BLOOD DRIVES

Upstate New York Transplant Services is hosting a blood drive this Sunday from noon to 3:00 at the Hartland Bible Church on West Ave in the hamlet.

There will be another one on Friday, October 8th from 10:00 to 2:00 at Absolut Care in Gasport.

Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call 512.7940 or email donateblood@unyts.org

FUNDRAISING BENEFIT FOR DAN RUPPEL: OCT. 9th

Dan Ruppel has suffered since December 2009 from a traumatic brain injury brought on by multiple aneurysms. Initially given a 10% chance of survival, he has beat the odds, but his recovery will take a very long time. Monies raised from this fundraiser will help to make needed updates/repairs to the home in which Dan will be recovering as well as providing for him the necessary care he will need.

Saturday, October 9, 2010
1:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Gasport Fire Hall

$5.00 Admission into event provides you with the following:

*Live Music featuring: Matt Frawley & Jimmy Goode / Melissa Croff / Jibe West / Last Call

*Grand Prize Raffle - $1/ticket for chance to win 42" flatscreen TV & Blueray dvd player

*3 separate 50/50 splits throughout the day / evening

*Silent Auction

*Chinese Auction

*$1.00 Draft Beer & Soda

*Chicken BBQ dinners starting at 4pm - $8.00

*$1.00 pizza slices

*Baked Goods Table

If you have questions or would like to make a donation call JoAnne at 716.622.3484

HAIRCUTS TO BENEFIT THE RUPPELS

As part of the fundraising efforts for Gasport resident Dan Ruppel, Rosie's Deja Vu Salon on Main Street will be offering haircuts on Saturday, October 2nd with all proceeds going to the Ruppel fund. For more information, call 772.7483.

SPORTS BOOSTERS CHOWDER SALE: OCTOBER 9th

The Roy-Hart Sports Boosters will be having a chowder sale on Saturday, October 9th from 11:30 till sold out. Cost is $6/quart, $15/gallon (your container) or $16/gallon (Boosters' container).

In the meantime, they need your help.

They are in need of 1-Quart containers (styrofoam works best ..... 50 would work). And they are looking for 50 one-gallon plastic jugs for the chowder. If you can help with this, please call Rick at 531.0046.

They will also have a Baked Goods Sale during the chowder sale and would appreciate receiving any sorts of cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, etc. you can bring. It will add to the anticipated success of this event.

SPORTS BOOSTERS LOTTERY FUNDRAISER

The Roy-Hart Sports Boosters Club is selling Daily Numbers Lottery tickets, good for play all of November. Buy 1 ticket for $5 and it's good for every NYS Lottery draw the entire month.

Support a great cause by buying your ticket from a Sports Booster.

If you'd like to help out the Boosters (which is always appreciated), Mary Smith (957.0190) has about 200 tickets left for sale. You can make a huge difference in this fundraiser by purchasing tickets to sell or for yourself. The deadline for the sale of tickets is October 15. Please call Mary for tickets and/or more information.

ROYALTON FIRE MEMORIAL DEDICATION

The Wolcottsville Volunteer Fire Company will be having a dedication ceremony for their Fire Fighters Memorial, on Sunday, October 10th at 2:00. This event will take place at the Wolcottsville Fire Hall, located at 3775 Wolcottsville Rd, Akron, NY.

This memorial has taken hundreds of hours of volunteer service to complete. The incredible craftsmanship and hard work of our fireman can be seen in this beautiful memorial. Please come join the Wolcottsville Fire Fighters in this special dedication to our fallen hero's.

OKTOBERFEST IS THIS WEEKEND

Becker Farms and the Becker Brewing Company are hosting their 2nd annual Oktoberfest this Saturday, September 25th. Join them for their selection of microbrews (including seasonal specialties), German food, and German music. For more information visit www.beckerfarms.com

TRI-TOWN RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Tri-Town Ambulance, Inc. provides ambulatory and EMT care to the residents of Royalton, Hartland and Lockport. They will be having a recruitment drive on Friday the 24th at the Wilson Farms in Middleport from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They are looking for drivers and first aid responders. Training will be provided for those wishing to become EMTs. For more info, or to join, call Steve Dockery at 716.628.1890 or Kevin Kelley at 585.590.0532.

ALPACA FARM TO HOST OPEN HOUSE

Creek Edge Aplacas will be having an open house on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th from 10:00 to 5:00 at their farm at 9011 Ridge Road, just west of Johnson Creek. Come pet the alpacas, see their new animals, browse the store, and more. For more info, call 716.735.7500.

