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Annual Report

Niagara Police

Athletic League

 

2023 Annual Report

 

2023 was back to normal for the most part, whatever normal is now! Most programs have settled in to the new norm. Some were slightly modified, some returned completely, and some didn't survive!


On the positive side:

The Elementary Basketball league was back completely.

The Sports Award dinner returned to a full house. All the student athletes but one, and she was at a competition, were in attendance.

We were able to maintain our scholarship levels, with the help of many friends,

Niagara PAL was able to continue to recognize a wide variety of youth for their accomplishments annually in the arts, academics, athletics, community service, scholarship,

Kids Running Club and the Santa Dash both increased the number of runners participating.

The Steakout was sold out again.

We were able to conduct a five week Chess Camp over the summer.

Unified Sports expanded their programming.

New venue for Students of Excellence, increased attendance.

Flag Football had an excellent year that culminated with our athletes playing at Highmark Stadium and attending the Bills Red & Blue game.

A few casualties:

NU Power Baseball was a one year endeavor, but that was anticipated.

Boys JV Basketball and Kids Free Play Days didn't return.

Slight negative, Do The Right Thing program was not able to do live ceremonies again, but did manage to recognize all the nominees from the schools.

In conclusion:

In 2024 Niagara PAL will continue to be the "Renaissance organization of youth groups in Western New York." PAL will continue to do what they have done since 1970 — provide quality, affordable programming for any youth that wants to participate,


2023 Niagara Police Athletic League Program Summary

Basketball

Girls Summer League: Another successful summer on the hardwood for the girls.

Elementary School league: Back with an excellent season of co-ed basketball for the young players.

Breakfast with Santa: Returned to the Rainforest Café, great atmosphere for Santa and the kids.

Brian Swayze Students of Excellence: In an effort to increase participation did an evening program in the Performing Arts Center at Niagara Falls High School.

Chess*: Established a five week summer chess camp for all young players, And continued support for the Niagara Falls High School chess team.

Concession Trailer

PAL Summer Soccer Program: The kids did an excellent job as usual in manning the trailer.

Kidz & Kites: Again, hot dogs, pizza and drinks to make a few dollars for the coffers. Wildlife Festival: Sub-contracted to school groups — format worked well for all!

Do The Right Thing

Do The Right Thing Ceremony: No live events for the second year, but were able to continue to recognize those students that accomplished positive things,

Elementary School Run: Competitive race with more participants.

Fine Arts Awards: Returned to the Alt Wing at Lewiston Porter, excellent venue to recognize all the great young artists.

Flag Football: Program continues to evolve with more participants and an increased involvement with the

BILLS

Great Niagara Steakout: Clams, steak and great golf, it doesn't get any better!

Join us for the Great Niagara Steakout on July 8th at Niagara Frontier Country Club!

Santa Dash 5K: Made some minor adjustments to make the race better.

Kids Running Club: Program continues grow with more runners every year.

Kidz & Kites: Back at Veteran's Park with about 350 kite flyers.

Scholarships: 37 awards - $14,750 total

Soccer: Four

Fine Arts Awards: Seven

Mark "Chief" Williams Memorial Scholarship: Ten Mr. & Mrs, Alan R. Elia Memorial Scholarship: Two

Brian Swayze Students of Excellence: Ten

Soccer

Summer: Where it all began so many years ago as DeDee's, still viable.

House: Supplemental program in the summer for those that can't make it during the day.

Fall: Slightly different format, 4 v 4 in September.

Indoor: Still utilizing the Wilson Center.

Travel: Considered by many as the best travel program in WNY.

Awards: Were able to host a dinner again and recognize in person all the deserving athletes and award recipients.

Tennis: Increased turnout on the courts.

Unified Sports: Expanded the program to include bocce and put-put golf at Veteran's Park.

Van: In use for almost 90 days by a myriad of classes, groups, organizations that need to get to where they needed to go to and be involved. Youth Forum: Responded well when needed.

*Denotes new program.

Respectfully submitted,

Arthur E. Eberhart
Executive Director


Click here to see Annual Report with graphics

2024 Board of Directors

Listed by name, Career Title and Years Served on the Board (Through Present Time)

Officers:

Phil Mohr-President, NFHS Teacher, 15 years
Angela Munn Gadacz- 1st Vice President, NFPD Captain, 23 years
Robert DiFrancesco-2nd Vice President, Retired High School Principal, 21 years
Joe Maggi-Treasurer, City of NF Accountant, 11 years
Julie Conti-Secretary, NFHS Teacher, 10 years

Board Members:
Cortez Bradberry, School Resource Officer & NFPD, new
Paul Casseri, Lewiston Porter School Superintendent, 9 years
Cheree Copelin, NFHS Librarian, 5 years
Luke Copelin, NFFD Firefighter, 5 years
Brian DalPorto, Retired NFPD Police Chief, 3 years
Marc Daul, Guidance Counselor, 10 years
Jennifer Florio, Director of High School Ministry-First Trinity Lutheran Church, 14 years
Mike Gentile, NU Professor, 26 years
George Ihle, Retired State Farm Agent, 17 years
Fred Kasper, Retired NF Water Board, 22 years
Alicia Kenyon, Administrator-Elderwood Facility, new
Nick Ligammari, NFPD Chief, 2 years
Karyn Morrison, Retired NFHS Teacaher, 5 years
Willie Price, Self Employed, 7 years
Michele Proietti, State Farm Agent, new
Tom Rutkowski, NFPD Police Officer, 3 years
Kristin Schultz, Xavier University, 10 years
Amanda Stenzel, Self Employed, 3 years
Patrick Tighe, Niagara County Sheriff's Dept-Deputy, 10 years
Curt Ventresca, Teacher-Kenmore School District, 7 years

Associate Board Members
John DeMarco, Retired NFPD Captain
Michael Dunn, Undersheriff-Niagara County Sheriff's Department
Rich Meranto, Owner Meranto Media
Nick Rosart, Deputy-Niagara County Sherriff's Department


Board Member Emeritus
Jan Wellsby, Retired NFFD Dispatcher, 37 years


Executive Director:
Art Eberhart

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