SCHWAB'S OPEN HOUSE

BOB LINDKE HAS PASSED AWAY

Many of you are familiar with Bob Lindke. He was a pillar of the Gasport community with work and volunteerism that spanned decades in our town: he co-owned E&R Machine, worked at Friend Manufacturing, volunteered at Covenant United Church and was scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 18 for many, many years.

Bob passed away on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Robert Gustave Lindke, age 85, of Gasport, entered into rest on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Absolut of Gasport. Born June 4, 1930 in Royalton, NY, Robert is the son of the late: Gustave and Alma (Koepsel) Lindke and his step-mother, the late Doris Lindke-Bush.

Robert was a 1949 graduate of Akron High School. He was a former co-owner of E & R. Machine in Gasport, NY and had also worked at Friend Manufacturing Company in Gasport. He married Shirley Gaskill August 7, 1954 at Covenant United Church of Christ in Gasport where he was an active member.

Surviving Robert is his wife: Shirley (Gaskill) Lindke and children: Barbara Lindke of Bartlett, TN and Douglas (Jacque) Lindke of Webster, NY. Dear grandfather of: Alexandra Lindke and Matthew Lindke. Robert is also survived by a sister: Mildred Knights and predeceased by siblings: Earl and Patricia Wagner and Jeanette and Vincent Biasell. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive Robert.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Sherrie-Bream Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Covenant United Church of Christ, 4449 Main Street, Gasport, NY on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 11:00 am with the Reverend John Tipton officiating. Interment will be in Hartland Central Cemetery, Gasport, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to: Covenant United Church of Christ.

Please go to www.sherriebreamfuneralhome and leave a condolence for the family.

9th ANNUAL MITTEN TREE

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

On Tuesday, the Mitten Tree will be going up.

This is the ninth year for this awesome program that is run by the Gasport Lions Club.

Here’s how it works…

The tree is located out front of the Gasport post office 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 at Absolut Care or Drum Oil (they have drop boxes) or at the Elementary School (under the tree in the lobby). The Lions Club will distribute the gifts in time for the holidays.

It’s extremely important that the community supports the Mitten Tree. The economy is still  a little messy, unemployment (and underemployment) is still high, and we need folks to help those who are struggling.

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.

STAR REBATE CHECKS

Are you getting a tax rebate check from the state?

If you are enrolled in New York's STAR program you will get a property tax rebate check if your school district stayed under the property tax cap. Your rebate will also depend on local government compliance with the cap. Additionally, your school district must have had an efficiency plan approved by the state, which demonstrates that they are working to reduce the amount of taxes they levy.

According to the Democrat and Chronicle's database regarding all of this, Gasport residents from Hartland or Royalton will be getting a full rebate check. If you have a Gasport zip code but live in the town of Lockport, your check will be smaller.

Here's the D&C's database: http://rochester.nydatabases.com/database/new-york-property-tax-rebate-status

THANKSGIVING EVE AT BECKER FARMS

Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year...many people return to their hometowns for family get-togethers and the Wednesday before the big dinner represents a great time to catch up with old friends.

There's a perfect venue for such celebration in Gasport.

Becker Farms is celebrating with live music from Dave Stockton, drink specials, and food specials! Come reacquaint yourself with friends and family at the farm!

Check out their Special Thanksgiving menu....

Cheddar Beer Dip with Soft Pretzel Sticks $8.50
Warm Bavarian pretzel sticks and a sizzling hot, cheesy dip made with Big Ditch Excavator and sharp cheddar

Seasonal Cheese Plate
A selection of three cheeses crafted by local artisans with local walnuts, seasonal fruit, and crispy flatbread
Half- serves 1 to 2- $8
Full- serves 3 to 4- $16

Spicy Meat Poutine $11
Oven roasted red potatoes smothered in homemade spicy meat sauce and topped with First Light’s herbed cheddar cheese curds.

Chicken Quesadilla $10
Hand pulled chicken sandwiched between cheddar and mozzarella cheese and house made pico de gallo.

Apple and Cheddar Panini $10
Becker Farm’s fresh apples, cheddar cheese, and house made hot pepper jelly on grilled sourdough, served with sweet potato fries.

