Amid jubilation in Jacksonville — Joanie DeKoker’s 259th straight Bills game — an unexpected moment with parents of beloved QB.
Sean Kirst
Posted inNews
Sean Kirst: Straight from Camillus, ‘Mama J’ earns her place among greatest Bills fans of them all
Joanie Podkowinski DeKoker will mark her 259th straight Bills game in Jacksonville — while sharing the playoff dream every Bills fan knows so well.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: Through a ‘year in quotes,’ a columnist reflects on struggle, love and inspiration in 2025, from Syracuse and beyond
A courageous parks commissioner, after great loss. A new mayor inspired by the sheer resilience of her mother. The passing of a selfless humanitarian legend, in Buffalo: Words put to heart and soul, in 2025.
Posted inSean Kirst's Upstate Journal
Sean Kirst: In fitting gesture for last game at Highmark, Bills provide tickets for America’s first ‘Boomer’
Buffalo’s Al Nachreiner, longtime Bills fan and first ‘Baby Boomer’ to reach 80, feeling strong to be there despite treatments for lung cancer.
Posted inUncategorized
Sean Kirst: A reflective ‘Mr. 1946,’ point man as ‘Baby Boomers’ reach their 80s, appreciates why Bills took all-or-nothing chance
Despite a cancer diagnosis that he tries to take in stride, Al Nachreiner looks back on his life and says: ‘I’m happy.’
Posted inArts & Culture
Sean Kirst: A ‘Resolution Run’ with New Year’s chance to light candle for young readers
A fitting opportunity to honor Eric Carle, a Syracuse-born children’s literature legend.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: Ben Walsh sometimes made choices in reverse of his mayoral ‘grampa,’ but believes higher goals bind them still
Separated by 60 years, Bill Walsh and his grandson Ben had different City Hall visions of growth and planning — but identical visions of service, the mayor says.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: On Christmas morning, a card with our wish for longtime readers
For a gray-haired columnist, a Yuletide reflection of gratitude about renewing bonds forged over many years.
Posted inUncategorized
Sean Kirst: For 34 new citizens, a judge who sees their dreams given voice by the ‘Mother of Exiles’
For one couple from Iraq, young children in their arms, a gateway to new hope after a long, hard journey.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: In mist of snow, graveyard quests of “hearts and souls” lead to wreaths for veterans
At the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, family members used their hands to dig out tombstones, hidden by deep snow.
