By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 November 2025 at 9:25 pm
Contributed Photo – Samantha Bates
Holley High graduate Samantha Bates provided the game winning goal in dramatic fashion as No. 6 seed Genesee Community College nipped No. 3 Rowan College South Jersey Gloucester 1-0 in overtime this evening in the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III women’s soccer national championship tournament.
Bates, who is a sophomore, scored the dramatic goal on a direct kick from 30 plus yards out with only 29 seconds remaining in the second overtime period.
The goal was the team leading 15th of the season for Bates who has been named Mid State Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
Byron-Bergen graduate and GCC freshman Natalie Prinzi earned the shutout in goal.
GCC will now face No. 2 seed Dallas-Brookhaven in the semifinals on Friday. Dallas-Brookhaven blanked No. 7 Mohawk Valley 3-0 earlier in the day.
The game was originally scheduled to be played on Tuesday at Herkimer Community College but because of bad weather was postponed until today at SUNY-Poly near Utica.
Video of the winning goal which can be viewed on the Hub’s Facebook and X page courtesy of Renee Wolf.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2025 at 3:15 pm
Ryan Armstrong
ALBION – The man driving a U-Haul that plunged into the Erie Canal on Sept. 2, following a high-speed chase with law enforcement, was arraigned in Orleans County Court this morning on manslaughter and numerous other felonies.
Ryan Armstrong, 43, was driving a stolen U-Haul with Reginald Russell, 56, of Rochester as the passenger.
The two had been spotted allegedly stealing items from the Walgreens in Brockport and loading them into the U-Haul. They attempted to flee law enforcement in a chase where speeds reached speeds up to 85 miles per hour. The chase went from Clarkson into Ogden, back through Brockport and eventually onto a canal service road in Orleans County.
Police used spike strips in the area of Bennetts Corners Road, where one of the vehicle’s tires became deflated. Armstrong then drove onto the southside of canal pathway before driving the U-Haul into the water, just east of Bennetts Corners Road.
Russell escaped the vehicle and was spotted struggling in the water before he went under, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies jumped in to try and save him, but could not find him due to murky water conditions. Russell’s body was later recovered by a scuba team from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Armstrong escaped the vehicle, swam to the north side of the canal and ran away, but was eventually caught and taken into custody with the use of drone technology, said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Armstrong today was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church. Armstrong has been charged with manslaughter for recklessly causing a death, as well as these felonies: fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle in the first degree, criminal possession of stolen property valued at more than $50,000 in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death.
Armstrong also faces misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment in the second degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, and criminal mischief for property damage.
Judge Church set bail at $100,000 cash, $200,000 insurance bond or $500,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent.
Armstrong is next to appear in court on Nov. 24 for a conference.
In other cases in County Court:
• Jason Dusett, 50, of Lyndonville was sentenced to six months in the county jail for aggravated driving while intoxicated, a felony. He also has to pay $490 in court surcharges, a $50 DNA database fee, $25 DWI fee and $25 crime victims fee.
Dusett was stopped on June 12 and a state trooper recorded Dusett’s Blood Alcohol Content at 0.19 percent, more than double the legal limit. Dusett has a previous DWI in Victor in 2018.
• In cases from last week, Joseph Reamer, 53, of Albion pleaded guilty to third-degree rape for sexual contact without the other person’s consent in April 2025. He faces up to two years in state prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 7.
• Marcus Donley, 22, of Medina was sentenced to 364 in the county jail for violating his probation by not getting treatment or housing. Donley is on probation for third-degree burglary and criminal mischief.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 November 2025 at 12:58 pm
VFW honors vets with service, complimentary lunch
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Heather Smith, left, and Jaylen Thomas, both students in the Job Corps’ carpentry program who worked on the project, pose with the bench their class made and donated to the Medina VFW Tuesday. With them are Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary, and Nik Mroz, Orleans County Veterans’ Services Officer.
MEDINA – The Medina VFW Post was a beehive of activity on Tuesday, as it showed its support of veterans and welcomed Iroquois Job Corps students, with operations director JT Thomas of Medina.
It has become an annual tradition for the VFW to serve a free lunch to veterans and their families, and for Job Corps students to assist with set-up and serving, and hand out cards which they made for veterans.
Tom Snyder, front, a Navy veteran, and Nick Fitzak, a member of the Marine Corps Reserves, receive greeting cards from Arletys Arrigo and Sienna Jack, students at Iroquois Job Corps. The local Job Corps is open and is accepting new students.
Part of the Job Corps’ mission is to provide community service, and Iroquois thrives on helping surrounding communities whenever needed, said JT Thomas, operations director at Job Corps.
“Our veterans play a special part in our community service, as students and staff greatly appreciate the service our veterans provided, and we help with veterans’ events whenever possible,” Thomas said. “The local VFW Auxiliary reached out to Job Corps for assistance several years back, and we have been participating ever since. The focus is on our veterans, our students and the Job Corps program. We are open and enrolling students and continuing to support and assist the community.”
Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard fire a 21-gun salute, followed by playing of Taps, at the VFW in Medina on Tuesday, prior to going to Orchard Manor on Bates Road and the Veterans’ Park in Lyndonville to fire 21-gun salutes.
The Veterans Day observance began with the a 21-gun salute in the parking lot by the Orleans County Honor Guard, after which they drove to Orchard Manor Rehabilitation facility on Bates Road and repeated the firing. From there they traveled to Lyndonville, where they performed a 21-gun salute at the Veterans’ Park downtown by the water, before returning to the VFW for lunch.
The Honor Guard is led by Jim Freas and includes members from Medina, Lyndonville and Albion VFW and Legion posts.
