Monday, May 28, 2012

MORE THAN A LONG WEEKEND

MORE THAN A LONG WEEKEND
By Bob Confer

Americans everywhere are enjoying this long weekend, an extended respite from the daily grind of work or school. It’s a joyous occasion, the unofficial start to summer.

That enjoyment of life and the rare chance to relax too often mask the real meaning of the Memorial Day holiday, one that recognizes the men and women who gave their lives so that we – and others around the world – might savor these weekends shared with family and friends. It’s vitally important that each and every one of us take some time today to honor those who fell in battle. You need not partake in a parade or attend a solemn service but you should, in your own way, quietly and genuinely reflect upon and appreciate the accomplishments and lives of our fine militaries of wars past and present.

Since the start of the Revolutionary War, 1.344 million people have paid the price for American goals. To put that into perspective, that’s slightly more than the population of the entire Western New York region. So, imagine all of the homes and streets being completely devoid of people from Niagara Falls to Jamestown and all points in between and near. That haunting visual should give you a feel for the scale of sacrifice.

It should also give you ample reason to set aside some time to appreciate the meaning of those sacrifices. Those soldiers, sailors and airmen saw and experienced horrors that very few of us ever will, and they gave their lives so that others may live, for the creation and preservation of human rights here and abroad, and for the furthering of our national interests.

America, the greatest and freest nation ever conceived, would never have existed had men not fought to the death against British tyranny.

She would never have remained intact, nor would 3.5 million blacks have been freed from slavery, had the North not found it morally necessary to preserve our nation or better the human existence.

The whole modern world would have been torn asunder and many millions more innocent lives taken by evil, had we not entered the two World Wars with cost of a half-million American lives.

Communism would have gained immeasurable might and influence had we not waged a proxy war against its principle powers – China and Russia – in the Koreas.

The Vietnam War may have been the most contentious in American history. 58,000 perished while having the honor to stick with America, regardless of our nation’s sociopolitical divide, showing the patriotism and allegiance lacking by 100,000 draft dodgers.

The War on Terror has been waged in Iraq and Afghanistan, with our men volunteering to fight for our security, wanting not to see a recurrence of 9/11 on our soil and ensuring those who initiated the attacks experience what their victims had. Nearly 5,800 have lost their lives to date in those theatres.

Those high profile wars are but a few of the dozens that have occurred in and out of our borders. American history has long been saddled with military conflicts and occupations. In all of them, many died in - and because of - combat. All of those fallen soldiers should be recognized for giving of themselves so that America can be and will be a nation of power, honor and integrity, just as they were in the moments leading up to their ultimate sacrifice. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. So, please, memorialize them today. It’s our patriotic duty and the right thing to do.
 

 

Bob Confer is a Gasport resident and vice president of Confer Plastics Inc. in North Tonawanda. E-mail him at bobconfer@juno.com.
 
This column originally ran in the 30 May 2011 Greater Niagara Newspapers

FMC OPEN HOUSE: JUNE 2nd

FMC will host an open house this coming Saturday June 2nd from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at the Middleport plant. There will be plant and water treatment tours, product displays, fire and police Department displays, giveaways, activities for the kids, and free hot dogs, chips, and pop. This event is held every 2 years, so take the time to visit our school's neighbor and one of the community's very few manufacturers. For more information, contact FMC's community liaison Alyssa Cruikshank at 716.735.9769.

HARTLAND TO RECEIVE GREENWAY MONEY

Last week the Town of Hartland was selected by the Niagara River Greenway's Host Communities Standing Committee to receive funding of $244,000 for upgrades to the town park. That money will cover just over one-half the cost of the project which will see the addition of new trails, a playground, a basketball court and an asphalt roller skating park.

Friday, May 25, 2012

RUNNING EVENT IN GASPORT ON MEMORIAL DAY

Today's Running Notebook blog on the Buffalo News website reports on an interesting running event that will take place in Gasport on Monday...