Becker Burger $13
Hand pressed 1/3# local hamburger from Hartland Abattoir, topped Becker farms produce. Ask server for this week's selection.
*Plain hamburger or with cheeseburger with side is available for $10.

Chilli Cheese Dog $8
All beef chilli smothering a grilled Sahlen's hot dog. Served with fries.


Here's the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1667967336777450/

BUY LOCAL

When out Christmas shopping this long holiday weekend, don't forget to "buy local." Help keep money in Gasport, drive our economy and support your neighbors by buying wine at Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards, candy/jelly/honey at Schwab Farm Market, cheeses at Teacup Farm, meats at Hartland Abattoir Corp., flowers and special gifts at the Flower Barn & 1864 Boutique, Christmas items at Always Christmas, everything under the sun at Standish-Jones Building Supply,  and anything else you can think of at any number of local businesses.

MAN ARRESTED FOR KICKING ROYALTON BABY

On November 24, 2015, New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Lockport arrested 32 year old Samuel A. Figueroa of Lockport, New York for an investigation that was conducted in the Town of Royalton.
 
Figueroa was charged with Assault 1^st and Assault in the 2^nd. The charges stem from two separate incidents that occurred in the Town of Royalton between August 9, 2015 and October 22, 2015. Figueroa admitted he kicked a 22 month old child in the back portion of her body while caring for the child at his girlfriend's residence.  Figueroa also injured the child's ribs after disciplining the child. The child sustained broken ribs and other internal injuries due to these incidents.
 
Figueroa was arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court and remanded to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.  He is scheduled to return to the Town of Royalton Court on December 3, 2015.

ROY-HART ALUMNA TO CONDUCT BOOK SIGNING

On Friday, former Gasport resident (now Maine resident) and 1990 Roy-Hart grad Naya Clifford (formerly Tracy Ellen Sharp) will be at The Book Shoppe on Main Street in Medina from 2:00 to 4:00 to sign copies of her book “Into the North Woods.”

The book's description as noted by the publisher..

In this exceptional debut novel, "Into the North Woods," Naya Clifford takes the reader on a suspenseful adventure across the crest of the Appalachian Trail, into the lives of a local family thrust into the center of an environmental controversy. Set against the back drop of the majestic White Mountains, a college student and his girlfriend meet Striker, an iconic environmental activist. Together they descend into radical fanaticism fed by pseudo-scientific internet sites that propel them to the edges of violent extremism. Naya Clifford’s compelling narrative explores how the path from simple belief to terrorism grows unfettered in isolation. You will cheer on the Atwood family as they take a stand for their heritage and discover the strength of community in action and stand firm against extremist beliefs.

The current tide of extreme religious and political movements occurring world-wide should be of interest and concern to all of us who share this world as an environmental community of living beings. Naya Clifford explores the pernicious fealty of radical fanaticism and persuades us to remember that all life matters. "Into The North Woods" was conceived by the author as an allegory to explore how initially compassionate well-meaning people are swept up into violent movements, through isolation within their own self-selected groups, inspired through like-minded internet sites. Into the North Woods explores conversations about environmental action, racism and religious radicalism in the center of small town America.

ROY-HART GRAD ASSUMES COMMAND OF 419th MAINTENANCE GROUP

Airmen in the 419th Maintenance Group welcomed a new commander, Col. Brett Newman, during a ceremony earlier this fall. He is a 1983 graduate of Royalton-Hartland Central High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1987 from Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Newman will lead nearly 270 reservists assigned to the 419th MXG, which includes the 419th Maintenance Squadron and 419th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He is responsible for all facets of F-16 maintenance, and ensures aircraft and personnel are ready for worldwide deployment. He will also oversee the wing's conversion to the F-35A alongside the active duty 388th Fighter Wing.

"I tend to stick to taking care of the three P's: people, planes, and processes," Newman said during his remarks. "If we don't take care of the people, the planes can't work and there's no need for processes."

Prior to this assignment, Newman commanded the 445th Maintenance Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

To learn more about the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, visit their website at:

http://www.419fw.afrc.af.mil/index.asp

KATHLEEN GILES OPEN HOUSE

Award-winning Gasport artist Kathleen Giles is holding open houses in her studio every Saturday through December 19th.

