Save Alden
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Who are we and what is our mission?Our mission statement is to BE VOCAL AND BUY LOCAL, by educating and encouraging everyone to buy from local independent merchants! If you would also like to help Save Smalltown USA (ALDEN), we encourage you to please write to us with your comments and questions. Please check this blog frequently for updates.Please contact us at Save_Alden@Yahoo.com. This blog is run by Alden Residents for Responsible Growth.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 DOWNSIZING DEBATE; IMPORTANT FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTEThere have been many questions raised about whether the downsizing of our Town Board is in the best interest of our community. In our continuing efforts to be informed taxpayers, Alden Residents for Responsible Growth took your questions and went to the people with the answers - Supervisor Ronald Smith, the Board of Elections, and Kevin Gaughans website. Here are facts and figures we received.
The structure of our town government remains as it has since becoming a first class town in the mid 1960s. The Town Board is comprised of an elected Supervisor and four elected Councilman positions; all of these offices are part time positions.
Over the past decade, the town tax has remained relatively stable, in fact, the general town tax and general lighting tax are less today than they were in the year 2000. The Highway tax has increased the greatest amount largely due to increase in fuel and road salt costs over the past few years.
Question: How much does each council member get paid?
The maximum cost is $23,038. This includes salary, optional health insurance (which they also contribute toward) and New York State mandated retirement coverage. The Supervisor and three out of the four council members did not take their raise for 2009. One member does not take the health insurance and three do not participate in the retirement system.
Question: What are the responsibilities of the two council positions that could be eliminated if we vote to downsize (beside attending meetings)?
Deputy Supervisor, NEST representative, refuse/recycling, building maintenance, capital improvements, sewers, contract/purchasing, disaster coordinator, senior citizens liason, finance and audit, environmental commission, Historical Society liason, cemeteries committee.
Question: Who will perform these duties if we downsize?
In a community such as Alden, the elimination of two Council positions will have a direct impact on the delivery of services. These duties may either be curtailed, transferred to a full time Town Supervisor, other Council members, existing staff, or necessitate the hiring of additional staff or outside contractors since there are only five full time positions at the Town Hall. Any of these options would reduce or eliminate any potential cost savings. It is also conceivable that the downsizing proposal, would result in tax increases as service delivery responsibilities are transferred to other providers.
Question: Do they receive benefits after they leave office?
No, the town does not offer paid, lifetime insurance or sick time buyout.
Question: Why was Tuesday, September 29 chosen instead of Primary Day?
Under Town Law, the Town was required to schedule a referendum vote no later than 75 days after the filing of the petition. According to the Erie County Board of Elections, only voters participating in an organized Party Primary Election are permitted in the polling place.
Question: Is the Town Board restricting our voice by only having one polling place?
The added expense for this vote, was not figured into this years budget. They are trying to keep the cost to a minimum. Taxpayers will lose two voices if the downsizing occurs.
Question: Will downsizing reduce my property taxes?
Perhaps. The elimination of two members, with service reductions, would represent a tax savings for the average property owner of $18.00 per year. The average residential assessment in the Town of Alden is $72,300, which represents a full market value of $141,700. If additional staff is needed, or a full time supervisor (currently part time) to maintain service delivery, any tax savings would be lost.
Question: Would the Supervisor position remain part time?
It may have to go to full time to take on some of the responsibilities of the Councilmen (which would require a larger salary).
Question: Will downsizing create jobs?
Yes, the Town Board would have to hire people to do the work of the two eliminated Council people and/or divide up the responsibilities between the remaining two. With added responsibilities, comes added pay.
Question: When would the downsizing take effect?
January 2012. There wouldnt be any Town Council members on the ballot in November 2011.
Question: With a three member board, what would constitute a majority?
A majority would be two out of three members. Two individuals will decide Town tax levies, laws, programs, projects, and raises. Under the Open Meeting Law, anytime a majority of a Board is present, a public meeting is constituted and the public must be notified. Any meeting with staff where two Board members were present, would constitute a public event and a vote could be taken.
Question: Will downsizing increase citizens voices within our Town government?
Citizens are always encouraged to take an active roll in their government. Town residents (both volunteer and paid) are currently serving on the planning board, zoning board of appeal, master plan committee, and ethics committee. Its up to each citizen to get more involved.
Question: Didnt the Town Board already vote to downsize the Board?
