Friday, April 30, 2010

TURKEY SEASON OPENS SATURDAY

You'll be noticing quite a few vehicles parked roadside and in lanes throughout Gasport during the morning hours of the next 4 weeks. Saturday, May 1st marks the opening of turkey season which lasts through the month of May. Hunters can go after the gobbling toms every morning from sunup to noon.

CLEAN UP GASPORT IS SATURDAY

The annual Clean Up Gasport event is tomorrow, Saturday, May 1st. Meet in front of the Zion Lutheran Church at 9:00 AM. Volunteers will be divided into groups and each group will be assigned a section of the hamlet to clean up.

MAY POLL: SPORTS AND TAXES

The May poll is now online and ready for your vote. It asks: Would you be willing to pay more taxes so Roy-Hart could keep football and modified sports?

JAMESPORT TAP IS #1

The April poll is now completed. 252 people voted for their favorite watering hole in Gasport and Jamesport Tap took the top honors by a landslide. It wasn't even close.

Here are the results...

Jamesport Tap: 181
Canalside Inn: 36
Vizcarra Vineyards & Becker Brewing: 14
Poor Boys Inn: 14
Boyer's Tavern: 7

Thursday, April 29, 2010

BOOSTERS CLUB MEETS MONDAY

The Roy-Hart Sports Boosters Club meets this coming Monday, May 3, at 7:00 pm at the High School Media Center. The public is welcome -- and encouraged -- to attend. Among the topics that will be discussed are the May 8th dinner/fundraiser and the future of Football & Modified Sports at Roy-Hart.

BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETS TUESDAY


The Gasport Beautification Committee meets this coming Tuesday, May 4th, at 7:00 PM at the Gasport Fire Hall. The public is welcome - and encouraged - to attend.

This pic shows some of the work they've done, planting flowers around the community.

PTA FLOWER SALE

The Roy Hart Middle School PTA is having a hanging basket flower sale for Mother's Day. All baskets are 10" and are made by Harris Farms. The cost of each basket is $16.50.

There are many to choose from and many different colors as well...

Geraniums
Petunias
New Guinea Impatients
Lobelia
Million Bells

All orders are due into the Middle School office by May 3, along with the money. Order Forms are available in the Middle School Office or contact Tina Sheley or Keith Bond.

THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA AND GIVE YOUR MOM A GREAT GIFT THAT WILL LAST THE SEASON!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

MOTHER/DAUGHTER BANQUET: MAY 3rd

The Covenant Church on Main Street is having a mother-daughter banquet at 6:00 on Monday, May 3rd. The turkey dinner is $8 for adults and teens, $5 for kids aged 5 to 12. Kids under 5 eat for free. Reservations are due Monday, April 26th. Call Kandi at 772.7401 for tickets.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

JOIN CHOP'S SHOP VIP CLUB

Chop's Shop Pizzeria on Route 31 has a VIP club that you can join on their website:

http://www.chopsshoppizza.com/

VIP members receive monthly emails about special deals and they also get coupons. This month's coupon was for a free 6" sub. Nothin' beats free food!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

SPEED TRAPS IN GASPORT

Back in the day, people used CB radios to inform one another of speed traps. Now they use the internet. The National Speed Trap Exchange is a sounding board for speed traps everywhere, including Gasport: http://www.speedtrap.org/city/7674/Gasport

Saturday, April 17, 2010

US&J COVERAGE OF MOTORCYCLIST DEATH

Friday's Lockport Union Sun and Journal featured a front-page article about the motorcycle accident that occurred on Slayton Settlement Road.

The article noted this about the victim, John Watson, Jr...


Watson’s father John B. Watson Sr. said his son was on his way back home from a “semi-warm weather drive,” but never made it home.

Watson Sr., who is the owner of J.B. Watson Farms in Hartland, said his son has worked with him for at least 12 years.

“When I bought the orchard, he came up to help me,” Watson Sr. said. “He was the supervisor of the five-member work crew, and they all had a lot of respect for him.”

Watson grew up in Montgomery County, Pa., and was a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., with a major in culinary arts.

