Organizer Pam Forge said, “I was amazed at the turnout. We started out 5 years ago with 12 swimmers and this year had 91 swimmers. Just the swimmers alone brought in over $6,000. Last year our total was a little over $5,000 with everything combined so we’re looking pretty good! ” All donations are divided among the Variety Club (Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo), the Silver Creek Rescue Squad, Sunset Bay Volunteer Fire Department and the Silver Creek Food Pantry. “Marsha Jones and Cheryl Eastman coordinated the swimmer’s registration and as always were such a help - keeping track of 91 swimmer - what a job!”

     First place for swim pledges was Jeff Majtyka - he brought in over $2,000 in pledges plus he brought 40 of his friends out by bus from the Bison Rod & Gun Club. Laidlaw donated the bus and Mike Downey donated his services to drive them from Buffalo to Silver Creek. The Eden 39’rs brought out 30 people from their club and were high on the list of donations. First Place in the Chili Cook-off went to Tom’s Family Restaurant, 2nd Place was Primo’s Restaurant and there was a 3rd place tie between Seneca Hawk, Aunt Millie’s, Hideaway Bay and Ellie’s Deli. Aunt Millie’s also brought about 5 dozen homemade rolls to go with the chili - so they should also get honorable mention for their extra effort! Gregg Sansone donated his musical talent and provided the entertainment - he was awesome! Melissa Walczak and Susie Mancuso were our fantasy black jack dealers and Toni Ortalano and Julie Kohler coordinated a great Chinese Auction with prizes that included an autographed Jim Kelly Football, autographed Marv Levy Book and donated prizes from our local businesses. The Polar Bear Swim was pleased to accept a $1,000 check from Communications Worker’s Local #1115. Hydro-Spa Direct of Angola again out did themselves by providing an even bigger hot tub than last year. The swimmers really appreciate that after the frigid temperatures they endured during the swim. Helping behind the scenes with ticket sales, parking cars and being all around gophers were Rich Anderson, Diane Sasala, Ian Loggins and Linda Leatherbarrow. Matt and the staff from Hideaway Bay deserve a lot of credit as well. Forge said, “I am sure there are names forgotten but their help was much appreciated.” A couple from Medina, that have been to other area polar bear swims said that The Polar bear Swim at Hideaway Bay is the best one around! They commented that this swim has a place for the swimmers to warm up and many events for non-swimmers. The fun keeps going on! They said they will make the trek out again next year. “All in all it was a great success and Judi Kelly and I are looking forward to next year. We seem to have outgrown the restaurant and are now talking about renting a heated tent for next year to help with the crowd,” concluded Forge.

by Deb Waddell

     The first Village Board meeting of the New Year opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sam Magavaro. The previous meeting’s minutes were approved. Mayor Howard “Hub” Frawley presented a certificate from the New York Conference of Mayors to John Gugino representing the late Frank Gugino. The family received this certificate in recognition of the forty plus years of community service performed by their father before his retirement. Four new streetlights for the Village are on order to National Grid. It was noted Pole #13 light is out and will be reported to the electric company for repair. Trustee Bill Houston has followed through on a letter written to previous County Legislator Jeanne Chase in November concerning $993.00 owed the Village from damage done to a water shut-off by the county. Trustee Houston said the problem was not settled before the end of last year and found out it was turned over to an engineer to handle. In lieu of a cash settlement, the county will perform work in connection with General Crew Chief Jeff Kaminski. Trustee Jonica DiMartino will attend the winter legislature meeting using funds from her budget to cover the cost. Attending previous meetings has proven beneficial in the obtaining of grants and funding for past Village projects. NYSDOT Commissioner Thomas Madison sent a correspondence to Mayor Frawley in reply to a recently passed Village resolution favoring a study concerning feasible alternatives to the Skyway. In response, the Commissioner agrees to the need to explore potential alternatives to the Skyway route since it is an important corridor connecting the Southtowns to downtown Buffalo, the Canadian/ U.S. border and