Paul Dyster is the quintessential WNY homebrewer, and he’s also running for Mayor of Niagara Falls. Wouldn’t be cool if he made Beer run over the Falls instead of water? On This Day across America—the first Saturday of November—we celebrate Teach a Friend Homebrew Day.
To see all the events visit: www.beertown.org/events/teach/index.html
Locally, there’s Paul Dyster’s Niagara Tradition Home Beer & Wine Supplies, a family owned & operated business, which since 1992 has provided home brewers wine, mead, and cider makers, which they promise is “with quality ingredients& equipment at fair prices, and information& education to help ensure their success in this enjoyable hobby.”
One of Buffalo’s most beloved mayors was Mayor Schwab back in the 20’s– a beer magnate and promoter. If Paul Dyster makes it to be Mayor of Niagara Falls, there’s no telling how much fun we’ll all have. His unique homebrewing business is located on Sheridan Drive. I know Paul from working together on BOOM Days every year, as well as from noting his vigorous accomplishments as a board member for Riverkeepers.
Before we turn to learn more about Paul Dyster, let’s first ask what’s The American Homebrewers Association (AHA)? And what is Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day?
It is an international event to introduce people to the homebrewing hobby and establish relationships with local homebrew supply shops, such as Paul’s. Each year on the first Saturday in November, homebrewers around the world are encouraged to invite non-brewing and brewing friends and family to celebrate Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day and brew a batch of beer together.
This year’s observance and celebration must be particularly exciting for Paul and for the Dyster family, for it is election week coming up. And yet when you think of local elections, somehow the idea of Niagara Falls’ elections doesn’t come much into local Buffalo concerns’view. Come to think of it, we just don’t fiddle too much in the same band with anyone from Niagara Falls. And we could and we should and we will– if Paul gets elected.
Paul seems to bring our communities together, from the grass roots ground up. If Paul wins, we’ll see a watershed like none other before in his blending forces of the Niagara Community to be one global and important regional community. He could do it too. Buffalo should hope he makes it.
He’s a quiet, busy, earnest, and most capable leader. That’s in itself unique. When he puts his mind up to something, there’s no brags—it just happens. He does make a strong commentary, however, as here follows to show:
“You’ve got to remake the image of Niagara Falls,” Dyster told the Niagara Falls Reporter. “On top of the whole ‘rust belt’ thing and Love Canal, you’ve got a federal investigation hanging out there. You’ve got gunfire in the streets connected to the Local 91 case. You’ve got the Niagara Power Coalition and questions hanging over that. You’ve got to change that. It’s time to elect a mayor who puts forth a different image for the city of Niagara Falls.”
It may seem odd at first to put a person’s entire resume into an article, but we’ll close now by doing just that. The resume appears on his campaign website, afterall, and it’s chockful of neat facts that even those who think they know Paul might find surprising and impressive.
It’s just such an impressive resume that lifts hopes for this terrific candidate’s chances. Raise a glass of homebrew to Niagara Fall’s hopefully future mayor, Paul Dyster.
May Hizzoner be, for that would be great for Buffalo-Niagara as we’ve never seen yet bind the potential closeness of our two communities. Paul has done a lot of interesting things in his life, and has learned something from each.
His diverse experiences give him a balanced perspective on the issues. His record of accomplishment shows he knows how to get the job done! Herewith, then:
RESUME for PAUL A. DYSTER (pauldyster@wny.com)
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE, NIAGARA UNIVERSITY (LEWISTON, NEW YORK)
Board of Directors, 2002-
Founded in November 2002 with a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency secured by Congressman John LaFalce, the ELI is an independent, non-profit institute located on the campus of Niagara University in the state of New York focused on the values of stewardship, localism and service, grounded on .commitment to social and environmental justice.
Serve on the advisory board and as a frequent guest lecturer on topics related to environmental justice, parks, urban planning, tourism development and brownfield remediation.