Here's the report from the Lockport Star:

http://lockportstar.net/artist-kathleen-giles-winning-awards-opening-up-her-studio-in-gasport/

GASPORT COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY & CLOTHING CLOSET

The Gasport Community Food Pantry and Clothing Closet serves Gasport and the adjoining communities.

It is hosted by Zion Luthern Church at 4447 Central Ave. in Gasport and is open the fourth Saturday of each month from 10am till noon

Eligibility: Must be a resident of the communities that generally encompass the Towns of Royalton and Hartland

Fee: None

Intake: On your first visit, please bring the following:

• ID
• Proof of residency (utility bill, landlord statement, etc.)

Services: Distribute a three-day supply of food on the fourth Saturday of the month. Additional distribution available in emergency situations. Holiday food baskets also available. The Clothing Closet distributes new and gently used items for those who need it.

The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet is made possible by the generous donations from the following groups and organizations:

Royalton-Hartland Teachers Association; Ladies Auxiliary of the Gasport Chemical Hose; Hartland Conservation Club; Roy-Hart Elementary School; the Absolut of Gasport; the Gasport Lions Club; Covenant United Church of Christ; Hartland Bible Church; Hartland United Methodist Church; Zion Lutheran Church; Royalton United Methodist Church; Becker Farms; local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops; local 4-H Clubs; and generous donations from individuals celebrating birthdays and holidays!

ROY-HART LOOKING AT KUBI FOR CLASSROOMS

The Royalton-Hartland Board of Education will be looking into the possibility of adopting the use of a video conferencing or "telepresence" device into the district's classrooms.

Check out the US&J report here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/roy-hart-looking-into-video-communication-device/article_1ff08044-290a-5246-9456-62ed724ad5ca.html

MUSIC IS ALWAYS BETTER WITH BACON

Royalton-Hartland High School is pleased to announce that senior Benjamin Bacon has been selected to the All-State Wind Ensemble. He will participate in a concert held at the acclaimed Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY during the annual Winter Conference of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) to be held from December 3-6, 2015. Those chosen to participate in an ensemble at this conference represent the best high school musicians from all of New York State as determined by previous NYSSMA solo festival scores and teacher recommendation.

Benjamin, a talented trombonist, is one of just a few Roy-Hart students to achieve this level of musicianship and the only student ever to make an All State ensemble in both his junior and senior year, having performed with the All State Symphonic Band last year. He performs with the Roy-Hart High School Concert Band and pit orchestra as well as the Sanborn Fire Company Band.

ROY-HART SENIOR COMPLETES EAGLE PROJECT

Stahler Cemetery in the town of Lockport got a nice makeover courtesy of Eagle Scout candidate and Roy-Hart senior Dan Wheeler: http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/an-eagle-project-has-landed/article_5f922a86-8b5e-11e5-b39c-7ff29fc23781.html

ROY-HART SPAGHETTI DINNER

HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO MEET

The Town of Royalton Historical Society will have their next meeting at Royalton Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Rd, Middleport. It will be this Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 1:00. This will be a get together to share ideas for upcoming meetings, dates and times. This will also be their annual Thanksgiving pot luck luncheon. They ask that everyone bring a dish or dessert to share. They will be providing beverages and the main dish. The fact that most of us will be eating turkey the following week they will probably do something other than turkey, more than likely ham. Please call Jennifer Bieber if you are able to attend. You do not have to be a member to attend. ALL ARE WELCOME!! 716-735-7335.

TERRY'S CORNERS NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY

Join Terry's Corners for their New Year's Eve Party! $50 per person includes a Premium Dinner buffet provided by Donna Eick's, open bar, and entertainment by Beamin' Sounds Entertainment. Tickets are available online at Terryscorners.com, Durfs Tire / MJ auto care (Rt 31, Gasport), and Olear's Inc. (Rt 77, Gasport). If you have any question please call Shelly at 716.213.3755.

This is a 21 and over event.

All online ticket sales will be held a by the last name of the card holder as a reservation at the door. Please print your emailed receipt for Proof of Purchase.

FOOD DRIVE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

Pack 18 Cubmaster Scott Schultz led 22 cub scouts (and assorted parents and siblings) over the past two Saturdays, distributing flyers and collecting non-perishable food goods in Gasport. They nearly tripled the amount of food they collected in last year's "Scouting for Food" campaign: The pack collected and the giving residents of Gasport donated 587 food items that are being added to the Gasport Community Food Pantry that is hosted by Zion Lutheran Church. A big "thank you" to these awesome scouts and our great community!

