LABOR DAY HARVEST FESTIVAL AT BECKER FARMS

Labor Day Weekend, September, 2nd & 3rd: Celebrate the beginning of the fall harvest season by spending a beautiful fall day at Becker Farms. Already-picked apples are available in the farm market. There will be pony rides, hayrides, playgrounds and petting zoo activities for the kids. The Brewery and Winery will be open for the adults, along with chicken B.B.Q, and BBC's local lunches.

SADDLE UP FOR ROSWELL

On September 15th, Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center at 7913 Chestnut Ridge Rd in Gasport will host the 7th Saddle Up for Roswell.

This is a wonderful horse show where the riders raise money for Roswell. The day benefits cancer research and patient care in Western New York at Roswell park Cancer Institute. The Chestnut Ridge Equestrian community is passionate about cancer – a cause that has touched so many in one way or another – and are proud to partner with Roswell Park to assist those who face this disease. Over the past 6 years, the Center has raised $75,737. Last year alone they had over a hundred riders, raising $10,427.

In order to continue this special event for a great cause, they are seeking both in-kind and monetary donations. They also sponsor a basket raffle at the event. Donors would receive exposure on many levels from hundreds of participants, ads in the newspapers, TV spots, links with USEA (United States Eventing Association) and USDF (United States Dressage Foundation).

For more information please contact Megan Gamin, Co-Chair of Saddle Up for Roswell, at (716) 772-7703 or pistolmeg@thegamins.com.

Check out the Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center at http://chestnutridgeequestriancenter.com/ 

HARTLAND PROPOSES TAX CAP OVERRIDE

Notice of Public Hearing
Town of Hartland

Please take notice that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hartland on the 13th day of September, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., at the Town Hall, 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport, New York, on the adoption of a proposed local law entitled, ' 'A Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit Established by General Municipal Law ? 3-c, ' ' an abstract of which is as follows: Said Local Law will allow the Town of Hartland to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2013, that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the limit specified in General Municipal Law  3-c.

The complete text of said law is on file at the Office of the Town Clerk, and is available for review by any interested person during business hours. At such public hearing, all persons interested, who wish to be heard, will be heard.

Dated: August 22, 2012 Cynthia S. Boyler, Town Clerk Town of Hartland

BRING ARCHERY TO ROY-HART

Because of pop culture (the Hunger Games, Brave, the Avengers, etc.), archery is seeing a rise in popularity across all age groups. Roy-Hart should capitalize on that and bring the sport to our gym classes. Not only does it create a foundation for a lifelong pursuit in a sport based in discipline,  but it also opens the doors to getting youth involved in bow hunting.

Here's how....

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a cooperative effort between state conservation departments, school systems and private organizations to help engage young citizens in outdoor activities and participate in the enduring sport of archery. The program promotes student education, physical education, and lifelong participation in archery. Since its inception in March 2002, more than 4 million students at over 8,500 schools located in 47 states and 5 countries have participated in NASP. New York was the 44th state to implement the program and school participation continues to grow each year.

NASP-New York is dedicated to providing quality instruction, information, and support for implementation of archery in physical education curriculums for grades 4-12. Safety and a positive atmosphere for students are emphasized. The program helps build muscle, endurance, and flexibility, and helps develop hand-eye-coordination, grip, and body strength. Archery is a non-discriminatory sport and can be taught through this program to almost any student of nearly any age or skill level. Educators report that NASP "engages the unengaged" and inspires students to greater achievement in school.

The NY Department of Environmental Conservation is looking for volunteers to assist in training physical education teachers for NASP. If anyone is interested in volunteering or knows of a school that would like to join the program, please contact Melissa Bailey, the state program coordinator for NASP-NY at 315-793-2515 or via e-mail.


Check out NASP-NY's photo gallery: http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/81945.html

UPCOMING HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES IN GASPORT

Hunting is a huge part of the rural lifestyle in Gasport. It puts food on our tables and creates great adventures in the outdoors.

If you'd like to bring a family member -- young or old -- into the sport, check out the following licensing courses this fall...

Hartland Conservation Club, Orangeport Rd., You must Pre-register! Call Walt at 716-778-5288 after 4:00pm. Class size is limited to 50 students. You must attend all sessions (all 6:00 to 9:30 PM).

09/10/2012•Mon
09/12/2012•Wed
09/14/2012•Fri

Little Ridge Archery (Alvord's), 8862 Ridge Rd. You must Pre-register. Call Roy and Nancy at 716-772-7598 between 1:00pm and 8:00pm only. Class size is limited to 20 students. You may bring a beverage. You must attend all sessions (all 6:00 to 10:00 PM).

