Poverty rates at WNY schools

This report has the childhood poverty rates for all the school districts in WNY. East Aurora has the lowest, at 4.1%. Buffalo, the highest at 38.1%. Roy-Hart is at 9.3%

https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2020/12/29/poverty-wny-schools.html

Zoning Board of Appeals: December 28

 

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Royalton will be holding a virtual public hearing tonight, December 28, 2020, at 7:30 PM, by Zoom.

Items include:

An application by Gregory Zakrzewski for two area of variances to authorize the construction and use of an addition at the rear of the existing building on property located at 8415 State Street, Gasport.

An application by William and Brian Frey for a temporary conditional use permit to authorize a "hare scramble" (cross-country) race, AMA Sanctioned, on a date to be determined by the applicants, in June or July, 2021, on approximately 7.75 acres at 8206 Tonawanda Rd.

An application by Lee Roy and Antonia Marimon for (1) a special use permit to operate a Bed and Breakfast in the existing two unit structure and (2) a temporary conditional use permit to use the existing barn for events such as weddings, birthdays, and other social events, on premises located at 8441 Chestnut Ridge Rd.

Persons wishing to appear at the hearing may do so BUT ONLY BY participation in the Zoom Teleconference. For log-in details, contact the town of Royalton. https://www.townofroyalton.org/

Senior High Choir signs holiday favorites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2D0dmRaB-6PrSTzvNVZdfPs9DKPdAySMzAgDSuPytZ6--T2pvJ7s7Hd8E&v=YKzsvCpW1LU&feature=youtu.be

US&J celebrates former Roy-Hart coach and monitor Joe Poole

I have nothing but fond memories of Joe Poole from his days working at Roy-Hart back when I was a student. So, it doesn't surprise me that he's been a life-changer for so many kids at Lockport. A great example, a great leader for the students

https://www.lockportjournal.com/sports/high_school/lockport-coaches-poole-and-patterson-help-kids-beyond-the-game/article_9a2f69fa-2278-5237-9480-ea93f99ca9cd.html

Roy-Hart planning survey

Roy-Hart stakeholders, the following questionnaire is designed to assist the Roy-Hart Planning Committee in developing a strategic plan. Please answer it when you get a chance. It's a brief one.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBSizr9IaTn0Q4BtntsVQMKAKFUQJVqIf1sxE0nW1eQlIv7w/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0wFJVU1_jHzIs3v1AReqR06e3HqWZF9wbr8PexR1_zUEbczmUKwRb77hE

Drone demonstration at Roy-Hart

 

GHD employee Micah Santos (far right), contracted by FMC Middleport, offers instruction on a drone flight demonstration to Michelle Parker (far left), Royalton-Hartland High School technology teacher, and students (from center left to right) Tyrek Wright and Christopher McCullum, as part of FMC’s effort to better acquaint interested Roy-Hart teachers and students with this evolving technology.  Micah is a technologist and lead remote pilot for the GHD Aerial and Ground Intelligence Team. Drones are being used increasingly for commercial and consumer purposes, especially aerial photography. Michelle currently teaches a technology class at the high school and will be teaching a class section on drones in the upcoming school year.

Outdoor classrom gets grants

Roy-Hart received $1,000 in grants from Exxon and Crosby's that will go towards the outdoor classroom at the Elementary School 

https://orleanshub.com/roy-hart-elementary-receives-grant-that-will-go-towards-outdoor-classroom/

Whispering River Animal Rescue

Here's an excellent article about Whispering River Animal Rescue, a relatively recent addition to the Gasport community.

http://niagaranewssource.com/2020/12/18/north-tonawanda-residents-rescuing-animals-to-heart-of-niagara-county/?fbclid=IwAR34bJF7pyQSbV21ki1i2lPeGS8joP3vcDwcqqSVJc3JRQ6sM-qc-Hmhfuw

December food pantry distribution

 

 

Hartland town hall notice

HARTLAND TOWN HALL NOTICE

On Tuesday, December 22nd the Town Hall will be once again be locking our doors for public access. Due to the recent increase in Covid 19 cases and for the health and safety of our residents and employees we feel it necessary to continue business on an appointment only basis. We encourage everyone to please use the drop box located in our parking lot. If you find you need in person assistance please call the Clerk's office @ 735 7179 to schedule an appointment.

Please continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask and be safe.

Thank you for understanding and stay well.

Supervisor W. Ross Annable

Santa Claus is making his way through Gasport and Middleport

He’s making a list, checkin’ it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice, Santa Claus is coming’ to town!

