Aren't all drug-related deaths tragic? If so, why do we as a community and a nation tend to ignore the 38,000 overdose deaths in the United State each year until it claims the life of someone with celebrity status? Whether it’s Philip Seymour Hoffman dying of a heroin overdose or Whitney Houston from cocaine abuse, is their life more important than the life of your friend, relative or neighbor who may have also succumbed to drugs?

Perhaps the media coverage of Hoffman’s recent passing is a good thing. We need to shine a spotlight on the drug epidemic that is sweeping through Western New York right now, paying no attention to the social status of the victims in its path. 

January has proven to be a very busy month for our attorneys at the Peace Bridge.  Attorneys Rosanna Berardi and Jennifer Behm have appeared with more than 10 clients for a variety of matters, including both initial and renewal NAFTA applications. All of our petitions were approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following is a recap of some of the matters our office has handled these last few weeks. 

Local book publishing company No Frills Buffalo announces the release of its latest book, “Canalside Tale” by John Grandits. A former official with the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Homeland Security, Grandits is a graduate of Bishop Timon High School and Niagara University. He currently makes his home in Buffalo.