ZION CHURCH'S SECRET PALS LUNCHEON

Zion Lutheran Church will be having its secret pal luncheon this Sunday, January 2nd at 11:30. Any interested women, please attend and bring a wrapped gift (up to $10 value) to exchange with someone else. The purpose is to promote fellowship and a sense of caring for one another through thoughtful remembrances and prayer. Bring a small dish to pass (main dish or desert).

GASPORT MAN CHARGED WITH NUMEROUS COUNTS FOLLOWING ROBERY & POLICE CHASE

WKBW TV 7 is reporting that a Gasport man robbed a Newfane family and led the police on a chase through Niagara County...


TOWN OF NEWFANE, NY ( release ) The Niagara County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from an address in Newfane, where the caller stated that a robbery had just occurred, and that the victims had been tied up.

Deputies responding to the scene were also given additional information that a vehicle had been stolen and was last seen going south on Hess Road.

Deputies responded to the scene, with additional units checking the area for the suspect and stolen vehicle. A short time later, Deputy A. Gerhardt was able to locate the stolen vehicle going south on Lockport-Olcott Road and got behind it.

The driver, John P. Corra, 32, of Gasport refused to pull the vehicle over and continued driving south. At this point, Deputy C. Goupil arrived to assist.

The suspect continued at a moderate speed for several miles and then turned northbound on a seasonal road off of Chestnut-Ridge Road, where he lost control and went into a ditch.

Corra then exited the vehicle and ran northbound. After a short foot pursuit, Deputy Gerhardt and Goupil were able to take Corra into custody.

Corra was charged with Robbery 1st, Burglary 1st, Assault 2nd, Grand Larceny 4th, Petit Larceny, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer, and numerous traffic charges by both the Niagara County Sheriff's Office investigators, and patrol deputies.

Corra was arraigned in Town of Newfane court and remanded to the Niagara County jail on $50,000 bail. He is due back in Newfane Court on 1/4/11.

Source:

http://www.wkbw.com/news/crime/Were-Victims-Tied-Up-During-Robbery-112710084.html

DECEMBER POLL RESULTS

The December readers poll asked the following: "Which public asset in Gasport is your top choice for outdoor recreation or relaxation?"

123 people took part in the poll and I was amazed at how few people emphasize boating on the Canal. Only 8 people voted for it, which is surprising given the number of docks on our waters and the soaring popularity of kayaking.

I wasn't at all surprised that the Ravine Park took the #1 spot. It really is an impressive place to enjoy nature.

Here's what the poll found. Destinations are ranked from most popular to least.

Royalton Ravine Park: 51 votes (41%)
The Erie Canal (on shore): 44 votes (35%)
Veterans Park: 10 votes (8%)
The Erie Canal (on the water): 8 votes (6%)
The Elementary School grounds: 6 votes (4%)
Hartland Town Park: 4 votes (3%)

A new poll has been posted asking "Which Gasport church do you attend?"

DISEASE TAKES GASPORT BABY'S LIFE

In June 2010, Payson Brea Hamilton, the daughter of Marla Samanka and Clyde Hamilton was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1, at the age of six months. Payson Brea had a half sister Baylee Morgan Samanka that passed away December 23, 1999 at the age of three years old also from SMA.

This devastating disease is a genetic motor neuron disease affecting the voluntary muscles. She will never be able to sit up, crawl, walk, or even hold her head up. Payson lost the ability to swallow and feed and had eaten through a G tube through her stomach. Her life expectancy was 2 years old.

There was a benefit for Payson at the Hartland Fire Company in early November, where the community came out to support the young lady.

Sadly, the Gasport toddler passed away this week. Here's her obituary...

Payson B. Hamilton, infant daughter of Marla Samanka and Clyde Hamilton, entered into rest Wednesday, December 29, 2010 in Women and Children Hospital Buffalo, NY, from complications of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She was born in Amherst, NY, on January 3, 2010.

Sister of Cierra, Gavyn, Walker Samanka and the late Baylee Samanka. Granddaughter of Sue White of Lockport, Nourian Tetrault of Royalton, Lula Grooms of Lockport and the late Tommy Hamilton and Kay Tetrault. Niece of Kerensa Grover, Robyn (Duke) Jones, Renee (Lou Rotella) Tetrault, Rhys (Melanie Guild) Tetrault, Justin (Kristina) Tetrault, Carleen Currie, Kevin (Clarice) Dennis, Tommy Hamilton, Jr., Becky Hamilton, Debra (Calvin) Wright, Melissa (Jack) Carson, Sean Hamilton and Felicia Grooms.

