By Tom Torbjornsen

Hello Western New York! It’s Tom Torbjornsen, your automotive guru, hoping you all are well and wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving! Drive carefully and defensively this weekend as some people may celebrate the holiday a bit too much and drive under the influence. And, be sure to check back here each week for my new automotive column.

October 5th event effort to improve communications during emergency situations

BUFFALO, NY, September 19, 2012 – A fire or other disaster is often a traumatic experience for those affected. The situation can become even more stressful when those affected by and responding to the emergency have issues communicating with each other, which is often the case for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late-Deafened.

Energy costs can be crippling, causing managers and business owners to cut back so they can stay afloat. The ReCharge NY Program will help keep businesses profitable and workers in their jobs. Under this program, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will provide low-cost power to businesses and not-for-profits who, in return, agree to commit to job creation and retention. In the 143rd Assembly District, 10 businesses will receive low cost power that will help these businesses create and retain jobs,

The ReCharge New York picks up right where its predecessor, Power for Jobs, left off. And even better, this program is permanent and leaves no gaps in coverage for businesses to fill. It is expected to aid in the creation and retention of 2,300 jobs in our community.

The ten local businesses that have been approved for RNY are: