia, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May, 2007.

Co-chairs Paul and Karen Nanula of Wilson Farms helped lead Light the Night to its most successful year ever.

Co-chairs Paul and Karen Nanula of Wilson Farms helped lead Light the Night to its most successful year ever.

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Hail to Hall of Famer Marie Rice!

September 29th, 2009 at 8:37 am by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

It was a proud night for members of the News Four family on September 22nd, 2009, when Marie Rice was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.  Marie left the newsroom (she doesn’t like the word retired!) five years ago and returned to her native Ohio, after twenty-seven years as a highly respected reporter here at News Four.  She will always be remembered for her long-term, in-depth coverage of the turmoil and tragedy of the Love Canal environmental disaster. And, those of us who call her a colleague and a friend will always remember her for her good, good heart.  Congratulations, Marie!

Marie Rice spoke of her journalism career spanning more than three decades during her induction into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Marie Rice spoke of her journalism career spanning more than three decades during her induction into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Rich Newberg, who is also member of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, inducted Marie with prepared comments and a video presentation of her career highlights.

Rich Newberg, who is also member of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, inducted Marie with prepared comments and a video presentation of her career highlights.

Marie Rice enters the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame with fellow 2009 inductees Fred Klestine, Pat Feldballe, Randy Michaels, and Don Polec.

Marie Rice enters the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame with fellow 2009 inductees Fred Klestine, Pat Feldballe, Randy Michaels, and Don Polec.

Marie’s identical twin sister, Joan, opted for print journalism while Marie chose broadcast journalism.

Marie’s identical twin sister, Joan, opted for print journalism while Marie chose broadcast journalism.

Congratulations to Marie Rice, a reporter’s reporter and Hall of Fame journalist.

Congratulations to Marie Rice, a reporter’s reporter and Hall of Fame journalist.

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AAUW Jacquie Walker Scholarship

September 17th, 2009 at 12:25 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

Megan McNally, winner of the AAUW Jacquie Walker Scholarship

When the Buffalo Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) did me the great honor of naming a $5,000 scholarship after me, I asked if the requirements for winning this scholarship might be based not just on academic achievement, but also on community service.  I wanted the recipient to be someone who has already made service to others an integral part of her life.

The winner, named during an awards dinner on Monday night, exceeds all my expectations.

Megan McNally, of Williamsville, is an outstanding student in her senior year as an Environmental Policy major at BarnardCollege. The College’s highly selective Centennial Scholars Program provides funding for an independent study project.  Megan used $3500 of her funding to purchase a foreclosed house on Eaton Street in Buffalo.  She has opened the doors of this house to the neighborhood for free weekly seminars on home improvement projects.  Along with her neighbors, Megan has been learning how to install glass block windows, erect fencing, paint, sand floors, fix leaky pipes, and much more.  It’s her way of improving an economically depressed area of Buffalo and empowering city residents, one project at a time.

Megan will continue to use the house as a learning lab to support her senior thesis on retrofitting older homes with green technology. She sees her future connected to preserving and protecting the environment and, perhaps, in the field of recycled building products.

Members of the American Association of University Women work hard through their annual Used Book Sale to raise the money for Megan’s scholarship and several other scholarships and educational programs for local girls and women. They can be proud of the support they are extending to this impressive young woman with such a promising future. Good luck, Megan!

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“Newsy” Day in the Newsroom: September 14, 2009

September 15th, 2009 at 8:14 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

My workplace is just like yours in this respect: some days are just more interesting than others.  Yesterday was one of those days.

It was very exciting to have Mylous Hairston working in the newsroom for the first time since he suffered a heart attack in late June. His first report was a wrap-up of his symptoms, treatment, recovery and rehab. I believe his openness about what happened to him can be helpful – even lifesaving – to others.

It was very exciting to have Mylous Hairston working in the newsroom for the first time since he suffered a heart attack in late June. His first report was a wrap-up of his symptoms, treatment, recovery and rehab. I believe his openness about what happened to him can be helpful – even lifesaving – to others.

Michele McClintick generated hugs and lots of smiles in the newsroom with the announcement that her beautiful daughter, Cate, is expecting a sibling to arrive near March 23, 2010. We couldn’t be happier for Michele and her husband, Brendan.

Michele McClintick generated hugs and lots of smiles in the newsroom with the announcement that her beautiful daughter, Cate, is expecting a sibling to arrive near March 23, 2010. We couldn’t be happier for Michele and her husband, Brendan.

