Area Students Receive Scholarships from Masons
August 16, 2011
Three area students received scholarships from the Grand Lodge and Trustees of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. In the New York Masonic Education Assistance Program, qualifying children, grandchildren and widows of Masons are eligible to receive assistance. This year, the Grand Lodge and Trustees provided 669 scholarships amount to a half-million dollars to worthy students. More than $9 million in grants have been awarded to more than 10,000 students since the program began 15 years ago.
County Masons Gather For Celebration
July 9, 2011
James Sullivan, deputy grand master of New York Masons, was present in Sherman recently, where 124 gathered for an event honoring 50-year members of Masonic lodges throughout the Chautauqua District. He assisted Raymond Gordon, district deputy grand master, and Steven Schmitt, grand sword bearer, in presenting each honoree an emblematic White Apron to mark the occasion. An address on the importance of their dedication to Freemasonry and the example they have set in their communities was given. Preceding the presentation, a family style meal was served by members of the Amish community.
Grand Lodge of Masons Honors Local Man
May 30, 2011
Marvin Smith, a 62-year member of the Silver Creek Masonic Lodge, was presented the Dedicated Service Award by representatives of the Grand Lodge of Masons in the State of New York. The Dedicated Service Award recognizes a member of the fraternity who has exemplified the true virtues of Masonry. He has supported his local Lodge with his presence, time and talent. He is an individual who inspires and motivates others by his conduct whether they be members of the fraternity or not.
Forest Lodge installs officers
June 1, 2011
The installation of officers of the Forest Lodge No. 166 in Fredonia was held on May 17. From left, back row: Emanuel Padua, James Horey Jr., Earl Carlson and James Pawlowski Jr. Front row: James Stoll, Nicholas Andin, Richard Newton, John Kahabka and Charles Erbsmehl.
Gowanda police officer to be honored for service to youth
May 6, 2011
Gowanda Police and Resource Officer Jen Alessi is being honored for her work with the youth in the Gowanda community.
The New York State Free and Accepted Masons will be presenting Alessi with the General Douglas MacArthur Youth Award on May 12. The award is given to individuals who dedicate time and effort to youth organizations and to youth in the community.
"Just with talking with her and just as enthusiastic as she is about the youth, and as concerned as she is about the youth in the community, and the time that she really dedicates, is the reason that we decided to give her the award," Francis Petersen, member of Phoenix Lodge No. 262 and past district staff officer for the Cattaraugus District, said. "She's just a great lady. She's just good for the community. I can't say enough about her, really."
In addition to her work with the Gowanda Central School District, Alessi is also a youth soccer and cheerleading coach. She caught the eye of the Masons when she helped them with their Masonic ID Program. The program goes into schools to fingerprint children electronically and then puts the information on a disk which is given to the child's parent or guardian. The disk can be used as a record to help identify the child if they are ever separated or lost. Alessi helped the Masons set up everything with the elementary, middle and St. Joseph's schools.
Past award winners from the Gowanda area include Lori Petersen, who coached Babe Ruth softball for many years; Gary Denea, who coached youth football for many years; and Dr. L. Constantine, who is involved in the local swimming program.
Alessi will be presented with the award on May 12 and the evening will start off with a dinner at 6 p.m. and the presentation of the award at 7:30 p.m., at the Masonic Temple, 3 South Water Street in Gowanda. The event will be open to the public and there will be a minimal charge for the dinner.
"Anybody that wants to come and honor her can come," Petersen said.
Reservations must by made by May 9 and can by done by calling Petersen at 988-3814 or 307-1635.
LOCAL MASON RECEIVES DEDICATED SERVICE AWARD
FREDONIA-- At a recent meeting of the Dunkirk Irondequoit Lodge No. 301, F. & A.M., Charles F. Baker, one of its esteemed members was presented with a dedicated service award. Baker is a 33-year member of the Masonic Fraternity, and was presented with the Grand Lodge Dedicated Service Award for his tireless service to Freemasonry. This extraordinary award, was presented by the Grand Lodge of New York's Grand Sword Bearer, R\W\Steve Schmitt. Grand Sword Bearer Schmitt explained the history and requirements of this award. The Dedicated Service Award is given a lodge member who, through commitment of his time and expertise in performing various functions for the lodge, exemplifies true dedication to Freemasonry. These Brothers support our Lodges with their presence, time and talent, and inspire and motivate others to emulate their examples of true Masonic dedication.