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA (WASHINGTON, DC)
Director, The Graduate Program in International Affairs at the Pentagon, Sept. 1989- August 1994
Served as chief academic and administrative officer and instructor for a special Masters program offered by the university within the Pentagon. The program was geared to defense and intelligence professionals whose post-Cold War duties in areas such as peacekeeping and arms inspection required a background in diplomacy, negotiation and international affairs. Duties included curriculum planning, recruitment and supervision of faculty, admissions, advising, planning and hosting of academic conferences and roundtables, etc. Led the program through a major Department of Defense evaluation process and drafted its report. Chaired a university committee on the future of Peace Studies and drafted its report.
Assistant Professor, Department of Politics, Jan. 1989-Dec. 1993
Taught courses in U.S. foreign policy, world politics, arms control, intelligence, national security and other topics at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Served as undergraduate and graduate adviser, including supervision of PhD dissertation research.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Politics, Department of Politics, Jan. 1983-June 1987
Taught courses in U.S. foreign policy, world politics, arms control, intelligence, national security and other topics at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Served as undergraduate adviser.
WESTERN MARYLAND COLLEGE (WESTMINSTER, MD)
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science, Jan. 1983-May 1983
Taught courses in U.S. foreign policy, world politics, arms control and other areas. Advised undergraduate students.
COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS (NEW YORK, NY & WASHINGTON, DC)
International Affairs Fellow, 1987-1988
Selected as fellow for proposal on conventional arms control. Attended and participated in academic conferences, roundtables, etc. sponsored by the Council in New York and Washington, D.C.
UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE (BALTIMORE, MD)
MASTERS PROGRAM IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science, Sept. 1980-May 1981
Taught courses on Public Administration in a Masters program designed for government professionals. Advised graduate students.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (BALTIMORE, MD)
AB-MA HONORS PROGRAM IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Program Coordinator (Baltimore Center) & Lecturer, Sept. 1980-May 1981
Designed and taught courses in theory of international relations for honors students in a joint degree program offered in conjunction with the university’s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. Advised students in program.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND (BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD)
Lecturer & Instructor in Business & Politics, Jan. 1980-May 1980
Taught course on business and government dealing with issues of government regulation, trade, monetary policy, and economic influences on foreign policy. Advised undergraduate students.
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (BALTIMORE, MD)
Teaching Assistant & Lecturer, Sept. 1977-May 1978
Lectured and assisted with course grading and advising for courses on international and American politics.
GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE
NIAGARA RIVER GREENWAY COMMISSION, STATE OF NEW YORK
May 2005-
Appointed by Gov. Pataki at the recommendation of Speaker Silver to a four-year term as commissioner. Chairman of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee established by the Greenway legislation. Member of the Executive and Plan Management Committees and of the Working Group. Active in establishment of the commission organizational structure, selection and guidance of the work of a planning consultant team, solicitation of input from the environmental, conservation, business and sporting communities, drafting of the draft plan and presentation to stakeholders. Working day-to-day with State Parks and other State agency personnel and with stakeholders from municipal government and the not-for-profit community. Plan approved by 13 cities, towns and villages in the spring of 2007 and signed by State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash in May, 2007, will provide guidance for spending $450million from the NYPA settlement over the next 50 years.
CITY COUNCILMAN (D), CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
January 2000-December 2003
Elected in November 1999 for a four-year term. Represented City at Canada-U.S. Partnership Talks initiated by President Clinton and Premier Chrétien. Attended New York-Ontario Economic Summit, and participated in discussions with Canadian officials about binational park initiatives. Known as an advocate for clean government, fiscal responsibility and environmental causes. Strong advocate for expansion and improvement of State Parks surrounding the Falls, and member of Senator Charles Schumer’s Niagara National Heritage Area advisory committee, to involve the National Parks Service in protecting and promoting the Falls and surrounding areas.
Championed cause of historic preservation and creation of Niagara Arts and Cultural Center in inner-city neighborhood. Assisted in consolidation of county and city tourism agencies into Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation. Advocated for expanded compensation program for former workers at Manhattan Project facilities. Advocate for balanced, sustainable, environmentally-friendly economic development, brownfield remediation and revitalization of inner-city business districts. Buffalo News- and Sierra Club Niagara Group-endorsed candidate in Democratic mayoral primary, 2003.