A Memorial Service will be held TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2011 AT 11:00 AM in Victory Christian Church, 6886 S. Transit Road, Lockport, NY. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Families of SMA, PO Box 196, Libertyville, IL 60048-0196 would be appreciated by the family. Please visit www.rutland-corwin.com to send a condolence to the family.

THE TRUTH ABOUT BULLYING

The Niagara County Mental Health Association will be hosting a program called "The truth about bullying" from 6:30 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, January 11th at the Roy-Hart high school auditorium. The community is welcome to attend.

WIVB NEWS STORY ABOUT MEGHAN'S PASSING

Community says final goodbye to one tough teen: wivb.com

STERLING ARMS OWNER HAS PASSED AWAY

A lot of Gasport residents don't know that our community once had a handgun manufacturing plant, Streling Arms, whose guns were well-known throughout America.

Here's a brief history of the gun maker...


E&R Machine Inc. was incorporated in the state of New York in April of 1961 with Eugene Sauls as President and Robert Lindke as Treasurer, each owning 50% of the company. The company' s first place of business was a small 900 sq ft building in Lockport, NY. By 1963, the business had outgrown the original building and they rented 5,000 sq ft of floor area in Gasport, NY.

Their business continued to grow and late in 1971, they contacted Sterling Arms in Buffalo, NY, about becoming the licensed manufacturer of their products. Sterling had been in business about three years and were having trouble with machining. E & R set up a plant at 4436 Prospect Street, Gasport, NY, to handle the manufacture of firearms for Sterling in 1972.

In December of 1973, E & R purchased all the stock of Sterling Arms Corp. making Sterling a wholly owned subsidiary of E & R. In 1975, Eugene E. Sauls, President, bought the 50% ownership of Robert Lindke and became sole owner of E & R Machine. In April of 1978, both E & R and Sterling were moved from Gasport to the new facility in Lockport.


Sadly, the former owner of the plant, Eugene Sauls, passed away on Sunday. Here is his obituary...


Eugene E. Sauls, of Lockport, NY, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2010 in Medina Memorial Hospital. Born on September 3, 1930 in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of Clara Esthimer Sauls and the late Theodore Sauls. He and his wife, the former Nancy L. Litchard were married on December 14, 1968. Gene owned and operated E & R Machine, Inc., here in Lockport from 1961 until 1991 when he retired and sold the business to his son, Garry. He also owned Sterling Arms Corporation from 1972 until he closed the handgun manufacturing business in 1984. He enjoyed building and physically built two homes.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Litchard) Sauls; his mother, Clara Sauls; his children, Cindy (John) Donaldson, Linda (Don) Penwright, all of Lockport, Garry (Shirley) Sauls of Gasport, Jennifer (Patrick) Parmenter of Illinois and Anthony (Heather) Sauls of Lockport; seven grandchildren, Jason Donaldson, Laura (Steve) Weber, Chris (Lori) Sauls, Emmi Sauls, Joseph Sauls and Grayson Parmenter and several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Elaine Schultz and great- granddaughter, Madeline Sauls.

Friends may call on Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Lange Funeral Home, Inc., 186 East Ave., Lockport, NY, where funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM. Interment in Huskey Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.

Condolences may be offered to the family at:

www.langefuneralhomeinc.com

YNN TV NEWSCAST ABOUT MEGHAN REDENBACH

Yesterday the funeral was held for Meghan Redenbach and YNN offered this touching coverage of it...

http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/all_news/528203/redenbach-remembered-as-fighter-with-loving-heart/

If your computer is too slow to load the video, here is the transcript of the story...


A Mass of Christian Burial was held for teenager Meghan Redenbach at St. Mary's Church in Swormville Tuesday morning. Redenbach was the Royalton-Hartland volleyball player who died on Christmas Eve after battling a rare form of cancer. Hundreds filled the church to support the Redenbach family and to say goodbye to a friend who never stopped fighting for another day.

As her parents Mike and Nancy, and brother Nick draped Redenbach's casket with a baptismal garment, close friends recalled the fighter with an angel's glow in her heart. "Meghan taught us so much about determination and courage and empathy," said family friend Joe Floss.

Diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer two years ago, Meghan focused each day on making it to tomorrow. Her competitive spirit kept her on the volleyball court and in the classroom. If friends cried for her, she gave them 10 seconds to stop. "She didn't want people to cry for her," said Floss. "She was determined to survive, she had the courage to survive."

Among those who eulogized Meghan was her 6th grade teacher Bethany Macalm, who so admired her former student, she shaved her own hair to support Meghan's cancer fight and took a leave from her teaching duties to be with Meghan and the family in her final weeks. "It's up to each and every one of us to continue this fight by ensuring that Meghan's legacy makes it to each and every tomorrow," said Macalm. "We love you Meghan."