They downsized the planning board from seven members to five; not the Town Board. This reduction will save the taxpayers $1,432.00 per year.
Question: Are there other ways the Town can save money?
Yes. A few examples: revised fire protection contract, revised highway arbitration proceedings, revised health insurance program, reduction in number of take home vehicles, and town planning board size reduction has saved the taxpayers $50,185.00 over the last few years. The Town, Village, and School work together as much as possible. One central fueling station allows for bulk purchases, which reduces costs. The Village and Town recently received a NY State Government Efficiency Grant to study ways to save all residents tax dollars.
Question: Is the downsizing idea being proposed to the Federal, State, and County governments?
You could contact your representatives to find out. They are listed in the government section of the phone book.
We hope this information has been helpful. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm at the Town Hall, 3311 Wende Rd. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Hall. Every vote counts!
Posted bySave Aldenat4:46 AM Friday, March 13, 2009 Report on Meet the Candidates NightOn Wed, March 11 ARRG sponsored Meet the Candidates Night for the three open positions for Village Trustee. There are five people running for these positions.
The evening was in a Question and Answer format with each candidate given equal time to answer each question. Each candidate seemed sincere and thoughtful, with a true and honest desire to help the community, and a love for their village.
Topics discussed included
a) making the Village a walkable community
b) the Town each workshop earns members of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals 2.5 credit hours.
Although this is in Monroe County, it is open to members of other areas in NYS.
Click to link NY Planning Federation for valuable information
www.nypf.org
Workshops (registration is $25 per workshop)
1. Thursday, March 5: Introduction to Planning and Zoning
2. Thursday, March 12: Introduction of the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act
3. Thursday, March 19: Introduction to Land Use Law, Part 1
4. Monday, March 23: Healthy Ways A Holistic Approach to Community Design
5. Thursday, April 2: Introduction to Land Use Law, Part 2
6. Tuesday, April 7: Transportation Considerations
7. Monday, April 13: Reviewing Site Plans
8. Thursday, May 7: Retail Planning for Sustainable Development
Dinner and registration begin at 5:30 and the workshops run from 6-8:30 pm. For more information, please contact Kathy Mahns at 585-753-2038.
Posted bySave Aldenat5:56 AMAdd'l info re water district proposalFurther to report listed earlier regarding water district controversy:
From Bob Wohglemuth:
"Looks like the Town has included schools, fire companies, cemeteries, churches, gas line company, etc assessments in the calculations. If they are unable to charge the tax exempt properties this would make cost higher to individuals."
Posted bySave Aldenat5:15 AM Friday, February 27, 2009 ARRG MEMBERS ATTEND WORKSHOP ON LAND PRESERVATIONSeveral ARRG members attended the Workshop sponsored by the American Farmland Trust, WNY Land Conservancy and Cornell Cooperative Extension on Feb 24 in East Aurora, where the subject to Development Rights was explained in detail.
This workshop was designed for farmers, community leaders, grant writers, town planners, town attorneys, appraisers and anyone with an interest in farmland protection. It provided a comprehensive review of the process for creating successful Purchase of Development Rights projects and programs in our community. Scheduled program leaders were Patricia Szarpa, Diane Held and Jason Engel.
The group were recipients of many supporting materials which we can share with any interested parties. The group was educated on the importance of saving prime farmland, since it is dissappearing at an alarming rate. (NO FARMS-NO FOOD)
There were no Town of Alden officials, planners, grant writers, attorneys or appraisers in attendence.
Posted bySave Aldenat10:45 AMPOINTS TO PONDER, ALTERNATIVES, RE PROPOSED WATER DISTRICT, Submitted by Eric ChaffeeDear Neighbors,
I've written and printed this item for you as an aid in helping you consider some approaches to solving water issues which have worked for me. This article is also on hand at the Alden Library, and online at www.AldenWatchDog.com under WD#5, and at a Yahoo discussion group hosted by AldenWatchDog:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aldenwatchdog/ . ~eric. Here goes:
The first rule of country living is BE SURE YOU HAVE RELIABLE WATER, BEFORE YOU LOCATE. If you've already moved in, and don't have reliable water, all is not lost. There are some easy and relatively inexpensive things that can be done to improve your water situation without having to call upon government to deliver an inferior product to your home, taken from the seriously contaminated Lake Erie. (Government will tell you it is wholesome, but common sense will tell you it is filled with industrial wastes and nastiness. Are you aware that sewage treatment plants routinely discharge excess untreated sewage mingled with storm surge directly into the Great Lakes whenever there is flooding?)