Our News Director Joe Schlaerth snapped a photo of the area’s newest Bills fans just in time for Monday Night Football. Joe and his wife, Vicki, are the proud parents of these bright-eyed twins who, thankfully, slept through the end of the game.

Our News Director Joe Schlaerth snapped a photo of the area’s newest Bills fans just in time for Monday Night Football. Joe and his wife, Vicki, are the proud parents of these bright-eyed twins who, thankfully, slept through the end of the game.

It didn’t make news but it sure turned heads when Lisa Flynn showed us the unusual array of tape she was sporting on both arms. Turns out Lisa is allergic to something that is irritating her eyes and her doctor is trying to get to the bottom of it.

It didn’t make news but it sure turned heads when Lisa Flynn showed us the unusual array of tape she was sporting on both arms. Turns out Lisa is allergic to something that is irritating her eyes and her doctor is trying to get to the bottom of it.

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Getting Ready to Light The Night!

August 8th, 2009 at 9:52 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

On Wednesday, I met two of the people to keep in mind when you join us for the Light The Night Walk on September 25th in Delaware Park to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They came to the Channel 4 production studio to record a public service announcement about the Walk.

Jacquie with Julia Bermingham and Liz Harrer

Jacquie with Julia Bermingham and Liz Harrer

Julia Bermingham

Julia Bermingham

Julia Bermingham turns six next week and just got an early birthday present by completing her chemotherapy treatments.  The blue-eyed beauty was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May, 2007, but was able to enter kindergarten and now looks forward to her first-grade classes.  Dan and Kristin Bermingham of East Aurora, who also have a four year old daughter, Kaitlin, say they have been guided with compassion through their ordeal by representatives of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  They are grateful for the support.

Liz Harrer of Lockport, a mother of four, is also grateful for all the support she has received from the Society since being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in 1997.  She’s so grateful that over the past decade she has become one of the Society’s most active volunteers. She calls the staff ‘amazing’ and says she doesn’t know what she would do without them.

Light The Night - September 25 at Delaware Park

Liz Harrer of Lockport - Jacquie - Julia, Kristin, Dan and Kaitlin Bermingham of East Aurora

You’ll be hearing more about Light The Night as our PSA begins airing here on Channel 4.  Now you know about two people you can keep in your heart as you join us in Delaware Park on September 25th.  Who will you be walking for?

Julia Bermingham and Liz Harrer

Light The Night - September 25 at Delaware Park

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Tinker-Ball Fights Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

July 28th, 2009 at 9:22 am by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

A black-tie event Friday night, July 24th at Sean Patrick’s Banquet Center in Getzville celebrated the life of Jacquie Hirsch. The organizers selected the Tinker-Ball theme because Jacquie loved the Disney character Tinker Bell and believed in the day that Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia would be cured.  A.L.L. claimed Jacquie’s life. She was just 23, a bright, caring teacher, when she died in September, 2008.

Through their grief, her family and friends have worked hard to establish the Jacquie Hirsch for A.L.L. Foundation dedicated to raising awareness, providing support to patients, and funding research that will lead to a cure.  The Tinker-Ball was one of several fundraisers the Foundation has already sponsored – raising more than $200,000 in Jacquie’s name so far.

Expect to hear more from the Foundation and its good work in the community.  Jacquie Hirsch was a remarkable young woman who has left a legacy that is inspiring many in Western New York to believe in her dream of a cure for A.L.L.

The Inaugural Tinker-Ball was a black-tie dinner dance at Sean Patrick’s Banquet Center in Getzville.

The Inaugural Tinker-Ball was a black-tie dinner dance at Sean Patrick’s Banquet Center in Getzville.

Among the 200 guests, many had a personal connection to Jacquie and her family.

Among the 200 guests, many had a personal connection to Jacquie and her family.

Jacquie’s father, Torey Hirsch, spoke lovingly of his daughter and her grace in facing her disease and treatment.

Jacquie’s father, Torey Hirsch, spoke lovingly of his daughter and her grace in facing her disease and treatment.

I was truly honored to introduce Dr. Norma Nowak from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Jim Burton, on the left in this photo, had a large role in organizing the program.

I was truly honored to introduce Dr. Norma Nowak from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Jim Burton, on the left in this photo, had a large role in organizing the program.