the Interstate highway system. The letter stated it is too early to begin an Environmental Impact study before finishing preliminary studies on the effect alternative routes or replacing the Skyway would have on the entire area. Commissioner Madison said,” our immediate objective will be the completion of such a balanced and independent (preliminary) study. The New York Department of Transportation plans to work with interested communities and their elected officials while reporting the findings on a Preliminary Skyway Study. Mayor Frawley received a letter from Congressman Brian Higgins recognizing the support the Village of Angola lent in helping bring new revenue and greater local control in the redevelopment of Buffalo’s waterfront. A settlement of $279 million to Buffalo and Erie County was reached with New York Power Authority for redeveloping the Buffalo waterfront to make it an inviting and accessible cultural and recreational area for local residents and tourists. It will also enable economic development benefiting all of Western New York. The recapturing of the Erie Niagara shoreline for recreational purposes and restoration of natural beauty will improve the quality of life for area residents. “We learned an important lesson in this fight,” wrote Congressman Brian Higgins,” that when we stand together, no one can deny us and no one can doubt that the people of western New York deserve more.” General Crew Chief Jeff Kaminski explained a situation developing with Main Automotive, the Village right of way between Center Street and the sidewalk and the tenets on the corner of Main and Center Streets. Tenets have driven on the right of way and torn up the grassy area that was just recently restored. They are ruining the grassy area between the street and the sidewalk. A request was made to the Board to intervene in the matter. It was noted that snow from the parking lot at Main Automotive is sometimes piled on the right of way. Crew Chief Kaminski is willing to work with the business in snow removal if they will cooperate by piling the snow on the Center Street edge of their parking lot. He works with other Village businesses with their snow removal also. Snow piled on the right of way and sidewalk

by Rudy Simone

     The Evans Town Board met on January 4. The yearly Organizational Meeting began at 6pm, with the regular Board meeting immediately following. Councilwomen Kathy Bartus, Karen Erickson, Councilman Joe Giovenettio, newest Councilman Michael Spence, Supervisor Catalino and Town Attorney Grant Zajas were all present. The Organizational Meeting consisted of the following Resolutions, all of which were passed: • Grant Zajas was re-appointed Town Attorney at a rate of $39,020/year, and was sworn in by Town Clerk Carol Meissner. He is retained as Town Prosecutor along with Anthony Miranda at a rate of $10,140/year each. • The order of business for all Town Board meetings was re-established, as were the rules governing their conduct. In all parliamentary matter’s, Robert’s Rules shall prevail, provided they are in accordance with local rule or resolution. • Town Board meetings will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm, except for July when the will meet on the second Wednesday and August when they will meet on the first Wednesday only. Work sessions will be held at 5pm on every Wednesday that does not have a scheduled regular meeting, unless otherwise specified. • The hours of Town Hall will be 9am-5pm M-F, and from May 1st - Sept. 29th they will be 8am-4pm. • Banks in which Town of Evans money is deposited are: Evans National, HSBC, Key Bank, M&T, Fleet, Charter One and Chase Morgan. • Petty cash amounts and spending procedures were affirmed, also officially recording financial transactions over $500. • Mileage allowance will be 35¢/mile, lodging reimbursements will be actual costs incurred and meal reimbursement rates shall be $50 per diem except in New York City where the per diem will be $95. Individual local lunch rates shall be $5 for seminars. • The Town Crier was designated the official newspaper, with the Buffalo News and The Sun if additional coverage is needed. • The salaries (as budgeted) of the Town Officials are: Supervisor - $42,500 (the Supervisor is relinquishing $8,000 of his salary to be given to the Deputy Supervisor for a net salary for the Supervisor of $34,500); Councilman $15,300 each; Town Justices $21, 193 each; Town Clerk $52,850 and Highway Superintendent $56,300. • Karen Erickson is appointed Deputy Supervisor. • Keith Dash and Cheryl Delano are Town