The Edge of the Falls

Nico Santangelo, an American and resident of Niagara Falls, NY, since birth, hosts alongside Peter Green, a Canadian (with a Green Card, eh!) who lives and works in Niagara Falls.  Together they work together to promote Niagara Falls as a two-sided, cross-border experience that each side compliments - rather than competes.Our premiere episode and an opportunity for you to comment and let us know what we can cover and your own take on Niagara Falls.  

Segment 2 of our original episode is coming soon.  In the meantime, and in response to Cheryl and Albert's ongoing Termination of Parents Rights trial, we wanted to provide an update.We met Cheryl and Albert on April 20, 2022 in our studio and recorded this interview.  A video version is on the Kicker at the Edge of the Falls Facebook page.  We welcome your suggestions, thoughts and observations through this process.  Sadly, rumor and conjecture have swirled around the situation to provide a convoluted picture of the true happenings in court and in life.  Our goal is to bring out the truth and help make sense of it.

Parents from a suburban community just outside of Buffalo, New York, are subjected to abuse and harassment as they have all their children taken away.   Their 21-month-old daughter was found drowned in June 2021 while in the supposed care of foster parents.  We began this investigation a month ago and have discovered a great many discrepancies and concerns regarding the handling of the case - including the drowning of their daughter.  Join us and put your "investigator" glasses on to view what has been happening to Albert and Cheryl.  This is part one with more to come shortly.  Note:  Subject matter may be difficult for some.  Listener discretion advised.

Glass Roses, a program on our broadcast network that deals with women's issues, is hosted by Crystal Ann.  Crystal is a frequent contributor and editor for Kicker at the Edge of the Falls.  We felt compelled to share this show - where Crystal interviews two 14-year-old students (one of whom is Crystals daughter) and they discuss how they identify their gender.  These articulate and well-thought young people help explain gender identity from the perspective of those who are seeking out their true identity while facing all of the challenges and issues of being young teens in our society.We hope you will join and listen to this thought-provoking and insightful episode.Due to illness, Kicker has remained silent for the past few months but will return next week with a new series on CPS abuse and related cases.

We presently have a couple of good stories in the works, both dealing with various levels of Government corruption, ineptitude and the world-famous employment duo known as Nepotism and Cronyism.  Check it out and look for a full episode next week!Email us at kickerfalls@gmail.comCheers!

We are joined by Sonnie, a guest who has a harrowing tale of dealing with the Department of Social Services and Child Protection Services particularly.  Production Note:  Our guest requested, after our interview was completed, that we not use her real name.  We obliged without any difficulty, but there is a "rough edit" when she first joins us for which we apologize.  Warning:  Sensitive and mature subject matter, listener discretion is advised.

Meet Stacey, loving mother of 4 children, who has had to deal with the DSS in her home County, including Child Protective Services, both of which demonstrate a complete lack of integrity and ethics.  Listener discretion advised as this episode deals with sensitive subject matter.

Our investigative arm goes into action with a review of County Government and corruption that lies within.  This could easily be any County in our Nation, but we are in Niagara County near the world-reknown Niagara Falls.  Join us for our introductions and our musings as to what we hope to achieve!Caveat:  Remember, one of us may play the "Devil's advocate" in order to offer counterpoint and balance to what we're discussing.  That does not mean we are in support of a certain viewpoint or suggested action....healthy debate is vital to understanding and comprehending issues.  So if you oppose a point made, send us an email with your comments to yowowamedia@gmail.com   

Our beloved Madman has bowed out for tonight....leaving Michael and the Mystic to scramble and figure out some things to discuss.  We offer an update on the Sexual Predator Lawyer case and go from there.

Meet Zack and his mom, Crystal.  Zack is one of our Yo-Yo's, our Youth program designed to engage young people in technology and communication.  On today's podcast you'll hear from Zack and Crystal as they talk with the Mystic about the impact of Covid on all aspects of their life.  

Welcome back!  We provide an interesting and thought-provoking development in the investigation as to why an Attorney, with a past admission of sexual misconduct (convicted by the Court) and now facing 12 charges (including 8 B-class felonies) for sexual assault and other related crimes - was hired by the Department of Social Services in Niagara County, NY.  Then meet Crystal Ann - host of Glass Roses, a Facebook broadcast for women.  Crystal joins our team as interviewer and support-person for women who are being abused by a corrupt system at Child Protective Services.   She interviews "Max", a woman who has had her children taken away and her husband unjustly prosecuted.  Her story is power.  In-studio, Crystal is joined by Shana - from our previous interviews about CPS and by Peter, our Host here at the Kicker.To contact us please email kickerfalls@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.Music "Woman In Chains" by Tears for Fears feat. Oleta Adams, and "Crumbling Down" by John Mellencamp.  Used under Fair Use provisions of US copyright law.

