East Aurora Advertiser Jan 29 2015

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Since 1872 VOLUME 142, ISSUE 26

www.eastaurorany.com

Week of January 29 - February 4, 2015 Hometown Paper of Paul Hulme

EAST AURORA, NEW YORK

Yellow Goose Robbery Suspect Apprehended Kenmore Man Arrested on Felony Charges

Submitted photo

A man suspected of involvement in a recent armed robbery of the Yellow Goose convenience store at 950 Maple Road in the Town of Elma has been arrested, thanks to the assistance of a vigilant citizen.

Just after 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, Erie County Sheriff’s deputies received a call from the store’s cashier stating a man claiming he had a knife forced the employee to open the cash register drawer. The suspect grabbed roughly $1,800 from the drawer and fled.

A customer in the store, who witnessed the incident, ran after the suspect. The suspect stopped and drew a long kitchen knife and displayed it to the pursuing customer, then made his way to a vehicle and drove away, heading north on Maple Road. The customer was able to provide deputies with a

vehicle description and license plate number, and the Sheriff’s Office investigated the license plate number and determined the owner’s address.

With assistance from the Village of Kenmore Police Department, deputies were able to locate the residence and the suspected vehicle parked nearby. After approaching the residence, they were able to take the suspect into custody.

D e put ie s ch a r ge d Ke n mo r e resident Matthew Hengel, 24,with the felonies of robbery in the first degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree, as well as two misdemeanor charges of menacing-use of a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use.

Hengel was arraigned in Elma Town Court on Jan. 17 and was remanded to the Erie County Holding Center on $50,000 bail.

East Aurora School Board President MaryBeth attended the district’s Jan. 20 community information Covert delivers a stack of letters to State Senator Patrick night to bring word of the senator’s commitment to work Gallivan’s Director of Operations Keith Bryan, who to end the state’s Gap Elimination Adjustment.

EAST AURORA SCHOOLS

Officials: NYS Aid Must Be Restored District Holds Forum on Effects of Gap Elimination Adjustment

By Adam Zaremski Staff Reporter East Aurora School District residents are being asked to help convince state leaders that changes are needed regarding school aid distribution. A call to action was a key point in last week’s informational meeting.

The East Aurora School Board and administrators said state aid adjustments since 2010 have left East Aurora schools underfunded by $11.6 million.

The revenue loss has affected teachers, staff, programs offered and class sizes.

At the Jan. 20 public forum, School Board President MaryBeth Covert asked parents and teachers to contact local state legislators and request a fix for how the state allocates its state aid for school districts. She said a sustained effort was needed to see any change.

“We need to keep pressure on our state legislators,” Covert said. “The state budget is being worked on now … we can’t wait anymore. It has to happen now.”

Since 2010, New York State adjusted how much money went to school districts by cutting funding to help cover

other revenue shortfalls in the state budget. This is now known as the Gap Elimination Adjustment. Districts are promised a certain amount of state aid, but since the Gap Elimination Adjustment started, that total amount is reduced to cover yearly expenses on a state level.

Covert said the adjustment formula needs to be eliminated, and the district needs to see the aid levels restored to the promised amount.

The organizers of the forum distributed pre-written letters to the 50 to 60 people in attendance and asked them to sign or add their own comments. The letters listed the problems the district has had since the Gap Elimination Adjustment started and asked the process to be stopped.

The letters were collected and will be mailed to the district’s local state legislators. Covert also handed a stack of them to Keith Bryan, the director of operations for State Senator Patrick Gallivan’s office, after the forum ended.

She asked people to also make phone calls to his office giving their support to the school district, and to also contact

State Assemblyman David DiPietro’s office to make similar requests.

Since the adjustment began, East Aurora has cut 23 teachers across the district, including the district social worker. Superintendent Brian Russ said class sizes increased from those cuts, and electives were also reduced.

Business Manager Paul Blowers noted the district has had to increase its use of savings to make up for the aid gap, and that in five years, its savings has been cut in half.

“We need to get rid of the [Gap Elimination Adjustment] if we are going to make sure we have a balanced budget,” Covert said. “We don’t want to go through another budget cycle with a $2 million gap.”

The East Aurora Faculty Association has said it will pay for stamps to send the letters to the legislators’ offices.

Sample letters will be posted to the district website for people to download and sign and then forward along to the state officials. They, and more information about the Gap Elimination Adjustment, can be accessed at www. eastauroraschools.org/GEA.

Aurora Receives CDBG Funds

Town’s Senior Center to Receive Upgrades, Purchase Generator

by Kristy Kibler Managing Editor Aurora Town Supervisor James Bach announced at the Jan. 26 Aurora Town Board meeting that the town has been chosen as a recipient of funds from the Erie County Consortium Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for 2015.

The town, which applied for the funding in collaboration with the Village of East Aurora, is due to receive $86,487 for upgrades to the Aurora Senior Center, as well as installation of a generator at the facility.

“This is something we’ve been wanting and talking about for a long time,” Bach said, highlighting the generator in particular. “The Senior Center is used as a warming center for emergencies, and now we won’t have to worry about losing electricity. That’s good news.”

The other upgrades for the center— located at 101 King St. in East Aurora— include new fitness equipment, carpeting and windows.

“It’s one of those situations where our persistence paid off,” said Councilwoman and former Supervisor Jolene Jeffe. “We had applied four years in a row.”

Each application that wasn’t chosen earned points to be applied to the next year’s attempt, so those past efforts helped the town be successful this year. The town and village applying in cooperation with each other also helped the application.

Jeffe said the local bid for Senior Center improvements was almost chosen last year, but there were questions about whether a generator would qualify for funding. By ensuring it was a stationary, built-in model, those questions were cleared up and the funding was granted.

According to a release from Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, CDBG projects are targeted toward public infrastructure and building improvements which primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

“Community Development Block Grant awards are meant to spur communities into investing in projects that improve their infrastructure and also enhance their quality of life,” Poloncarz said in the release. “These grants provide funding that is essential to getting these projects done, and when leveraged with other funding secured by the municipalities involved, provide the impetus for improvements all around Erie County.”

A total of 30 projects were submitted by various suburban municipalities, and nine were chosen. In addition, funding in the amount of $270,000 was awarded to the Rural Transit Service, which benefits 17 towns and eight villages around Western New York, including the Aurora and Elma area.

In other news, Bach clarif ied comments he had made at a board meeting earlier this month, in which he said that the Town of Aurora Highway Department and East Aurora Village

INSIDE THIS EDITION Elma Honors Harry Kaczmarek ............................. Page 3 Easement Approved for Jamison Rd. Property ...... Page 4 ‘Party for the President’ is Feb. 19 ........................... Page 7 Sokolski Crowned ‘Mr. Iroquois’ ............................ Page 9 Girls Basketball Net Big Wins ............................... Page 12 Village Delays Vote on Special Event Fees ............. Page 14

Department of Public Works would work together to provide as much of the labor costs as possible for upcoming repairs to the Brooklea Drive bridge, made possible by a $50,000 grant procured by State Senator Patrick Gallivan.

Bach said he had simply meant that the two departments would assist the project’s contractor where they could, such as delivering a load of stone to the work site, in an effort to keep costs down. He said his enthusiasm for the project may have caused him to speak in too broad of terms when he initially announced the news.

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Offensive Moves

Noah Thompson earned 13 points in last Saturday’s game against Pioneer, which East Aurora won, 66-48. For the full story, turn to Page 11.

TOWN OF HOLLAND

Land Could Become County Forest Officials Considering Fate of 100 Acres off Vermont Hill Rd

By Adam Zaremski Staff Reporter A Holland landowner is looking to transform nearly 100 acres into an official Erie County Forest.

At its Jan. 14 board meeting, Holland Town Supervisor Michael Kasprzyk said land along Vermont Hill Road, in an area north of its intersection with Vermont Street, could get turned into a forest if the county chooses. If this were done, the land would be taken off the town’s tax roll.

Erie County Forests are different than parks. They are left wild and undeveloped, and in some cases, no one is allowed to trespass on the land. Holland has four county forests that were established through foreclosures in the 1930s.

The Erie County Real Property website shows the land is owned by Linda Becker Ruckdeschel. She does not live in town, Kasprzyk said. She offered the land to the county so it could take over the acreage, but it has not yet accepted or denied the land.

The town board was not enthusiastic about the proposal or the fact it could not control the decision.

Kasprzyk said he talked to park and forestry officials to learn what might happen, but said they did not have any plans at this point. He also said he questioned how this would help the town as it would no longer collect revenue from the landowner.

“No one [at the Erie County Parks office] could give me a reason this is beneficial,” he said.

East Aurora Legion Commander Gary Kingston agreed as he talked about the other county forests in town, especially the one on South Protection Road. They all have posted signs keeping people away, when he thought town residents should be able to hike through the woods.

There are nearly 650 acres of county forests in town, according to the county’s Real Property website. They are located on East Holland, South Protection, Wilkins and Wagner roads. The records all show they were turned over to the

county between and 1921 and 1928.

Kasprzyk said the county tried to log South Protection about eight years ago, but it was “a complete debacle” with no good system in place.

He said it would be good if the county could do something similar to what was done along the county forest on Genesee Road in Concord, which has a couple picnic shelters, grills and public restrooms near several miles of trails.

The current offer does include a section of the New York State Conservation Trail, which cuts through Holland, coming through East Aurora to the north and makes its way to Ellicottville in the south.

The Erie County Bureau of Forestry website states that its purpose is to manage and protect these properties for forest management, recreation, water quality, wildlife habitat and wood products. Maintaining the forests helps to promote renewable sources, soil stabilization, improved air quality and a home for various types of animals.

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OPINIONS & IDEAS

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East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

EDITORIAL

READERS’ OPINION

A Civic Duty to Consider

DiPietro Should Have Been at GEA Meeting

Think your property tax bill is too high? Roads aren’t plowed to your satisfaction? School district isn’t getting the results for the money spent? Or perhaps everything is going well locally, and you want it to stay that way. While the focus is already on the 2016 presidential election, there are local elections each year, and the “election season” begins now.

We are dismayed by the number of uncontested elections held for local offices each year. It’s not that we necessarily think that the incumbents should be tossed out. Many are dedicated neighbors doing a good job serving on a village, school or town board.

But contested elections bring community issues to the forefront. They broaden community input for decisions the elected officials ultimately need to make. And they emphasize that citizens make policy, while staff carries it out.

We understand that serving on an elected board is a commitment of time and effort. Some people say they’d get involved, but they are too busy. The old adage that “busy people” get jobs done is often true.

A board of busy people isn’t likely to waste time.

Some people say they “don’t like politics” as their reason for not running. Unfortunately, that’s the reason that politics, in the negative sense, is impacting governing. If more non-politicians would seek offices, civility in decision making would improve.

Over the years we’ve seen many “single issue”

candidates develop into fine board members. If it’s a particular issue that prompts someone to run, that’s fine with us. If someone serving on an appointed advisory board feels they can contribute in a more meaningful way on an elected board, they should step up.

Or, if someone feels it’s time to contribute to the community as a matter of civic duty, that’s great.

No big issue is needed as a campaign plank. We’d welcome candidates who just want to serve because self-governance is what we do in this country.

Locally, there’s always an “election season.” It begins now in the Village of East Aurora for three Village Board seats. Independent nominating petitions are available in the Village Hall and must be returned by Feb. 10.

School Board elections are also done through independent nominating petitions, with elections in May. Town Board elections are held in November, but the political parties often begin considering interested candidates as early as February.

Contested elections are healthy for a community even if, or perhaps because, they highlight different approaches to governing and issues. We’d urge residents who have had some thought of serving on an elected board to take the next step and explore the mechanics of getting on the ballot. Don’t lose the opportunity to run because a deadline to file has passed.

At the Iron Kettle: The Feast Goes On It’s been a quiet week in the old hometown, where Routes 16, 20A and 78 come together for seven or eight blocks then head out of the village in different directions. Some of the quiet was due, no doubt, to the domineering presence of Old Man Winter, who had invited himself to the 14052, repaved the place with a thick coat of iron-hard ice, settled in like he owned the joint and has, so far, given no indication that he is backing off anytime soon.

I still claim to like winter—to succumb to the temptation to carp about the cold weather would be to admit that advancing age is having an effect on me. And the Old Man and I had had some good times over my 65 winters when I engaged in all manner of alpine, Nordic and arctic adventures. With age, though, the hard-shell footwear necessary for skiing and skating has begun to hurt my burgeoning senior citizen Bunyans. [Excuse me, the proofreader at the Advertiser is buzzing me. What’s that? I’ll be darned. Thanks.

She just called to say that I must mean bunions, not Bunyans. Maybe she’s right, technically, but to me they feel like something Paul Bunyan might suffer from. Whatever.] And even walking with Bunyans (or bunions, take your pick) gives me, as they used to say on ABC Sports, “agony of de feet.”

So we make do with other winter activities, like long drives into the countryside to look for the snowy owls.

They’re back, the owls are, this year, a gift from Old Man Winter, perhaps as consolation for all the ice. Majestic creatures.

And after working up an appetite with an early morning drive, what better treat than a stop for breakfast.

Which brings me, at long last, to the point of this week’s musings from Right Field: the Iron Kettle Restaurant, the dean (or doyenne, if you will) of East Aurora eateries.

We walked into the Kettle on a recent Sunday morning, expecting to have a quiet meal with a couple of friends we hadn’t seen in a while, but what happened was more like arriving at a surprise party where you are the featured (and surprised) guest. A chorus of hellos greeted us from tables near and far. We knew everybody in the place. It was the place to be, the center of the cultural and culinary universe.

In the middle of the hubbub, before we had a chance to read the specials on the

board or browse the expansive breakfast buffet, I was hailed by the inimitable Johnny “White Shoes” Goudeau, head chef at the Kettle, whom I had met in the back room think tank at Sammy’s Car Wash when he helped out there many years ago.

“Why don’t you do an article about this place?” he said, as if pointing out a glaring omission on my part. “Tara (Tara Martin, the owner of the Iron Kettle for the past 16 years) is running a great restaurant here. Look at this place; it’s hopping. Friday nights for fish fry, fresh cod, the line’s out the door. Banquets in the back room. Allyou-can-eat salad bar with homemade

View from Right Field

Rick Ohler

soup. You can’t beat it.”

And Johnny White Shoes, once you get to talking with him, is a pretty interesting character himself: a Cajun from Bayou Country, he’s a career chef who’s cooked on private yachts in the Caribbean, up and down the East Coast and throughout the Great Lakes. After stints in the kitchen at the Jacobs Estate and the East Aurora Country Club, he signed on at the Iron Kettle and has helped Tara turn the place into the thriving beehive we found last Sunday.

“I’ll think about it, Johnny,” I said.

I did think about it, as you can see by the title of this column. But I also thought about something my 19-yearold daughter had said a few weeks ago, after she returned from a year-and-ahalf adventure in Colorado. “Hey, Dad,” she asked, “so when did East Aurora get, like, so pretentious?”

Besides being impressed with her vocabulary, I was impressed with her perspicacity. She had detected—and she’s not alone—disturbances in the Force: changes in a previously laidback hometown that she saw now as evolving into an upscale, gentrified, and more expensive place. Whether such changes have really come about,

Since August 9, 1872

and if so, are for the better or the worse are matters that can wait for another discussion. But, as I took in the scene around me, I was reassured about how thoroughly unpretentious the Iron Kettle has remained. Tara and Johnny work seven days to make sure the food is high quality and affordable whether you choose from the menu of favorites or from the intriguing, constantly changing specials board. Wherever you fit into the social strata of our fair town, they want you to feel welcome.