Historians. • Lynn Stoessel is Deputy Town Clerk, Lynn Krajacic is Deputy Receiver of Taxes and Nicholas Mecca, Jr. is Deputy Super of Highways. The following board positions were established: • Larry Place, Chairman, and Noreen Voltz, Secretary of the Plumbing Board. Andrew Yusick, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Jeneen McSkimming, Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Assessment Review. Sandra Brant, Chairman of the Planning Board and the Board of Assessment Review. Gale Wetzler, Secretary of the Planning Board. • Tom Csati is appointed to the Board of Assessments. • The Sturgeon Point Advisory Board members are as follows: Michael Walters - Chairman, Paul Ryerse Sr. - Vice Chairman. Michael Franey Sr., Wayland Whittinghill, David Sippel, Paul Ryerse Jr., Frank Rademacher, Clifford Schmitz, Mann Tarrio and Joseph Mackenburg, members. Wayne Conrad - Parks Crew Chief. • The Recreation Advisory Board is Julie Roach, Joan Dillon, Anna Mathewson, Deborah Macpherson, Jill Barrett, Barbara Severin, Sheryll Andreozzi, Joseph Catalano and Anthony LaRusso. • The Recycling Committee members are Linda Welk, Laura Nosbich, Rose Trask, Dave Mosher, and William Houston is Village of Angola Liaison. • The Economic Development Committee is Lori Szewczyk, Director, William Houston, Andrew Yusick, Jeff White, Caryl Youngers, Jerry Bartone, John Lomando, Paul Tomaka, John Cappellino, Linda Mason, Carmen Garozzo. • The Conservation Advisory Committee is David Stout, Chairman/Secretary, David Mosher, Joseph Mackenburg, Tom Marks, John Szydlowski, Daniel Decker, Harry Watkins, Dr. Joseph Mecca. • The Lake Erie Beach Park Advisory Board is comprised of Mike Slawinski, William Holland, Judith Sepi, Harry Watkins, Richard Maurer, Mario Neri, Mary Ellen Hannah, Ted Andrews, and Mark Hageman. • John Ruszaj is Employee Safety Coordinator. • Carol Meissner, the Town Clerk was also appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics and the Custodian of the Town Records and Vault. • Charles Katra, Appointing Officer pursuant to Civil Service Law. • The law firms of Jaeckle, Fleishmann & Mugel, Sargent & Collins and Coughlin & Gerhart are to be retained if needed for Labor Law issues. • Lt. Charles Danzi is Disaster Coordinator, and John Latimore, Jim Glass and Kevin Hughes are Deputy Coordinators for the Town of Evans. • Gifford Swyers is representative for Erie County Sewer District #2. The Regular Board meeting followed. New Councilman Michael Spence will be attending the NYS Association of Towns training for elected officials in Rochester, NY from Jan. 9-11. Erickson and Giovenettio will attend the NYS Association of Towns 2006 Training School and Annual Meeting Feb. 19-22, for voting delegates and alternate voting delegates. A communication from Michael and Rachel Gugliuzza regarding a subdivision at 741 Lake St. that was given to the Planning Dept. and approved, was then approved by the Town Board. A piece of old business regarding re-zoning vacant land on Erie Rd. (near Delamater Rd.) for medical buildings, is re-adopted as Local Law #1 of 2006. Resolutions passed included: • That a public hearing be held on February 1, 2006 at 7:50pm for those people desiring to discuss the transfer of reserve funds to the “Pension Reserve Fund”. • That Robert Catalino, supports an application made by the Southtowns Community Enhancement Coalition to obtain financial assistance from the NYS Shared Municipal Service Incentive Program. • An agreement to share Assessment Services with the Town of North Collins will be signed, subject to Town Attorney and Director of Finance approval. • The Town reaffirms its commitment to the 485-b Tax Abatement Program as an incentive to attract and retain businesses in our area, but will review to see if modifications to the program are needed. • Paul Ryerse and Ronald Milks are appointed Assistant Code Enforcement Officers. Licenses granted were as follows: • Melody Meadows Home Construction, Inc. • P.J.R. Tavern Inc. D/B/A Captain Kidd’s - refreshment, amusement and live band • Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. - refreshment, amusement and live band • Salvatore Aronica D/B/A Tubby’s Take Out - refreshment • J.J. Parks Pub, Inc. D/B/A Castaways Bar & Grill - refreshment, amusement and live band • Henry W. Laskowski D/B/A Henri’s - refreshment • Robert J Pasinski D/B/A Jovial Bar II, Inc. - refreshment and amusement • Thomas J. Perkins D/B/A East Evans Country Depot, Inc. - refreshment. The next Evans Town Board meeting will be held Wednesday, January 18th .