Neighbors gathered and sang "Silent Night" outside the Redenbach home after Meghan died. The family remains overwhelmed by the love and support they've received, from the doctors at Roswell Park to Carly's Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which granted Meghan and her family a trip to Hawaii, and Mike's co-workers at the State Department of Corrections in Albion, who donated their own vacation time so he could stay at the hospital.

Meghan left Roswell Park one last time earlier this month, to cheer on her Roy-Hart volleyball teammates. "She mustered up the energy," said Floss. "It was the very next day that she was unconscious and couldn't communicate any longer. That was her last hurrah, she wanted to be there for her team."

That fighting spirit has become her legacy. Meghan was only 15 when she died on Christmas Eve. Now, said Rich Jennings who also eulogized her, Meghan has earned the eternal victory with a place in heaven.

FLYING SQUIRREL PHOTO

A few weeks ago I mentioned that there are flying squirrels in Gasport.

Joe Derda of Hartland is one of the lucky local residents who has been fortunate enough to see one of the critters. He shares this awesome photo he took of the squirrel. It's rare to see a flying squirrel during the day, so I can't say enough about how awesome this photo is....

BEER MAKING WITH THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Town of Royalton Historical Society will be meeting on Saturday, January 8th at 1:30 at the Royalton Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Rd, Middleport. Rev. Erwin Brese will be talking about "Beer Making." This is a great presentation and a lot of fun. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. The Historical Society really needs your support for it to thrive and prosper. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Bieber at 735-7335.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas! I hope your day is a great one and you and your family create some memories that last a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the mitten tree a success...those who organized the program & distributed the gifts and those who donated the presents. 60 families and 140 kids in Gasport are having a brighter Christmas thanks to the selflessness and love that our community possesses.

MEGHAN'S OBITUARY

Meghan J. Redenbach, December 24, 2010. Beloved daughter of Michael F. and Nancy J. (nee English); dear sister of Nicholas Redenbach; granddaughter of Joan and the late Ron English, Arthur and Jean Redenbach; also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call Monday from 3-9 PM at the DENGLER ROBERTS PERNA Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church, 6919 Transit Rd., Swormville at 10:30 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, contributions may be made in Meghan’s memory to Carly Club or to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Online condolences may be made to www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com

CANCER TAKES A YOUNG LIFE ON CHRISTMAS EVE

Royalton-Hartland residents know very well the ongoing battle that young Megan Redenbach had with cancer. Sadly, the courageous 15-year old sophomore lost that battle earlier this morning.

This is a horrible tragedy for her family and the entire Roy-Hart community...magnified by the fact that this is the time of year when joy and love -- not pain -- are supposed to dominate your thoughts.

That said, please keep the Redenbach's in your prayers. They'll need all your support and love.

It's ironic that the Buffalo News ran a front page article about the young lady in today's newspaper. Here it is in its entirety, just updated minutes ago by the Buffalo News staff....




Meghan Redenbach, who lost her battle with cancer this morning, made it to every Royalton-Hartland volleyball game she could this season.

When her body was healthy enough, even while it was battling cancer and dealing with chemotherapy, she played.

When she was able to be on the bench, the 15-year-old sophomore became another assistant coach. On one occasion this season, she was not exactly pleased with what she was watching.

"I didn't bust out of the hospital for you guys to be playing like this!" she yelled.

That was classic Meghan, according to Roy-Hart coach Bill Holahan, who watched her battle back from two surgeries to take the floor for the Rams this past season.

"When she wasn't able to play she would watch, and if people weren't giving 100 percent, it would bug the heck out of her," he said. "You have to think that time was so precious for her, and for someone not to take advantage of every single second."

Meghan died at 6:15 a.m. today in Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where she battlled a malignant tumor in her ovaries. The fibrosarcoma is a form of ovarian cancer so rare that only 30 cases have been documented -- and only one in a child -- according to what doctors have told her parents.

"She just has incredible courage and determination and the ability to fight through things," Holahan said prior to Meghan's death. "Anyone who has come into contact with her has fallen in love with her and her courage."

Last year, a joint effort by New Era Cap Co. and Roswell Park chose Meghan as one of three cancer patients whose story -- and baseball cap design -- would represent the New Era New Hope campaign.

Meghan wrote:

"I guess the saying, 'You never know how strong you are until strength is your only option,' is really true. People have said it is amazing how I can do all this and stay so positive. I strongly believe that I am doing what any other person would be doing if they were in my position.

"Being diagnosed has opened my eyes to everything in life. I have never really appreciated my friends and family as much as I do now. If it weren't for them, I am not sure I would have gotten as far as I have. Every day I tell myself, 'Just another day. No matter what, I will make it to tomorrow. Even if I fight all day. I'll make it.'"