Unpretentiousness is hardly a new concept at the Iron Kettle. Anyone who has eaten there in the past 70 years, and especially in the last half of the 20th century when the legendary Phil Milliron owned it, can attest to that. Carol Milliron, daughter of Phil, has regaled members of the memoirs and family histories class I host with volumes of stories: how Phil took over the Kettle in ’53 on a handshake from Mr. Gerstung; how he built the place into a local favorite by offering good food at a fair price served by friendly help in a homey, pleasant setting; how hundreds—from the well-to-do to those for whom a meal out was a rare occasion—would beat a path to 1009 Olean Road every Sunday for full dinners of roast beef or chicken with real gravy and all the trimmings and homemade pies; how Phil kept his eye out for customers who were a little down on their luck whom he’d, without fanfare, let eat free, pay me back if you get a chance. On mornings, then as now, breakfasters would mingle with blue collar guys, business folks having meetings and the caffeinated curmudgeons hard at work solving crises, both local and global, fueled by bottomless cups of coffee.

Fourth Iron Kettle owner Tara Martin, with Johnny’s help, has managed to keep things contemporary without changing the come-as-you-are ambiance. She’s assembled a genial wait and kitchen staff of local lads and lasses that includes her daughter, Ariel, and a third generation Milliron, Phil’s granddaughter, Abby. And she hasn’t budged an inch from her commitment to unpretentiousness. *** East Aurora writer and former page 10 columnist Rick Ohler was as surprised as anyone to find his View from Right Field moved to page 2. Visit him on Facebook or at www.rickohler.com.

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Postmaster: Send address changes to: East Aurora Advertiser, 710 Main Street, P. O. Box 5, East Aurora, NY 14052.

Dear Editor: On Tuesday, January 20, I attended an informational meeting at the East Aurora Middle School concerning the Gap Elimination Adjustment or GEA. Because of the GEA, East Aurora and other wealthier districts are now facing more drastic cuts in programs, both academic and extracurricular.

The event was well attended and I was happy to see a representative

from State Senator Patrick Gallivan’s office to listen to the community’s concerns. Missing that evening was Assemblyman David DiPietro or one of his representatives. Where were you? Getting books at the library?

This is a very important issue for the community. I hope to see you at future meetings.

Marian J. Whitcomb East Aurora

Reita Littlefield: You’ll Be Missed Dear Editor: When someone dear decides to retire from a close-knit group, the loss is truly felt. That is the case with our dear friend, Reita Littlefield, who has decided to retire from her duties at the library.

Reita has been an active library volunteer for many years and has taken on many different duties and tasks. She was actively involved with the Friends of the West Falls Library group long before we became an independent entity. She was instrumental in obtaining our 501c3 status as a non-profit, which was no small feat, involving much legal activity, as well as setting up our new system. Reita took on this task willingly. When we re-emerged as an all-volunteer, private library with no country support, Reita became our first treasurer and held that position until recently.

Reita has helped in many other ways

as well, from providing lovely plants to the library, delivering many carloads of books donated to the VA Hospital, helping with newsletter distribution, magazine subscription duties, helping with programs and activities, and generally just being willing to help in any way she could.

One of the tasks she has been most proud of, we’re sure, is her compilation and organization of the huge collection of notebooks donated by local historian, Dolly Francis. The books consist of local history, maps, and an amazing detailed genealogy of the many families who inhabited the West Falls/Griffins Mills area, going back to the earliest settlers. These volumes are housed in the library for viewing.

We suspect we will continue to see Reita at events and we’re sure she’ll volunteer to help out in any way she can. Reita, you’ll be missed!

Friends of West Falls Library

Policy on Letters

The East Aurora Advertiser welcomes letters to the editor. We suggest that letters intended for publication be around 300 words or fewer, and ask that each letter address a single theme or topic. Letters over 800 words will not be considered.

E-mail letters to eanews@eastaurorany.com, or mail them to 710 Main St., East Aurora, NY 14052. Letters must be received before noon on Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Visit www.eastaurorany.com to read the full policy on letters.

Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting letters of intent for 2015 grants. They must be submitted online at www.cfgb.org and are due Feb. 2.

The Community Foundation will review all letters of intent, and selected organizations will be invited to submit full applications in April. Awardees will be notified in mid-August.

The Foundation awards annual grants to nonprofit organizations with programs that address one or more of the Community Foundation’s four community goals, which are improving educational achievement for low-income students; increasing racial/ethnic equity; enhancing and leveraging significant natural resources; strengthening the region as a center for architecture, arts, and culture.

Applicants must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Eligibility requirements and specific objectives under each of the Community

Foundation’s four community goals can be reviewed on the website prior to submitting a letter of intent, and questions on the process or eligibility requirements can be directed to the Community Foundation’s Community Impact Department by calling (716) 852-2857.

More than $400,000 was awarded to Western New York nonprofit organizations in 2014 as part of this granting process. It is one piece of the Community Foundation’s annual investment in Western New York, which totaled nearly $9 million in 2014.

In addition to deploying resources at clients’ requests, the Community Foundation actively secures funding for the region from statewide and national funders, totaling over $31 million in the last seven years.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo holds over 750 funds with assets totaling more than $310 million and is one of the region’s largest grantmakers. For more information on the Community Foundation’s competitive grants process, visit www.cfgb.org.

It’s a new year, and Hearts and Hands is looking for additional volunteers in the Town of Wales area.

The not-for-profit, neighbor-helpingneighbor organization pairs volunteers with older and physically challenged adults for basic transportation and inhome support. Volunteers help transport care receivers to medical and other appointments, social events and to run errands. Some volunteers choose to offer in-home supports such as letter writing and bill paying, snow removal, caregiver respite and minor home repairs, or to provide friendly visits or become a phone pal.

Hearts and Hands serves more than 70 people in Wales and the surrounding area, and more than 650 people throughout Western New York.

“Our organization has a 96 percent request fulfillment rate, something of which we are very proud. If you’re an older or physically challenged adult in the Wales community, and have a need, Hearts and Hands will try to match an available volunteer to assist you with that

need,” James Bender, executive director, said in a release. “Of course, the key to this is our group of dedicated volunteers willing to help their neighbors.”

Bender added that volunteer service helps both the care receivers and their families have peace of mind, knowing that they “will still be able to get their medical needs and minor chores taken care of without having to leave the home and community they love to go into expensive institutional health care.”

Those interested in volunteering attend an orientation session prior to becoming a Hearts and Hands volunteer, where they find out how the program works. Volunteers choose only the assignments they have the time for, and want to do. When they’re unable to take a certain appointment, they tell their volunteer coordinator, who then can call another volunteer and get the appointment assigned. Mileage reimbursement is also available.

For more information on becoming a Hearts and Hands volunteer, call 406-8311.

Hearts and Hands Seeks Town of Wales Volunteers

.00 s - $8 Adulteniors S n ildre & Ch .50 $6

Schedule for the week of

MA (bef TINEES and More 5pm) on $6.50days

Friday, January 30 thru Thursday, February 5:

Nominated for 6 Oscars! #1 Film in the USA!

AMERICAN SNIPER Starring Bradley Cooper • Directed by Clint Eastwood

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Friday 6:30 & 9:00pm; Saturday 3:00, 6:30 & 9:00pm; Sunday 12:30 & 3:00pm; Monday-Thursday 7:00pm

Foxcatcher • The Theory of Everything • Paddington Bear • Birdman 673 Main Street, East Aurora • 652-1660 www.theauroratheatre.com Locally Owned & Operated

Wednesday Night Half Price Popcorn!

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East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

‘My Son Pinocchio, Jr.’ Coming to Iroquois Stage

Middle School Drama Club to Perform Musical Jan. 30 and 31

by Holly R. Layer Freelance Reporter The Iroquois Middle School Drama Club will present “My Son Pinocchio, Jr.” Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31.

The show is the classic tale of Pinocchio, but told from Geppetto’s perspective. The audience is taken back in time to see Geppetto’s desire for a son unfold and the challenges he faces once Pinocchio is given life. According to its website, the show tackles “timely issues about what it means to be ‘the perfect child’ – and what it means to be ‘a real father.’”

Kym Robare, the musical’s director and a seventh grade social studies teacher, said the

Drama Club always wants to keep productions exciting and fresh for their audience.

“Pinocchio is not one of the most popular shows middle schools are doing, but we thought it would be a fun and unique change of pace for us,” Robare said.

Robare is joined by Lauren Fox, the show’s music director, and Jen Hand, who is in charge of business logistics and program design.

Robare said turnout at auditions for this year’s show was overwhelming.

“The biggest challenge, by far, was not being able to include all the students who wanted to be a part of our production,” she said.

“Those who did get a spot in the cast really had to stand out.”

Eighth grader Ethan Herbold, who played Sebastian in last year’s production of “The Little Mermaid,” plays Geppetto.

“This is the biggest role I’ve been in—it’s constant work being on stage 24-7,” Herbold said.

Pincocchio is played by Vada Kirsch, a seventh grader, who said acting is something she’s passionate about.

“When you’re devoted, you go home and all you want to do is practice your songs,” she said.

Luca Sullivan, also a seventh grader, returns to the stage as the Ringleader of the Roustabouts, who tries to sell Pinocchio into slavery.

“It’s really fun being evil [in this show] because last year I was Flounder and I was funny,” Sullivan said. “I really like the experience and making people laugh.”

As for the set, Robare said the they seem to get a little bigger each year. Luckily, many set pieces can be reused from year to year.

“We are so fortunate to have a crew of clever and creative parents who are willing to spend Saturdays building a beautiful set,” she said. “This year’s set did not require any major purchases other than a box of new screws.”

In addition to parent and high school helpers, many Middle School students work behind the scenes to get the production ready. Seventh grader Nicholas Sisti has helped by designing the toy store for the set and painting props and promotional posters to hang in the school lobby.

“I like the idea of the musical but don’t have any singing or dancing talent,” Sisti said of his choice to participate in this way.

Tickets to the shows are available during lunches at the middle school for $6 until Friday, Jan. 30 and will also be available at the door before each performance.

Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday. New this year, preferred seating is availPhoto by Holly R. Layer able for an extra charge.

For more information, visThe Fairies-in-Training, with Gwen Cunningham in front, practice a scene in which they take the audience back in time. it www.iroquoiscsd.org/domain/280.

Advisor Lauren Fox, facing the girls, directs.

Photo by Holly R. Layer

Devon Greier (an understudy), Nick Patti and Pinocchio interact, they make fun of and Gabe Robare portray the Town Fathers Geppetto’s parenting skills. in a rehearsal. After watching Geppetto

Photo by Holly R. Layer

Ethan Herbold as Geppetto (far left) as fifth grader Anthony Devoli pops out of watches a demonstration of the “child- the machine. making machine” during a recent rehearsal

Village Delays Vote on Fees Wales Organizes for 2015

by Kristy Kibler Managing Editor The East Aurora Village Board has again delayed its vote on restructuring the fees for special use permits. With a split board and several absent members, the final decision on the proposed fee increase—which would charge applying organizations for half of the overtime costs of police and Department of Public Works staff—was pushed off to be voted on at the board’s Feb. 2 meeting.

Mayor Allan Kasprzak, recovering from a fall off a ladder, was not in attendance at the board’s Jan. 20 session, so Deputy Mayor Ernest Scheer presided over the meeting. Also missing were Trustees Kevin Biggs and Peter Mercurio.

Of the trustees present, there was a sharp divide in opinion on the proposed changes. Trustee Randolph West, who has been working with Village Clerk-Treasurer Joyce Jezewski to create the proposed new fee structure, said the proposal has been compromised several

times in accordance with other board members’ objections. Originally, the plan was to charge the organizations holding the special events all costs incurred by the village, and it was then reduced to half of the total costs following discussion. More discussion led to the proposal being further reduced to just half the overtime costs the village takes on for each event.

However, representatives from several community organizations attended the meeting to voice their opinions on how this fee increase will affect some of East Aurora’s most well-known events. Those opinions can be summed up in a comment by Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gary Grote.

“If there’s any increase in these fees, it’s going to jeopardize our ability to put these events on,” he said.

Others added that any increase will come out of the proceeds their respective events raise, which many times is invested back into the community through

scholarships, donations and other means.

The fee right now is a flat $75 for all applicants. According to estimates provided by Jezewski, for some events, such as some 5K races, the new fees would represent a modest increase, going up by about $100. However, other, larger events—such as the Sidewalk Sale and Festival, East Aurora Music Festival and Moose Lodge #370 Toy Town Car Show—could owe in the range of $850-$1,000.

West reiterated his opinion that the organizations should shoulder some of the cost burden of their own events, but Trustee Patrick Shea reinforced his own opposing views that part of a municipality’s duty is to support events, and that they are part of East Aurora’s character and allure.

Trustee Deborah Carr-Hoagland added her thoughts that charging for police services is wrong and potentially against the law. She also said the reasoning process behind each increase was arbitrary.

by Pat McDonnell Freelance Reporter The Wales Town Board earlier this month made its yearly organizational appointments and set salaries for 2015 for its elected as well as appointed officials.

Wages for the town council were set $5,962 for each of four board members: Deputy Supervisor Gerald E. Klinck and council members Michael S. Simon, Donald Butcher and Jude Hartrich.

Klinck will receive no extra pay for his role as deputy supervisor or as the town’s representative to NEST, a consortium of Erie County communities dedicated to improving solid waste, garbage and refuse collection.

Thanks to the 2 percent salary hike his board approved in its budget deliberations late last year, Supervisor Rickey A. Venditti saw his salary jump to $22,997 for 2015.

Highway Superintendent Michael Zywar remains the town’s highest paid employee, earning $53,949, which includes his joint roles serving as superintendent of parks and cemeteries. In addition, Zywar

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will receive $10 on a monthly basis for storing excess town supplies at his home, plus a maximum of $40 monthly for use of his cell phone for official town business. Zywar’s cell number is available to the public, the board’s Jan. 13 agenda states, and the highway superintendent is “on call at all times.”

Code Enforcement Officer Walter Raichel, who doubles as the town’s lone building and inspector and safety and disaster coordinator, will earn $17,594 this year, plus an additional $40 monthly he receives for use of his cell phone to conduct official town business since Raichel’s cell number also available to the public, and he, too, is considered always on call.

Raichel will be paid $60 for every fire inspection he performs on behalf of the town and $30 for fire safety inspections. His clerk will earn an hourly salary of $12.97.

Town Clerk Melinda Eaton will notch $46,294 in 2015, which includes her duties serving as the community’s chief registrar, property manager, tax collector, ref use clerk and records management officer. Town Justices Howard Lobaugh and Raymond Poliseno will earn $10,421 apiece next year. Their court clerk, Christa Dake, will make $17,313 in 2015, plus a monthly maximum amount of $25 for use of her cell phone to conduct official court business.

Elsewhere in the town’s legal department, Ronald P. Bennett will be eligible to earn a maximum of $22,000, plus his office would receive an additional $160 per hour for any possible litigation the town pursues in a courtroom. Bennett’s clerical staff at the private East Aurora law offices of Bennett, DiFilippo & Kurtzhalts LLP will be paid $45 per hour for any work done on behalf of the town. Town of Elma town attorney Phyliss Todoro will serve as Wales’ prosecutor in the town’s justice court for another year.

Town Constable Paul Kowalski was re-appointed to the same post at a yearly salary of $4,307.