ONE MORE HURDLE FOR NIAGARA METALS

The Buffalo News notes that Niagara Metals has one more legal hurdle...


Niagara Metals will have the full legal go-ahead for its scrap metal collection yard in Royalton once the town Zoning Board of Appeals jumps through a legal hoop erected by State Supreme Court Justice Richard C. Kloch Sr. this week.

Ruling in a lawsuit brought by neighbors who tried to invalidate a special-use permit for the operation at the former LaFarge stone quarry on Route 31, Kloch said the Zoning Board made a sufficient environmental analysis but didn’t place its conclusions on the record for each factor governing the issuance of a permit as laid out in the town zoning ordinance.

Kloch gave the board 45 days to address those reasons, and if it does, he’ll throw out the lawsuit.


Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/article193977.ece

FORMER ROY-HART TEACHER MR. PISCOPO HAS PASSED AWAY

Joseph G. Piscopo, a teacher and coach who led high school basketball teams in several local districts, died Tuesday, September 14th, in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Cheektowaga. He was 69.

Mr. Piscopo was born in Brooklyn on January 11, 1941 and moved to the Town of Tonawanda in 1965 after graduating from Brockport State College with a degree in physical education. He later received a master’s degree in counseling education from Niagara University.

Sports was a constant in his life. He played soccer under the guidance of his father, who was founding president of the Italian American Soccer League of New York City. He played football for St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn and semi-pro with the Bay Ridge Celtics.

Mr. Piscopo coached several sports during 14 years at Bishop Neumann High School in Amherst, starting in 1965. Among the laurels he received was being named Outstanding Coach of the Year by the WNY Basketball Coaches Association in 1976, after guiding the team to an undefeated season, and won two Manhattan Cup championships.

Mr. Piscopo later taught and was varsity basketball coach at Jamestown High School for a few years before teaching and becoming athletic director for the Royalton-Hartland School District over the course of 17 years.

Mr. Piscopo’s other stints included being a volunteer coach at Mount St. Joseph’s High School and Daemen College, being an assistant men’s basketball coach at Niagara County Community College and serving as assistant coach for the Buffalo State women’s and later men’s basketball teams.

He also published a series of 20 coaching booklets, used in the United States and Canada.

Survivors include his wife, the former Diane Rupp; two daughters, Christine M., and Trisha A. Schumer; and two sons, Erick J. and George A.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a. m. Saturday in St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2660 Niagara Falls Blvd., Town of Tonawanda.

PUMPKIN FIESTA STARTS THIS WEEKEND

The annual Pumpkin Fiesta at Becker Farms starts this Saturday and will take place every Saturday/Sunday now through October (weather permitting).

Kids tickets for the entire gamut of events are $10, while adult tickets are $7.

Events include:

Pony rides
Hay rides
Pig races
Storytellers
The Trike Track
Becker Mountain
The Castle Labyrinth
Corn maze

Haunted Hayrides begin on October 8th.

6th ANNUAL CONCORD STOMP

The 6th annual Concord Stomp will take place at Becker Farms this Saturday the 18th at 2:00. Teams of six, for a $20/person fee, will compete against one another in a grape stomping event. The winning team will receive a case of Vizcarra Vineyards wine. To register call Becker Farms at 772.2211.

CHOP'S SHOP ADDS HEALTHY OPTION

In an effort to offer an option for health-conscious diners, Chop's Shop Pizzeria on Route 31 just added to their menu "all white meat boneless chicken wings".

These are baked in their oven which is a much healthier alternative for those customers who are trying to stay away from deep fried products. They come 10 to an order for $6.99 and are accompanied with a side of bleu cheese and hot sauce.

That news comes from their monthly email to VIP customers. If you haven't registered as a VIP, it's easy and rewarding: Just sign up at their website, specifically at http://www.chopsshoppizza.com/ContactUsVIPCLUB.html and you will get monthly deals for free or deeply-discounted food.

COUPLE BUSTED FOR STEALING WEDDING GIFTS

The Buffalo News today reports on the following thievery from a Royalton home:


A woman and her boyfriend were arrested Saturday evening, accused of stealing the gift money out of envelopes at her cousin’s wedding reception.

Niagara County sheriff’s deputies said the two left the reception, being held at a Hollenbeck Road home, after the newly married couple reported seeing them removing money from cards left in a card box. Deputies said they recovered $465 in cash from the vehicle they were driving.