Dire Straits once recorded a song called "Telegraph Road" that lasts 14 minutes and 18 seconds. In Monday's race, all runners will be asked to have some sort of music-playing device (iPod, mp3) with that song downloaded. Everyone hits play and then takes off down Telegraph Road in Gasport, with a turnaround at Route 31. When the music stopped, musical chairs style, the person who covered the longest distance wins.

Check out complete details, including location and start time, here:

GASPORT WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CREDIT CARD FRAUD

The following is being reported in today's Buffalo News...

A Gasport woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to knowingly using an unauthorized access device.

Ellen Flack, 34, faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when she is sentenced Aug. 31.

From September to January, Flack conspired with three others to defraud American Express by obtaining 42 fraudulent AMEX credit cards in the names of 37 individuals who lived outside New York State, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito Jr., who is handling the prosecution.

Read the whole report here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/police-courts/police-blotter/article871261.ece

Thursday, May 24, 2012

CRAIGSLIST AD LEADS TO ARREST

On 05/18/12 the New York State Police, in Lockport, arrested Robert E. Mack Jr. (33) of Gasport N.Y. for Grand Larceny 3rd after he deceived a woman who was seeking a residential loan. The victim reported that Mack took $7,500 from her after she responded to a Craigslist post, advertising that he was a private lender. The victim stated that she was looking to obtain a residential mortgage and that she provided a $7,500 check to Mack as part of a down payment to secure the loan. The victim later found out that the money was being used to pay Mack for finding her a lender. Mack was arraigned in the Town of Newfane court on the felony charge and is due to reappear in court on 06/28/12 at 7:00 pm.

The investigation also revealed that Mack has had contact with other individuals who responded to his Craigslist advertisement. If you have responded to Robert Mack’s Craigslist posts and believe that you have been victimized by him, please contact the New York State Police at (716) 434-5588.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

FREE COMMUNITY DINNER IN MIDDLEPORT ON MAY 30TH

There will be a free community dinner -- and all are welcome -- on Wednesday, May 30th from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Middleport United Methodist Church at the corner of Park Avenue and Vernon Street in Middleport. There will be goulash, salad bar, bread, and brownies (disclaimer: Menu is subject to change). Activities will be provided for children.

JUNE 9 CONCERT AT MUMC

There will be a music concert on June 9th at 3 pm at the Middleport United Methodist Church on Park Ave. in Middleport.

Performing will be the Middleport United Methodist Church Musicians featuring Organ/Piano Duets; Choral and Handbell Anthems; Vocal and keyboard Soloists; Congregational Singing and Responses.

A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Middleport United Methodist Church. Dessert reception to follow.



NO INTEREST IN LIBRARY TRUSTEE POSITION

Something that I find very odd -- considering how many people fought for the Middleport Library and voted in that fashion -- is that no one from the community has stepped up to the plate to assume one of the open trustee positions on the library's board.

Niagara Buzz reports on this development...

There are two Board positions with terms expiring on June 30, 2012. Current trustee, Carolyn Wagner, has notified the Library Board that she would not seek re-election to the Board. Current Trustee, Amy Monti, has been nominated for re-election in accordance with Library bylaws.

As there is only one candidate for the two expiring Trustee positions, the election is not contested. In accordance with the Library bylaws, at the annual meeting to be held on June 4, 2012, the Secretary will cast one ballot for Amy Monti. Her new three (3) year term will commence on July 1, 2012.

Read the full report here:




Friday, May 18, 2012

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETS MONDAY

The Town of Royalton Historical Society will be having a joint meeting with the Town of Lockport Historical Society this coming Monday, May 21st at 7 PM. Please note, this meeting will be held at the Lockport Town Hall, 6560 Dysinger Rd. This month the speakers will be Lockport Historian, Larry Haseley and Royalton Historian, Jesse Bieber. Please remember these meetings are open to the public. We would love to see you there!! If you have any questions please contact Royalton Historical Society President, Jennifer Bieber at 716 735-7335.

