Tuesday, November 30, 2010

NOVEMBER POLL RESULTS

The November readers poll asked, "If you've moved to Gasport, or left and came back, what brought you here? (Choose your #1 reason)"

38 people responded with the following results:

Your Gasport roots: 6 (15%)
Rural/small town living: 24 (63%)
The people: 2 (5%)
The Roy-Hart schools: 4 (10%)
Your job: 2 (5%)

The results are not surprising. Gasport has a unique (maybe even old fashioned?) way of life that keeps people here and brings people in. Our community is a hidden little gem.

Monday, November 29, 2010

ROY-HART STUDENT EARNS FIRST STAR AWARD

Sunday's Buffalo News announced the start of a new award by a local substance abuse services organization....


Besides providing outpatient services and counseling, Northpointe Council promotes education as a way of preventing substance abuse. This school year, the organization launched the Students Thinking and Acting Responsibly program, where the group is naming one student the STAR of the Month through May.


The first recipient of the award? A Roy-Hart student!


Brianna Kugler, an 18-year-old senior at Royalton-Hartland, won the first award in October for her commitment to squash bullying. She attended special education classes through most of school.

“A lot of years, I was bullied,” she said. “I stick up for my younger classmates that are the ones being bullied right now.”

Kugler attends the Orleans Niagara Board of Cooperative Education Services to study early childhood education. After graduation, she plans to attend Niagara County Community College in hopes of becoming a preschool teacher assistant. She baby-sits, is involved in Roy-Hart’s drama club and has acted in plays at the Palace Theatre.


Read the entire article online at:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article267531.ece

ROY-HART'S DON BAKER FEATURED IN SUNDAY'S BUFFALO NEWS

Royalton-Hartland's beloved Don Baker was in the spotlight in the Niagara Sunday section of the Buffalo News.

The article noted how fiery of a competitor he is and how he's had to slow down after putting a scare into himself, his family and our community....


Baker....felt pain in his chest that awakened him from his sleep about 3:30 a. m. Aug. 16 — hours before the Rams’ first football practice of the season.

He figured he just had a bad case of indigestion. At least he did, until later that morning.

The pain persisted as he ran his usual errands before going to work. At that moment, he called the audible that perhaps saved his life.

Instead of heading to summer school, the teacher assistant went to nearby Medina Memorial Hospital, where the problem was determined not to be indigestion. A blockage in his arteries was causing the discomfort— a warning sign of an imminent heart attack.

“I just knew something wasn’t right,” Baker said. “Once I got into the hospital, everything happened so fast. I really didn’t have time to think of anything else.”

Had he attempted to battle through the pain, the energetic coach in all likelihood wouldn’t have been running a recent girls’ basketball practice at the high school—putting an end to a 12-hour workday.

“Maybe not that day but maybe within 48 hours it would’ve been [really bad],” Baker said. “It’s like one of these things, you can’t take life for granted. You never know when something is going to happen. It definitely came as a huge surprise.”


The article made note of his comeback...


While doctors initially said he likely wouldn’t be able to return to work until the end of October, he proved to be a quick healer, leading to them giving approval for him to return to work just 42 days after his bypass. Baker guided the Rams to a 2-4 finish down the stretch after missing the team’s first three losses.

“I just thought the kids needed me to come back,” he said. “I just felt I needed to come back to see if I could do it physically. It was good therapy for me to be around everybody. . . . I had great support from all the teachers, administrators and the community. Everyone was great and bent over backwards for me.”


Check out the entire article online (it's a good read) at:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/article267389.ece

Sunday, November 28, 2010

HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

The Town of Royalton Historical Society will be holding it's Annual Christmas luncheon on Thursday, December 2nd at 1:00. It will be held at Town hall and everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Bieber at 716-735-7335.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

LONG-TIME ROY-HART TEACHER MR. MALONEY PASSED AWAY ON SUNDAY

Edward W. "Ted" Maloney, of Medina, passed away Sunday evening, November 21, 2010 at the Orchard Manor Nursing Home. Mr. Maloney was born in Middleport, NY on October 31, 1923, son of the late Edward and Anna (Rezinski) Maloney.