by Alice Escott

     The Brant Town Board met on Thursday, January 5, 2006 for their Organizational Meeting. All members were present and in an effort to hold the line on expenses, approved a wage freeze for all elected and appointed town employees to reflect 2005 pay scale. The first item of business addressed by the new board was the appointment of John J. Chiavetta as Councilman for a term of one year to fill the vacancy created when Councilman Leonard K. Pero was elected Town supervisor. The oath of office was administered by Town Clerk Thea Ells. Before continuing with the meeting, Supervisor Leonard K. Pero introduced the entire Board to the members of the audience. He also introduced the other various officials that were in attendance. “We are all here for the taxpayers and the residents of the Town of Brant. Nothing at this meeting should be taken personally. This is about a Town Board meeting and making decisions in the best interests of the Town, for its residents,” said Pero. The meeting continued with a series of resolutions that would form the basis for the operation of the Town Board. • In all matters of parliamentary procedure, Roberts Rules of Order Shall prevail, except where such rules are inconsistent with any local rule or resolution pertaining to the conduct of Town business. • The Official newspaper of the town will be the Town Crier. The Hamburg Sun, with the Dunkirk Observer are designated as alternates for a one year term. • The Board will meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm. (A change from the previous meetings held at 8pm). • Work Sessions for the Board have been tentatively scheduled for the Thursday before the monthly meeting at 7:30. • Town Forum Gatherings, with the heads of all Town Departments, will be held on the third Saturday every four months at 1:00 PM — Tentatively March 18, July 15 and November 18. • The Banks used for the deposit of Town funds will be: Evans National, HSBC, Bank of USA for a one year term. Deputy Supervisor John Arrigo is authorized to dispense funds in the absence of Supervisor Pero, and the Supervisor’s Secretary has the authority to transfer funds between accounts but is not authorized to dispense any funds. • Resolved that all department heads, elected and appointed officials must consult with the Supervisor prior to the purchase of any item or groups of items costing $250.00 or more. Exception: Highway Department $600.00 or more. All department heads elected and appointed must also consult with the Supervisor before the hiring of any employee or of any major repair job of the town. • Designation of Salaries for Elected Town Officials per Board Freeze: Supervisor - $14,000.00/yr; Councilmen (4) - $4,140.00 each /yr; Town Justices (2) - $8,000.00 each/yr; Town Clerk - $23,400.00/yr; Highway Superintendent - $21,200.00/yr • Mileage rate for Town Officials .37/mi. • Resolved that it is desirable to attend the Association of Town’s Meeting in New York for training purposes that each Town Board member, each Judge and the Town Clerk, and Town Code Officer may attend the Association of Towns Meeting and that each official attending will be allowed a maximum of $1,000.00 for all expenses incurred. Reimbursed expenses will include: registration, travel, room and meals only, everything else is the responsibility of the attendee. • Appointed Supervisor Pero as Delegate and Judge Peter Gugino as Alternate to Association of Towns for a one year term. • The following appointments were made with the stipulation that all compensation would be frozen at the 2005 rate. •Appointed Court Clerks: Sager, Matteson, Crouse and Browning to Justice Court to be compensated at $10.17/hour with a cap at the 2005 rate of $17,017/year. • Appointed John Grennell Town Prosecutor for a one year term. • Appointed McCann & McCann Court Stenographers for a one year term. • Appointed Michele Browning Secretary to Supervisor/Bookkeeper for a one year term. • Authorized Supervisor to hire Accountant to do Supervisor’s Annual Reports. Also to permit bookkeeper, accountant and Supervisor to make minor changes at end of year and Supervisor to negotiate Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN’S) for 2006. • Appointed R. A. Gryska & Associates asTown Accountant with auditing duties included for a one year term. • Appointed Supervisor Pero as Budget Officer for a one year term. • Acknowledged the appointment of Joe DeCarlo, sole assessor, term ending Sept. 30, 2007 • Appointed Janet Bowman Secretary to Assessor’s Office for a one year • Appointed Jack Mancuso as a Board of Review member for a term of 10/1/05 to 9/30/10. • Appoint Michel Browning as Secretary to the Board of Review for a one year term. • Approved