100 years of education

LOCKPORT -- Taft School will hold a centennial celebration Nov. 16, and the school's foundation group continues to raise funds for an after-school program in the district.

A portion of the school was built in 1909 on Washington Street. A century later, Taft still teaches children in southern Lockport, and the Taft Foundation is striving to make that education richer.

The public is welcome to the 100th year anniversary event, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at Taft School.

The night promises plenty of history and reminiscing. The Taft Band will perform, alumni will be recognized, and a time capsule will be opened. Each grade level is researching a decade and will present that part of history.

Mayor Dev Trivedi, who served on the Taft School Board from 1987 to 1995, will be among the guest speakers.

The Taft Foundation's fund-raising effort continues into November, as the group pursues its goal of $4,000 to fund an after-school program, which would include:

• Reading and mathematics remediation

• A homework club

• Possibly a fitness or fine-arts program

So far, the foundation has collected $2,075, said Christine Jelinek of the Taft Foundation.

The Citgo refinery and Motors N More have become sponsors, and several families have donated money or items to help in the effort, Jelinek said.

Jelinek credited Trivedi and Aldermen Robert Perretta and John Robert Krzos for help in getting the word out. She also noted help by Pete Colarelli, who worked with Taft School during his time as a Lockport police officer.

The Taft Foundation also has conducted a community service drive, collecting 40 pounds of pop tabs so far for Ronald McDonald House Charities.