GASPORT BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

The GBC is meeting this week and Margie Granzow extends this invitation to the community...

Gasport Beautification Committee is having it's monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 2nd, at 7 pm. The meeting takes place at the Gasport Fire Hall and is open to the public. Some of the projects that will be discussed are "Clean up Gasport" in May, Movie Night at Vets Park on 7/7/10, Flower Barrels contest, Main Street Banners and Barrels.

So if you love your community and want to help keep it beautiful come join us.

HARTLAND METHODIST CHURCH AND HAITI RELIEF

Saturday's Lockport Union Sun and Journal focused on the efforts of local community groups in raising funds to help the victims of Haiti's earthquake. Among the efforts highlighted were those of a Hartland church...

The Rev. Wayne West, pastor of Hartland United Methodist Church on Ridge Road, held a community spaghetti dinner to benefit the Haiti relief effort. More than $1,600 was raised, West said, and sent to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, or UMCOR. People in the congregation prepared and served the dinner, as well as other tasks such as baking, greeting guests and cleaning up.

See the rest of the article here, in which you can see what HUMC plans to do next:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_030015824.html

NIAGARA METALS HOURS OF OPERATION

Saturday's Buffalo News featured an article about Niagara Metals' move to Gasport and noted the following about its operations...

Building Inspector Thomas Arlington said the permit limits hours of operation to 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. weekdays and 8 a. m. to noon on Saturday. No vehicles may be brought there, although metal parts from dismantled cars will be allowed, Arlington said.

Read the rest of the article here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/940351.html

NIAGARA WINE TRAIL EVENT THIS WEEKEND

January 29 - 31: Caribbean Cruise event on the Niagara Wine Trail


Shake off those “winter blues” and celebrate Caribbean style this weekend! Each winery will be set in a different Caribbean island theme. When you travel to your last winery enter your ticket in a drawing for a $2,000 gift certificate good towards a Caribbean Vacation of your own!

Tickets good for all three days and includes a wine tasting at each participating winery, a commemorative wine glass from your starting winery and a chance to win a $2,000 gift certificate for a cruise (no purchase necessary, one entry per person).

$20/person pre-sale online; $25/person at the door.

$1 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Haitian Relief Fund

More information at www.NiagaraWineTrail.org

JABLONSKI IS ROY-HART'S NEW AD

The Lockport Union Sun and Journal reported yesterday that the likable John Jablonski, a long time fixture of Roy-Hart academics and athletics, is the district's new athletics director.

Here's what it said....


Over the past three decades John Jablonski has worn a variety of hats for Roy-Hart’s sports program and now he wears an important new one — that of the Rams athletic director.

A native and resident of Medina, Jablonski was recently appointed to the position by the board of education following the resignation of Brad Halgash who has taken the position of athletic director at Tonawanda High School.

“Roy-Hart has been very good to me over the years and I feel I owe them something. I want to give something back to Roy-Hart,” Jablonski said. “I’ve always worked well with the coaches, administrators and the kids and this is something I’ve thought about doing.”

A running enthusiast himself, Jablonski served as a long-time assistant and then for six years as the head coach for Roy-Hart’s boys and girls track squads which both captured Niagara-Orleans League titles. He also coached the Lady Rams varsity field hockey team for over 20 years building the program into a contender for the N-O title which Roy-Hart won in 2004. In addition, he has coached modified basketball and has refereed basketball.

Check out the rest of the article, which features quotes from Jablonski and Don Baker, here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/sports/local_story_028005123.html

SCHOLARSHIP FOR ART MAJORS

Applications for the Kenan Arts Council Scholarships are now available in the guidance offices at Barker, Lockport, Newfane, Niagara-Wheatfield, Royalton-Hartland, Starpoint and Wilson high schools.

Three $600 scholarships will be awarded this year to high school seniors who will be attending college next year, majoring in art, design, theater or music. Applicants must have a minimum high school grade average of 80 percent and be actively involved in extracurricular and community activates. Completed applications must be sent to the Kenan Arts Council, Attn: Scholarship Committee, 433 Locust St., Lockport, NY 14094 by March 26.

