SKYLA DENNIS BENEFIT IN HARTLAND

7-year-old Skyla Dennis of Barker was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. To help handle the expenses associated with her medical treatment there is a benefit this Saturday at the Hartland Fire Hall.

Admission is free and it runs from 1 to 7 p.m.

Pasta dinners will be sold starting at 2 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6 to 12 years. Children 5 and younger eat for free.

A basket auction will be held at 4:30 p.m. There are more than 100 baskets and gift certificates. A 50/50 split and a live auction will also be held. The door prize is valued at $3,000.

To learn more about Skyla, read this article from past Sunday's Union Sun & Journal:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x493480983/Princess-Warrior

LIBRARY LOOKING FOR BOARD MEMBERS

The Roy-Hart Library is looking for board member candidates.

Details here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/communities/x2117357717/Roy-Hart-Library-trustee-candidates-sought

ACCIDENT VICTIM FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST ROYALTON

A man who was left a quadriplegic after his motorcycle collided with a pickup in Royalton last year filed a lawsuit last week against the pickup driver.

But the lawsuit by David N. Baier of Mill Road, Royalton, also names Niagara County and the Town of Royalton as co-defendants.

The suit filed by attorney Richard P. Amico of the Rochester office of the Cellino & Barnes law firm asserts that the intersection of Gasport and Bunker Hill roads, where the crash occurred, doesn’t comply with state Department of Transportation design standards.

Read the Buffalo News report here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/all-niagara-county/quadriplegic-sues-other-driver-local-governments-over-crash-20140427 

RAILROAD REPAIRS

Some railroad crossings in Royalton are being repaired and replaced over the next few weeks. They will be closed for extended periods and completely impassable for all traffic.

Monday, April 28 until the afternoon of Monday, May 5: Central Avenue in Gasport

Monday, May 5 until the afternoon of Monday, May 12: Bolton Road

Monday, May 12 until the afternoon of Monday, May 19: Royalton Center Road

SPORTS BOOSTERS DINNER & AUCTION

The 5th annual ROY-HART SPORTS BOOSTERS DINNER/AUCTION is SATURDAY, MAY 3rd at the Middleport Fire Hall. Doors open at 5:30 this year with a special raffle that coincide with the running of the Kentucky Derby. The bar will be open so come early and watch the Derby. Post time is 6:24! Dinner tickets are $25.00 and will be available for purchase at the door. The ticket includes pasta dinner, beer, wine, pop and door prizes. Dinner will be served at 7:00 with 50/50 raffles and door prizes announced throughout the evening. The Last Call Band will start around 8:00.

Make sure you don't miss the silent auction as well as the live auction. A number of great items will be available to the highest bidder!

Many individuals and local businesses have been extremely generous for this years auction. But it's still not to late to donate. The Boosters are always looking for additional baskets, items to raffle, gift cards and/or items for the live auction to make this event a great success.

Roy-Hart Sports Boosters has been providing financial support for Roy-Hart's "non-mandatory" sports programs for the past five years. Within the past five years we have seen changes in these sports programs due to financial constraints. With the generous donations from individuals and businesses in the community, the Roy-Hart Sports Boosters has continues to be a viable organization that benefits the children of Roy-Hart. A number of items have been and continue to be purchased with funds raised by Booster sponsored events.

Please join them in making this year's dinner/auction as successful as it has been in the past. Whether you have children currently in R-H sports programs, you have had children who have benefited from R-H sports programs or you will have children involved in R-H sports programs this is a great evening that we can all can come together and raise a little money to benefit OUR children. As always, the Sports Boosters are grateful for your support.

Any questions or concerns, please fell free to contact Frank Maynard at fmaynard@rochester. rr.com or Melissa Waite-Schwab at mschwab2@rochester.rr.com.

FIRE COMPANY OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEKEND

Fire departments from across New York are opening their doors this weekend (April 26th and 27th) as they look for new volunteer members as a part of the fourth annual Recruit-New York campaign. Fire companies need more volunteers since membership has fallen off in recent years. Participating departments gives tours of their firehouses, allow visitors to try on turnout gear and talk about volunteering.

Gasport area fire halls will be hosting the following open houses:

Gasport: 10 till 4 Saturday
Hartland: 8 till 5 Saturday and Sunday
Terry's Corners: 1 till 4 Sunday

NATIVE PLANTS CLASS AT ROY-HART LIBRARY

Now that planting season is around the corner, many gardeners are confused by the unprecedented number of plants available to use in their garden beds. Have you ever wondered if native plants do better than some old stand bys? You can get all the dirt on the issue at the Royalton Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon Street in Middleport on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m.

Karen Cavanaugh, a Master Gardener from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be in the upstairs Community Meeting Room at the library to present “Using Native Plants in the Garden.” While there are problems and benefits associated with using native plants, they are not always clear.

The May 6 presentation by Cavanaugh will both provide information about native plants and their pros and cons, as well as answer questions from participants. This program, sponsored by the Royalton Hartland Community Library, is one of the many programs offered to home gardeners and professional horticulturists by the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Niagara County.

