HARRY NACHTRIEB HAS PASSED AWAY

For over 4 decades Harry Nachtrieb remained one of the best volunteers in Gasport, helping the community as a first responder with Gasport Chemical Hose and Tri-Town Ambulance while also lending the town a hand on the planning board. He passed away on Friday.

Here is his obituary:

Harry W. Nachtrieb of Gasport passed away on Friday afternoon, June 27, 2014 at his home. Mr. Nachtrieb was born in Lockport, NY on June 17, 1935, the son of the late Milton and Gertrude (Newton) Nachtrieb and he has lived in Gasport since 1969, previously residing in Lockport, NY.

He was a graduate of Lockport High School and was a member of the US Army National Guard. He did computer instrumentation for the SPX Company in Connecticut. He and his wife, Joan (Murphy) Nachtrieb, were married on July 28, 1990 in Line, NY. He was a 40-year member of the Gasport Chemical Hose Company and was an active Life Member of the fire company. He was also a 43-year member of Tri-Town Ambulance where he was also a Life Member and was a member of the Lockport Elks Club and longtime member of the Town of Royalton Planning Board. He enjoyed his family and teaching his grandchildren electrical work and tool working and they called him the "Gentle Giant".

}He is survived by is wife, Joan M. Nachtrieb; his family, Jerry (Susan) Nachtrieb of Gasport, Wendy (Peter) Marotta of Wilson, NY., Shari (John) Ramming of Round Rock, Texas, Lynn Nachtrieb of Naples, NY, Deborah (Scott) McKee of Medina, Sandra (Donald) Quackenbush, Kenneth (Elizabeth) Copella and Jennifer (Edward) Gillings all of Gasport. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Friends may call on Monday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Rodney Klinzing officiating. Burial will be in Royalton Mt. Ridge Cemetery. Memorials to the Gasport Chemical Hose Company or Tri-Town ambulance would be appreciated by the Nachtrieb family.

Visit www.bateswallace.com to sign guest register.

ROY-HART'S GRADUATION RATE

Royalton-Hartland saw 77.4% of the 137 students in the 2013 class graduate, and 22.6% earned an advanced Regents diploma. The district’s dropout rate was 12.4%.

The graduation rate dropped slightly as 78.9% of Roy Hart's 2008 cohort graduated in 2012.

To see how neighboring districts fared, check out this Lockport Union Sun and Journal report:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x1927826646/Local-graduation-rates-surpass-state-average?zc_p=0

FROZEN COMING TO GASPORT ON AUGUST 8th

Mark your calendars!

On Friday, August 8th the Gasport Beautification Committee will be hosting their annual free movie night at Vet's Park in Gasport. The featured film will be Disney's popular "Frozen" and it will begin around 9:00 PM.

To help fund this event and other GBC activities, the committee will be selling food and beverages before and during the film --- candy, popcorn, ice cream, pizza, water and coffee. They are also offering a family deal of 12 food items for $10.

ROY-HART LIBRARY ELECTION DRAWS SCANT INTEREST

From the pages of the Lockport Union Sun and journal...

http://www.lockportjournal.com/communities/x1927823868/R-H-Library-election-draws-scant-interest

BINGO CANCELLED

Due to the death of a member of Gasport Chemical Hose, there will not be bingo at the Gasport Fire Hall this Friday, June 27th. There will not be bingo next Friday, July 4th, either, due to Independence Day.

BECKER FARMS 120 YEAR CELEBRATION

Becker Farms and the Vizcarra Family cordially invites you to join them in the celebration of their 120th anniversary!

The evening will be filled with tastings from all things from the farm, fun for the whole family and end with a fireworks celebration to kick off the coming fall harvest season.

The event is for adults and children and will be held on August 10th from 5pm to dark.

Tickets are $10 pre-sale. Tickets include 12 Becker bucks to spend on goodies and farm activites including:
Entrance to the Taste of the Farm Pavilion
Live Music by Jonsie
Free Fireworks Display
Free Wood Carving Demonstration
Free Live Entertainment from the Hot Country Line Dancers
Tractor Show
Pie Eating Contest and Bake Off
Becker Farms Photo Contest

The below activities cost Becker Bucks in different denominations:
Hayrides
Ponyrides
Bounce House
Food Tasting
Beer and Wine Tasting

Tickets available at the door, same price with only 10 Becker bucks. Additional Becker Bucks can be purchased at the door.