Monday night, Roy-Hart senior Bridget Shanahan, Meghan's best friend and teammate, was part of a photo honoring the All-Western New York girls volleyball team at the Buffalo Niagara Court Center in West Seneca. She left Meghan's bedside to bring Meghan's Roy-Hart and Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club jerseys, which were held up during the photo as a tribute.

"We would have a game, and even though it would be hard for her to get there, she would still be there," Shanahan said. "The atmosphere would completely change when she would step on the court. It was unlike anything else. The whole crowd would cheer, and she wouldn't even have to do anything.

"It's hard to see someone you love so much be in so much pain. It's indescribable. You're sitting there, and you can't do anything about it. There's not much you can say. It's terrible."

On Monday, NFVB players streamed in and out of the BNCC office to sign a quilt, complete with volleyball patterns and pictures of Meghan. The quilt was crafted by Sue Haefner, the aunt of Roy-Hart player Molly Murphy, along with a friend, Jenine Morningdove.

"We all are praying for her and give her our best wishes, and it's the entire club," said Heather Feldman, a member of Eden's state championship team and one of hundreds of members of NFVB. "She has so many fans here, that she's made through volleyball, and she's an inspiration to all of us."

Meghan initially was diagnosed Dec. 12, 2008, midway through her eighth-grade year and after a successful junior varsity volleyball season, as well as a day after she tried out for the Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club team. Later that year, Meghan returned to Roy-Hart, where Holahan was her eighth-grade history teacher.

"You wouldn't believe the number of days she attended," he said. "She'd drag herself there. Sometimes, because of her treatments, she couldn't stay awake, or she'd be loopy -- but she just wanted to go to school and be a normal kid."

More persuasion

By her freshman year, she had another impressive year on junior varsity and earned a call-up to the varsity for the playoffs. At every step, Holahan was astounded by her "innate ability to lead" and her lack of bashfulness in talking to older players. At the end of the season, she did some more persuasion -- she would need another surgery, but she talked doctors into holding off until the end of volleyball.

"She told doctors, 'You're not going to cut me open now because I've got a couple of games left,'" Holahan recalled.

The Roy-Hart community rallied behind Meghan and her family -- parents Mike and Nancy and older brother Nick -- with several fundraisers and by establishing Meghan's Fund (see meghansfund.org to donate).

Last summer, Meghan had returned to the court and attended several volleyball camps. She attended a camp at the University of Wyoming with Shanahan, who had verbally committed to play Division I volleyball at the school.

This season was shaping up to be a special one at Roy-Hart, a small school that doesn't see a Division I athlete every year. Meghan, at 5-7, was an accomplished setter, the focal point of a volleyball offense, and she had as close a connection with the 6-2 Shanahan on the court as she did off it. They were the ideal volleyball yin and yang, Meghan placing the ball in the perfect spot in the air, Bridget rising up to it and hammering it down.

Then, in August, the cancer came back.

"When it did return, rather than the typical 'Woe is me,' her first thought was that it was so untimely," Holahan recalls Meghan saying. " 'It's [Shanahan's] senior year.'"

The first thing she told her coach when he visited her that month in Roswell Park was, "Let's get ready by Albion." Roy-Hart's main rival in the Niagara-Orleans League would visit the Rams on Sept. 21.

"She's there flat on her back," Holahan said, "but she knew Albion was coming up, and she was not going to let her teammates down."

Meghan was able to get back on the court for that match -- won by Albion -- and Holahan got her into any match he could.

Meghan was able to get back on the court for that match, after a few practices -- and a minor adjustment to how those practices started out. "For the first couple of practices she was able to be there for," Holahan said, "the ball would get hit over to her, and she'd set it, and the kids would start clapping.

"Meg got mad: 'I'm not 12 years old!'" Holahan recalled with a laugh. "So we worked that out -- it just bugged Meghan that they were clapping after making a play."

Holahan got Meghan into any game she could.

"She was definitely hurting, but if she was well enough to attend the practice or the game, we were able to get her in," he said. "That was the theme of the year, to try and do whatever we can to get Meghan in.

"Everybody adapted to the situation. We spent a lot of time talking at practices, not as much time drilling this year. We all knew what was going on -- that was more important."

And once Meghan got on the court, her teammates knew where the ball was going.

"Everyone's mindset was completely different," Shanahan said. "It was so much bigger than a volleyball game, that we were a family, and to get her the ball was more than just a good pass."

Meghan had some highlight games, including a 12-assist performance Sept. 27 against Barker, but getting on the court was an accomplishment itself.

'She'd get right up'

She had lost weight, and her strength had been sapped. Holahan said the gym floor never seemed so hard as it was when Meghan went down during a play. Shanahan was vigilant about helping her friend up -- even if it came in the middle of a point.