the appointment of Deputy Clerks: Gina De Maria and Barbara Daniel, for a one year term. • Approved the Town Clerk to attend Town Clerk & Tax Collector Association Conferences at maximum of $600.00 each, or Association Conference in New York at $1,000.00. • Appointed William Trask as the Town Attorney for a two year term. The vote was 4 to 1 with Gier being the nay vote. • Appointed funds in the event a Town Engineer is needed. • Approved Election inspectors if needed at 2005 pay scale for Primary and General election per Board Freeze. And for approved consolidation of districts 2 & 3 and 1 & 4 if needed for Primary. • Appointed Thea Ells as Records Management Officer for a one year term. • Appointed Connie D. Miner as Grant Writer with an Annual Contract. • Appointed Goldie DeSaviro as Town Hall Cleaner for a one year term • Appointed Joe Giambrone as Superintendent of all Town Buildings and Grounds for a one year term. • Appointed Marge and John Bates as Custodians for the Community Bldg. /Recreation Bldg. and Town Hall as needed for a one year term. • Approved Fees for Community & Recreation Building Rentals as follows: ••Community Building Rental Fee: $100.00 ••Recreation Building Rental Fee: $50.00 building only ••Recreation Building w/ Gym: $20.00 added to above ••Security deposit/Confirmation deposit: $50.00 Refundable ••Fees and security/confirmation are doubled for non residents • Approved Large Shelter and Small Shelter Fee’s ••Large Shelter is now $25.00 ••Small Shelter is now $25.00 ••Security Deposit /Confirmation is $50.00 Refundable ••All fees and deposits doubled for non- residents • Approved salary of Police Chief, Wayne Falk on a monthly basis at $3516.67 and Annual Salary $42,200.00 per Board Freeze. • Appointed the following Police Officers: for a temporary term from month to month: Investigator -John Giacchino, Patrolman - Ernie Masullo, Patrolman- Samuel Pinto, Patrolman - Ronald Raczka, Patrolman - Michael Green, Patrolman - Daniel Hontz, Court Bailiff- Samuel Pinto, Police Matron- Amy Hamm • Approved Town Clerk to approve various Community Groups use of the buildings free of charge as long as there are no conflicts with regular rentals and use is not during peak rental times. • Appointed Supervisor Pero as representative to N. E. S. T. for a one year term. • Appoint Phyllis Muscato as Bingo Inspector for a one year term. • Appointed Mrs. McGrath as Spanish Interpreter for a one year term. • Recognition of Thea A. Ells, as Registrar of Vital Statistics with Deputy Registrar, Gina DeMaria and Sub Registrar, Barbara Daniels term to coincide with elective office. • Appointed Willa Rosenblatt as Clerk to Highway Supt. for a one year term. • Appointed Vincent Fininzio, Jr. as Recreation Director for a one-year term. • Appointed Ronald Pfeiffer as Town Historian for a one year term • Appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Member Pat Granica (current — John Chiavetta) to finish a term to end on 12/31/07; Clark Borngraber (current —Don Clark) to finish a term to end on 12/31/08; Sherman Reickert (current —Maggie White) for a new term to end on 12/31/10. • Appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Member Bill Henry for a one-year term. • Appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Clark Borngraber for a one year term. • Appointment of a Planning Board Member Joseph Gardyjan (current — Joe Gardyjan) for a new term thru 12-31-12; Joyce Ellis (to fill vacancy of Swartzwelder) for a term ending 12-31-06. • Appointment of an Alternate Planning Board Members Mary Hosler and Tom Gerace Jr. each for a one year term. • Appointment of Planning Board Chairman Joseph Gardyjan for a one year term. • Appointment of Secretary to Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board Barbara Daniel for a one year term. • Resolved to plow private roads for emergency use and or by Order of the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Highway Superintendent, or Town Supervisor. • Appointed Bill Wesp as Deputy Highway Superintendent for a one year term. • Appointed Marion Kijek as Highway Driver/Worker for a one year term. • Appointment of Part time Highway Laborers drivers, Mark Reynolds,George Cordia, Charles Arrigo as needed for a one year term. • Resolved to sign Snow Removal Contract with the Village of Farnham. • Appointment of Clark Borngraber, and Brant and Farnham Vol. Fire Chiefs as Fire Wardens. • Appointment of Michele Browning as Bookkeeper for Fire Protection District; Street Lighting District; Lotus Bay Sewer District; Brant Farnham Sewer District and Brant Water District each for a one year term. • Authorize Town Accountant and Auditing Committee to audit all financial records of the Town.