Mr. Maloney was a graduate of Notre Dame and he served in the US Army during World War II in the Aleutian Islands. He was a Social Studies and English teacher at the Royalton-Hartland Central School for 25 years, retiring in 1981.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish/St. Stephen's RC Church in Middleport and Clute- Phillips American Legion Post #938. He enjoyed going to Notre Dame football games and he was a staunch New York Yankees’ fan.

He was predeceased by his sister, Anna Mae Pahira; a brother-in-law, Charles Pahira and a nephew, Charles Pahira, Jr.

He is survived by one niece, Patricia (George) Forester and one nephew, Michael (Patty) Pahira, all of Pennsylvania; and a special cousin, Keith Brooks of Medina.

Friends may call Friday from 7 to 9 PM at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport. Members of Clute-Phillips American Legion Post #938 will meet at the funeral home Friday evening at 7:00. Members of Holy Trinity Parish will meet at the funeral home Friday evening at 8:30 for a vigil service. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Parish/St. Stephen's RC Church, 21 Vernon St., Middleport, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Daniel J. Fawls. Burial will follow in Royalton Mt. Ridge Cemetery.

To sign guest register, visit:

http://www.bateswallace.com/sitemaker/sites/BatesW1/obit.cgi?user=280717Maloney

Monday, November 22, 2010

THANKSGIVING EVE AT BECKER FARMS

Thanksgiving eve is always one of the biggest nights of the year for drinking establishments. Becker Brewing Company at Becker Farms will be joining in the festivities with live music by Dave Stockton and Pocket Change from 7pm-11pm. Food, beer and wine will be served.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

FLYING SQUIRRELS IN GASPORT


Many people would be surprised to find out that flying squirrels live in Gasport.

These little animals are nocturnal, so rarely seen. Your best bet for seeing one would be while in your deer stand at dusk (as that's how I saw one last night) or travelling about on nights like these when you have a full moon and no leaves on the trees that would otherwise mask these critters as they move from tree to tree.

Flying squirrels don't actually fly....they glide. They use the flap of skin between their front and back legs as a sail and have been known to glide up to 150 feet, although the typical flight is 20 to 60 feet.

They are small, maybe halfway in size between a chipmunk and a red squirrel.

They are extremely inquisitive (if not tame) and they will spend a lot of time trying to figure you out while in a deer stand. I've had a few encounters with them over the years and every time they've gotten to within inches of me to investigate. Many people have captured their young and made pets out of them.

Keep your eyes open this hunting season and you might get that rare chance to see one.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

BUS GARAGE TARGET OF VANDALS

The Niagara County Sheriff's are reporting that Ridge Road Express on Route 31 (Roy-Hart's school buses) was hit by vandals during the overnight hours this past Wednesday. 10 buses were damaged, ranging from broken windshields to ripped wires to stolen parts. There are no suspects at this time.

Friday, November 19, 2010

GOIN' BALD FOR BUCKS

Terry's Corners native, and '74 graduate of Roy-Hart, Kathy Gardner is "Goin' Bald for Bucks" this coming Tuesday afternoon at the Gasport Elementary School. Kathy works there in the after school program and is having her head shaved to raise money for Roswell. Anyone that wants to donate can go to www.baldforbucks.com, click on "find a participant" and enter her name Kathleen Gardner. Or stop at the pharmacy at Quality Markets on Rochester Road between 10 - 2 Monday thru Friday to make a donation.

4th ANNUAL MITTEN TREE

When you’re out and about shopping on Black Friday, please extend your giving beyond your family. Please buy a gift for a needy child in Gasport.

The Mitten Tree is back this year and it will be dedicated on November 30th at 10:00 AM. This is the fourth year for this awesome program that is run by Absolut Care, the Gasport Lions Club and the Roy-Hart Schools.

Here’s how it works…

The tree will be located at the corner of Main Street and Route 31.

Take a mitten from it and give a gift that is appropriate to the age/gender of the child noted on the mitten.

Attach the mitten to the unwrapped gift and drop it off by December 15th at Absolut Care or the Elementary School. The Lions Club will distribute the gifts in time for the holidays.