"Just to see the fire in her eyes as soon as she would be down on the floor," Shanahan said, "I would try and help her up as much as I could. And she'd get right up and get the next ball."

More than a few plays were heartwarming and heart-rending at the same time.

"You'd be clapping with tears running down your face," said Caryn Shanahan, Bridget's mother.

The sports pages from Roy-Hart's 2010 volleyball season forever will read that the Rams lost both matches against Albion and that they fell to eventual state champion Falconer in the Section VI Class C semifinals -- another match in which Meghan was able to play.

But different kinds of victories brought different things to cheer.

At Roy-Hart's "Dig Teal" night to raise awareness for Meghan and ovarian cancer -- while the pink ribbon is associated with breast cancer, the teal ribbon is associated with ovarian -- featured teal balloons and teal cookies.

But no one knew if Meghan was going to be able to make it -- until, walking with difficulty, she showed up about 12 minutes before the match. That was the Rams' allotted time for their prematch warm-up, but instead teammates visited and took pictures with Meghan, who on this night was so ill she couldn't stay for all the action.

'Amazing speech'

On Senior Night, Meghan was on hand to present flowers to Shanahan during the pregame ceremony.

And two weeks ago, Meghan, as Caryn Shanahan put it, "busted out" of Roswell Park to get to Roy-Hart to attend "Teal Night" at a basketball game. Meghan drew another ovation as she entered in a wheelchair.

Like their season, Roy-Hart volleyball's awards banquet took on a different meaning this year. Shanahan delivered a speech that Holahan called "amazing." In it she said, "sometimes winning isn't the most important thing."

"Everything that I thought is totally different," Shanahan said just after Monday's photo was taken, still holding Meghan's jersey.

"It's not about just me, and of course, volleyball is an important part of my life, but, ... volleyball will bring me back to the old times when she could set me the ball, and I would slam it down," she said with a big smile, moments after wiping away some tears. "When I'm on the court, she'll be right there with me."



Source:

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/high-schools/article292878.ece

MISSING MAN FOUND

Orchard Park police were looking for help from the WNY community in locating a missing man. Richard J. Krycia, 74, was last seen Monday around 11 a.m., police said.

He's been found.

He told police he was visiting a friend in Gasport.

ZION LUTHERAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Pastor Rodney Klinzing and the Zion Lutheran Church will be celebrating Christmas at these services:

Christmas at the Barn: 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve at Becker Farms

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve at the Church

Christmas Eve Late Service: 11:00 PM on Christmas Eve at the Church

TOWN OF ROYALTON MINUTES

The town has posted minutes from last week's public hearing about fire contracts and Terrys Corners' expansion:

http://townofroyalton.org/content/MinuteCategories/View/9:field=minutes;/content/Minutes/View/146

They also posted the minutes from the regular board meeting:

http://townofroyalton.org/content/MinuteCategories/View/9:field=minutes;/content/Minutes/View/147

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES REVIEWS GASPORT CUISINE

It's not often that a Gasport establishment is reviewed by a newspaper outside of the Niagara-Buffalo region. Walter Siebel, the restaurant reviewer for the Watertown Daily Times, has done just that in today's paper, looking at the meats prepared by Gasport's own European Meats and Deli. Pretty cool...


I had the opportunity to try some great smoked meats made by a Polish sausage maker in Western New York. His business, European Meats and Deli, is located in Gasport, north of Buffalo. Owner Walter Sadujko is the son of a butcher in Poland and brings old-world tradition to the craft.

What a great sausage fest! I got to try double-smoked Polish sausage, hunter's sausage, Hungarian hot sausage and smoked pork ribs.

The Polish sausage was thoroughly dried, much different from commercial kielbasa found in supermarkets. The drying concentrates the flavor and firms up the texture.

The hunter's sausage was similar, but with the addition of juniper berries and more black pepper and only smoked once

Hungarian hot sausage was smoked but not cooked like the others. It was long on paprika, which overshadowed the more subtle flavors.

The smoked ribs were a lot like ham, but a little fattier. They'd make a good base for a great pea or bean soup, but didn't fit the bill for a night of sausage sampling.

European Meats and Deli is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They generally have 15 to 20 products in the meat case and generously provide samples for their customers.

For more information, you can give them a call at 1(716) 772-2950. There's also a 2008 review of European Meats online: http://gasportnewyork.blogspot.com/2008/02/buffalo-news-looks-at-european-meat.html.


