HEALTH PLAN OVERHAULED AT WAL-MART
Wal-Mart has unveiled a plan intended to expand coverage and offer workers cheap prescription drugs. The nation’s largest private employer has long been criticized for its health care coverage but they are expecting that to change drastically.
“Starting Jan. 1, Wal-Mart’s insurance will look a lot like that offered by many other American companies, but with some twists that even longtime critics described as innovative. Independent experts praised several features of the plan and said it could represent a turning point for the retailer, the nation’s largest private employer.”
““On face value, this looks like a very significant change and improvement,” said Ron Pollack, president of Families USA, a health care advocacy group in Washington that has been critical of Wal-Mart.”
“Wal-Mart said it would give each employee or family that signs up for coverage a grant of $100 to $500 to defray health expenses while charging premiums as low as $5 a month. It will eliminate expensive hospital deductibles and make 2,400 generic drugs available to employees for $4 a prescription — about 1,000 more than it sells to customers at that price.”
“The plans with the lowest premiums would still charge annual deductibles as high as $2,000 — typical for American corporate health plans, but perhaps steep for Wal-Mart employees, many of whom work part time and earn less than $20,000 a year. And the company’s plans have other limitations, including waiting periods as long as a year for new employees.”
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THE ULTIMATE SPORTS ROAD TRIP
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January 1 at The Ralph… this is gonna be big!
by Andrew Kulyk - Sep 17th 2007, 4:50pm - [trackback]
If today’s press conference at Ralph Wilson Stadium is any indication, then January 1 will rank among the epic sports events EVER to be held in Western New York.
The National Hockey League today formally unveiled the “Winter Classic”, the league’s first outdoor game to be held on American soil. The Sabres will play the Pittsburgh Penguins at 1 PM in a game which will be televised nationally on NBC, and across Canada on CBC and RDS (French channel).
It was a packed house on the field today, with the league televising the event via satellite and local TV and radio affiliates carrying the press conference live on local channels. Sabres play by play voice Rick Jeanneret hosted the show, opening with a video montage of two previous outdoor games, the frozen “Heritage Classic” held in Edmonton in 2003, and the “Cold War” held in East Lansing , Michigan in 2001, between Michigan and Michigan State Universities.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman explained the huge logistical challenges to putting on such an event. “This is a massive undertaking, putting in the piping, getting the ice up, configuring the boards and the glass.” Bettman stated that they will begin work eight days before the actual game. He also indicated that there are plans for both teams to practice on the ice the day beforehand, but that as of this time there are no plans to make that practice open to the public.
Sabres owner Tom Golisano admitted that he ended up blowing off a World Series game back in 1956 for which he had tickets, and ended up missing Don Larsen’s perfect game. “I had plans to be in Naples on New Years Day, but no way am I giving this up.”
Andrew Peters got the biggest laugh of the day, when Rick Jeanneret called him up to the dais and asked him when was the last time he played a game outdoors. “This past summer my brother and I played on the Playstation on my patio” Peters quipped.
Managing Partner Larry Quinn said that the 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton resulted in over 950,000 requests for tickets, and predicted that demand will be strong. “It’s going to put Buffalo on the map. When’s the last time we did the first thing in history in Buffalo?”
OK here are some details as far as ticketing and pricing…
-Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Sept 18) at ticketmaster.com, and the ticket offices at RWS and HSBC Arena. Prices run from $225 for the indoor clubs down to $10 for obstructed seating in the first few rows.
-Season ticket holders were notfiied today that they will receive ther seats in the mail separate of their season ticket packet, with their seat assignment roughly corresponding to their arena prices (note - we own 100 level II and 100 level III seats and they will be seating us in the $60 seats in the lower bowl.
-Season ticket holders will be able to order additional seats before Sept 28; after that any extras will be released for general sale.
-Bills club seat season ticket holders will have rights to purchase their seats for this event.
-Tailgating and parking will be coordinated by the Bills staff. I couldn’t get a firm reply on parking rates (I tried to put Bettman on the spot and wanted to ask if the league would offer free parking, but they cut the conference off just when I was the next question… aarrgghhh!!). But the implication was it would be the same rules like a Bills game, meaning lots open 4 hours beforehand, and *sigh* $25 to park your vehicle.
Yes, and the league press kit (which the Buffalo News John Vogl got along with all of us today) has the seating chart showing pricing from $29 and up with the front row seats just labeled as “obstructed”, while the seating chart sent out with the mailer (and the one WNYM received this past weekend) shows those obstructed seats priced at $10. So his article today was right, and we were right. Make sense? Hope so!