The Buffalo firm of ConestogaRovers & Associates LLP again will serve as the town’s engineering firm on a retainer basis of $4,000 this year, but would earn more for specific engineering projects it conducts on behalf of the town.

Rae Hoxsie, who along with Venditti, crafts the annual town budgets and is responsible for much of what transpires on the fiscal front in Wales, will be paid

$16,769, with that figure including her additional responsibilities as town bookkeeper, budget director and Venditti’s clerk. Deputy Town Clerk Linda Hausauer, who also serves as the clerk of the town’s Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, will be paid $13.30 per hour, and Second Deputy Clerk Ellen Bapst will earn $12.97 hourly on a part-time basis this year.

Town of Holland Dog Control Officer William Newell again will serveasthetown’sdogwardenat$65 per hour, earning up to a maximum of $3,000. Town Historian Deanna Zeigel is a member of the Wales Historical Society and will earn a nominal stipend of $1,001 for what essentially is a volunteer position. The town and Zeigel are still looking for a member from the community to serve as her deputy and who has a historical knowledge of the community and wants to share it with the public.

The chairman of the Board of Assessors will earn $9,309 this year, while each of two assessors will take down $5,990 apiece in the coming year. The chairman of the town’s Assessment Review Board will earn $276 for his role in mediating property assessment complaints lodged by homeowners and heard on Grievance Day. Each of four Assessment Review Board members will earn $205 for sitting in on the Grievance Day panel and listening to the myriad of complaints filed with the town by property owners. Assessor Department Clerk Dawn Martin will earn $6,040 this year.

The chairmen of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board each will make $577 on an annual basis, while each of four ZBA and planning board members will notch $491 annually.

The secretary clerk to each panel will earn $11.82 per hour on an “as needed” basis, according the board’s agenda. The four Conservation Advisory Board members in 2015 will earn $274 apiece, while that board’s chairman will earn an additional $69 for his work as chairman Laborers for the town will earn $10.61, and J&M Janitorial Cleaning Service was again contracted in 2015 to maintain the Route 20A town hall. Town of Marilla resident Bonnie Mather again was given support in a unanimous vote as head of the EMW Tri-Town Recreation and its director.

12

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

www.eastaurorany.com

Submitted photo

East Aurora/Holland JV Hockey

East Aurora/Holland junior varsity club hockey coach Tony DiFilippo IV is shown giving some last-minute instructions to his team before a recent game versus the Depew Warriors. Pictured with their backs to the camera are Takota Lindberg, Ethan Fuller, Cory Scull, Jack McDonnell, Tyler McKenna, Evan Ensminger and James Spack. The East Aurora/Holland team is one of the more formidable competing in the WNY High

RUSNAK ON PRESIDENT’S LIST

Sarah Rusnak of East Aurora has been named to the SUNY Geneseo President’s List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned a 4.0 grade point average.

TELBAN ON PRESIDENT’S LIST

School Club Hockey League, which includes 25 teams across four divisions. The squad is currently in second place in the Black Division with a 9-5 record—only two games behind division leader Cheektowaga/JFK—with more than a month to go before the play-offs begin. The team plays its home games at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Healthy Zone Rink on Riley Street in East Aurora.

Allstate Congratulates East Aurora High School

Athletes of the Week

for the week of February 13-19

Daniel Telban of East Aurora has been named to the Genesee Community College Fall 2014 President’s List, having maintained full time enrollment and a grade point average of 3.75 or better.

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Erin Nason

Emma Brinker

Sr. Captain - Erin Nason - During the past week Erin posted a rare triple double when she scored a season high 21 pts, and added 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Depew Wildcats. She followed up this perforrmance with 12 pts,, 3 rebounds and 2 steals verse Cheektowaga. Against the Warriors she did an amazing job shutting down one of the top scorers in the division and helped EA hold Cheektowaga to only 28 points. She is the daughter of Tom and Donna Nason.

Fr. Emma Brinker - After missing Tuesday's game verse Depew due to illness Emma returned to the line up on Friday night and scored her tenth double-dobule of the season by scoring 24 points and recording 14 rebounds. She added in 7 blocks and played a critical role in EA's team defense by playing strong defense inside the paint and being a constant threat to alter the opponents shots.

She is the daughter of Jay and Ann Marie Brinker.

Erin and Emma, stop into the Allstate office for your gift certificate for a FREE LARGE PIZZA from Pizza Del Aureo’s.

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been named to the Genesee Community College Fall 2014 President’s List, having maintained full time enrollment and a grade point average of 3.75 or better.

Nicole Schwab of Holland has been named to the University of Rhode Island Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned at least a 3.30 grade point average.

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Sam Youngman, right, searches for an opening to make a move in last week’s match against Cheektowaga.

EA Girls Net Two Big Wins

by Amy Baase Freelance Reporter For the last three weeks, East Au rora Blue Dev ils girls basketball coach Gary Schutrum has been working with his team to develop depth off the bench. He knew his starting five had developed a rhythm and groove out on the floor, but sometimes they struggled to integrate the rest of the team into the game.

When the Lady Blue Devils traveled to Depew Tuesday, Jan. 20, they were without 6-feet-tall leading scorer Emma Brinker due to illness. With Brinker down, the team needed to find a way to contain Depew’s star player, who had recently returned to the team after an injury. They needed to find a way to replace her average of 18 average points, 18 rebounds and

seven blocks, and they needed to test out what they had been practicing in the gym.

“Depew is a good team.

Although we beat them a few weeks back, they were without their leading scorer at that time,” Schutrum said. “I needed some of our supporting players to step up and contribute in Emma’s absence. I couldn’t be more pleased with the result.”

Senior Erin Nason had a huge game, executing the elusive triple double: double digit statistics in 3 categories. She scored 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 steals.

“Erin had a season-high game and put in tremendous effort,” Schutrum said.

Sarah Fiscus and freshman Emma Oar matched up against Depew’s big player, keeping her to only 12 points while

generating four points each for the Lady Blue Devils. “ Em m a Oa r playe d a n awesome game, her best as a freshman on the varsity team,” the Lady Blue Devils coach said. “Sarah made a huge difference boxing out their key player and keeping her from scoring.”

Although in foul trouble early, sophomore Julianna Misen hei mer scored ni ne points, while senior Julia Prychodko, who came in for Misenheimer in the first quarter, racked up six points of her own.

“Kasey Kmicinski was so good on defense for us and scored four points, and Megan O’Donnell had a career-high four points,” Schutrum added.

Ju nior Sam You ng man earned two to round out the scoring, giving East Aurora a 53-30 victory.

On Friday, Jan. 23, the Lady Blue Devils hosted Cheektowaga in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Schutrum was most pleased to see that his team carried their renewed energy level into this game, this time with their leading scorer, Brinker, back in the lineup.

“This Cheektowaga team was averaging 65 points a game and we held them to 28,” he said.

“We played a little fast and a little out of control, but that sure made it tough to score on us.”

Nason contributed 12 points to the win, while Brinker was back in full force with a 24-point game, also adding 14 rebounds.

Kmicinski had five points, two rebounds and three steals for East Aurora.

It wasn’t Misenheimer’s night to rack up the points, but she played “great defense” and had the chance to redeem herself against a Cheektowaga player who “blew past her” at their last meeting. Junior Caroline Dudley was all over the court, recording three points but making the difference in numerous plays and making her presence known throughout the game.

Photo by Marty Wangelin East Aurora (7-1, 11-1) will Kasey Kmicinski fakes out a Cheektowaga defender and have a week-long midterm moves past for a shot in last Friday’s game. She had five points break before facing Amherst in the game. on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

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East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

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EA Wins Two of Three Contests; Stays in Playoff Contention

by Rick Ohler Freelance Reporter It was easily the best week Coach Chris Koselny’s varsity basketball Blue Devils have had this season. They began with a 74-42 tethering of the Griffins of Springville on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and ended with 66-48 taming of the Pioneer Panthers on Saturday, Jan 24. In between they nearly beat a more seasoned Depew squad, dropping a 47-43 decision.

The Springville game, unlike the other two contests, was never in doubt. East Aurora went up 20-8 after eight minutes, with Noah Thompson accounting for nine and Nick Potter four. Things got steadily worse for the visitors as they fell behind 36-16 at the half and 56-30 after three quarters on their way to a 32-point loss. Thompson ended up with 23 points, while sophomore Josh Denz added twelve and sophomores Joe and Nick Montgomery split 20 points evenly.

Two days later, the Wildcats came calling at the gym on Center Street. This one proved to be a rough-and-tumble affair, with the men in the striped shirts alternately calling everything or, seemingly, calling nothing at all and letting the players battle it out. Thompson looked like he was on another scoring tear after he drained two 3-pointers in a row, but the Depew coach put a drapery defense on the hot-handed shooter and he never got another clean look. The lead

changed six times in the first half until The Wildcats went up for good late in the second quarter, but twice the Blue Devils came within one—first when senior guard Connor Allan grabbed a rebound and fed Potter underneath for a nifty reverse layup, and then when Joe Montgomery took a kick-out pass from his brother and swished a rainbow from 20 feet.

The second half produced more of the same: Depew would get ahead by a basket or two and East Aurora would come back strong, with sophomore tall man Cal McTigue converting a Nick Montgomery feed for three and then twisting through the lane for two more. Allan’s late 3-pointer made it close in the waning seconds, but Depew held on, happy to escape back to Transit Road with a victory. Joe Montgomery was high scorer with 12, followed

by Nick Montgomery with eight.

The Pioneer game, a makeup match for the Jan. 9 snowed-out home game, was much closer than the score might lead you to believe. Through the first 16 minutes it was anybody’s guess who might prevail. Thompson drew first blood with a layup off the tip, then sank another layup from Denz’s assist. Allan reverted to football mode by taking a fourth-and-inches plunge through two Panther defenders to make a layup, then sank a lefthanded free throw to complete the three-point play. The first quarter

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Nick Montgomery faces a Springville defender on his way to the net in last week’s match. He had 10 points in the game.

ended 15-10. Pioneer came back strong in the second, tallying 19 points to EA’s 11 for a 29-26 lead at the break.

For a while in the third, Pioneer kept it close, going up 32-27, falling back to a 32-all tie and halfway through, going ahead 38-34 and allowing the Blue Devils to knot it once again at 38. If there was a turning point in the game, it came when McTigue went way above the rim to cleanly (despite the opinions of a vocal corps of Pioneer parents) swat away a sure Panther bucket. From there, Coach K’s charges took over with ten unanswered points, three from Nick Montgomery and seven from McTigue, including a serpentine, spinning layup in rush hour traffic. After 24 minutes, the hosts were on top 48-40.

The final frame was all East Aurora. Allan drew a foul in the first few seconds and made both shots. Thompson took down a rebound and fed Potter for a layup. Nick Montgomery stole a Panther pass and fed McTigue for an above-the-rim layup. Nick and Thompson both put back offensive rebounds in the closing minutes for 66-48 final. Nick Montgomery led all scorers with 17 points, McTigue contributed 15 and Thompson netted 13.

The win brings the Blue Devils to 5-7 on the season and 3-4 in ECIC Division III, with an important league game Friday night at Cheektowaga.

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Bryan Hensen earns an easy two points in the team’s Jan. 20 game.

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East Aurora Senior Bowling League

Week 14 December 17, 2014 Team W L Handicapers 35 21 Therapy 35 21 Pin Worms 34 22 EA Bloopers 30 26 Alley Cats 30 26 Bombers 27 29 Ten Pins 26 30 Four Aces 24 32 Out to Lunch 21 35 Guess Who 17 39 High Series: Tony Palermo 683 (506), Rich Wroblewski 654 (582), Donna Rauff 650 (422), and Barb D’Amato 642 (444).

High Game: Tony Palermo 239 (180), Jane Bayer 238 (150), Donna Rauff 237 (161), and Rich Wroblewski 233 (209).

EDWARDS ON DEAN’S LIST

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Racing along Power Lines

This past Sunday had weather perfect for head out along the trail on the north side of snowmobilers and others that wanted to get Big Tree Road bordering Aurora and Wales. outside for the day. Here, a group of riders

Snowmobile Safety Tips Detailed Deputies Timothy Dusza and Timothy Coulombe, members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Snowmobile/ATV Unit, detailed rules and regulations and highlighted safety tips during a snowmobile safety course for underage riders at Emery Park in Wales Saturday afternoon.

The Wester n New York snow mobiling com munit y recently experienced three snowmobiling-related deaths and one serious accident in the past few weeks. The Sheriff’s Office reminded snowmobile operators and their passengers of the hazards associated with this winter time recreation and provided riders with safety guidelines to prevent another tragedy.

“Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting winter recreational activity, and it’s a great way to get out and view nature,” Dusza said. “But the moment you disregard safety, disrespect the machine and disobey the trail rules, snowmobiling becomes very dangerous. We encourage every rider to experience all the fun that snowmobiling has to offer but we remind them to ride smart and safe to stay alive.”

The Sheriff’s Snowmobile/ ATV Unit will patrol the nearly 400 miles of approved trails in Erie County this season as often as weather and trail conditions permit. The Sheriff’s Office works closely with the ten Erie County snowmobile

clubs to emphasize safety and responsible operation of the machine.

Last weekend, deputies issued 27 snowmobiling-related tickets in Boston, Colden, Elma, Holland and North Collins.

The tickets ranged from loud muff lers to trespassing to unregistered and uninsured machines. The deputies also conducted speed enforcement on numerous trails.

T h e S h e r i f f ’s O f f i c e Snowmobile/ATV Unit offered these snowmobiling safety tips: - Know the law. Check with your local snowmobile club and law enforcement agencies to understand the rules of the area and where the ride.

- Gear up. For optimum protection, always wear a helmet, warm gloves, a windproof outer layer and boots.

- Check it out. Be sure the snowmobile is running properly before riding. Review the owner’s manual and follow the

recommended service schedule.

- Take a f r iend. Never snowmobile alone. It’s more fun and safer to ride with someone.

-Be prepared. Take along a spare belt, spark plugs and tools to do basic repairs. A safe snowmobiler should also carry emergency supplies, such as a basic first aid and overnight survival provisions such as food, matches, flashlight and extra batteries and shelter-building materials.

-Maintain control and stay sharp. Be aware of the terrain, visibility and weather conditions before the ride. Ride only when senses are sharp and not impaired by any drugs or alcohol.

- Know the sled’s protection.

Review snowmobile insurance to make sure there’s enough coverage to protect the vehicle and cover liability in case someone gets injured or property is damaged.

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East Aurora Advertiser , Thursday, January 29, 2015

East Aurora Sports Schedule Feb. 2-Feb. 8 687-2514

Basketball Boys Varsity

Tues. Feb. 3 vs. Amherst 7:30 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 5 @ Pioneer 7 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 7 vs. Orchard Park 1:30 p.m.

Basketball Boys Junior Varsity

Tues. Feb. 3 vs. Amherst 6 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 5 @ Pioneer 5:30 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 7 vs. Orchard Park 12 p.m.

Basketball Boys Modified B

Mon. Feb. 2 vs. Pioneer 4:30 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 5 @ Springville 4:30 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 7 vs. Orchard Park 10:30 a.m.

Basketball Girls Varsity

Tues. Feb. 3 @ Amherst 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 6 @ Pioneer 7 p.m.

Basketball Girls Junior Varsity The East Aurora Bombers swim team poses with their “bomb” prior to the Senior Recognition Night meet. In keeping with Bomber tradition, most swimmers dye their

Tues. Feb. 3 @ Amherst 6 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 6 @ Pioneer 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Amy Baase

hair a bleach blonde before the last home meet of the season and subsequently shave their heads to ready themselves for post-season competition.