GREAT ARTICLE ABOUT THE LATE DENNIS BOWLER

Many people remember Dennis Bowler, who passed away in 2004.  Those who participated in the Boy Scout program will remember him as the rifle range director at Camp Dittmer in the 1990s while many others will remember him as a substitute teacher for schools across the region, from Batavia to Lockport. He had lived on Ridge Road in Gasport, very near Harris Farm Market.

I stumbled across this great article that ran in a 2010 copy of the American Conservative of all places. It's a gem that really captures the essence of Dennis....

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/st-dennis-of-the-bleachers/

Thursday, May 17, 2012

LIBRARY CAMPAIGNS SHOWED SELF-GOVERNMENT IN ACTION

Kudos to the Royalton-Hartland community for practicing the wonders of the Constitutional Republic granted to us by the Founding Fathers.

Over the past 9 months the community has been divided over a public service – the Middleport Library. I’ll say that was a good thing. Far too often it has been pretty tame in Gasport and Middleport when it comes to self-government. People tend to go with the flow and other than a few gadflies it’s pretty quiet. But, people were vocal this time around.

Last fall, a lot of residents were caught off guard by the new district tax to fund the Library and a handful, led by Mary Cedeno, really did their homework, covered all their bases, and worked hard hitting the streets to collect petitions for what could be considered a “re-vote” (though more accurately it was a note to non-fund). Even though the defunding was defeated at the polls on May 15th vote, the 2:1 outcome proved the point that not everyone was in the know last June when the Library gained funding at a 14:1 clip. Mary and her team did a good job in ensuring that everyone had their fair say in public affairs.

Likewise, the Friends of the Library and the library’s users should be commended for their recent efforts, too. They saw that their beloved institution was primed for dismissal, but they worked together to educate the voters on what the Library means to them and the community. They got a majority of voters to commit to funding the Library, despite these tight times. So, now, District residents have known and permanent access to the Library, something that's probably new to most who live on the West side of the school district.

It was awesome to see the people – the community -- involved in such an issue. Both sides did well in their work.

Now, I’d like to see more of that in the future when it comes to local, state, and federal government!

MIDDLEPORT LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Middleport Free Library at 9 Vernon St. will be having their book sale Saturday, May 26th from 11:00 till 4:00 and Monday, May 28th from 9:00 to 3:00. Saturday will be at regular prices while Monday will feature a bag sale at $2/bag. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

THANK YOU FROM LIBRARY

Dear Residents of the Royalton Hartland School District:

Thank you! The member of the Board of Trustees, The Friends of the Middleport Library and our staff, who have worked for many years to keep the Middleport Library a valuable asset in our community, want to express our thanks for your overwhelming support.

Your emphatic "no" to the proposition to remove the funding for the Library, soon to be known as the Royalton Hartland Community Library, means that it will have funding so that it will remain open for years to come.

For the second time within a year, we are grateful to have received such solid assurance that you want your library and all that it has to offer. The members of the Library's Board of Trustees and The Friends of the Library surely know that our many years of volunteer work to keep the library alive and well were well spent and much appreciated.

Our hearts are, and always have been, dedicated to you, the community. The successful vote to keep funding in place for the library means there will be an open door for every curious mind wanting to gain knowledge through books, magazines, the Internet, and the other myriad of community resources offered at the Royalton Hartland Community Library.

As has been done over the past 83 years, we will continue to work hard to keep our library, a living memorial to all of our veterans, a vibrant part of our community that has always utilized volunteers, looked at the most economical ways to be run, and is a warm and welcoming place for all residents to come to expand their horizons.

Again, thank you for voting to keep the library open. We look forward to seeing you soon at the Royalton Hartland Community Library!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Wagner, Director, Board of Trustees
Mary P. Collins, Chair, The Friends of the Library
Rose Bernard, Director, Middleport Free Library

BUDGET PASSES, LIBRARY STAYS FUNDED

Yesterday, Royalton-Hartland voters approved, by a tally of 867 to 348, the district’s $22 million budget which will see the tax levy rise by 2%.

The Lockport Union Sun and Journal says this about the library tax...