“He was so intelligent and knew all about food and presentation, which helped out our farm a lot,” Watson Sr. said. He added that his son loved to till the land and work on the farm with him while listening to music.

Watson Sr. said he plans to have his son’s funeral service at First Baptist Church in the city. Arrangements are not finalized.

“My whole family was married and buried there. I think that’s a good place to have it,” he said.



To read the entire article, with details about the accident investigation, go here:

http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1687712664/Motorcyclist-dies-in-crash

GASPORT MAN HAS COMICAL EXCHANGE WITH CHARLES SCHUMER

The Batavia Daily News has a weekly section that details some classic exchanges occurring in local government and business. Friday's edition notes the following:


Sen. Charles Schumer spoke about many dairy issues during the recent three-hour forum in Batavia, and he spoke off the cuff about some of the complexities in setting prices. His knowledge impressed one of the dairy farmers at the anti-trust forum.

Jeremy Verratti, a dairyman from Gasport in Niagara County, tried to pay Schumer a compliment, but it came off a little awkward.

"It is refreshing, Sen. Schumer, that you actually know what you're talking about," Verratti told the senator.

That drew a few laughs and guffaws from the crowd.

Schumer, D-Brooklyn, responded, "Let's not go overboard."

Verratti apologized for what may have come across as a back-handed compliment.

"You know brown cows don't make chocolate milk," Verratti said.



Source: http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2010/04/16/news/6635424.txt

Thursday, April 15, 2010

GASPORT MAN DIES IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Motorcyclists use Slayton Settlement Road as a drag strip because of its long straight sections and, especially overnight, its light amount of traffic.

It may be fun for them, but not for me. I worry about their safety. I get sick to my stomach when bikes rocket by my house at speeds well in excess of 100 mph. One stone, one trail of mud left by a tractor can throw-off a bike's balance and cause an accident. And, quite often I will see fellows popping wheelies while traveling well above the speed limit. Dangerous.

Because of those factors, for years I've been telling people that sooner or later a motorcyclist will die on my road.

Well, sadly, that happened overnight.

A 39-year old Gasport man, John Watson, died in a motorcycle accident last night near the intersection of Slayton Settlement and Day Roads. A passing motorist reported the 1-vehicle accident around 12:40 AM. The investigation -- which was still ongoing when I drove by four hours later -- found that he was traveling eastward, failed to negotiate a curve and struck a guard rail, subsequently being thrown from his motorcycle.

Unfortunately, this is the third year in a row that there has been a motorcycle fatality in the immediate area. In May of 2008 Michelle McQueen, a well-liked member of the Gasport Fire Department, died in crash on Route 104 near Hess Road. In July of last year Brian Hill died when he hit a car head-on while driving on Ridge Road near Checkered Tavern.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

BUSINESS WORKSHOP IN ROYALTON

The Niagara County Center for Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, Niagara USA Chamber, Town of Niagara IDA and Town of Lockport IDA will sponsor a series of free business workshops to be held throughout Niagara County. These workshops will outline resources and programs available to current or prospective Niagara County businesses. Co-sponsors and presenters will include the United States Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center at Niagara County Community College, Niagara County Department of Employment and Training, and Empire State Development.

The next workshop will be held Wednesday April 21, 2010 at the Royalton Town Hall from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

To register call 278.8760.

Monday, April 12, 2010

FREE ROY-HART YEARBOOKS FROM EONS AGO

Just heard on WLVL's Tradio: A caller was giving away 3 free Roy-Hart yearbooks...1967, 1971, and 1972. If you need those to round out your collection call him at 716.434.9627.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

NATURE HIKE IN ROYALTON RAVINE

The Western New York Land Conservancy will be hosting a nature hike at the Royalton Ravine Park on Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 AM to noon. The hike is free of charge and will be led by Mary Alice Tock. If interested in participating you must make a reservation. Call 716.687.1225 or email mweaver@wnylc.org

Saturday, April 10, 2010

ROYALTON BOARD MEETS MONDAY

The town board meets this Monday, April 12th at 7:30 PM with this agenda...



