I read with great interest a recent guest view column in this newspaper by Stephanie Cowart, executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. In that column, Cowart spoke of the history and mission of the NFHA and her staff and residents (current and past). Stephanie has always maintained a very positive and hopeful attitude toward her work in the community, and I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate her.
Much recent concern has revolved around the development of the HOPE VI project in the North End of the city. Any large-scale community development project that involves significant public resources deserves review, monitoring and accountability. Not only is it warranted but it should be welcomed. Cowart has encouraged public dialogue and discussion about specific NFHA projects such as HOPE VI as well as all issues related to the authority and to public housing.
Cowart serves as a strong advocate for the entire community and particularly for youth. She works tirelessly to protect the rights of and provide opportunities for those who are underserved. She has helped to make a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families.
Stephanie has been recognized for her work by numerous and diverse local and regional organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, YWCA, National Conference for Community and Justice, Niagara University, Niagara County Black Achiever’s Candle in the Dark Award, the Niagara Improvement Association Civic Award, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority Award of Excellence, the Business First’s prestigious Forty Under 40 award, and the Heroes of Public Housing Award.
To use the words of the Hon. Louise Slaughter in her speech at the U.S. House of Representatives, “Ms. Cowart is truly a Niagara Falls jewel,” and “she exemplifies the works, beliefs and dreams that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared with the world.”
Not only is the NFHA a tremendous asset in this community, so is Stephanie!
Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., is the president of Niagara University.
Columns
GUEST VIEW: A true Niagara Falls jewel
- Columns
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HAMILTON: The SPCA and the pineapple upside-down pie
It is said that, as free Americans, we often get the things for which we ask; we also often get exactly what we deserve. Sometimes it works out to our good, and sometimes it doesn’t.
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GLYNN: Slim chance now for a real thick ice bridge
If you’re not convinced about the unpredictability of Western New York weather, consider that this area was experiencing temperatures in the mid-40s on the 100th anniversary of the ice bridge tragedy in the gorge.
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BRADBERRY: Is Black History Month Still Relevant?
I am uncomfortably recovering and slowly recuperating from a relatively minor, but medically necessary procedure which has kept me out of circulation, out of touch and essentially on my back for a lot longer than I have personally believed was justifiable; however, in this case my opinion matters not; the doctor’s diagnosis and promising prognosis trumped mine, so here I lay almost completely befuddled, nearly unable to pen a clear sentence.
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CONFER: Time to end the NFL’s blackout rule
Long ago, in a much simpler time, ticket sales accounted for the majority of revenues for professional football teams.
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CITY BEAT: Stuck on traffic
Sometimes I feel like the traffic signal reporter in Niagara Falls.
Traffic signals have been making a lot of news around here lately. There’s the whole flap about what to do to improve public safety near the Como Restaurant in the 2200 block of Pine Avenue. -
HIGGS: Discussing crime and punishment in the Falls
Have to take a detour off Pine Avenue in 1956 this week to report on an event held by the Niagara Falls Block Club Council for its member clubs and other interested citizens.
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GLYNN: Hotel Niagara plan exciting for the Falls
It all sounds like a re-run of a TV program you’ve seen a dozen times. This time, however, there is every reason to believe that the landmark Hotel Niagara on Rainbow Boulevard will be restored to the splendid atmosphere that guests enjoyed for decades.
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HAMILTON: BOE and kids, or the SPCA dogs?
There is example after example of otherwise qualified Niagara Falls’ board of education members and staffers lending their time and efforts to organizations outside of the school district’s core business.
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GLYNN: Trust in SPCA shelter must be restored
Stories about the operations at the Niagara SPCA shelter shape the image of sickening and disgusting treatment of animals.
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BRADBERRY: Old medicine and new challenges
Having suffered and recovered from my fair share of illnesses and injuries over the years, I have come to believe that sometimes the treatment and the cure of my condition can seem to be far worse than whatever I may think is ailing me at the moment.
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