CHAIRMAN, DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS TASK FORCE, CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
October 2001-December 2003
Appointed by the Mayor in the aftermath of 9/11 to investigate and implement improvements to the City’s ability to respond to and prevent terrorist attacks. Assembled committee composed of public and private sector representatives to revise and update the City’s Emergency Management Plan, work with private industry in implementing plant security improvements, and lobby for increased homeland security aid to local first responders. Worked with State Emergency Management Organization to update City’s hazard (HAZNY) profile. Drafted City position papers for the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and represented the City at various preparedness fora. Worked with the Council on Foreign Relations and Canadian Consulate on measures to facilitate trade and international tourism while protecting against terrorist attacks.
U.S. DELEGATION TO THE NUCLEAR & SPACE (START) TALKS WITH THE SOVIET UNION IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
U.S. Department of State, March 1988-Nov. 1988
Served as a State Department representative to the Defense and Space Negotiating Group at the START talks in direct negotiations with the USSR. Participated in policy development and drafted U.S. statements for the negotiations, alternating in postings between Washington and Geneva. Drafted memoranda of conversation for the official record of the negotiations. Served as liaison between delegation and Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs in Washington.
U.S. Department of State (Washington, DC)
Bureau of European & Canadian Affairs
Office of European Security & Political Affairs, Strategic Affairs and Arms Control Section
Jan. 1988-Jan. 1989
Duties related to issues of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their control. Principal bureau officer for issues relating to defense and space negotiations and the ABM Treaty. Principal bureau officer for legislative liaison on arms control and strategic issues. Also worked on issues in the areas of chemical and biological weapons arms control, SDI and other missile defense and anti-satellite weapons issues, and multilateral arms control. Served through Reagan-Bush administration transition.
U.S. DELEGATION, NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
ARMS CONTROL EXPERTS MEETING (BRUSSELS, BELGIUM)
1988
Provide expert guidance on arms control issues in multilateral consultations with allied governments.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
NIAGARA TRADITION
Co-owner, 1992-
Co-founder of and partner with wife in firm specializing in retail and wholesale supply and manufacturing of ingredients and equipment for brewing and winemaking. Founded in 1992 in Niagara Falls, firm is currently located in Kenmore, NY. A sponsor of all-classical format public radio station WNED, and supporter/planner of “BoomDays,” a waterfront heritage festival, and of the Buffalo Brewfest at the historic Central Terminal building.
HOME WINE & BEER TRADE ASSOCIATION
Columnist, The Advocate (HWBTA Journal), 1997-2000
Regular columnist for national trade association journal writing about industry issues including marketing, distribution, Internet issues, etc.
BEER JUDGE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Certified Beer Judge, 1997-2002
National Beer Judge, 2002-
Founding Organizer, Western New York Homebrew Competition
Certified through examination and experience as expert in evaluation of classic world beer styles. Founder of Western New York Homebrew Competition, now in its eleventh year.
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
BUFFALO NIAGARA RIVERKEEPER
(AKA FRIENDS OF THE BUFFALO NIAGARA RIVERS) (BUFFALO, NY)
Board Member, 2003-2007, Executive Board 2003-2007, Vice President 2005-2007, Board Emeritus 2007-
Executive board member of the largest environmental organization in Erie and Niagara Counties. Active in the organization of the regional environmental community for the relicencing of the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and in start-up of the Niagara River Greenway initiative. Helped initiate the FBNR’s Cayuga Creek Clean-up in conjunction with the City of Niagara Falls and various other organizations. Active in supervision of staff, budget management and fund raising.
NIAGARA RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION (NIAGARA FALLS, NY)
Member, Media Spokesman 2003-
Active with group working to coordinate positions of approximately 30 environmental organizations in the relicensing of the New York Power Authority. Participated in caucus meetings, did media relations and helped formulate positions.
ADVANCING ARTS & CULTURE BUFFALO NIAGARA
Oversight Board, NOVEMBER 2005-
One of ten community leaders from Erie and Niagara counties leading a group developing an implementation strategy for the January 2005 report, A Cultural Tourism Strategy: Enriching Culture and Building Tourism in Buffalo Niagara. The report, drafted after consultation with hundreds of stakeholder organizations as part of the Cultural Tourism Initiative, identified the need for a regional vision and program for cultural tourism that provides coordinated programming and targeted marketing of cultural, arts and heritage organizations and facilitates cooperation with tourism agencies.