The first questions to ask will help define the problem. (It can't be solved until it is understood.) What are the issues at my site? From there, various basic low-tech approaches can be deployed.
MINERALS. I have no respect for "softeners" and will not discuss them here. There are other, simpler ways to reduce hardness, or mineral content from water. Two powerful approaches include various uses of activated charcoal, and magnets.
When I moved to Alden, our farmhouse had terribly stinky water that stained everything red or black. My wife wouldn't do laundry at home. (We learned later that we did not have adequate supply, either.)
My brother used to sell softeners for one of the leading firms. Rather than calling the softener people I researched some facts with Cornell and Rodale. (This is when I acquired my aversion to softeners, which I had never liked, as the feel in the shower was too slippery.) I learned that charcoal is an excellent mineral and flavor/odor corrector. But later I learned it is also a poor sediment filter. I hired Bill and Pete Blair of Blair's Hardware and Plumbing in Townline to install some hardware for me. (The firm is now run by Bill's family.)
The Blairs put in a large charcoal filter which stands about 4 feet tall. And they installed a backwash timer which flushes the charcoal filter in reverse, into my septic system every third day. Before they installed the system, which includes an 80-gallon holding tank, I bought some very powerful ceramic ring (disk) magnets with one-inch holes in them from Edmund Scientific. They are coated with epoxy paint. When the Blairs came to install the tank, I had them put the supply line to the tank through the donut holes of the magnets to form a very powerful magnetic field at the entrance to the tank.
They also installed a chlorinator. I no longer use this device, as about a year later I learned that chlorine is a very nasty chemical which forms some very unhealthy compounds from the dead corpses of all those little critters it kills. (Erie County Water Authority always uses chlorine because they know there is mucho ugly bacteria in the lake.) But good bacteria is necessary to keep your gut cleaned out properly. Waging chemical warfare against all bacteria is not wise. I trust the water locked into the rocks for thousands of years, more than I care for the water flushed into the lake last week. I no longer use my chlorinator. I disconnected it in 1990.
When I learned that a charcoal filter would eventually clog because it isn't a good sediment filter, I cut a 9-inch sediment filter into the system ahead of the charcoal filter. It uses a 5-micron polypropylene bobbin to remove junk that would otherwise clog the big charcoal filter, and sediment would also adversely affect my domestic hotwater heater. I change these 9-inch filters 4 times per year, by holiday: Groundhog Day, Mothers Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day. They're not expensive. Be sure not to use cotton filters, as they will provide a rotting medium for bacteria to feed on, and breed. The best filter housing will be clear plastic, so you can see the condition of the bobbin.
The water here at the outdoor spigot still comes out that famous Alden black, but indoors it is clear and odorless and very nice. We have no problem with laundry. I've never had to change the charcoal filter. My AquaStar tankless water heater has been running flawlessly for nearly ten years. I had gone through several tanks before I gave up on that approach, and went tankless. But I also quit using a hot water tank to conserve energy, and I'm able to take an unlimited shower with the tankless system. It uses propane, and only comes on when we call for hot water. Very sensible.) I did burn out a well pump once, during drought, because it kept calling for water that wasn't there. I will discuss that next.
SUPPLY. All water comes from the heavens. (Doesn't everything?) If you are having supply problems, this should be an obvious fact. But it took me 19 years to wake up. Periodically, we have a dry summer, and prior to my awakening, we had always run out . Our area gets over 3 feet of precipitation per year. When rain is scarce, we shouldn't waste what we get. I finally realized this, and did something easy and basic to capture the rain before it ran off. Simply stated, I ran the downspout through an underground pvc pipe, over near the shallow well. Next, I dug a pit near the well, but NOT directly into the well. (As I'm on a gravel farm, I didn't need to add gravel to the pit, but this should be done, if needed, to allow the flow from your roof to absorb all of the water into the ground during heavy rain.) Then I took a bag of harwood charcoal and "activated" it. This means that I pulverized it, and put the entire 25-pound bag into the pit. This will captivate any rainborn contaminates and sequester them in the charcoal while they deteriorate, rather than allowing them to leach quickly into your well. Carbon is an amazing compound in this regard. Its capacity to purify is huge.