Lastly, looks like we are going to have to apply to the league for press credentials, as they are running the show here. Back when this event was first announced, Pete told me “you can have the pressbox seat I’m sitting in the stands.” At the time I said fine with me, but already we got the email from Gary and The King from NYC who want to come and want tickets, others will surely be calling as well. Looks like Pete may have the better part of the deal after all. But press pass or no, we are getting the tailgate going early!
CONGRESSMAN HIGGINS ANNOUNCES DEADLINE FOR SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that his office is accepting applications for those interested in being nominated to one of the service academies for the 2008 academic year. To apply, students must submit an application requesting the nomination by October 31, 2007.
Eligible applicants must be unmarried, United States citizens who are between 17 and 23 years old. Nominations will be based on the following standards: character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness and motivation.
“Service to our Country is a noble and selfless calling,” said Congressman Higgins. “I am honored to play a role in nominating young men and women from Western New York and I encourage those who desire service training and education to apply.”
Last week Congressman Higgins hosted an informational “Academy Night” at Hamburg High School. Dozens of students, parents, and school administrators came out to learn more about the application process directly from academy representatives.
Service Academy appointments are made by the President of the United States based on congressional and/or military recommendations. Congressman Higgins will name an Academy Advisory Board to interview all applicants and make recommendations. The Congressman will submit his nominations by January 31, 2008.
Students must also apply separately to the Academy itself, which can be accessed at: Air Force Academy – www.usafa.edu ; Military Academy – www.usma.edu ; Naval Academy – www.usna.edu ; and Merchant Marine Academy – www.usmma.edu.
Those interested in receiving a nomination from Congressman Higgins can access a sample letter requesting a nomination on the Congressman’s website at: http://higgins.house.gov/SupportingFiles/documents/Higgins_AcademyApp.pdf or submit a letter requesting the nomination along with copies of their high school transcript, report card, and most recent SAT scores to: Congressman Brian Higgins, 726 Exchange St., Suite 601, Buffalo, NY 14210. For more information please contact Congressman Higgins’ office at 852-3501.
HIGHLIGHTS OF AMHERST MONDAY NIGHT TB MEETING — 9/17/07
The major discussion at Amherst’s Monday night Town Board meeting centered on the Town‘s problem with our messed up assessment situation. The fierce words spoken by the Supervisor, Town Board members, audience members and the Assessor mainly placed blame on how our Town ended up in this assessment bind.
Placing blame in this situation is important because if the assessment of the town’s 46,000 parcels had followed the path the State has designed for it, there wouldn’t be any problem.
Dan Ward didn’t mince words when he stated, “You incompetently blundered into one of the areas in town that I think was very well run, Dr. Mohan”. Most of the Council members followed suit. The main exception was Shelly Schratz, who really seems to have lost her sense of judgment concerning anything Dr. Mohan says or does.
Councilmember Schratz is a lady who feels the need to protect and mother Supervisor Mohan in every case. Even when the evidence of his messing around the Assessment Department caused the problems we are now having with our assessments, she protects him. Last evening she did admit that she feels our assessor, Harry Williams, is a good assessor.
Dr. Mohan told Harry Williams several months ago he wouldn’t reappoint him. He has said this privately, publicly and in written form. Mohan has accused Williams and the Town Board of criminal acts concerning the assessment issue.
Remember the Town case against Anthony Canna which ended up costing our Town over a million dollars? Well, we are now going to being sued for five million dollars by Mr. Canna. Mr. Williams will certainly end up suing the Town and he will win because Supervisor Mohan hasn’t proof of any wrong doings by our assessor. How can we afford to keep following Mohan down such erroneous paths?
TODAY IS PRIMARY DAY, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18,2007
TODAY IS PRIMARY DAY TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18,2007. PLEASE GET OUT THERE AND VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATES OF YOUR CHOICE. POLLS WILL BE OPEN TILL 9:00 PM.
WATER QUALITY IN AMHERST
The Town of Amherst and the Amherst Conservation Advisory Council is hosting Water Quality in Amherst
The unique two hour information-packed presentation will introduce the audience to Amherst’s watershed and discuss water quality in the town’s creeks and rivers. Stormwater discharge issues and opportunities for citizens to get involved in water quality protection activities will also be addressed.
Representatives from the state, county, and town, as well as citizen groups will be on hand to discuss these issues with the public. Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about their community to discuss water quality concerns with the speakers.
If you swim, fish, wade or simply enjoy the remarkable waterways in the Town of Amherst, please attend.
October 10, 2007
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Amherst Town Hall, Town Council Chambers
5583 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
For more information, please call Jeffrey Angiel at 716-691-4331.
O.J. SIMPSON ARRESTED IN LAS VEGAS ROBBERY
OJ was ours. Buffalo was so proud. He worked miracles and then everything went south. Now for the latest wrinkle. He’s been arrested in Las Vegas today on charges related to an armed robbery involving sport memorabilia, police said.
