by Victoria Sturman | Jul 16, 2026 | News, Newsletter
Emergency Physician House Calls returns to Summer Festival with Make-Your-Own-Family-First-Aid Kit
For the third year, ‘Dr. John’ (John A. Sterba, M.D., Ph.D., FACEP, FACCWS) enjoys teaching children & adults to have fun freely building their own custom Family First Aid Kit!
‘Dr. John’ is a double-boarded M.D. physician and Ph.D. scientist practicing and teaching pediatric and adult Emergency Medicine and Advanced Medical and Surgical Wound Care. Since 1998, ‘Dr. John’ and his wife, Janice, founded the humanitarian Christian Public Charity, Saved by Grace Ministry, Inc. Since 2009, they have grown their private medical practice of Emergency Physician House Calls™ serving just in the Greater East Aurora Area.
‘Dr. John’ teaches you Basic Wound Care using their medical and surgical wound care supplies from Saved by Grace Ministry’s PORTABLE ER®. It is a Scavenger Hunt building up your Basic Wound Care and First Aid Kit going number-by-number finding all labeled supplies with ‘Dr. John’ teaching and answering all questions.
Handouts include detailed Wound Care Instructions, “Highlights of the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid “, the “Textbook of Equipping for Disasters” Front/Back Covers with Table of Contents, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Home Recipe for Oral Rehydration solution (ORS), and brochures and business cards. Medical & Surgical Wound Care, which is insurance-re-imbursed without billing or charging patients, is exclusively provided, at-home, by Emergency Physician House Calls™ using America’s first, Federally-Registered PORTABLE ER®; M-F, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, (716) 655-6854, www.PhysicianHouseCalls.org
by Victoria Sturman | Jul 16, 2026 | News, Newsletter
Five Star Bank Earns SBA Gold Award for Powering Small Businesses in Western New York
The community bank approved $11.7 million in 7(a) loans through the SBA’s Buffalo District
Office, helping to support more than 900 local jobs
Five Star Bank’s (the “Bank” or “Five Star”) commitment to small business lending helped the growing community bank earn the prestigious Gold Award through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Buffalo District Office. During the agency’s 2025 fiscal year, Five Star approved 83 7(a) loans locally totaling $11.7 million, supporting over 900 jobs across the Buffalo region and broader Western New York market.
“At Five Star Bank, we believe small business is big business,” said Five Star Bank Director of Business Banking Adam Bickel. “Small businesses drive New York’s economy, and we are committed to being their partner and providing high-touch, relationship-based capital solutions. We are incredibly proud to receive the SBA Gold Award and to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to helping local business owners access the resources they need to grow and
succeed.”
The SBA Gold Award is determined based on loan volume, number of loans, and economic impact during the federal agency’s fiscal year, which runs from October 1 through September
For Five Star, the recognition highlights continued demand among small businesses for financing to support expansion, equipment purchases, and hiring. In addition, the SBA named Jose Mendoza, Five Star Bank Senior Banking Relationship Manager, as a recipient of its Small Business Advocate Award for his work supporting local entrepreneurs.
About Financial Institutions, Inc. and Five Star Bank Financial Institutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISI) is a financial holding company with approximately $6.3 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026, offering banking and wealth management products and services. Its Five Star Bank subsidiary provides consumer and commercial banking and lending services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through banking locations spanning Western and Central New York and a commercial loan production office serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Courier Capital, LLC offers customized investment management, financial planning, and consulting services to individuals and families, businesses, institutions, non-profits, and retirement plans. Learn more at Five-StarBank.com.
by Victoria Sturman | Jan 8, 2026 | Chamber News, News, Newsletter
We’re excited to introduce the Chamber Compass—the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s new quarterly e-newsletter designed to keep our members connected, informed, and visible.
Each issue will spotlight what’s happening across our Chamber network and communities, including:
- Member news: Events, promotions, press releases, grand openings, milestones, and more from our members.
- Chamber updates: Upcoming programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy news.
- Community highlights: Key regional events and important business information.
- Member moments: Welcomes to new members and thank-yous to renewing members.
We’re also adding a fun, high-visibility feature: Member Social Spotlights.
One or two social media posts from Chamber members will be randomly selected and featured each quarter. To be eligible, simply follow the Chamber on Facebook (@eastaurorachamber) and on Instagram (@eachamber). Then tag us in your posts—it’s an easy way to amplify your message to a broader audience.
Chamber Compass will be delivered the first month of each new quarter to more than 3,000 contacts, including Chamber members and our wider business and community list—providing meaningful exposure well beyond our membership.
To have your information included in upcoming issues, please be sure to submit your content by the deadlines, which will be clearly listed in each issue.
Want a little more exposure? By an advertisement in an upcoming issue! For more information, please reach out to our Executive Director, Victoria Sturman, at vsturman@eanycc.com or 716-652–8444.