The Dunkirk-Irondequoit Lodge No. 301 has met at the Fredonia Grange Hall on 58 West Main Street since 1996. This was several years prior to the fire that destroyed the Masonic Temple on Central Avenue in Dunkirk in 2010. The lodge itself was erected and dedicated in 1908. For further information on Freemasonry, local and worldwide, visit www.wny-masons.org.
Pictured from left to right are:
R\W\Raymond Gordon, District Deputy Grand Master, R\W\Steve Schmitt,
Grand Sword Bearer, Charles Baker, Recipient of Dedicated Service Award,
James Odell, Marshall, and W\Richard Sam, Master.
Jack L. VanZile Sr.
April 23, 2011
FORESTVILLE - Jack L. VanZile Sr., 73, of Center Street, Forestville, died Friday, April 22, 2011, at his residence following a short illness.
He was born in Canisteo, N.Y., on February 11, 1938, the son of the late Carl and Alberta (Seeley) VanZile.
Mr. VanZile was a graduate of Canisteo High School, Class of 1955, served in the U.S. Army as a private first class from 1955 to 1958, attended police science classes at Jamestown Community College and was a graduate of the New York State Police Academy in Freehold, N.Y., Class of 1966. He worked as a trooper for the New York State Police, retiring in 1987 after 22 years of service. Mr. VanZile was a former village of Forestville code enforcement officer from 1990 to 1996, a former Forestville Central School board member from 1994 to 1998, a former Forestville Village Board member from 1996 to 2000 and a former town of Arkwright code enforcement officer from 1998 to 2002. He was a member of the American Association of State Troopers, a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a member and past master of Irondequoit Lodge 301 F&AM, Dunkirk and a former member of the Alleghany Mountain Chapter, New York State Police.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Survivors include two daughters: Mrs. Richard (Elizabeth) Griffith of Fredonia, and Mrs. Stephen (Cynthia) Ostrye of Amherst, three sons: Jack L. (Karen) VanZile Jr., Carl (Genevieve) VanZile and Mark (Eileen) VanZile, all of Forestville, three sisters: Patricia Crane, Linda Campbell and Virginia Campbell, and a brother, Randy Campbell. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Elaine K. (Baker) VanZile, whom he married on July 25, 1959, in Canisteo, N.Y., and who died October 30, 2001, and two brothers: Kenneth Trowbridge and Michael Campbell.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville, today from 3 to 7 p.m. from where funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. J. Patrick Keleher of the Newman Center, University of Buffalo, West Amherst, officiating. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, Chestnut Street, Forestville, NY 14062.
To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
Edwin Lincoln Hamlet
April 20, 2011
Ed died on Palm Sunday morning, after a brief illness, at the age of 82. He was born February 27, 1929, the son of the late Ralph Edwin and Alice (Goodhue) Hamlet. He spent his entire life living on the four corners of Beautiful Downtown Sheridan. He attended Silver Creek School, graduated from Deveaux in 1946, graduated with distinction from Cornell University in 1950, and did his graduate work at Purdue University working as a graduate assistant in Ag Economics
Ed married Joanne Ruth Pettit on September 13, 1950. She preceded him in death on August 8, 1999. He is survived by 3 children: Andrew (Theresa) Hamlet, Joel (Cathy) Hamlet, Suzon (Frank) Testa; and eight grandchildren: Edwin (AnnMarie) Hamlet, Frank Testa, Elizabeth (James) Tytka, Brian (Emily) Testa, Daniel Hamlet, Rebecca (Marc) Kapple, Jeannette (Dustin Delaney) Testa and Ryan Hamlet. Great-grandchildren include: Andru, Ethan and Gabriella Testa, Eva Tytka and Olivia Kapple. He was impatiently awaiting the arrival of two more. He was preceded in death by a son, William Ralph Hamlet in 1989.
Like his father and grandfather, Ed was a farmer all his life and took great interest in the past, present and future of the agriculture industry, actively serving on the Extension and Farm Bureau. He and his wife Joanne built and operated a farm store and green houses, Hamlet Farm of Sheridan.
Ed was knowledgeable in every aspect of agriculture and horticulture. He was widely read on the subject, maintaining an active correspondence with leaders in the industry, expressing his concerns and solutions to present problems.
Ed was a member of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Company since 1952 to present, in active duty for 52 years. He served as Chief from 1964-1966. He dropped everything to respond to situations of need for his neighbors and responded to more calls than any member past or present.