It’s extremely important that the community supports the Mitten Tree. Last year, very few people did and with 4 days left before the deadline there were nearly 100 mittens left on the tree. Luckily, Andy Drum saved the day. He pulled off an amazing feat and over those few days he and his friends & family used a Drum Oil donation to buy gifts for the mittens that remained.

This year, we need everyone in the community to be heroes. Please participate and make Christmas a little better for a child – maybe even your neighbor – who is in need. That’s what the holiday is all about.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME

The 5th annual Roy-Hart alumni basketball game is Wednesday, November 24th at 7:00 PM at the High School Gym. Come see your friends of old play against one another. There will be basket raffles. All proceeds benefit Roy-Hart athletics.

SCRAP LARCENY IN GASPORT

Two Amherst residents were caught by Niagara County sheriff’s deputies Wednesday after allegedly stealing $200 worth of scrap metal from a Slayton Settlement Road man. Ryan M. Stroehlein, 22, 18 Northington Road, and Donald J. Witnauer, 20, 2189 North French Road, Apt. 5, were each charged with petit larceny. Both men were remanded to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $500 bail and scheduled for Royalton Town Court on Tuesday.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

ROY-HART GRAD SHARES MILITARY EXPERIENCES

The Greater Niagara Newspapers recently ran an awesome story about a Roy-Hart graduate who has been defending our country and talking about it...


Army Spc. Brittany Cooper has some unusual show-and-tell items, as seen when she visited Royalton-Hartland Elementary School on Friday.

The 2008 Roy-Hart graduate spoke to fourth-graders about her experience in the military. Along with her stories and pictures, Cooper also brought some memorabilia with her, such as her helmet and vest. She also brought some items she uses for investigations as an officer with the Military Police.

Cooper has met with Roy-Hart students in the past, most recently in February. Now stationed at Fort Drum in Jefferson County, Cooper usually comes home for holidays. She served from July 2009 until July 2010 in Iraq.


Check out the rest of the article online. It discusses some of the things she's seen overseas:

http://journal-register.com/local/x967715450/Tour-of-duty-becomes-life-lesson

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

ROY-HART BOOSTERS SET GREAT EXAMPLE

My column for this week's Greater Niagara Newspapers looks at the harsh economic realities of the day in local school districts. Sports are on the chopping block, but they can be saved as the Roy-Hart Sports Boosters have shown quite well...



HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NEED A BOOST
By Bob Confer

Rick DeWaters and his friends in the Royalton-Hartland Sports Boosters Club did something this year that could be considered miraculous. They saved the school district’s athletics program by securing the funding necessary to keep alive football and fall and winter modified sports, programs that had been victims of budget cuts last spring.

That’s an accomplishment once thought impossible. Roy-Hart is the third smallest school district in Niagara County with an enrollment of around 1,530 students. It’s also one of the poorest: the town of Royalton has a median household income that’s $230 lower than the county median while Hartland’s is $5,270 lower. With those factors in play - as well as the community having already been so maxed out in its investment in the district that it was forced to cut those sports - it was unknown if district residents could dig deep enough to give the school what it needed to keep the kids engaged in competitive endeavors. One sport (football) was certain to be saved, but modified sports, too?

In the end, the community pulled together. They participated in Booster-led fundraisers and fund drives, they donated goods and services to raffles, and they donated their time to Booster activities. They’ve kept Roy-Hart sports alive. With the leadership and experience the Boosters have in place, they’ll be able to save the day again next year when called upon to do so. Goodness knows they’ll have to; Roy-Hart’s financial straits aren’t unique to this school year.

Nor are they unique to Roy-Hart. We live in some tenuous economic times and taxpayers who have seen their incomes cut or their jobs lost by the recession are unable to support ever-growing school expenses, especially with the loss of state and federal funding that was once taken for granted. School districts everywhere will be forced to follow Roy-Hart’s lead and cut sports (among other things).

It’s a very unpopular decision to make, but it’s truly a wise and necessary one. What’s the alternative, cut teaching positions and academic programs? You can’t, for schools are, first and foremost, learning institutions. As harsh as it sounds, athletic pursuits rank lowly among a school district’s best interests because there is minimal bang for the buck when looking at the student body as a whole.