Source:

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20101219/COL01/312199995

WINE TRAIL 2011 EVENTS

The folks at the Niagara Wine Trail have announced their 2011 schedule of events, which should, once again, bring plenty of tourism activity to Gasport:

http://www.niagarawinetrail.org/pages/events.html

FIRE AT WHEELER RD. HOME

No one was injured early Thursday morning when a chimney fire started at a Wheeler Road, Gasport, home. Niagara County Sheriff deputies said they responded to the home and extinguished a majority of the fire before Wrights Corner Volunteer firefighters arrived. The homeowner said the fire started in his wood stove.

GASPORT WEB DIRECTORY UPDATED

I have updated the web directory, listing all Gasport websites I know of. Please let me know if I'm missing anything:

http://www.bobconfer.us/gasportlinks.html

SPECIAL FUNDRAISER AT GIRLS BASKETBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY

Rick DeWaters of the Booster Club sent along this message about a special event this Friday...

I wanted to let you all know that this Friday (12/17) evening's Girls Basketball Games will be special in that we will be selling carnations, roses and bumper stickers, and celebrating our dear friend, Meghan Redenbach, who is recovering from her fight with cancer. We hope that you can make a special effort to attend the game and cheer on Meghan's team, the Roy-Hart Lady Rams, as they look to to break into the win column in their home opener against league rival, the Newfane Lady Panthers. JV game starts at 5:30, with Varsity to follow. All proceeds will go toward helping Meghan fight this battle. By the way, it's a "Teal" night, so wear your teal colors! We'll see you at the game!

PROPERTY TAXES GOING UP

Last night the Niagara County legislature adopted its $310 million budget by a vote of 12-7. The average county tax rate will increase 14 cents, to $7.49 per $1,000 of property value. The rate varies by the town and city based on each municipality’s property valuation record.

What does that mean for Gasport?

In either of our two towns it's a 1.9% increase in taxes.

Taxpayers in Hartland will pay $8.44, up 16 cents, while Royalton taxpayers will pay $7.51, up 14 cents.

According to city-data.com, the median home value in Royalton is $102,769, meaning the median increase will be $14.39. That same website says Hartland homes have a median worth of $93,307, so the typical increase will be $14.93.

NO BINGO

Hartland has canceled Bingo for tonight due to the weather.

SCHOOL CLOSED

Roy-Hart is closed today due to the weather. The strongest lake effect bands are expected to dump another 7" to 12" on Eastern Niagara County today.

ROYALTON MEETS TONIGHT

The town board of Royalton meets tonight at the town hall. Festivities begin at 7:00 with a public hearing regarding Terry's Corner's expansion. That will be followed by a public hearing regarding fire contracts. Regular business will be addressed thereafter with the following agenda:

http://townofroyalton.org/content/Calendars/View/1;/content/CalendarEntries/View/1088

GASPORT MAN HURT IN FREAK HUNTING ACCIDENT

A driver in the town of Basom said the headlights from a DEC truck parked on Roberts Road prevented him from seeing a group of hunters standing along the road at 5:49 PM Saturday, causing an accident that injured the six men, including the DEC officer who was checking their hunting licenses.

Among the injured was Charles R. Smith, 72, of Gasport. He was transported to ECMC.

The driver, Erik Olsen, 55, of Basom was not injured. No citations were issued, according to the Sheriff's Office.

GASPORT MAN HURT IN HUNTING ACCIDENT

Local media outlets have been reporting on some WNY hunting accidents that have occurred this weekend. One of them was off Wolcott Road in Clarence around 7 a.m. when a Gasport man, Daniel Bernisky, was carried out of the woods after he fell approximately 20 feet from his tree stand. He was transported to Millard-Fillmore Suburban Hospital with a lower back injury.

ROY-HART CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

December 13th: High School Concert 7pm at High School Aud

December 14th: Grades 5 & 6 Concert 7pm at High School Aud

December 15th: Grades 7 & 8 Concert 7pm at High School Aud

BLOG GETS A FACE LIFT

The blog has looked exactly the same for the past 3 (+) years. It was getting kind of boring, so it just received a face lift. More minor tweaking will occur over the next few days.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA THIS SATURDAY

Presented by the Roy-Hart Elementary PTA
December 11th, 2010
9:30-12:30
In the Elementary School Gymnasium

Food and drinks
Free pictures with Santa (courtesy of Edge Imaging)
Face Painting
Create your own ornament
Opportunity to join the PTA
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift still?? School spirit will be on sale!!!

CHRISTMAS IN GASPORT THIS SUNDAY

The Gasport Beautification Committee's community Christmas Party for the Kids will be on Sunday Dec. 12 at 4pm at the Gasport Fire Hall. Santa will be visiting. They will be the lighting the Community Christmas Tree. There will be hot cocoa, cider, coffee, cookies, and popcorn. The Committee has received many raffle and Chinese Auction items. All Children who visit with Santa will get a ticket and goodie bag. The tickets will let them choose from the many presents on the table, when there ticket number is drawn. The Girl Scouts will be helping with the children's games, face painting and crafts.