Ed was an active member of the Sheridan Grange #235 (now Fredonia #1) joining in 1952 and served as Master from 1958-1959. He was a 55 year member of Hanover Lodge F&AM 152, served on the Red Cross board, and was active with the United Way of Chautauqua County. He belonged to the Sheridan United Methodist Church, serving as trustee and teaching Sunday school. He was a charter member of the Sheridan Historical Society, serving as a trustee until his death. He was an active member of the Sheridan Memorial Field Association and was a trustee.
Ed helped to set up and enact the zoning law for the Town of Sheridan in 1972 and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Com-mission, serving as chairmen since 1985. A member of the GOP all his life, he was appointed by Mario Cuomo to serve on the College Council of SUNY at Fredonia in 1991.
Service to others and especially the youth of Chautauqua County started early in life as a Cub/Boy Scout. From 1950 until the day he died, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He actively served as a Cub Master for 12 years, Scout Master for 15 years and for over 20 years as both Assistant District Commissioner and Commissioner. He was a member of the Chautauqua District Commission and the District Roundtable Commissioner. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1976 and was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. Ed was an active Gilwellian and enjoyed the annual Blue Springs reunion.
Ed joined the Girl Scouts of America in 1962 and was a member until his death. He was Vice President from 1984 to 1990, and President of the Chautauqua County GSA in 1990. For years along with Camp Fire USA and the Camp Gross Board, Ed wrote to every political leader in our area to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kids Day. He was gratified at the response he received from all elected officials who supported this initiative.
For the last 21 years his great passion was making Camp Gross available for the youth of Chautauqua County and beyond. He was President of the foundation at the time of his death. With many others, he worked tirelessly raising money, overseeing projects and promoting the Camp.
In 2009 he received the George B. Weaver Jr. Foot-prints Award from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, for all of his efforts to make Chautauqua County a great place to live, work, and raise your children.
Ed dedicated his life to serving numerous other organizations throughout the county and the state. He gave away thousands of dozens of ears of corn, and always arrived at a meeting with a basket of apples or melons under his arm to share.
Ed encouraged everyone, young and old, to be all that they could be. Throughout his life he always put other people first, never afraid to speak up for a cause he thought was right or to speak out when he thought something was wrong.
Ed donated his body to the U.B. Medical School. A memorial service will be held at a later time. If everyone whose lives he touched would send a donation large or small to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (212 Lake Shore Dr. W., Dunkirk, NY 14048) for Edwin L. Hamlet Fund dedicated for Camp Gross, it would be deeply appreciated by his family and friends.
Masons Receive Update On Himalayan Education Project
March 4, 2011
From left are:
guest speaker James Tillotson; Thomas Johnson, master of the Mount Moriah Lodge; and Leland Sperry, Mount Moriah Lodge program chairman.
James Tillotson, a retired Southwestern Central School teacher, recently addressed Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 145 F&AM at a recent meeting and high-lighted some of the latest developments of an educational project in the Himalayas of which he is associated.
The project is "3 Jewels Adventures" and is the brainchild of Amber Tamang, a trekking and climbing agency manager, who comes from Tapting village located in the Solukhumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas. Solukhumbu is the district where Mt. Everest is located, however Tapting is not on the standard routes that serve tourists and climbers heading into the Mount Everest base camp area. Tapting is a very poor village and educational facilities for its inhabitants are very limited.
After completing his high school education, Tamang traveled to Kathmandu and enrolled in the university, where he hoped to attain a law degree. He was able to finish his undergraduate degree and support himself as a porter and at other positions for trekking groups. He eventually was able to obtain a master's degree in cultural studies. Unlike many other trekking guides, he did not flee to other countries seeking opportunities despite his difficulty to survive in Nepal due to the political upheaval that decreased tourist activity. Instead, he decided to use his free time working for his society and country through social initiatives.
Tamang shared his wish with some trekking clients and one of them happened to be Tillotson, who accepted an invitation to become a full-time volunteer for the project. Together, they formally established HED Project as a non-profit organization in the United States and Nepal in August 2009. Tamang is the executive director and Tillotson is the international coordinator. The mission of the HED project is to build schools and libraries throughout the remote areas of the Himalayas. It also helps pay for qualified teachers throughout the region.