For more information please contact Becker Farms Events at 716-772-2211 Ext 104 or email privateevents.beckerfarms@gmail.com

To sign up for the pie eating contest or the bake off contact Dorothy.beckerfarms@gmail.com


Agenda:

Doors 5:00
Live Music by Jonsie 5:00
Pie Eating Contest 5:00
Bake Off Judging 7:00
Wood Carving Demonstration 5:00-8:00
Hot Country Line Dancers Performance 6:30
Hayrides and Pony Rides 5:00-8:00
Taste of the Farm Pavilion 5:00-8:00
Short Program 8:00 - Announcement of the Pie Eating Contest Winner - Announcement of the Bake Off - Announcement of the Photo Contest -Cutest - Best Historical - Best Overall - Words from the owners, thank you and brief history
Fireworks 8:30


To purchase tickets in advance:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/becker-farms-120th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-11201553147

SUMMER READING PROGRAM AT ROY-HART COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program Makes Science Fun

Activities Every Thursday at Royalton Hartland Community Library

Children of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy a special Summer Reading Program at the Royalton Hartland Community Library that puts the fun into science and reading. The seven-week-long program offers children in two age categories fun things to do and see this summer, all centered on amazing science facts and activities.

This summer’s interactive program called “Fizz, Boom, Read” is a great way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. The sessions for preschoolers and elementary aged children will be held on Thursdays at the library, 9 Vernon Street in Middleport. 

At 11:30 a.m., preschoolers will explore the wonders of science at the Fizz, Boom, Read Story Hour sessions, while children in grades K-4 will enjoy science-themed activities and informational programs at 2 p.m.

Fizz, Boom, Read for Kids K-4

Kids will have a have an excellent time learning about “Ectotherms” when the Buffalo Zoo comes to visit on July 3. On July 10, Buffalo and Brandy will rock the house with their science-themed musical program. Bongo Joe and the “Science of Music” take the stage on July 17. The Wondermakers will show how science can be a blast on July 24 and a visit from Hawk Creek’s Tiny Talons on July 31 will round out July’s activities.

On August 7, the thrills and chills of “Science Below Zero” will be presented by the folks from the Buffalo Science Museum.

The final program on August 14 will feature the popular Rick Merritt showcasing “Things That Fly” and will take place at Rotary Park in Middleport. Participants will come away from this workshop with their very own catapult, tissue paper and straw glider, and boomerang. A large open area is needed to throw our boomerangs and for attacking a castle with catapults built that day. It is sure to cover lots of science, math and fun! Registration is required for this final program as the number of participants will be limited. 

Most of the library’s K-4 programs are about an hour long, but “Things that Fly” will be approximately 90 minutes.

Seven Summer Story Hours for Preschoolers

This summer’s Preschool Story Hours include “RU Curious?” on July 3; “Things that go BOOM in the Night” on July 10;  “Sound and Music” on July 17; “Food Science” will be on the table on July 24; followed by “Roll of Thunder” on July 31; “Weird Science” on August 7; and “Was That a Sonic Boom?” on August 14.

These programs are sponsored by the NIOGA Library System, and promise to be fun as well as educational. The Preschool Story Hours are also funded by a Grigg-Lewis Foundation Grant. Both children and their families are encouraged to attend these fun and educational programs.

The Royalton Hartland Community Library provides residents a wide variety of programs and materials that can be found on the library’s website at www.RoyHartCommunityLibrary.com. For more information or to register for Fizz, Boom, Read, call the library at 735-3281.

FMC GARNERS RECOGNITION FOR SAFETY

The FMC Middleport Plant has been recognized for achievement in employee health and safety with a Responsible Care® Facility Safety Award from the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

The Middleport Plant received a Certificate of Excellence in the safety award category and the company was recognized overall with a Performance Award for helping the ACC meet industry safety and product stewardship targets, and an Energy Efficiency Award for manufacturing operations improvements through technical innovations, creative projects and novel procedures and actions.  The awards were presented at the recent 2014 Responsible Care® Conference and Expo.

For the second consecutive year, FMC received the Responsible Care Performance Award.

"We're honored by the ACC's recognition of FMC's performance and track record of continued improvement in safety and energy efficiency," said Linda Froelich, director of Global Sustainability for FMC.