The Kenan Arts Council is affiliated with the Kenan Center. The council raises funds throughout the year with various activities, such as its Holiday Gift Show and the annual plant sale to support Kenan Center programs and to provide scholarships for area students.

For more information, call the Kenan Center at 433-2617.

FEBRUARY POLL: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The February poll is now up and ready for your vote. It asks "What sort of future economic development would you most like to see in Gasport?" and allows you to chose from a variety of economic categories. With the economic activity of recent years that includes the retail/service plazas on Route 31, Becker Farms continued expansion, the rebirth of Hartland Corners and other similar projects, I'm curious about what people are most interested in for Gasport's future ..even if they would prefer to have everything just the way it is.

JANUARY POLL RESULTS

The January poll has been completed. It inquired about one demographic characteristic of our readers: Their age. Upon review, we have a decidedly "middle aged" readership. Here's the breakdown of the 120 who responded:

Under 18: 2%
18 - 29: 10%
30 - 39: 19%
40 - 49: 29%
50 - 59: 28%
60 - 69: 7%
70 - 79: 0%
80%: 1%

NIAGARA METALS COMING TO GASPORT

As you know, Gasport is longing for economic development. We've seen some growth in recent years, mainly in the business and medical plazas on Route 31. Every little thing helps; Gasport residents need someplace to work in the community and taxpayers need some help in the property tax department (it's never a good thing when the largest taxpayers in the town are farmers).

Well, we got some more good news this week as the Zoning Board of Appeals -- via unanimous vote -- approved the request by Niagara Metals to build a feeder yard on Route 31 at the old LaFarge site.

They are very excited to be coming to our town as should be every one of us.

For information about Niagara Metals, go to:

http://www.niagarametals.com/

SNELL'S GAS'N'GO IN BUFFALO NEWS

The Niagara section of Tuesday's Buffalo News featured a front page story about Snell's Gas'n'Go. Here is the intro from that article; the rest of the article touches on the store's convenience and offerings as well as the history of the site. Check it out at:

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/935367.html

HARTLAND — The spanking new white interior beckons customers inside for a steaming cup of hot coffee at Snell’s Gas’n’Go in “Hartland Corners,” and a large sepia photograph of the site dating back to the early 1900s graces the wall behind the counter, giving a nod to the past.

The new shop is creating a small buzz in this rural town, which was known as a beehive of activity two centuries ago, before the Erie Canal and railroad set a different course for travelers and residents.

“This is a little town, so when something new happens, everybody knows about it,” said Beverley Snell.

Snell, town clerk the past 23 years, is in on the new venture, with her husband, Don.

Last July, the Snells tore down the tiny storefront gas station at 8393 Ridge Road (Route 104) that had stood there for close to a century to make room for their new shop.

They opened the 1,700-square-foot shop several weeks ago, realizing a dream they’ve had the past 20 years. The shop is at the crossroads of Ridge and Hartland roads, and is adjacent to the auto repair shop Don operated with his brother, Merle, for 40 years before Merle’s retirement last year. Don continues to operate the repair shop.

“We call this ‘downtown Hartland,’ ” joked Don Snell.

NIAGARA METALS: BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Niagara Metals is looking to expand to Gasport, taking over the old LaFarge site on Route 31. But, their plan has been met with some resistance. For those who insist on thinking that they'll be a bad neighbor, take note that the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce announced that Niagara Metals has won their Business of the Year Award saying they are "a company who is innovative and committed to their industry and business community". More at: http://www.niagarachamber.org/

100 MILE RACE TO RUN THROUGH GASPORT

In one month you'll see a sight along the Erie Canal that you're not used to seeing during the frigid winter: Runners -- and many of them -- competing against one another and Mother Nature on the towpath.

Long-distance runners from across Western New York and places far away will be converging on our area for a 100-mile run on February 27 and 28. Called the "Beast of Burden 100 Miler and 24 Ultra Marathon," it is an event organized by Lockport runner Sam Pasceri that will have runners go from Widewaters in Lockport to Middleport and back...twice.