You would be amazed at how much water you can capture off a roof. A calculation can be done to figure out how many gallons can be recovered for each downspout. Even though we had an extremely dry summer two years ago, we did not run out of water that year, which was the first time during such a dry spell since we moved here! I credit the downspout with recharging the well. (This approach may meet with differing results depending on the depth of your well. Water has a mind of its own, and it heeds substrata and gravity out of sight.)
If your well is deep, a cistern could be joined to a downspout. Such a device could be made of plastic or concrete, and buried. It can become a supplement to your well, or it could become the sole source of your water. One woman I shared this with was squeamish, as she said "birds poop on my roof." Well, dear lady, do seagulls respect your water supply over Lake Erie? Industry doesn't either! Remember, water from the sky has been distilled. Yes, it picks up some chemicals and junk as it falls; but it is a much cleaner source than the lake.
I have several wells at home. But the best well is shallow. It was dug by hand by real men over a hundred years ago, and lined with large river rocks. The well is about 15 feet deep, and about 3-4 feet in diameter. I've actually crawled down into the well to replace a foot valve, with the guidance of my friend Gordon Glauser, of Alden -- another plumber who is very knowledgeable about country water. He stayed above ground to be sure I could get out of the well again. (I didn't know Gordon when I first moved here.) He showed me how to replace the valve, and helped me improve my plumbing skills.
Gordon also taught me about having the proper shut-off valve on a well pump. An earlier plumber, before we moved here, had put the wrong switch on our well pump. It didn't have a low-water trip switch, as well-pumps should. So when we were away, the backwash came on by timer, and continued to call for water when the level was low. The result was that the pump ran, and ran, until it fried. So I bought an irrigation-style pump which keeps a pocket of water always inside to cool the motor. This way it can't burn out, even if the right switch were to fail to trip.
Another approach to supply issues is to consider drilling a wider well. A 12-inch well, instead of the usual 6-inch well, usually will yield much more water. Bill Frey at Frey Well Drilling, or Ken Frey at Reserve Gas, both in Alden, are experts with substantial experience in these matters. A new well will cost significantly less than paying $1000 per year for 35 years. If your current well is not keeping up with your demands, consider an expanded hole, or maybe some fracking. My cousin in Orchard Park had Frey frak his well, and now has a very adequate supply. (It didn't happen the next day, but it did get good results. He wondered if he would have to move, the water was so scarce. Now he's happy.)
While I am not a professional plumber, I do have substantial hands-on experience with supply issues. I care about my neighbors, and am willing to help any who are struggling with water issues. I can share my experience and even some of my time. However, I would rather not share $1000 per year of my retirement income to deliver tainted water to my neighbors via Erie County Water Authority. (Did you know that a manager at ECWA ordered scientists to cover up the discovery of e-coli bacteria at a school! I have the clipping from Buffalo News in my file.) Really folks, there is a better solution to our water situation in Alden than forcing everybody to spend over $10,500,000 to drink a bad product. Remember: when an area imports too much water everyday from the lake, dumping it into the septic system in their backyards, drainage problems ensue, and sewer districts come next, with huge costs attached.
I care too much for my neighbors, and I can't afford to pay, to see you go this route. But I'm very willing to help you solve your water challenges, now that I've solved my own. So, please don't do anything hasty about the new water district. Call me. I would be glad to help you.
Sincerely, Eric Chaffee, Cayuga Creek Road, Alden NY 937-9995
Posted bySave Aldenat10:43 AM Saturday, February 21, 2009 FIRST TRACTOR SUPPLY....WHO'S NEXT???As you already know, Tractor Supply is confirmed to open in the Alden Village Plaza soon. And when it gets here, please visit it often, and tell the manager how glad you are that they are here!
But ARRG isn't sitting on it's laurels (where are laurels, anyway?). We immediately contacted several other stores, who we had contacted over a year ago, and informed them of Tractor Supply's positive attitude toward Alden, and encouraged them to take a second look at us.
Here's where you come in....if you know of other stores that you'd like to see help fill the plaza, please get the address of their headquarters and contact us with the information.
A special thanks to the SCOUTS committee of the ARRG who volunteered their time several months ago preparing a marketing kit to encourage new businesses to come to our area. Obviously it worked!
Posted bySave Aldenat6:24 AMMEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT -FOR VILLAGE TRUSTEEThere are three open positions for Village Trustee at this year's upcoming election, on March 18,
and there are five people running for these positions. ARRG again this year, will host a Meet the Candidates Night, currently scheduled for Wednesday March 11 (revised) at 7pm. This event is another scheduled activity of community service hosted by ARRG. There will be an organized question and answer period, where all applicants will be given fair and equal opportunity to respond to questions fielded by the community.