In a small district like Roy-Hart far less than half of a given class might participate in school sports. In a larger district, like the Lockports of the world, much less than a fifth of a class is active in sports. When faced with an economic crisis, you certainly cannot sacrifice the enrichment of many pupils’ minds for the advancement of the athletic affairs of a select few. Even in good times it’s a questionable investment: Why should townsfolk direct their taxes towards one boy’s football adventures while not doing so for another lad’s participation in the Boy Scout program? Both activities are hobbies and are as equally important to the development of those boys.

But, that does not discount its value. Just as necessary as a book-driven education is to the students, so is the experience-driven education that comes with sports. A sport may be "just a game", but there is so much more that comes from it if properly channeled. High school athletes can learn any number of life skills ranging from personal fitness and work ethic to teamwork and sacrifice to preparedness and adaptability, things you just can’t get in a classroom. The fields and gymnasiums give the perfect outlet for achieving all of those, while at the same time, developing a powerful sense of community pride, not just for the players but also for the district residents at large.

School sports serve a great purpose, one which cannot be ignored. But, athletes and their parents can no longer consider them to be freely supported by the taxpayers. We live in a new day, one where parents must take an active role in ensuring that the sports are there for their kids. They need to put in some extra hours outside of practice and games, working with donors throughout the area to put money in the athletic department coffers.

It’s a difficult task, but not an insurmountable one, and the Roy-Hart Boosters have shown – far better than most – that working together we can all guarantee that today’s children have the same chance to compete that previous generations had.

Monday, November 15, 2010

DEER HUNTING'S OPENING DAY

Deer season has been open for a few weeks now with archery hunters out and about. But, they are a minority in hunting circles.

The day that most hunters consider the "real" Opening Day --- the first day of shotgun season for deer --- is this Saturday. So, the farm lanes and road sides of Gasports will be filled with parked vehicles all weekend as hunters are out in the fields and woods attempting to fill their freezers.

The shotgun season ends on December 12th.

JOHN ALDERSON, GASPORT WAR HERO & FATHER OF METS GM, DIED SUNDAY

The New York Daily News reports on the passing of a Gasport native with ties to the New York Mets who made a name for himself as a war hero...


Mets general manager Sandy Alderson's 87-year-old father, John Alderson, died early Sunday after being struck by a car as he was crossing the street in St. Petersburg, Fla., according to the St. Petersburg police department.

At 11:54 p.m. on Saturday, Alderson was struck in the middle of the 3600 block of 4th Street, when he was hit by a jeep, police say. According to police, the driver of the vehicle was Jeffrey Lechance, 21, of St. Petersburg; Edward Brownlee, 22, was a passenger. Alderson was taken to nearby Bayfront Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m. No charges have yet been filed, though an investigation was ongoing. A police spokesman would not comment on whether alcohol or other substances were suspected.

"Saturday night, my father, John Alderson, a retired Air Force pilot and a healthy and vibrant 87 years of age, was struck by a car and died in St. Petersburg, Fla.," Sandy Alderson said in a statement Sunday night. "Our entire family is devastated by his loss. He was a beloved father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all of us. He and I shared many baseball experiences over the years and he was excited about spring training and Opening Day at Citi Field. I am terribly saddened that we will not be able to share those new experiences together."

"We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sandy's father," Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said in his own statement. "Fred (Wilpon), Saul (Katz) and all of us at the Mets send our heartfelt condolences to Sandy, (wife) Linda and their family. We've asked Sandy to take whatever time he needs as it relates to this terrible personal loss."

In a recent interview with the Daily News for a story on Sandy's military service, John Alderson talked about his own military roots, growing up during the Depression and how after a career in the Air Force, he enjoyed living in St. Petersburg and playing competitive softball with an over-80 team in the Kids and Kubs league.

John Alderson was born in Gasport, N.Y., on the Erie Canal, on April 5, 1923, the son of a barber, Ernest Alderson.

"My father was a barber - getting 15 cents for a shave, maybe 35 cents for a haircut or something. So things were tough, it was during the Depression," Alderson said. "But things worked out and everybody in town wanted to be sure I knew I had to be home for supper. Everybody took care of you. Towns were great back then."