This will be a gruelling event! 100 miles is tough. 100 miles in arctic weather...that's even tougher!

For more information, go to www.winter100.com

PALMER NOT RUNNING

In stark contrast to what was reported in Niagara Times, the Buffalo News reported this week that Palmer is NOT running. Here's a snippet from that article:

Niagara County Republican Party Chairman Michael J. Norris said earlier in the day he was encouraging Palmer to run. But Palmer, while acknowledging he was flattered by the invitation, said no.

Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/928526.html

(Thank you to a reader's keen eye for catching that!)

PALMER TO RUN FOR ASSEMBLY

Gasportians who live in Hartland have long been represented by Assemblywoman Francine Delmonte. Since taking office in 2000 she has hardly been tested in the elections but that might change this year. The blog Niagara Times reported earlier this week that Ernie Palmer is looking at a run for the assembly seat. You may be familiar with Palmer, a nice guy who has had a long storied career as a Niagara Falls police detective and once ran for Niagara County Sheriff.

Read the blog posting here:

http://niagaratimes.blogspot.com/2010/01/palmer-to-challenge-delmonte.html

UPDATE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING MURDER

Today's Buffalo News offered an update on the Christmas murder that took place at the Hartland Hotel. The article stated that in court proceedings on Wednesday the alleged murderer Gwendolyn Garcia was denied bail once again because Judge Murphy believes she'll go back home to New Jersey.

The article also said that her defense attorney was planning to pursue a self defense angle and "a source with knowledge of the case said there were police reports of domestic violence by Whitney against Garcia in several towns in Monroe County, where the couple formerly lived. They had been together for about four years."

For more, go here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/929849.html

NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH MEETING

James Solomon has organized another neighborhood crime watch meeting. This month's meeting will take place at 10:00 AM this Saturday at the Hartland Town Hall. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

GOVERNOR'S BUDGET TO CUT SCHOOL AID

Yesterday New York Governor David Paterson issued his tentative budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. One of his biggest cuts is in school aid, in which he hopes to trim some $1.1 billion.

How will Roy-Hart be affected? The Lockport Union Sun and Journal tells us in today's paper...

Royalton-Hartland is facing the biggest cut by percentage in Niagara County. The district is slated to receive $11.9 million in state aid, down about 10.5 percent from the $13.3 million it received for this school year. Superintendent Kevin MacDonald said some creative money management was going to be needed in order to come up with a budget. MacDonald is working on his first budget as Roy-Hart superintendent; he began in July 2009.

“We’ve got some work ahead of us,” MacDonald said. “We’re going to scrutinize everything from programs to reserves.”

Read the entire article here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_020014139.html

SEMINAR ON TECHNOLOGY'S SOCIAL DANGERS

Last night the school district held a seminar for parents that looked at the dangers associated with modern communication tools...from internet safety to racy emails to sexting. A reporter from the US&J was in attendance and offers this recap:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_020013159.html

DIANTIQUES NOW OPEN

Gasport's newest business, Diantiques, is now open.

Located in the Dollar General plaza, they sell antiques, furniture, art, jewelry, linens, collectibles and more.

Hours are 11 to 6 Monday - Saturday and 12 to 5 on Sundays.

TOWPATH PARTYLINE'S 10th YEAR

My favorite column in the Lockport Union Sun and Journal is Lynnmarie Donner's Towpath Partyline, a weekly entry on the society/community page that looks at the goings-on in Middleport and Gasport. It's THE source for news about people, places and events in the entire Royalton-Hartland community. Her column will reach a key milestone in the next couple of weeks when it reaches its 10th anniversary! That's a huge accomplishment for a weekly column. Here's to many more decades of her great work!

If you'd like to read more of her writing, check out her blog at:

http://lynnemarieseveryday.wordpress.com/

ERIE CANAL SONGWRITING CONTEST

The Erie Canal was an important part of Gasport's history and to this day remains important to tourism and recreation. Does the Canal move you? Are you a talented musician and songwriter?

