SUNDAY'S FIRE IN GASPORT

On Sunday, March 29th, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting a house fire at 4803 Gasport Road. Upon arrival, patrol units observed dark colored smoke and flames on the north west corner of the house. Gasport Chemical Hose Company, along with Terry's Corners Fire Company, responded to extinguish the fire. All residents were able to exit the house safely. A pet was reported trapped in the house but was eventually rescued by fire personnel.

The estimate of damage is undetermined at this time. The investigation is continuing by the Niagara County Origin and Cause Unit.

BECCA'S CLOSET DISTRIBUTING PROM DRESSES

Do you have a family member in financial need who is finding it difficult to send their daughter to the prom? Read on...

Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman and the project she created prior to her passing in 2003. Becca's Closet donates formal attire to high school girls with financial need who otherwise would not be able to attend their schools' military balls, homecomings and proms. Their mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. You can learn about Becca's Closet here: http://www.beccascloset.org/

The Women Helping Others organization at Zion Lutheran Church in Gasport opened a chapter of Becca's Closet and over the past few weeks they have been collecting slightly used or new prom dresses to distribute at NO COST to girls in need in the area.

The will be distributing the dresses (sizes 0 to 26, with accessories) the next two weekends from the Church on Saturday, April 4th and Saturday April 11th from 10am to 4pm. If you are in need of a dress, please schedule your appointment by contacting Paula at ladytinny559@gmail.com or 716.471.6446.

This is yet another example of the excellent local missions conducted by the good people at Zion.

EASTER WEEKEND AT ZION CHURCH

Here is what's happening at Zion Lutheran Church on Easter weekend...

Good Friday (April 3rd) - Join them at 3pm at Covenant United Church of Christ for a Crosswalk through Gasport. Later in the day, at 7pm, the congregation gathers at Zion for a Good Friday Service of Shadows.

Easter Sunday (April 5th) - Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 7am, followed by their ever-awesome Congregational Pancake Breakfast at 8am. A special Sunday School hour follows breakfast, and then their 10:30am service will continue to hear the sounds of Easter celebration!

FROZEN TICKETS

For those who purchased tickets for the Frozen meet & greet brunch at Terry's Corners and have been wondering where your tickets are after having purchased them online...

The tickets won't be coming, but you still have a reservation.

Reservations will be held at the door for your time slot by last name. Please bring a copy of the receipt (digital or paper) for proof of purchase to avoid any discrepancies. 

They apologize for the confusion with their online sales site. No tickets will be physically mailed to your residence.

GASPORT BRIDGE CLOSURE EXTENDED

Now the New York State Department of Transportation is saying that the estimated date of completion of painting of the lift bridge in Gasport has been extended. We were supposed to see the bridge open to traffic on April 30th but completion is now being pegged from anywhere between May 1st to May 29th (yes, that's a wide range), with it being more likely towards the second half of May. 

MRS. SEWARD HAS PASSED AWAY

Roy-Hart alumni will remember the lovable Mrs. Seward, who had served the district as a substitute music teacher from 1973 to 1995.

Who can ever forget the delightful chorus she always shared with the students at the beginning of class?

"Hello, boys and girls!"

"Hello, Mrs. Seward!"

We are sad to report that she has passed away. Our thoughts are prayers are with her family and friends.

Here is her obituary....



Helen May (Bowers) Seward, age 91, entered into rest on Friday, March 27, 2015 at Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport. Born August 7, 1923 in Barker, Helen is the daughter of the late Alfred "Roy" and Florence (Stockton) Bowers. Helen married Floyd Seward on June 28, 1947 at Barker Methodist Church. Mr. Seward died March 6, 2008.

Helen was a 1941 graduate of Barker Central School and was very involved with Barker's Alumni Association, a 1945 graduate of Houghton College and she received her masters in Music Education in 1971 from the University of Buffalo. She had worked at Barker Central schools as a music teacher, retiring in 1973. She also substituted in many area schools after retiring. Helen was a member of the Hartland United Methodist Church where she was the choir director for 30 years, and was involved in the Women's Club and the Elizabeth Circle, the Retired Teachers Association where she was Past President. She was also a former Vice President and song leader of Delta Kappa Gamma. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving Helen is her daughter: Susan (William) Harrod of Gasport. Helen was predeceased by her husband: Floyd and her son: Thomas Seward. Mother-in-law of: Dorothy Seward of Lockport. Grandmother of: Shannon (Jason) Schultz, Michael (Amy) Colley Jr., Benjamin Seward (McKenzie), Megan (Karl) Newton, Bailey Seward (Jackson), Wendy (Bill) Luth and Gregory (Angela) Harrod. Sister of the late: Donald R. Bowers. Also survived by 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Sherrie-Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main Street, Gasport, on Monday, March 30, 2015 from 3-7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 11:00 am from Hartland United Methodist Church, 8017 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY. Interment will be in Hartland Central Cemetery Gasport, NY.

Flowers gratefully declined, memorials appreciated to the Hartland United Methodist Church.

Please go to www.sherriebreamfuneralhome.com and leave a condolence for the family.

EASTER EGG HUNT IN WOLCOTTSVILLE

BOOK CLUB TO DISCUSS WE ARE CALLED TO RISE

We Are Called to Rise, the best-seller by Laura McBride will be the topic of discussion at the group’s Monday, March 30 meeting at 7 p.m. in the upstairs Community Room at the library, located at 9 Vernon Street in Middleport.

In McBride’s book, a Barnes and Noble Great Discover New Writer’s selection, three people of different ages and walks of life are drawn together as the result of a split-second mistake. Their lives will never be the same as they grapple with the challenges that they experience as a result. The story, which is in essence about families, focuses on our responsibilities to each other, making it a great choice for discussion at the Monday meeting.

The members chose “We Are Called to Rise” for this month’s meeting because it was chosen for the program A Tale for Three Counties. This program is a one-book, community-reads project for Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties in Western New York State including some NIOGA member libraries. Book clubs in the participating libraries will all be reading and discussing the same book.

Interested residents and prospective new members are always welcome to attend any of the meetings of the Royalton Hartland Book Club. During the meeting, the members choose the book that they will discuss at the following meeting and a wide variety of genres are always considered.

For more information about the Royalton Hartland Book Club 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 .

SKYLA DENNIS BENEFIT THIS SATURDAY

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH HOLDING BECCA'S CLOSET DRIVE

NIAGARA HOSPICE RESULTS

The Town Clerk's office was able to raise $412 for Niagara Hospice by selling bouquets at the Royalton Town Hall. Kudos to Marie Little and her team for organizing the sale and "thank you" to everyone who made a charitable purchase. The Town will definitely participate again next year. 

LIFT BRIDGE FACING LONG CLOSURE

According to a status report from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition  the lift bridge in Gasport will be closed to all traffic from Wednesday, March 25th to Thursday, April 30th as the bridge undergoes repairs and painting. Commuters and first responders should plan accordingly.

GASPORT EASTER EGG HUNT

On Saturday, April 4th, the Gasport Lions will be hosting their 63rd annual Easter Egg Hunt at Veterans Park in the hamlet, starting at 11:00 am.

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION

The final registration for Roy-Hart Youth Baseball/Softball is this Saturday, March 21st from 9:00 till noon at the FMC Community Center on South Vernon Street in Middleport. Details can be found on the league website: http://www.royhartyouthbaseball.com/

GIRL SCOUTS FUNDRAISER

GENEALOGY RESOURCES AT LIBRARY

Folks interested in learning more about their family history can now use a powerful tool at the Royalton Hartland Community Library. Patrons can access the Ancestry Library Edition online at no cost and use it to research their family roots while at the library.

Ancestry Library Edition brings the popular online genealogy resource to the library and provides access to billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos and more.

Unlimited access to this service is provided within the Royalton Hartland Community Library and can be used while on your own laptop, iPad, Smart Phone or by using one of the library’s public access computers. Patrons in the library and connected to the Wi-Fi simply use the link provided at the library to begin discovering more about their roots.

Interested are invited to stop by and connect with the library’s link via Wi-Fi to see what Ancestry Library Edition has to offer.

The Royalton Hartland Community Library offers a wide variety of electronic services including downloadable popular books, music and magazines. For more information about researching family history or any of our electronic services, please call the library at 735-3281, visit www.RoyHartCommunityLibrary.com or stop by 9 Vernon Street in Middleport.

SUPPORT LOCAL SCOUTS ON MAPLE WEEKEND

ROY-HART'S ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM

Sunday's Lockport paper featured an excellent cover story about the online/distance learning initiative shared by Roy-Hart, Barker, and Niagara University that is setting the plate for future endeavors at the school.