NIAGARA WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE (NIAGARA FALLS, NY)
Founding Member, Media Spokesman 1999-
Helped found and continue to support bipartisan citizens organization advocating restoration and preservation of Niagara River waterfront. Actively lobby State and Federal officials on waterfront and environmental issues. Participate in public meetings and presentations on behalf of organization. Organized waterfront festivals. Represented task force in work with the Relicensing Consensus Committee for the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project Relicensing and in dealings with State Parks.
NIAGARA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER, INC. (NIAGARA FALLS, NY)
Board of Directors, 2003-, Board President, 2005-2007
Helped found and sat on the board of a not-for-profit corporation operating a 120,000sq ft arts and cultural facility in downtown Niagara Falls. The center is home to over 70 resident artists, musicians and craftsmen. Currently working on implementation of strategic master plan and on a multi-phase adaptive reuse project in conjunction with State Parks Office of Historic Preservation. Successfully obtained several large grants totally hundreds of thousands of dollars.
NIAGARA EXPERIENCE CENTER, INC. (NIAGARA FALLS, NY)
Board of Directors, Board Spokesman, 2003-2004; Board Chair & President 2005-
Named by Gov. Pataki to original NEC advisory committee. Currently president and chairman of the board of the not-for-profit corporation working in cooperation with USA Niagara Development Corporation (Empire State Development Corporation), the City of Niagara Falls, State Parks and tourism stakeholders to establish a regional heritage museum and attraction in Niagara Falls, NY. Participated in phase one feasibility study and design charette, foundation outreach efforts, and development of strategic master plan. Completed MOU between NEC, Inc. and USA Niagara to govern disbursement of $3million in 2004-2005 casino revenues. Currently engaged in executive director search and expanded study of regional concierge function.
Save Our Sites Niagara, Inc. (Niagara Falls, NY)
Advisory Committee, 2000-2003
Helped found and continue to advise non-profit corporation working to preserve and reuse historic buildings in Niagara Falls, NY. Major project became establishment of arts and cultural center at former city high school.
NIAGARA FALLS HIGH SCHOOL PRESERVATION & REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE
(NIAGARA FALLS, NY)
Founding Member, 1999-2001
Helped to found and worked with citizens group seeking to prevent demolition of historic school building through adaptive reuse. Assisted in drafting of materials for presentation to government bodies. Negotiated with Niagara Falls School Board to avoid demolition of the historic structure. Building was listed with “Seven To Save,” and is currently on the City, State and National Historic Registers.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, TROOP 801 (NIAGARA FALLS, NY)
Assistant Scoutmaster, 1996-2004; Scoutmaster 2004-2005
Serve on outdoors and troop committees of troop based at Zion Lutheran church. Attend camping trips and summer camp with the boys. University of Scouting Scoutmaster Fundamentals, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat and Liquid Fuels certifications. Merit badge counselor for Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Personal Management.
WHIRLPOOL PARK LITTLE LEAGUE
Basketball Coach, 1995-96
Coached instructional league basketball.
LIFE WORKSHOPS PROGRAM, SUNY AT BUFFALO
Group Leader, 1995-
Teach evening courses on beer brewing and appreciation and winemaking offered with cooperation of Student Activities Office and Chemistry Department.
HIGHLAND AVENUE EDUCATION CENTER
Volunteer Tutor, 1972-1974
Tutored and advised disadvantaged students at store-front counseling center in inner-city neighborhood
NIAGARA RIVER ANGLERS ASSOCIATION
Member, 1999-
Member of largest Niagara River fisherman’s organization, with 2004 membership of over 1,000.
OTHER
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2006, NIAGARA GAZETTE
“Paul Dyster is not a mystery to many, as he’s been involved in a host of activities and groups that are aiming to move the area forward. Paul’s involved in the Niagara Experience Center, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Greenway Commission, Waterfront Revitalization Task Force and the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.