The Erie Canal Discovery Center and the Niagara County Historical Society are sponsoring a songwriting contest for original songs about the Erie Canal. All genres of music are accepted. Entries will be judged on originality and content, and must contain references to the Erie Canal, the locks or Lockport.

Entry forms and rules can be obtained at the Historical Society, 215 Niagara St., Lockport or on line at www.niagarahistory.org. While on the Web site, listen to last year’s winning entry by songwriter and musician, Patrick Gordon, who wrote, “Down on the Erie Canal.” The 2008 winning entry, Doc Stuart’s “The Ballad of the Lockport Locks,” can also be heard on the site.

The deadline for contest entries is April 1. All submissions should be postmarked by that date.

HAITI FUNDRAISER IN GASPORT

A special Spaghetti Dinner is being held next Friday, January 22nd, at the Hartland United Methodist Church on Ridge Road. The dinner is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $7 for those 12 and up, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and kids under 5 eat free. 100% of the money will be used to help the people of Haiti.

WINTERFEST 2010

Mark your calendars!

The Town Of Royalton Winterfest 2010 will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Royalton Hartland Elementary School.

This family friendly event will offer activities for children/families both inside the school and outside (weather permitting) on the school grounds.

Indoor activities include: Chinese Auction and raffles, Bounce House and games, Child ID kits, Craft Fair, Vendors, Clowns, Musical Entertainment, Magician and Food.

Outdoor (snow) activities include: Snogusta Mini Golf, Snow Shoeing and Sno-saic.

Admission is $3.00 for anyone 10 years of age and over (price includes 25 Chinese Auction tickets) and includes all activities. Children under 10 are free.

Parking will be available in the school lots and at Hartland Bible Church (shuttle service from the church lot will be provided).

Any business or individual wishing to donate a basket/gift certificate for the Chinese Auction should contact Heather MacDonald at Serenity Hair Design, by phone at 716.735.7700 or by email at serenityhairdesign@verizon.net

This event is sponsored by Sigma Motors, Middleport Family Health Center, Absolut Care of Gasport, The Royalton-Hartland Business and Professional Association and the Lockport-Union Sun and Journal.

For more information contact Helen Feron, the community liaison for Absolut Care of Gasport at 716.725.1834.

SCHOOL ZONE DENIED

At last night's school board meeting the board shared correspondence from the NYS DOT that said the state will not permit expanding the school zone on Route 31 or dropping it from 45 mph to 35 mph.

According to Lockport Union Sun and Journal reports the department said that according to traffic law, the maximum length of a school zone is not to exceed 1,320 feet. The current zone was based on that limitation and cannot be extended further, the letter said.

The letter said it was the state transportation department’s policy that a school speed limit should be about 10 miles per hour less than the speed limit on the rest of the highway. Studies have shown that school speed limits that are substantially lower than the prevailing speeds receive very little compliance, the letter said. However an increase in speed enforcement might have the biggest impact on safety, according to the letter.

Read the entire US&J article online, which features board and public commentary about the school zone and an analysis of an FMC situation:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_015000753.html

ROYHART COLLECTING PENNIES

Roy-Hart Middle School is collecting pennies for a good cause! They are collecting pennies for Women and Children's Hospital for the 2010 KISS 98.5 School Spirit Contest. The school that raises the most pennies will win a FREE concert from pop artist Justin Bieber. Students are asking the community to help by dropping off pennies at the Middle School. Contest ends January 28th. More info at www.Kiss985.com

SCHOOL BOARD MEETS TONIGHT

The Royalton-Hartland School Board meets tonight at 7:00 at the High School. You can download the agenda here:

http://royhart.org/BOE_2009_10/A_01_14_10.pdf

Among the items:

* A presentation on the Invisionit Program
* The appointment of Mr. Jablonski as the new AD
* The appointment of a new gym teacher...to be determined today
* A review of the letter from the NYS DOT

2009 SITE TRAFFIC

The Gasport website had 27,600 visitors in 2009.

23,000 of them were in NY. California was second, sending us 485 visitors. PA was third at 259.