Basketball Girls Modified B

Mon. Feb. 2 vs. Pioneer 4:45 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 5 @ Springville 6 p.m.

Wrestling Boys Varsity

Bombers Look Forward to ECICs

by Amy Baase Freelance Reporter It’s hard to believe that the East Aurora Bombers boys swim team has already reached the post-season. They endured a five-day break from practice during the “Snovember” storm several months ago, and they came out with a one-point win in a nail-biter of a first meet that had a 45-year-long record on the line.

And as usual, they are looking to enter many swimmers into ECIC, Class B, Sectional and even NYS Championship races. Not a bad stretch for first year coach Chris Musshafen.

“The first meet, I admit, I didn’t know the team that well and made some lineup decisions based on what I thought was best at the time,” he said. “During the season I got to know the team, learned their strengths and weaknesses and understood the overall concept of the group.

We’ve been through a lot but had great development throughout the season.”

With the narrow opening win over Cleveland Hill and more decisive wins against Springville-Griffith, Maryvale, E d e n , A m h e r s t , D e p e w, Tonawanda, Alden, Pioneer and Cheektowaga, the Bombers remain undefeated in league meets and protected their 45-yearlong win streak. They will also be sending a majority of the team to post-season competition.

For those who missed making the “cut ” times for ECIC Championships, the first of the post-season meets, the ECIC

“B” meet on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Maryvale High School was their chance to swim for best times as a finish to their season.

“Our younger swimmers had some remarkable improvement in their swim times,” Musshafen said. “Mark Chang, a ninth grader and first-year swimmer, cut an impressive three seconds off of his time in the 100yard breaststroke. Mirza Culov, another ninth grader, brought his 50-yard freestyle under 30 seconds, which is a big milestone for a new swimmer.

“Jake Stein and Eric Santulli improved their heat times in their freestyle relays, while Alex George showed us that he’ll be someone to keep an eye on in the future. Alex Christie and Derek Mann also showed meet-to-meet improvement.”

First up for the team’s top swimmers will be the ECIC Championship meet at Sweet Home High School on Jan. 31.

With many swimmers qualified in multiple events, coach Musshafen will be spending the week deciding on his best line up for each event.

“We had a few swimmers just make the ECIC Championship cut times during our last few meets, including eighth grader Josh Bean, who qualified at our very last meet in the 200-yard IM,”Musshafen said.

East Aurora has several swimmers sitting in the top tiers of their signature events. Jack Zagrobelny is the number one breaststroker in the Section, while Nicola Gnecco is in the top 25 for

Wed. Feb. 4 vs. Franklinville 7 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 7 @ Cheektowaga (Class B tourney) 9 a.m.

Wrestling Boys Modified B

the 200 individual medley and the Mon. Feb. 2 vs. TBA (Clarence, Will East, Will South) 5 p.m. top 10 for the 500 freestyle.

Wed. Feb. 4 @ Lancaster Middle 5 p.m.

All entered swim mers will continue to shoot for additional postseason swim competition, with the ECIC Class B Championship, Section VI Championship and the NYS Championships on their mind.

“We already have a group that has hit the cut times for the Class B championships, but several more could hit those times during ECICs,” Musshafen said.

“From there, we need to place our swimmers in the top 24 for each event for the Section VI championships. That group will be decided after the Class B meet.”

Although they have not yet had any NYS Championship qualifiers, Musshafen thinks there could be some qualifiers based on the results of the upcoming post-season championships— currently, Zagrobelny is within a second of qualifying in the 100 breaststroke. Overall, he is very pleased with the team’s progress.

“So many swimmers have really stepped up.Charlie May is improving his backstroke times, Craig Poturalski has his butterfly Photo by Marty Wangelin time under a minute, Jack Bean has dropped four seconds from his IM, Ryan Storms is dropping time left and right from his Johnny Putney, right, takes down Eden’s won his match, 7-2, but East Aurora/Holland events,” he said. “I’ve really Gerald Klubek in a match last Friday. Putney lost the meet overall with a score of 40-33. enjoyed coaching this team. The atmosphere is phenomenal and I love the Bomber culture. I look forward to developing young swimmers through the EAST club program and bringing them on to the team in the future.”

Tackled

Wrestling Seniors Honored

MEST ON PRESIDENT’S LIST

Crista Mest of East Aurora has been named to the Genesee Community College Fall 2014 President’s List, having maintained full time enrollment and a grade point average of 3.75 or better.

L a s t F r i d ay, t he Ea s t Au r or a / Ho l l a nd va r s i t y wrestling team recognized the contributions of its senior members. Holland student Vincent Tripi is on the left, and he is standing next to East Aurora students Tyler Hall and Allison Fuller.

METZ ON DEAN’S LIST

Rachel Metz, a sophomore preK-4 elementary education major and 2013 graduate of Iroquois Central High School, has been named to the Grove City College Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester. Metz is the daughter of Gary and Debra Metz of East Aurora.

PIVARUNAS ON DEAN’S LIST

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Anthony Pivarunas of Elma has been named to the SUNY Geneseo Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned at least a 3.5 grade point average.

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Marilla Republicans Seeking Candidates

Rod, Gun & Game Forrest Fisher

Football Food This is a great time to relish the satisfaction of delicious meals that can result from the successful sportsmen pursuits of hunting wild game and fishing.

There is something very special about the culinary delights that connect us to conservation practices, the purity of organic food from wild harvest, and the reality of incredible taste from this healthy food source.

Great tasting healthy food helps to justify the cost of the license and gear, and all the time we spend learning about how to be successful.

A few years ago, my family started looking around for proven recipes that would provide even more range on how we prepare our wild bounty from the lands and the lakes around us. We discovered the “Wild Harvest Table” from Cornell Cooperative Extension nutrition educator, Moira M. Tidball, a culinary aficionado who enjoys cooking all kinds of wild game and offers free, proven, advice.

The result has been delicious and nutritious!

For the big football weekend, we are preparing two of Tidball’s crowd-pleasing recipes that have become our favorites: venison nachos and walleye tacos. Sounds awesome right?!

Let me share with you that there are never any leftovers from either recipe.

For the venison nachos, health consumers today all appreciate that using venison instead of beef lowers the fat content of typical nacho recipes. This recipe is quite simple; even I am able to succeed in the kitchen with it.

In a stockpot, add one tablespoon of olive oil and brown the venison over medium-high heat. Add one medium to large chopped white sweet onion and cook 3-5 minutes more until the onion is translucent. Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder; cook another minute (don’t let the garlic get brown). At this point, adding one teaspoon of oregano and one teaspoon of cumin is optional, if you like those flavors (I do). Then add one tablespoon of brown sugar

Photo by Hope Melnyk

One happy future fisherman, 3 year-old, Jason Hadley of Buffalo, was one of the happy youth winners of a Shakespeare rod/reel/tackle outfit from the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen free raff le last weekend at the Niagara Outdoor Expo.

and one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes (or one quart of home canned tomatoes) and gently stir the entire mix in the pan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, once there, lower the heat and simmer the chili about half an hour until it thickens and starts to smell so good. Then add one 15-ounce can of red kidney beans or black beans, your choice, but drain and rinse before adding. Then cook until heated through and the consistency is thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

We then pour the mix into a wide baking dish, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and place it in the oven preheated to 400 degrees.

Heat some tortilla chips in the oven at the same time. Remove when the cheese melts (about six minutes). Spoon some of the mix right into the warmed tortillas, add some sour cream topping and dig in. This recipe makes six to eight one-cup servings.

Nutritionally, a one cup serving is about 360 calories, offers 25 percent of daily adult needs for Vitamin A and Calcium, 30 percent for Vitamin C and 20 percent for iron, with 24 grams of protein!

The walleye tacos are even easier. Ingredients you’ll need include one pound of boneless, skinless, walleye fillets with the blood vein removed, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice (juice from one large lime), ½ tablespoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 small jalapeno (diced) and ¼ cup of red onion (diced), with a dash of salt and pepper to your taste.

Mix up a marinade of the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, jalapeno, red onion, salt and pepper in a baking dish large enough to also hold the fish. Add the fish fillets and spoon the marinade on top to coat the fish. Cover and move to the ‘frig for 1 hour, then turn the fillets over and stand in the ‘frig for one more hour.

Remove the fish and cook in a sauté pan for about four minutes, then flip and cook for two more minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and coarsely chop the fish.

To serve, spoon about ½ cup of fish into the center of a warmed corn or four tortilla, add some sour cream, some shredded lettuce or cabbage or coleslaw and some salsa. Fold or wrap the tortilla so it can be picked up easily and enjoy.

This recipe makes about four servings of three ounces each, about 170 calories, only 2 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of fat and 22 grams of protein.

For other tasty, easy to prepare wild game recipes, be sure to check in with the Cornell Wild Harvest Table website at: http://wildharvesttable.com/. The website also includes nutrition information labels that are helpful for folks watching their calories and vitamin intake levels.

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The Marilla Republican Com mittee is looking for dedicated individuals to run for office in the Town of Marilla.

Specifically, residents are requested to interview for the following town positions: supervisor, council members (two needed), clerk, highway superintendent, and justice.

For more information, call Marilla Republican Committee Chairwoman Shirley Limpinsel at 652-9007 or Vice Chairman Randy Reichert at 570-4838.

Interested parties can also send a letter requesting an interview to: Republican Committee, 11217 Coleman Road, Elma NY 14059.

Interviews will take place mid to late March.

Photo by Amanda Popovski

Mr. Iroquois contestants Drake Meaney, Mathew Sokolski show off their tuxedos, Morgan Mariacher, Liam Christie, Luke provided by Tuxedo Junction.

Sterlace, Tyler Napierala, James Carlin and

Sokolski Crowned ‘Mr. Iroquois’ Sponsored by the Iroquois High School Student Government Body (SGB) and Tuxedo Junction, this past Wednesday marked the school’s first annual Mr. Iroquois event, a male talent competition open to juniors and seniors which raises money for both classes and a charity of choice. This year’s charity was the American Cancer Society.

The contestants were senior Mathew Sokolski and juniors James Carlin, Liam Christie, Morgan Mariacher, Drake Meaney, Tyler Napierala and Luke Sterlace. After practicing for several weeks and with only mild technical difficulties during the actual event, the boys all agreed it was successful. Meaney was awarded Mr. Congeniality, and Sokolski was crowned Mr. Iroquois. By raising the most money for the American Cancer Society in a penny war between the contestants, Sokolski was also awarded Fan Favorite.

Junior Hannah Gnojek and senior Kelly Kozminski, two Student Government members, hosted the event, and Iroquois Radio Club provided music.

The first act consisted of a castwide dance to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars and lip-syncing and talent competitions. Anne Obersheimer, who recently retired from her position as assistant principal at Iroquois High School, returned to judge, alongside special education aid Jennifer Brooks, Marilla Primary first grade teacher Linda Whalen and Middle School physical education teacher Roxanne Slade.

Carlin and Napierala played a glow-in-the-dark tennis match for their talents, while Christie

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Mathew Sokolski performs some dance moves for the Mr. Iroquois competition last week. His performance helped him to a first-place win in the competition. born in early November, during a junior class delegate meeting.

Meaney’s parents are teachers at West Seneca West High School, and, according to Meaney, a similar competition there has always been successful.

“A ton of other schools in the area have a male talent competition,” he said. “My mom and dad’s school does it,

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to give back to the community with an event that combines fun and charity, and we hope that our work this year will be the impetus to generate a long-lasting tradition at Iroquois.” lip-synced Earth, Wind and Fire’s classic “September.” Mariacher played the role of Bigfoot meeting his gilfriend’s parents, Meaney lip-synced the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” theme song. Sokolski performed his spin on the classic “Evolution of Dance” YouTube video, and Sterlace lip-synced “I Will Always Love You” to his true love, a slice of pizza.

After that, each contestant had a chance to strut their stuff as they wore white tuxedos with colored vests and bowties, donated by Tuxedo Junction. The night ended with a dance to “Soul Man” by the Blues Brothers and a video showing the contestants’ progress while the judges made their decisions.

The event was planned by the junior class delegates of SGB. Co-chairs Meaney—vice president—and Amanda Popovski, junior class president, worked to make the event fun and charitable.

While Meaney and the other contestants handled their props, costume changes, and script, Popovski sketched out cues for lighting and spotlight and created the program.

The idea for Mr. Iroquois was

so I thought we could try it at Iroquois.”

The dream-turned-reality for the delegates was very profitable—Mr. Iroquois raised more than $540 for the American Cancer Society, and $210 each for the junior and senior classes.

The latter of the amounts will go toward each respective class’ annual prom in June.

The co-chairs are both proud of pulling off a show in such a short amount of time.

“We made a considerable amount of money from the event, which was nice because a big amount will go to ACS, but the main thing was that the audience seemed to enjoy the show, which was great to see from our perspective,” Meaney said.

Popovski agreed.

“Watching the audience laugh like crazy and genuinely enjoy themselves is better than anything we could have asked for,” she said.

“The spirits were so high and the guys had so much fun, and people are still talking about it. It’s incredibly fulfilling to give back to the community with an event that combines fun and charity, and

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we hope that our work this year will be the impetus to generate a long-lasting tradition at Iroquois.”

Sokolski praises the two for their leadership.

“I can’t stress how much work Amanda and Drake put into this!” he said, adding that he plans to return from college to support his friends and fellow contestants next year.

“I’m looking forward to coming back next year to judge this event and to see all the kids perform because I know how much work goes into planning and performing it,” Sokolski said. “I’m really excited for what this turns into in years to come, because it was run perfectly and raised over $500, a portion of which will be donated to the American Cancer Society.”

Meaney is excited to making the event a tradition as well.

“I’m looking forward to the fact that we have a lot of the guys coming back next year, and we are going to try to make the event even bigger,” he said.

LOGEL ON DEAN’S LIST

Victoria A. Logel of South Wales has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester at Alfred University, having earned at least a 3.5 grade point average. Logel, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is majoring in biology. She graduated from Holland Central School and is the daughter of Norbert and Shelley Logel.

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LIFE & LEISURE

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This photograph from the archives of the Aurora Town Historian’s Office is labelled 800 East Main Street, even though the number on the front of the house (shown in detail above right) shows the address as 752 East Main

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

Photo courtesy of Aurora Town Historian’s Office

Street. Both are correct. The street number of the home was 752 before 1926, when the numbering system was changed throughout the village. The home became 800 East Main Street after the change.

HISTORIAN’S COLUMN

Village of East Aurora Changed House Numbers in Mid-1920s

Requirement Still Causes Confusion for Researchers

by Robert Lowell Goller Aurora Town Historian Walnut Street isn’t a dead end, but that’s exactly where one woman recently ran into a roadblock while conducting research into her family’s history.

An ancestor’s obituary had offered a goldmine of information about her family’s past, including the exact street address of the family home. She drove down Walnut Street, watching in excitement as the numbers inched closer and closer to the one cited in the obituary. However, she came to the end of the street before the number arrived.

Perplexed and frustrated, she called the Town Historian’s Office for some sort of explanation: Had the house been torn down? Is there more than one Walnut Street in East Aurora? Were there ever more houses—and more numbers—beyond Linden Avenue?

The woman was happy to learn that her family’s house is still there, in the same spot it had always been. It simply has a new number.

In the earliest days, house numbers were not required. The Post Office had no trouble delivering letters without them. Some houses had numbers; others did not. Even after numbers became mandatory, each street seemed to come up with its own system.

