SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND Tasting
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April 16, 2017
Issue No. 16
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SOUTH EDITION
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Churchville-Riga, North Chili, Spencerport-Ogden
Route 31 bridge replacement project resumes in Gates New bridge to be built in stages to keep highway open to traffic
Local author/educator Andrea M. Page, seated at left, signs copies of her book, Sioux Code Talkers of World War II, during a book launch event held April 8 in Spencerport. K. Gabalski photos.
Spencerport resident/teacher launches history book by Kristina Gabalski It took more than two decades of meticulous, challenging research and writing, but the first history book written by Andrea M. Page of Spencerport, Sioux Code Talkers of World War II, was published recently by Pelican Publishing Company. Page wrote the book to share the story of her great uncle, John Bear King, who was a Sioux Code Talker. Seven Sioux Code Talkers served in the 302nd Reconnaissance Troop (known as the Lakota Code Talkers) during World War II, putting their lives in danger by crossing enemy lines to relay classified information in their native languages. Many people are familiar with the Navajo Code Talkers, but the Lakota Code Talkers are not as well known. They used their native Lakota, Dakota and Nakota dialects to send coded messages under General MacArthur in the Pacific theater. The book, which took 20 years to research and document, details the inspiring personal histories of the Sioux Code Talkers who played a critical role in the war. It includes Sioux history, culture and documents for the first time details of the outstanding military service of these warriors. Also included are many photographs, maps, text of actual radio messages translated into Lakota, an extensive bibliography, and an index. Page wrote the book for middle readers, but it speaks to all ages and includes how the actions of the Code Talkers - both
during and after the war - embodied their beliefs. A Book Launch Party was held Saturday, April 8 at the Spencerport Fireman’s Exempts Club and many people attended to have their books signed by Page. “I’m still savoring the amazing and overwhelming response to my book,” she says. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact it’s out to the printer for a second printing.” Those attending the event shared many stories, Page says. “People asked me questions, but many knew about this 20 year journey, so they were just as excited as I was that the book is finally here. There were many people who came who I do not know, they came because of the topic. Everyone was so kind and complimentary and thankful for the telling of this story.” Page teaches sixth grade English Language Arts in the Spencerport Central School District. Colleague and “support system” member Wendy Ransom attended the book launch and was thrilled that the book is now in print. “It’s a testament to what patience and time will do,” she observed, “even when it feels like forever. I’m so proud of Andrea. She said she wanted to write the book so she could share her family’s stories with others. Through all the work and research, she never stopped.” Sioux Code Talkers of World War II is going into its second printing. It is available through local bookstores including Lift Bridge Books in Brockport and at www.pelicanpub.com.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that work has resumed on an $11 million project to replace the bridge carrying Route 31 (Lyell Avenue) over Route 390 in Gates. This project is the first phase of a larger initiative to improve traffic flow at the convergence of Interstate 390, Interstate 490, Route 390 and Route 31. This corridor serves as a vital link for its nearly 200,000 motorists daily to the Greater Rochester International Airport, Rochester Technology Park and the Eastman Business Park, which has been identified as a key to regional economic development advancing the Finger Lakes Forward plan. “Our unprecedented investment in infrastructure is rebuilding communities in every corner of this state, laying the groundwork for increased growth and prosperity,” Governor Cuomo said. “This critically important project will help relieve congestion in this busy commercial corridor and ensure the Lyell Avenue Bridge’s resiliency and viability for years to come.” The project is being completed in accordance with the requirements of Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists and ensures that disruptions are kept at a minimum for drivers at highway and bridge projects across the state. Construction work to replace the bridge will be done in two stages in order to maintain traffic in both directions throughout the duration of the project. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said, “The Lyell Avenue Bridge over Route 390 serves hundreds of thousands of commuters, delivery trucks and people running day-to-day errands, and as such the project has been carefully scheduled to maintain two-way travel and restrict expressway and ramp closures to off-peak hours. The south side of the bridge will be removed and reconstructed beginning in April, while traffic is maintained on the north side of the bridge. This summer, traffic will shift to the new south side of the bridge as the north side is demolished and rebuilt. Also beginning in April, the south side of the bridge will close and all traffic will use the north side of the bridge. Two travel lanes will be open in the westbound direction and one travel lane will be open in the eastbound direction between Matilda Street and Lee Road. The south
side of the bridge will be dismantled during overnight hours. Entrance and exit ramps at the Lyell Avenue interchange with Route 390 will remain open with some exceptions during the demolition phase. The expressway underneath the Lyell Avenue Bridge will be closed for four nights in the northbound direction followed by four nights in the southbound direction as concrete and steel are removed from the bridge. Ramps in the associated directions will also be temporarily closed and detours will be posted. The replacement bridge and paved approaches between Matilda Street and Lee Road will provide a wider roadway on Lyell Avenue to facilitate the addition of bicycle lanes and sidewalks in each direction. The new bridge will also be longer to accommodate widening on the expressway below, and the traffic signal at the exit ramp from I-390 southbound will be replaced with a new signal system that includes enhanced pedestrian crossing indications. The process to fabricate steel for the new structure has been underway since last summer. Painting and other preventive maintenance treatments on the seven bridges within the interchange are ongoing and generally will take place during the overnight hours to minimize impacts to traffic. Most will include shoulder and lane closures. A detour will be posted when a connecting ramp is fully closed. This season, the decks of the bridges carrying I-490 eastbound and westbound over the Erie Canal, as well as the deck of the bridge carrying I-490 westbound over I-390 southbound, will be treated with a thin polymer overlay. The polymer overlay is a preventive maintenance technique that seals the bridge to improve friction and help prevent water from penetrating the concrete. Concrete pier repairs will occur on the bridge carrying I-390 northbound over I-490 eastbound. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org, or the mobile site at m.511ny.org. Provided information