“Now is the time to get some answers from an expert about what is best to use for your garden before you purchase plants for this season’s landscaping around the home,” says Rose Bernard, Library Director. 

“There is no charge for the session and residents can call (716) 735-3281 with questions about the program or to register” she adds.

For more information about “Using Native Plants in the Garden” and the library’s other programs, please call the library at (716) 735-3281. Additional details can also be found online at the library’s website at www.RoyHartCommunityLibrary.com .

NY'S A.G. BRINGS LAWSUIT AGAINST JRJ CONTRACTING

The New York Attorney General’s Office is taking action against contractors who don’t deliver, including the owner of JRJ Contracting in Western New York.

The New York Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit Justin Jerge, owner of JRJ Contracting based in Gasport. Attorneys say that over the last 18 months, Jerge has taken thousands of dollars from his clients, without finishing the home improvements they contracted him to do. In some cases, Jerge never did any work at all.

Read the report on WIVB's website:

http://wivb.com/2014/04/18/ag-local-contractor-took-money-never-finished-work/

ROY-HART GOES "BLUE 4 BEN"

Roy-Hart students collected $1,000 in donations for the families of 2 sick children. Read the report here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/communities/x2117337698/Roy-Hart-students-go-Blue-4-Ben

HARTLAND CRIMES

East Niagara Post is reporting today that some juveniles attempted to break into a Hartland home. See what happens when there's no school for a week! 

http://www.eastniagarapost.com/2014/04/trespassing-teens-may-have-attempted.html

The Cup and Saucer was also burglarized recently....

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/police-blotter/hungry-thief-grabs-cash-and-a-pie-in-a-restaurant-burglary-20140416

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING: APRIL 17th

The Royalton Town Board will hold a Special Board Meeting with the Town Accountants at the Royalton Town Hall at 10:30 AM today to review the Annual Update Document (AUD) for 2013. All are welcome to attend.

FITCHLEE TO SPEAK AT ROYALTON

The Historical Societies of the Town of Royalton and the Town of Lockport will hold a joint meeting on Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be at the Royalton Town Hall located at 5316 Royalton Center Road, Middleport.

This month's speaker will be Royalton native and town of Lockport resident Everett Fitchlee. Mr. Fitchlee is a WW II Air Force Veteran. He will show film of a live mission by the B-17 bombers. This film was made by a photographer assigned to the bomb group. He will also be speaking about his WW II experiences aboard the B-17 "Pistol Packing Momma."

You do not need to be a member to attend their meetings. Everyone is invited. It promises to be a very interesting and informative program. If you need any more information, please call Town of Royatlon Historical Society President, Jennifer Bieber at 716 735-7335.

ROYALTON'S STOLEN FUNDS ARE RETURNED

The Union Sun and Journal is reporting today that the town of Royalton has secured the return of all of the funds stolen in a recent high-tech theft: 

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x1445050485/Missing-money-returned-to-Royalton

FMC INVITES LOCAL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL ANTHEM CONTEST

Area students can join others nationwide this spring by entering their best singing renditions of our national anthem in a special contest hosted by FMC, which operates the Agricultural Solutions plant in Middleport.

Called the “2014 Stand & Be Heard Anthem Singing Contest,” the competition will result in a grand prize winner and three other finalists sharing in a total of $25,000 in college scholarships, participating in a Nashville recording session and having their singing videos featured on national cable TV.

The contest is open to all students nationwide, between the ages of 13 and 21, who are members of a national agriculture-related student organization such as the Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H or the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA).

“FMC is very committed to the principle of ‘investing in farming’s future’ and believe this contest is a great way to help young people pursue their education while also honoring America with their renditions of our national anthem,” said Noel Parker, FMC Middleport plant manager. “It would be exciting to have local students participate.”

The anthem-singing contest is also being conducted in recognition of FMC’s new Anthem® and Anthem® ATZ herbicides that help protect property and crops worldwide by providing better weed control.

Eligible applicants can submit videos of their singing of the national anthem by visiting

www.FMC-Middleport.com. Videos entered will be posted for public viewing and voting to determine finalists in four geographic regions and also the grand prize winner. The deadline for entries is June 20.

The grand prize winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and the three other finalists will each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

CCE NIAGARA'S PHOTO CONTEST

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County invites you to participate in their 2014 Photo Contest. This contest is perfect for Gasport residents as it celebrates our agricultural heritage.

The theme is:  “A Good Thing Growing – Celebrating Niagara County Agriculture”. 

They are looking to recognize, promote and celebrate:

• farmers and their families
• the produce they grow
• the animals they raise
• the beauty of their land and
• their contribution to our community

The winners will receive:

• First Place:  $100 cash prize,
• Second Place: $50 cash prize,
• Third Place:  $25 cash prize and
• 2 honorable mentions $15 and $15.

All prizes will be awarded during the closing ceremonies of the fair on Sunday August 3, 2014.

