Thursday, October 31, 2019

Teen Eating Focus Group study

The weekly message from Roy-Hart Superintendent Dr. Stopinski...

One of our efforts this year is to promote wellness initiatives throughout the students and staff. These efforts include oversight and improvements to our school lunch program, physical education and health education, and a variety of activities and programs intended to improve the wellness of our school community. Over the remainder of the year, you will be learning more and more about the efforts undertaken and be receiving information from your respective schools.

One of our District partners is the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Buffalo. The University is looking to include students/parents from our District in an Adolescent Eating Focus group. Students currently between the ages of 13-17 may participate in Adolescent Eating Focus groups. This study will require one two-hour group meeting in our community. Compensation and dinner will be provided at the focus group meeting. The meeting will consist of 6-10 similarly aged students from many schools in the area. The purpose of the study is to determine the factors related to teens’ independent food choices. We can only accept one child per household.

If you decide to participate in this research study, you and your child will be asked to schedule in one of 6 focus groups in the community. The sessions can take place between 5:00 – 8:00 PM Mondays through Fridays, and possibly Saturday afternoons, based on member availability. If you are interested in participating in our study, please follow the directions on the invitation which will also be disseminated to our 7 through 11 grade students.



Monday, October 28, 2019

Mrs. Stoddard has passed

Long-time residents of Gasport will have kind memories of Mrs. Stoddard who taught at the Elementary School full-time until 1979 and was periodically a substitute teacher thereafter. It's with a heavy heart that we report she passed away earlier this month. RIP

https://obituaries.lockportjournal.com/obituary/susan-stoddard-1077648982

Covenant Bazaar and Turkey Dinner

For decades now, Covenant United Church of Christ on Main Street has held a bazaar and turkey dinner in November. This popular community tradition takes place this Saturday, November 2nd, 2019.

The craft bazaar features craft products, homemade candies, canned jams and jellies, pies, baked goods and more. Great for holiday shopping or to stock up for yourself. The bazaar is open 10am to 5:30 pm, with a luncheon available 11am-1pm.

At 3:30 they still start serving the Donation Dinner, a delicious Turkey dinner with all the traditional fixings. Pay what you'd like for the meal -- all proceeds benefit the Church and its missions. Don't miss out -- it's a fantastic dinner!

Here is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2460031020906963/

Gasport Halloween hours

Royalton's Halloween trick or treat hours on October 31st are from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Newfane's statement

Newfane Schools statement about the bus shooting in Gasport...

Last night, while returning to the district after winning their first round playoff soccer game, the rear windows on the bus carrying the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team were struck by unknown objects. This caused the windows to shatter/spiderweb, although the safety glass features kept the windows intact. No one was injured, and the bus immediately pulled over and the police were summoned. Investigators from the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office suspect that the windows were shot by pellets from an air rifle or similar device, apparently from a vehicle passing the bus. The pellets did not penetrate the windows.

We have no idea whether this incident was related to the playoff victory or a completely random act. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident and the District will continue to offer our complete cooperation. As always, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority and we will continue to follow all the protocols in place to ensure their safety.

Was Gasport bus shooting an outcome of a soccer game?

Channel 7's report says investigators are trying to determine whether the shooting incident is connected to a soccer match that became contentious at Roy Hart earlier in the evening.

If that ends up being the case, I hope the student and/or parent are removed from all school functions and the book is thrown at them.

Gasport and Roy-Hart are good places with good people. We don't need to have our community's good name dragged through the mud by degenerates.


Newfane bus shot in Gasport

A Newfane bus was shot at on Orangeport Road in Gasport yesterday. Here's the initial report from WIVB:

https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/niagara-county/school-bus-carrying-newfane-soccer-team-believed-to-have-been-shot-with-air-rifle/amp/?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR3iA1iMa3a-aZVi7AvXxB6RVATuFpEP8if4aLgwKVtGLAm5p5cuNHokVt0

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Oklahoma! this weekend at Roy-Hart



Save Hartland sign


The November election

You might not know it because there's been hardly a peep about it in broadcast news, but elections are coming up in less than two weeks. The ballots for Royalton and Hartland are below.

In Royalton, not a single town or county position is contested. The only contest on the entire ballot is for State Supreme Court Justice where four candidates are running for three seats.

Hartland's ballot is the same way. BUT, what you don't see are the write-in campaigns for town council for Mike Outten and James Minner. Their addition to the race will likely bring a good turnout to Hartland on an otherwise quiet Election Day.





Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Don't let solar divide us

As the unofficial ambassador of goodwill for all things Gasport, I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone to be good neighbors.

Both Hartland and Royalton are weighing the possibilities of solar farms within our borders. There are going to be people on both sides of the issue.

Those who want solar will cite green energy, the state's goals for a green grid, and the infusion of cash to families paying what always are in New York State high property taxes. Those against solar will cite eyesores, the loss of rural land, and the legacy of panels if an installer goes bankrupt.

It's a divisive topic for sure.

But, don't let it divide us for good.

We've already seen a taste of division on social media or heard a little bit of it at diners and stores. We've seen it too many times across the country where solar discussions have broken apart neighborhoods and friendships that had been strong for years.

