Basket raffle for Buda

 

Red Zastrow has passed away

Earlier this week, Gasport lost Red Zastrow. He actively volunteered with Terry's Corners for 57 years. Let that sink in: For almost 60 years he trained, fought fires, directed traffic, and did so many things behind the scenes. That's impressive. HE was impressive. RIP

Marlin “Red” Zastrow, 82, of Gasport, NY.   A devoted father, husband, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan 19, 2022.  Born in Wilson, NY to Elmer and Gertrude Zastrow on March 15, 1939.  Red retired from Harrison Radiator.  He was an active member of Terry’s Corners Firehall for 57 years.  

Red’s life revolved around his family, especially those of his six daughters.  He was a constant and loving presence in their lives, made the extra effort to stay in touch, share a good laugh and openly express his love for them. He had many friendships that spanned decades and always enjoyed a cold beer with friends.

He is survived by his sisters Myra Fry of Lockport, NY, and Annabelle (Arthur) Bird of Niagara Falls, NY.  His daughters Tammy (Rob) Flaherty of Annapolis, MD, Debbie (Mike) Palladino of Tonawanda, NY, Sherrie (Dan) MacNeill of Homer, NY, Kelly (Dale) Wick of Mendon, NY, Darcy Watson of N. Tonawanda, NY, Paula (Brian) LeBere of Englewood, FL, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.   He is pre-deceased by his wife Carrol (Welton).  Sisters Joan Vought, Pauline Fry, Phyllis Shank, and brother Howard Zastrow.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.   In lieu of flowers and a planted tree, please consider donating to Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company, 7801 Chestnut Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14607.

Jesse Bieber's obituary

Often silently, giving no warning, but surely relentlessly, deaf to the expressions of human woe, the angel of death flits into our midst and as if mocking our blindness, touches in the stillness of the night one in whom we see no alarming signs of decay. When the morning breaks we are mourning for one dead. Such are today the friends of Jesse R Bieber. He departed this life at 12:04 PM on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, an illness of Covid-19 after only 21 days.

Jesse was born on February 15, 1965, at EJ Myers Hospital, Buffalo. On January 19, 2022 he took his last breath in the same hospital that he took his first breath, currently known as ECMC.

Jesse was blessed with amazing parents. Douglas (deceased) and Mary Jane Bieber.  At the age of 32 Jesse was reunited with his birth father Kenny (Joanne) Parris and predeseased by his step dad, Harold Cleckley.

He leaves behind the love of his life, and as he affectionately calls her, his first wife, of 33 years 2 months and 1 day, Jennifer (Bruning) Bieber along with his two loving children, Joshua Bieber of Middleport and Jolene (Jackie) Bieber of Gasport.

He is survived by his mother-in-laws Charlene Richey and Mary Beth Dooley. His sisters Melissa (Todd) Hansler, Tricia (Chris) Suba, Kerry James, Shonda Cleckley,  sister-in-laws Gretchen Bruning, Megan Bruning, Ingrid Bruning, brothers Keith (Tammy) Parris, Kenny (Michelle) Parris, Kevin Parris and Jason Cleckley.  Brother-In-laws Martin (Jenna) Bruning, Gabe (Jenna) Bruning.  He was Godfather to Miss Charitie Bruning, Miss Hannah Suba and was predeseased by Wyatt Jeffords.

He is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was loved by so many dear and cherished friends.  He loved you all! 

Jesse loved his family, farming, auctions, his beagle puppy Jack, spending time by the campfire with friends, going to concerts, taking long drives and as he would say he was a “collector of collectibles and treasures” as well as a tractor enthusiast. He had a passion for Town of Royalton history and genealogy. He helped dozens of people find and reunite with their birth families.

He was the Town of Royalton Historian for 16 years. He worked for the Department of Agriculture for 12 years as an enumerator. He loved visiting all the farms around Western New York and enjoyed talking to all the farmers. He was the keeper of the Memories of Royalton, Gasport, and Middleport Facebook page.

He was a member of the Town of Royalton Historical Society, Royalton Planning Board, Trinity Lutheran Church of Wolcottsville, Roy-Hart Agricultural Education Committee, Niagara County 4-H program, Niagara County Farm Bureau, WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association and Chairman of the Royalton Bicentennial Committee.  He was a former member of the Cornell Cooperation Board of Directors.