The photo contest rules can be downloaded here:

http://cceniagaracounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2014-photo-contest-Rules.pdf

The photo release form can be found here:

http://cceniagaracounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-release.pdf

HARTLAND EASTER EGG HUNT

Residents of the town of Hartland are encouraged to bring their children to an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:00 Saturday, April 12th at the Hartland Historical Society's Schoolhouse (Carmen and Seaman Roads). Arrive early to register for hunt, which is open to kids aged 2 to 10.

ROY-HART BUDGET

Last night the Roy-Hart school board approved the 2014-2105 budget, featuring a 2.9% tax increase and a few cuts. Read about it in the Lockport Union Sun and Journal:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x1445037476/Budget-adopted-in-Roy-Hart?zc_p=0

TUESDAY WAS "DICK LANG DAY"

The Niagara County Legislature declared Tuesday “Dick Lang Day” in honor of the longtime high school wrestling coach who also served as a conservation law enforcement officer and Royalton town supervisor.Read about it at the Buffalo News...

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/all-niagara-county/niagara-legislature-recognizes-veteran-wrestling-coach-lang-20140408

ASSESSMENT SEMINAR IN ROYALTON

The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance will hold an “Information Only” presentation on how the assessment process works. This presentation will be held at the Royalton Town Hall on Monday, April 14, 2014 immediately following the Regular Town Board meeting scheduled at 7:00 PM. This will be for information only -- generic questions or personal assessment questions are to be addressed at the Assessor’s office.

HARTLAND HEARING ON ADDRESS ID-ING

Hartland is having a public hearing on Thursday regarding proposed rules that would change the way addresses are identified. Here is the US&J's report...

http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/x1445035020/Public-hearing-set-in-Hartland-for-Thursday

VETERANS OUTREACH THIS THURSDAY

The town of Royalton will be hosting the Veterans Outreach Program this Thursday, April 10th from 9:00 till 4:30. Interested parties can meet with representatives to review their benefits.

Please call the Town Clerks Office for appointments at 716.772.2431. Each appointment is about an hour long. Please bring your discharge papers with you.

GASPORT LIONS EASTER EGG HUNT

FIGHT AT GASPORT BUS GARAGE

East Niagara Post reports on a fight at the bus garage in Gasport...

http://www.eastniagarapost.com/2014/04/fight-at-royalton-ridge-road-express.html

LONG-TIME ROY-HART TEACHER MR. SMUGOR HAS PASSED AWAY

Carl D. Smugor of Lockport, NY passed away on Sunday April 6, 2014 in Eastern Niagara Hospital, Lockport. Born on November 12, 1928 in Olean, NY, he was the son of John and Amelia Malick Smugorzewski. Carl was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1953 – 55 during the Korean Conflict. He received a B.S., Industrial Arts Education in 1953 and a M.S., Industrial Education from Buffalo Teachers’ College. He taught in the Junior and Senior High School of Royalton-Hartland Central Schools retiring in 1986. Carl was a member of St. John the Baptist RC Church, The Kenan Center, Niagara County Historical Society and The Dale Association.

Carl is survived by his wife, Deanna Drabek Smugor; four children, Amy (Patrick) Seaman of Kendall, NY, Daniel (Kelly) Smugor of TN, Christine (Thayne) Peterson of UT and Julie (Charles) Zicari of Albion, NY; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; one sister, Clara (late James) Robinson and two step children, James Ramier and Michelle (John) Gilbert. He is predeceased by three brothers, Leo, Michael and Joseph.

Friends may call on Tuesday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at LANGE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 186 East Ave., Lockport, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM from St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport, NY. Interment in Cold Springs Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to The Dale Association.

Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.langefuneralhomeinc.com/Obituaries/ViewObituary.asp?id=394

R-H BOOSTERS ANNUAL DINNER

POTTER RE-ENACTOR TO APPEAR AT LIBRARY

One of the world’s most loved children’s book authors and illustrators will be making a visit to the Royalton Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon Street in Middleport on Saturday, April 5 at  2 p.m. Well, sort of.

Gretchen Murray Sepik will be playing the role of Ms. Potter in the upstairs Community Meeting Room where she will share details from the life of Beatrix Potter and narrate “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and “The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse”. The program is sure to awaken the joy of storytelling to children as well as encourage them to read, write and illustrate stories of their own.

Children and adults will also learn about Potter and her life in England throughout the 30 to 45 minute long program. Audience members who are familiar with these two tales are asked to assist Ms. Potter’s narration as she is sometimes forgetful. Fans may want to read up before Potter’s visit in order to be able to help.

This educational and entertaining program is appropriate for all ages, especially families and they are encouraged to register in advance by calling the library at (716) 735-3281.

Gretchen Murray Sepik, who will be portraying Beatrix Potter, is a well-known storyteller who performs across New York State and Pennsylvania. A resident of Albion, Sepik is currently a part of the Young Audiences of Western New York, where she has been honored for her work with students and her commitment to learning through the arts.

For more information about the visit of Beatrix Potter and the library’s other programs please call the library at (716) 735-3281. Additional details can be found online at the library’s website at www.RoyHartCommunityLibrary.com .