TOWN OF ROYALTON

REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA

April 12, 2010

1. Open Meeting

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Public Hearing - Outdoor Wood Boilers

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 submit a letter to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) to request that they install additional speed limit signs prior to approaching the school zone on Route 31 by the Gasport Elementary School.



�� Resolution to submit a TE-9 form to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) to request a speed reduction on Route 31 from Fairview Drive to Bolton Road from 55 MPH down to 45 MPH.



�� Resolution to increase the Zoning/Permit Fees as listed:

Minimum Permit Fee $ 25.00

Permit Renewals $ 25.00 or 10% (whichever is >)

Agricultural Uses $ 25.00 flat fee

Certificate of Compliance/Conformance $ 25.00

Woodstove Inspection (existing) $ 25.00

Variance Application $125.00

Temporary Use Permit (TCUP) Application $100.00

TCUP Renewal $ 25.00 / year

Special Use Permit Application $125.00



�� Resolution to call for a Public Hearing on May 11, 2010 @ 7:15 PM to hear and consider information pertaining to the Local Law regarding Flood Damage Prevention.



�� Resolution to authorize the implementation of "Option 2" as stated in the "Road Width Analysis" report provided by TVGA Consultants on March 25, 2010 concerning making Foote Road a one-way roadway. (Estimated Design and Construction cost of $50,000.00) (Option 1 = $1.5 - $2.0 million, Option 1A = $2.5 - $3.0 million)



�� Resolved to authorize Terry Nieman, Highway Superintendent, to advertise for bids to rehabilitate the Hollenbeck Road Bridge.



�� Resolution to award the mowing bid for the Royalton Union Cemetery to Hausrath's Landscape Maintenance, Inc. at a

cost not to exceed $1,850.00. The four (4) bids received are as follows:

Bidder Name Address Bid Amount

Big Zee's Landscaping 8981 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Middleport, NY $4,350.00

Scapes 3040 Petroleum St., Niagara Falls, NY $3,000.00

B & C Partners In Crime 3630 Hartland Rd., Gasport, NY $2,100.00

Hausrath's Landscape Maintenance, Inc. 451 Meyer Road, Buffalo, NY $1,850.00



�� Resolution to authorize a line item transfer FROM A1620.4 - Buildings & Grounds, Contractual line, TO A1620.2 - Buildings and Grounds, Equipment line in the amount of $15,776.16 to cover the cost of the new Commercial Front Mower.



�� Resolution to call upon the New York State Legislature to adopt and the Governor to sign legislation which would allow credit unions, savings banks, and savings and loan associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations, school districts, and fire districts. (A copy of this resolution will be forwarded to Governor David Patterson, Senator George Maziarz, and Assemblywoman Jane Corwin.)



�� Resolution to authorize the "Ride for Roswell" to utilize the town roads and the Town Hall parking lot for their annual bike ride to be held on June 26, 2010 between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.



�� Resolution to accept the following individuals in to membership of the Terry's Corners Volunteer Fire Company:

Roger D. Jones DOB - 12/05/1965

Samantha Jones DOB - 10/04/1991



�� Resolution to authorize Daniel Morse, Water/Sewer Superintendent, to advertise for bids on the following pieces of used equipment from his department:

One (1) 1996 4X2 Ford F250 Pickup Truck with 8 ft. Stahl Utility Box, 5.8L engine with 122,000 miles

One (1) 1997 F932 John Deer Mower with 72" Deck - 1,730 hours



�� Resolution to authorize the Bower Agency to act on behalf of the Town of Royalton to obtain insurance quotes for the T own of Royalton health insurance.



�� Resolution for Permission to pay the bills.



9. Unfinished Business



10. Public Comment - Good and Welfare of the Community



11. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn

OUTDOOR BOILER HEARING

This coming Monday, April 12th the Royalton town board will hold a hearing about outdoor wood furnaces at 7:15 at the town hall.

The law to be reviewed is as follows...


TOWN OF ROYALTON

A Local Law Entitled "Outdoor Boilers."


Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Royalton as follows:

Definition by: Rule 6 NYCRR Par 241:


OUTDOOR BOILER - A fuel burning device (EPA Approved) that (a) is designed to burn wood or other approved fuels; (b) is specified by the manufacturer for outdoor installation or installation in structures not normally occupied by humans; and (c) is used to heat bUilding space and/or water via the distribution, typically through pipes, of a gas or liquid (e.g., water or water/antifreeze mixture) heated in the device.