4,587 different search terms were used to find the site and the top 6 were:

1) Gasport blog
2) Bear in Gasport
3) Gasport NY
4) Joseph Hochreiter (who was a school superintendent candidate)
5) Thomas Manko (he, too, was a candidate)
6) Udder Delights

In comparison, there were only 7,717 visitors in 2008.

So, 2009 was a very good year...3.6 times as many visitors as the year prior.

ROY-HART KIDS OUTFIT US MARINES

Today's Lockport Union Sun and Journal features a front page story about Mrs. Rey's class and their efforts in making t-shirts for our military serving overseas.

The article begins as follows...

MIDDLEPORT — A U.S. Marine platoon serving in Iraq knows that a group of Royalton-Hartland students have their back. Because that’s what the T-shirts they received from the kids say.

Students in Deborah Rey’s high school class created T-shirts for the 56 soldiers in MWSS-472, a Marine combat engineer platoon stationed at the Al Asad Air Base. In return, the kids received an American flag the platoon took with them on a mission, a certificate and thank you cards from the troops.

Read the rest of the article here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_011013715.html

WINTER IN GASPORT

A glimpse at the winter landscape for former residents who miss it...

GASPORT AS A SNOWSHOEING DESTINATION

The travel section in today's Buffalo News looks at snowshoeing in WNY and among the places to visit, Gasport ranks right up there.

The article says...

Christine Baer from Paths, Peaks and Paddles has some favorite places to snowshoe. “Our absolute favorite places to snowshoe are Royalton Ravine, Erie County Forest, Wilson Tuscarora State Park, Bond Lake and the Amherst Nature Trail.”

Baer added that the Royalton Ravine (in Gasport in Niagara County, just east of Lockport) is a great place to learn how to snowshoe.

“You can learn how to ascend and descend hillsides, and there is a great suspension bridge to cross and wonderful pines to explore,” she said. “It’s very peaceful and picturesque.”


You can read the entire article about this winter activity here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/185/story/918065.html

ROY-HART BOOSTERS MEET MONDAY

The new Royalton-Hartland Sports Boosters Club meets this Monday, January 11th at 7:00 PM in Room 117 at the High School.

Over the years the Roy-Hart Sports booster Club has helped sustain sports activities by providing moral and financial support to the school athletic department's endeavors. Fund-raising by the club has provided special department projects and student-athlete participations at numerous events. The club encourages and values community input and maintains the notion that many of life's most important values are taught and learned through school sports participations.

The booster Club's primary purpose is fundraising to support athletic programs. With the help and participation of its volunteers, many events are planned to raise money for sports programs. It is due to the generous support of community contributors, friends, and families and the hard work of Booster members that our Roy-Hart's find sports programs continue.

ROYALTON BOARD TO MEET MONDAY

The Royalton town board will meet at 7:30 PM this coming Monday, January 11th at the town hall. Here is the agenda:

Date: Mon, Jan 11, 2010
Address:
Royalton Town Hall

Phone: 716-772-7531

TOWN OF ROYALTON

REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA

January 11, 2010

1. Open Meeting

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Additions or corrections of the minutes as presented

4. Public Comment - Agenda Items Only

5. Communications / Petitions

6. Organizational Agenda

7. Regular Meeting Agenda

8. New Business



􀂾 Resolution to accept the bid from Vantage Equipment LLC in the amount of $157,413.00 - $17,000.00 trade-in allowance = $140,413.00 for the 2010 Excavator, Make - Volvo, Model #EC210C. Bid amount not to exceed $140,413.00. This was the only bid that met all of the bid specifications. The bids received are as follows:


COMPANY YEAR MAKE MODEL # BID PRICE TRADE VALUE
Monroe Tractor 2008 Doosan DX225 $163,848.00 $20,000.00
Vantage Equipment, LLC 2010 Volvo EC210C $157,413.00 $17,000.00
George & Swede Sales 2010 Link-Belt 210X2 $150,925.00 $14,000.00
Milton CAT 2008 Caterpillar 320DL $143,973.00 $20,000.00
Vantage Equipment, LLC 2008 Volvo EC210C $135,535.00 $17,000.00


