Merry Christmas!

A successful Gasport Lions mitten tree...a wonderful light-up Gasport event by the Gasport Beautification Committee...Pack 18 bringing Christmas to a family in need of support...Zion Church's shoebox Christmas bringing gifts to children around the world...the Gasport food pantry keeping families fed for the holidays...a packed house at Christmas at the Barn at Becker Farms. These are just a few of the things that show that while we might be a small community, we've got big hearts. Thank you to everyone who makes Gasport so special and lives by the meaning of the holiday spirit. Merry Christmas, everyone...may your day be chock full of awesome memories!

Pack 18 makes a difference on Christmas

Watch this story from WIVB -- this is why I love Scouting. Scott Schultz exemplifies the Scouting Way. Under his leadership, Cub Scout Pack 18 of Gasport brought Christmas to a young Lockport family who lost their husband & father to cancer last month. You can rest assured America's future is in good hands when leaders like Scott instill love of community and fellow man into today's youth.

http://wivb.com/2016/12/22/community-gives-back-to-lockport-family-that-suffered-heartbreaking-loss-before-holidays/

Christmas with Zion

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

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

There are no services on Christmas day.

The entire community is welcome to attend any of these services!

Roy-Hart update

ALL AFTER SCHOOL AND EVENING ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELED AT ROY-HART TODAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Lead testing at Roy-Hart

As an outcome of the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan, the New York State legislature passed a bill requiring schools to check all drinking water systems for lead. Roy-Hart recently conducted the tests and here are the results (the document opens as a PDF):  http://www.royhart.org/cms/lib/NY01913927/Centricity/Domain/4/Lead%20Testing%20Parent%20Letter.pdf

Gasport man charged with killing infant son

It would be nice if we could only publish good news on this page, but Gasport is not immune to the ills of society....WIVB reports on a Gasport man charged with killing his baby:

http://wivb.com/2016/12/12/gasport-man-charged-with-killing-6-month-old-son/

Scott Brauer featured in Buffalo News

In last week's outdoors page for the Buffalo News, Bill Hilts, Jr. offered a primer on ice fishing -- and who better for him to use as the centerpiece of the article than Gasport's ice fishing guru Scott Brauer.

Here's the article: http://buffalonews.com/2016/11/30/bill-hilts-jr-ready-drop-line-ice-finally-arrives/

Light Up Gasport

The Gasport Beautification Committee's annual Lighting of the Tree and Community Christmas for the Children will be on Sunday December 11th from 4-6pm at the Gasport fire hall. Santa will be there, along with crafts for the kids, refreshments, and a large basket raffle. There will be horse and wagon rides and the lighting of the tree. The committee is still accepting donations of new unwrapped toys along with basket raffle items. Items can be dropped off at Drum Oil. Contact Margie 628-7273 to arrange pick up or bring to the firehall the day of event between 2 & 4 pm.

10th annual mitten tree

When you’re out and about shopping for Christmas, please extend your giving beyond your family. Please buy a gift for a needy child in our community.

Last Tuesday, the Mitten Tree went up.

This is the TENTH year for this awesome program that is run by the Gasport Lions Club.

Here’s how it works…

There is a tree is located out front of the Gasport post office at the corner of Main Street and Route 31. New this year, are trees located at the Middleport Post Office, Drum Oil, and the Roy-Hart Schools.

Take a mitten from the tree 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 at one of the drop off sites listed on the mitten. 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.

Christmas at the Schoolhouse

Christmas at the Schoolhouse will take place this Sunday the 4th at the town of Hartland's cobblestone schoolhouse at Carmen and Seamen Roads. Festivities begin at 11 a. m. and run until 3 p. m., with a ham or turkey dinner ($9 adults, $4.50 children), raffles, a bake sale, and Christmas music.

Giles open house is this weekend

Artist Kathleen Giles will host her 20th annual "holiday open house" at her studio at 2336 Hartland Road, this weekend; open house hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The report from the Lockport Union Sun & Journal:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/watercolor-wonder-artist-kathy-giles-marks-new-milestones-in-a/article_4cb20114-2459-5b5d-9aa9-a54c6a63fa0b.html

Pancake breakfast with Santa

Royalton benefits from Eagle Scout project

The Royalton Town Board with the flag retirement box

Samuel Nairne is currently a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 82, which is sponsored by the Elks Lodge 41 in Lockport. Troop 82 is under the Scoutmaster leadership of Russell Larsen, of Gasport.