Read about it here:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/an-experiment-in-distance-learning/article_b6187217-d598-512a-8561-1575c1314f7e.html

WATER & SEWER HIRING

The town of Royalton is now accepting applications for a full-time position with the Water & Sewer Department. Applications are available at the town hall, 5316 Royalton Center Road, Middleport. The deadline to submit application is March 27th, 2015. Preference will be given to a Royalton resident.

ST. MICHAEL'S PRESCHOOL

KLATT TO ENTER GCC HALL OF FAME

Dr. Roger Klatt will be celebrated by his alma mater as Genesee Community College inducts the class of 2015 Alumni Hall of Fame. Dr. Klatt and his fellow honorees will be recognized Wednesday, March 18, 2015 with the induction at 4 p.m. in room T119 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia campus. A reception follows in the Alumni Hallway on the second floor.

Dr. Roger J. Klatt is superintendent of both the Barker and Royalton Hartland (Roy-Hart) Central School Districts in Niagara County. He led the Barker district for six years before taking on leadership of Roy-Hart in 2013 in a first of its kind arrangement for the Buffalo area that has thus far proven successful. For his work in leading both districts as a shared superintendent, Klatt received the Educational Leader of the Year Award from Niagara University's College of Education in October 2014.

A native of Albion and a 1978 graduate of Albion High, Klatt spent 15 years in that district as a teacher and coach, earning Albion's Educator of the Year award in 1995. He has been with the Barker Central School District for 17 years and served as middle school principal, director of instructional services and assistant superintendent before being named superintendent. Under his leadership Barker ranked 17th among the 98 Western New York school districts and earned an Achievement Index ranking of 2 among 425 schools across the state.

He was nominated for the GCC's Alumni Hall of Fame by Barker athletic director David Carson who noted that "I have known Dr. Klatt for 17 years and he often speaks of how instrumental Genesee Community College was in his career. Dr. Klatt serves as an outstanding example of the impact that the GCC experience can have on one's career."

While a student at GCC, Klatt played on the men's basketball team and earned his associate degree in physical education in 1982. He continued his studies at the College at Brockport and the University at Buffalo where he earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Klatt resides in Barker with his wife of 24 years, Kristen. They have two daughters: Emily is a recent graduate of Purdue University's pharmacology program and Madeline is a junior studying business management at SUNY Oswego.

The GCC Hall of Fame is located in the Conable Technology Building of the Batavia campus on the second floor corridor, and features photos of alumni who have distinguished themselves through business and personal achievement, as well as service to the community.

You can learn more by visiting GCC's Hall of Fame website: http://www.genesee.edu/alumni/halloffame/.

NIAGARA COUNTY FAIR LOGO CONTEST

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County (“CCE”) is pleased to announce the 2015 Niagara County Fair Logo Contest for youth ages 5-19 years.  The theme for the 2015 Niagara County Fair is “Grow with Pride in Niagara”.  

CCE is looking for a logo that will recognize, promote and celebrate pride in the beauty found in our county and communities; all that is special and unique about living in Niagara County; local agriculture and the great foods grown and produced in Niagara County; and the people of Niagara County. Last year's logo is shown above.

The logo must be an original, colorful piece of artwork.  It may be crafted by hand or computer generated. Logos are due at the CCE office located at 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport by Thursday April 2, 2015 at 4:00 pm. 

The top submissions will be put to a community vote to decide the first, second and third place winners.  The top 10 logos will receive prizes with the first place logo winning a $100 cash prize, two tickets to the Farm-City Breakfast sponsored by NCCC (the Fair’s opening event held August 5^th), and 2 weekly Fair passes.

The 2015 Niagara County Fair runs Wednesday August 5^th to Sunday August 9^th, 2015.

Clink the links below for more information....

2015 Fair Logo Contest Rules

2015 Niagara County Fair Rules & Regulations 

MR. HAWKINS HAS PASSED AWAY

Many Roy-Hart alumni who played in the high school band will remember Mr. Hawkins. He has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family...

Charles R. Hawkins passed away Friday February 27, 2015 in Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Fl. Born in Nanticoke, Pa., on February 27, 1938, he was the son of the late Richard and Mary Sawchuk Hawkins.

Charles had a Master's Degree in Music Education and was employed at Roy Hart School District, where he taught Elementary Band and Music Appreciation, he also taught private music lessons. He was a member of the Lockport Musicians Union and played in the Bergholtz Band and the Frank Loiars Band. Charles enjoyed playing the trumpet, playing golf, reading his bible and especially watching a good basketball game.
 