Tillotson addressed the lodge two years ago when the initiative was just taking hold. He explained at the time that he was earnestly seeking books for a new library that was being built in Tapting. During his most recent visit to the lodge, he said the library was now operating and he showed slides of its bookshelves, as well as the vast scenery of the mountainous area. His enthusiasm for the project and the people of Tapting and Nepal was most evident and he is planning to return to Nepal soon, but the political upheaval in the Middle East is causing him some concern.
He was thanked by lodge members and guests and an offering was given to him to purchase additional supplies. He told the lodge group that all money donated to him goes to the organization, with no overhead removed. He was invited to a future meeting to keep the lodge informed of the progress of his project.
Lawrence C. Hardy
March 8, 2011
South Dayton - Lawrence C. Hardy, 66, died Sunday, March 06, 2011 at his home in South Dayton, New York. He was born April 04, 1944 in Dunkirk, New York the son of the late Merle L. and Ruth E. (Grant) Hardy.
Larry worked at the J.N. Adams Developmental Center for 30 years and was self- employed in furniture restoration. He was a member of the Boy Scout Troup 257 and leader for over forty years, South Dayton American Legion Post 1593, charter commander of Pine Valley Memorial VFW Post 2522, South Dayton Fire Dept. Fire Police Captain, Little League Coach for 25 years, 4H Woodworking leader, Cherry Creek Masonic Lodge #384, Past Master, Phoenix Lodge #262, Past Master, Past Assistant Grand Lecturer, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County Board of Directors of Camp Gross, and McDonalds Senior Golf Tour.
He served in the Navy during the Vietnam Era enlisting on May 16, 1966 at Fredonia, NY and discharged on May 14, 1968 at Norfolk, VA. He is survived his wife Barbara L. (Dorman) Hardy of South Dayton, NY, whom he married October 4, 1974 in Randolph, NY; three sons, John (Jennifer) Hardy of Erie, PA; Timothy (Lisa) Hardy of Pflugerville, TX; and Gary (Janet) Hardy of South Dayton, NY: his daughter Lynn (Paul) Bowers (daughter) of Dunkirk, NY; his brother Daniel (Penny) Hardy of Dunkirk, NY; four sisters, Betty Crowell of Fredonia, NY; Helen (Robert) Bates of Brocton, NY; Ann Gizowski and Lois (Ray) Woodward of Forestville, NY, and nine grandchildren. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Hardy, his sister Elma Gould and his grandson Tony Hardy.
The Funeral service will be held Thursday March 10, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Hills Funeral Chapel, 478 Balcom Corners Rte. 83 So. Dayton NY. Rev. Ronald Sawade of Warsaw Free Methodist Church will be officiating. Burial will be in the Cottage Cemetery in South Dayton.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Wednesday at the Funeral Chapel.
Family suggests memorials to South Dayton Fire Dept. PO Box 88, South Dayton, NY, Allegany Highlands Council or Camp Gross, Cassadaga, NY.
The West: Service To Mankind: The Masons
December 16, 2010
By DOC HAMELS, CONSULTANT,
I like to watch the History Channel from time to time. More and more there appears to be coverage and stories about another organization for which I have been very involved with for the past 18 years- the Free and Accepted Masons.
It is quite comical how some of these TV programs veil the Masons in a spooky mysterious manner. Quite frankly I have heard it best put that the Masons are an “open” fraternal organization that has secrets rather than a secret organization that is closed to the public. When you are driving along the highway how many times do you see the emblem of a Mason which has a compass, ruler and a large G? Or, how many of you have seen a man wearing a stylish ring or lapel pin with the same emblem? Masons pretty much have signs in front of their meeting places called lodges. Not exactly secret!
Why would a man want to be a Mason? Well, if you want to become part of something that is larger than you; you like to help others; and feel that it’s time for you to grow personally; Masonry could be something worth pursuing. No one will call you up and say, Hey you seem like a pretty nice guy would you like to be a Mason?” It just won’t happen. If you are interested you have to make the contact.
See the next paragraph as to how or email me if you like and I will forward things on.
There are a few varying schools of thought on when and where Masonry began. More and more there appears to be a pretty strong connection to the Knights Templars who were involved with the crusades in the Holy Lands beginning in 1118. Much of the lore and ritual work of the Masons goes back to the stone masons who built the magnificent buildings of the Middle Ages. Mathematics is an important element to the fraternity. The first official Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in England. From there Freemasonry spread throughout the world including the newly formed country of the United States! Remember Paul Revere? You guessed it, he was a Mason.