Charged with petit larceny were Amber L. Considine, 30, of North Marion Street, and Clifford B. McCarty, 30, of Miller Street, both in North Tonawanda.


Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/article188853.ece

GUNS "MISSING" IN ROYALTON

The Niagara County Sheriffs say that a Chestnut Ridge Road woman who was ordered to surrender all her firearms now says six of her guns are "missing." She turned in some of the weapons but not all. She reportedly told deputies that she was unsure whether someone stole them or if she had hid them very well.

GASPORT'S 9/11 MEMORIAL FEATURED IN NEWSPAPER

Today's Lockport Union Sun and Journal features a front page article about Gasport's 9/11 memorial. It begins as follows...


On a day reminiscent of Sept. 11, 2001, about 100 people took part in the ninth annual Memorial on the Canal at the Gasport Marina on Saturday.

First responders received tribute and community members placed red, white and pink flowers in the Erie Canal to honor deceased in the somber Sept. 11 memorial service. The death toll of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pa. was 2,996.

Jeremy Mang, the director of rehabilitation at Absolut Care, welcomed those who attended — a larger group than in years past. “This is more and this is the first time we’ve had it on a weekend. That could help people coming. This was a great turnout on a beautiful day. We always have a flower tribute and our staff will throw a flower in to represent to represent each resident. This year we had more community members, families and friends doing their own tribute. It was nice to see.”


The article goes to discuss the various speakers and attendees of the event. Read it online at:

http://lockportjournal.com/local/x187427785/Community-comes-out-for-Sept-11-memorial

SADDLE UP FOR ROSWELL: SEPTEMBER 18th

The annual Saddle Up for Roswell event will take place Saturday, September 18th from 8:00 to 4:00 at the Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center at 7913 Chestnut Ridge in Gasport. It's a great event for anyone who loves horses and wants to raise money for Roswell. There will be pony rides, refreshments and raffles; as well as riders performing dessage, cross country and show jumping. There will also be a display highlighting the life of Abdullah, the famed horse from Royalton which was recognized as one of the greatest horses of the 20th century after his performances in the 1984 Olympics and 1985 World Cup.

For more information contact Megan Gamin at williamsbrg@aol.com

ROY-HART OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEK

The school district will have open house this week as follows...

Tuesday, the 14th: Elementary School; grades Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First 6:30-7:30pm

Wednesday, the 15th: Elementary School; grades 2nd, 3rd and 4th 6:30-7:30pm

Thursday, the 16th: High School; 6:30pm

The Middle School won't have one until the 30th.

ROYALTON BOARD MEETS MONDAY

The Royalton town board meets Monday, September 13th at 7:30 PM at the town hall. Among the topics to be discussed is the bid acceptance for a wind energy project for the town garage.

Read the agenda here:

http://townofroyalton.org/content/Calendars/View/1;/content/CalendarEntries/View/1085

GLA PREPARING FOR OCTOBER CRAFT SHOW

The Gasport Ladies Auxiliary are preparing for a craft show and flea market to be held on October 10th at the fire hall. If interested in being a vendor, call Tara at 716.735.7319.

ROY-HART GRAD IS VICTIM OF BALTIMORE HOMICIDE

A homicide in southwest Baltimore earlier this week took the life of a mid-1990's Royalton-Hartland graduate who had been living in West Virginia.

Here is his obituary:

THOMAS DOUGLAS VAS, age 35 years, a former resident of Dailey, WV and more recently a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life late Tuesday evening, September 7, 2010 in Southwest Baltimore, MD. Death was attributed to homicide.

He was born Thursday, July 31, 1975 at Lockport, NY a son of the late Thomas F. Vas and Cheryl L. Patterson who survives at Dailey. On August 24, 2002 at NY, he was married to the former Julie Ann Baker, who survives. Also surviving are four sons, Thomas C. Vas, NY; James J. Vas, Connor J. Vas and Carter L. Vas, all of Elkins; one daughter, Laurin E. Vas, NY; one sister, Bobbie Lynn Smith and husband Bill, NY; his maternal grandmother, Margaret Gardener and husband Bob, FL; one niece, Jamie and one nephew, Ryan.

He attended the schools of Middleport, NY and at the time of his death was an employee of McWilliams Building Construction as a Carpenter. He loved the outdoors and was a car enthusiast.

The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday. Final Rites will be conducted at the funeral home chapel, Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 12:30 PM. The Rev. Eli D. Hostetler will officiate and cremation will follow.