John Alderson said his father would have been of age to fight in World War I, but a childhood injury caused him to lose a leg. John Alderson joined the Air Force and flew a B-24 bomber called "Liberators" during World War II in 1944 and '45.

"I was in the 44th Bomb Group, and it was well-known for having five Congressional Medals of Honor given on one mission on the Ploiesti (Romania) Raid," said Alderson. "I wasn't there yet, Thank God, because that was a tough mission. When the war was over, I'd had 32 missions. Things were easing off quite a bit. I was pretty fortunate to have been over there then. I'm no hero."

In September of 1946, shortly after .returning from World War II, John Alderson married and he and his wife, Gwenny, had a son, Sandy, a year later. Gwenny Alderson died in May 1997. Sandy was one of three children - two boys and a girl.

John Alderson flew B-26 bombers in the Korean War and served two tours in Vietnam, the first in 1967 and '68 flying a B-57 bomber. Alderson reflected fondly on one particular visit from Sandy during the summer of '67, when John Alderson was flying out of Phan Rang air base in South Vietnam. "Somehow he wangled a (job as a) foreign correspondent," John Alderson said. "Anyway, I got him on a test hop and I took him up and got him sick, which was exactly what I wanted to do. I remember this kid came up the ramp - you had a ramp to put up a ladder for us to get out of the plane - and he said, 'Sir, we don't clean up after somebody.' I said, 'No, I understand.' I guess Sandy had thrown up a little. But it was very enjoyable. I know Sandy'll never forget it."

John Alderson later served a second tour in Vietnam - after Sandy had served a tour as a Marine officer - when he returned to train Laotian pilots in the final years of the war, 1972-73. He retired from the Air Force in 1976.

In an interview with The News last week, John Alderson said he was particularly looking forward to visiting Sandy in Port St. Lucie during spring training, even though he would have to make the trek across the state. He talked about how proud he was of his son, mentioning a recent family trip to Hawaii.

"I'll tell you what kind of guy (Sandy) is. He paid for 15 people to go over (to Hawaii). Well, that's the kind of guy he is. He took 15 people and paid for the whole schmear. He's very nice," said John Alderson.



Source:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2010/11/14/2010-11-14_mets_gm_sandy_aldersons_father_dies_after_being_hit_by_car.html?page=1

Sunday, November 14, 2010

WINE TRAIL EVENT: NOVEMBER 19, 20, 21

Many wine enthusiasts will be visiting Vizcarra Vineyards and other wineries next weekend for the annual "Share The Bounty Event" from November 19 to 21.

Here's what the Niagara Wine Trail says about the event...



A wine tasting event with an opportunity for us to give back for all that we have.

Wine tasting this weekend is $3 per person at each winery. All wine tasting proceeds will be donated directly to our local food banks and charities. The wine trail is requesting monetary donations in exchange for wine tasting during our Share the Bounty event this year to help support our local communities.

Monetary donations go much further in helping our local charities – especially with the state of our economy at this time. Rather than giving donations of non-perishable food items, the food banks can purchase more food with the money donated to them because they are able to purchase food at a discounted price. Giving a monetary donation to the food bank is the most effective way to help sustain the charity so they are able to feed the hungry throughout the entire year. Please help support our local communities this weekend and Share the Bounty with those who are in need.

No ticket or wine glass gift for this event. Wine tasting is $3 per person at each winery and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

GASPORT MAN'S ART AVAILABLE AT LEWIS' ARTIQUE

Today's Niagara Gazette reports on the opening of a new art establishment in the Falls...


The old stone building that has sat vacant on Packard Road is filled once again, now home to the colorful work of more than 40 local artists. The two-story structure, built in 1866 in the Town of Niagara, is the new home of Lewis’ Artique, a business that showcases the handmade wares of local artists.



A Gasport man is one of the featured artists...


Artist Ken Wilkins of Gasport, a retiree who only a few years ago discovered his ability to carve whimsical characters out of pieces of wood bark, is also glad to have a local venue to showcase his “wood spirits.”

Wilkins appreciates Bev Lewis’ enthusiasm as a retailer. “She’s so excited, it can’t help but go the way she wants it to go,” he said of the business.