But it’s his leadership on those boards and groups that made him the easy choice for Citizen of the Year. He’s actually making things happen here. Sure, some of the projects he’s involved with aren’t finished and are in the beginning stages, but many should be excited to see what the outcome of his work on things like the Greenway and the Niagara Experience Center will mean for the area.”
ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB, NIAGARA FRONTIER CHAPTER, CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR 2006
“… For your commitment to preserving and enhancing the environmental quality of the Niagara River corridor by helping to found the Niagara waterfront Revitalization Task Force, by serving on the board and as an officer of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, and by chairing the Citizens’ Advisory Committee of the Niagara River Greenway Commission.”
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD, NIAGARA FALLS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, 2006
Presented on the Iney Wallens Show. “For outstanding qualities and leadership reflecting the best ideals of good citizenship.”
FORUM FOR U.S.-SOVIET DIALOGUE
ARMS CONTROL & DISARMAMENT COMMISSION (MOSCOW, KIEV, DNEPROPETROVSK, KANIEV, ODESSA, YALTA & LENINGRAD, USSR)
U.S. Delegate, May 1989-June 1989
Participated in traveling commission discussing arms control and related issues with Soviet government officials, military officers and academics. Visited Soviet military installations not previously open to Westerners.
HOLMES & MEIER PUBLISHERS, INC. (NEW YORK, NY)
Editorial Consultant, 1983-1989
Reviewed manuscripts being considered for publication and offered editorial criticisms and comments.
DUSHKIN PUBLISHING GROUP (NEW YORK, NY)
Editorial Consultant, 1986-1994
Provided advice on preparation of undergraduate textbooks in world politics, including suggestion and review of materials considered for inclusion.
EDUCATION
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (PhD, 1984)
Major: International Relations & International Law
Minors: International Economics & Comparative Public Administration and Policy
Special Post-Certification Fellowship 1979-1984
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (MA, 1979)
Major: Political Science
Department of Political Science Fellowship 1976-1979
Herbert H. Lehman Graduate Fellowship in the Social Sciences, NYS, April 1976
THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (BA, summa cum laude, 1976)
Major: Political Science
NYS Regents Scholar, 1972-1976
Phi Beta Kappa
Bishop Duffy High School (Niagara Falls, NY), 1968-1972
Class valedictorian and Student Council president
Active in Forensic Society (debate team) and soccer team
PERSONAL DATA
– Born April 21, 1954 in Niagara Falls, NY; the oldest of ten children
– Married in 1980 to Rebecca Ann Lucchetti of Niagara Falls, NY
– Two sons 21 and 20 years of age, attending State University of New York at Buffalo and Niagara County Community College
– Hobbies include fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, cycling, wilderness camping, gardening, bird watching and homebrewing
Monday, 29 October 2007 Senator Schumer Endorses Dyster
Thursday, 25 October 2007 Buffalo News Endorses Dyster
Monday, 01 October 2007 Democrats rally around Dyster
Sunday, 09 September 2007 Dyster: Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Monday, 03 September 2007 Dyster on Casino Revenues
Monday, 27 August 2007 Dyster on Downtown Development
Monday, 13 August 2007 Dyster Backs Thompson on Media Responsibility
Wednesday, 25 July 2007 Dyster Endorses Apollo Ten Point Plan for New York
Wednesday, 25 July 2007 Dyster Gains Public Employee Federation Endorsement
Saturday, 07 July 2007 Underground Railroad Editorial
Monday, 23 April 2007 In Honor of John P. Bobo: “One of Us”
Monday, 23 April 2007 Honor Our Fallen Vets: Col. Richard A Mulhearn
And so Paul Dyster, I hope I get to call you Mr Mayor of Niagara Falls. That would be good for Niagara falls. That would be good for Buffalo, its neighbor. That would be good for the region– called Niagara.
Cheers! … from On This Day from Buffalo’s World.
Bill Zimmermann
Bill runs Seven Seas Sailing school, and is a staunch waterfront activist. He is also heavily involved with preserving, maintaining, and promoting the South Buffalo Lighthouse. When Bill first started writing for Buffalo Rising, he wrote an article a day for 365 days - each article coincided with a significant historic event that happened in Buffalo on that same day.