FMC is a member of the ACC and a participant in the Responsible Care program, the industry's premier voluntary environmental, health, safety and security initiative.  

BOOK CLUB TO MEET JUNE 30th

Royalton Hartland Book Club Discussing “June Bug”

Modern day take on “Les Miserables” topic of June 30 meeting

June believed everything that her father told her until she saw her face on a Missing Children poster at a store. June Bug, a story about the search for the truth, will be the topic at the Monday, June 30 meeting of the Royalton Hartland Community Library Book Club. The group will meet at 7 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the library, 9 Vernon Street in Middleport.

This month, the members of the Book Club have chosen author Chris Fabry’s story of how a little girl begins and finishes her quest for the truth about who she is and who her parents really are. The book shares the travels of June’s family in their dilapidated car as it travels cross-country. When they are drawn to a small town in West Virginia, all of their lives change forever.

The members of the Royalton Hartland Book Club meet monthly to discuss a wide number of literary selections and a variety of opinions, and new members are always welcome.

Interested readers are invited to attend this month’s meeting, or any of the future meetings at the library, which are posted online at www.royhartcommunitylibrary.com.

Please call the library at 716-735-3281 with any questions or for more information.

FORMER ROY-HART TEACHER HELEN SHELDON HAS PASSED AWAY

Helen L. Sheldon, of Lockport, formerly of Middleport passed away Tuesday morning, June 17, 2014 at Odd Fellows & Rebekah Hospice.

Mrs. Sheldon was born in Middleport, NY on January 5, 1914 daughter of the late William J. and Bessie (Stern) Nevin and she had lived in Middleport all of her life. She and her husband Harold "Flash" Sheldon were married May 12, 1939 in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Sheldon was a graduate of Fredonia Normal School and taught in rural schools in Chautauqua County from 1936 to 1939 and then taught Fifth Grade at Royalton Hartland Central School from l956 to l975.

She taught piano in Middleport and was an organist at the Middleport United Methodist Church for several years..

She was a member of the Middleport United Methodist Church and U.M. W. of the church. She was also a member of the Middleport Senior Citizens, Johnson Creek Senior Citizens, Busybuddies of Lyndonville, Eastern-Niagara Retired Teachers Association, New York State Retired Teacher Association, The Roadrunners of Lockport.

She was predeceased by her husband Harold "Flash" Sheldon in l981 and by two sons-in-law Robert Riedel and Terry O'Connor.

She is survived by four daughters Joyce O'Connor of Webster, NY., Marybeth (Dan) Wilson of Lockport, Sandra Riedel of Metairie, Louisianna, and Judy (Richard) Taylor of Lockport, seven grandsons Michael (Amy) O'Connor of Webster, NY., Michael (Carol) Wilson of Rochester, NY., Stephen (Sarah Clark) Wilson of Easton, Pa., Robert Riedel of Broussard, La., and Johnathon (Rebecca) Riedel of Chippewa Falls,Wisconsin, David Taylor of Shakopee, Minnesota and Aron (Robin) Taylor of Williamsville, NY.,

Also surviving are 17 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Friday from 10AM to 11AM at the Middleport United Methodist Church, Park Avenue, Middleport , NY where a Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM with the Rev. James Knapp officiating.

Burial will be in Hartland Central Cemetery.

Memorials to the Middleport United Methodist Church would be appreciated by the Sheldon family.

Arrangements by the Bates, Wallace & Heath Fuenral Home, Middleport, New York.




To sign guest register:

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Helen-Sheldon&lc=6722&pid=171386477&mid=6012381

GERRY REYNOLDS PASSED AWAY

Gerry Reynolds was an asset to the town of Royalton, having been such an ardent supporter of historical efforts in our community that she remained as the editor of the Historical Society's newsletter well into her late-90s!

She was an amazing woman and will be missed.

Geraldine C. Rademaker Reynolds of Lockport, NY, went to be with the Lord on Monday,  June 16, 2014.

Born November 12, 1911 on Church St. in Middleport to George W. and Ida Lindke Coon. Gerry attended Middleport Elementary and High School for 12 years and was valedictorian of the class of 1929. She graduated from Bryant & Stratton Business College and was a medical secretary to Dr. Louis C. Kress, third Director of Roswell, also surgeon and author of "The Truth About Cancer," naming signs of cancer and urging early diagnosis.

