Published: May 16, 2008 12:26 am            

NEWFANE: Route 78 walkers can now take a seat along the way

NEWFANE — People walking up and down Route 78 in 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 work, 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 was 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 that the picnic table is wheelchair-accessible and something he didn’t think the town had.

Town Supervisor Timothy Horanburg said at the meeting that 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 the Town Hall entrance on Route 78. A stage is going into the community center, as well as some benches.

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 Olenickat 439-9222, ext. 6241.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.