10/15/2012•Mon
10/17/2012•Wed
10/19/2012•Fri

ROY-HART FOOTBALL ON WLVL: SEPT. 7th

WLVL recently released its high school football broadcast schedule and Roy-Hart returns to the airwaves on Friday, September 7th when the Roy-Hart/Barker squad hosts rival Medina at 7:00 PM. Listen to Norm Palmer and his crew call the game on-air at 1340 AM or online at www.wlvl.com

LABOR DAY CELEBRATION IN MIDDLEPORT

Don’t Miss the annual Middleport Labor Day Festivities

Saturday, September 1, 2012 is the date for the annual Middleport Labor Day Festivities. This fun-filled family-oriented event takes place on the Village Commons, located on Park Avenue between Main and Vernon Streets in Middleport. The day begins at 7:30am with a Farmer’s Breakfast at the Masonic Lodge, sponsored by Boy Scout Troup 23, and ends with a chicken barbeque, at the Methodist Church, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Other food and refreshments will be available throughout the day from various community organizations and groups. Vendors, crafters, and organizations will be set up on the Village Commons, and various other events and activities will take place throughout the day.

The Rotary Club of Middleport is hosting the popular basket raffle in St. Stephen’s parish hall. Numerous baskets, goods, and certificates for goods and services have been generously donated by area merchants and organizations. The Rotary Club of Middleport gives out several scholarships each year, as well as supporting various area and international programs. There is also a bag book sale at the library from 9:00am to 3:00pm sponsored by The Friends of The Library. A bag of books can be purchased for $2.00. 

The Clute-Phillips American Legion Auxiliary will also host its annual cookie sale in the Common. This is the only fund raiser for Legion Auxiliary. The popular Goat Chip Bingo will take place on the commons, sponsored by the Royalton Hartland Business and Professional Association, with the winner selected at 3:00pm. A farmers’ market offering produce and products from several area farms will also be located on the Commons.

A Kiddie Parade will be held at 2:00pm, with the Hot Country Liners dancing immediately after the parade. All area children are invited to participate in the 2:00pm Charles Shepherd Memorial Kiddie Parade. There are seven different categories to enter in. These include WAGON, BICYCLE, TRICYCLE, COSTUME, SMALL FLOAT, BUGGY and "CLUB". Everyone wins a prize!!! Line-up and registration is at 1:20 p.m. in the parking lot behind Middleport Village Hall. Judging begins PROMPTLY at 1:30 p.m. Monetary prizes are First Place $ 10.00, Second Place $ 7.00, and Third Place $ 5.00 for each category and One BEST OVERALL prize of $ 25.! The parade is sponsored by the Middleport Area Tourism and Beautification Committee. Area businesses and individuals are also invited to join in the parade. If you have an antique or classis car, it would be a great way to show it off. Any questions, please call Marty Ulrich at 434-8622.

CAR WASH THIS WEEKEND

The Roy-Hart girls volleyball team will be holding a car wash and bake sale this Saturday, August 25th from noon till 4:30 at Middleport Tractor on Route 31 in Middleport. There is no set charge for the car wash...it is a good will donation.

BBQ & CAR SHOW THIS SUNDAY IN HARTLAND

This coming Sunday, August 26th, there will be a car show and chicken barbeque at the Hartland Fire Hall on Ridge Road. Car show registration is from 9:00 till noon. Chicken service begins at 12:00. Cost is $8 and takeout is available.

CELEBRATE HARTLAND AT HARRIS FARMS THIS WEEKEND

Hartland's bicentennial celebration continues this Saturday with a special event at Harris Farms on Route 104 in Gasport. Starting at 5:00 they will have a sundae bar for kids, magicians, and games. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and corn will be available, too, for a small fee.

BACON TO SPEAK AT HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S SEPTEMBER MEETING

The Town of Royalton and Town of Lockport Historical Societies will hold their September joint
meeting at the Royalton Town Hall, 5613 Royalton Center Rd, Middleport on Thursday, September 6
at 7:00 PM.

The guest speaker with be Niagara County Deputy Historian, Craig Bacon.  He will be discussing
Visions of Lockport and talking about resources and research done at the Niagara County Historians
office.  All are welcome!! 

Please feel free to call Jennifer Bieber at 716-735-7335 if you have any questions. 

LIBRARY'S BOOK CLUB STARTS SEPTEMBER 18th

The Book Club at the Royalton Hartland Community Library is back! Now that summer is over, any interested adult or teen is invited to attend the first meeting of the Book Club on Tuesday, September 18 at 7 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the library, 9 Vernon Street in Middleport.

It's a perfect time for new members to join the club as it is the first meeting since the summer break. Readers are asked to tell about a recent book they have enjoyed or even one that they were disappointed in. The group usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month and any interested adults and teens are invited to attend.

"This is a very causal group," explains Library Director Rose Bernard. "It's for people who love to read and want to share their latest discoveries. New members are always welcome."

The Royalton Hartland Community Library provides residents a wide variety of programs and services that can be found in more detail on the library’s website at www.RoyHartCommunityLibrary.com. For more information about the Book Club or any of the library's other programs, call the library at 735-3281.

SEPTEMBER 1st BOOK SALE AT LIBRARY

Avid readers are hereby given notice of the next $2 a bag book sale that will take place Saturday, September 1 during the Annual Middleport Festivities. Books that have been donated, and there are a lot of them, will be available for an amazing $2 bag from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royalton Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon Street in Middleport.