Source:

http://www.tributes.com/show/Thomas-Vas-89343479

DONNA NIEMAN HAS PASSED AWAY

Last month the community came out to support the Nieman family as Donna, a beloved community leader, fought cancer. Sadly, Donna lost that battle on Friday.

Here is her obituary...


Donna J. (Ficarra) Nieman, age 52, of Gasport, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. Fighting her battle with cancer, she ultimately triumphed over the disease by accomplishing all she set out to do and ending her time with us with the same dignity and grace she exhibited in her lifetime. Born, April 25, 1958 in Lockport, she was the daughter of Philip Ficarra and the late Wanda (Shaffer) Ficarra.

Donna married Terry Nieman at the Winter Gardens in Niagara Falls, April 27, 1984. Having graduated from Niagara University with a BSN in Nursing, she was passionate about her vocation working at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. Donna organized an annual Nurses Day Celebration to showcase her love for her job and co-workers. Donna was a member of the Republican Committee and past chairman. She was proud of her community and was previous organizer of the Town of Royalton Youth and Recreation Program. To relax, Donna enjoyed her Golden Retrievers, reading and spending time with her family at the Thousand Islands. Donna took great care to show all who knew her what special place they held in her life. She had lived in Gasport most of her life.

She will be sadly missed by her loving husband, Terry Nieman; her children, Brian (Ginger) Nieman of Gasport and Ann Nieman of Grand Island; and her granddaughter, Quinn. Life will never be the same for her father, Philip Ficarra of Gasport; sisters, Deborah (George) Holliday of Lockport, Carol (Tim) Lowery of Cooper, TX and Gina Carter of Gasport. Several nieces and nephews also survive her. Donna was predeceased by her mother, Wanda (Shaffer) Ficarra in November of 2009.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Sherrie-Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main Street, Gasport on Sunday 7-9 PM and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 11:00 AM from Zion Lutheran Church, 4447 Central Avenue, Gasport, NY with the Reverend Rodney Klinzing officiating. Interment will be in Royalton Mountain Ridge Cemetery, Gasport. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Mt. St. Mary's Foundation, 5300 Military Road, Lewiston, NY 14092


To sign the guest register visit:

http://www.sherriefuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/Sherri1/obit.cgi?user=249181Nieman

NEW WING AT ROY-HART IS OPEN

Today's Lockport Union Sun and Journal highlights the opening of the elementary school's new wing. Check out the story online (complete with a series of photos), at:

http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1899099685/New-wing-takes-flight-at-Roy-Hart

GASPORT SEX CRIMES

Two Gasport sex crimes made the local papers yesterday.

One story, from the Lockport Union Sun and Journal, said...


A Gasport man accused of sexually abusing children he was related to declined a plea offer Wednesday morning in Niagara County Court. Joshua P. Reid, 42, 5308 Royalton Center Road, was charged Feb. 19 with third-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child. Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth R. Donatello said the plea offer was to one count of criminal sexual act, and offered Reid a sentencing recommendation of six months in Niagara County Jail and 10 years probation. Reid is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing 9:30 a.m. Sept. 29 and trial Nov. 8.


The other story, from the Buffalo News, said...


LOCKPORT—A Locust Street man will appear in City Court today on third-degree rape charges. Victor M. Pardes, 33, was arrested in Gasport last week and pleaded not guilty when arraigned Tuesday. He is accused of having sexual intercourse Aug. 1 with a woman without her consent. He remains behind bars in lieu of $10,000 bail.

HARTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETS MONDAY

The Hartland Historical Society meets this coming Monday, September 13th at 7:00 at the old schoolhouse at Carmen and Seaman Roads. The guest speaker will be Martin Phelps of the Medina Railroad who will speak about the history of railroads in WNY. The public is welcome to attend.

SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL

Absolut Care of Gasport is sponsoring the 9th Annual 9/11 Memorial on the Canal at the Gasport Marina, 8647 Telegraph Rd., on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

This yearly event honors those who were lost in the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the members of our local law enforcement agencies and first responders who stand ever ready to secure our homeland. Absolut Care will also honor the memory of facility residents who passed away this year.

The Memorial Program will include music, speakers, a blessing for our brave 1st Responders and our traditional floral tribute on the Canal. Participants will include students from Royalton-Hartland Schools, the Middleport Community Choir, community and civic leaders and area clergy.

This is a solemn ceremony to honor the thousands of Americans lost on that fateful day 9/11/01 and all are invited to attend.