This is one of several checks that Jacquie's family plans to present to Roswell Park researchers, Dr. Eunice Wang and Dr. Norma Nowak. Jacquie's parents Sharon and Torey are on the left. Her brother, T.J., is at right.

This is one of several checks that Jacquie's family plans to present to Roswell Park researchers, Dr. Eunice Wang and Dr. Norma Nowak. Jacquie's parents Sharon and Torey are on the left. Her brother, T.J., is at right.

News Four's Lisa Flynn and I participated in the program, as did former boxer Joe Mesi. Joe donated boxing items and hosted the live auction.

News Four's Lisa Flynn and I participated in the program, as did former boxer Joe Mesi. Joe donated boxing items and hosted the live auction.

The Tinker Bell theme was displayed whimsically throughout the Banquet Center.

The Tinker Bell theme was displayed whimsically throughout the Banquet Center.

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Canal Fest Parade: Ponchos Required!

July 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 am by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

The phrase “rain or shine” is on everyone’s lips during this summer of 2009.  So it was Tuesday night for the 27th Annual Canal Fest Parade that marched from the City of Tonawanda into the City of North Tonawanda.  This is a huge tradition in the Tonawandas and, as the News Four crew learned Tuesday night, a little rain – or even a LOT of rain will not keep Tonawandans from watching their parade.  As Parade Chairman Joe Boccolucci told me, he had only five units cancel and “if you look at the sidewalks, they’re full of people watching.”  Joe was right. For their resilience on a rainy July night, I salute the friendly folks in the Tonawandas.

A parade's-eye view of Main Street during the parade.  That's Meteorologist Don Paul in the red car in front of me under the black and white umbrella.

A parade's-eye view of Main Street during the parade. That's Meteorologist Don Paul in the red car in front of me under the black and white umbrella.

Smiling through the rain.  This parade is a big draw for families. Parents who watched the parade as children are now bringing their own little ones.

Smiling through the rain. This parade is a big draw for families. Parents who watched the parade as children are now bringing their own little ones.

Smiling through the rain.  This parade is a big draw for families. Parents who watched the parade as children are now bringing their own little ones.

Canal Fest draws big crowds so the Marines are on hand for recruiting….

….and so is the Air Force.

….and so is the Air Force.

It's become a News Four tradition.  This gentleman from the Salem Church in the City of Tonawanda is always kind enough to deliver dessert to us on the parade route!

It's become a News Four tradition. This gentleman from the Salem Church in the City of Tonawanda is always kind enough to deliver dessert to us on the parade route!

This is North Tonawanda resident Julie Klahn (with the tan purse) and her enthusiastic friends who formed a cheering section.  Cheers to Julie, too!

This is North Tonawanda resident Julie Klahn (with the tan purse) and her enthusiastic friends who formed a cheering section. Cheers to Julie, too!

With some good-natured ribbing along the way, Meteorologist Don Paul smiled during the rainy ride.  And, note the top on this convertible (supplied by Don Davis Auto World) was DOWN for much of the parade.

With some good-natured ribbing along the way, Meteorologist Don Paul smiled during the rainy ride. And, note the top on this convertible (supplied by Don Davis Auto World) was DOWN for much of the parade.

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Taste of Buffalo 2009

July 11th, 2009 at 9:05 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook
Orange is the lucky color this year for those selected as food judges. We gather at 11 am at the Hampton Inn and put on our shirts!

Orange is the lucky color this year for those selected as food judges. We gather at 11 am at the Hampton Inn and put on our shirts!

Jim and Jill Fink are the Chief Justices who give the marching orders: hit the streets and be back with the ballots by 2 p.m.

Jim and Jill Fink are the Chief Justices who give the marching orders: hit the streets and be back with the ballots by 2 p.m.

Is this any kind of weather for the country's second largest food festival? Well... yes. The show and the eating must go on!

Is this any kind of weather for the country's second largest food festival? Well... yes. The show and the eating must go on!

My first 'taste' of the day - a Roast Beef Sundae from Red Osier Restaurant. Different and good -- what a breakfast!

My first 'taste' of the day - a Roast Beef Sundae from Red Osier Restaurant. Different and good -- what a breakfast!

Food judge Larry Norton from 97Rock was sharing 'fun by the forkful.'

Food judge Larry Norton from 97Rock was sharing 'fun by the forkful.'