The library’s $2 a bag book sale is a nice opportunity for readers to get some good reads at great prices. These book sales, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, are held periodically throughout the year at the Royalton Hartland Community Library.

The sales feature books for all ages as well as a limited number of previously used games and puzzles. Most of these items sold during these book sales are donated by residents for someone else to read and enjoy along with a small number of outdated or discarded materials from the library’s shelves.

For more information about the book sale, call the library at 735-3281. The Royalton Hartland Community Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.RoyHartCommunityLibrary.com .

DOMSTOCK: SEPTEMBER 8th

Dominick Ciliberto is one helluva guy.

The owner/operator of All Metal Works and Petunia's Pizza is one of Gasport's best and brightest citizens.

Not only has he opened up businesses to help our local economy, he's also opened up his heart to help a wide variety of causes, including The Ronald McDonald House and Relay for Life (click here for the story).

His next endeavor is also quite extraordinary. He will be hosting Domstock, a pig roast with entertainment provided by Last Call and Nine Miles to Empty. Cost is $20. Dominick will be donating the proceeds (at least $5,000) to Niagara Hospice.

Impressive.

ROUTE 93 WILL BE UNDER REPAIR

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced that a culvert replacement project will begin on NY Route 93, in the town of Royalton, Niagara County. As a result, beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, NY Route 93 will be closed to all traffic, in both directions, in the vicinity of Old Akron Road. Motorists will be directed to follow a posted detour route. This closure is expected to last for 10 days.

This work is weather-sensitive and may be delayed in the event of inclement weather.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver's license.

For real-time travel information, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org. Find NYSDOT on the web at www.dot.ny.gov.

100-MILE RUN GOES THROUGH GASPORT THIS WEEKEND

Sam Pasceri, known for hosting the 100-mile Beast of Burden run the past three winters, is directing the summer version of the race this weekend.

The Summer 100 endurance race is an ultra-distance run that takes place on the historic Erie Canal towpath. It begins at the Widewaters Marina on Saturday and lasts 24 hours. The race will follow the same path that it did in the winter, making it's way through Gasport on a 25-mile path that is done 4 times over a 24 hour period.

For more info, visit: http://summer100.com/

BARREL CONTEST AT TOWN HALL

Deputy town clerk Pat Hinds sent along this message...

We are having a vote for your favorite barrel contest here at our Royalton Town Hall. The empty barrels were placed here by the Gasport Beautification Committee and each department was asked to take a barrel to plant. Some as you can see by the pictures have a theme and others are just filled with beautiful flowers. Please stop by and place your vote for your favorite Town Barrel. There are five barrels outside of the Royalton Town Hall labeled A, B, C, D, or H.  Located at the Town Clerks counter there are pictures of all the barrels and a note pad for you to vote. The winning department will be announced on the last day of summer, September 21, 2012.

REV. JACKIE THOMPSON HAS PASSED AWAY

The Reverend Jacqueline Ann "Jackie" Thompson --- who called the Covenant United Church of Christ her home for the past 8 years before her very recent retirement -- passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 9th, 2012, in Newfane, NY. Jacqueline is survived by sons, Tim (Bessie) VanKouwenberg, Tom (Jennifer) VanKouwenberg, and Todd (Diana) VanKouwenberg; grandchildren Erika, Tim, Jack and Ben; her mother Rosalie Wiarda; brother, Ron (Dorie) Brouillette; sister Penny Shockley; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; former husband Ted VanKouwenberg; and by her loving, caring and supportive church family. She is predeceased by her father Jack Wiarda; and her brother Stephen Wiarda.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Norton Funeral Home, 45 West Main Street in Sodus. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Sodus Point United Methodist Church. Jackie's family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be directed to the Covenant U.C.C., 4449 Main Street, Gasport, NY 14067. 

There will be a memorial service at the Covenant Church in the coming days. Details will be noted here.

On-line condolences to Jackie's family may be sent to:

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/democratandchronicle/guestbook.aspx?n=jacqueline-thompson&pid=159077777&cid=view

GASPORT RESIDENTS SURVIVE CLOSE CALL ON NIAGARA RIVER

Today's Buffalo News is reporting that 2 Gasport residents -- Donna Fraser and Michelle Zimmerman -- had a close call on the Niagara River last night when the sailboat they were passengers of had struck a shoal and began taking on water.

The water depths prevented a police boat from reaching the disabled vessel, but luckily, a Good Samaritan in the form of  Angela Vallone used her jet ski to rescue the boaters.

Read about the adventure here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/buffalo/article982141.ece

BRIAN WHEAT IN BUFFALO TONIGHT

Gasport native Brian Wheat is a talented musician who now calls Minneapolis home. He is beginning a new tour and where better to start than Buffalo! You can find him tonight at Larkin Square.

We conducted an interview with him in 2008. Learn about Brian here:

http://gasportnewyork.blogspot.com/2008/01/gasport-has-produced-some-folks-of-wide.html