The grand opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. There will be refreshments and free gifts to all who attend. Regular store hours will be Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CANAL SEASON ENDS MONDAY


The 2010 canal season officially ends Monday, the New York State Canal Corp. said.

Water will be drained from the canal system, allowing corporation workers to repair equipment used to operate 57 locks and 20 lift bridges along the waterways, officials said.

The navigation season was the 185th for the system.

“During this navigation season we witnessed a nearly 2 percent increase in traffic, and more events and festivals happening than ever before,” canal corporation Director Carmella Mantello said in the statement.

Friday, November 12, 2010

CHRISTMAS IN GASPORT

A message from Margie Granzow..

The Gasport Beautification Committee will be having the Christmas Party for the kids this year on Sunday Dec. 12th at the Gasport Fire Hall at 4pm. Santa will be visiting, there will be homemade cookies and hot cocoa, games and gifts for all children. We will be lighting the community christmas tree, singing Christmas songs, and having a chinese auction. This is one of our main fundraisers and anyone wishing to donate to the event or to help that day please contact one of our members or you can contact me at 628-7273 or at margiegranzow@hotmail.com. We also have money buckets at many Gasport businesses for anyone who would like to donate towards the kids Christmas party. We would like to thank everyone in the community who are so gracious and helpful to our cause.

MILESTONE GASPORT BIRTHDAYS

Two of Gasport's best celebrate milestone birthdays today. Eunice Hernberger and Gerry Reynolds, both now living in Lockport, have long been members of the Royalton Historical Society and up until a year and a half ago Eunice organized their monthly programs and Gerry edited the newsletter. Today, Eunice turns 96 and Gerry turns 99! Wish these lovely ladies a happy birthday!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

ROY-HART MIDDLE SCHOOL SPAGHETTI DINNER: DECEMBER 14th

LIONS CLUB TO HOST BENEFIT ON NOV. 20

The Gasport Lions Club is hosting an all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner and basket raffle at the Gasport Fire Hall from 4 till 7 on Saturday, November 20th. Cost is $7/adults and $5 for kids ages 6 to 11. All money earned at this event will go right back into the community, funding various Lions Club projects including vision screening of Roy-Hart students and the medical loan closet.

A LOOK AT ROYALTON'S PRELIMINARY BUDGET

Saturday's Buffalo News featured a story about the Royalton budget...


The preliminary budget of $5.74 million proposes a 7-cent increase in the tax rate to $3.16 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for town residents and a 10-cent decrease to $1.64 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for Village of Middleport residents.


It appears labor costs are a huge factor for the increase...


“Our contribution to the state retirement fund is up from the current $47,076 to $113,586, for example, and that’s a pretty big chunk of change,” Lang noted.

Pointing to other rising costs, the supervisor said the town’s contributions to Social Security, workers’ compensation, disability insurance and hospitalization increased $123,445 over the current figure for a total of $572,191 in the proposed budget.

He added that fire protection contracts will rise 3 percent, union employees will get a 3 percent raise and non-union employees and department heads will receive 2 percent raises.

Lang said he and the other Town Board members will not get pay raises.


Read the rest of the article online -- which discusses bridge repair and equipment -- at:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article243836.ece

BOBBY BURG ACCEPTED TO US NAVAL ACADEMY

Bobby Burg is a young Gasport resident who has been attending Mercersburg Academy, an independent college-preparatory school in south-central Pennsylvania. He has made a name for himself nationally as one of the best wrestlers in his weight class.

Bobby recently received offers from West Point and Annapolis and chose the US Naval Academy at Annapolis on Friday.

Congrats to Bobby...that's quite the accomplishment!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

ROYALTON TO MEET MONDAY

Town Board Meeting @ 7:30 PM

Date: Mon, Nov 08, 2010
Address: Royalton Town Hall
Phone: 716-772-7531


TOWN OF ROYALTON
REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
November 8, 2010

1. Open Meeting

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Public Hearings (4)

4. Additions or corrections of the minutes as presented

5. Public Comment - Agenda Items Only

6. Communications / Petitions

7. Regular Meeting Agenda

8. New Business


Resolution to approve the Special Benefit Assessment Roll for the Town of Royalton for 2011:

ROYALTON WATER DISTRICT:
Water District With Improvements $250.00 / Unit
Water District Without Improvements $ 50.00 / Unit
Unimproved District With Water $ 10.00 / Unit
Unimproved District Without Water $ 1.00 / Unit
ROYALTON REFUSE DISTRICT: $179.00 / Unit


Resolution to adopt the Local Law No. 3 for the Year 2010 entitled Dog Licensing and Control

Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to enter in to a three (3) year contract with the five (5) Town of Royalton fire companies. Contract dates to run from January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013.