STATE STREET CLOSURE

The railroad crossing on State Street in Gasport (near the split by Hartland Bible Church and the town park) is closed until Wednesday afternoon. 

COVENANT YOUTH GROUP AUCTION

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

A live musical version of the holiday classic "It’s A Wonderful Life" will be presented by the Lake Plains Players at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Royalton-Hartland High School. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens and children.

The Facebook event page is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/551697494978187/

You can buy tickets in advance online:

https://www.showtix4u.com/boxoffice.php?submit=Search+for+Events&begin=1542968&current_client=070152100809517

TRINITY HUNTER'S BREAKFAST

Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 6369 Wolcottsville Rd, will be holding a Hunters Breakfast on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  This will be a freewill offering.  All are welcome! 

TC MEAT RAFFLE

WOLCOTTSVILLE TURKEY RAFFLE

The Wolcottsville Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their Annual Turkey Raffle on Saturday, November 21.  Doors will open at 6:30.  Wolcottsville will be raffling meats, fruit baskets, gift cards and NYS lotteries.  Admission is free.  The address is 6337 Wolcottsville Rd.

MICHELLE'S MEMORIAL 5K: NOVEMBER 21st

The goal of Michelle's Memorial is to provide a scholarship at Royalton Hartland for graduating Seniors, encourage sports in our community as well as the remembrance of Michelle Bewley (Schuler) who, in 2006, passed away at the age of 29 in a car accident.

Although the exact requirements of the scholarship change year to year based on participation, the goal is still the same; reward a student that took part in music and sports, excelled academically and portrayed a whole lot of heart both on and off the field, just as Michelle did.

The 4th annual Michelle's Memorial 5k will take place on Saturday, November 21st at 9:00 AM at the fire hall in Middleport. Registration begins at 8:00 AM.

You can register here for $20:

https://reg.score-this.com/regx/step1.jsp?eventID=1454

You can also register the day of the event for $25.

For more information, the Michelle's Memorial Facebook page can be liked here:

https://www.facebook.com/michellesmemorial5k

NIAGARA PRODUCE SELLING BRITT'S TURKEYS

Niagara Produce is encouraging their customers to get ready for Thanksgiving and pre-order their fresh, local turkeys now. Among the 3 farms they highlight is Britt Farms, who raise all natural turkeys on Ridge Road in Gasport. Their turkeys will be $3.29 lb. (preorder only). Niagara Produce would like customers to call ahead for best availability: 716.625.4195 for the Transit store deli or 716.478.0885 for the Lockport deli.

HARTLAND JUSTICE RACE

Gasport voters did not have a very exciting time at the polls as between the two towns there was only one race among all available town positions that was up for grabs...that was Hartland town justice. There were 2 seats available and 3 people vying for them. Joanne Sullivan and Brian Gross won with 359 and 287 votes, respectively. Lisa Trakas had 218 votes.

BECCA'S CLOSET FASHION SHOW & BASKET RAFFLE

Earlier this year, the Women Helping Others (WHO) organization at Zion Lutheran Church in Gasport opened a chapter of Becca's Closet through which they distributed gowns and dresses.

Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman and the project she created prior to her passing in 2003. Becca's Closet donates formal attire to high school girls with financial need who otherwise would not be able to attend their schools' military balls, homecomings and proms. Their mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. You can learn about Becca's Closet here: http://www.beccascloset.org/

On Sunday, November 8th WHO will be holding a Becca's Closet fashion show and fundraiser. This event will be held in Lockport (to show off the program to a wider population) and will take place at Christ Community Church at 140 Genesee Street in the city of Lockport from 2:00 till 6:00.

Models will wear many of the dresses so interested young women can see them. And, there will be a basket raffle to solicit funds to help Becca's Closet grow. Admission to the event are $5 and raffle tickets are $5 for a sheet of 25 -- there are all sorts of prizes from gift certificates to Bill's tickets.

For more information contact event organizer Paula Travis at ladytinny559@gmail.com or 716.471.6446.

The Facebook event page is: https://www.facebook.com/events/1009208755767416/

This is yet another example of the excellent local missions conducted by the good people at Zion Lutheran Church.