That all changed in 1925, when the U.S. Postal Service required a uniform numbering system.

Photo courtesy of Aurora Town Historian’s Office

A 1927 map published by the Sanborn Map Co. show both sets of house numbers for homes in the Village of East Aurora. On top is the current number, and below is the number before the system was changed in 1926.

The village government instituted the new plan in January 1926, nearly a year after the Post Office’s deadline.

“We should have had it in operation a year ago, but have been unable to complete it until now,” then- Mayor Elbert Hubbard II said at the time.

The village engineer was charged with developing the new numbering scheme.

“A complete map of the village has been made and every house and piece of property given a number,” Hubbard wrote in a message to village residents, published in the East Aurora Advertiser on Jan. 28, 1926. “It is a very simple plan, but one that makes it very easy to locate a property once having the number.”

The numbering of east-west streets started from an imaginary line at the west end of the village. The numbering of north-south streets began from both directions at Main Street. The new system created a grid, so “houses on parallel streets equally distant from the imaginary line will all be numbered the same.”

The Village Board voted to purchase number plates for the entire community. “This will mean that all the houses will be numbered in a uniform style,” Mayor Hubbard noted.

Over the course of a few weeks, village crews installed more than 1,400 sets of numbers. All the homes in the village were re-numbered as of mid-March 1926. Not only did it help the U.S. Postal Service more efficiently deliver the mail, it helped volunteer firefighters and first responders more quickly respond to emergencies. Although nearly all the 1,400 sets of numbers installed by the village are long gone, the official numbering system survives nearly nine decades later.

The new system, however, continues to cause confusion for researchers, such as the woman attempting to find her ancestor’s home on Walnut Street. The number on an old house in the village today was different prior to 1926. However, this dilemma is not unique to East Aurora. Nearly all communities changed their numbering systems at one point or another. Anyone researching the history of a house should see if—and when— the numbering system in the community ever changed.

How can a researcher match the old number with the new? It would be a rather difficult task, be it not for a map published in the late 1920s by the Sanborn Map Co., which includes both sets of numbers for the homes in the Village of East Aurora. Several copies of the large maps are in the archives of the Aurora Town Historian’s Office, which is open each Friday from 1-4 p.m., at the Southside Municipal Center, 300 Gleed Ave. *** Aurora Town Historian Robert Lowell Goller is also director of the Aurora Historical Society. The Aurora History Museum and Town Archives are open from 1-4 p.m. on Fridays and by appointment by calling 652-7944.

Party with the President

Continued from Page 7 it this year because of the renovations continuing through the beginning of February at The Roycroft Inn. Therefore, the celebration was moved to coincide with the Presidents Day holiday.

Goller said the new date is proving surprisingly beneficial, allowing more time to send out invitations after the Christmas season and providing a fun event for a typically quiet time

What Year Was It?

of year. In addition, the State of the Union and the new session of Congress has provided plenty of fresh fodder for the evening’s political commentary.

The Aurora Historical Society has sponsored the event for the last five or so years, and it serves as a fundraiser for the National Historic Landmark Millard Fillmore Presidential Site. The event starts with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour with a cash bar, and dinner is at 7 p.m. The

entertainment portion of the evening will follow.

Tickets are first come, first serve and cost $50 each. To purchase a ticket, visit www. aurorahistoricalsociety.com/ pages/a-party-for-the-president. Online reservations via credit card and PayPal are available for the first time this year, and there is also an option to print out an order form and mailing it in. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Beginning May 1, there was round and square dancing every Saturday night at the Maple Grove Dance Hall.

Admission was 40¢.

Playing at Aurora Theatre “The Meanest Man in the World” starring Jack Benny and Rochester.

Admission: 33¢ for adults, 17¢ children.

The weekly special at Booth’s Pharmacy was Covee (coffee substitute) for 10¢ pound.

Past In Pictures

Jaycees Dance Recital

The East Aurora Jaycees presented the Lelia Metzger dance studio recital “Dance Variations of 75” in spring 1975. The recital featured dancers from ages 3 to 24, and the

Memories

25 Years Ago January 29, 1990 The Belmont Development Corporation’s proposal to add 24 more units to the senior citizen housing project at 206 Maple Road was the subject of a special informational hearing at the meeting of the Aurora Town Board.

Sharyn Salansky, a junior at Colgate University, was among 20 students spending the spring semester with the Vassar Wesleyan-Colgate study program in Madrid, Spain with James Lipton of Wesleyan University. Salansky is the daughter of Charles and Joyce Salansky of East Aurora and was concentrating in Spanish at Colgate University.

Don and Elaine Rickettson of East Aurora celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 15, 2000. They were married Jan. 21, 1950 at Baptist Chapel in East Aurora. Mr. Rickettson retired from the New York Department of Transportation in 1985 and his wife retired from Moog in 1992. They celebrated the occasion with family at The Roycroft Inn. Four Parkdale students had their poems included in the 1999 Young Writers and Artists at Work anthology published by the Canisius College Western New York Writing Project. Winning students Madeline Anthony, Ashley Brennan, Sarah Kamienowski, and Alex Patti, currently in the third grade, were assisted by teacher aide Karen LaJoie.

East Aurora took first place at the 14th Annual Holiday Holland Tournament. Team members include: Ben Pergament, Justin Myers, Jesse Hamms, Ryan Smith, Alex Nye, Kenny Jonmaire, Andrew Layer, Andy Marky, Dave Mallon, Chris Roughton, Josh Bishop, and Ray Lotz. Gary Schutrum is the coach.

30 Years Ago January 29, 1985 With East Aurora Police reporting no serious blizzard-related accidents earlier in the week, area residents began digging out from the formidable snowdrifts and a few “essential services” somehow managed to remain open.

Peter Filozof was the overall male winner in the Winterfest Cross Country Race. Sandy Roemer took women’s honors.

Lauri Macaluso, daughter of Terry and Kathy Macaluso of Elma, was named to the Dean’s List

Advertiser photo

proceeds went to benefit Jaycees community projects. Shown here are the Polka Dots: Kim Minkel, Debbie Metzger, Amy Thur, Wendy Aplin and Jenny Lamb.

at St. Bonaventure University in Olean.

45 Years Ago January 29, 1970 The East Aurora Village Board voted unanimously to work with the town board to form a narcotics guidance council to serve the entire Aurora area.

Dr. Walter Briggs was named “Lion of the Year” by the East Aurora Lions Club. Dr. Briggs, a charter member of the organization since 1946, served as secretary for eight years, director and vice president, and has actively worked on many committees.

Thelma L. Harrington retired as Librarian of the Aurora Town Public Library.

David A. Hubbs, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hubbs of East Aurora was awarded the silver wings of an American Airlines flight officer.

William S. Holmes was appointed director of advanced program planning, a newly-created executive post at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory. He is a resident of West Falls.

Neil Ellson was named chief of the East Aurora Fire Department, succeeding Donald Wood. Ellson had been a member of the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company for the past ten years, serving as assistant captain and assistant chief.

Paul Newman and Robert Redford starred in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” at the Aurora Theatre.

60 Years Ago January 29, 1955 With completion of the installation of the powerful diesel generator in the basement of East Aurora Village Hall, a 110-volt current became available in case of a regular power failure. The installation was a part of the Erie County Mutual Aid System.

Mr. and Mrs. George N. Kuntz of South Wales celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

The annual spaghetti supper of the Aurora Republican Club served an international-style menu. Mrs. Mary Briggs and Mrs. Leona Bower were co-chairwomen.

Brownie Hawkeye Camera – Flash Model.

Available at Larwood’s. Camera, $6.95; Flash holder, $4.00 Revised by-laws of the Chamber of Commerce were submitted to members at the annual meeting in March, said President Crawford W. Cline.

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

7

www.eastaurorany.com

Obituaries Howard J. Willson Sr., Veteran, HowBill Founder

Howard J. Willson Sr. Oct. 20, 1920-Jan. 20, 2015 Howard J. Willson Sr., the founder of HowBill Auto Parts, Inc. and a resident of Elma, died on Tuesday, Jan. 20. He was 94 Mr. Willson was a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul school.

He was employed at Ford Motor

Co., then served four years in the Army during WWII in India. Upon his return, he married Mildred Suchy and started HowBill Auto Parts, Inc with his brother Bill. He was known as a Jeep service and parts specialist throughout New York State. He grew the business to four locations. Mr. Willson retired in 2008 at the age of 87.

He enjoyed watching his sponsored cars racing at area race tracks. He also enjoyed hunting at his cabin in Freedom.

Mr. Willson is a former President of Home School Association at St. Vincent de Paul school and an honorary Spring Brook fireman.

He was predeceased by his wife Mildred; his five brothers; and one sister.

Mr. Willson is survived by his six daughters, Kathleen (James)

Winde, Jean Willson, Rita Ferri, Mary (John) Sanderson, Lauren (Murray) Korn, Jennifer (Greggory) Smith; six sons, Howa rd ( Bet t y) Willson, Jr., Jeffrey (Gail) Willson, Mark Willson, Michael (Julie) Willson, Eric (Judy) Willson and Thomas (Amy) Willson; thirty-six grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and his wife Marie (Gutkowski).

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 24 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Spring Brook.

All arrangements were made

by Kenneth Howe Funeral Home, 64 Maple St. Mr. Willson was buried in Union Cemetery in Elma.

Memorial donations in Mr. Willson’s name may be made to an organization of your choosing.

Your online condolences to the family may be made at www. howefuneralhome.com.

Aurora Senior Center February 2015 Senior Citizen Center

101 King Street, Suite A East Aurora, NY 14052 652-7934 TTY - TTD - 652-7611 Lunches daily at 12 p.m., $3.00 suggested donation Must call for reservation: 652-7934 (Closed when East Aurora Schools close for snow days.)

The mission of the Town of Aurora Department of Parks & Recreation - Senior Division is to help older adults remain healthy and active through participation in recreational pursuits and to provide leadership and advocacy to ensure the availability of leisure and recreational opportunities for seniors.

Mondays - February 2, 9, 23

Workout Hours - 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Line Dancing - 9-10:30 a.m.

Beginners Line Dancing – 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Stitch & Bitch – 10 a.m.

Euchre – 1-4 p.m.

Senior Notes – 1-2 p.m.

Redwork Penny Square Class – 1 p.m. 1st Mon. & 3rd Wed. of each month Mah Jongg – 1 p.m.

Tuesdays – February 3, 10, 17, 24

Workout Hours - 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m.

Exercise Class - 8:30–9.30 a.m.

Ceramics – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. -- $2.00 per class + firings Fibre Arts – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (first & third Tues.)

Tai Chi- Regular Class - 3 p.m.

Crazy Quilt Class – First Tues. of the month – 1-4 p.m.

Univera Representative – Feb. 10, 1 p.m.

Senior Supper Club – Feb. 17 - 5 p.m. - All welcome.

Wednesdays – February 4, 11, 18, 25

Workout Hours – 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Exercise Class - 8:30-9:30 a.m.

China Painting – 9 a.m.-Noon Yoga - 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Duplicate Bridge - 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Scrabble – 10 a.m.

Bowling/11th Frame Bar and Lanes - 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Painting – 1-3 p.m.

Redwork Penny Square Class 1 p.m.-3rd Wednesday of each month Healthy You Speaker Series – Topic: preventing back injuries, by Jennifer Johnson - Blue Cross & Blue Shield. Feb. 18 in dining room – 12:45 p.m.

Book Club – “The All Girl Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg, Feb. 11, 2 p.m. in Library Healthy Cooking Club – Tour of Orchard Fresh Grocery Store, 4050 North Buffalo Road in Orchard Park, 1:30 p.m.

Thursdays – February 5, 12, 19, 26

Lions Host Holiday Dinners

Residents of the Trinity Park and Maple Crossing facilities in East Aurora were treated to an afternoon of food and fun as, on successive weekends, the East Aurora Lions Club presented their annual holiday dinners.

The events included snacks, beverages and hot and cold food items, along with carols

by Kristy Kibler Managing Editor This year’s 24th annual ‘Party for the President’ celebration, set for Thursday, Feb. 19 at The Roycroft Inn, will have all the features attendees have come to love—a speech by East Aurora’s own Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States; a special singing guest; and the presentation of the Millard Mallard Award, given to the politician who has made the biggest political blunder in 2014. However, there are also a few changes in store.

The biggest of these will be a changing of the guard—or of the wig, if you will—concerning who will impersonate President Fillmore and deliver his humorous political commentary. East Aurora Advertiser Publisher Grant Hamilton has portrayed Fillmore since the beginning, but he is stepping down from the post this year and passing it on to Aurora Town Historian and Historical Society Director Robert Lowell Goller.

In making the character his own, Goller said one tweak of the format this year is that the president will be a “singing Millard Fillmore.” He couldn’t say much more, as many details stay confidential so guests will be surprised. He also voiced his appreciation of Hamilton handling the duties for so many years.

“I won’t be able to fill Grant’s shoes … but hopefully I can do it a little bit differently and it will be just as fun,” he said.

Another mystery is which

Christian Olivieri of Elma is spending the spring 2015 semester studying in Ireland as part of the Champlain College Study Abroad Program.

Workout Hours - 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

PACE Exercise - 9 - 10 a.m.

Quilting Class –10 a.m.

Scrabble – Beginners & Advanced-10 a.m.

Senior Fitness – 10 a.m.

Yoga – 11 a.m.

Woodcarving –1 – 3 p.m.

Pinochle – 1 – 3 p.m.

BARITOT ON DEAN’S LIST

Upcoming Trips

Acting Group to Perform Play About Assisted Suicide The acting group Brainstormers will perform “Exit,” a short play examining the issue of assisted suicide, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of East Aurora, located at 94 Buffalo Road. The production will take place at the church’s 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Brainstormers is a group of seasoned actors that volunteers to create and perform vignettes dramatizing issues of moral

relevance to their audiences.

Founded in 2006, it has performed for more than 60 groups throughout Western New York.

The members follow each of their staged readings by engaging their audiences in discussions of the issues presented in their plays. “ E x i t ,” b y C h a r l o t t e Grantham, concerns siblings considering the moral dilemma of whether to help their aging

additional special singing guest will make an appearance. Also portrayed by Goller, these guests have included Queen Elizabeth, former Supreme Cour t Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, formerly the area’s Congressional representative.

Goller, a former Advertiser editor, first got involved in the Party for the President about 10 years ago, when he and Hamilton were at the New York Press Association Convention and saw

several political musical parody groups.

“We saw them, and Grant was like, ‘I think we need to add a musical element to the [Fillmore event],’” he said. “So the first year, I dressed up as Hilary Clinton—I was really nervous it wouldn’t go over right, but it went wonderfully. So each year now, I pick a different person.”

This year also marks a change in the event’s date. Usually held close to Fillmore’s birthday of Jan. 7, organizers had to delay Continued on Page 8

St. Luke’s Anglican Church invites the public to a showing of “The Hiding Place” at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31 as part of St. Luke’s Winter Movie Series.

With recent events highlighting the reality of religious persecution throughout the world, St. Luke’s is featuring the story of Corrie Ten-Boom and her family’s work aiding their Jewish neighbors in the

Netherlands during World War II. The movie, popcorn and soft drinks are provided free of charge, and moviegoers are invited to bring their favorite movie snacks to share.

St. Luke’s meets at First Baptist Church, located at 591 Porterville Road in East Aurora. For more information, contact Father Seth Brooker at 783-0607.