A mother of two young daughters is struggling to reunite her family.  She is given supervised visitation by facilitators contracted by CPS, and these facilitators are run by Catholic Charities of Western New York.We've heard the recordings, we've seen the messages and texts.  Catholic Charities has opted to "punish" this mother, Shana, for her actions in trying to make sense of their visitation evaluations.  At the heart of it - keeping masks on a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old during supervised visitation.  That's the Catholic Charities focus, and has been their reason for denying visitation for this mother.  Any parent has the right to decide what is best for their children.  In a room where the two daughters, the mother and a supervisor from Catholic Charities are the only people present, the issue of masks should not be the basis for evaluating - and faulting - the mother.  You might think that, right?When Shana challenges this, she records the conversation (which is legal).  We have heard the recording, and read the responses from the Catholic Charities worker and her supervisor.  They are so concerned about being recorded that they opt to "punish" Shana by forcing her to attend a meeting in lieu of her weekly scheduled visitation.  They give her just over 12 hours notice of cancelling visitation and demanding a meeting, to which she is not permitted to bring anyone (including her attorney) nor is she allowed to bring her phone or recording devices.  They, of course, can bring as many people as they deem necessary.Catholic Charities then rescheduled the meeting to pre-empt Shana's visitation next week.  So we called the Director of Communications at Catholic Charities.  They rely on public donations, and are a service arm of the Catholic Church.   Our enquiry is about the practice of cancelling visitation to hold meetings - effectively punishing the mother and children.  Their reply?  A statement that the Catholic Charities staff treat all clients with respect and care .  They refuse to discuss anything with us.  We have heard the recordings, and seen the messages.  So when a Catholic Organization states that their employees are above reproach, we remember several decades ago when the same was said of Priests and other clergy.  And we know what the outcome was there....Something smells rotten in Catholic Charities.  We haven't posted the recordings or messages, yet, but we mostly likely will since they feel they can operate with impunity.  The only thing they seem to fear is the light that is shone upon them when we hear conversations and read their messages, and call their practices into question.Have a listen to this update.....at the end, perhaps send an email to rose.caldwell@ccwny.org and just say "we're watching".  

Shana is the second mother that we have interviewed regarding issues with the Niagara County Department of Social Services and Child Protective Services.   Her story is a compelling reason for us to suspect something is truly rotten in the "Magic Kingdom" of CPS. In all seriousness, Shana has a compelling story.  In fact, she was reluctant to share it, and we held back for several weeks (that's why we were so long in getting this episode out) because she fears for the safety of her daughters  if the perpetrator becomes aware that she has shared it.  Her fears are understandable....a mother separated from her children and unable to protect them is a terrible situation.   Next episode (later this week) we'll have part two of Shana's story, and an update from Sonnie - our first interviewee.  As well we'll play parts of phone calls that demonstrate the lack of professionalism and client service from some of the workers at CPS.Stay tuned, the ride continues.....

After nearly 8 months of Covid-19 impact, we are now back to delivering a weekly "audio podcast" version of our live show done on Facebook and YouTube.  There's a bit more fun in the audio show, but it's basically the Madman and the Mystic doing what we do best - annoy freely.  

A fun-filled episode celebrating the Madman's return, we talk about Contract Negotiations in the City, we poke fun at a tired old media source here in the Falls, and general mayhem ensues.  Meet Ohio Barb, one of our team, and our newest intern Luanne who dreams of being a secretary, perhaps at City Hall, someday.  The Edge is back, better than ever.

With guest host Chris Fortin, a member of the Board for the advocacy group NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), we explore developments in New York State regarding the legalization of Marijuana.  Chris is an Actor, Voiceover Artist and wears many hats in our community.  The Madman is still recovering from major surgery so we have Chris joining the Mystic for a two-sided episode that explores Marijuana legislation and fake news.  

Fun with Jenn Lefevre, Psychic Medium and all-around fun person to have in front of a microphone.  Our beloved Madman is out with neck surgery so, as he is confined to his recliner, we welcome Jenn to co-host this week's episode.   Featuring a call to the Madman and this week's editorial by the Mystic.  Join the fun!

Another fun run through the Western New York political landscape.....careful not to step in any of the crap being spewed by those Niagara County Legislators who love to hire criminals when their masters tell them to.  Yes, that's you Legislators Nemi, Wydysh, Andres, Hill, Bradt, Syracuse, Godfrey and Gooch.  Creeps all.  Well, they are at it again and now they are angry about "robocalls" to their constituents about supporting a bill that would stop them from hiring more criminals and people for whom a great deal of taxpayer money has previously been shelled out to settle harassment claims.  We guess the truth hurts, but they're whining and we're laughing about the whole thing.  It's the Madman's birthday and the party was a blast on Sunday the 26th.....he's off for surgery for a week or so and we hope to welcome him back asap!!!  Wishing him well.

Just some perspectives on three weeks of a month gone by.  We talk about good stuff in Niagara Falls - Murals that brighten our cityscape!  The Niagara County Republicans are looking for a few good people......and of course, the eight Republican Representatives in the County Legislature are looking for a few bad people.  After all, they do what they're told and hire felons.  Lots to listen to and a little general mayhem.  

Two talented, engaging and fun actors from Western New York kind of "take over" our studio and share their insights into the blossoming film industry and local pride.  Great stuff, lots of fun and fresh ideas for improving our community!