Residents voted Tuesday to defeat the library levy de-funding proposition by an 840-to-401 margin. The levy, originally approved in a June vote last year, will require $103,000 from the Roy-Hart district taxpayers.

Read the paper's report here:


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

MERCY FLIGHT TO MIDDLEPORT


Another excellent photo from Joe Derda who reports that Mercy Flight was called to Middleport today, as transport was needed for a man injured in an industrial accident involving a fork truck. Members from Medina, Middleport, and Hartland Tri Town were on hand.

Monday, May 14, 2012

US&J REPORT ON THE TUESDAY BUDGET & LIBRARY VOTE

The Lockport Union Sun & Journal featured a detailed report on the library issue this weekend. It noted the following about the proposition...

Residents can vote from noon until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Roy-Hart High School gym on State Street. The library tax is proposition two, as the school district budget is the first item on the ballot.

Folks should also be aware of how to vote. The proposition asks if the Board of Education should reduce the library levy from  it’s current level of $103,000 to zero.

That means a yes vote would eliminate the tax. A no vote would keep the tax intact.

2 MORE DIE FROM HARTLAND ACCIDENT

Over the past few days, 2 more people have died from a head-on crash in Hartland last Sunday, the 6th.

Sadly, the toll is at 3, making it the deadliest crash in Hartland in recent memory:

Robin McGirr, 49, of Olcott
Robert McGirr, 44, of Olcott
Norman Blumreich, 72, of Barker


ROYALTON BOARD MEETS TONIGHT

The town of Royalton meets tonight at 7:00 PM at the town hall. The agenda has been posted here. It should be noted that the previously-scheduled public hearings regarding the water line have been cancelled for tonight...



Date: Mon, May 14, 2012

TOWN OF ROYALTON
REGULAR BOARD MEETING

•1. Open Meeting

•2. Additions or corrections of the minutes as presented

•3. Public Comment - Agenda Items Only

•4. Communications / Petitions

New Business

•Ã˜ Resolution to accept the Supervisors Report for April 2012 as submitted to the Town Board.

•Ã˜ Resolution to rescind Resolution 71-12 COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS APPOINTMENT from the April 9, 2012 meeting.

•Ã˜ Resolution to authorize Supervisor Bieber to sign the three (3) year contract with the Village of Middleport for Speed Enforcement Coverage in the Town of Royalton. The cost of the contract per year is as follows:

6/1/12 - 5/31/13 = $40,711.35
6/1/13 - 5/31/14 = $42,746.92
6/1/14 - 5/31/15 = $44,884.27

•Ã˜ Resolution to authorize the transfer of $500.00 from the Celebration Fund (A7550.4) to the Celebration Reserve Fund.

•Ã˜ Resolution to authorize Supervisor Bieber to open up a new bank account designated as the "Royalton Justice Court - Unclaimed Funds" in order to close out Judge Raduns bank accounts.

•Ã˜ Resolution to authorize TVGA Engineering Firm to issue a Task Order for the Town of Royalton Local Roads Program.

•Ã˜ Resolution to accept Aaron Wagner as an active member of the Wolcottsville Volunteer Fire Co.

•Ã˜ Resolution to accept Ms. Chelsey Jamieson as an active member of the Gasport Chemical Hose Co.

•Ã˜ Resolution to accept Mr. Steven Hagen as an active member of the Gasport Chemical Hose Co.

•Ã˜ Resolution to advertise for bids for Fuel (Gasoline, Diesel Fuel, Propane) for the Highway Department and the Water/Sewer Department.

•Ã˜ Resolution to authorize the transfer of $25,000.00 from DA9950.9 - Bridge Reconstruct Reserve (Transfer Account for Highway) to the Bridge Construction Repair Reserve Fund account.

•Ã˜ Resolution to authorize the transfer of $21,303.00 from SW9951.9 - Water Capital Project

(Transfer Account for Water) to the Water Capital Improvement Reserve account.

•Ã˜ Resolution for permission to pay the bills.