We need to be better than that, because Gasport is better than that.

Whether it's here on Facebook or out on the streets or at a solar open house, be respectful of other views. Share your views and understandings, don't demean others, and don't attack your friends. Educate and engage.

Who's right? One could say the small farmer is, who's looking for some extra money to weather what has become a horrible ag economy nationally and wants -- even needs -- solar. One could say the nature lover is, who chose Gasport to live for the pastoral quality of life and doesn't want solar destroying the landscape and wildlife.

It's not an easy issue to tackle. But, it's a current issue and one that will be an active issue for decades as the state advances the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

While it's not an easy debate, it can make it too easy to break apart the community. Don't let it.

Look around at who we are: There are so many people who care for Gasport and one other, be it through the food pantry, the Fourth of July, Scouting, youth sports, volunteer fire and EMS, the Beautification Committee, the Lions Club, the outreach of various churches and so much more!

We're community. Let's continue to be.

Let's address the pros and cons of solar together, because we're all in this together, and hopefully we will be together for a very long time.

Oriden Power meeting


Hartland Bible Halloween Party

Hartland Bible Church on West Ave. is holding a community Halloween party this Friday. Here's the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/740930172998109/


Gasport Lions Halloween Party



The Gasport Lions Club's annual children’s Halloween party will take place Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Gasport fire hall on State Street.

Hartland write-in campaign

There is an effort underway in Hartland to put an end to solar through write-ins at the November election




Tuesday, October 22, 2019

PORC meeting: October 28

Protect Our Rural Community (PORC) will be holding an informational meeting on the impact Industrial solar will have on the town of Hartland. It will take place at the Hartland fire hall on Monday, October 28th at 7:00 PM.

FMC fall open house


Monday, October 21, 2019

Oriden solar in Royalton

Oriden LLC has proposed the construction of a 20 megawatt solar project to be located in the town of Royalton. They will be holding an open house from 6 PM until 8 PM on Tuesday, October 29th at Terry's Corners fire hall. The open house will feature a presentation followed by a question and answer session.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Fundraiser dinners this week

You don't have to cook dinner most of this week. There are five fundraising meals on tap this week in Gasport.

Tuesday: There will be spaghetti dinner from 4 - 7 pm at Solid Rock Church 8590 Rochester Rd. Cost is a donation -- whatever you see fit. Proceeds benefit the Salt & Light Festival. Eat-in or takeout

Wednesday: There is a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 at Royalton United Methodist Church at 5309 Royalton Center Road. It's a free-will offering with proceeds to benefit Lockport Cares Homeless Shelter. Eat-in or takeout

Thursday: There is a drive-thru chicken dinner at Hartland United Methodist Church, 8017 Ridge Road from 3:30 to 6:00. Proceeds benefit Lockport CareNet. Takeout only

Friday: Hartland Bible Church at 8110 West Ave. Gasport will be hosting a Sportsman’s Dinner with special guest Lance Krueger on October 18 from 6-8:30PM. Program includes dinner, giveaways and a presentation by one of the top whitetail deer photographers in the world. Tickets are $10. Buy in advance here:

https://hartland.breezechms.com/form/sportsmans-dinner?fbclid=IwAR20Zz_462cx0GS1jLkevpD6oJuqaaT3bGkUeh7CT16Yb6SsatCUPM-5EW0

Saturday:  Chicken BBQ, 12 to 2 at Community Fellowship Church at 3146 Johnson Creek Road (at the corner with 104). $10. Dine in or takeout.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Ron Perry has passed away



Longtime residents will remember CJ Perry & Sons, the John Deere dealer that was on Route 104 in Gasport (where New England Seafood is now).

They always treated farmers and homeowners well when selling and servicing tractors and law mowers. When I bought my house over 20 years ago they didn't have the lawnmower I wanted in stock, so until it arrived from the manufacturer Ronald Perry let me borrow one for 5 weeks, free of charge! He was a good man.

Mr. Perry passed away late last week. Our hearts go out to his family.

Ronald L. Perry entered into rest October 10, 2019 at Niagara Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Beloved husband of Jean (Spafford) Perry for 61 years; dear father of Susan Perry of Rochester, New York and Steven (Paula) Perry of Reading, Massachusetts; devoted grandfather to Matthew Voltz, Kevin Voltz, Julia Perry, Colleen Perry, and Nathan Perry. Also survived by siblings, brother James (Kathleen) Perry of Raleigh, North Carolina, and sister Linda Perry Jones of Barnesville, Georgia and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by granddaughter Lisa Jean Voltz and brother David (Jet) Perry.

Born October 1, 1936 to parents Lawrence and Olive Perry, Hartland, New York. Ron graduated from Barker Central School in 1954 and Kent State University, Ohio in 1958 for Business Management. He was President of the Men’s Student Association, President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and Commander of the ROTC Corps of Cadets.