Gerry assisted her husband, Carl, in his pipe organ business for over 40 years in their home office and at times "on the job". He had maintenance and rebuilding contracts locally, in the southern tier and central New York churches. Carl and Gerry enjoyed traveling and were active in the Avion Travel Club for several years.

Gerry was a member of the Town of Royalton Historical Society since its inception in 1977, and editor of their Royalton Reflections Newsletter from 1982 to 2010. She was also a member of the Lockport Theater Organ Society for 20 years, serving as president for two years and secretary for several years.

Gerry and family attended the Middleport Methodist Church for several years, later the Rademacher family attended Hartland Baptist (Bible) Church for several years. Since 1986 she had been a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Lockport. She treasured friendships from all the churches.

Wife of the late Carl K. Rademacher and the late Arthur M. Reynolds; mother of Douglas G. Rademacher (Susan) of Lockport, the late Richard C. Rademacher and the late Marian Rademacher Licata; grandmother of Veronica Rademacher Taraszewski (James), Brigitte Rademacher, Antoinette Licata Raymond, Donna Rademacher Snyder (Gary), Louis S. Licata, Victor C. Licata, the late Susan Ross, Laura, Lisa and Scott Rademacher, and sister of the late Gwendolyn Stewart  There are several great and great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 7145 Fieldcrest Dr., Lockport. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the church or Town of Royalton Historical Society, 5316 Royalton Center Rd., Middleport, NY 14105. Interment in Hartland Central Cemetery. Arrangements by LANGE FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.langefuneralhomeinc.com.

BURGLARIES ATTEMPTED OVER THE WEEKEND

Burglaries were attempted at Red, White & Blue Storage and Randleigh Animal Hospital over the weekend. Here's the report from the Lockport Union Sun and Journal..

http://www.lockportjournal.com/crime/x1927801360/Pair-of-burglaries-thwarted?zc_p=0

SCHEDULE FOR ROYALTON'S FOURTH OF JULY

The parade will start at 6pm from The Hartland Bible Church, head east on West Ave., south on Main St., east on Park Ave., north on Central Ave., east on Maplewood Ave., north on Mack Ave., west on East Ave., north on Central Ave., then west on State St. back to the Church. 

The Royalton Ravine Park will open at 7 pm. The parking area will open at 7 pm. There will be no tailgating in parking lot . Buses will run from Terry's Corners Fire Hall and Gasport Fire Hall at 7 pm.

The food vendors will be ready to go at 7 pm. There will be ice cream, fried dough, pizza, popcorn, barbeque, slushies, coffee drinks, lemonade, cotton candy, roast beef, chicken fingers, sausage, dogs and burgers.

At 7:00 Last Call will open on stage til 8:30.

At 7:30 there will be a movie for the kids near Shelter #2.

At 8:30 Jonesie & the Firecrackers will take the stage.

The Fireworks will start at 10 pm.   

ROSSELLI HONORED AS COACH OF THE YEAR

Lou Rosselli (Columbus, Ohio/New York AC) has been named 2013 Freestyle Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling. It is the second time that Rosselli has received this prestigious award, to go along with his award in 2007.

This award is named after the late wrestling legend Terry McCann, a 1960 Olympic champion wrestler. McCann was a long-time coach with the successful Mayor Daley Youth Foundation club, which won numerous national titles in freestyle and Greco-Roman and produced champion athletes for the United States. McCann also served as USA Wrestling President and a FILA Bureau member.

Rosselli is a coach with the New York Athletic Club, and is the head coach at the Ohio Regional Training Center.

He was the personal coach for five 2013 U.S. Freestyle World Team members: Angel Escobedo at 55 kg, Reece Humphrey at 60 kg, Keith Gavin at 84 kg, J.D. Bergman at 96 kg and Tervel Dlagnev at 120 kg. All five train under Rosselli at the Ohio Regional Training Center.

Rosselli was a 2013 U.S. World Team Coach, helping lead the USA to a fifth-place finish, led by individual champion Jordan Burroughs. As coach for the New York Athletic Club, Rosselli helped coach the club to the Div. I Team title at the U.S. Open. At the World Team Trials, the NYAC had two individual champions and placed six athletes on the national team.