We can’t wait to share your stories and help keep our region moving forward—together.
Welcome aboard!
by Victoria Sturman | Jan 7, 2026 | Member Blog, News, Newsletter
We have a lot of snow, and we know that you want to enjoy the outdoors as 2026 kicks in. You want to go skiing, but downhill skiing can be expensive. Have you tried cross-country skiing? It is a great sport where you exercise at your own pace, enjoy beautiful and quiet nature.
Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets, a public golf resort in Varysburg, just 35 minutes South of Buffalo and a short drive east of East Aurora, is now a winter playground ideal for cross-country skiing.
Byrncliff stands out as one of the region’s only cross-country centers featuring PistenBully-groomed trails, delivering world-class conditions for both classic skiing and skate skiing. With more than 12 miles of scenic terrain stretching across rolling hills, woodlands, and a beautifully maintained golf course, skiers can expect reliable grooming and a consistently smooth, enjoyable experience. Byrncliff also offers night skiing trails from Thursday through Saturday to 8 pm: a fun and different experience!
“Cross-country skiing remains one of the most affordable ways to enjoy winter, stay active, and get outside,” said Lindsay Eddy, VP of Sales & Marketing at Byrncliff. A daily ski pass ticket costs just $22 as opposed to much more for a downhill ski pass. “We’re excited to welcome both newcomers and returning guests to experience the quality of our grooming, the beauty of our trails, and the warm hospitality that makes Byrncliff special.”
Byrncliff offers full rental equipment, including classic skis, skate skis, and snowshoes, making it easy for first-time visitors to step right onto the trails. Lessons are available for individuals or small groups who want to learn the basics or improve their technique.
After a day in the snow, guests can enjoy Byrncliff’s restaurant, bar, and cozy lodge, or book a winter getaway with the resort’s overnight packages. The all-inclusive packages pair trail access with a warm meal and accommodations at the on-site hotel—perfect for romantic winter escapes, family outings, or snowmobile-friendly weekends.
“With the rising cost of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is a refreshing alternative that’s accessible, peaceful, and great exercise,” Eddy added. “We’re proud to continue offering a high-quality, affordable winter experience right here in Western New York.”
More details and Trail conditions are updated daily at www.Byrncliff.com.
About Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets
Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets is a four-season destination in Varysburg, NY, offering an 18-hole golf course, hotel, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and extensive winter activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Situated in the rolling hills of Wyoming County, Byrncliff has welcomed outdoor enthusiasts for more than 50 years with year-round hospitality and scenic beauty.
by Victoria Sturman | Jan 7, 2026 | Member Blog, News, Newsletter
Great Erie Federal Credit Union Announces the Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication $500 Scholarship Award
The Great Erie Federal Credit Union is thrilled to announce the Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication Scholarship Award, an exciting opportunity exclusively for our young high school members.
This $500 scholarship is named in honor of Don Bruning, a retired Orchard Park High School math teacher who
selflessly dedicated 52 years of volunteer service within our credit union. Don not only contributed his expertise as
an educator but also served admirably on the volunteer Board of Directors and is active in our credit union today.
This scholarship is a testament to Don’s unwavering commitment, embodying the values of dedication, volunteerism,
and education. We aim to celebrate and honor his outstanding contributions by providing this unique scholarship
opportunity to our high school members, encouraging them to pursue their academic aspirations and community
involvement with the same spirit of dedication that Don Bruning exemplified throughout his remarkable tenure.
Eligibility:
- Must be a member in good standing at Great Erie Federal Credit Union.
- Must be a high school senior at the time of submitting the application and attending a two-or-four-year
college/university or a vocational/technical school for the first time in the Fall of 2025.
- Preference will be given to those pursuing a degree in Education or a related field of study.
- We ask that the winner make every effort to make our annual dinner and will be seated with Don himself.
How to Apply: Detailed instructions can be found on our website at GreatErieFCU.com. The deadline to submit your
application is February 28, 2026. Applications will be judged in March 2026 with the winner being announced by
March 31st.
About Great Erie Federal Credit Union
The Great Erie Federal Credit Union is committed to providing exceptional financial services to our members and
supporting our community through various initiatives and programs. We strive to foster a sense of community and
dedication among our members, reflecting the values that Don Bruning upheld throughout his distinguished service
on our Board.
by Victoria Sturman | May 3, 2021 | Chamber News, Covid-19, Events, Newsletter
See all the wonderful things the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce is doing for its members and the community! From events to new benefits to strategic planning, the Chamber is constantly working to bring broaden its scope and offerings in order to help our community and local businesses grow!
Click below to view our latest newsletter. It contains information on upcoming events, new member benefits, COVID updates, new PPE offerings, and a message from Gary Grote, our Executive Director.
Chamber Newsletter April 26 2021