Ronald and Jean met in first grade at Barker School and were married at Barker Methodist Church on July 26, 1958. Their children Susan and Steven were born during his service with the U.S. Air Force where he retired as Captain after 7 years. The family lived at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas; RAF Brize Norton Base in England and Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ronald Perry was President and owner of C.J. Perry & Son, a farm machinery and John Deere dealership in Hartland, New York. He won numerous sales awards from the John Deere company. The store, which opened in 1915 as a general merchandise store by Ron’s great grandfather, then became a farm equipment store in the 1920’s and was managed for the next 85 years by Ron’s grandfather, then father, then Ron. The Perry store was a County landmark at Hartland Corners closing in 2001 with Ron’s retirement.

As a Niagara County Legislator for 14 years from 1979-1993, he represented the Towns of Newfane and Somerset. Mr. Perry chaired the County Finance and Agricultural Districting committees and served on many other committees.

He was a former President and life member of the Newfane Lions Club and received the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellow. He was a member of Newfane United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and served in many different roles. Perry served as Chairman of the Town of Newfane Sesquicentennial in 1974. He was a member of the Newfane Intercommunity Memorial Hospital Board 1974-1980 and chaired the J.C. Duncan Student Loans Funds.

Ron’s hobbies were doing yardwork on his John Deere tractor, golf, boating, playing bridge and Sequence with friends, and reading. He enjoyed spending time at the Lake Ontario family cottage in Somerset in earlier years and with family on Cape Cod and Maine in later years. Ronald and Jean traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, and extensively in England and Europe. They wintered at The Villages in Florida after retirement.

Family and friends may call at the Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc. at 2670 Main Street, Newfane, New York on Monday, October 14th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Newfane United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 15th at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hartland Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newfane United Methodist Church, 2699 Main Street, Newfane, New York 14108; Newfane Lions Club; or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, New York 14094.

Friday, October 11, 2019

FMC donates backpacks



Employees at FMC’s Agricultural Sciences plant in Middleport began the school year by collecting school supplies, filling backpacks and donating them recently for use by students at two Niagara County locations.

A total of 28 full backpacks were donated to students at the Royalton-Hartland Elementary School in Gasport and the Agri-Business Child Development Center in Newfane, which is committed to providing the highest quality early childhood education and social services to farm workers and other eligible families.

FMC Middleport Plant employees assisted in collecting a variety of school supplies for inclusion in the backpacks, including composition pads, three-ring notebooks, paper, pens and pencils.

“As a company, FMC is committed to the educational development of our local young people and is proud to have the opportunity to provide school supplies and backpacks that can contribute to their academic success,” said Dr. Roberta Kloda, FMC Middleport plant manager.

Helping to unload the elementary school backpacks are Roy-Hart fourth-graders (front row from left to right) John Brigham, Alyse Drees, Emma Law and Julia Verratti. Guiding them in the back row (from left to right) are Donna McCloy, FMC site support, and Donna VanSlyke, school principal.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Gasport has a gym: the outdoors

When it comes to country living, some folks might complain that we don't have a gym in Gasport.

We do: The great outdoors. We are blessed with considerable public assets.

Miles of Erie Canal to kayak, canoe, and SUP.

Miles of Erie Canalway Trail to hike, jog, bike, and cross-country ski.

Hiking trails at Royalton Ravine Park and Hartland Park.

Athletic fields and courts at the Elementary School, Hartland Park, and Vets Park.

So many opportunities to pursue.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Down on the Farm 2019



“Down on the Farm” is a day to come out and have fun with family and friends. Verratti Farm is hosting this event at their farm at 8651 Slayton Settlemnet Road in Gasport on Saturday, October 12th from 10 to 3.

Admission is FREE but donations are gratefully accepted.

Events (More thrillin’ than findin’ an old pickup truck buried under your porch!)

Hay Rides
StrawBaleMaze
Kid’s Activities (Face Paintin’, Cookie Decoratin)
Churn your own butter
ChickenBarbeque (We’ll be chowin’ at 12 Noon sharp)
Ice Cream Bar (With all the toppins your li’l heart could hope for!)
SockShowdown-The person with the most holes wins! (just kiddin’ bout this one)
Coffee station

Verratti Farms merchandise will be available for sale. Cash only. Proceeds go towards event costs. This year, be on the lookout for new shirts and hats for the little ones! Also, mugs for bringing a little bit of our farm home with you!

What to Bring
A large dish to pass AND a dessert (And if ya would be so inclined, please put yer name on yer dish or better yet – use disposable!)
Your least fancy clothes/shoes
Camera (Many photo ops)
Any extra friends you may have lying around
Strollers/wagons for children.

Please keep children supervised; there are too many places for young’uns to get into a heap of trouble!

The event page is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/534437977305973/

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

WIVB looks at the haunted Graestone Manor


Graestone Manor on Travel Channel



The Travel Channel visited Gasport's Graestone Manor in June to film an episode of ‘The Most Terrifying Places in America." The episode will air tonight, Tuesday October 8th at 10pm.


The Travel Channel hired actors to re-enact a couple of the resident spirits at Graestone -- original owner Curtis Root and second owner Mina Roszman. The current owners -- Robert Mattison and Heather Rease Mattison -- were interviewed and an eye witnesses who had had strange experiences at the house was also brought in to share their story.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019