Rosselli serves as the Associate Head Coach at The Ohio State University, working on the staff with head coach Tom Ryan and has been with the Buckeyes for seven seasons.

He was a 2012 Olympic coach and helped lead the USA to three individual medalists, champions Jordan Burroughs and Jake Varner and bronze medalist Coleman Scott. The USA was third in the unofficial standings.

Rosselli served as a 2011 U.S. World Team Coach in Istanbul, Turkey, which finished third in the team standings, led by two medalists. Rosselli also served as a 2007 U.S. World Team Coach, helping lead the United States to a fourth place finish, led by World bronze medalist Daniel Cormier. He also served as a World Team Coach for the 2006 U.S. Freestyle World Team, which placed third as a team at the 2006 World Championships in Guangzhou, China with four individual medalists.

He was the assistant coach of the 2005 U.S. World University Games Team, which placed third in the team standings with three individual gold medalists in Izmir, Turkey. He also coached the 2010 U.S. World University Championships team in Torino, Italy. He was also a coach for the U.S. team at the 2009 Pan American Championships. Rosselli has also coached a number of other U.S. teams on international tours.

At Ohio State with Rosselli on staff, the Buckeyes placed second at the 2008 and 2009 NCAA Championships as a team. He was named 2009 NWCA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Previously, he served 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Edinboro Univ., eight years as a full-time assistant and three years as a volunteer assistant. Rosselli has helped build the Scotsmen into a nationally competitive program on the Div. I level.

Rosselli competed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., at 114.5 pounds. He was a 1997 World Cup champion, and won a silver medal at the 1998 Pan American Championships. He won U.S. National freestyle titles three times (1995, 1996, 1999) and was second in the 1998 U.S. Nationals. Rosselli was also a University Nationals freestyle champion in 1994.

Rosselli placed third at the 1993 NCAA Championships and was fourth in the 1991 NCAA Championships for Edinboro Univ. A native of Middleport, N.Y., Rosselli was a two-time New York state champion at Royalton-Hartland High School, in addition to finishing second once and third once.

PAST TERRY McCANN AWARD WINNERS AS FREESTYLE COACH OF THE YEAR
2013 - Lou Rosselli, Columbus, Ohio, New York AC
2012 – Cael Sanderson, State College, Pa., Nittany Lion WC
2011 – Mark Manning, Lincoln, Neb., Sunkist Kids
2010 - Sean Bormet, Naperville, Ill., New York AC
2009 – John Smith, Stillwater, Okla., Gator WC
2008 - Sean Bormet, Naperville, Ill., New York AC
2007 - Lou Rosselli, Columbus, Ohio, New York AC
2006 - Sean Bormet, Naperville, Ill., New York AC
2005 - Mike Duroe, Iowa City, Iowa, Hawkeye TC
2004 - Bobby Douglas, Ames, Iowa, Sunkist Kids
2003 - Tom Brands, Iowa City, Iowa, Hawkeye WC
2002 - Tom Brands, Iowa City, Iowa, Hawkeye WC
2001 - Zeke Jones, Morgantown, W.Va., Sunkist Kids
2000 - John Smith, Stillwater, Okla., Sunkist Kids
1999 - Greg Strobel, Bethlehem, Pa., New York Athletic Club
1998 - John Smith, Stillwater, Okla., Sunkist Kids
1997 - Greg Strobel, Bethlehem, Pa., New York Athletic Club
1996 - Bruce Burnett, Colorado Springs, Colo., National Freestyle Coach
1995 - Bruce Burnett, Colorado Springs, Colo., National Freestyle Coach
1994 - Gene Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo., Athletes In Action
1993 - Joe Seay, Oklahoma City, Okla., Sunkist Kids
1992 - Bobby Douglas, Ames, Iowa, Sunkist Kids

ROY-HART CELEBRATES FLAG DAY

Saturday's Union Sun & Journal looks at Roy-Hart's Flag Day celebration:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x1927797958/Roy-Hart-celebrates-Flag-Day

ROY-HART'S RANKING

Today, Business First released on their website the rankings of all 97 school districts in Western New York.

Roy-Hart comes in at 77th place. We are down 2 places from last year. In 2012 we were ranked 62nd. In 2011 we were ranked 52nd.