Erie County Executive Chris Collins was a first-time judge this year. Here, he's talking politics at Carmine's Restaurant. Carmine's won the Best Seafood category for their Shrimp Cargo. Excellent!

Erie County Executive Chris Collins was a first-time judge this year. Here, he's talking politics at Carmine's Restaurant. Carmine's won the Best Seafood category for their Shrimp Cargo. Excellent!

Katlyn Snow of Lancaster got a little help with her food.

Katlyn Snow of Lancaster got a little help with her food.

Michele McClintick anchored Weekend Wakeup and then headed down to Delaware Avenue.

Michele McClintick anchored Weekend Wakeup and then headed down to Delaware Avenue.

Michele McClintick and videographer Matt Ersing were multi-tasking -- judging the food AND preparing a report on the 'Taste' for News Four Buffalo.

Michele McClintick and videographer Matt Ersing were multi-tasking -- judging the food AND preparing a report on the 'Taste' for News Four Buffalo.

Joe's Deli won the Chairman's Choice award in 2008 for their Muffaletta Sandwich. We see why. And their Mediterranean Hummus Wrap won a Healthy Choice award today. Great, fresh food

Joe's Deli won the Chairman's Choice award in 2008 for their Muffaletta Sandwich. We see why. And their Mediterranean Hummus Wrap won a Healthy Choice award today. Great, fresh food

Find Joe's Deli at Hertel and Colvin, the former Mastman's Deli location. Joe Lyons is the owner. His wife Rachel Rossitto, a dentist, was graciously serving us today.

Find Joe's Deli at Hertel and Colvin, the former Mastman's Deli location. Joe Lyons is the owner. His wife Rachael Rossitto, a dentist, was graciously serving us today.

With all this food to taste, it helps to bring along some 'muscle.' My son, Michael, is extremely organized and is always in charge of the judging clipboard. We were happy to see that Cecelia's Ristorante won in the Best Vegetarian category for their Fried Ravioli with Red Sauce.

With all this food to taste, it helps to bring along some 'muscle.' My son, Michael, is extremely organized and is always in charge of the judging clipboard. We were happy to see that Cecelia's Ristorante won in the Best Vegetarian category for their Fried Ravioli with Red Sauce.

Here's a great find for us this year. It's the first time in the 'Taste' for Papi's Family Restaurant, 690 Hertel Avenue (right across from the Post Office). Owner Railly Betances is shown here with his nine year old daughter, Jessly, and the enthusiastic crew from Papi's. Everything they served tasted like award-winners- Roasted Pork, Spanish Rice with Green Peas, Chicken Empanadillas, and (non-alcoholic) Pina Colada Slushies.

Here's a great find for us this year. It's the first time in the 'Taste' for Papi's Family Restaurant, 690 Hertel Avenue (right across from the Post Office). Owner Railley Betances is shown here with his nine year old daughter, Jessly, and the enthusiastic crew from Papi's. Everything they served tasted like award-winners- Roasted Pork, Spanish Rice with Green Peas, Chicken Empanadillas, and (non-alcoholic) Pina Colada Slushies.

Tom Muscarella is Chairman of the 2009 Taste of Buffalo. We caught up with him tending to any one of a thousand details he will tackle during this long weekend. Believe it or not, his day job is with the Erie County Health Department as Senior Public Health Sanitarian. Seems like the right man for this mission!

Tom Muscarella is Chairman of the 2009 Taste of Buffalo. We caught up with him tending to any one of a thousand details he will tackle during this long weekend. Believe it or not, his day job is with the Erie County Health Department as Senior Public Health Sanitarian. Seems like the right man for this mission!

News Four's George Richert and Chief Meteorologist Don Paul joined me outside the Channel Four booth where visitors could spin the prize wheel for a dollar. All money raised goes to Gateway-Longview, Inc., serving the needs of local children and families.

News Four's George Richert and Chief Meteorologist Don Paul joined me outside the Channel Four booth where visitors could spin the prize wheel for a dollar. All money raised goes to Gateway-Longview, Inc., serving the needs of local children and families.

By 3 p.m., most of the rain had passed, the sun made an appearance, and the streets were suddenly teeming with people. On with the Taste of Buffalo 2009!

By 3 p.m., most of the rain had passed, the sun made an appearance, and the streets were suddenly teeming with people. On with the Taste of Buffalo 2009!