On Saturday, December 19th Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on their sleigh coming through Gasport and Middleport on the roads listed, and maybe a few extras.

Starting in Gasport at 1:00 PM they will be coming down the following streets in this order.

Telegraph road
West Avenue
Main Street
Central avenue
East Avenue
Mack Avenue
Maple Wood Drive
Central Avenue
East Avenue
Bolton Road

Starting in Middleport at 2:00 PM they will be coming down the following streets in this order.

South Vernon Street
State Street
Hammond Parkway
State Street
Alfred Street
Park Avenue
South Vernon Street
State Street
Main Street
Church Street
Kelly Avenue
Francis Street
Main Street
Rochester Road
Kelly Avenue
Manor Lane
Kelly Avenue

Some of Gasport is in yellow zone

Some of Gasport (if your definition is "14067" or "772" and not necessarily just Royalton and Hartland) is in the newly-expanded Covid yellow zone. The westernmost parts of Gasport fall into that category.

 

Susie Spicer talks about quilting

Check out this cool interview produced by the Castellani Art Museum. Gasport quilter Susie Spicer talks about how she got into quilting and she shares some of the magic behind her artistry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTKPWcd86iM

Local restaurants facing tough times

Here's a report about Niagara County restaurants facing tough times in the Covid era...among them, Greek Cuisine in Gasport.

"After paying their employees and the bills, the owners say they have been forced to live without paychecks of their own — sometimes for as long as two weeks."

https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/local-restaurant-owners-facing-tough-times/article_51e87145-a0f5-5e72-a334-ffea4dcf387a.html

Erie Canal draining begins

The Erie Canal, which remained full (yet not navigable) for an extra month, will be drained starting today.

https://orleanshub.com/canal-which-has-stayed-full-an-extra-month-will-be-drained-starting-monday/

Kids in accident released from hospital

The organizer of the GoFundMe for the Dujenksi family affected by the Thanksgiving Eve accident in Royalton says that the kids have been released from the hospital! They still have a long ways to go. You can donate to the cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-dujenski-family

 

Thanksgiving Eve accident tickets issued

The heartbreaking accident that killed 2 and hospitalized 5 in Royalton on Thanksgiving Eve has been ruled just that...an accident. There was no impairment. https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/crime/driver-ticketed-in-double-fatal-royalton-crash/article_857605d0-3683-11eb-a231-fb90d8e2a5c2.html

Mrs. Munson has passed

Longtime Roy-Hart residents will fondly remember from their childhood the very kind Mrs. Munson from the Elementary School.

She passed away Wednesday. RIP.

Betty J. Munson, 90, of the Town of Royalton, passed away on Wed., Dec. 2, 2020 at the Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville.

Born Sept. 28, 1930 in the Town of Royalton, Betty was a daughter of the late William and Irene (Raduns) Lindke. She graduated from Royalton-Hartland High School in the class of 1948. Betty was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She worked as a secretary for the Royalton-Hartland Elementary School. Betty enjoyed knitting, quilting and was an avid reader.

Predeceased by her husband, Charles R. Munson on July 20, 1954; and brother, William Lindke.

Survivors include her two daughters: Donna (Sidney) Lovell of Medina and Marcia (Paul) Kempton of Lebanon, Tenn.; seven grandchildren: Beth Goodman, Sean (Shelia) Lovell, Scott Lovell, Paul (Jennifer) Kempton III, Burton Kempton, Amy (Alex) McElroy and David (Katie) Kempton; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Audrey Nachreiner; sister in-law, Carol Lindke; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date. Private interment will be in Royalton Mountain Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 6377 Wolcottsville Rd., Akron, NY 14001. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.

Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Solar farm proposal appears in New York Review of Books

In a long-form piece for the New York Review of Books, local newspaper columnist Jim Shultz looks at the solar and wind controversies and conflicts in Niagara County:

https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/12/03/the-renewable-energy-rebels/

TC Meat Raffle

 

Since we can't gather due to Covid, Terry's Corners Vol. Fire Co., Inc.'s annual Meat Raffle/ Turkey Party will be held online. Join them via Facebook Live as they spin the wheel. A $10 ticket gets you 20 chances to win a gift card to their usual vendors...Tops, Aldi, Scapelliti's, Hartland Abbatoir, Schwab's Farm Market, and The Butcher Shop. Get your TICKETS from any TC member before they are sold out. Help them support our local businesses while raising money for fire equipment!