Don't go to the voting booth again this year without a clear understanding of who you are voting for. Think about what's important to you, and come to the meeting, and ask your questions! You should be getting what your taxes dollars are paying for!
Any questions? Just contact us.
Running for office are (in alphabetical order) Al Farrell, Mike Manicki, Ted Mezydlo, Mike Retzlaff, Dan Warmus
Posted bySave Aldenat6:16 AMTRIVIA NIGHT-FRIDAY FEB 27 7:30PMACTS (on Church St) will be hosting a Trivia Night on Fri, Feb 27 at 7:30pm. Admission is $1.
See the Alden Advertiser or contact ACTS 937-7881 for more information.
Posted bySave Aldenat6:14 AMFARMLAND PROTECTION WORKSHOPAmerican Farmland Trust, WNY Land Conservancy and Cornell Cooperative Extension are presenting a Purchase of Development Rights Workshop on February 24, 7-9pm in the Farm and Home Center, 2nd Floor, 21 S. Grove St., East Aurora.
Reservations need to be made at 716-687-1225 or email pszarpa@wnylc.org
Light refreshments will be served. This workshop is designed for farmers, community leaders, grant writers, town planners, town attorneys, appraisers and anyone with an interest in farmland protection. This workshop provides a comprehensive review of the process for creating successful Purchase of Development Rights projects and programs in your community. Scheduled program leaders are Patricia Szarpa, Diane Held and Jason Engel.
ps Will any of Alden's community leaders, grant writers, town planners, town attorneys, attend???
Posted bySave Aldenat6:12 AMWINNERS OF ARRG BASKETS FROM WINTERFEST
Thanks to the generous donations from many ARRG members and friends, the ARRG was able to sponsor FOUR baskets at last weekend's Alden Winterfest. All proceeds go toward the funding of next year's winterfest. Two of the four baskets are shown in the photos below. Congratulations to the winners, and THANKS to the donors!
Winners: Annie McCoy, Nicole Czelusta, Millie Wisniewski, Laura Loehr
Posted bySave Aldenat5:58 AM Saturday, January 31, 2009 TRACTOR SUPPLY ACCEPTING JOB APPLICATIONSRepresentatives from Tractor Supply will be at the Village Hall, on Broadway on Monday, and Tuesday, Feb 2 and 3 from 8am-4pm accepting employment applications. There will be part time and full time positions available in all departments. Stop by and welcome Tractor Supply to the neighborhood! Their website is http://www.tractorsupply.com/. They expect to open in a few months after some minor repairs and adjustments are made to the plaza. WELCOME!!
Posted bySave Aldenat1:25 PMARRG BASKET AT WINTERFEST RAFFLEARRG is again this year participating in the popular basket raffle during Alden's Winterfest on February 13 and 14. Stop by the Village Hall and make your choices! Last year there were about 50 baskets, were several hundred dollars! The prize winners of each basket will be announced at the Snowball Dance on Saturday night, and you don't have to be present to win.
ARRG has received some donations from members already, but we're always glad to accept more items. ARRG members, Clarissa Harison has donated 2 hr maximum in home feng shui/geomancy evaluation (to evaluate the health and vitality of the home and land) which is a $100 value) and Tammy Sigurdson has donated a professional decorated cake. Please contact us ASAP if you have something to contribute. Gift certificates, samples of your products, etc
are all great gift ideas. Proceeds raised from the baskets are used to fund other community events and projects. Contact us at save_alden@yahoo.com.
Posted bySave Aldenat1:24 PMCHAINSAW ARTIST AT WINTERFEST
One of the attractions at Alden's Winterfest will be a chainsaw carving demonstration (weather permitting) from 12pm-3pm behind the Community Center in the Village Park by ARRG member Ross Miller.
Posted bySave Aldenat12:00 PM Saturday, January 17, 2009 TRACTOR SUPPLYHere is the latest on the Tractor Supply issue (in the former Ames Plaza) as confirmed to us by the Village Building Inspector. He has received the request for building permit, and is reviewing the request and checking it to see that it meets with the village code. It goes to the Village Planning Board for review and they make a recommendation to the Village Board as to whether or not to approve this project. The next Planning Board Meeting is next week Wednesday January 21 at 7:30pm at the Village Hall. (Where they may or my not have questions, or requests that go back to Tractor Supply before making their decision.)