Samuel is working towards his goal of earning the Eagle Scout rank. In order to achieve the rank of an Eagle, a scout must do a project to benefit the community. For his project, Sam, along with his Project Coach, Dave Keleher, lead a group of volunteers into making four flag retirement boxes.

The Town of Royalton is one of the four beneficiaries and the receptacle is now located at the town hall. The boxes were made so that anyone can easily dispose of the American flag in a proper manner when it is no longer in good shape. When the box is full, the Town can contact any local Boy Scout group to properly dispose of the flag in a respectful and ceremonious manner. Troop 82 holds a flag retirement ceremony annually.

Samuel Nairne is a 2016 graduate from Barker High School and a current college student at NCCC, majoring in computer science. Other than Scouting events, Samuel enjoys acting, singing and playing video games. His is a member of the Lock City Glee Club and a 3 year staff member for National Youth Leadership Training, a youth lead Boy Scouts training group. Samuel is currently employed as a tutor at NCCC for math and science.

Sam would like to thank Standish Jones / Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Newfane Lumber and other local contributors for donating the materials needed to make the boxes.

Presentation on Belva Lockwood

As a part of their Trailblazing Women series, the Buffalo History Museum is hosting a presentation about Royalton's own Belva Lockwood (who, among other things, was the first woman to officially appear on presedential ballots). Maryann Saccomando-Freedman will deliver the presentation on Wednesday, December 7th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Members can attend for free; while nonmembers have to pay Museum admission. The Buffalo History Museum is at One Museum Court in Buffalo.

The Weather Machine at Roy-Hart

Here's Andy Parker's video recap of the WKBW Weather Machine's visit to Royalton-Hartland:

http://www.wkbw.com/weather/weather-machine/andy-parkers-weather-machine-visits-royalton-hartland

Ian Earl fills Christmas toy barrel

Here's a great Buffalo News story about an awesome 3rd grader from Roy-Hart. Ian Earl was heartbroken over an empty barrel of what were supposed to be toys for the News Neediest Fund. So, he took it upon himself to fill the barrel for the needy!

http://buffalonews.com/2016/11/28/royalton-boy-saw-empty-news-neediest-barrel-2015-year-filled-one-toys/

Food pantry this weekend

Rhoney selected as coroner

Press release from Niagara County government...

A retired Niagara County Sheriff’s deputy was appointed 3rd District coroner tonight at a short meeting of the Niagara County Legislature.

Cal Rhoney, who spent 29 years serving as a deputy and criminal investigator in the Sheriff’s Office, fills the vacancy created by the October retirement of longtime coroner Kenneth V. Lederhouse.

“Cal had the right kind of background for a position that requires a certain delicacy and respect, as well as the knowledge base to make decisions that might be tied to public safety,” Legislator Will Collins, R-Lockport, who headed up the County Legislature’s coroner search efforts, said. “This is a serious commitment to perform a difficult task on behalf of the public. Cal Rhoney had a track record doing that as a Sheriff’s deputy for three decades.”

Rhoney also is no stranger to public office, having served as supervisor and town councilman in his hometown of Royalton, which is serviced by the 3rd District coroner.

“This offered a chance to serve my neighbors again, as well as an opportunity to take on a task where there was a sudden need after Ken [Lederhouse] opted to retire,” Rhoney said. “I’m looking forward to working with the other coroners to ensure that we continue to provide timely, dignified service to Niagara County’s families.”

Rhoney’s appointment is effective immediately.

Farmers can secure donations for local non-profits

Here's a message for local farmers who might have interest in securing a donation for the Gasport Beautification Committee or Gasport Lions....

Until November 30, America’s Farmers Grow Communities offers eligible farmers the opportunity to enroll for a chance to win a $2,500 donation to direct toward their favorite community nonprofit organization. The purpose of the program is to make a positive impact in farming communities across America. One winner is randomly selected in each of the 1,331 eligible counties across 41 states.

Official rules for America’s Farmers Grow Communities are available here:

http://www.americasfarmers.com/community-outreach/grow-communities-official-rules/

In January 2017, the program will award another $3 million to nonprofits in rural America.

Enroll today for your chance to win a grant for your favorite local nonprofit:

http://www.americasfarmers.com/community-outreach/grow-communities-enroll/

For more info, please follow the link provided:


http://www.americasfarmers.com/community-outreach/grow-communities/

Hartland deer hunt become a close call

Press release from the Niagara County Sheriff....

On Sunday patrol responded to 2335 Hosmer Rd in Hartland for the report of a shot fired through a window.

Patrol arrived and interviewed the caller who stated one of the hunters across the street from her residence fired four or five shots, one of which struck the window of the bedroom that she was in at the time. No injuries were reported as a result this incident. Investigation revealed a broken window on the front of the residence, and responded to a group of hunters across the street.

CSIU and NYS DEC also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

JOHN E. DUXBURY, 48 of Ransomville was charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd, Criminal Mischief 4th and Discharging a weapon over a Public Highway, respectively. DUXBURY was released with appearance tickets with an assigned date before the Town of Hartland Court on 12/06/2016 at 1930 hours.

Scouting For Food

Cub Scout Pack 18 of Gasport had a hugely successful Scouting for Food drive. In total, the boys collected 1,072 items of food for the Gasport food pantry at the Zion Lutheran Church. Thank you to these scouts for their hard work and for the community for being so giving! 

Vizcarra Vineyards receives USDA grant

The US Department of Agriculture has announced that Vizcarra Vineyards has received a $250,000 grant from the USDA's Value-added Producer Grant program.

The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program.

Vizcarra's grant is earmarked for sales and promotion of their Cold Hardy Wine products.

Sue Hughes has passed away

Sue Hughes, who was once a member of the Roy-Hart School Board and was a regular at the board meetings, has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends:

http://www.allwnynews.com/2016/11/susan-terese-hughes-oct-12-1964-nov-18.html#.WDJqy50cELw.facebook

Gasport cadet exceeds expectations

Cadet Melissa Zakrzewski, a Gasport, N.Y., native, has exceeded expectations at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, one of the smallest of the nation’s five federal service academies.

The Academy, located in New London, Conn., holds cadets to high standards of physical fitness, leadership and professional development.

Recognized as one of the top institutions of higher learning by U.S. News & World Report, cadets must complete 200 weeks of college education and military indoctrination.

Zakrzewski earned a spot on the Board of Trustees Honors List and has become a part of a select group who receive the honor. Between one and two percent of the more than 1,000 cadets that make up the corps make the list. “I attribute my success to my family who taught me what love, hard work, and determination can do for you,” said Zarkrzewski.

To be included on the list, cadets must earn three uniform stars for excellence in military, academic and athletic performance during the semester. This means a cadet must simultaneously attain a term grade point average above 3.15, be in the top 25 percent of their class in military performance and obtain a score of 270 or higher on the Physical Fitness Examination.

Zakrzewski is an avid triathlon runner and also a member of the Academy Fencing Club. She is scheduled to graduate from the Academy in 2018 with a degree in Marine Environmental Science.

Middleport family wins big money from Ellen

Middleport's own Dawn Arnold was a big $10,000 winner, playing Ellen DeGeneres' Cash at your Door contest. Dawn is a breast cancer survivor, a kindergarten teacher, and a married mother of two. Dawn's biggest wish is to help her sons pay off student loans. That wish became a reality. It's nice to see good things happen to good people.

Watch it here...

Spaghetti dinner

Thanksgiving Eve at Becker Farms

Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest party/bar nights of the year...many people return to their hometowns for family get-togethers and the Wednesday before the big dinner represents a great time to catch up with old friends.

Becker Brewing Company at Becker Farms will be hosting a Thanksgiving Eve party on Wednesday the 23rd from 6:00 PM till 10:00 PM. There will be beer, wine, and food along with live music by Dave Stockton.

Here is the Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/602324116618301/

Buffalo News looks at Pedini's USMC display

This nice article from the Buffalo News looks at the awesome replica of the USMC memorial that was lovingly made by Roy-Hart teacher Heather Pedini:

http://buffalonews.com/2016/11/11/replica-marine-corps-war-memorial-display-somerset/

Roy-Hart grad honored by Air Force

Joseph Gutowski is a 2003 graduate of Royalton-Hartland. The Air Force recently named him Air Mobility Wing Crew Chief of the Year. Here's the Lockport US&J's report...

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/hometown-hero/article_c0173115-b5e0-5d4c-ac0f-be142a2ba3fc.html

Election Day dinner in Gasport

What would Election Day be without dinner at Hartland United Methodist Church?

The annual chicken and biscuit dinner (which is being catered by Donna Eick) will take place from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Tuesday the 8th at the church at 8107 Ridge Road in Hartland Corners. Cost is $9 for adults and take-out is available.

BIG SATURDAY IN GASPORT

Are you in the holiday mood? This Saturday, November 5th will make sure that you are, between the Always Christmas Open House at Standish-Jones and the bazaar and turkey dinner at Covenant. Here are the details on both....

The annual Always Christmas open house will take place at Standish-Jones starting at 11:00. Enjoy discounts, games, and refreshments, as well as a visit from Santa and his elves! There will be crafts and activities for the kids, plus otheir 3rd Annual Holiday Basket Raffle to benefit Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo. It's free and it's fun!

The Facebook event page is here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1647372735576618/

The bazaar at Covenant United Church has a great assortment of items available to help you get a jump start on that Christmas shopping: Craft items, homemade candy and fudge, canned jams and jellies, pies and baked goods, harvest apples, squash, sauerkraut and more! The bazaar begins at 10 a.m.

The popular turkey dinner starts at 3:30 and runs till 7:00. Carry outs available. A simple donation (amount determined by the giver) entitles you to a full course Thanksgiving dinner, entirely homemade. The meal will be expertly prepared by churchfolk and served by Boy Scout Troop 18.

There is a Facebook event page set-up for this: https://www.facebook.com/events/302604073458326/

BUDGETS & TAXES IN OUR TWO TOWNS

The Royalton Town Board expects the tax rate for town residents to rise $.25 cents to $3.63 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in its proposed 2017 budget, which is an additional $25 a year for those living in a home assessed at $100,000.

The details are available at the Buffalo News website:

http://buffalonews.com/2016/10/27/proposed-royalton-budget-includes-tax-hike/   

In Hartland, the proposed budget holds the line on taxes, with a proposed tax rate of $2.48 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Here is the Buffalo News report on Hartland's budget:

http://buffalonews.com/2015/11/01/tax-rate-remains-unchanged-in-hartland-proposal/

Middleport CIG statement on FMC

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

In 2014 the DEC decided to unilaterally implement their remedy for the arsenic contamination cleanup in the Air Deposition Area of Middleport and the Roy-Hart School over the desired remedy of FMC and the MCIG. FMC filed a law suit in Albany Supreme court to challenge the DEC.

Since then the DEC has proceeded to implement their plan at the school and in the village neighborhoods of Alfred, Park and Freeman Avenues this year and last year despite FMC's legal challenge.

On October 20, 2016, a panel of five judges unanimously ruled against the DEC stating the state agency violated the law as spelled out in the Administrative Order of Consent, legally agreed to by FMC and the DEC in 1991, by not allowing a hearing to settle the dispute between FMC and the DEC on the remedy selection.

It now remains to be seen how the DEC will proceed from here. They are looking at all their legal options. They could appeal or allow a hearing and let the courts decide. They could enter into further discussions with FMC but that is what has been going on since 1991 with no agreement between the two. The DEC could just continue with the cleanup in the village with their remedy acknowledging that FMC may not pay for all of it or any of it. However it is believed that FMC always assumed some amount of the cleanup would be paid by them. WLVL radio stated that the ruling meant FMC would not have to pay for the cleanup activity from 2014 and 2015 but that is not clear from the statements seen so far. What amount FMC does not pay would be left to the taxpayers of New York.

Use this link to view the Buffalo News article: http://www.middleport-future.com/cig/docs/misc/court%20ruling.pdf

Use this link to view FMC's statement:http://www.middleport-future.com/cig/docs/misc/Court%20Decision.pdf

Becca's Closet fashion show

In 2015, Paula Travis and the Women Helping Others (WHO) organization at Zion Lutheran Church in Gasport opened a chapter of Becca's Closet through which they distributed gowns and dresses.

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/

On Saturday, November 5th WHO will be holding a Becca's Closet fashion show and fundraiser. This event will be held in Lockport (to show off the program to a wider population) and will take place at the Dale Association at 33 Ontario Street in the city of Lockport starting at 2:00.

Models will wear many of the dresses so interested young women can see them. And, there will be a basket raffle to solicit funds to help Becca's Closet grow. There are all sorts of prizes from gift certificates to Bill's tickets.

For more information contact event organizer Paula Travis at ladytinny559@gmail.com or 716.471.6446.

The Facebook event page is: https://www.facebook.com/events/1637128773283891/

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

Gasport Lions Halloween party

The Gasport Lions popular Halloween Party for children will take place on Sunday, October 30th from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Gasport fire hall. Here is the Facebook events page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/926366554162723/

Halloween hours in Royalton

Trick-or-treating hours for Halloween in Royalton will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Hartland Bible Church Halloween party

Hartland Bible Church has a free Halloween party this Friday from 6:00 till 8:00 at the Church. Here is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1245293668826148/

Buffalo News looks back at Belva Lockwood

The Buffalo News has a nice report about Royalton's own Belva Lockwood:

http://buffalonews.com/2016/10/24/belva-lockwood-niagara-county-native-became-americas-first-female-presidential-candidate-1884/

Covenant bazaar and turkey dinner

Come one, come all to Covenant United Church of Christ's annual donation turkey dinner and bazaar!

Great assortment of items available to help you get a jump start on that Christmas shopping: Craft items, homemade candy and fudge, canned jams and jellies, pies and baked goods, harvest apples, squash, sauerkraut and more!

Bazaar begins at 10 a.m.

The turkey dinner starts at 3:30 and runs till 7:00. Carry outs available. A simple donation (amount determined by the giver) entitles you to a full course Thanksgiving dinner, entirely homemade. The meal will be expertly prepared by churchfolk and served by Boy Scout Troop 18.

There is a Facebook event page set-up for this: https://www.facebook.com/events/302604073458326/

FMC cider & donuts

Always Christmas Open House

The annual Always Christmas open house will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Standish-Jones. Enjoy discounts, games, and refreshments, as well as a visit from Santa and his elves! There will be crafts and activities for the kids, plus otheir 3rd Annual Holiday Basket Raffle to benefit Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo. It's free and it's fun!

The Facebook event page is here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1647372735576618/

Villella Eagle Scout project brings to light the toll of domestic violence

Gasport's Andrew Villella created a Silent Witness Project for his Eagle Scout project. Each silhouette bears the name and date of death of a Niagara County domestic violence victim.

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/eagle-scout-s-project-a-silent-witness/article_86f6cced-fbe9-5f95-b80c-a9d016f164f1.html

Andy Parker coming to Roy-Hart

It was announced on this morning's show that Royalton-Hartland won Andy Parker's Weather Machine!

Hartland Bible Church mission trip

Members of Hartland Bible Church will be returning to Guadalupe, Mexico, in April 2017 to continue assisting an orphanage construction effort. Here's the Lockport US&J's report...

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/for-the-kids-local-mission-group-helping-to-build-an/article_9511ff55-af84-5e9e-8e6b-bbecb471920d.html

Becker Brewing featured in Buffalo News

Becker Brewing was profiled in the "Happy Hour" column that runs in the Buffalo News' Gusto section: http://buffalo.com/2016/10/04/news/food-drink/at-becker-farms-a-rewing-company-serves-seasonal-delights-for-adults/

Nominate Gasport for a $500,000 upgrade

As you know, downtown Gasport could use an infusion of cash and economic development. We could do a lot with a half million dollars. Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec has partnered with the Deluxe Corporation for the Small Business Revolution Main Street project. Together, they plan to make over a winning small town, breathing new life into its businesses with the $500,000 makeover. Do our community a favor and nominate Gasport and please share your thoughts with them about why Gasport deserves this. Share the love, express the needs! The contest ends on October 17th, so enter now! Nominate Gasport here: http://smallbusinessrevolution.org/main-street-revolution/#nominate

Ditch Road bridge repair

Bridge Work is scheduled to begin tomorrow, October 5, 2016; on Ditch Road in the Town of Royalton in the area of 6576 Ditch Road, between Bartel Road and Foote Road.  This project is expected to last approx 4 weeks.  During the project the roadway will be reduced to one lane with temporary signal lights and or flaggers controlling the flow of traffic during construction hours and open after hours.

Quaker Road bridge under repair in Becker Farms busy season

Well, here's a public notice about a bridge repair that comes at a really inopportune time for Becker Farms and their clients. October is Becker's busy season and it's when Quaker Road becomes a "major highway". So, occasionally expect delays. Of the two bridges over Red Creek, this is the southern one, the one that sees the most traffic from tourists.

Bridge Work is scheduled to begin today, October 4, 2016; on Quaker Road in the Town of Hartland in the area of 3794 Quaker Road, between Slayton Settlement Road and Ridge Road. This project is expected to last approx 4 weeks. During the project the roadway will be reduced to one lane with temporary signal lights controlling the flow of traffic.

Bald eagle sightings

Check out these awesome pics from Kristin Giglio -- a bald eagle was eating a deer carcass on Slayton Settlement Road...

Ushaboodles is clolsing

Ushaboodles Consignment, which is in the Dollar General plaza in Gasport, have announced their closing on Facebook. The shop will be closing on October 15th.

It's sad to see the business close....Gasport always needed a place to buy clothing and the store's proprietors, Cori and Chrissy, are good people. 

Here's the message from their Facbook page...

Attention Consignors: We have set up dates for you to pick up your consigned items and money.

Friday, October 21st 4pm - 6 pm and Saturday, October 22nd 10am - 12pm, unless other arrangements are made. If items are not picked up during this time or arrangements are not made, your items will be donated.

Your items will not be marked down more then what was agreed upon in your contract. Please give us this time to try to sell your remaining items and sort through for easy pick up.

We still have sales going on: 25% off blue tagged items and 50% off green tagged items.

WKBW reports on ATF explosives training

WKBW Channel 7 reported on the explosives training being conducted by the feds in Gasport. The footage shows plenty of explosions, small and large...

Pacini to be honored

Roy-Hart is honoring Bruno Pacini by enshrining him in the Proud To Be A Ram wall of fame. Here's the report: http://orleanshub.com/roy-hart-to-honor-former-long-time-coach/

Explosions in Gasport; September 21st

If you hear some explosions in Gasport today, do not be alarmed. The ATF will be blowing up buses and cars so that federal agents, local police and fire investigators can conduct evidence collection and investigative exercises on Thursday.

Huntington wins special primary election

Last night, Republican voters in Hartland selected David Huntington to fill the vacant town board seat for a one-year term.

Primary in Hartland Tuesday

Republican voters in Hartland have a primary on Tuesday. Both gents vying for the vacant town board position are stand-up, community-oriented guys: David Huntington and Leif Woodman.  Here's the report from the US&J:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/republican-primary-contest-set-in-hartland/article_0cd68c18-2097-5eb4-b5e3-98374a861066.html

Gasport quarry to be drained

In their weekly Environmental Notice Bulletin, the DEC has said that Redland Quarries is looking at dewatering their big quarry on the south side of Mountain Road. In their request, they are asking the DEC's permission to remove 1.4 million gallons per day until it is drained. 

You can read the ENP here:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/20160907_reg9.html#929360000700003

The total dewatering of the quarry will be a real heartbreaker to all the people who have snuck into the property for fishing and swimming through the years.

Historical Society meets Saturday

On Saturday, September 10th at 1 p.m. there will be a Town of Royalton Historical Society meeting. The meeting will take place at Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Road Middleport. The guest speaker will be Craig Bacon. Craig is the Deputy Historian for Niagara County. He will be speaking on how to research correctly. This will cover anything from genealogy to Historic facts. The Society will also be providing an update on the Royalton Bicentennial Committee and plans for 2017. This meeting is open to the public. Any questions, please call Jennifer Bieber at 716-735-7335

Saddle Up For Roswell

On September 10th, 2016, Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center will be hosting their 11th annual Saddle Up for Roswell event.

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. More than 100 riders participate in this event and the community is encouraged to come view this great show which will feature dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping events.

The Chestnut Ridge Equestrian community is passionate about cancer, a cause that has touched so many in one way or another. They are proud to partner with Roswell Park to assist those who face this disease. Last year they raised $14,430 -- and over the past 8 years they have raised nearly $133,000.

In order to continue this special event, 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.

To donate to Roswell Park Cancer Institute on behalf of this event, make checks payable to Roswell Park Cancer Institute and send to: Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center, Saddle Up for Roswell, 7913 Chestnut Ridge Road, P.O. Box 372, Gasport, NY, 14067

Information for participants and donors can be found on the Equestrian Center's website:

http://chestnutridgeequestriancenter.com/shows-and-events/2015/9/12/saddle-up-for-roswell-10th-anniversary

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

A product invented in Gasport "officially" turns 40

September will mark the 40th anniversary of the patenting of a product invented right here in Gasport by my dad, Doug Confer. His ubiquitous flexible fuel funnel can be found in garages everywhere and it is used to put gasoline, oil, and other compounds into vehicles.

The item was invented in 1975 while the 24 year-old was working on the family farm in Gasport (that in itself is a testament to his and my grandfather's work ethic – they ran a farm AND a factory!).

Back then, funnels were made out of metal that would either corrode or not clean very well. So, Doug thought, why not make them out of plastic at their young plastics company in North Tonawanda? Plastic wouldn’t corrode and leave pieces of metal in fuel tanks, and it would be much cheaper than the metal alternatives.

My dad received his patent in September of 1976 and Confer Plastics made hundreds of thousands of the funnels until the patent expired 14 years later. After that, Mexico and China could make them far cheaper than we could. While we haven’t made any funnels since 1990, it’s a product that helped us grow and it’s pretty neat to see this effective invention in use throughout the world....an invention that came to be on a small farm in Gasport.

Mr. Hyde has passed away

Mr. Hyde was one of my teachers during the sixth grade at Gasport Elementary School. He always delivered a good science class and I can clearly remember his "Metric Mondays".

Mr. Hyde passed away over the weekend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Here is Mr. Hyde's obituary...


Robert Rae Hyde, age 73 of Middleport, entered into rest on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Brothers of Mercy.

Born August 31, 1942 in Lockport, Robert is the son of the late Robert Maxwell and Norma (Lines) Hyde.

Robert worked at the Royalton Hartland Central School District at the Gasport Elementary School as a teacher. He retired in 1999.

Surviving is his dear wife: Mary Margaret (Kelly) Hyde, a sister: Carol (Craig) Dixon, special friend: Ken Halstead and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Brothers of Mercy, 10570 Bergtold Road, Clarence, NY 14031.

Please go to the Bates Wallace website and leave a condolence for the family:

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Robert-Hyde&lc=6722&pid=181220903&mid=7066265

HBC Community Day

Gasport residents and those of surrounding communities, along with the friends and families of Hartland Bible Church are invited to join them for a day of food and fun. They will be hosting their 2nd annual Community Day on Saturday, September 10th from 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM at the HBC at 8100 West Ave. They will be having a corn roast, hot dogs, giant water slide, inflatable obstacle course, lawn games, bocce, volleyball, and kids area with crafts. Please note everything is free!

The Facebook event page is at: https://www.facebook.com/events/278865655838142/

TOWN OF ROYALTON COMMUNITY DAY

The Town of Royalton Community Day will be this Sunday, August 28 from noon to 3:00. This event will take place at Royalton Town Hall, 5316 Royalton Center Rd, Middleport, NY.  They will have electronic recycling that day for residents. They will have hot dogs and drinks to all residents who stop in. The town clerk and town historian will be available for questions. They also have some local businesses and organizations who will come and set up to provide information about what they do. For a list of what is accepted for the e recycle, please go to www.sunnking.com and search for acceptable materials. Any questions please call Supervisor Jennifer Bieber at 716-735-7335.

Local ponds hit hard by fish kills

A month and a half ago, in one of my nature columns I suggested that WNY ponds were being set-up for significant fish kills this summer (http://www.allwnynews.com/…/exploring-niagara-frontier-wny-…). Well, unfortunately, I was right. Our big pond has been decimated. Four of our sterile grass carp (used to combat weed growth) have washed up on shore. In this picture, the Lil' One investigates one of the cadavers -- a carp that likely weighed close to 30 pounds. Throughout the shore I found plenty of dead crappies and the head of a bass that when it was alive was probably a 20"+ trophy largemouth. It's kind of depressing -- we manage our fishery so it gives our family countless hours of fishing fun and then Mother Nature has other plans.

Terry's Corners secures FEMA grant

It takes a lot of money to keep a volunteer fire company fully and properly equipped, and finding funding for a rural fire department can be tough. So, a hearty congratulations goes out to Terry's Corners as they have been awarded a grant from FEMA totaling $121,436 that will be used to purchase new SCBA and a new cascade system to replace the old one on Rescue Truck 4. Great job, TC!

Cliff Grant's John Deere Museum

The Lockport US&J looks at Cliff Grant's John Deere toy museum in Hartland:

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/toying-around-on-the-farm/article_9bfaf342-7186-5672-9e8f-13828babc618.html

Hartland's new truck makes the news

The Buffalo News looks at the Hartland highway department's new truck...which was once used by the US military abroad:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/all-niagara-county/niagara-county-towns-new-truck-once-hauled-tanks-in-germany-20160814

Road closure

Dewhirst Rd, from Bunker Hill Rd to Grove Rd, will be closed Wednesday 8/17 at 6:30am until 5:00pm due to road work.

Royalton Community Day

The Town of Royalton Community day will be Sunday, August 28th. The town is looking for any local businesses, organizations or groups that would like to set up a table for the event, at no charge. It will run from noon-3:00. Please contact Supervisor Jennifer Bieber at 716-735-7335 as soon as possible.

KLEINFELDER: MACHINIST OF THE YEAR

Troy Kleinfelder, a senior from Royalton Hartland, was recognized as the Outstanding Precision Machine Technology student of the Year at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. Troy was introduced by his teacher Bill Rakonczay and Dale Pearce, a former student from the program, gifted him with a scholarship. Mr. Pearce gives out a $200 scholarship each year to the recipient of the award. He started the scholarship to further education and training to graduates.

ROSSELLI COACHING IN OLYMPICS

Tom Brands of Iowa City, Iowa, Mark Manning of Lincoln, Neb. and Lou Rosselli of Columbus, Ohio have been named as the volunteer freestyle coaches for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The freestyle wrestling competition will be held August 19-21 at the Carioca 2 Arena in Rio.