Jesse was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He also had a vast knowledge of not only history but of trivia, agriculture and tractors. He was a jack of all trades which was showcased when Jesse and Jennifer built their own home with the help of their amazing family and friends.

Family will receive friends at Bates, Wallace and Heath Funeral Home, Middleport, NY on Tuesday, January 25th.  Hours will be 12-3 with an open casket and a closed casket from 5-8. 

We will meet at Trinity Lutheran Church, the red brick church, in Wolcottsville, at high noon on Wednesday, January 26th.  Directly after the service we will proceed to the Wolcottsville fire hall for a Celebration of Life! Please bring your memories and your laughter.  Family and friends will be present at the fire hall until 6:00pm. Casual dress is required at all arrangements, as per Jesse’s request.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jesse’s memory to Niagara County 4-H Sponsors, 4487 Lake Ave, Lockport, NY 14094 or the Gasport Beautification Committee, 8770 Rochester Rd, Gasport, NY 14067.

Jesse Bieber has passed away

My heart goes out to the Biebers. Jesse was a wonderful, warm soul who valued family, farming, and community. He was fantastic as the storyteller and keeper of local history. He approached that calling with the same love and care that elementary school teachers do with their students -- he always made sure that when he shared some historical tidbits or answered some questions that he made it a WOW moment for his audience. He loved helping people further understand and further love our community. He'll be missed. When I tell ya he was one of the good ones, he really was. RIP.

New manager at FMC Middleport

 

Katie Russell has been named manager of FMC’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport. The local Agricultural Sciences plant formulates and packages a number of key FMC product lines to protect over 100 crops in more than 75 countries worldwide.

Russell joined FMC in 2017 as part of its Technical Center, which supports FMC’s global network of manufacturing sites on improvement projects, introducing new products, and driving process safety.

“I am excited to be joining the FMC Middleport team as the plant manager and to engage with our local community as we continue to grow our operation,” she said.

A native of Doylestown, Pa., Russell has a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Villanova University. She began her career working in a series of process engineering roles in industries ranging from nuclear power to metallurgical coke manufacturing.

She also worked in project engineering roles in developing small capital projects, overseeing a $30 million equipment repair program, and establishing procedures for the project development process.

At FMC, she implemented a 50% capacity improvement project at the Middleport site and developed the global structure for the organization that supports FMC formulation and packaging sites similar to the Middleport plant. Prior to coming to Middleport, Russell was the production manager for one of the operating units at an FMC manufacturing site in Mobile, AL.

“My fiancé, Jack, and I are looking forward to exploring Western New York and adapting to winter weather through many snowy outdoor adventures with our puppy, Keith,” she said.

CHANGE TO GARBAGE/RECYCLABLE PICK-UP THIS WEEK

Due to the inclement weather and significant accumulation of snow, Modern suspended collection operations on Monday January 17, 2022. Monday’s collection will be pushed to Tuesday, Tuesday service to Wednesday and so on.

Facilities presentation

 

Elvis is 30

Roy-Hart alumnus John Lang's Bills Elvis persona has been his alter ego for 30 years! The Post-Journal reports: https://www.post-journal.com/sports/local-sports/2022/01/bills-elvis-turns-30-as-team-readies-for-playoffs/?fbclid=IwAR31tvKVi5_V88IJPaQE8giUdrzh5PHsf7QLQ9Q7UAwYjj0ZsdnkpNcC770

Pacini to turn 100

Bruno Pacini -- WWII veteran, Roy-Hart teacher and coach -- will turn 100 on January 21. A campaign is underway to honor him with birthday cards or letters. Send to:

Royalton-Hartland Central School
Dottie Barr/Bruno Pacini
54 State Street
Middleport, NY 14105

Middleport's Sunset Drive-In for sale

 https://markzambito.zambitorealtors.com/details.php?addht=drivein&fbclid=IwAR0nBImqRPcLoQKcChafZ7-ETjgen5y1LoV3KYTJm-yNrYo0lstGZlUy_Bk&mls=14&mlsid=B1383794&ppc=FB&view_timing=3