LADY RAMS HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT

I received the following message from Rick DeWaters of the Roy-Hart Sports Boosters...


You might know that the Sports Booster Club and Girls Basketball will sponsor the annual Holiday Tournament this year, to be held in the high school gym on December 28 & 29. JV and Varsity teams from Cleve Hill, Lyndonville, Barker, and Roy-Hart will compete. JV games are scheduled for 2 & 4; and Varsity games are scheduled for 5:30 & 7 each day.

We are looking for volunteers -- parents, friends, coaches from other sports -- to help with concessions and admissions during all times listed. Please give this request some thought and consider giving a little of your time to help with this worthy cause. Profits from this event will support all R-H sports and student-athletes.

We are graciously accepting advertisements for the tournament program. You can do so by attaching your business or personal ad to an email addressed to bostonrick123@yahoo.com; and checks can be sent to: R-H Sports Boosters, PO Box 298, Middleport, NY 14105. All ads must be received no later than Monday, Dec. 20.

If you can lend a hand, please contact Rick at bostonrick123@yahoo.com or 716-531-0046.

GASPORT MAN RETIRING AS HEAD OF AIR NATIONAL GUARD UNIT

WKBW is reporting the following today...

Colonel Jim McCready will take command of the 107th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard in January, Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, announced today.

McCready, a combat veteran and East Aurora resident, is currently serving as the wing's vice commander, responsible for equipping and training the wing's 900 Airmen. He will replace Col. Patrick Ginavan, who will be retiring after 34 years of service in the Air Force and Air National Guard as both an enlisted Airman and an officer.

Ginavan, who began his service as an aircraft mechanic in 1976, has served as the commander of the 107th since 2005. He and his wife Jill live in Gasport. His sons Sam and Charlie are members of the 107th as is his daughter-in-law, Stasha.

A pilot with more than 3,300 hours of flying time, Ginavan was first assigned to the 107th as an instructor pilot in 1986 when the wing flew F-4 fighters. He then transitioned to F-16s and then the KC-135R tanker as the wing's aircraft changed. He was commissioned in 1983 after seven years of enlisted service.

He's pleased that McCready has been chosen to replace him and he knows he will do an excellent job, Ginavan said.

"I wish the best of luck to the 107th," he said. "I am very proud to have served this unit since 1986 and been a part of it and all the things we have been through."

Ginavan's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal , Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon .

A change of commander ceremony, in which the 107th Airlift Wing colors will be ceremonially transferred from Ginavan to McCready, signifying the change in command, will be scheduled in January.

Read the article --which speaks at length of McCready's background -- online at:

http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/East-Aurora-Resident-Will-Command-Air-National-Guard-Unit--111517644.html

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

If you're looking to get a gift for that special someone or maybe you're looking to add something to your wishlist, I have a great suggestion for you.

Earlier this year, Frederick Fierch of Middleport, in conjunction with Arcadia Publishing, released a pictorial book, Images of America: Royalton, Hartland and Middleport. It's 128 pages long and features a collection of awesome pictures highlighting our community's history. If you or someone you know really loves Gasport (and who wouldn't) this book is an awesome conversation starter and for many it will bring back some great memories. You won't be disappointed in the purchase.

You can buy it online here:

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

WARREN HULL STORY COMING

On New Year's weekend when I get some time, I'll be writing an article about Warren Hull for the Gasport website. Most Gasport residents don't know the hamlet was home to a Hollywood celebrity (and they can't appreciate how popular he used to be). If you have any pics or stories you'd like to share, please send me an email at bobconfer@juno.com

MITTEN TREE

The Mitten Tree went up last week and is now awaiting your donations.

This is the fourth year for this awesome program that is run by Absolut Care, the Gasport Lions Club and the Roy-Hart Schools.

Here’s how it works…

The tree is located at the corner of Main Street and Route 31.

Take a mitten from it and give a gift that is appropriate to the age/gender of the child noted on the mitten.

Attach the mitten to the unwrapped gift and drop it off by December 15th at Absolut Care or the Elementary School. The Lions Club will distribute the gifts in time for the holidays.

Please participate and make Christmas a little better for a child – maybe even your neighbor – who is in need. That’s what the holiday is all about.

THE IDENTITY OF THE PAINTER

I received emails from a couple members of the Elsenheimer family indicating that the painting mentioned in the previous post was done by Reuthven Kill who was also known as Bud. He farmed Orangeport Orchards for many years and took up painting when he retired. He painted many pictures of Gasport scenery including many of the farms and houses in the area and a lot of the canal bank where he loved to sit and look at nature.