􀂾 Resolution to set the price for the purchase of burial plots and for standard and cremation burials at the Royalton Union Cemetery to be consistent with the pricing at Royalton Mountain Ridge Cemetery:


􀂾 Plot Purchase $450.00

􀂾 Standard Burial $500.00

􀂾 Standard Burial - Sundays & Holidays $550.00

􀂾 Cremation Burial $250.00

􀂾 Cremation Burial - Sundays & Holidays $275.00



􀂾 Resolution to authorize Supervisor Lang to sign the contract with the Niagara Community Action Program (NIACAP) for 2010 in the amount of $1,500.00. This program helps to benefit residents in our community.



􀂾 Resolution to authorize Supervisor Richard J. Lang to negotiate an agreement with the Town of Hartland to utilize a shared Assessor for both towns.



􀂾 Resolution to adopt the OFFICIAL UNDERTAKING OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

WHEREAS, various sections of New York State Town Law and Public Officers Law require that certain officials

execute an Official Undertaking; and

WHEREAS, we, the Town Board of the Town of Royalton hereby require the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Town Justice(s), and Highway Superintendent to execute said Official Undertaking as required by said law;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Town Board of the Town of Royalton approve the document entitled "Town of Royalton Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers" as to its form and manner of execution and the sufficiency of the insurance, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said Official Undertaking containing the notarized signatures of those named municipal officials be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk, as well as the original copies of the insurance policies indicating the sufficiency of the sureties to indemnify the Town against losses which may arise from failure of such officials to properly discharge their duties.

􀂾 Resolution to appoint Town Clerk Marie L. Little, RMC, as the voting delegate at the Annual Association of Towns Meeting; be it FURTHER RESOLVED to appoint Attorney Thomas Brandt to act as the alternate voting delegate at said meeting.


􀂾 Resolution for Permission to pay the bills.


9. Unfinished Business


10. Public Comment - Good and Welfare of the Community


11. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn

RESERVE VETERAN'S PARK NOW

Sure, we're buried under 2 feet of snow and Summer is a long ways away, but you better start planning now for your Summer events (reunions, picnics, etc) if you plan on using Veterans Park in the village. Weekends fill up in a hurry there. As of January 1st the town is accepting reservations for the facility.

For complete information go to this webpage:

http://townofroyalton.org/content/Parks/View/1

ROYALTON'S DECEMBER MINUTES AVAILABLE

The minutes from Royalton's December town board meeting are now available online. Check them out at:

http://townofroyalton.org/content/MinuteCategories/View/9/2009:field=minutes;/content/Minutes/View/117

SUSPECT WAVES COURT HEARING

Staff reports in the Lockport Union Sun and Journal indicate that Gwendolyn Garcia, the suspect in the Christmas Day murder, has waived her rights to a felony court hearing. The case will be going to a grand jury at Niagara County Court and the defense is not expected to make a plea bargain. Garcia is being held in Niagara County jail with no bail.

CHILI SALE THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday from 11:00 to 1:00 the Covenant Church on Main Street will be having its first annual "Heat Up the Church" chili sale lunch at which you can purchase quarts of chili. The proceeds will, as the name implies, help fund the Church's heating bills.

A WORD FROM THE GASPORT BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTE

The Gasport Beautification Committee had its first meeting of the year last night and Margie Granzow provides this recap of 2009 and a look ahead at 2010...

Gasport Beautification Committee held it's annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Party for the Gasport area kids on Dec 13th with the help of Girl Scout Troop 940 and students from Royalton-Hartland. The party was held at Gasport Fire Hall on Dec 13th. There was a visit from Santa, presents and goodie bags for 76 children, caroling around the tree, hot cocoa, cider, cookies, games, and crafts. Through the generosity of area businesses and community members we had a very successful chinese auction, raffle and a great door prize.

Everyone had fun and we are thankful to all who helped make the day a success and to the 150 plus people who attended. Not only did we enjoy seeing all the smiles on the kids faces as their number was called to go and pick their present, but we also raised some needed funds to continue with our goals for Gasport.