Cycle the Erie Canal returns

Cycle the Erie Canal is back in 2022 at full capacity -- 2020 was virtual, 2021 was half capacity. Hundreds of cyclists will pass through Gasport in July

https://news.yahoo.com/cycle-erie-canal-bike-tour-091208047.html

Maki Plastics video

If you watch any video content today, watch this new 15-minute video about Gasport's Maki Plastics and the why and how behind the local manufacturer of ice fishing lures. Scott Brauer is the man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tohqb2mjrw

 

Sapling orders

It's that time of year! If you'd like to order saplings in quantity on the cheap to improve habitat or your backyard, you can order them now from the Niagara County Soil & Water District. The order form is in their newsletter: https://www.niagaraswcd.com/2022%20NCSWCD%20Winter%20News.pdf

 

Save the date: Independence Day celebration

 Now that your calendars are on 2022, mark 'em for the Hartland Independence Day celebration: Saturday, July 2nd. 

Raffle

The Gasport Beautification Committee is selling $5 raffle tickets. The drawing will be held in May. This is being used to raise funds to build a Memorial Music Pavilion at Royalton Ravine Park. Tickets will be available at Drum Oil and Propane, Standish-Jones, or from any of the Committee Members.

1st prize: Walk behind Cub Cadet mower donated by Middleport Tractor).

2nd, 3rd and 4th place will be a $50 Made in America Store gift card donated by Confer Plastics.

5th place will be a custom-made wooden Tragically Hip sign.

 

 

 

2022 navigation season

The NYS Canal Corporation announced that, conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open Friday, May 20, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. for the 2022 navigation season. There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system in 2022.

Christmas Eve at Becker Farms

If you'd like to attend an always memorable and cozy Christmas Eve service head over to the old barn at Becker Farms on the 24th for a 4:00 service led by Pastor Rod Klinzing of Zion Lutheran Church. Dress for the weather!

 

 

District addresses national issue of school threats

From the Superintendent's Desk

School and Community Members;

As you may be aware, there has been a significant uptick in the number of threats being made in schools across the country and most recently in our region. Recent posts on various social media platforms are actually encouraging students to make false threats to disrupt the learning taking place in our schools. It is important to know that the Royalton-Hartland Central School District has always and continues to make student safety a priority.

The administration and staff are proactive in our approach to school safety. We encourage all students to share with their teachers and administrators any information they have on potential bullying, threats or inappropriate behavior. When a report is made, it is immediately investigated and addressed. In each situation that may involve a threat to a child or our schools, I am immediately notified and our local, county and State law enforcement agencies are notified to assist in addressing the situation as appropriate.

When a false rumor or threat is made, the individual(s) and their families are made aware and appropriate discipline follows. False rumors or unsubstantiated threats are not communicated with families as we do not wish to create additional anxiety or panic. In the event that our students and staff were in danger, appropriate steps would be taken immediately and the community informed.

I ask that you please talk with your children about the importance of reporting any threats, or if they feel in danger please report it to their teacher, counselor or principal immediately. Please monitor your children's social media and speak with them about not making false threats to the school or community. As you may be aware, multiple children in the region have been arrested in the past two weeks at other schools in the region for making threats against several schools.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school principals or myself with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hank Stopinski

Superintendent

 

Why Canal is full

 

I keep getting inquiries about why the canal is still full (or close to it).

In a program launched last year, the Canal Corporation is delaying draining the western portion of the system in order to release water as needed into Lake Ontario tributaries during the peak of the salmon and trout runs, ensuring the best angling opportunities for locals and tourists. The impacted bodies of water in Niagara County are Eighteenmile Creek and Johnson Creek.

The last of those flow releases was Monday, meaning the canal will start to drain to its winter depths over the course of the next week or so.

Light-up Gasport

 

The 17th annual Light up Gasport & Christmas Party hosted by the Gasport Beautification Committee

Free Fun for the Whole Family!

When: Sunday, December 12, 2021

Place: Gasport Firehall

Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Festivities will include: Santa Claus, Music, Caroling, Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, Basket Raffle, Apple Cider and Sleigh rides.

Each child leaves with a gift!

If the community would like to support this popular event there are multiple ways to do so: Volunteering the day of the event; a basket raffle item; toys for the kids; or a monetary donation. Interested parties should contact Margie Granzow at 716.628.7273.