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: Dandelions, parades, broken poles and people
There are still those remnants of the fading bouquets of floral tributes that still hang at that base of a tree on city hall’s lawn. It is near where, last year, from his shiny silvery cart, Melvin Johnson sold hot dogs and sausages to both city employees and passerbys while his tiny white dog excitingly yelped at anyone that came near.
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GLYNN: Gillibrand seeks help for prime bread-winners
A recent report shows that working mothers across the Empire State earn nearly 15 percent lower pay for the same work as men.
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BRADBERRY: There really are spirits in the water
Over the centuries since it was “discovered” hundreds of millions of people have traveled from every corner of the world to visit Niagara Falls making it the most visited of the great waterfalls on the planet.
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CONFER: The reality of rationed health care
The ongoing debate over Obamacare has brought to light the concept of rationed healthcare. Opponents of health care reform keenly point out that while the bill never explicitly calls out rationing, it features certain provisions that will lead the markets to adjust to strict federal demands and, therefore, dispense certain procedures in smaller amounts or not at all. Because of it being the first time that the subject has really come up in public circles, most people, especially on the right, believe that rationing is something new. It’s not. The free markets have been practicing that for quite some time. I should know; with a 4-inch long, 1-inch wide scar running south of my belly button – and a couple of related scars around my groin – I could be the poster child for rationed health care.
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CITY DESK: A regrettable error
We owe Carol Sensabough an apology.
Several weeks ago, the long-time reader and Niagara Falls resident sent a letter to the editor explaining that she took offense to some of the things written by a syndicated columnist, Stephen Dick. -
HIGGS: Niagara Falls' own West Side story
Trusello’s Bakery was on Elmwood behind the family home at 840 19th St. The family, Richard, William (Billy) and Sam along with two sisters, lived in the house.
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GLYNN: Falls, Ont., rolls out red carpet for Wallenda
Before Nik Wallenda even started practicing his high-wire routine in downtown Niagara Falls, state Sen.George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane, had noted the warm welcome the tightrope walker received across the river.
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HAMILTON: Civic ‘ParticipAction’ can work too
Back in the 1970s, our Neighbors to the North ran a national campaign called ParticipAction to encourage Canadians to get off their butts and do things for the sakes of their bodies.
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GLYNN: Graduates find they’re in staggering debt
Countless senior citizens often gripe about something, sometimes even with good reason. Perhaps they should consider themselves fortunate, compared with the younger generation.
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