Gasport Lions cash raffle

 

Victim of car crash identified

 

 

 

The Niagara County Sheriffs Office has identified the victim of Wednesday morning's one-car motor vehicle accident in Gasport as Emory Seefeldt, who was just 18 years of age.

Emory had long worked at Gasport View Dairy with his family, the Whites.

You might remember Emory being highlighted on this page a few years ago when radio host Bob Lonsberry, during a live broadcast from the State Fair, had interviewed for 10 minutes Emory and his mom Amy. That interview perfectly showed the passion that Emory had for farming and family.

Our heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP.

Here's his obituary: https://cooperfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/695/Emory-Seefeldt/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR22Ygw1sukrxiSd7XC_tzrdaBc1_qAwL9pK3u8xaxGl6g7VNzbgVSiDn-M#tribute-start

Music education recognized

Roy-Hart has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation

https://www.lockportjournal.com/community/roy-hart-once-again-a-best-community-for-music-education/article_01f23f98-d5b2-5a6c-b58b-d6b36fe7aa9f.html

Fatal MVA in Gasport

 

Crafters and vendors wanted

 

The candidates for the Royaolton-Hartland Board of Education (Click on images to enlarge the documents)

 

Jonesie has passed

Roy-Hart alumnus Gary Jones has passed away. As the lead of Jonesie and the Crusiers, he was a vital part of the community in Niagara and Orleans Counties. He performed in front of, and brought good times to, hundreds of thousands of people through the years, and he and his bands entertained at countless fundraisers that benefited all. RIP

Gary E. “Jonesie” Jones passed away April 18, 2022. Born June 14, 1946 in Lockport, he was the son of Edward F. and Eleanor (Bistoff) Jones. Jonesie was a graduate of Roy-Hart, Class of 1964. He served in the US Air Force from 1966 to 1968 and was a member of the United States Air Force Band. Since 1979, He worked for Strate Welding Supply, where he was a manager. He was best known as a musician since 1968, singing with Rotary Bed and then Jonesie & the Cruisers. Jonesie was an avid fan of both the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. He loved watching races at Ransomville Speedway and riding his motorcycle with friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his infant brother Edward F. Jones, Jr.

Jonesie is survived by his wife Tina L. (Barrancotta) Jones; children William E. (Julie Fumanti) Jones, Nadine (Michael) Pantano, and Ashley Jones; grandson Michael Pantano, Jr.; siblings Richard (Anne) Jones, Judy Jones-Bell, and Robert (Debi) Jones; also several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, April 21st from 4-7 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will beheld Friday, April 22nd at 10 AM. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.

 

Vacanti to highlight Salt and Light Festival

The Salt & Light festival in Gasport this July will have a singing competition judged by Lockport's Joshua Vacanti (he of "The Voice" fame) who will provide a concert after the contest. Registration is now open to contestants

FMC update

This link opens a fact sheet that provides an update about the environmental cleanup status for the FMC Corporation – Middleport Facility site within New York’s State Superfund Program:

https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/der/factsheet/932014update0422.pdf

Dr. Stopinski is moving on to Depew

 

From the Superintendent's Desk

Roy-Hart Community Members,

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that effective June 30, I will be resigning my position as the Royalton-Hartland Central School District Superintendent of Schools.

On Tuesday, July 1, I will begin the next step of my career as the Superintendent of Schools at the Depew Union Free School District.  Between now and then, I will offer my assistance to the Board of Education as they transition to their new Superintendent.

Over the past four years, we have collectively completed the goals that the Board of Education requested of us.  We have made significant progress in the areas of school safety, academics, finance, facilities and more.  Together, we have improved our schools with a 12.1 million dollar capital improvement project, invested over 1.7 million dollars in our STEAM and Agriculture programs with public and private investments and have made annual capital outlay projects that have improved many aspects of the schools.

I am proud to share that we have been able to develop a long-range financial plan, aligned our curriculum, completed a District Strategic Plan, and will soon complete a long-range Facilities Master Plan for the District that will guide its work for over 10 years.  We have navigated over two years of a COVID-19 pandemic and will invest over four million dollars to close the learning gaps and support students in need that were impacted by the pandemic.

During my time in Roy-Hart, I have enjoyed the athletic competitions, music performances, the musicals, awards ceremonies, reading to our elementary students and time spent with my student advisory committee.  Being present at the recognition ceremonies for our students and staff, attending sectional, regional and State championships have been truly enjoyable for me.  I appreciate the amazing work of the administration, teachers, and staff. The support from the Agriculture Foundation, Sports Booster Club, Music Parents and PTA, and all our parents and community members have offered over the years is a testament to the Roy-Hart community.  I will truly miss you, and the memories will last forever.

Once again, thank you for your support over the past four years.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hank Stopinski

Superintendent of Schools

No longer the interim principal

Wendy Schlosser, the temporary principal of Royhart Middle School has been approved as the school’s permanent principal.

https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/royhart-hires-new-principal/article_5066ca6f-6d1d-5914-bf4e-fa5977ee785e.html

Ridgeviw developer still at work behind the scenes

 https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/ridge-view-solar-developer-still-at-work-behind-the-scenes/article_2daa9b64-43bd-51ba-9bf7-362fdd80cb84.html

TC open house and recruitment

 

As part of the annual RecruitNY statewide initiative, the Terry's Corners Volunteer Fire Company will open its doors so residents can learn how they can serve their volunteer fire department.

Volunteer fire departments across New York State are struggling with decreased membership and increased call volume. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Terry's Corners VFC needs to bolster its ranks so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

As part of RecruitNY Weekend, the Terry's Corners VFC will open its doors on Saturday, April 23 from Noon until 4pm. The Company is located at 7801 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Gasport, NY. They will be joining volunteer fire departments across New York to raise public awareness regarding the need for volunteers and to highlight the rewards of being a member of a volunteer fire department.

Throughout the day, the Terry's Corners Volunteer Fire Company will conduct tours of the station and apparatus, allow visitors to try on gear, demonstrate firefighting activities, provide information, and address questions on becoming a member.