•Ã˜ Any additional items that need to come before the board at this time.

•5. Public Comment - Good and Welfare of the Community

•6. Adjournment - Motion to Adjourn

Thursday, May 10, 2012

BUFFALO NEWS REPORT ON REQUEST FOR STAY

Reporter Tom Prohaska wrote an article about the Library's request for stay in Wednesday's Buffalo News...

The state Education Department disclosed Tuesday that it has rejected the library’s request for a stay, meaning the proposition will appear on the Royalton-Hartland Central School ballot next Tuesday.

The stay was denied Friday, Education Department spokesman Jonathan Burman said. He said the public announcement was delayed to inform the parties first.


It closes with this ominous note:


Asked if the library has any recourse if the tax is repealed, (president of the library board of trustees) Wagner said, “There are some things we’re looking at. I’m not going to discuss legal strategy.”



Read the article here:


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

MIDDLE SCHOOL DISMISSED

Royalton-Hartland Middle School has a power outage and all students at that school will be dismissed at 9:30.

CANAL DERBY SPONSORSHIP

The very popular Erie Canal Fishing Derby - headquartered in Gasport - is now accepting sponsorships for this year's event running July 4 to 15.

Your ad will go on all signs and posters and there are various levels of ads available: $75 to $500.

If interested in helping out this great family-oriented event, call Steve Harrington at 716.425.8144 or coordinator@eriecanalderby.com

For info about the derby visit http://www.eriecanalderby.com/  

MIDDLEPORT LIBRARY GETS STATE GRANT

The Middleport Free Library was allotted $11,174 in the NY State budget for an energy-efficient furnace, air conditioners, doors and windows. The funds come through the construction grants program within the Office of New York State Library within the state Education Department, funded by a $14 million capital fund appropriation in the state budget for construction and renovation. A total of $14 million in grants were awarded for projects at public library and library system buildings statewide.

MIDDLEPORT LIBRARY MAILER

A couple of weeks ago the Friends of the Library sent a mailing to all district residents about the upcoming vote. Here's the text from the flier...


NOTICE OF PUBLIC VOTE
for Royalton-Hartland Central School District Residents regarding Proposition #2 - De-funding the Middleport Free Library

May 15, 2012 from Noon to 8 PM at Roy-Hart Sr. High Gym

At the May 15, 2012 Royalton-Hartland Central School District vote, residents will be presented with Proposition #2 on the ballot, to decrease the tax levy for the Middleport Free Library from $103,000 to zero.

A petition to put Proposition #2 on the May 15, 2012 school district budget vote ballot was approved by the Royalton-Hartland Board of Education at their March 22, 2012 meeting.

Proposition #2 reads as follows: Shall the Board of Education of the Royalton-Hartland Central School District be authorized to immediately reduce the annual tax levy for the Middleport Free Library aka the Royalton Hartland Community Library from one hundred three thousand dollars ($103,000) to ZERO dollars ($0.00) thereby eliminating the tax in its entirety.


A “no” vote will keep the annual tax levy in place, which will fund the library.

A “yes” vote will eliminate the annual tax levy of approximately 25 cents per thousand of assessed property value, which will de-fund the Middleport Free Library.


NO - Keeps funding for the library.

YES - Removes funding for the library.



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What would happen if the tax levy is reduced to ZERO?

If the tax levy for the library is removed, the library would be forced to operate on its reserve funding. When the reserve funding has been depleted, the Middleport Free Library would close as it would have no funds to operate.

How would it affect residents if we are not a member of the Niagara, Orleans, Genesee (NIOGA) Library System?

The Middleport Free Library provides Roy-Hart residents access to the NIOGA Library System. According to an April 5, 2012 article in the Lockport Union Sun and Journal, “The Lockport Library also receives some funding from the Towns of Pendleton and Lockport for those residents who use the library but who are not residents of the Lockport City School District.” Therefore, it could be possible that financial support from our Town governments would be required in order for Roylaton-Hartland residents to use other taxpayer-funded libraries.