In 2009, we joined with Absolut Care and Gasport Elementary students to construct the Soldier Garden on the corner of Main Street and Route 31. Watch this Spring for the 100 bulbs we planted. We also applied for and received a matching funds grant to purchase banners for Main Street.

Some of our yearly projects include; Clean Up Gasport the first sat. in May where volunteers canvas the whole village and pick up trash, Adopt a Flower Barrel on Main Street where participants plant flower in barrels that are placed throughout town, we maintain the Welcome sign at the west end of town and in December we decorate in town for Christmas.

We have some new goals for 2010 along with continuing with the above projects. We will be replacing some of the the flower barrels, applying for a matching funds grant for replacing the Bicentennial banners, revamping the Welcome sign on the east end of town by the bus garage, sponsoring a community movie night and volunteering at the Winter Carnival at Gasport Elementary in February.

Our next meeting is on Feb 2nd at 7 pm at the Gasport Fire Hall and is open to all.

VIZCARRA NAMED TO USDA COMMITTEE

Oscar Vizcarra of Becker Farms was today named to a key United States Department of Agriculture committee. The USDA's news release says the following:


VILSACK NAMES MEMBERS TO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2010 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the names of members of the new Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.

The 25 members were selected from individuals nominated by their peers. Committee members represent fresh fruit and vegetable growers/shippers, fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers, retailers, industry trade associations, importers, fruit and vegetable processors, foodservice suppliers, fresh-cut processors, brokers and state departments of agriculture. Each member is appointed to a two-year term.

Originally chartered in 2001, the advisory committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry. In May 2009, USDA approved a new two-year charter for this committee.

In the coming weeks, USDA will schedule the committee's first meeting for 2010 in the Washington, D.C. area. More information about the meeting will be published in the Federal Register and at www.ams.usda.gov/fv . Information can also be obtained by emailing mrobert.keeney@usda.gov or calling (202) 720-4722.

SNOWSHOEING SEMINAR AT ROYALTON RAVINE

Paths, Peaks and Paddles, the outdoors store located in Tonawanda, is having a snowshoe seminar at Royalton Ravine Park on January 23rd. Here's their news release about the event...


FREE Snowshoe Demo at Royalton Ravine on January 23, 2010

Don’t become a hermit by staying in the house on the couch only because it “gets dark early” and it’s “cold”. You have been thinking about getting off the couch and getting some outdoor exercise. But one of your concerns is that you just don’t have the best balance in the world and you are afraid to try skiing? Try Snowshoeing!!

Your winter world opens up to some spectacular adventures when you learn how to snowshoe. With snowshoes you can easily hike through local parks, the woods or forest with ease. This is a great outdoor activity for family and friends of all ages.

If you are interested in trying out the sport of snowshoeing come out to Royalton Ravine out in Gasport, New York. Join us anytime between 10:00 am to 2:00 PM.

You will be fitted with a pair of snowshoes. You will learn how to travel with snowshoes and the use of poles. Instructors will take you out for a hike explaining different techniques.

For more information regarding this demo you can contact us at 716-213-0350.

Paths, Peaks and Paddles website is:

http://www.pathspeakspaddles.com/index.html

GASPORT TO GET MORE LAKE SNOW

Gasport will be getting another dose of lake snow over the next 24 hours. 6" to 10" are expected to fall.

SNOWFALL

For snowbirds who have left the Gasport area for the winter, you can rest assured your migration has worked in your favor. This past weekend in Gasport was one of the snowiest of the past 4 years. From overnight Saturday to noon Sunday, 12" of snow had fallen near the Royalton/Hartland/Lockport border and another 5" fell after that, bringing total snowfall for the storm to 17" (and that's on top of the pre-existing 2" base).

SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT ASKS YOU TO STAY OFF ROADS

From the Niagara County Sheriff's Department...

The roadways through-out Niagara County are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Visibility may become extremely limited in some areas with very short notice. Some secondary roads have as much as a foot of snow accumulated for long stretches. The heavy snows are expected to continue thru at least 6pm tonight with heavy bands coming off Lake Ontario.