A. Purpose

The purpose of this Chapter is to add a new local law regulating the installation, Operation and maintenance of outdoor boiler within the Town of Royalton. This local law is intended to insure that outdoor boilers are utilized in a manner that does not create a nuisance and is not detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the Town.


B. Operation Requirements

Any items not specifically allowed by the manufacturer or this section or any item prohibited by Federal, State or County law, rule or regulation are prohibited.


C. Permit Required

No person shall cause, allow or maintain the use of an outdoor boiler within the Town of Royalton without first having obtained a permit from the Town of Royalton. Application for permit shall be made on the form provided and includes a site Diagram. The cost of a permit application shall be as set forth on the Fee Schedule of the Town as amended from time to time. Editor's Note: The Fee Schedule is on file in the office of the Town Clerk. The Town shall have the right to inspect the installation for safety and/or other code violations and to ensure the unit is installed per manufacturer's recommendations.


D. Existing Outdoor Boilers

Any outdoor boiler in existence on the effective date of this chapter shall be permitted to remain in operation and shall not require a permit.


E. Specific Requirements

1. Minimum lot size. Outdoor boilers shall be permitted only on lots of one acre or more.

2. Setbacks. Outdoor boilers shall be set back not less than 15O feet from the nearest dwelling located off the lot serviced by that outdoor boiler and not less than 50 feet from the property line. No outdoor boilers shall be located in front of a dwelling, house or outbuilding facing a road or highway.


F. Variances.

If a property owner is denied a permit because such owner cannot comply with the requirements of this chapter with respect to the distance requirements from the side lot line or from the nearest dwelling located off the lot, such property owner may apply to the Zoning Board if Appeals for an area variance.


G. Enforcement/Revocation of Permit.

Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall be a violation and enforceable pursuant to Town Zoning Ordinance Section 106. If any permit issued pursuant to this chapter is revoked, the subject outdoor boiler property owner and/or operator shalr not be eligible for another Permit until violations are corrected and documented by CEO.


H. Effect of Other Regulations

Nothing contained herein shall authorize or allow burning which is prohibited by codes, laws & rules or regulations promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or any other federal, state, regional or local agency. Outdoor boilers and any electrical, plumbing or other apparatus or device used in connection with an outdoor boiler shall be installed, operated and maintained in conformity with the manufacturer's specifications and any and all local, state and federal codes, laws, rules and regulations. In case of a conflict between any provision of this chapter and any applicable federal, state or local ordinances, laws, codes, rules or regulations, the more restrictive or stringent provision or requirement shall prevail.


I. EFFECTIVE DATE

This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the New York State Secretary of State.

CAR WASH & BAKE SALE TODAY

The Junior Firefighters at the Hartland Fire Hall on Route 104 are having a car wash and bake sale today until 4:00.

THE CENSUS RATE IN GASPORT

The national response rate for the US Census is 65%. Gasport is well above the average...Royalton chimes in at 78%, while Hartland has a 79% participation rate. To see how various communities rank, check out the interactive map at: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/

SPORTS BOOSTERS DINNER IN MAY

A few times on this blog I have made note that the Royalton-Hartland Sports Boosters is an important organization that is doing its best to support R-H athletics. They are always looking for support, both financially and in-person. This takes on even greater meaning now that the school board has announced their intent to cut football. That should show how bad the economy is and why the Boosters are more important than ever.

One way that you can help them -- and every kid in R-H sports -- is by attending their May fundraiser. Here are the details:

The Royalton Hartland Sports Booster Club Presents……….

The First Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Chinese Auction
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Gasport Fire Hall
4 PM – 11 PM
Donation: $25

Ticket includes: Adult Spaghetti Dinner with salad, bread, and dessert
Free beverages all night
Door prizes and many drawings
Music by Last Call

Doors Open at 4 PM … Bar Opens at 5 PM .. Dinner served at 6 PM
All proceeds benefit RH sports programs.
Tickets are available now!