We all know that everything must be done to ensure that this project goes forward, and in a timely fashion. We all know the importance of revitalizing the old Ames Plaza ESPECIALLY now in these terrible economic times.
We need you to do several things (AT LEAST one of them)and do them very quickly! Please try to attend the Planning Board meeting. Although the public is not expected to be allowed to speak at the meeting (unless invited), just your attendence sends a message. You can also always speak to the members either before or after the meeting. Or you can all them prior. Planning Board members are:
David Metz (Chair), Susan DeWitt (Vice Chair), Charles Airey, Douglas Henry, Noel Harris, and Paul Werner
We encourage you to also do the same at any of the regularly scheduled Village Board meetings (after all, the decision is ultimately theirs to make). There is "business from the floor" on the agenda at every meeting, and we encourage you to make it a point at the time to express your support of this project.
Visit the Village website at www.erie.gov/village_alden for more information, including the names of the Village Trustees. You can contact ALL of them!
If you are unable to attend either of these, or IN ADDITION, please write a letter addressed to Mayor Richard Kegler expressing your sincere support of this project, sighting the importance of working together with Tractor Supply, and that this could open the door to additional businesses in this plaza.
We proven how power a large influx of letters can be...prove it again!!!
A few issues that need to be solved is the limited parking that will now occur, due to the fact that Tractor Supply has applied to put some of their produce outside in a fenced in area, and the issue of snow removal, which was usually stored in the area where the enclosure is scheduled to be. The ARRG has volunteered that each member will visit the plaza once a week in the winter, and put a shovelful or two in the trunks of their cars or backs of their trucks and haul it home, if needed.
We encourage you to send us your comments about the proposed project and share your thoughts with others!
Posted bySave Aldenat7:39 AMKEEP UP THE GOOD WORK"You guys are doing a wonderful job, please keep up the good work!!!!!!!! We need you - some of us are unable for whatever reason to do what you are doing, so thanks a MILLION for filling in for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Feel free to post, if you want..) Thanks, Nancy"
MODERATOR RESPONSE; THANKS NANCY! Comments like yours are very much appreciated. The core group and a few other very dedicated members are still spending several hours of their lives continuing to be involved in order to be aware of what's happening. All of us help in many different ways. Some help with their time, and/or expertise, others with monetary funds. Example: Our post office box costs $100 a year. To distribute a mailing to our members when there is an important town meeting costs approximately $250. Soooooo, if ever anyone wants to know how they can help, we're always very glad to accept your support, no matter what it is.
Posted bySave Aldenat7:29 AM Wednesday, January 14, 2009 WE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">
Posted byMikeat9:24 PM Saturday, November 22, 2008 CHRISTMAS IDEAS WITH ALDEN MERCHANTS
With the Holiday Season approaching, and the economy the way it is, it's more important than ever to save gas, time, and money by shopping with Alden's local merchants. Anybody who ever said that there is "no place to shop in Alden" wasn't looking very hard. There are over 100 independently owned businesses in Alden, and they are all depending on you! Why not make it a goal to do all of your Christmas shopping this season in Alden? Here are some examples of some unique gifts available right here in your home town. If you are a merchant and would like us to add an interesting product of yours to this sight, just let us know.
The Alden Pharmacy has some terrific "Alden" tee shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, and coffee mugs. And as a bonus, the shirts were made in the USA!
Added The Village Deli also wants you to know that they are selling a variety of gift baskets, all made from local Buffalo products.
Posted bySave Aldenat12:01 PMBuy Local This Holiday Season
Any Alden Merchant who would like to advertise a unique product for sale that would make a great Christmas gift should contact us, and we'll post it at no charge on this site. Our mission statement is to support local independent Alden Merchants because every dollar spent locally gets recirculated back into the community! BE VOCAL and BUY LOCAL. One just suggestion is stopping at the new EA Wireless (across from the bank) Ben is the manager, and he specifically moved to Alden (from Holland) to become part of the community. He told us that he's got a Blue-Tooth right here for just $39.99. Don't spend the time or money driving out of town, when it's available here!
Posted bySave Aldenat12:00 PMShop Alden This Christmas-You can Do it!!!
The Alden Historical Society also has some really neat ideas available for sale this Christmas. Especially if you have out-of-town family or friends, who've moved away, think of these Alden items. They are open on Saturdays from 10am-2pm, or by appointment. Items include old Neelands milk bottles, Landmark Collectibles, tiles, commemorative books, stationary, and more. And you'll be helping one of Alden's most cherished non-profit organizations at the same time!
Posted bySave Aldenat11:43 AMMore Christmas Ideas....
No place to buy boots in Alden? WRONG! Agway has LOTS of boots. And bird seed and supplies. And rock salt. And deer alerts for your car. And how about a rain barrel? Help save the environment. He has them for just $100! Many other places are $129 and up over $200! And take a look at www.doitbest.com You can order anything in that catalog by Thursday, have it delivered to Agway by Monday!
Posted bySave Aldenat11:42 AMWhudda Thunk It?
Maybe the prize for the most unique Holiday Gift goes to Henry's Candy for the Chocolate Covered TWINKIES! Or for that especially hard-to-find person, get their sugar free candy!
Posted bySave Aldenat10:00 AMPosted bySave Aldenat9:22 AM Thursday, October 30, 2008 PUBLIC FOCUS MTG-MASTERPLAN-TUE, NOV 18IMPORTANT NOTICE:
THE 2ND PUBLIC FOCUS MEETING OF THE MASTER PLAN WILL BE HELD ON TUES, NOV 18 AT THE VILLAGE HALL, ON BROADWAY @ 6:30PM. This meeting is the follow up to your comments presented at the previously held meeting where you stressed your concerns and hopeful vision of the future of Alden. The committee has had additional meetings since then, where your comments, and their opinions were reviewed. The culmination of these meetings is on the agenda for this meeting on the 18th. Not all committee members agree with all points in the plan, with some even dismissing many of your concerns. It is IMPERATIVE that you all attend this meeting to RE-ENFORCE your conviction that your concerns as taxpaying citizens have equal validity to that of any others. The written proposal will be posted on the town website soon (www.alden.erie.gov) and www.aldenwatchdog.com . We ask that you review this proposal prior to attending the meeting, to better prepare your comments.
Posted bySave Aldenat8:53 AM Friday, September 26, 2008 ARRG HAS BOOTH AT THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SAT. SEP 27Be sure to stop at the ARRG booth tomorrow at the Farmer's Market and enter the FREE drawing to win one of the following items, donated by local merchants!
THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE GET A FREE TEE SHIRT FROM WAGNER'S AGWAY!!
ALDINGERS FARM (produce)
FORGET ME NOT CANDLES GIFTS
(gift item)
FOUR CORNERS AUTOMOTIVE
(oil change)
GEOFFANOS PIZZERIA (lrg pizza)
HARPERHILL FARM (soap gift)
JEANNETTIES ICE CREAM (2 cones)
PAMPERED BY NATURE SOAPS LOTIONS
(gift item)
TEMPTING TREATS BY TAMMY
(1/4 sheet cake or $20 off full cake)
TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS ($25 gift cert)
WAGNERS AGWAY (50 tee shirts)
BE VOCAL BUY LOCAL
Posted bySave Aldenat2:29 PMARRG HAS BOOTH AT THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SAT. SEP 27Be sure to stop at the ARRG booth tomorrow at the Farmer's Market and enter the FREE drawing to win one of the following items, donated by local merchants!
THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE GET A FREE TEE SHIRT FROM WAGNER'S AGWAY!!
ALDINGERS FARM (produce)
FORGET ME NOT CANDLES GIFTS
(gift item)
FOUR CORNERS AUTOMOTIVE
(oil change)
GEOFFANOS PIZZERIA (lrg pizza)
HARPERHILL FARM (soap gift)
JEANNETTIES ICE CREAM (2 cones)
PAMPERED BY NATURE SOAPS LOTIONS
(gift item)
TEMPTING TREATS BY TAMMY
(1/4 sheet cake or $20 off full cake)
TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS ($25 gift cert)
WAGNERS AGWAY (50 tee shirts)
BE VOCAL BUY LOCAL
Posted bySave Aldenat2:29 PM Saturday, August 23, 2008 ARRG NEWS YOU CAN USEALDEN, NY (Where a SMALL Town is like a BIG family)
Note several events occurring in the new few weeks:
Tuesday, August 26 Master Plan Committee Meeting (open to the public, for observation only). We hope that many of you will continue to attend these public meetings to clearly send a message to the town officials that we are watching and concerned about Alden's future. Time is 7:00pm at the TOWN Hall on Wende Rd.
