by Erik Schneider | Jan 2, 2025 | Staff
Toastmasters District 65, which covers Western and Central New York, named Erik Schneider, the housekeeping foreman for 2nd shift, its “Saturday Shining Star.” The award recognizes outstanding members of the Toastmasters District 65 community!
This is from District 65 Director Avis Brodie and the District Trio:
Saturday Shining Star: Erik Schneider of AM Lockport Toastmasters
This week, we’re rolling out the red carpet for Erik Schneider, a powerhouse of leadership and inspiration in the Toastmasters community!
Erik embarked on his Toastmasters journey in March 2016 with his home club, AM Lockport Toastmasters, and wow—what a journey it has been! Over the years, Erik has worn many hats:
Sergeant at Arms
Secretary
VP of Membership
VP of Public Relations (not once, not twice, but THREE times!)
President (two terms!)
Immediate Past President
Erik attributes much of his success to his amazing mentor, Cate Orr, who introduced him to the world of Toastmasters.
Not stopping there, Erik joined Rhetorical Roar in September 2018, making an impact in his second club as:
Secretary
VP of Education
VP of Public Relations
Erik took his leadership to the next level as the Area 12 Director during the 2019–2020 year, empowering clubs and members across the region.
Outside of Toastmasters, Erik is a dedicated scholar 
, currently pursuing a degree in Humanities at Canisius University.
Erik, your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication inspire us all! Thank you for being a guiding light in the Toastmasters family!
by Erik Schneider | Oct 22, 2024 | Staff

It’s that time again! Next Saturday, Nov. 2, All Saints Parish is hosting its annual Autumn Splendor and Chicken Chowder Sale from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The church is located at 76 Church Street in Lockport.
Chicken chowder will be available for eat-in or take away by the quart/gallon. Many new vendors as well as old favorites will be on hand. There will also be a huge basket raffle and a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card. Come on out, have some fun, and enjoy some delicious chicken chowder and supporting local small business!
For more info, please visit: http://www.allsaintslockport.org
Submitted by: Erik Schneider ’25
by Erik Schneider | Oct 8, 2024 | Staff
On Saturday 10/5, digital media arts professor Ben Dunkle and humanities major Erik Schneider ’25 spoke at the WordCamp Rochester event at the Rochester School of The Arts. WordCamp is a conference that focuses on everything WordPress. WordPress is originally created as a tool to publish blogs but has evolved to support publishing other web content, including more traditional websites, mailing lists, internet forums, media galleries, membership sites, learning management systems, and online stores, and it’s also available as free and open-source software. 16 speakers spoke on their levels of expertise using WordPress.
Ben talked about how you can make informed decisions about your plugins. He also present alternatives to commonly used plugins, and ways to trim your plugin count down, resulting in a leaner, cleaner site. Erik talked about how he uses WordPress for digital media arts, how he uploads his projects and blog posts, and the different themes on the website as part of a college educational program. 


Submitted by: Erik Schneider ’25
by Erik Schneider | Sep 6, 2024 | Staff

The 23rd Annual Niagara Celtic Festival & Highland Games will take place on Saturday and Sunday September 14 – 15 at the Niagara County Fairgrounds on 4487 Lake Avenue in Lockport.
The Niagara Celtic Festival was presented by non-profit Niagara Celtic Heritage Society and it was founded in 2001 by Phil and Beth Banks. Come and enjoy the music, culture, games and food!
The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: Adults $12-$35, Children 12 & under are free, parking is free. *Discounts are available for seniors, military members and students.
WEBSITE: NiagaraCeltic.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/niagaraceltic
TICKETS: click here
Submitted by: Erik Schneider ’25, Housekeeping Foreman, Facilities
by Erik Schneider | Mar 20, 2024 | Staff

AM Lockport Toastmasters is hosting its second spring Open House on Thursday April 4, from 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. at the Lockport Family YMCA at 5833 Snyder Drive in Lockport. Guests are welcome to join.
If you can’t attend in person but still want to join, we have a Zoom link that you can virtually be at the meeting. Please visit amlockporttm.org to click on the Zoom link.
Here’s a synopsis of how the meetings are run, as described by AM Lockport Distinguished Toastmaster Margo Sue Bittner:
- Public speaking is more than standing up and talking. New members are invited to sharpen their listening skills first. They may be asked to listen for “ahs” and “ums”. Another role is grammarian, which involves listening for impressive language usage and also common mistakes that detract from the speech. Another person will bring a word of the day and listen to hear who has used it throughout the meeting.
- The public speaking roles fall into three categories. The first involves preparing a quote of the day or a jest. Second is extemporaneous speaking. The Table Topics master will ask a question, giving the person called upon the chance to answer the questions, change the question or be creative. Finally, there is the prepared speaking portion of the meeting.
- Toastmaster International has a series of paths to help members learn the various parts of public speaking. Many new members selection the Presentation Mastery path, which includes the basic tools you need to be a proficient public speaker. Other paths include Engaging Humor, Effective Leadership, and Persuasive Influence.
- To help speakers improve, Toastmasters has developed an evaluation system. Each speaker is paired with someone who will explain the best parts of the speech, give some hints to improve and end with other positives. This sandwich approach is very encouraging.
- Running the meeting includes two people: the toastmaster of the day and the general evaluator. The toastmaster selects a theme, checks in with the role holders and runs the meeting. The general evaluator analyses all aspects of the meeting to help everyone improve.
Longtime member and co-founder Dave Licata is fond of saying, “Toastmasters doesn’t get rid of your butterflies. We just help them fly in formation.” Each person who comes can grow at his or her own pace.
Questions: Please contact Erik Schneider – VP of Public Relations at 716-986-5304 or at schnei28@canisius.edu
Submitted by: Erik Schneider ’25, housekeeping foreman, Facilities Management