Published: May 15, 2008 11:17 am            

THURSDAY: Newfane can take a seat (11:16 a.m.)

GRANT: School district builds benches and table for community

NEWFANE — People walking up and down route 78 in the town of Newfane will be able to take a break and have a seat if they’re tired out.

Technology Club students and teachers in the Newfane School District built 16 benches and a handicap accessible picnic table to be placed throughout the town. The project, called “Project 78,” was funded by a grant of $3,000 from the Home Depot Foundation. The grant was for community projects, although school districts can no longer apply for them.

“It’s a big thing because it shows the relationship between the district and community,” said Newfane teacher Virginia Bower. “I’m excited to see them.”

The completion of the benches were announced at a special presentation at the district’s budget hearing May 6. Bower and teacher Matt Matyjas spoke about the process of building the benches and table. Matyjas told those in attendance at the meeting the picnic table was wheelchair accessible and something he didn’t think the town had.

Town Supervisor Timothy Horanburg said at the meeting the table was going to the senior community center and the business association would pick out areas on Main Street where some of the benches would go. Two of the benches would go in front of Town Hall entrance on route 78. A stage is going into the community center and some benches would be going there.

The benches and the picnic table were built well, and out of good material, so it is quality the town is getting, Horanburg said.

“They will last for sure, they’re heavy and they’re maintenance free,” he said.

Bower agreed.

“They will last for a while,” she said.

She added the town has already picked them up.

The benches have an inscription that reads “together we build,” which is taken from the district’s motto, “together we can.” The benches are wooden and will be chained down so they cannot be moved.

Teachers Matyjas and Mark Franchini, worked with students for about seven months constructing the benches and table. The grant was written by Bower, but she said the idea for the benches came from teacher Marcy Farrington. Everyone pitched in to help, Bower said.

“It was a team effort,” she said. “We kept talking about it. Word of mouth and a lot of people.”

Contact reporter Joe Olenick

at 439-9222, ext. 6241.

        

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