Resolution to adopt the 2011 Town of Royalton Town Budget. Salaries for the Elected Officials are as follows:

Pursuant to Section 108 of the New York State Town Law, the proposed salaries of the Town Officers are hereby specified:

Supervisor (1) $16,000.00
Deputy Supervisor (1) $ 750.00
Town Board Members (4) $24,000.00 ($6,000.00 each)
Town Clerk (1) $45,091.00
Superintendent of Highways (1) $56,034.00

Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to sign the Letter of Authorization to add the unpaid water, sewer, refuse, and town charges to the 2011 County Tax Roll as follows:

Pursuant to Section 198 of the New York State Town Law, the town board has opted to enforce various unpaid accounts for water, sewer, refuse, and other unpaid town services as indicated below, by placing a lien upon the real property for which such services were provided.

Total Unpaid Water $72,802.69
Total Unpaid Sewer $ 7,644.26
Total Unpaid Refuse $ 0.00
Total Town Charges $10,000.00
GRAND TOTAL $90,446.95

Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to sign and submit the application to the Local Government Efficiency (LGE) Grant Program for a "Shared Road Paving Project" for the purchase of a Paver between the towns of Royalton, Hartland, Newfane & Somerset. The Town of Royalton will act as the Lead Agent and Supervisor Richard J. Lang will be the Contact Person. The Town of Royalton has agreed to set aside up to $20,000.00 in reserves specifically for the joint paver, which constitutes a 10% cash match for the Town of Royalton and the co-Applicants' share of such grant and will collect a portion of this match from each partnering municipality upon further agreement therewith and notification of grant award.

Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to sign the letter of engagement and to enter in to a three (3) year contract with Berry & Berry, CPA's, for their accounting services. The amount of the contract for the three (3) year period is as follows: 2011 - $8,000.00, 2012 - $9,000.00, and 2013 - $9,500.00.

Resolution to authorize Berry & Berry, CPA's to set up a Reserve Fund in the DA Fund (Bridges) for Bridge Repair in the amount of $24,100.00.

Resolution to adopt the name of "Robert's Way" for the road on the Barden Homes property which was recently dedicated to the Town of Royalton.

Resolution for Permission to pay the bills.


9. Unfinished Business

10. Public Comment - Good and Welfare of the Community

11. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn

CHRISTMAS CUPBOARD: NOV 19 & 20

The 25th annual Christmas Cupboard will take place Friday, November 19th (9:00 to 9:00) and Saturday, November 20th (9:30 to 6:00) at the Hartland Bible Church in the hamlet. Crafters will be selling a wide variety of items and there will also be foodstuff like jams, jellies and baked goods. Credit cards cannot be scanned accepted but you can use checks or cash.

TERRYS CORNERS TURKEY RAFFLE

Terrys Corners Fire Co. will be having a turkey party and raffle on Saturday, November 13th. Doors open at 6:00 and there will be free refreshments. There will be ham, prime ribs, and turkeys available as well as 50/50 splits, rip tickets and booze.

HARTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETS MONDAY

The Hartland Historical Society meets on Monday, November 8th at 7:00 at the old schoolhouse at Seaman/Carmen Roads. Speaker John Hall will talk about old kitchen utensils. The public is welcome to attend and refreshments will be served.

Friday, November 5, 2010

NOVEMBER READER'S POLL

I know quite a few people who had left Gasport and came back. I know of others who specifically selected Gasport as their new hometown, rather than it being a second or third choice.

I'm curious what makes Gasport so attractive to those folks. You might even be one of them.

So, the November reader's poll asks, if you've moved to Gasport, or left and came back, what brought you here? (Choose your #1 reason). The answers are...

