Erie 1 BOCES Monthly Spotlight: November 2022
We hope that you enjoy reading this month's E1B Staff Spotlight. The purpose of this activity is to get to know our colleagues better, create meaningful connections, build relationships, create a strong sense of community and celebrate our differences! Please consider participating by clicking and completing this short E1B Spotlight (submission form). Your spotlight will not get posted until you preview it and give final approval. Any questions contact Nicole Kerner, nkerner@e1b.org
Hello my name is Erin Bellanti. My first name means "Ireland forever". My grandparents were from Ireland and when I was born, a telegram was sent over to Ireland to let my family know that I had finally arrived.
I am a Science Teacher in our Alternative Education Division. When I applied to work at Erie 1 Middle, there were not many science positions available so I was very grateful when I got the job offer. I love teaching high school students, especially juniors and seniors. I enjoy listening to students talk about their future plans. In the fall, I will be starting my 20th year here at Erie 1 BOCES.
I was born in Tarrytown, NY but grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY! I did not move to Buffalo until I went to school at D'Youville College and met my husband Peter. I am the oldest of 4, married to my dear husband Peter Bellanti (who also works for Erie 1 BOCES). We have 2 great kids. Frankie, a freshman at Sweethome High School; and Paige, a 5th grader at Glendale Elementary. I love making things for others. Something that some may not know about me is that I make a great homemade chapstick.
Many of my friends describe me as a mom who loves her family and friends with all her heart. A very faithful person, who is kind and caring; and always puts others' needs before her own. I love to take walks, kayak on Lime Lake and be at the ball diamond watching my kids play baseball and softball.
Hello my name is Bryan Budnik. I work in the Technology Services division as a Data Support Specialist. One of my primary duties is to assist school districts with New York State reporting data. The best part of my job is building relationships with others and knowing that what I do makes a difference. I heard about this job from my former colleague Jennifer Huber, and was hired during the COVID 19 Pandemic. My interview was actually the day before everything shut down. I have to admit learning a new job remotely, during a global pandemic had its challenges, but my Team was very supportive and helpful along the way. I am going into my 3rd year.
I was born in North Tonawanda and still reside there today. I have not lived outside of WNY. I have done the tour of Western New York Colleges earning degrees from Niagara Community College, Buffalo State College and the University of Buffalo. I am married with 3 kids aged 22, 18 and 15. Many people say that I look too young to have kids that age.
I love the sport of hockey and enjoy watching and playing it as much as I can! I do cheer for the Sabres, as long as they aren't playing my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. I'm used to the eye rolls when I tell people that, but I have been a fan of them since the first time I saw Mario Lemieux on the ice in the late 80's. I am also a huge nerd for many pop culture mainstays such as Star Wars and Marvel but nothing beats my love for The Simpsons! So much so that I host a Simpsons podcast with my wife and son called So It's Come to This: A Simpson's Family Podcast. We have published 65 episodes to date. With the show being on the air for over 30 years we have plenty of content to discuss. I also enjoy woodworking, attending comedy and music events, playing the guitar, hockey, golf, tennis, traveling, home improvements (well not all projects) and spending time with my family and friends. My family and close friends would describe me as hardworking, dedicated, loyal, friendly, humorous and at times sarcastic (but in a good way).
An interesting or weird fact about me is that I once dressed as the wrestler Mankind, portrayed by the great Mick Foley, at a live taping of Monday Night Raw. The camera found me in the crowd holding a giant sign that said, "I'm Here To See Foley." Years later when he retired they used the footage of me, dressed up and holding the sign, as the start off his tribute video, all to the tune of Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You."
Hello my name is Sally King. My father named me after a young girl who he grew up with. She was in a wheelchair and my father would visit her and watch her draw. She was very talented. Sadly she never made it past the age of 12, my father never forgot her. I did not know where my name came from until after I had graduated with my Graphic Arts degree and my mom told me the story of how I got my name.
I have worked on many teams during my 20 years here, and learned something new from each team. I currently work in the Technology Services Division on the Cafeteria Support Team, as a MOSAIC Training Coordinator. The best experience I have had so far in this position, is working with all the Districts Cafe Managers during COVID and our team remote communication. Every day was filled with new things that we have never dealt with before. Our team's communication skills and creativity produced a Round Robin Remote training that enabled us to implement and train staff. We brought one of our largest districts remotely to MOSAIC and we are very proud of that achievement.
I was born and raised in Tonawanda NY. I have also lived in South Florida when I was first married. I have been married to my husband Tom for 30 years, and we enjoy traveling the US visiting family and discovering family history. A fun fact that many may not know about me, my husband and I appeared in both commercials, billboards and newspapers for Independent Health; "Tell your Story". We had such a good time making the TV commercials.
We enjoy watching NASCAR and football. Currently we have rescued some REX bunnies that were turned out by their owner. We have four in Bunnyville Condos and there are two that visit but so far are too quick to catch. I currently serve on the King Memorial Library Board as Secretary and am proud that our library was one of the first in Cattaraugus County to obtain Broadband. We also assisted the school districts and students surrounding our library during COVID with remote connection. I have an art degree and enjoy painting, drawing and target shooting. My friends and family would most likely describe me as energetic, persistent, carefree, loud - sometimes too loud (hah) and caring.
I’ve learned to never ‘judge a book by its cover’ Having been blind and regaining my site, I SEE and experience the world in ways that many may not. I love ‘People watching’, it has become one of my favorite things to do. I observe people, I make eye contact when passing them, and say “Hi” even when they are not looking at me, smiling big and seeing their reaction. When I arrive at a destination, I stop and take a moment to look around, you would be surprised at the things you observe in those few moments - and what you remember seeing later. I recommend everyone make the time to take in every moment.