Do other school district taxpayers fund their libraries?

Yes. The tax levy in Lockport is approximately $ .97 per thousand, Medina is $1.31, Lyndonville is $ .31, and Albion’s is $1.22. Royalton-Hartland’s library tax levy of approximately $ .25 per thousand is the lowest in the area.


How are library tax dollars used?

The tax pays for operating expenses including salaries, utilities, the purchase of library materials and to be a member of the NIOGA Library System.



Does the library receive tax funding from the Village of Middleport, the Towns of  Royalton, Hartland or the school district now?

No. While it did previously, the library no longer receives tax funding from the Village, Towns or the Royalton-Hartland Central School District.





Information About the Middleport Free Library

The Middleport Free Library services residents of the Royalton-Hartland School District and provides them access to the NIOGA Library System.


2011 Circulation: 31,295 books, periodicals, newspapers, AV materials, etc.


2011 Computer Use: 2,100


Meeting Place Used By:

Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownie Troop, Neighborhood Watch Group, AYSO Soccer Parents, LOYAL Football, Lewis-Wilmot Fund, Teen Drama Club, Book Clubs, Friends of the Library, students from Royalton-Hartland who are tutored


Library Services:

Tax Forms, Public WiFi, Local Newspapers, Computer and Internet Access, Preschool Reading Program, Youth Programs (Summer and Seasonal), Drama Club Program, Scrabble Club, Book Clubs, Copier and Fax Services, FMC Environmental Document Repository, Local Historical Material Repository, E-book Downloads, Inter-library Loan/Return for NIOGA system

Monday, May 7, 2012

MOTHER'S DAY BBQ AT TC

Here's a note from the gentlemen at Terry's Corners fire company....

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY CHICKEN BBQ. OUR CRACK TEAM OF CHICKEN MASTERS WILL BE SERVING UP OUR AMAZING CHICKEN THAT HAS WON THE BEST BBQ AT THE NEW YORK STATE FAIR! CHICKEN WILL BEGIN TO BE SOLD AT 11AM AND ENDING WHEN SOLD OUT. IT IS AVAILABLE FOR DINE IN OR TAKE OUT. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

LIBRARY VOTE GETS NO "STAY"

I received a note from Mary Cedeno -- the lead activist behind the library vote -- regarding the Library's attempt to file an appeal and a request for a stay on the vote. This would have meant that district voters would NOT have had their vote on May 15th during the Annual Budget election, but at another time in the future. Mary reports that the Commissioner of Education has not granted their request for a "stay"...and so District Voters WILL get to vote on May 15th.

HARTLAND HEAD-ON BECOMES A FATALITY

There was a head-on crash on Hartland Road Sunday afternoon. Norman Blumreich, 72, of Barker,  crossed the center line and struck a car driven by Robin McGirr, 49, of Olcott. Both were taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC. Robin's passenger, Robert McGirr, 44, was taken by ambulance to ECMC.

A newsflash came through on WLVL just after the 11:00 news this morning saying one of the drivers has passed away. More details to follow.

12:00 Update: Multiple media sources are reporting that Robin McGirr died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

GRANT FOR GASPORT BEAUTIFICATION

The Niagara County Legislature handed out 20 grants Tuesday to business and community groups. Among the recipients is the Gasport Beautification Committee which has received $1,237. This will be used for a mural on the south side of the Erie Canal and to paint the frame around the hamlet’s welcome sign.

ROYALTON ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR REC PROGRAM

The Town of Royalton will be accepting applications for their Summer Recreation Program at the Royalton Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Road, Middleport, NY 14105. The 5-week program will run from July 9 - August 10, 2012. Applicants must be town residents. Anyone interested can pick up an application at the Town Clerk's office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

MARY CEDENO ON WLVL TODAY

Mary Cedeno -- the lead activist behind the drive to put the library vote up to the public on the May 15th ballot -- can be heard on WLVL's Niagara's Talking after the noon news today (Thursday the 3rd). Listen on air at 1340 AM or online at http://www.wlvl.com/