A Grand Lodge is much like the state headquarters for any large state organization. Like many other organizations there are county, state and national levels to their organizations. Masons have similar structures except that in the US each Lodge falls under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of that state. Here in New York it is the Grand Lodge of New York State and has administrative offices in New York City. It was formed in 1787. The Grand Lodge meeting area is very similar to the House of Commons in England
At a more local level, there are several Lodges
throughout our county. If you would like to see where they are you can visit
www.nymasons.org and click on the Lodge Locator button. There is a lodge that
probably is very close to where you live. Many of the local lodges have been in
Chautauqua County back to the early 1800s.
Much like many service organizations the Masons have dedicated themselves to improving the world around them through community projects and supporting local initiatives. I know that over the past 200 years here in the USA, Masons have been involved with education, medicine, government and finding ways to help those who are in need. In NYS, there is a Medical Research Laboratory, Camp Turk for summer programming, college scholarships, and the Masonic Care Home in Utica for starters. Additionally, Masons throughout the state work at the Masonic Child ID program, Girl and Boy Scout programs, and working with schools through its Masonic Student Assistance Team program. Westfield Academy and Central School went through the training for this very worthwhile program not too long ago. The staff was trained over a period of time by professionals in how to deal with at risk students and help families. All free of charge to the school.
As a county, the Masonic Lodges have supported the Child ID program where parents can bring there child to a local fire hall, for example, and have them digitally photographed and fill out a general description of the child. This is all placed on a CD which is given to a parent for safe keeping should they ever need to share this information in an emergency. This service, as well as many of the other projects that are provided, are free of charge. Another project that you may see the Masons involved with is the child bracelet program at the county fair. A child is registered and given a wrist band in the event they get lost. Many children don’t know a lot of their personal information and imagine how fast they can be reunited with their frantic parents!
Freemasonry is not a religion. To be a Mason, you must be a male, 21 or older and have a belief in a Higher Being and that the soul is eternal. There is a certain amount of ritual and protocol that is followed. Very much like many other organizations. It is still one organization where the gentlemen will show up in suit and tie or tuxedo. Sorry ladies, this is a men’s only organization but you can join the sister organization called the Eastern Stars!
Did I mention famous Masons of whom you may have heard of?
George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Gerald Ford, Harry Truman, John Hancock, John Glenn Jr., Gene Autry, Count Bassie, Gen. Omar Bradley, Sir Winston Churchill, Dewitt Clinton,Ty Cobb, Davy Crockett, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, King Edward VII & VIII, Duke Ellington, Clark Gable, Harry Houdini, Burl Ives, Robert H. Jackson, Andrew Jackson, Gen. Douglas McArthur, William McKinley, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Brad Paisley, Arnold Palmer, EdRendel, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Roy Rogers, Howard Taft, Mark Twain, John Wayne….the list goes on and on…
It’s impossible to write much more in the space allotted.
Freemasonry, Free and Accepted Masons, Master Masons- they all mean the same. If you are at a point in your life where something is missing or you feel it’s time to give back to world, check them out. In my own family there are four of us who are members of Olive Lodge #575 in Sherman, NY.
Happy Holidays!
Dr. John Hamels is a familiar face in Chautauqua County. He is a well known educator, having been a Special Education Teacher, Training Specialist, Principal and now a retired School Superintendent. He has a wide range of interests, serves on a variety of boards of directors in the region, consults and presents as an Adjunct at JCC. He may be contacted at hamels@fairpoint.net.
Chautauqua Historical Curiosities program planned
December 20, 2010
Hanover Historian Vince Martonis will present a program entitled "Chautauqua County Curiosities" in Forestville on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. The Hanover Masonic lodge at 232 Main St. is hosting the program and the public is invited. Those interested in Masonic membership are also welcome.
Historical curiosities from around the county will be featured. These interesting and unique items include the Great Black Walnut Tree of Silver Creek, an 1840 Busti and Sheridan ghost letter, the wreck of the steamship Erie in 1841, the famous Hanover Elm, an 1812 letter from a tavern owner in Ellery, a slave "Wanted" poster, a mastodon Indian pipe from the Cattaraugus Creek area, plus items from Lily Dale, Gerry and elsewhere. The Amos Sottle Horse Skull Fiddle will highlight the program.
Each attendee will receive a free historical keepsake related to items in the program. Refreshments will be served and a tour of the lodge will be given.
Jamestown Man Elected To Masons Supreme Council Board
December 4, 2010
LEXINGTON, Ma. - More than 1,500 33rd Degree Masons and their ladies gathered in Philadelphia recently for the annual meeting of Scottish Rite Masons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The Supreme Council is the governing body for 200,000 Scottish Rite Masons in the 15 northeast and midwest states of the Northern Jurisdiction.
Among those in attendance were Grand Masters from the state Grand Lodges within the jurisdiction and representatives from 26 Scottish Rite jurisdictions around the world.
Five new members were elected to the governing board of the Supreme Council. They are Douglas N. Kaylor of Miamisburg, Ohio; Donald M. Moran of Georgetown, Mass.; G. Michael Morris III of Victor, N.Y.; P. Michael Nielsen of Jamestown; and Charles C. Wicks of Elkhart, Ind.
Retiring from the board were William Fox Jr. of South Bend, Ind.; Frederick D. Greene of Cicero, N.Y.; and Edward R. Trosin Jr. of Tonawanda, N.Y.; Albert R. Marshall of Hockessin, Delaware; and Neil M. Smalley of Kettering, Ohio.
The presiding officer for the state of Indiana is Gail N. Kemp who replaces Robert G. Elrod; in Delaware, James T. Elliott Jr. replaces Marshall; and in Ohio, William R. Powers replaces Smalley.
Richard V. Travis of Brookfield, Connecticut, and Verdon R. Skipper of Burlington, N.J., were recognized with the presentation of the Medal of Honor.
The highlight of the meeting was the conferral of the 33rd Degree upon 162 members who were selected for dedicated service to Scottish Rite Freemasonry or service reflecting credit upon the fraternity.
The names of 177 nominees were announced to receive the 33rd Degree at next year's meeting in Chicago on Aug. 30.
Those members elected to receive the 33rd Degree at Chicago, on Aug. 30, 2011 include:
NEW YORK
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Fingerprinting
December 2, 2010
Gowanda Student Resource Officer Jen Alessi and the Gowanda Elementary School PTA sponsored the Masonic Child Identification program at the elementary school on Nov. 17 and 18. The program is also scheduled for the Gowanda Middle School on Dec. 22 and 23. The program is free and consists of supplying the parent or guardian with a mini-CD which contains vital information including photos, fingerprints and pedigree information. The parent then safeguards the information should it ever be necessary to retrieve it for law enforcement in the event the child is missing or a runaway. A total of 212 children participated in the program at the elementary school. If you have any questions, call Officer Alessi at 913-1143. In the photo above, Gowanda Central School Board of Education President Ann Martindale has her I.D. fingerprints done with Masonic Chairman Douglas Neal.
Eastern Star Honor District Officers
November 22, 2010
The Order of the Eastern Star Forestville Masonic Lodge held a formal ceremony to honor (front) Frances Leonard, Assistant Grand Warder, Francis Petersen, District Grand Lecturer, and Mary Prue, District Deputy Grand Matron. Also pictured are organizers of the event (back) Patron Frank Tuttle III, Matron Gretchen Tuttle, Matron Ruth Kuehn and Patron John Olszewski.
Photo by Nicole Gugino
Masons Recognized
May 18, 2010
At a recent meeting of the Dunkirk-Irondequoit Lodge No. 301 of the Free and Accepted Masons, eight members were honored for their years of membership and service to the fraternity.
Pictured, from left, seated: (W) Walter Hamlin (60 years), (W) Nicolas And in (50 years), (RW) Harry Marquardt (50 years), and (W) Esau Sam (50 years). Standing: (W) Richard Sam, Master and (RW) P. Michael Nielson, district deputy grand master of the Chautauqua County district. Missing from the photo are the following: Brothers Raymond Marnic and Alan Whitcomb (50 years), and Brothers Richard Tyrell and Neal Hanks (60 years).
Pioneer Days in Gowanda May 20-23
May 13, 2010
GOWANDA - From May 20 to 23, Gowanda will celebrate Pioneer Days with a circus theme this year. Most events take place in the heart of the business district on West Main Street.
On Thursday, Main Event Amusements will hold a carnival preview from 5 to 9 p.m. and a Talent Show will take place at 6 p.m. under the Firemen's Tent.