CAN ANYONE IDENTIFY THIS PAINTER?

Back in the 1980s an older gentleman painted this picture of my grandmother's house, the house where I now live.

I was wondering if anyone knows who the painter was. The name in the corner says "Kill". This is for my curiosity and that of others...visitors to my office always ask me who painted it. It would be nice to let them (and me) know who did and a little about him.

If so, shoot me an email at bobconfer@juno.com

STEPHANIE VERRATTI OBITUARY

LOCKPORT — Stephanie J. Verratti went to be with the Lord and is resting in the arms of Jesus on December 2, 2010. Born August 15, 1984 in Amherst, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Sally (Gugliuzza) Moore of Lockport. Stephanie was a 2002 graduate of Lockport High School and a 2006 graduate from UB. She worked for Geico since 2006, where she was a claims adjuster. Stephanie was a member of the Lockport Alliance Church where she was involved with the youth group and Sunday School. She enjoyed soccer, music, playing the flute, going to Disney, shopping, loved to give and especially enjoyed dinner out with her family and friends. Stephanie was very competitive with games and cards.

Besides her parents, Stephanie is also survived by her husband of four years, whom she married July 29, 2006, Jeremy Verratti of Gasport. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth (Naomi) Moore, Jr.; granddaughter of Bertram and Lorraine Moore and the late John and Mary Gugliuzza; daughter-in-law of Dan Lee and Ruth Verratti; granddaughter-in-law of John and Mary Verratti and Naomi and the late John Brereton; sister-in-law of Daniel (Katie) Verratti, Ben (Jill) Verratti, Anna (Tim) Wasson, Esther Verratti and Christine (Ben) Goodwin; several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Sunday 4-7 PM and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 AM in the Lockport Alliance Church, 555 Davison Rd., Lockport. Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorials to the Lockport Alliance Church Youth Group would be appreciated by the family.

Please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com to leave an online condolence to the family.

FOLLOW UP TO ACCIDENT STORY

On this website's Facebook page it was asked what Stephanie Verratti's maiden name was. It was Moore and she was a 2002 graduate of the Lockport School District.

WKBW is also reporting on the accident:

http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/Millersport-Crash-Now-a-Fatal-111265724.html

SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, December 5th, Zion Church Youth Group is hosting an All You Can Eat Spaghetti Luncheon starting at around 11:45 or so. This is one of their main fund-raisers. The cost is a "free will offering" of your choice. They will also be holding a Chinese Auction with various baskets to be raffled off. Their main item, donated by the Heschke family, is a Nintendo DSI XL.

WIVB COVERAGE OF ACCIDENT

WIVB channel 4 has coverage of the fatal accident. But I have not embedded the video into this post as I normally would because the default image for the video is the mangled car. If you'd like to watch the TV news segment, go here:

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/erie/Icy-crash-claims-life-of-young-woman

ACCIDENT VICTIM HAS PASSED AWAY

This morning, local media outlets are reporting that Stephanie Verratti - the accident victim mentioned in the previous post - has, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries.

GASPORT WOMAN HURT IN CRASH

If you were listening to local radio today, you know a section of Millersport was closed for quite a while today. It was because of an accident that according to the Buffalo News website inolved a Gasport woman...

A Gasport woman was seriously injured this morning in a collision between her car and a tractor-trailer on Millersport Highway, Amherst police reported.

Stephanie J. Verratti, 26, was driving south on Millersport, near Transit Road, shortly before 8 a.m. when her car jumped the median and went into the northbound lane, police said. The car was hit on the passenger side by a tractor-trailer driven by Michael P. Reisinger, 31, of Highland, Mich.

Verratti was removed from her car by members of the Swormville Fire Co. and initially taken by ambulance to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. She later was transferred to Erie County Medical Center; an update on her condition wasn't available.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, police said, but it appears that icy conditions were a factor in the crash. No charges were filed.

DECEMBER READERS POLL: OUTDOOR RECREATION

We are pretty fortunate that our community has some interesting and substantial public lands within our borders. The Erie Canal and places like Royalton Ravine Park afford our residents -- and visitors -- the chance to partake in any number of outdoor pursuits from sports to boating to hiking to cross-country skiing.

That brings us to the December reader's poll, asking "Which public asset in Gasport is your top choice for outdoor recreation or relaxation?"

The choices are...

Royalton Ravine Park
Hartland Town Park
Veterans Park
The Elementary School grounds
The Erie Canal (on shore)
The Erie Canal (on the water)

To participate, refer to the poll function in the toolbar on the right of this website. The poll ends on New Year's Eve.