Tuesday, September 2 Regular Town Board Meeting Public Hearing on the proposed Windmill Law. NOTE: THIS IS A DATE CHANGE DUE TO THE HOLIDAY, AND WAS
INCORRECTLY STATED IN THE ALDEN ADVERTISER AS MONDAY. Time is 7:00pm
and the TOWN Hall on Wende Rd.
For more information on how important green (alternative) energy is, click on this link,
http://tinyurl.com/6msoqc
provided by Eric Chaffee, entitled "In Germany, ruddy-cheeked farmers achieve (Green) energy independence Since investors first approached farmers in Freiamt about installing windmills in the 1990s, the humble village has become a green-energy hub. Today, it produces 17 percent more power than it needs."
And other great website about being green www.greenlivingtips.com
And did you see this in last week's Buffalo News about Oles' Farm in Alden?
Write and tell us what your thoughts are on this.
"Promised Land is another great CSA
As a physician concerned about the health and nutrition of our community, as well as a member of community supported agriculture, I was very pleased to see The News recent coverage of local farms and CSA. I often recommend to my patients, colleagues and friends that they consider purchasing a share from a local farmer. The produce is the freshest possible, ensuring optimal nutrition and taste. The environmental impact is low and the positive impact on the local economy is high. My own family enjoys the bounty from a CSA located in Alden called Promised Land ( www.promisedlandcsa.com ). It has been a wonderful experience to be on a first-name basis with the members of the Oles family who grow our food. It has also been extremely educational for our children to see where their food comes from and to enjoy a wide variety of new healthy foods that are grown locally without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is my hope that more Western New Yorkers will support Promised Land and the other CSAs in our region. Joseph Cronin, M. D. Amherst "
Saturday, Sept 6-Merchants Association is sponsoring a prelude to the Art Show and Chicken BBQ with a WINE ART SHOW at LaPaloma's on Saturday night 7-9pm, tickets are $10 each. Good idea.
Sunday, Sept 7-Art Show and Chicken BBQ- rain or shine. Come out and support the community.
Monday, Sept 8-Town Board Work Session 7pm at the Town Hall, Wende Rd.
Wednesday, Sept 10-Planning Board Meeting 7pm (note date change from Tuesday,
due to a conflict) Want to know what's going on in Alden? Concerned about our future?
Attend a Planning Board meeting.
"There's no place to shop in Alden" was a cry of those who wanted a Walmart Supercenter several months ago. That statement couldn't be farther from the truth. Let's create a list of the items that you can buy in Alden. Send us some samples of things that you have purchased from a business right here in our town. Many things will surprise you! Some of our members have already told us they've recently purchased the following items. Please share yours with us too!
"I recently purchased a refrigerator from Sitzman's. I called around to other stores,
and Sitzman's had the best price!"
"I just bought a freezer full of frozen fruits and vegetables from Agway. It'll save me
tons of money vs buying in smaller quantities from Tops, and I feel better that I've
supported a local independent vendor".
"I bought some BEAUTIFUL watches from the Alden Pharmacy for my family
for Christmas gifts. I even bought one for myself. And I also bought several
of the Alden items; my favorite being the Pink Alden sweatshirts."
"I make it a point to stop at the Farmer's Market to support local vendors. I just
wish more of them were from Alden" Editors comment: We've heard comments
from some Alden vendors, that they wish the Market would be located more
in the center of the village so that they wouldn't have to hire extra employees
to be stationed at the market, or pay to have a booth, when they are already paying
rent for their own establishments. Perhaps the Chamber might consider experimenting
with this idea.
"I buy my potatoes from Aldinger's Farm over on Cary Rd. There's something about buying
direct from the farm, and talking with Naomi and Gerald that makes me feel good."
Posted bySave Aldenat2:35 PM Monday, August 18, 2008 The Comprehensive Master PlanHere is our video of the first public input meeting .
Next meeting of the Master Plan Committee is Tues, August 26,
the public is welcome as observers only.
The public is welcome to attend all meetings,
but only welcome to speak at specific ones.
You will most likely need to pause the video
once it starts for several minutes to allow
it to "buffer" (or download ahead)to allow
smooth playback. If you are having trouble
viewing this video please contact us at
save_alden@yahoo.com