Our rank in key categories is as follows:

English 67
Math 59
Science 65
Social studies 84

To see how we stack up against our neighbors, view the rankings here:

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/gallery/40961?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fbuffalo%2Fnews%2F2014%2F06%2F13%2Fheres-a-quick-rundown-of-western-new-yorks-school.html

STOLEN ATV RECOVERED

A $2,000 ATV stolen from Snell's was recovered by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office after it was seen being driven by the scene of the crime by a teenage boy.

Here's the report from East Niagara Post:

http://www.eastniagarapost.com/2014/06/stolen-atv-recovered-after-driving-by.html

SALT & LIGHT FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

The annual Salt & Light festival is being held in Gasport this weekend. Here's the report from the Union Sun & Journal:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x1927793056/Salt-and-Light-Festival-this-weekend

BEAR IN HARTLAND

Today there has been a picture of a bear circulating around Facebook, with it having been photographed on Quaker Rd. in Hartland yesterday. Share your sightings and pictures on our Facebook page!

LOCKPORT US&J LOOKS AT ROY-HART'S TOP 2

Today's Lockport Union Sun and Journal looks at Royalton-Hartland valedictorian Courtney VanBuren and salutatorian Evan Conley:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x2117448846/College-in-the-works-for-Roy-Harts-top-two

Two impressive young adults!

D-DAY'S GASPORT CONNECTION

With June 6th having been the 70th anniversary of D-Day we recognize one of its most decorated participants, Gasport's own Ben Vandervoort, a man so tough that none other than John Wayne portrayed him in the movie "The Longest Day".

Here's what Wikipedia says about Vandy...

Benjamin Hayes "Vandy" Vandervoort (3 March 1917 in Gasport, New York – 22 November 1990 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) was a Colonel in the United States Army, who fought in World War II. He was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Vandervoort attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he was a member of the Washington Players drama club, the YMCA, the Mount Vernon Literary Society, and the football and track teams. He was also an officer of the Theta Kappa Nu fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938, having enlisted in the army as a private on 23 July 1937. He was commissioned with the rank of second lieutenant on 16 March 1938.

World War II

Vandervoort transferred to the newly-established paratroops in the summer of 1940, and was promoted to first lieutenant on 10 October 1941. Promoted to captain on 3 August 1942, he served as a Company Commander in the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and was promoted to major on 28 April 1943, and served as Operations Officer (S-3) in the 504th Parachute Regimental Combat Team at the invasion of Sicily and in the landings at Salerno.

Promoted to lieutenant colonel on 1 June 1944, he was the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 505th PIR, during the airborne landings in Normandy. Vandervoort led his battalion in defending the town of Sainte-Mère-Église on 6 June in "Mission Boston", despite having broken his ankle on landing. During "Operation Market Garden" in September 1944, he led the assault on the Waal Bridge at Nijmegen while the 3rd Battalion, 504th PIR, made the assault crossing. General Matthew B. Ridgway described Vandervoort as "one of the bravest and toughest battle commanders I ever knew". At Goronne he was wounded by mortar fire, so was unable to take part in the divisions' advance into Germany.

Post war

He was promoted to colonel on 7 July 1946, and retired from the army on 31 August. After studying at Ohio State University he joined the Foreign Service in 1947. He served as an Executive Officer in the Department of the Army in 1950-54, acting as joint political adviser to the Commanding General United Nations Forces and UN Ambassador, Korea, in 1951-52, and was studied at the Armed Forces Staff College in 1953. He served as a military attaché at the US Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1955-58, and was assigned to the Department of State in 1958-60. He then served in the Executive Office of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), from 1960-66, also serving as a consultant on politico-military affairs to the US Army Staff in 1960, and as a plans and program officer on the Army Staff, Department of Defense, in 1964.

Benjamin Vandervoort died on the 22 November 1990 at the age of 73 years at a nursing home from the effects of a fall.

He had two children with his wife Nedra; a son and a daughter.

Awards and honors

* Distinguished Service Cross with oak leaf cluster
* Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters
* Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster
* Croix de Guerre with palms (France)
* Bronze Lion (The Netherlands)
* Fourragère (Belgium)

In the early 1990s the United States Army Center for Leadership at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, selected one or two colonels or lieutenant colonels from every American War from the Revolution through Vietnam. Colonel Vandervoort was selected as the outstanding ground battle commander for World War II. He is honored by a brief biography and several photographs in what is known as "Leadership Hallway" located on the second floor of Bell Hall.

Popular culture

Vandervoort was portrayed by actor John Wayne in the film version of Cornelius Ryan's history of D-Day, The Longest Day. The role was actively sought by Charlton Heston, but the last-minute decision of John Wayne to take a role in the film prevented Heston from participating. At the time of filming in 1962, Wayne, at 55 was 28 years older than Vandervoort had been on D-Day; Vandervoort being a decade younger than Wayne.

FMC COMMUNITY DAY THIS SATURDAY

The FMC Middleport Plant will host a special Community Day on Saturday, June 7, with the theme “Growing Our Future” and featuring plant tours, give-a-ways and many educational, community and children-related activities.

The public is invited to attend Community Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the mixing and packaging facility located on Rt. 31 in Middleport.  Free hot dogs and assorted snacks will be available.

Plant tours, including viewing of a packing line in full operation, will run every 20 minutes. Tour participants must be wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants and closed-toe shoes.  Protective eyewear, gloves and a hard hat will be provided.

Activities for children include a Kids Discovery Zone, Kids Ultimate Fire Truck Races, free face painting and the chance to make a personalized first aid kit.

Community-oriented display booths will feature information from the Middleport Village Historian, Future Farmers of America, Pulse Occupational Health Clinic, Go Green and the Middleport Community Advisory Panel (CAP).  FMC will also offer attendees information on its community programs and FMC Agricultural Solutions products.  

A Safety Awareness Zone will offer Community Day attendees safety demonstrations and a display of safety vehicles.

A special invitation has been extended to retired FMC employees to visit a special area where they can reconnect with colleagues, share memories, celebrate, and receive a special gift.

Eleven prizes will be featured in give-a-ways throughout the day: Super Safety Basket, Camping Basket, Pop Up Green House, Go Green Basket, First Aid Kits, Summer Day Fun Tote, Sand Toys, Made By Me Kids projects, Kids Science Discovery Boxes, Gardening Basket, and Gift Card Lottery Tree.

More information is available by visiting www.FMC-Middleport.com or contacting Jessica Heideman at the FMC Community Office at 735-9769.

SITUATION CLEARED

Headline: UPDATE: EMERGENCY SITUATION IN GASPORT HAS BEEN CLEARED

Activation Time: 06/02/14 5:53 PM

Expiration Time: 06/03/14 12:00 AM

Issued By: Niagara County Sheriff's Office

Affected Jurisdictions: Niagara County: Gasport, Hartland, Royalton

Description:

THE EMERGENCY SITUATION IN GASPORT HAS BEEN CLEARED AND THERE IS NO LONGER ANY SAFETY CONCERN, THE INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN DETAINED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Instructions:

THE NIAGARA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS GIVING THE ALL CLEAR AND THANKS YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

EMERGENCY SITUATION IN GASPORT

Headline: EMERGENCY SITUATION IN WEST AVENUE AREA OF GASPORT-REMAIN INSIDE YOUR HOME

Activation Time: 06/02/14 5:31 PM

Expiration Time: 06/03/14 12:00 AM

Issued By: Niagara County Sheriff's Office

Affected Jurisdictions: Niagara County: Gasport, Hartland, Royalton

Description:

THE NIAGARA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS LOOKING FOR AN ARMED MALE IN THE AREA OF WEST AVENUE IN GASPORT. FOR SAFETY REASONS PLEASE REMAIN INSIDE YOUR HOME UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Instructions:

THE NIAGARA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS LOOKING FOR AN ARMED MALE IN THE AREA OF WEST AVENUE IN GASPORT. FOR SAFETY REASONS PLEASE REMAIN INSIDE YOUR HOME UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING

The Towns of Royalton and Lockport Historical Societies will meet at the Pomeroy School on Lower Mountain Rd, at Leete Road, in the Town of Lockport at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 16th.

This event will be a pot luck supper. The community is invited to attend and bring a dish to pass. Please bring your own table service. The society will provide hot dogs, rolls, and drinks.

After supper they will be treated to an incredible concert and a presentation by the members of the Fife and Drum Club. They will be doing a performance on Civil War field music. This is a very special presentation. They hope you can join them for a memorable evening.

You do not need to be a member to attend, and they are always looking for new members. If you'd like more information please call Royalton Historical Society president Jennifer Bieber at 716.735.7335.