Simpson, 60, has said he and other people with him were retrieving items that belonged to him. He told police no guns were involved.
Police said two firearms and other evidence were seized at a private residence early Sunday.
[read whole story]
AN AMHERST TOWN BOARD CANDIDATE WHO’S READY TO MAKE CHANGES
This year’s primary election in Amherst is focused on the fight on the Republican Party ranks The endorsed slate is pro-development and its most-recognized candidate, Dr. Barry Weinstein, who is himself, a developer.
Supervisor Mohan entered the fray with a recent mailing in which he urges registered Republicans to vote for “his” candidates; unknown Mark Klyczek and Deputy Supervisor Roy Wixon. He is also backing Dr. Weinstein. But the real story in this year’s election may be elsewhere.
One Democratic candidate has been quietly and steadily revealing his depth of support in the community and his leadership credibility. Anyone who has driven on North French Road lately knows the depth of support that Democratic candidate Jerry Schad brings to this year’s campaign. Schad has also done something that none of his fellow candidates, Republican or Democrat, have done. While others were working to secure their party’s endorsements in the spring, Jerry Schad invested his time participating in the Association of Towns Seventh Annual Town Finance & Management School. Conducted by the professional staff and counsel from the New York State Comptroller’s office, the program covered the latest information about municipal fiscal accountability, internal controls, legal developments, Government Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 45, and budgeting. Candidate Schad participated in the Association of Towns program his own expense. No other candidate participated; in fact, no member of the Town of Amherst staff participated in the Finance and Management School. So while others were out getting endorsements, Jerry Schad was keeping current on the latest in fiscal issues facing town governments.
Candidate Schad has also quietly served on the Amherst Citizen’s Review Commission which is composed of appointees from each of the Council members and the Supervisor. The CRC was established to review every aspect of the Town Government for adequacy and efficiency. This bipartisan group issued its first report to the Supervisor and Board in March, recommending replacement of the sand filters at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The recommendation was favorably acted upon by the Supervisor and Board. Its second report in July addressed its suggestions for possible efficiencies in Town operations and recommended further investigation by the appropriate town personnel. The Board has not yet acted on those CRC suggestions.
Mr. Schad brings substantial depth to his candidacy. He has thirty-five years of law firm experience with Buffalo’s oldest and largest law firm – Hodgson Russ LLP. He has expertise in tort liability and OSHA issues, which are all too common in the Town’s operations. He is an expert in disability and discrimination law where much of his legal practice was focused in over a decade of his later years with his law firm. He is also a part time administrative law judge, known as an Impartial Hearing Officer, who hears and determines complicated legal issues between parents and school districts which arise under the New York State Education Law and the federal Individuals withDisabilities Education Act.
Schad’s candidacy is one to watch and clearly residents are watching. Quiet hard work works. In the Primary on Tuesday, Schad has a primary fight in the small Working Families Party and he is very optimistic. He reports that he is confident that the candidacy of Michael Peller, the 26-year old son of a Republican, which arose from the WFP designation petition, obtained and notarized by Dr. Barry Weinstein, will fail and he will be selected in the Primary by WFP voters. If he is correct, Amherst residents will see Jerry Schad’s name on three lines on the November 6 ballot – Democratic, Independence, and Working Families Party lines.
FRIENDS OF MARK MANNA KNOW HOW TO THROW A FUNDRAISER
“Friends of Mark Manna”, candidate for Amherst Town Board, was given fundraiser last Monday night. There was a huge crowd of people from all political parties.
Compliments must go to Mark’s mother for preparing such delicious food, especially her spaghetti sauce and meat balls.
I must mention how great it was to see Mark’s family there helping out all night. It was good to see a family working together to help one of their own.
Mark has a primary this Tuesday Sept.18 for the Working Families endorsement.
TORTURED WOMAN HAD TOLD OF ABUSE BY ONE SUSPECT
A twenty year old woman told authorities she was tortured and sexually assaulted for more than a week. The abuse was at a mobile home in Logan County, W.Va. The victim knew at least one of her assailants and had accused him of abuse before.
“That suspect, Bobby R. Brewster, one of six arrested in the torture case, had a previous relationship with the victim and was charged in July with domestic battery and assault after a dispute between them, Sheriff Eddie Hunter said.”
“Court documents show that on July 18, officers responded to a 911 call concerning a domestic disturbance at the mobile home, where Mr. Brewster, 24, lives with his mother in far southwestern West Virginia. The documents do not make clear who called the police, but when they arrived, the papers say, they asked Mr. Brewster about the young woman, and he said he had not seen her in several days.”
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