If you must travel, please use extreme caution. State, county and local road crews are out and they need to be able to work with as few obstructions as possible. It is imperative we allow our road crews the opportunity to safely clear the roads so we can get emergency vehicles to those in need.

Please check your local TV, radio and internet for local closings and cancellations. The Sheriff’s Office does not keep track of cancellations; please refrain from calling unless you need emergency services.

SATURDAY BINGO CANCELLED

You know the weather's bad when bingo gets cancelled. Terry's Corners has cancelled their first-Saturday-of-the-month special bingo that was originally scheduled for tonight. Monday bingo is still on.

FLU SHOTS AT ROY-HART ON THURSDAY

It was mentioned here a couple of weeks ago that the County Health Department will be holding an H1N1 flu shot clinic at the Royalton-Hartland High School this Thursday, January 7th from 10:00 to 7:00.

At the time, you had to be a Roy-Hart resident and you had to pre-register. Not so any more. The County has a glut of flu shots and the Governor has loosened up any restrictions, so now anyone can get their shot at Roy-Hart and you don't have to schedule an appointment.

GASPORT GETS TASTE OF WINTER THIS WEEKEND

We had some very cold temps and snow in December, but it was manageable. This weekend the town will get it's first real dose of winter's reality with plenty of snow, cold temps, and wind. It's one of those rare times when our part of Niagara County gets Lake Effect. Best case scenario has us getting 7 inches of snow. Worst case has us getting 15 inches of snow. Be safe on the roads because here's what the National Weather Service reports...

Today: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -8. Blustery, with a northwest wind between 18 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow. Low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -7. Blustery, with a northwest wind between 17 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Sunday: Snow and widespread blowing snow. High near 18. Wind chill values as low as -3. Breezy, with a northwest wind between 18 and 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

LONG-TIME OWNER OF STANDISH & JONES PASSES AWAY

LaVern R. Ulrich of Lockport, passed away December 30, 2009 in Buffalo General Hospital, after a brief illness. Born May 20, 1928 he was the son of Rolland W. and Veronica (nee Mosure) Ulrich. He went to the Country School on Chestnut Ridge Road and then to St. John's School in Lockport, and graduated from Lockport High School in 1946.

"Vern" worked at Sears and Singer Sewing Machine until he opened his own business Niagara Sewing on Locust St., he bought out his partner, Bob Sanford and moved the business to Main Street. In 1956 he bought the Spaulding Hardware store with two partners. Active in the community he helped form the "Below Pine Street" Association which continued until Urban Renewal. Spaulding Hardware moved to 215 Davison Road and when his partner retired he bought Standish Jones in Gasport.

"Vern'' was presented the Distinguished Award from the City of Lockport in 1964. He was a 59 year member of the Lockport Exchange Club and was in charge of the Home Show and worked on the Exchange Circus. He was presented the "Golden Deeds'' Award in 1976 from the club. He was instrumental in starting the Community Pool and with the Exchange Club helped with the Lockport Little Loop Football Field. He also was a volunteer fireman with the Terry's Corners Fire Dept.

His family and old cars were his passion and enjoyed spending time with both.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marlene (nee Stout) Ulrich; father of Thomas (Martha) Ulrich, Gerald Ulrich, both of Lockport Dennis (Maureen) Ulrich, Kathryn (Kevin) Worosz, both of Gasport and Nancy (Randall) Webber of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, six great- grandchildren; his sister, Audrey Keyes of Lockport; and two nieces and two nephews.

Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Monday morning at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Interment will be in Huskey Cemetery. Memorials to the St. John's Outreach Program, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport, NY 14094 would be appreciated by the family. Please visit http://www.pruddenandkandt.com/

MURDER WEAPON REVEALED

The Niagara County Sheriff's Department continues to piecemeal the release of information regarding the Christmas Day murder. In yesterday's Lockport Union Sun and Journal they announced that the weapon was a steak knife and Gwendolyn Garcia administered death with only one stab wound. They have yet to say what motivated the killing.