Friday's activities will feature a Crafts and Artisan Show beginning at 10 a.m. The carnival will again be in full swing from 5 to 10 p.m., and the "Archives" will perform in the Firemen's Tent from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Masons will also be offering a free ID program for children (on Saturday as well).
The carnival will open at noon on Saturday for everyone's enjoyment.
Also on Saturday, there will be a Tricycle Race at 10 a.m.; Webkinz Pet Show at noon; a Battle of the Cookies Bakeoff, also at noon; Gowanda Idol Competition at 2 p.m.; a dance demonstration featuring jazz, ballroom and hip hop will take place at 4 p.m.; and at 6 p.m., crowds will enjoy one of the largest parades in Western New York, which will focus on the circus theme; the Bloodmobile will roll into town, a fundraiser to rebuild Tri-County Memorial Hospital will be held, and "Bogus Otis" will be performing in the Firemen's Tent from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Sunday's events will include a Craft and Artisan Show; the carnival opening at 1 p.m.; Dennis Crouse 5K Challenge starting at noon, Newtown Dancers (Native American) Demonstration at 3 p.m. and a bicycle giveaway at 4 p.m.
Presale tickets for the carnival rides are now available at these Gowanda businesses: Chief's on Richardson Road; Jubilee Foods on Buffalo Street; Hager's Flowers & Gifts on West Main Street; Gabel Bros., and Gowanda PennySaver/News, also on West Main Street; Gowanda Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Facility on Miller Street; Heaven Scent on Jamestown Street; Gowanda Area Federal Credit Union on Taylor Hollow Road and Olympia Restaurant on the corner of South Water and Jamestown streets. Those purchasing presale tickets receive entries for the free bicycle giveaway.
For more information on this year's Pioneer Days celebration, and a complete schedule of events, or to enter a competition, call the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce at 532-2834, or visit the Chamber's Web site at www.gowanda-chamber.org.
Judge Lee Towne Adams
August 5, 2010
FORESTVILLE - Judge Lee Towne
Adams, honorably retired, died on August 4, 2010. He was born on July 12, 1922,
the traditional Scottish "Orangeman's Day," which he happily observed
every year.
He grew up in Silver Creek and was graduated from Silver Creek High School. In 1943, he was graduated from the University of Rochester, Phi Beta Kappa, with High Distinction.
He acquired an early appreciation of the law when he went to enlist in the Navy during World War II. Having been born in Chatham, Ontario, he needed to prove his parents' American citizenship to enlist. This required getting an affidavit from a great aunt who had been present at his father's birth. He served in the Submarine Service as an officer in the Pacific during World War II where he received the Submarine Combat Insignia and other awards. While his submarine was docked in Honolulu for repairs, he met his future wife, Muriel Kathryn Stang, a beautiful and brainy Red Cross social worker who hailed from Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It can safely be said that she had never met anyone like him in her Norwegian immigrant community! They married in June 1946.
During the summer of 1946, he and Muriel were living with his mother in Silver Creek, while he worked in the canning factory. He applied to only one law school-Yale -and was slightly worried when he realized how competitive the school was. He took the train to New Haven for his interview and wore his Naval officer's uniform. He was always convinced that, besides his excellent school record, his uniform helped his application. Upon graduation from Yale University Law School in 1949, he considered, very briefly, working for one of the high-powered law firms in New York City. But these firms offered only $3,000 for starting lawyers, and he felt that to be a paltry amount for a man with a family. (His daughter Nancy had been born in New Haven.)
Instead, he learned that the law office in Forestville was for sale and, with his wife and child, he returned to Western New York. His aunt, Hazel Towne Shure, offered to buy him a sign for the law office. Her father, Judge Adams's grandfather - George E. Towne - had been a notable attorney in Chautauqua County in the early twentieth century. When the sign for the law office arrived, Lee Adams discovered that his sign proclaimed, "Lee Towne Adams, Attorney-at-Law." After that, he was always known by his full name.
Then came the difficult years of establishing himself and earning a living to support his family. For the first few years, he did not own a car and would walk from Forestville to Silver Creek to catch the bus. He developed the ability to read while he walked, and, though people often offered him rides when they saw him on the road, there were times - including one ferocious winter snow storm - when he had to walk the five miles to get home.
He practiced law in Forestville from 1949 through 1972. He was municipal attorney for 12 towns and villages and one school district.
Appointed County Judge in April 1972, he was officially elected in the fall of that year. Early election results showed him winning by 275 votes. Friends called him "Landslide Lee."