St. Luke’s Church to Show ‘The Hiding Place’

OLIVIERI STUDYING ABROAD

ARNOLD NAMED TO DEAN’S LIST

Italy – Informational meeting March 2, 3:30 p.m. Bring any questions.

Michigan-Macinaw Island and More – June 2015 Lunch - Join us daily at 12 noon. Menu varies daily-sign up in dining room. Donation-$3.00 As always, this is a suggested donation.

We have a phone number for the Hearing Impaired - TTY-TTD-652-7611 NOTE: Our Center is the emergency shelter for the Town of Aurora. We are equipped with a generator and will be open during any emergencies.

and conversation. While Santa did not make his way into the village for the festivities, the weather cooperated and everyone had an enjoyable time. Pictured are some of the partygoers from Maple Crossing preparing to participate in some caroling.

Come Party with the President

Workout Hours - 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Pilates Class - 10-11:15 a.m.

Tai Chi – 3 p.m.

Mexican Dominos – 9:30 a.m.

Aurora Senior Citizen Club Meeting-Noon - see schedule below: Thurs. Feb. 5 – Birthdays Thurs. Feb. 12 – Trash & Treasures Thurs. Feb. 19 – Speaker-Town Historian Robert Lowell Goller: “Historical East Aurora” Thurs. Feb. 26 - Bingo Thurs. Feb. 12 & 26 – 10 a.m.-noon – Blue Cross & Blue Shield presentation Feb. 5 – Tax Preparation with AARP-VITA. Please call 652-7934 for an appointment.

Fridays – February 6, 13, 20, 27

Submitted photo

Jameson Arnold of East Aurora has been named to the Marquette University Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester.

Arnold is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Applied Mathematical Economics.

Hillary Baritot of East Aurora has been named to the Daemen College Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester.

One of East Aurora’s Most Trusted Funeral Homes Wood Funeral Home

At Wood Funeral Home, we put your family first. We always have. That’s why we provide more services at a better value than anyone in town. We believe you deserve comfort and peace of mind before, during and after the funeral service. And we guarantee that’s what you’ll receive.

When you want more from a funeral provider, your best choice is and always will be Wood Funeral Home.

Wood Funeral Home 784 Main St., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-652-5549 www.woodfh.com

Keep Track of Us From Anywhere!

father take his own life. Assisted suicide is illegal in the United States except in Oregon, where it is allowed only for residents of the state. Still many seniors, facing the prospect of a long and/ or painful fatal illness or loss of mental faculties, contemplate the thought of a gentle death in a comfortable and familiar setting at a time of their own choosing.

The service and play are open to all.

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COMMUNITY

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

Non-profit Organizations: List your events here for free!

Your Ad Here!

DEADLINE: 5pm on the Friday Prior to Publication.

Sponsorship Opportunities are now available for this section!

710 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052

Please contact Gail Ford or Sharon Holtz at 716-652-0320 for pricing and information.

Email: calendar@eastaurorany.com Fax: 716-652-8383

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

30 listing for details.

Revenge at The Roycroft- A Reunion to Die For – The East Aurora Union Free School District Middle School PTO will host the 2nd annual murder mystery event to fundraise for classroom materials, field trips, and other items that extend beyond the district budget.

The event will take place on Sat., Jan. 31 from 7-11 p.m. at The Roycroft Inn, 40 S. Grove St. Tickets for the 21 and over event are $50 and include food, 3 hours of open bar, live music and dramatic entertainment for the night. Email Jennifer Gurbacki at jengurb@roadrunner.com or visit the event page at www.facebook. com/revengeattheroycroft no later than Jan. 28.

Alden’s 11th Annual Winterfest – Alden’s 11th Annual Winterfest will be Fri., Jan. 30 and Sat. Jan. 31, with activities for all ages. Winterfest kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday night. Almost all events are free to participate.

The movie “Frozen,” family fun with the characters of “Frozen,” Newfoundland dog rides, iceskating, moonlight ski, bowling and karaoke are all on the schedule for Friday night. There will be snow sculpting and crosscountry skiing in the park on Saturday, along with Kan Jam, snowball sling shot, pet contest, hockey shootout and box races.

There will be over 20 vendors at Village Hall participating in the indoor Marketplace as well.

Register today for your favorite SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 events by calling 937-9216 ext10.

Pe r f o r m a n c e o f “ M y S o n Performance of “Exit” – “Exit,” a short play about assisted suicide, Pinocchio, Jr.” – The Iroquois performed by “Brainstormers” Middle School Drama Club acting troupe will take place at presents a live production of the 10:30 a.m. service at the Disney’s “My Son Pinocchio, Jr.” Unitarian Universalist Church of on Fri., Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. and Sat., East Aurora located at 94 Buffalo Jan. 31 at 2 p.m., in the Iroquois Street on Sun. Feb. 1.

Middle School Auditorium, 2111 Photo by Marty Wangelin Girdle Road, in Elma. Tickets are Fleece Blanket Tying Event – The $6 and will be sold at the door. Call Aurora Girl Scouts are hosting a the Middle school at 652-3000 ext. fleece blanket tying community 6203 for more information. service event at Baker Memorial Dennis and Mary Popiezinski snowshoe at Knox Farm State Park on Sunday. They were at the park with the United Methodist Church, at the Buffalo Audubon Society, which hosted the hike. corner of Main and Center streets, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 on Sun. Feb. 1, from 2-5 p.m. All MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 101 for the spring season. Boys and materials are provided.

The comth King St., Suite B. A free visit can Girls ages 5-17 should register Alden’s 11 Annual Winterfest pleted blankets will be donated Fun With Flags – Dick Helmbrecht be arranged by calling 652-4269. prior to Feb. 20. After that date – Alden’s 11th Annual Winterfest to veterans at the VA Hospital in will present a program titled “Fun Website is www.auroraadultregistrations will be accepted if will be Fri., Jan. 30 and Sat. 31.

Buffalo. For questions, please With Flags” at the Mon. Feb. 9 dayservices.org. Transportation there are openings along with a See the listing under Fri. Jan. 30 call 652-1657. meeting of the Elma Historical Soavailable. A ADS is “Helping $20.00 late fee. Register at the for more details ciety. Learn about our flags, both families stay together.”

Parks and Recreation DepartArthritis and What To Do About past and present, the history of ment, 300 Gleed Ave, M-F, 8:30 Basic Medical Care at ROC – Rural MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 It – On Sat., Jan. 31, at 10 a.m., Dr. “Old Glory,” proper flag etiquette, a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or online at www.

Outreach Center (ROC) Health Luke of Pietrantone Chiropractic and interesting, little known facts aurorarec.com. For more informaEast Aurora Lions Club Meeting Care Services will offer free Office will present a workshop about our flag. The meeting will be tion, please check the website or – East Aurora Lions Club, servbasic medical care to adults who covering ways to manage and at the Elma Senior Center, 3007 call 652-8866. ing the sight impaired in our area have no health insurance on the possibly eliminate arthritis pain.

Bowen Road, at 7 p.m.

The public since 1946, holds dinner meetings second and fourth Thursdays of “Soul Searching: The Latino The event is free, but limited to is welcome to attend. on the first and third Mondays of each month, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Religious Experience” – The eight people. Please RSVP to the month at 6:30 p.m., with the at the South Wales Community First Presbyterian Church of East drlpietrantone@aol.com next meeting being held on Mon., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Hall, 6387 Olean Road. Patients Aurora will hold a discussion Performance of “My Son PinocFeb. 2. Stop in at the Iron Kettle are seen on a first-come, first series titled “Soul Searching: The chio, Jr.” – The Iroquois Middle Restaurant, 1009 Olean Road, Aurora Women’s Club Monthly served basis and the volunteer Latino Religious Experience.”

School Drama Club presents a and see what the East Aurora Meeting – The Aurora Women’s staff includes Board certified The series will run through Sun., live production of Disney’s “My Lions Club is all about. For more Club will meet on Wed., Feb. 11, physicians, RNs and social Feb 8. The discussions are Son Pinocchio, Jr.” See Fri., Jan. information call 655-4733. at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, workers. The ROC, a ministry of being held each Sunday from 49 Olean Rd., East Aurora. The Pathway’s Christian Fellowship 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the lounge of speaker will be Skip Yuhnke provides services to help those the First Presbyterian Church, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 from Mercy Flight. Guests are in need in southern Erie Country 9 Paine Street. Members of the welcome. For information, call become self-sufficient. Call Ruthie community are invited to attend.

HEAP Outreach – A Home Energy Joyce Trudel at 652- 7692. at 220-4834 for information.

For more information, call the Assistance Program (HEAP) outchurch office at 652-0160. reach event, sponsored by the Caring for the Caregiver – Are Erie County Legislature, will take THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 you a full-time caregiver to a East Aurora Town Public Library place on Tues., Feb. 3, at 9 a.m., at loved one? Would you enjoy some Programs – The East Aurora the Aurora Senior Center, located An Evening of Sacred Song – free time to yourself? Community Town Public Library will resume at 101 King St. For questions, On Thurs., Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m., based Caring for the Caregiver several programs this month. please contact the HEAP Hotline the Iroquois High School Vocal provides just that. It is a no fee Registration is required and at 716-858-7644. Applications Concert Choir will perform in all volunteer service. For more can be made by calling 652for HEAP are available at www.

“An Evening of Sacred Song” information call Anita at 6524440. Book Babies, for babies DEADLINE: 5 P.M. ON THE mybenefits.ny.gov. along with choirs from Niagara 9424, Nora at 652-7978, or Jody birth to 20 months is offered on Wheatfield and Sweet Home, at FRIDAY PRIOR TO at 655-0725.

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Toddler Saints Peter and Paul Church, Time is for children 20 months SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 PUBLICATION. New Paths Redistribution Center 66 East Main St. in Hamburg. All to 3 ½ years old and held on – The New Paths Household are welcome.

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. or ThursGoods Redistribution Center, Non-Profit Organizations - Groundhog Ways – The Buffalo days at 6:30 p.m. Story Time, Audubon Society will conduct a par t of the Rural Outreach Community groups, churches for children ages 3½-5 years, Knox Farm State Park walk on UPCOMING Center ministry of Pathways is held on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and other non-profit organizations Sat., Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. Learn about Christian Fellowship Church, or Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lego the groundhog in Western New York “Beauty and the Beast” – East located at the rear of the South can submit items to the Club is for those 6 and older and while hiking along the trails in search Aurora High School will present Wales Community Center, 6387 Advertiser’s Community is held on the first Saturday of of the telltale signs of their awakena live production of Disney’s Olean Road in South Wales, the month at 11 a.m.

The Book Calendar free of charge. Each ings throughout the winter. Donations “Beauty and the Beast” on Fri., will be open Wednesdays from Club meets at 4 p.m. on Jan. 14, accepted. Please note, guided walks at Feb. 6 and Sat. Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from event listings should include a Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, and Knox Farm State Park will now only Sun., Feb. 8 at 2 p.m., in the East 9-10 a.m. The center has large brief description, as well as the May 13. Fall Reading Club, for be held on the first Saturday of the Aurora High School Auditorium, used applianc e s inc luding kids ages 6-12, meets on Jan. date, time, location and contact month. For more information or to 1003 Center St. Tickets are $10 refrigerators, stoves, dryers, 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, register for the program, please and can be purchased at www. washers and furniture including information. Please note if there and May 20 at 3:45 p.m. contact Beaver Meadow Audubon showtix4u.com or by calling 866couches, chairs, tables and end is a fee for participation.

Center at 585-457-3228 or email 967-8167. tables available for those in Elma Public Librar y Winter All calendar items must occur in info@buffalosaudubon.org. need. First come, first served.

Programs – The Elma Public Prices range from $5 to $20.

Library, 1860 Bowen Road, hosts the Advertiser’s main coverage Bosom Buddies of WNY February SHORT TERM The center is open to trade or several winter programs.

Reserve Meeting – Bosom Buddies of area (the towns of Aurora, Elma, volunteer time for credit. There a spot by calling 652-2719. Book Western New York, a breast Non-perishable Food Drive – St. Marilla, Wales and Holland), and are also social worker services Babies, for babies-2½, is held on Nicodemus Lutheran Church, cancer survivor support group, available for extreme need.

Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. through listing will be includes as space Marilla United Methodist Church will hold their February monthly Contact Jim Oubre at 716-777Feb. 9.

Toddler time, for children and Williston United Methodist meeting on Sat., Feb. 7, at 10 allows.

4007 for more information or visit 2½-3½, is held on Tuesdays Church together are collecting a.m., in the activities room at https://theroc.co. at 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story non-perishable food items at the the Nativity Lutheran Church, Time, for children 3½-5½, is Rotary Club of East Aurora Sponsored Events Marilla Community Center, 1810 970 E. Main Street. Dr. Young held on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

Two Rod Road, on Sat., Feb. 7 from Roswell Park will speak, Meeting – The Rotary Club of Businesses, individuals and until Feb. 10. from 9-11 a.m. and Sun., Feb. 8 followed by the general meeting East Aurora meets Tuesdays at for-profit organizations can from noon-2 p.m. You may also West Falls-Colden Library Preand refreshments. For meeting/ 7:30 a.m. at The Roycroft Inn. submit calendar items for special drop off items during office hours group information call Esther Meetings include guest speakers school Story Hour – The West at the Marilla Town Hall, 1740 Two Kopp at 652-4985. All breast and visitors are welcome.

Falls-Colden Community Library events they are hosting or Rod Road, from Mon., Feb 2 thru cancer survivors in the Western hosts a pre-school story hour Rural Transit Service – Rural Transponsoring. A fee of $17.50 for Fri., Feb. 6. All donations will be New York area are welcome. each Thursday (unless it is a the first 35 words and 50 cents Prison Ministry Presentation – divided to replenish the Alden- holiday) from 10:30-11:30 a.m. sit Service provides free transportation to seniors, disabled and Marilla Food Pantry and FISH of for children ages 3-5 years old. per additional word will guarantee Kairos Prison Ministry International low/moderate income families.

East Aurora.

Each child will receive a small together with the ladies group from placement in the selected week’s Donations are greatly appreciated snack and may participate in a Albion correctional facility Kairos Book Sale – Friends of the Elma but not required. Volunteers are calendar. Listings must be for story related craft.

No registration Public Library are hosting a book and the Collins Prison Ministry needed to drive the RTS van or is needed, but an adult must stay seminars, parties and other sale to benefit the Elma Public Council will hold a Prison Ministry dispatch at one of the sites. Call with the child.

Library, selling used books, video, Presentation to learn what the special occasions that the public 716-662-8378 for information.

CDs and cassettes for .25 ¢-$2. ministry’s mission is and how the can attend, not sales or business West Falls-Colden Community The sale will take place at the Elma involvement of Christians is welONGOING Library Story Hour – Pre-school hours.

Town Hall, 1600 Bowen Road on comed with numerous opportuniStory Hour is held each Thursday Mon., Feb. 9 thru Fri., Feb. 13 from Aurora Adult Day Services – The ties to serve. Join for an afternoon from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the calendar@eastaurorany.com 8 a.m.-4 p.m. of fellowship, prayer, song and a mission of Aurora Adult Day library, located at 1966 Davis potluck lunch. Anyone is welcome Town of Aurora Baseball and Services (AADS) is to improve Fax: (716) 652-8383 Road in West Falls. We welcome to bring a dish to pass. The event the quality of life for functionally Softball Leagues Registration volunteers and suggestions for will take place on Sat., Feb. 7 from Mail: 710 Main St., East impaired adults who are unable to – The Town of Aurora Baseball programming and events. Please noon-4 p.m. at Immaculate Conbe left alone and to offer respite and Girls Softball League are Aurora, NY 14052 contact us at 716-652-5544 with ception in the school cafeteria, 520 to their caregivers. AADS is open currently accepting registrations inquiries or ideas.

