J. Fitzgerald Group, an international advertising and marketing agency based in Lockport, recently developed a complete kickoff marketing campaign for the City of Lockport’s Recycling & Refuse program.

JFG’s work included the new recycling program’s theme, name, logo, an easy-to-navigate consumer website, informational postcards directed to residents and business owners, a brochure and public relations support and guidance.

The materials JFG created helped city officials immediately secure public awareness of the new program and boost community participation, resulting in over $100,000 in waste collection savings and nearly $5,000 in new revenue from sales of recycled goods after just the first few months. The campaign also helped the City avoid a public backlash due to a drastic change in their refuse services.

In stark contrast to the previous two Village of Lewiston Board meetings, where trustees were blasted for stumping for a new recreation center, residents Monday overwhelmingly voiced their support for a new indoor sports complex.

"It is needed for the kids," said Bruce Blakelock.

His son, eighth-grader Robert Blakelock, said, "There's not a whole lot of areas in Lewiston to go and play sports."

"If we don't accept this for our children ... we're throwing something away," said Dennis Brochey.

"There are a lot of people in the village that are very supportive of (a new recreation center)," Peter Nagy said. "It's a shame that this project is kind of dead in the water."

Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University will host a free CERT training course beginning Jan. 17, 2012, at the St. Johnsburg Fire Company, located at 7165 Ward Rd. in North Tonawanda (Wheatfield). 

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training is a community preparedness course that includes academic and hands-on instruction as well as a disaster training exercise that is designed to prepare you to help yourself, family and neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Individuals can make a difference by using CERT to save lives and protect property in your neighborhood.

The classes will run for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and culminate in a disaster simulation on Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CERT training topics include: