Latest news with #Hornell
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Resilience in action: A blind baker, a community builder and two unstoppable dancers
CBS News contributor David Begnaud finds the heart in every story. This week marks the conclusion of "Dear David" month, with July dedicated to viewer-submitted stories. A 28-year-old legally blind baker is turning his childhood dream into reality with help from a local restaurant owner who saw talent before disability. Chris Lomax, who lost his sight at age 5 after brain tumor surgery, begins each workday like any dessert chef — gathering ingredients and putting on gloves. The difference is that his recipe cards are in Braille. "When I woke up from the surgery, I opened my eyes and I said, 'Mom, where are you?'" Lomax said. "And I was so in distress because my whole life, she was always the face that was comfort. And so the fact that I couldn't see her was, you know, terrifying." Despite his disability, Lomax maintained a clear vision for his future, telling his first-grade teacher he would open a bakery in Hornell someday. However, that dream dimmed when potential employers focused on his blindness rather than his abilities. "There's laws protecting blind people from being discriminated, but there's not. Cause people can easily say, 'Uh, you just don't fit the position.' Even though they mean you're blind, you can't do this job," Lomax said. Restaurant owner Joe Huang-Racalto changed that trajectory when his establishment needed a baker and Lomax needed an opportunity. "We decided to give him the job and Chris was overwhelmed," Huang-Racalto said. "I said, 'Look, it, we're in this together now. Whatever challenges you have in your life, let us know because we'll try and plow through 'em and remove those obstacles.' He was overwhelmed by that because no one ever did any favors for him." Since Lomax started, Huang-Racalto says the desserts are flying off the shelves. The partnership has evolved into a new business model where Lomax receives 100% of profits from his grab-and-go station within the restaurant. "It costs us literally nothing more to have Chris come in and use the infrastructure of the restaurant to start his own business," Huang-Racalto said. "We're just giving him the foundation to do what he does best and what he does best is baking." For Lomax, the arrangement represents progress toward his ultimate goal. "This opportunity being one step closer is so exciting. The fact that I could own my own bakery one day is just exciting and just a blessing," he said. Jake Bacon may be known locally as "the Salty Scotsman," but the English-born photojournalist has spent more than 30 years making Arizona home while serving his adopted community. Born in Singapore to English parents, Bacon experienced a nomadic childhood that took him around the world. "By the time I was 11, my mom had immigrated from England to Australia and back twice," Bacon said. After settling in Arizona, Bacon became a father and grandfather while documenting life in Flagstaff for the Arizona Daily Sun newspaper. "When you are a photojournalist at the community newspaper, 90% of the people that you see are really happy to see you," Bacon said. "Even at times of triumph or sorrow, um, you form connections really quickly. And I see my career as a journalist as a way to serve my community. But then all my hobbies serve my community too." One such hobby involved tracking down London-style telephone booths through social media and transforming them into literacy projects, a way to plant a piece of his heritage in Flagstaff. "So the tiny library project started, um, because I was missing home," Bacon said. Bacon spent eight months restoring the booths, which now sit outside his home filled with hundreds of donated books. "There are people there day and night," he said. "It's amazing. It brings out the best in people." For Bacon, photography served as just the starting point for deeper community connections. "Often we don't know what we're looking for until it finds us and I was looking for a community to call home," he said. Two Memphis women in their 60s and 70s have discovered that retirement doesn't mean slowing down — it means heating up the dance floor. Dianne Huff, 66, and 73-year-old Roxie Jones make up the Hickory Hill Sizzlers, a dance duo that earned third place at the Delta State Fair last September with their fiery performances. The partnership began when Jones approached Huff with a proposal that would change both their retirements. "I was hesitant on it, and she said, 'If you do the music, I'll do the teaching.' So it was no question then," Huff said. While dancing wasn't part of their original retirement plans, the activity has given both women renewed purpose and joy. "I'm just enjoying life," Jones said. "Whatever age you are, you can just come and have fun. Just enjoy life. That's the most important thing." David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alstom to deliver propulsion components for MTA's new subway cars
Alstom is set to supply propulsion components for an additional 435 new generation subway cars, designated as the R211 series, for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT). This announcement follows the exercise of the second option with Kawasaki Rail Car. As a result, over 80% of the NYCT's fleet will be installed with Alstom's propulsion systems. The R211 series cars are part of NYCT's initiative to enhance service reliability and modernise services for its customers. The propulsion systems for the R211 subway cars will be produced at Alstom's manufacturing facility located in Hornell, New York. This site is claimed to be the largest passenger rail manufacturing plant in the US. The Hornell facility is equipped to manufacture AC traction motors, traction cases, and high-speed circuit breakers (HSCB). It also features a combined test and power laboratory, which allows for comprehensive testing and validation of components on-site, thereby improving quality control and production efficiency. Alstom Americas president Michael Keroulle said: 'Alstom is thrilled to build on our proven track record of delivering cutting-edge components that enhance the reliability and efficiency of urban transit systems. 'With the exercise of this second option, more than 80% of the New York City Transit fleet will be equipped with Alstom's propulsion system, helping trains keep millions of passengers moving to their destinations.' Alstom maintains a diverse portfolio of components, providing solutions for original equipment manufacturers, operators, and asset owners. The company's offerings include advanced systems and products such as bogies, motors, dampers, brake friction, switchgear, propulsion and auxiliary converters, transformers, and green traction solutions, as well as train control and information systems. Recently, Alstom delivered the first of 22 six-car trains for São Paulo's Line 6-Orange, produced at its Taubaté facility in Brazil. Each train can accommodate up to 2,044 passengers and achieve speeds of 90 km/h. "Alstom to deliver propulsion components for MTA's new subway cars" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hornell Alstom plant will manufacture 435 more propulsion systems for Kawasaki R211 cars
Over 400 more propulsion systems for R211 subway cars will be manufactured by Alstom in Hornell. The company announced July 22 that it has exercised the second option with Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to supply propulsion components for an additional 435 new generation subway cars. The R211 series is being built for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's New York City Transit system. The MTA has ordered a total of 1,610 R211 cars. 'Alstom is thrilled to build on our proven track record of delivering cutting-edge components that enhance the reliability and efficiency of urban transit systems,' said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. 'With the exercise of this second option, more than 80% of the New York City Transit fleet will be equipped with Alstom's propulsion system, helping trains keep millions of passengers moving to their destinations.' Alstom's Hornell operation, which spans several different campuses, is now the largest passenger rail manufacturing site in the United States. The component plant in Hornell produces AC traction motors, traction cases and high-speed circuit breakers. It also features a combined test/power laboratory that ensures all components are rigorously tested and validated on-site, an integrated approach that enhances quality control and streamlines production, the company said. More: How new Plant 4 is impacting Hornell workforce, Alstom's pursuit of rail contracts While the R211 cars are manufactured by Kawasaki, MTA recently ordered 316 M-9A passenger railcars from Alstom, with an option for 242 more. The car body shells will be manufactured at Alstom's new Plant 4 in Hornell. The new car body shell manufacturing facility is also gearing up to handle an order from Metra, which serves Chicago and neighboring suburbs. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Alstom picks up Kawasaki option to build R211 propulsion in Hornell Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
AQ's Buttles is Player of the Week
Kendall Buttles of Aquinas tossed two no-hitters and totaled 50 strikeouts through four games last week for the Li'l Irish. On Wednesday, she struck out 12 on her way to a no-hitter against Livonia. Then on Friday, she picked up 14 strikeouts in a win over Pal-Mac. In a Saturday double header, the eighth grader had a 12-strikeout game against Hornell in Game 1 to lift Aquinas to the win. In Game 2, she earned her second no-hitter of the week with another 12-strikeout performance against Marion/Gananda. Buttles has led the Li'l Irish on a four-game winning streak, making her our Player of the Week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hornell's Dyring is Player of the Week
After leading Hornell girl's basketball in its path to its first ever state title game, Jordyn Dyring is our Player of the Week. In the Class B state semifinals, Dyring scored 16 points to help lift Hornell to a six-point win over Chenango Forks of Section IV. In the state championship game, she put up another 16-point performance to pace the Red Raiders and close out an impressive junior season. Hornell finished as state runner up, but Dyring is a winner as our Player of the Week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