Oakwood Ave.

Walking on Snow at Knox

COMMUNITY

GUIDELINES

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

LIFE & LEISURE

www.eastaurorany.com

5

Hubbard Film Society to Screen “The Lunchbox”

Music Boosters Event

Photo by Marty Wangelin

The East Aurora Music Boosters Club at the dinner, including Erin Kluge, Maddie hosted a spaghetti dinner last Thursday to Ohlweiler, Madeline Klein, Josie Morissey, raise money for a new sound system in the High Emily Krieger and Nicole Egloff.

School auditorium. Several singers entertained

This month, The Hubbard Film Society is presenting the 2013 Indian film “The Lunchbox.” The movie will be shown at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Parkdale Elementary School auditorium, located at 141 Girard Ave. in East Aurora. Discussion will follow the movie.

Described as a funny and touching film, “The Lunchbox” is about two lonely people who begi n a n u nexpected relationship via letters. One day an office worker receives the wrong tiffin, or lunch box, through Mumbai’s elaborate lunch delivery system. The lu n ch h a s b e e n lov i n g ly prepared by a lonely housewife for her indifferent husband.

The office worker discovers Submitted Photo the mix up and returns the box with a note. Thus begins their friendship.

Jeff Simon of The Buffalo Queen Elsa, of “Frozen” fame, recently made a surprise News gave this movie 3.5 stars out of 4 in his review. visit to First Presbyterian Preschool’s Family Movie Night and The male lead, Irffan Khan, visited with children there. For more information about the may be familiar to American East Aurora preschool, visit fppreschool.com or call 655-4787. audiences from his roles in “The Namesake” and “The Life of Pi.” MORE GREAT EVENTS T h e g r o u p’s r e s t a u r a nt partner this month will be 189 at The Craftsman Lounge Public House. Coupons for a discount at the restaurant will WEDNESDAYS be handed out at the film.

Join ELM STREET BAKERY and THE MUSIC ROOM The Hubbard Film Society is a showcasing local, up and coming talent. division of the Roycroft Campus.

JAN. 28th: COSMIC HIPPIES Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members, and THURSDAYS discounted group rates of $6 per IT’S HAPPY HOUR person are available in advance. with $5 drink and appetizer specials Memberships can be purchased the day of the event—just come LIVE MUSIC FROM 7:00-9:00pm early to enroll.

JAN. 29th: BOB SOWYRDA AND FRIENDS Formoreinformation,visitwww.

FEB. 5th: ROB MONTONE roycroftcampuscorporation.com/ HFS.html.

FRIDAYS

A Visit from Queen Elsa

Photo by Marty Wangelin

Supporting East Aurora

Brother s Cam , Cu l len and Con nor at the East Aurora Music Boosters fundraising Dannecker dine on spaghetti last Thursday event.

HOLLAND SCHOOLS

Board Axes Middle School Building Talk Counsel Advises School Board to Stay Mum During Pending Litigation

By Adam Zaremski Staff Reporter Following the advice of legal counsel, the Holland School Board will not publicly discuss any possible repairs or modifications to the former School n.Middle 30 • Sat., Jan.while 31 there is a pending litigation case.

The decision, made at the board’s Jan. 26 meeting, caused

frustration among the many district residents who attended to hear about any plans since the capital project was defeated in December.

The board removed several agenda items at the meeting after returning from executive session with Hodgson and Russ attorney Andrew J. Freedman. Items cut included communication reports

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Jan. 30th & 31st

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from Superintendent Cathy Fabiatos and architect Mike Noga and discussions on using the former Middle School for basketball practices and whether the Holland Kiwanis can use the building for its Tulip Festival dinner fundraiser.

Freed man said the Commissioner of Education had an appeal pending regarding the former school building but did not elaborate about the nature of the appeal.

Audience members at the meeting screamed out that it was unfair and a bad decision by the board. One woman said the board needed to resign its role as it “didn’t represent the wishes of the community.” School Board President Taina ArmstrongHoffman had to ask the public to refrain from shouting during the meeting.

The school board did spend time discussing what to do about the building’s pool, which had mechanical issues and has been closed for at least the last two weeks. But all other discussion for the building were suspended at this time.

Questions have lingered for years about what the district would do with the vacant building once students were transferred to the other two buildings starting in the 20122013 school year. The questions grew more persistent in the face

BROD ON DEAN’S LIST

Kate Brod of East Aurora has been named to the SUNY Geneseo Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned at least a 3.5 grade point average.

DUBOIS ON DEAN’S LIST

Natalie DuBois of East Aurora has been named to the SUNY Geneseo Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned at least a 3.5 grade point average.

FITZGERALD NAMED TO PROVOST LIST

Peter Fitzgerald of Holland has been named to the Genesee Community College Provost List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned a 3.75 or better grade point average as a parttime student.

GASIECKI ON DEAN’S LIST

Joseph Gasiecki III of South Wales has been named to the Daemen College Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester.

of the recent capital project proposal, which did not seek to address any repairs in the building, including the 18-yearold pool, which needs at least $600,000 in upgrades and repairs.

Fabiat os said t he p ool was closed because there is something wrong with a part that circulates the chemicals.

It is able to work enough to maintain the chemicals in the pool, but not at a rate that is safe for swimming, she said. She said the maintenance crew is working with the company that installed the pool to determine the cause. If it is the motor, they want to make sure they have the right part in place for a quick repair.

A long repair process with no chemicals moving through the water would mean the district would have to drain the pool and refill it, a costly endeavor.

Several students spoke to the board and administration during the meeting, asking it to get the repairs done in a timely manner.

Riley Jones said the modified swimming team has been out of the water for two weeks because of the issue and is not able to train for upcoming meets.

“They are practicing on dry land, but how can they hope to compete if they don’t swim for two weeks?” Jones asked the board.

Enjoy LIVE MUSIC and the PHILLY FLATTOP FOOD TRUCK

FEB. 16th: SAMUEL TAMBE AND BUFFALO CITY LIMITS

OUR UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:

It's Caribbean Night!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30th 6:00-11:00pm

Enjoy tropical drinks, island cuisine and the fabulous sounds of Lancaster High School’s Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra. $15.00 per person • Cash Bar

Cocktails and Canvas WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4th 6:00-8:00pm

An evening featuring the work of the Holland Tuesday Painters, specialty cocktails and more!

Pop Up Art Festival FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6th • 5:00-9:00pm SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th • 10:00am-4:00pm Art show and sale featuring 30 local artists.

Saturday Concert Series Presented by the EA Music Fest!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th Featuring Pirates Dream

Check out the R&R BBQ FOOD TRUCK too!

Visit our website for a complete listing of all our events and performers!

40 South Grove Street East Aurora, NY 14052 716-652-5552 || roycroftinn.com

4

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NEWS

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

TOWN OF AURORA

Board Creates Budget Line for Water District Dissolution Costs

Submitted photo

Featured speakers Lisa and Bryce Blair, Wagener and Art Nintzel after receiving a center, stand with Marilla Kiwanians Paul certificate of appreciation from them.

Kiwanians Explore Local History

The Kiwanis Club of Marilla enjoyed a unique program at their recent dinner meeting at the Whistle Stop Restaurant.

Lisa and Bryce Blair, owners of Blair Plumbing and Hardware in Alden, were featured speakers on the topic of the secession of the Hamlet of Townline from the Union in 1861 and its subsequent reentry in 1946.

It appears that in 1945, a reporter from the Courier Express let President Harry S. Truman know of the secession status of Townline. It was suggested by President Truman that a barbecue be held and town residents vote on the choice to reenter the Union.

A large party was planned, including a parade, and movie stars Cesar Romero and Martha Stewart introduced the movie “Effingham’s Raid.” The vote was taken on that cold day in January, with a victory for reentry of 90-23 votes.

The background of the family looking into the history of this event was also explained. The Blair family has owned the store for 71 years, purchasing

it from the King Family who owned it since 1883. Twelve years ago, Bryce Blair’s father showed the family a coin he was given as a youth at the 1946 event and recalled attending the festivities.

The family began an internet search for information and that day on eBay found the lead mold that was used to produce the saved memento coin. From then on, many more items were found pertaining to the historical event. As customers looked at the lead mold on Lisa’s desk, more stories were passed on and more items were obtained ,and now the area at the back of the store is the location of a museum.

Lisa Blair explained that the community of Townline in those days was made up mostly of German Immigrants who fled their war-torn villages. When the Civil War possibility began, there was unrest in the area with many wanting to avoid war and many others not happy with the North’s aggressive behavior over the economic largesse that the South was enjoying due

to more trade at the southern ports. A vote was taken to secede, and approximately 12 residents fought in the Civil War—seven for the North and five for the South.

Two plaques have been erected in the Townline area to commemorate the events of secession and reentry, one of which is in front of the Townline Lutheran Church and another in front of the Blair store.

The club members enjoyed hearing about a unique local event and were impressed with Lisa’s knowledge and passion for the subject. Club President Art Nintzel presented Lisa with a commemorative certificate and member Paul Wagener was thanked for obtaining this speaker.

The Kiwanis Club of Marilla is currently working on the details for its annual Pancake Breakfast, to be held from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 15 at the Marilla Fire Company Recreation Hall.

For information on club membership, call 652-7608 or email sadenna@rochester.rr.com

TOWN OF ELMA

Jamison Road Property to Receive Conservation Easement

By Adam Zaremski Staff Reporter While another section of land in Elma should remain free of construction through a conservation easement, the town is still trying to work through the hurdles of the first application it accepted last June.

Last week, the Elma Town Board heard comments regarding the proposal to maintain 31 acres of farmland along Jamison Road, close to Route 400. John Post actively farms the land with livestock and is asking to place it in the town’s easement program forever, meaning it would remain undeveloped and that he would receive a tax break in the process.

Post’s property is at 371 Jamison Road. Some of the easement would include eight acres of land-locked property on the northern side of Route 400.

Neighbors and Conservation Board members spoke in favor of the project, saying it fits within the town’s guidelines,

and several board members said it was good proposal.

It will start the process to create the easement for that parcel, but the board is still struggling to come to a decision the first application for 35 acres of land on Ostrander Road. It held a public hearing for that land seven months ago and has still not created the easement.

The Ostrander Road property is owned by Daniel Rupp and is near 641 Ostrander Road. Supervisor Dennis Powers said the town is 90 percent done with that first application but that it had some more work to handle before giving the easement.

Deputy Town Attorney Dean Puleo was at last week’s meeting and said legal issues involving the documents were holding the process back. He said he was working with Town Attorney Phyllis Todoro to complete the work.

Easements are seen as a way to preserve green space in town and also provide a revenue

source for someone who could have chosen to sell the land for development.

In other town news, the board read a proclamation honoring the various fire departments that supported the town during the severe November storm. The companies brought volunteers and equipment to help handle the numerous phone calls and emergencies in town.

The groups honored were from communities in Rapids, Varick, Cortland, Carlton, Plotterkill, Guiderland, Wellsville, Semprenius, Suttern, Bolivar, Heuvelton, Chaffee Sardi n ia, Clarksville and Friendship. A proclamation of appreciation was sent to each of the companies involved.

The next town board meetings are Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. The last date is a change, being a week later than normal.

Most of the board will be out of town at an Association of Towns meeting in New York City the previous week.

by Kristy Kibler Managing Editor The Aurora Town Board recently approved the creation of a new budget line to handle payment of bills relating to the proposed dissolution of town water districts, as part of their eventual transfer into direct service by the Erie County Water Authority.

The budget adjustment comes on the recommendation of Laura Landers of Freed Maxick, who performs the town’s bookkeeping duties. All the districts would contribute different amounts to the expenses from their fund balances, so it simplifies the process to have payments coming from one line rather than many. The $10,000 in the new fund was transferred from a water district contingency line, and the districts will all pay into that fund accordingly once their respective contributions have been calculated. The process will be completed within the year.

“It just cleans it up—it’s a lot

easier to come out of one account instead of trying to divvy it up 25 times,” Supervisor Jim Bach said at the board’s Jan. 12 meeting.

The board also approved the hiring of Union Concrete to handle all brush grinding for the town this year. Per its Erie County low bid, the company will be paid $385 per hour for its services, up to a limit of $7,000.

Highway Supervisor David Gunner called Union Concrete “real reputable” and said that due to the amount of fallen branches and trees from the November storm, there will be a surplus of high-quality mulch created from the grinding process. He reminded the board that the resulting mulch is free to residents to pick up at the Highway Department garage on Route 20A. “Normally it’s 1 to 1 leaves, which is kind of garbage mulch,” he said. “This year … it’s going to be probably 80 percent [pine] to 20 percent leaves.”

In other news, the board has

appointed David Librock to the Planning and Conservation Board for a seven-year term.

Formerly a Planning Board alter nate, he replaces Bill Adams, who retired from town service at the conclusion of 2014 after serving on the Planning Board for 42 years.

“It was a big commitment to the town he lives in, the town he loves,” Bach said of Adams’ service. “He always did his homework—we’re going to miss him.”

At a December meeting, Adams thanked the board and noted that he had served under eight different supervisors. He added that he was most proud of keeping a Walmart from opening in the town.

The town is still seeking a n o t h e r Pl a n n i n g B o a r d alternate. Anyone interested can send a letter of intent to the Aurora Town Board at 300 Gleed Ave., East Aurora NY 14052, or to supervisor@ townofaurora.com.

Marilla Officials Clash at Meeting

by Pat McDonnell Freelance Reporter The Marilla Town Board met in a work session on Jan. 20, but a lack of formal board procedure and agenda led to confusion and a confrontational atmosphere.

The confusion started immediately last Tuesday night when the four council members— without the town supervisor being in attendance—caucused in the board room on the first floor of the Two Rod Road town hall complex with Town Attorney Joel R. Kurtzhalts, with Highway Superintendent Ronald Unverdorben and Highway Department employee James Beats, husband of Councilwoman Deborah Beats, also in attendance.

That portion of the board’s deliberations commenced at 7:20 p.m., not the pre-announced time of 7 p.m. However, sitting in his office, unaware that the four council members were caucusing with each other, was Supervisor Earl Gingerch, Jr., who stepped into the meeting room at approximately 7:30 p.m. and immediately assumed his seat at the head of the table.

By that time the four council members, who became tight lipped upon Gingerich’s arrival at the meeting, were well on their way in discussing the job description of Gingerich’s personal secretary, Sharon Foersch, and what, if anything, the four board members were going to do in streamlining the position.

Under the town’s organizational chart, Foersch serves as the supervisor’s secretary, as well as deputy town clerk in Town Clerk Dawn Pearce’s office and as town bookkeeper.

“It seems like a lot of hats” for one person to fill, Councilman Warren Handley said. “Do you think there is a way we could simplify that? The concern I’ve got is all [positions] are for one and everyone else” left out, Handley said in referring to the three other clerks at town hall.

Cou ncilwoman Deborah Beats agreed with Handley’s assessment of Foersch’s job titles.

“Isn’t there something in the audit reflecting that opinion?” she asked.

Beats was referring to state audit of the town government conducted by the office of NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli that found discrepancies that should be corrected.

“So we’re endorsing something that the auditor said, ‘Shame on you?’” Beats inquired about Foersch’s roles.

With Foersch working as Gingerich’s secretary and at the same time working in other capacities at town hall, especially her role of deputy town clerk, a conflict of interest could arise, especially this year when the post of supervisor is up for election and a new supervisor, if elected, would want to bring in his own team.

The four council members ultimately decided to list Foersch’s part-time job title as the “supervisor’s administrative assistant,” but that was right before Gingerich walked into the work session. Upon Gingerich’s entry into the room, conversation among the four council members went silent as the supervisor started to discuss other issues, such as a meeting he has set up with the town’s insurance carrier.

Insurance and Banking “The way it looks like for the

health insurance [package], the premiums will be the same as last year,” he said, noting that he and Councilwoman Barbara Spanitz will review the policy.

“I might have to call a special board meeting if we have a February 1 deadline, unless we get a grace period.”

Gingerich also said he is nearing the completion of a new liability insurance deal with the town’s insurance carrier, Selective Insurance, LLP, regarding an umbrella policy for town coverage.

“Last year, it went down,” Gingerich said of the premium the town must pay. This year, the premiums “will stay the same even though we added some coverage, and there is a 4 percent inflation guard” on the liability insurance policy for 2015.

On another topic, Gingerich announced that Chase Bank, one of the financial institutions Marilla uses as a depository, “wants to get rid of all municipal accounts, town accounts. They don’t come out and say it, but when you talk to them that’s the feeling you get,” he said. “They want to charge a fee now for everything, and it would cost us 900-some dollars to do it.”

Asked by Beats as to what time frame that encompasses, Gingerich it was on an annual basis.

“We’ve got to do something by the end of February,” he noted. “I’ve already called two banks and I will call a third one tomorrow,” in attempting to fill the void created by Chase Financial’s anticipated departure from the municipal financial market place.

Gingerich mentioned replacing Chase with either the Alden State Bank, M&T Bank and Five Star Bank. Handley suggested using First Niagara Bank or the Bank of America as suitable replacements.

“The Bank of Alden has been great with us through the years,” Gingerich said, adding that the Bank of America is being ruled out because of some past problems the town has had with the banking goliath. Gingerich did not elaborate as to what those problems encompassed, but was adamant about not including them when Handley suggested the financial institution to fill the void created by Chase Financial’s departure. “They’re hungry for business,” Handley chimed in.

All in all, Gingerich said that four town accounts were being closed: a water maintenance account from the sale of water to the Wyoming County community of Bennington and the use of the Marilla Water District #5’s tower; a highway reserve fund, a general reserve fund and a fund dedicated to a lawsuit where the town successfully reached a financial settlement with Milherst Construction, Inc. of Clarence over alleged deficiencies over the construction of Marilla Water District #2 built back in the mid-1990s under the former administration of Earl Jann, Jr. Gingerich anticipates opening an account for the equipment reserve fund in plenty of time to be included in next year’s budget.

‘Snovember’ Damage The meeting took on a somewhat sharper tone when it came to discussing the damage done to the Two Rod Road Marilla Community Center caused by the massive “Snowvember”

snowstorm two months ago.

Gingerich and Unverdorben got into a debate over Gingerich apparently duplicating work in the highway department without Unverdorben’s knowledge or permission.

Gingerich said he received a check from Selective Insurance for the damage caused by the storm in the amount of $1,563.99, which took into account an initial $1,100 deductible required by the insurance carrier —later to be lowered to $845. He said that he went out and received two quotes for the work to be completed and submitted one of them to Selective Insurance in the amount of $2,760. “They ended up accepting most of that claim,” the supervisor noted.

The two quotes received were from Gutter-Helmut, Inc. and Custom Builders, Inc. “Wait, wait, wait,” Unverdorben interjected. “I turned it into the insurance company a while ago.”

“Apparently they didn’t get it,” Gingerich replied.

“I have an e-mail where they responded that they mailed the check,” Unverdorben responded. “I got an e-mail from Janice Green saying that she has cut the check for $1,560.99. So I contacted them and told them to go ahead and do the work.”

Gingerich said that he told Unverdorben at the settlement night meeting, held approximately a month ago, that he should get the two quotes to the supervisor’s office for submission to the insurance company for payment, to which the highway superintendent said that he already had done so, making Gingerich’s work on the issue unnecessary.

The supervisor replied that “they were asking for it. They even sent another letter after that, so we sent it again.”

“Well, they didn’t send it to me, and I was the initial contact with her and I have been e-mailing back and forth with her,” Unverdorben said, his voice raising.

With that, Handley asked if they received two checks from the insurance company for the same work. “No, we’re not getting two checks,” Gingerich answered.

Unverdorben said that his quote for doing the work was roughly $1,200, compared with Gingerich’s $1,500 quote.

“Well that’s what we will go with,” the supervisor said. “But, I don’t know that unless you give it to me.”

The two men squabbled for several more minutes about the alleged settlement night meeting discussion and what was said or not said there. Both men took different views of what was discussed at the time.

“It just gets a little bit confusing when you’re doing on your own and I’m doing it on my own,” Unverdorben stated.

“Well, that’s my job to do it,” Gingerich said. “I told you settlement night,” to submit the necessary paperwork to his office, he added. Unverdorben asked in turn why he had kept proceeding with the process after that conversation and said that since that time, four more gutters have fallen off the building, so any funds the town may realize, “will be eaten up.”

That work originally was performed by Mark Aluminum Products, Inc., Unverdorben said, adding that recent bad winter weather has delayed its repair.

East Aurora Advertiser, Thursday, January 29, 2015

NEWS

www.eastaurorany.com 3

AURORA POLICE REPORT

EA Pedestrian Struck by Impaired Driver A 44-year-old East Aurora man suffered a broken leg after getting struck by a vehicle on Tuesday, Jan. 20 around midnight. He was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center, but was in stable condition after the accident.

East Aurora Police arrested Matthew Szematowicz, 32, from Olean Road, who was driving along Oakwood Avenue near Hamburg Street when he struck the man. The police report states he was heading east when he reportedly swerved into the opposite lane and struck the victim, who was walking on the north side of Oakwood Avenue. The windshield was also covered in ice, possibly obstructing his vision.

The driver tested negative for alcohol, but he failed the sobriety tests, had glassy eyes and a slurred speech and allegedly said he had taken a prescription medication before driving. He agreed to a blood test. He was charged with vehicular assault in the second degree, a Class E felony, and driving while

Matthew Szematowicz impaired by drugs, along with several other traffic infractions.

He was taken to the Erie County Holding Center on $10,000 bail.

The victim told police he did not hear the vehicle coming and had only stopped to look at something a resident was throwing out at the side of the curb.

He was wearing a red jacket and gloves along with dark-colored sweat pants.

ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

East Aurora Police were assisted by the East Aurora Fire Department and a drug recognition expert from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

DWI Accident on Davis A driver was charged with driving while intoxicated after he crashed into the front lawn of a Davis Road home on Jan. 23 around 7:45 p.m. It was reported that the driver, a 33-year-old from Brady Avenue in Lancaster, did not stop at the Ellicott and Davis road intersection, drove onto a front lawn where his vehicle collided with two others. It then rolled, stopping on the driver’s side.

The driver was taken to the hospital by Mercy Flight. In the process he said several times that he had been drinking at a nearby bar. A police officer noted a strong alcoholic odor from the man. The man was conscious at the hospital, and no major injuries were reported. He was charged and issued a court appearance ticket.

Marijuana Possession While patrolling on Center

Street on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m., an officer saw a vehicle with no license plate lamps. The vehicle was stopped and while talking to the driver the officer reported a strong marijuana odor. Both driver and passenger denied having any drugs in the vehicle, but then the passenger, a 22-year-old man from Reimers Avenue in Lancaster turned over a glass pipe with some drug residue inside. The man was charged and released.

Missing Purse At some point between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 22 a purse was reportedly stolen from a storage closet in the FISH of East Aurora on Main Street. The victim said it was stored in an area where many people from the public can wait for services. She went to the bank to cancel the cards and was told new charges from Delta Sonic in Orchard Park and Sunrise Foods in Buffalo had been made on the card that day.

The investigation is ongoing at this time as investigators look for more information. **** The East Aurora Advertiser’s police report is intended to provide information about local enforcement and activity using data provided by the East Aurora Police Department. Suspects’ stolen from a car parked on names are withheld from the Bowen Road in Elma. No other blotter as the Advertiser does information was noted with this not usually provide coverage incident. of the courts nor investigate Jan. 20 blotter items.

A two-car accident was reported on Transit Road in Elma, resulting in minor damage.

About $1,000 was allegedly stolen from a vehicle parked on Schang Road in Wales. The The East Aurora Village investigation is ongoing.

Board will meet at 7 p.m., Jan. 21 Utility wires were down along Monday, Feb. 2. The board Hunters Creek Road in Holland, meets in the second f loor and the telephone company was boardroom of Village Hall, Main and Paine streets. The board called to remove them. generally meets the first and Jan. 22 An attempted phone scam was third Monday of each month. For reported along Hunters Creek more information, call Village Road in Wales, in which a caller Hall at 652-6000. pretended to be an Erie County The Elma Town Board will Sheriff’s deputy. The victim called deputies and was advised meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. to not give out any information. 4, at Town Hall, 1600 Bowen A driver lost control of their Road. The board generally meets vehicle while on Cemetery and the first and third Wednesday of Bowen roads and went into a each month, with work sessions ditch. A tow truck was needed, as needed on the second and fourth Wednesdays. For more but no one was hurt. information, call Town Hall at 652-3260. *** The Sheriff’s Report is intended to provide information WEBER ON about local enforcement and activity using data provided by DEAN’S LIST the Erie County Sheriff’s office.

Kevin Weber of Elma has been The Sheriff’s Office does not named to the SUNY Geneseo usually include the names of Dean’s List for the fall 2014 subjects in this report. semester, having earned at least a 3.5 grade point average.

Driver Arrested after Hit-and-Run Erie County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a driver on charges of driving while intoxicated on Friday, Jan. 16 after a hit-and-run accident at Clinton Street and Blossom Road in Elma. West Seneca Police apprehended the driver that fled the scene.

In other area calls handled by the Erie County Sheriff’s deputies out of the Elma substation: Jan. 16 A transformer on Two Rod Road and Clinton Street in Marilla was seen sparking, and highway officials were notified.

A vehicle rollover accident was reported on Transit Road in Elma. One person was injured, but refused medical treatment.

Two cars collided on Route 400 in Elma, and minor damage was reported.

Jan. 17 A driver collided with a deer on Bullis Road in Elma. Minor damage was noted to the vehicle, and the deer was dead at the scene.

An injury was reported after a two-car accident on Schang Road in Wales, but the person refused medical attention.

A dispute between a landlord and tenant was reported on Olean Road in Wales. Both parties were told it was a civil matter.

There was a verbal argument between people on Bullis Road in Marilla, and deputies were

called to separate the parties for the day.

Jan. 18 Deputies arrested a 42-yearold man from Elma for DWI charges after he was stopped while driving on Route 400. His blood alcohol level was recorded at .16 percent.

An attempted burglary charge was reported at the Valu Muffler store on Transit Road in Elma.

The investigation is ongoing.

Minor damage was reported after a vehicle collided with a deer on Strykersville Road in Wales. The deer died at the scene.

Jan. 19 Deputies arrested a 21-yearold man from Seneca Street in Elma on several counts of drug possession, including possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Numerous items were reportedly taken from a vehicle parked on Jamison Road in Elma, including a wallet and credit cards.

The investigation is ongoing.

Three vehicles collided on Jamison Road in Elma, but no one was hurt in the incident.

A low-hanging utility wire was seen along Eastwood Road in Marilla, and highway officials were contacted to fix the problem.

A GPS unit was reportedly

News Briefs The American Red Cross is holding two local blood drives in upcoming weeks. The first will take place from 1-7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the East Aurora Moose Lodge 370, located at 905 Main St. in East Aurora. The second will take place Thursday, Feb. 12 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 1230 Bowen Road in Elma.

To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t donat i ng blood a nd to schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

SPCA Serving Erie County, Wings Flights of Hope, and Wounded Warrior Project each received $1,646 from employees of Univera Healthcare, who raised funds in 2014 through a

Me e t i ngs

year-long spare change collection in the company cafeteria, on-site book fairs, a basket auction, an annual holiday bazaar and other activities. In December, employees nominated charitable organizations to benefit from the funds raised. A secret ballot was held, and the top three vote getters divided the year’s collection.

the outreach to attend. HEAP is a federally funded program to assist income eligible Erie County residents with the costs of home heating, electricity, and energy conservation. The HEAP outreach will be administered by the Erie County Departments of Social Services and Senior Services and is open to all income eligible households.

Legislator Joseph Lorigo will host a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Aurora Senior Citizens Center, located at 101 King St. in East Aurora.

Interviews will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m., and doors open at 8:30 a.m. All applicants will be interviewed.

Attendees do not have to live in the specific town/village hosting

T he E d ucat ion C hoic e Alliance of WNY is sponsoring a one-hour presentation on the Education Tax Credit Bill, which was just passed by the NYS Senate and endorsed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The public is invited to learn more at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Aurora Public Library, located at 550 Main Street in East Aurora.

This legislation creates revenue for public schools and increases scholarship opportunities for students interested in attending independent schools. There will be time for questions, and short presentations by local independent school programs.

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Correction

An editorial error was made in the Jan. 23 editions of the East Aurora Advertiser and Elma Review. Within that week’s Erie County Sheriff’s report, it was reported that on Sunday, Jan. 11, a child was locked in a bathroom at the EMW Boys & Girls Club and the fire company was called to open the door.

This was incorrect as it accidentally combined two separate incidents in the Sheriff’s report. There had been a false emergency call from the Girdle Road club – there have been ongoing phone issues – and there was a separate incident in a home on Girdle Road where a child was locked in the bathroom and the fire company was called to assist with opening the door.

We apologize for the error and any resulting confusion.

WEBERG NAMED TO DEAN’S LIST

Alexander Weberg, a graduate of East Aurora High School, has been named to the Macalester College Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester, having earned at least a 3.75 grade point average.

Weberg is the son of Rolf and Libby Weberg of Duluth, Minn., formerly of East Aurora.

Photo by Kenny Schaff

Longtime Elma Zoning Board of Appeals member Harry Kaczmarek, center, poses with members of the Elma Town Board after receiving a citation honoring his service at a recent meeting. Pictured with him are Councilman Jim Malczewski, Supervisor Dennis Powers, Councilman Tracy Petrocy and Deputy Supervisor Michael Nolan.

Town of Elma Honors Harry Kaczmarek

by Adam Zaremski Staff Reporter After serving nearly two decades on the Elma Zoning Board, Harry Kaczmarek decided it was time to step down.

“Well, 19 years. Where did the time go?” Kaczmarek joked while accepting a proclamation for his dedication earlier this month.

The Elma Town Board honored Kaczmarek for his service at its Jan. 21 meeting, presenting him with a citation of honor. He served under five town supervisors in that time frame. Councilman and former Supervisor Michael Nolan said Kaczmarek did a “tremendous” job over the years.

Supervisor Dennis Powers read the proclamation honoring the Zoning Board member.

It said Kaczmarek started on Jan. 4, 1994 and was appointed to serve several more five-year terms.

“Mr. Kaczmarek’s colleagues and fellow residents of the Town of Elma assure that he will not only be greatly missed, but will also leave behind a superior

standard of service to that public that will be hard to equal,” Powers said.

At the start of January, the town appointed Harry Kwiek to the Zoning Board to take Kaczmarek’s place. Kwiek had been an alternate member for the board, filling in when others were not available.

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