Charles is survived by his wife of 27 years, Carol (Eaton Mevs) Hawkins; father of Lisa Hawkins, Leanne (David) Hawkins and Laura Hawkins; step father of Michelle (Wilfredo) Rivera, Nicole (Andrew) Mevs-Martin and Justin Mevs. Charles was the grandfather of Jocelyn, Hailey, Hazel, Gavin, Emily, Glen, Brittany and Liam and great grandfather of Savannah and Isaac. He is predeceased by his sister, Nancy Miller.

Friends may call Thursday March 12th , 2-4 and 7-9 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, where services will be held Saturday March 14th at 11 AM. Interment will be in Acacia Park Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials to the Development Department at Hope Healthcare Services, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, Fl., 33908 or to Ridgewood Bible Church, 7073 Ridge Road, Lockport, NY 14094, would be appreciated by the family.



Condolences can be shared at Prudden and Kandt's website:

http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=1b61358487

SHOVELING LEADS TO FIGHT

Yeah, it's been a tough winter.

East Niagara Post is reporting that an argument over shoveling became physical on State Street...

http://www.eastniagarapost.com/2015/03/shoveling-leads-to-arguing-which-leads.html

ROY-HART TO PRESENT "MAME"

Royalton–Hartland Central School will present “Mame” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the high school auditorium.

Here is the Lockport Union Sun and Journal's report on the production:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/community/royalton-hartland-students-to-present-mame/article_3edb4d61-5743-5857-93ef-f14800b7830d.html

NYS POLICE NEWS RELEASE ABOUT ARSON ARRESTS

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation have arrested five juveniles in connection to the fire on February 19, 2015, at the vacant Friend Manufacturing Corporation 4441 Prospect Street, in Gasport, New York.

After conducting over two dozen interviews, in an old fashioned method of going door to door in the Gasport neighborhood, BCI Investigators were able to gather enough information which lead to the arrests of 5 juveniles between the ages of 12 and 15 years old.

During the investigation it was revealed that; on February 18, 2015 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. the juveniles entered the building through an unlocked door. Once inside they went to the third floor and located a “burn barrel”, some paper and wood. One of the juveniles wanted to start a “hobo fire” in the barrel, starting the fire with his lighter. The juveniles later attempted to put out the fire and believing the fire was no longer active, they left the building.

On the morning of February 19, 2015, the Niagara County Dispatch Center received the report of the fire at about 7:24 a.m. Firefighters from Gasport, Terry’s Corners, Middleport, South Lockport along with Niagara County Fire Investigation Team, the New York State Police, Rural Metro and Tri Town Ambulance, responded to the scene. Due to the fire, the structure and contents have been deemed to be a total loss.

The juveniles have all been charged with Criminal Trespass 3^rd, with an additional charge of Arson 4^th given to the 12 year old that started the fire. All were issued appearance tickets directing them to appear at Niagara County Probation on March 12, 2015.

DEVELOPING: KIDS CHARGED WITH STARTING FRIEND FIRE LAST MONTH

WIVB channel 4 is reporting that five juveniles are facing charges after a fire destroyed part of the old Friend Manufacturing plant in Gasport last month. New York State Police said a 12-year-old started the fire in a barrel on the third floor of the building, while with four other juveniles.

Read the report here:

http://wivb.com/2015/03/06/police-charge-12-year-old-with-industrial-blaze/

BILL ARNOLD'S STATEMENT ON REMEDIATION PLAN

Here is a statement from Bill Arnold, Chairman of Middleport Community Input Group...

In FMC's latest statement regarding the remediation of the school grounds they make a valid but obsolete observation. It is true that after the 1999-2000 school yard remediation, the state agencies provided written assurance that the entire school yard was safe for usage as a school. However I have been told by a school board member that the state has now told the board to disregard that written assurance.

This is an example of the ever changing parameters of remediation in Middleport and New York State. Over the past 25+ years we have gone from just cleaning up the FMC site, to cleaning up the ditches along the railroad tracks, to cleaning up the football field at the school, to cleaning up a large part of the village, to cleaning up the whole school yard which was once deemed safe.

The school board had little choice in this matter. The DEC has now flagged the school grounds as contaminated after taking hundreds of samples over the the entire school yard except the previously cleaned up football field and the parking lot this past August . The State Education Department has stated they may not approve any capital repairs of improvements for the school while this "flag" is in place. Hence the Board of Education was backed into a corner.