Your Gasport roots

Rural/small town living

The people

The Roy-Hart schools

Your job

The poll function can be found in the right toolbar of this website.

ANNUAL BAZAAR & DINNER THIS SATURDAY

The Covenant Church is having it annual bazaar and turkey dinner this Saturday. The bazaar has crafts, baked/canned goods and more. The popular dinner begins at 3:30 and is typically sold out by 6:00. Take-outs are available. It is a donation dinner, so pay what you'd like to support the church.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

TERRYS CORNERS GUN RAFFLE THIS SUNDAY

Click on the image below to enlarge it....



ALWAYS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Always Christmas, the 365 Christmas store on the top floor of Standish-Jones, will be having an open house this Saturday, November 6th from 12:00 to 5:00. There will be games, refreshments and pictures with Santa. There will be a 20% off sale at the store and you get a free ornament with your purchase (you must present the ad from today's paper to receive the ornament).

HAM & TURKEY RAFFLE

There will be a ham & turkey raffle at the Hartland Fire Hall on Ridge Road on Saturday, November 13th from 7:00 until ?. Admission is free and so are refreshments. There will also be many side raffles.

TOWN BOARD MINUTES

MAN GUILTY OF MOLESTING TEEN RELATIVE

The Lockport Union Sun and Journal reports on the following in today's paper...


A former Gasport man was found guilty Wednesday morning of molesting a 15-year-old male relative earlier this year in Niagara County Court.

Joshua P. Reid, 42, now of Albion, was originally charged Feb. 19 by Niagara County Sheriff’s investigator Chuck Baker with third-degree sexual abuse, third-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child.

The sexual abuse charge was dismissed Monday after Judge Matthew J. Murphy III said there was a lack of evidence, but Reid was found guilty of the other two counts.

During trial, Baker, the victim and Reid took the stand.

The victim told details of the abuse that took place in January at their Royalton Center Road home. The teen reportedly told his mother and aunt about the incident Jan. 20 before they contacted authorities.


Read the rest of the story, which talks about sentencing and a disturbing comment from Reid, at:

http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1507933679/Man-guilty-of-raping-teen-relative

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

TAXES GOING UP IN HARTLAND

Yesterday's Buffalo News reported the following in yesterday's paper...


William “Ross” Annable, Hartland’s deputy supervisor, said his town’s preliminary budget also proposes a 5-cent increase in its proposed tax rate to $2.40 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The Hartland Town Board will present its $3 million preliminary budget in a public hearing at 7:30 p. m. Thursday in Town Hall, 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport.

Annable, son of Town Supervisor William A. “Bill” Annable, has been leading the budget workshops in the absence of his father, who is recovering from surgery.

Ross Annable said, “In our special districts, fire protection went up 4 percent, the water rate went up 6 percent, but refuse went down 20 percent because we rebid the contract with Allied Waste this year and it worked in our favor.”

The proposed tax rates for the special districts are: $1.22 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for fire protection; $2.33 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for water; and a drop from $218 per unit to $176 per unit in the annual fee for refuse collection.

Annable also pointed to the savings realized in a couple of retirements, particularly that of Water Superintendent Lawrence Fuller in July.

“We are not replacing Larry with a full-time water superintendent, but are reassigning his duties to the superintendent of highways, in order to save money on that benefit package,” Annable said. “We also began sharing an assessor (Michael Hartman) with the Town of Royalton this summer, when their assessor retired.”


Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/article237906.ece

AUER LEAVING ROY-HART

Andrew Auer is leaving the school district as recently reported by the Buffalo News...

The Lewiston-Porter School Board appointed Andrew Auer to the post of elementary principal Tuesday night with a starting salary of $93,545. Auer, current principal of Royalton- Hartland Elementary School, is expected to start Nov. 22 and is contracted for four years, said Superintendent Christopher Roser. The board negotiated a 1.5 percent salary increase for next year. Auer was one of two finalists that the board selected after receiving 58 applications. He has held the post in Roy-Hart for eight years, he said, and has been working in education for more than 20 years.


Roy-Hart is currently looking for a replacement and online "help wanted" ads indicate November 3rd as the deadline for resumes/applications.