They will work with National Freestyle Coach Bruce Burnett and Assistant National Freestyle Coaches Bill Zadick and Brandon Slay in the preparation of the team and the coaching of the athletes at the Olympic Games. These assignments are subject to approval by the United States Olympic Committee.

Rosselli was a a 2012 Olympic coach in London, England, where the USA won three medals including two gold medals. He has coached numerous U.S. World Teams, including most recently at the 2015 World Championships, where the USA won three medals, including two champions. He is a personal coach for 2016 U.S. Olympians Kyle Snyder and Tervel Dlagnev. Snyder became the youngest U.S. World champion in 2015 at age 19. Rosselli serves as Associate Head Coach at the Ohio State University, where he has worked 10 years and helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2015 NCAA team title. He was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team which competed in Atlanta, Ga., and was a two-time NCAA All-American as a student-athlete at Edinboro.

“I am always excited to help the Olympic team. I was fortunate enough in 2012 to help out. Being selected by Coach Burnett is a great honor. I am pleased to be helping. I believe we have a good team and it will go really well,” said Rosselli.

“Our goal should always be the same, to win six medals and hopefully, they would be gold. We know the world is tough. We have to do everything in our power to give them their best chance, from training them correctly to their recovery to tapering them down right, to scouting their opponents. Our chances are good. I think every guy in every weight class has a chance to be successful. As we come down the stretch, we have to make sure we flip every rock and we do our part to give them the best chance to win,” said Rosselli.


LOU ROSSELLI BIOGRAPHY

Lou Rosselli was a 2012 Olympic coach and helped lead the USA to three individual medalists, champions Jordan Burroughs and Jake Varner and bronze medalist Coleman Scott. The USA was third in the unofficial standings.

Rosselli has coached numerous U.S. Senior World Teams, including the 2015 U.S. World Team, which won three medals, including two champions in Las Vegas, Nev.. He was a 2013 U.S. World Team Coach, helping lead the USA to a fifth-place finish in Budapest, Hungary. Rosselli served as a 2011 U.S. World Team Coach in Istanbul, Turkey, which finished third in the team standings. Rosselli also served as a 2007 U.S. World Team Coach, helping lead the United States to a fourth place finish. He also served as a World Team Coach for the 2006 U.S. Freestyle World Team, which placed third as a team in Guangzhou, China.

He is the personal coach for 2016 Olympians Kyle Snyder at 96 kg and Tervel Dlagnev at 125 kg. Snyder was a Senior World champion in 2015, the youngest in U.S. history at age 19. In 2013, Rosselli coached an amazing five athletes on the U.S. World Team, Dlagnev plus Angel Escobedo at 55 kg, Reece Humphrey at 60 kg, Keith Gavin at 84 kg and J.D. Bergman at 96 kg. He also had three members on the 2015 U.S. World Team, Snyder, Dlagnev and Humphrey.

Rosselli is a coach with the nationally respected New York Athletic Club, and is the head coach at the Ohio Regional Training Center, which has won the RTC Cup as the nation’s most successful freestyle RTC.

He was the assistant coach of the 2005 U.S. World University Games Team, which placed third in the team standings with three individual gold medalists in Izmir, Turkey. He also coached the 2010 U.S. World University Championships team in Torino, Italy. He was also a coach for the U.S. team at the 2009 Pan American Championships. Rosselli has also coached a number of other U.S. teams on international tours.

He has received the Terry McCann Freestyle Coach of the Year from USA Wrestling two times, in 2007 and 2013.

Rosselli serves as the Associate Head Coach at The Ohio State University, working on the staff with head coach Tom Ryan and has been with the Buckeyes for 10 seasons. He was instrumental in helping the Buckeyes win its first NCAA Div. I national title in 2015, plus NCAA runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2009. Among the stars he has coached with the Buckeye program was four-time NCAA champion Logan Stieber and two-time NCAA champion J Jaggers.

Previously, he served 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Edinboro Univ., eight years as a full-time assistant and three years as a volunteer assistant. Rosselli has helped build the Scotsmen into a nationally competitive program on the Div. I level.

Rosselli competed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., at 114.5 pounds. He was a 1997 World Cup champion, and won a silver medal at the 1998 Pan American Championships. He won U.S. National freestyle titles three times (1995, 1996, 1999) and was second in the 1998 U.S. Nationals. Rosselli was also a University Nationals freestyle champion in 1994.

Rosselli placed third at the 1993 NCAA Championships and was fourth in the 1991 NCAA Championships for Edinboro Univ. A native of Middleport, N.Y., Rosselli was a two-time New York state champion at Royalton-Hartland High School, in addition to finishing second once and third once.