If you're a new subscriber, welcome aboard! The list is growing and we welcome you to share this newsletter by forwarding it to your friends here in Boston. If this newsletter has been forwarded to you, please sign up as a subscriber by clicking the envelope at the top left corner of this page. Your privacy is respected and your email address will not be shared.

State Mandated Study Nears Completion

Pictured are Supervisor Bill Eagan, Archeologist Mike Werner, and Jay Toth of the Seneca Nation

Supervisor Eagan met with a Representative of the Seneca Nation to discuss the archaeological study going on at the site of the Town's future new Trooper Station and soccer field. The New York State Office of Historical Preservation mandated that such a study be done before any construction can begin. The State believes that the site was once home to an Indian village and that there is a burial site there, as well.

“This State mandated study has been very intense and, unfortunately, one that has been costly to Boston,” Supervisor Eagan stated. Past studies in other areas of town have produced evidence that Boston Valley was home to a major Indian settlement. These studies have unearthed many Indian artifacts found throughout the Valley area. However, unlike past studies, their have been no major finds on our current site.

The first two phases of work on the site have uncovered only a handful of artifacts. Most of the items collected consist of what the Archaeologist call “flakes.” These are basically shavings that resulted from the Indians shaping or sharpening their tools and arrowheads. They have also found what appears to be a burning pit that probably was used in the processing of food. Mr. Jay Toth of the Seneca Nation has indicated that from what he has reviewed of the work completed, it is unlikely there will be any significant results that could prevent development. As it stands, the final decision is in the hands of the State.

Supervisor Eagan said that the Phase 3 study currently being done is about to be completed and the preliminary results will be reported to the State within a week. He is hopeful that the opinions of both the Seneca Nation and our Archaeologists will be enough to satisfy the State that we are done and the site will be released for development.

Spotlight:

New Principal at BVS,

Mr. Paul Pietrantone

If you called Boston Valley Elementary School over the summer, there’s a good chance new Principal Paul R. Pietrantone answered the phone. Learning the front office operations was one of the ways he started familiarizing himself with the school.

Mr. Pietrantone became Boston Valley’s principal in July, succeeding Eric Pearlstein, who retired after serving in the position for 12 years.

The new principal is heading a school of about 300 students and 65 staff members. He comes to Hamburg after concurrently serving as assistant principal at Eggert and Ellicott Elementary Schools in the Orchard Park School District. Each of those schools has about 700 students, so he’s excited about being in a smaller setting where he can get to know students individually.

In fact, one of the first things he noticed was Boston Valley’s close-knit nature. “It’s really got that community feeling,” Mr. Pietrantone said. “So many people know each other.” Another first impression is the dedication of the Boston Valley staff. “The staff is very committed,” he noted. “They care a great deal.” He’s also grateful for the warm greetings he’s received from both the Town of Boston community and school personnel. “I just want to thank everyone for all the welcoming they’ve done.”

Mr. Pietrantone used the calm summer months to become acquainted with school background, procedures and staff members. With September’s arrival, his focus will be getting to know students and their families. He’s also begun researching the school’s roots to plan for its 50^th anniversary celebration.

He said his overarching goal is to provide an excellent academic experience for students during their time at Boston Valley; one that nurtures their social and overall growth. “Everything I do will be what’s best for the children,” he said. “All my decisions will be based on that.”

Mr. Pietrantone’s experience includes serving as a special education teacher with the Orchard Park Schools for nine years. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Canisius College, master’s degree in educational computing from Buffalo State College and bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.

He enjoys playing golf but says the most important part of his life is spending time with his family: wife, Bridget and sons Paul, a second grader; Charles, a kindergartner; and Daniel, 2 years old. They reside in Marilla.

Article & photo from Sept. 2008 Focus, Hamburg Central School District Newsletter. Visit us at Hamburg Central Schools

Hamburg & Orchard Park Central School Districts

Reminder School Taxes are due Wednesday OCTOBER 15, 2008.

The office will be open these additional hours:

Saturdays, October 4^th & 11^th, 2008 9AM to 3PM

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 9AM to 8PM

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 9AM to 9PM

The office will be closed Monday, October 13, 2008, Columbus Day.

For Partial Payment information please call (716)-941-6113 Ext. 0.

You may leave your non-cash payment in our drop box located to the left of the front door at the Boston Town Hall.

Payments after October 15, 2008, will receive a 7.5% penalty and those between November 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008, will receive an additional 1.5% interest.

After December 1, 2008 payments should be paid to the Erie County Commissioner of Finance, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, (716) 858-8333.

David J. Shenk, Tax Collector

FLU & PNEUMONIA SHOTS

David Shenk, Boston Town Clerk, announces that the annual Visiting Nursing Association Immunization Campaign will provide Flu & Pneumonia Shots no appointments necessary. Shots will be given at the Boston Town Hall, 8500 Boston State Road, Friday, October 17, 2008, from 10 am to 2 pm.

The cost is $30 Flu and $45 Pneumonia. Payment by Medicare Part "B", Independent Health, Univera, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield will be accepted. Be sure to bring your membership card. Age 9 years old and over may receive a shot. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.

For more information call David Shenk, Town Clerk 941-6113 x0, 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri & Tuesday evenings until 8pm. Visit us at www.townofboston.com.

Final Brush Pick Up for 2008 Began This Week!

The final pickup will be in October. Please click on Pickup Schedule for more info. Click here for a list of Town, County and State Roads.

Attention Town of Boston Residents

The Boston Town Board is seeking volunteers to fill positions on the Assessment Board of Review and the Conservation Advisory Council.

The Assessment Board of Review reviews the grievance of property assessments and makes final approval. They will meet the 1^st Tuesday of June. Basic knowledge of market values a plus. Attendance at a training class is required. Candidates needed ASAP.

The Conservation Advisory Council coordinates Earth Day, the fishing derby, the annual Boston beautification contest and looks for ways to improve town parks. They meet the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 7:00p.m.

Interested Boston residents may submit a letter and resume specifying the board of interest to Town Clerk David J. Shenk, 8500 Boston State Road, Boston, NY 14025. Any questions please call David Shenk 941-6113 x0.

What Is An Enhanced Drivers License?

It is an optional travel document that also serves as a NYS Driver’s License that will be accepted as an alternative to a passport for all land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. EDL is valid for Eight Years, same as NYS Regular Driver License. You can visit the NYS DMV at this link

Enhanced Driver License Info for more details!

Ideas?

The mission of this newsletter is to promote the positive aspects of the community and provide information on the many activities that take place in the Town of Boston.

If your group, club or organization would like to promote an event, please contact the webmaster@townofboston.com to have it posted on the www.townofboston.com website and published in this newsletter.

Next Issue Deadline

November 12, 2008 to be published on or about December 2, 2008.

Thank you for subscribing!