Dinner seating is limited.

Join your friends for a fun night and a worthy cause.

Looking for more information?

Please contact anyone listed below....

Rick DeWaters- bostonrick123@yahoo.com
Suzanne Bobbitt-sbobb38479@aol.com
Sandy Smith - smitheppetti@hotmail.com
Dan Budziszewski - BudziszewskiD@royhart.org
Don Heschke - sigmamotor@verizon.net
Bob Riegle - rriegle555@msn.com

Friday, April 9, 2010

TAXES MAY RISE, FOOTBALL MAY GO UNDER BUDGET PLAN

The Roy-Hart school board adopted its spending plan for 2010-2011 at last night's board meeting. In response to the state's cut of $1.5 million in aid, the board will cut spending by 5 and a quarter percent. To do so, there will be 8 less faculty/staff positions and football & modified sports will be cut.

Despite those savings, the loss in revenues will still require a 5% increase in property taxes without further cuts.

A public hearing about the budget will be held on May 6th at 7:00 PM.

SPRING RAFFLE THIS WEEKEND

The Gasport Fire Department's annual spring raffle is this Saturday, April 10th from 2:00 to 7:00 at the fire hall. Free food -- which every year is great in taste and quantity -- will be served from 2:00 to 6:30.

This is more than just a sportsman's raffle, there is something for everyone. Just look at some of the prizes:

* Over $1,000 in cash prizes
* Niagara Wine Trail limo tour for 10 people
* 50" LCD TV
* 37" LCD TV
* Grills
* Hunters package
* Camping package
* Navigation devices
* Kayak
* A stay at Great Wolf Lodge
* And so much more!

To get your tickets, contact Andy Drum at Drum Oil. His number is 772.2626

Thursday, April 8, 2010

WINE TRAIL EVENT THIS WEEKEND

A special Niagara Wine Trail event will be coming to Vizcarra Vineyards this weekend....


April 9 - 11: Taste of the Trail

Experience wine & food pairing on the Niagara Wine Trail! Taste a different free sample paired perfectly with a wine at each winery. Additional food samplings may be available for purchase at select wineries.

Tickets good for all three days and includes wine tasting at each winery, one food sampling at each winery and a commemorative wine glass from your starting winery.

Be sure to stop by Chateau Niagara Winery this weekend as well - the newest member of the wine trail will be open!

• Schulze Vineyards & Winery will be featuring Calhoon's Pub & Grove, Newfane.
• Arrowhead Spring Vineyards will be featuring The Red Coach Inn, Niagara Falls.
• Vizcarra Vineyards will be featuring Amanda Vizcarra, Certified Chef.
• Niagara Landing will be featuring The Village Eatery, Lockport.
• Leonard Oakes Estate will be featuring Zambistro, Medina.
• Honeymoon Trail Winery will be featuring Del Fuego Steakhouse, Newfane.
• Chateau Niagara Winery will be featuring Manhattans Restaurant, Lockport.
• Spring Lake Winery will be featuring Nana's Meat Specialty Balls

$20/person pre-sale online; $25/person at the door.

Preview Friday wineries include: Leonard Oakes Estate, Marjim Manor, Schulze Winery, Niagara Landing, Victorianbourg, Freedom Run, Honeymoon Trail, Vizcarra Vineyards, Spring Lake Winery, Chateau Niagara Winery

For more information visit www.niagarawinetrail.org

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETS MONDAY

The Hartland Historical Society meets this coming Monday, April 12th at 7:00 PM at the old schoolhouse at Carmen and Seaman Roads. The public is welcome to attend and the guest speaker will be Karen Sherwood who will talk about agriculture during the Depression.

CHICKEN & BISCUITS THIS SATURDAY

There is a chicken and biscuit dinner this Saturday, April 10th from 4:30 to 7:00 at Hartland United Methodist Church on Route 104. Cost is $7.50/adults and $4/kids.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

PURSE PARTY THIS WEEKEND

Ladies, take notice:

There will be a purse party fundraiser for the Jr. Firefighters at the Gasport Fire Hall this Sunday, April 11th from 12:00 to 4:00.

They will have lots of vendors this year, like Partylite, Tastefully simple, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Avon, Hair Chateau, Vantel Pearls, Karma Graphics, Undercoverware, Barker Chocolate Box, Crandel creations, Lia sophia, Sheets, Schulze winery, Tupperware, Linen world, Small indulgences, Charmed by Jen, Cause for Paws, Longaburger baskets, One of a kind design, At Home America, Heritage Makers, Premier designs, just to name a few.

They're also sponsoring a Chinese auction with a Mills Jewelry gift card and look-a-like designer purses.

Admission $1.00.

ROLLOVER NETS DWI CHARGE

The Buffalo News reported the following...


GASPORT—A Quaker Road man was charged by Niagara County sheriff’s deputies with driving while intoxicated and speeding following a one-car rollover crash on Hartland Road just before 3 a. m. Sunday.

Steven C. Johnson II, 33, was discovered walking down the road near the scene of the crash, missing one shoe, covered with mud and with injuries and cuts, deputies said.


Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/06/1010370/dwi-charge-lodged-in-rollover.html

Monday, April 5, 2010

LINDA HALEY BENEFIT

Linda Haley was a rural mail carrier at the Gasport post office for well over 10 years. Unfortunately, she has taken ill and hasn’t worked since December. She’s been battling breast cancer for 5 years and it recently took a turn for the worse as she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. She is undergoing the only treatment available, an experimental chemotherapy option.

Her friends and family will be holding a benefit for her on May 23rd at Attitudes in Lockport. The $15 spaghetti dinner will feature a basket raffle and door prizes. The organizers are looking for donations for these baskets and need your help. If interested in supporting Linda and her family, please call her daughter Heather Haley at 716.602.3127.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENT CANCELLED

The Royalton Historical Society has always hosted a special day-long event in early May at which they educated the public on the history of Royalton while offering hands-on activities.

This event has been cancelled for 2010. Unfortunately, there have been some illnesses amongst the Society members which has prevented going ahead with the project.

I wish them well and hope for their speedy recoveries.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

VICTORIAN TEA

There will be a Victorian Tea at the Covenant Church on Main Street on Saturday, April 10th. Reservations will be accepted until April 7th. Call Elizabeth at 983.9275 or Donna at 772.2314.

ROY-HART'S BUDGET/BOARD NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BUDGET VOTE AND BOARD ELECTION
ROYALTON-HARTLAND
CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the Royalton-Hartland Central School District (the “District”) will be held in the High School Auditorium, 54 State Street, Middleport, New York on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 7:00 o’clock p.m., Prevailing Time, for the presentation of the 2010-2011 fiscal year budget. The budget will be available for review on May 4, 2010, during regular business hours, in the Principal’s Office in each building, in the Business Office and at the Annual Meeting.

ALSO TAKE NOTICE, that the Annual Meeting of the qualified voters of the District will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, from 12:00 o'clock noon, Prevailing Time, to 9:00 o’clock p.m., Prevailing Time, in the High School Gymnasium, at which time the polls will be open to vote by voting machine on the annual budget of the District for the fiscal year 2010-2011 which will be presented as PROPOSITION 1.

ALSO TAKE NOTICE, that there will be voting for the election of two members of the Board of Education for a three year term each. Each candidate for member of the Board of Education shall be nominated by presentation of a petition directed to the District Clerk, 54 State Street, Middleport, New York and shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, stating their name and place of residence. Pursuant to Section §2018 of Education Law, petitions nominating candidates must be filed with the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o’clock p.m., Prevailing Time, on April 19, 2010.

ALSO TAKE NOTICE, that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the District Clerk’s office, 54 State Street, Middleport, New York. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the day of the election. If the ballot is to be issued to the voter in person, a completed application must be received by the District Clerk at least one day before the day of the election. No absentee ballot shall be canvassed unless it has been received in the District Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 o'clock p.m., Prevailing Time, on the day of the election. A list of persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s office during regular business hours five days prior to the day of the election.

ALSO TAKE NOTICE, a qualified voter is (1) a citizen of the United States, (2) eighteen years of age or older, (3) a resident within the District for a period of thirty days preceding the day of the annual meeting and (4) not otherwise prohibited from voting under the provisions of §5-106 of the Election Law.