When the school yard is done, perhaps at the latest in 2018, will the football field be as clean as the rest of the school yard? Maybe not. Will it have to be torn up and remediated again? Who knows!

For more information on the remediation in Middleport go to the web site for the Middleport Community Input Group at www.middleport-future.com

FROZEN BRUNCH AND MEET & GREET AT TERRY'S CORNERS

Come join Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf for a magical Frozen brunch catered by Donna Eick and Divine Dining Catering.

Tickets are on sale now. They are anticipating a quick sell out for this event.

Location: Terry's Corners VFC 7801 Chestnut Ridge Rd Gasport NY 14067

Date: Sunday April 12, 2015
Time: Reservations available every 15 minutes from 9:00am till 11:30am or 12:00pm till 2:30pm
Cost: Adult - $16.95
Child (under 12) - $12.95
Child (under 2) - Free

Here is the event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1596788800557748

Tickets can be purchased here: https://squareup.com/mar…/terrys-corners-vol-fire-co-dot-inc

FMC'S STATEMENT REGARDING SCHOOL GROUNDS REMEDIATION

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), with approval from the Royalton-Hartland Board of Education, plans to remediate certain areas of the Roy-Hart School in Middleport, NY. 

FMC Corporation performed remediation at the Roy-Hart School in 1999-2000, with guidance and approval from NYSDEC.  FMC removed 39,000 cubic yards of soil and replaced that soil with clean soil.  Following that remediation, the NYSDEC provided written assurance to the school – and subsequently to the community – stating the “entire school yard is suitable for both athletic and non-athletic use by all school children.”    The property use has not changed since that time.  Accordingly, further remediation to the Roy-Hard School is unnecessary and disruptive.

As part of the investigative and remedial process with the State, FMC has informed NYSDEC and the Middleport community that it will remediate the school when and if the property use changes or discussions regarding change of land use commence.   At this time, however, there has been no statement of potential change in use at the school and, therefore, remedial activities – and the associated disruption - are not necessary on the Roy-Hart School grounds.

As background, FMC has been working with NYSDEC under an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) that has guided the investigation and development of Middleport remedial plans for 23 years.  NYSDEC, however, has selected a remedial alternative that does not comply with the AOC for a portion of the Village, including the schoolyard.  Therefore, FMC entered into litigation with NYSDEC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency over NYSDEC’s failure to follow the AOC. 

These lawsuits are ongoing and have not yet been resolved.  FMC is disappointed that NYSDEC is moving forward to remediate the Roy-Hart School while FMC and NYSDEC are in litigation over the level of remediation NYSDEC now intends to impose on the community.   

FMC is committed to protecting human health and the environment and has worked diligently with the community over the years to ensure the Village and the Roy-Hart school grounds are safe.

Parents of children at Roy-Hart School and School Board members seeking additional information are encouraged to contact FMC’s Community Office at 8 South Vernon Street in Middleport, or call FMC’s community representative, Jessica Heideman, at 716.735.9769.

ROY-HART APPROVES PROPERTY REDMEDIATION

A state Department of Environmental Conservation plan to remediate the property around the Royalton-Hartland junior high and high schools was approved at Wednesday evening's Board of Education meeting, with work to begin mid-June.

The report from the Lockport Union Sun & Journal...
http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/roy-hart-approves-cleanup-plan/article_7aab70f0-f394-52ee-9e00-0c700b73d85a.html

BOYER'S FUNDRAISER

From Boyer's Tavern's Facebook page...


Thanks to everyone for your continued likes and views to Boyer's Tavern, it is greatly appreciated. A fundraiser will be held on May 2nd at the Hartland Fire Hall in an attempt to begin reconstruction, please save the date and come on down to show your support. Details to come as planning continues, thank you again!

BOUQUETS AVAILABLE AT ROYALTON

The Royalton Town Clerks office is selling the Niagara Hospice Bouquets this week for an $8.00 donation.  All proceeds will go to Niagara Hospice.  They felt this would be a great way to brighten up these dreary, cold days at this time of year and also help a good cause!

GASPORT FIRE GETS OXYGEN MASKS FOR ANIMALS

Gasport Chemical Hose is one of 3 fire companies in Niagara County to receive a donation of oxygen masks for animals from the Kennel Club of Niagara Falls. Read about it in the Buffalo News..

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/all-niagara-county/kennel-club-of-niagara-falls-give-three-volunteer-fire-companies-oxygen-masks-for-animals-20150225