After a final canvass of all the votes, his plurality increased to 302 and he was renamed "Avalanche Adams."
He was re-elected in 1982 with an 11,000 plus vote majority.
During his time on the bench, he presided over more murder cases than all previous judges and justices in the county put together. He retired under the constitutional mandate in 1992, December 31.
He did not suffer fools gladly. Attorneys who appeared before him have regaled each other with stories of his twenty years on the bench. There was the time that he disarmed a woman with a shot gun in a local restaurant, authoritatively saying, "Give me that gun." During trials, attorneys were not surprised to hear, "The court will consider an objection if the defense were to make one."
He discouraged his daughters from choosing the legal profession, which some believe deprived defendants of three well-equipped defense attorneys as they had grown up arguing curfews, allowances, and homework with a great legal tactician. (Once, in a very great while, they actually won.)
After he retired from the bench, lawyers often stopped by to seek his advice on legal strategy. During the last seven years of his wife's life, as Alzheimer's robbed her of her unique and feisty personality, he took care of her. He learned to cook, cultivated some patience, and loved her fiercely. He fought Alzheimers as if it were opposing counsel, and while ultimately he could not prevail against it, he slowed its progress by the force of his will.
He read widely, loved history, and was well known for his photographic memory. During the years he practiced law before becoming a judge, he had a reputation for citing legal precedents from far-ranging sources, and, when checked, always being correct. It can finally be revealed that when opposing lawyers stopped checking his citations, he sometimes creatively invented them.
He was a sixty-year member of the Silver Creek Presbyterian Church, and an elder for over thirty years. He was a commis-sioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1967; a trustee of the Presbytery of Western New York for six years, and member of the Ministerial Relations Committee for 11 years; and a director and vice president of Presbyterian Homes of Western New York for six years. He was chosen Presbyterian Layman of the year of the Presbytery of Western New York in 1978.
He was a 50-year member of Silver Lodge #757 F&AM, was currently serving as President of the Forestville Cemetery Association Board, a position he has held for many years; was a life member of Forestville Fire Department, was a member of Westfield Royal Arch Chapter, Dunkirk Council, Lake Shore Shrine Club, Valley of Jamestown Consistory, Ismailia Shrine Temple, and Chautauqua Lodge #1007. He was a member and past President of the Bar Association of Northern Chautauqua County and a past president of the Association of County Court Judges. He belonged to the J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Forestville, where he was past commander, Lake Chautauqua Post VFW, the Submarine Veterans of World War II, and the Kosciuszko Polish Home.
He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Muriel Stang Adams; his parents, Lee Eugene and Josephine Towne Adams; and his brother, Frank of Sandwich, Massachusetts.
He is survived by his three daughters: Nancy, and her husband the Rev. Dr. Mervin Fry of Bound Brook, New Jersey and Arkwright, New York; Carol and her husband the Rev. Dr. Bruce Buchanan, of Richardson, Texas; and Jane and her husband Willi-am McNulty of Darien and Waterford, Connecticut. He is also survived by one brother, Richard Towne Adams of Tonawanda, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His family and he appreciated the loving care of Fredricka Heinrich, Linda Cardot, Susan Cordova, Eileen Dunn, Keilen Korzenski, Naomi Torres, and Judi Diefenbach.
While he could take pride in many accomplishments over a lifetime of service and loyal friendships - legal strategies that turned a case, careful judicial stewardship of difficult and complicated cases, love of his country and church - he was proudest of the successes in life and love of his three non-lawyer daughters.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Monday evening from 7-9 pm and on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Masonic Service will be conducted by members of Silver Lodge #757 F&AM Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in the Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, from the First Unit-ed Church (Presbyterian), Park Place, Silver Creek, with Rev. Mr. Thomas Burian, interim pastor, and Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Buchanan & Rev. Dr. Mervin J. Fry, sons-in-law of the deceased, officiating. Interment will follow in the Forestville Cemetery, where Graveside Military Services will be conducted by members of J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Forest-ville. The family suggests memorials may be made either to the First United (Presbyterian) Church, 35 Park Place, Silver Creek, NY 14136-1403, or to The Submarine Force Library and Museum, Box 501, Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, CT 06349-5501, or to the University of Rochester, River Campus Libraries Annual Appeal, Gift and Donor Records, PO Box 270032, Rochester, NY 14627-0032. To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