Dated: March 26, 2010

BOARD OF EDUCATION
ROYALTON-HARTLAND
CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Marjorie Masters, District Clerk

Friday, April 2, 2010

APRIL POLL: YOUR FAVORITE WATERING HOLE

After March's poll that focused on a supposedly-controversial issue (Niagara Metals), let's loosen up a little and have some fun. For April's poll I ask: What is your favorite watering hole in Gasport? All four bars (Boyers, Canalside, Jamesport and Poor Boys) have been listed as has Vizcarra Vineyards and Becker Brewing Company. To participate, refer to the poll function in the toolbar on the right of this site.

Note: Some people may wonder why I have a Johnson Creek bar listed. For ease of identifying Gasport (since it's so nebulous...772? 14067?), refer to this post to see what I define the community as:

http://gasportnewyork.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-constitutes-gasport.html

EASTER EGG HUNT

The annual Gasport Easter egg hunt, sponsored and organized by the Gasport Lions Club, will take place this Saturday at 11:00 AM at Vet's Park.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

VERATTI FARMS FACES OBSTACLES IN DAIRY INDUSTRY

Verrati Farms of Gasport was well-represented by Jeremy Veratti at a hearing held this week by US Senator Charles Schumer and Christine Varney from the Department of Justice. They two officials are looking into market manipulation that has hurt dairy farmers.

Check out the YNN video here:

http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/top_stories/500154/dairy-farmers-voice-concerns-to-senator-schumer/?ap=1&MP4

SPORTS BOOSTERS MEETING

The Roy-Hart Sports Boosters meet this coming Monday, April 5th at 7:00 PM in room 117 of the High School.

The agenda can be seen here:

http://royhart.org/Athletics/Booster%20Agenda%20April%202010.pdf

Over the years the Roy-Hart Sports booster Club has helped sustain sports activities by providing moral and financial support to the school athletic department's endeavors. Fund-raising by the club has provided special department projects and student-athlete participation at numerous events. The club encourages and values community input and maintains the notion that many of life's most important values are taught and learned through school sports participation.

The Booster Club's primary purpose is fundraising to support athletic programs. With the help and participation of its volunteers, many events are planned to raise money for sports programs. It is due to the generous support of community contributors, friends, and families and the hard work of Booster members that our Roy-Hart's find sports programs continue.

For more information contact president Rick DeWaters at bostonrick123@yahoo.com

GASPORT B.C. MEETING

The Gasport Beautification Committee meets this coming Tuesday, April 6th, at 7:00 PM at the Gasport Fire Company. The public is welcome - and encouraged - to attend.

Among their agenda items:


Signing of the paperwork for the Committee's application for the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission William G. Mayne Jr. Business /Community Enhancement Matching Funds Grant

The grant presentation meeting on May 4th

Flyers for "Clean-Up Gasport" on May 1, @ 9am at Zion Church

Adopt a flower barrel contest

Additional barrels and banners

Solider Garden (Check out the 100 bulbs planted last fall, they are up)

Welcome to Gasport sign by the bus garage

Movie Night at Vets Park on July 30th at 7:30

Ice Cream Social in August

Community Center in Gasport

SCHOOL EXPANSION IS SAFE

The State's financial troubles are well documented and among them was this news shared this week...


New York state will stop funding new or ongoing construction projects as of April 1 and will hold back $2.1 billion in school aid for two months.

The freeze on spending is necessitated because temporary state spending bills, which take effect Thursday, do not include any appropriations to pay for construction work.

The action potentially places hundreds of projects in jeopardy around the state, and it may lead contractors to halt projects and temporarily lay off workers. The state Department of Transportation has begun notifying contractors of the impact of the temporary spending bills.



That got me wondering about the status of the construction taking place at the elementary school in Gasport since that involved state funds. So, I inquired about that with a school board member who replied with the following:

"Our project is bonded already and we pay the contractors directly. We covered the district upfront cost with capitol funds we already had and the BOCES lease pays off the bond payments. This project should be a done deal."