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Recession? Buffalo’s Gotta have Art!

June 15th, 2009 at 10:33 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook

There was a huge crowd on and around Delaware Avenue yesterday for the 52nd Annual Allentown Art Festival. Certainly, the sunshine helped draw the crowd, but, understandably some vendors expressed concern before the festival opened about how the ongoing recession would affect sales. I talked to at least six artists, all festival veterans, who described their sales to me pretty much in one word: “Fantastic!”  And, I was surprised to learn that most of these vendors had better sales on Saturday with chilly temperatures and threatening skies, than on sunny, warm Sunday.

I do understand that with more than 400 vendors, a half dozen is a small sample.  News Four’s Lindsay Schwarzwaelder talked to a couple of artists who said they thought people were making smaller purchases this year.  For them, that’s true, and there’s no way to get a true handle on total sales, except by these personal anecdotes.  I can only say that I was heartened by what I saw and heard in Allentown yesterday.  Maybe, just maybe, there is a light at the end of the tunnel..and it’s shining on a painting purchased at the Allentown Art Festival!

Can you believe bunny dogs (carrots on a bun) were hot sellers?

Can you believe bunny dogs (carrots on a bun) were hot sellers?

Big dogs rule at Allentown... but we were captivated by a red toy poodle from Tonawanda named Lilly.

Big dogs rule at Allentown... but we were captivated by a red toy poodle from Tonawanda named Lilly.

Buffalo firefighters provided their services to the Allentown crowd.

Buffalo firefighters provided their services to the Allentown crowd.

Wheatfield artist Jody Ziehm extended her winning streak. After a blue ribbon last year, she captured a red this year for her watercolor of Aretha Franklin at the Presidential Inauguration.

Wheatfield artist Jody Ziehm extended her winning streak. After a blue ribbon last year, she captured a red this year for her watercolor of Aretha Franklin at the Presidential Inauguration.

Not sure how sales went for the Original Flower Shower, but it sure attracted a crowd!

Not sure how sales went for the Original Flower Shower, but it sure attracted a crowd!

Photographer Mark Callen says his third Allentown outing is his best. Photos of Buffalo landmarks, including the Aud, were big sellers.

Photographer Mark Callen says his third Allentown outing is his best. Photos of Buffalo landmarks, including the Aud, were big sellers.

The End (for this artist after a long weekend in Allentown!)

The End (for this artist after a long weekend in Allentown!)

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Walk in the Park Fights Juvenile Diabetes

June 8th, 2009 at 9:42 pm by Jacquie Walker under Jacquie Walker's Newsroom Notebook
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Mackenzie Duffy is interviewed about living with juvenile diabetes.

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Mackenzie's Troopers

Thousands of people – at least 3,379 of them – took a slow walk around Martin’s Fantasy Island yesterday.  We had to walk slowly because of the sheer numbers of people navigating the paths and walkways of the theme park.  But, we were focused on the idea of raising money for research to unlock the secrets of a disease which alters, complicates and, even, threatens life for more than 3,000 Western New Yorkers.

Mackenzie Duffy of Wheatfield is one of those Western New Yorkers. She’s a beautiful, freckle-faced 8 year old who has lived half her life with type 1 diabetes. Her little fingers have developed calluses from the daily regimen of finger pricks to check her blood levels. Then, there’s the constant worry for her parents, the medical checkups, and the dread of complications.  There’s no way to measure all the ways that juvenile diabetes has changed her young life – and the lives of all her family members.  But, her mother, Janeen, tells me it would be the “best thing in the entire world” if researchers can find a cure.

That’s why Mackenzie’s family rallied 66 people to join the 16th Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes yesterday as part of their team called “Mackenzie’s Troopers.” The Troopers were among many, many teams formed to support those diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.  The simple act of taking a walk on a Sunday morning to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is one way that friends and family can offer support to families who have endured the life-changing diagnosis of juvenile diabetes.

WIVB-TV Channel 4 is a proud co-sponsor of this community fundraiser. The totals are not in yet, but by last evening Karen Swierski, the Executive Director of the WNY Chapter of the JDRF, reported that the chapter was already at $712,000 on a goal of $778,000 for the Walk and its associated fundraisers.  That’s a fantastic figure, and a job well done to all who took a walk in the park to fight juvenile diabetes!

Jacquie starts the Walk!

Jacquie starts the Walk!

 

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