Posing with the patriotic bench made for the VFW in Medina by students in the Iroquois Job Corps carpentry class are, from left, Tom Snyder, Eric Delano, Jim Freas, Louis Chraston, Pat Little and Mike Harmer.
This Veterans Day had one extra special feature. The students in the Job Corps carpentry class made a large patriotic bench, which they delivered and donated to the VFW on Tuesday.
Two of the students were Jaylen Thomas and Heather Smith, both of whom are in the carpentry class and worked on the bench.
“I sanded and painted it, including the stars and stripes,” Jaylen proudly pointed out.
On the front of the bench was a plaque which read, “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Iroquois Job Corps, Nov. 11, 2025.”
Iroquois Job Corps students Arletys Arrigo, left, and Sienna Jack set the tables at Medina VFW, in preparation of serving free lunch to veterans.
Also at the VFW was Nik Mroz, Orleans County Veterans’ Services officer, who shared information on upcoming events to benefit veterans. These included a Veterans’ Health and Benefit Fair Monday at the VFW, and the annual veterans’ holiday dinner Dec. 16 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, sponsored through the Dwyer Peer to Peer Program. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 589-3219.
Veterans Day observances continued on Tuesday with presentation of the “Missing Man” table by Pat Little of Gasport. As he read the meaning of the table set with an empty chair, plate with salt and a lemon, a candle and upside-down class, Jim Freas and Louis Chraston stood at attention on either side.
The VFW Post annually serves the Veterans’ Day lunch to an estimated 50 veterans, according to Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary.
Jim Freas, left, and Louis Chraston stand at attention while Pat Little reads the meaning behind the “Missing Man table,” during a tribute to veterans Tuesday at the VFW in Medina.
Ron Thomas, right, a Vietnam veteran, gets a greeting card from Job Corps students Alphonzo Snow and Zyshonne Humphrey as he and his wife Betty Jean arrived at the Medina VFW Tuesday for lunch.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 November 2025 at 12:36 pm
File Photo – The Medina vs. Albion fotoball rivalry was renewed on Western New York’s biggest state in 1988 as the Mustangs nipped the Purple Eagles 14-7 for the Section VI title. Here Jim Snyder, who scored both Medina touchdowns, picks up yardage.
Rivals Newfane and Wilson will clash for the Section VI Class D football championships at Highmark Stadium at 3 p.m. Thursday.
That contest recalls when Orleans rivals Medina and Albion renewed their long standing rivalry on Western New York’s biggest stage then Rich Stadium in 1988.
It was a thriller which saw the Mustangs come-from-behind to edge the Purple Eagles 14-7.
Albion grabbed an early 7-0 lead on a 1 yard touchdown run by Chris Rogers and an extra point kick by Kurt Jaeger.
However, Medina rallied to first close the gap to 7-6 late in the second quarter on a 3 yard TD run by Jim Snyder and then to claim the win with 8 minutes to go in the final period on a 39 yard TD run by Snyder who also caught the two-point conversion pass from quarterback Brian Fuller.
This Thursday’s Niagara County rivalry clash will match 10-0 Newfane vs. 9-1 Wilson. The Lakemen’s lone loss was a 46-25 setback at the hands of the Panthers to close out the regular season.
Newfane advanced by blanking Silver Creek/Forestville 38-0 in the Class D semifinals while Wilson downed Gowanda/Pine Valley by a similar score of 35-8.
The Panthers are led by quarterback Mac Capen who has rushed for 1,640 yards and 25 touchdowns and passed for 940 yards and 10 TDs. Camryn Stover has also rushed for 330 yards and 7 TDs and Camio Flowers for 418 yards and 6 TD.
The Lakemen are sparked by quarterback Vic Cusatis who has passed for 958 yards and 15 TDs and rushed for 437 yards and 9 TDs. Michel Ruble has also rushed for 73 yards and 7 TDs and Brock Lepsch 546 yards and 10 TDs while Ryan Hough has caught 53 passes for 487 yards and 11 TDs.
The sectional title game appearance is the first for Newfane and the fifth for Wilson which is seeking its’ first championship.
The victor will advance to the Far West Regional of the state playoffs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2025 at 11:11 am
Deon Jackson
ALBION – A Medina man who threw feces at four corrections officers in the Orleans County Jail, causing three to miss extended time at work, was sentenced this morning to 2 ½ to 5 years in state prison.
Deon Jackson, 25, in September was sentenced to 7 years in state prison for first-degree assault as an accomplice in two stabbings at the Canal Basin in Medina on Nov. 1, 2024.
Jackson will have the new sentence of 2 ½ to 5 years added to the 7-year prison sentence. He was sentenced for aggravated harassment of employees by an inmate Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church.
Jackson threw the feces at the corrections officers on May 26. Three of the staff had it land in their eyes and mouth, while it got on the clothes of another corrections officer. Three of them had to take strong anti-viral medicine that flushes the immune system. It left them feeling sick and out of work for two to three weeks.
“There is no denying the crime and the impact it had on the officers,” Jackson’s attorney Claudette Caldwell said at sentencing.
Jackson was off a mood disorder medicine that may have contributed to his actions, she said. The jail tried one medicine and it didn’t work, and the staff was looking for another option to help Jackson, Caldwell said.
Jackson, in court today, apologized for the incident.
“These weren’t the right actions,” he said. “I feel bad for doing it. I’m sorry to the victims for doing that.”
Assistant district attorney Dan Punch called it “a disgusting crime” that Jackson then allegedly bragged about in the jail. Punch sought the maximum sentence and for it to run consecutively, not concurrently.
Judge Church sentenced Jackson to the maximum, and to have it added to the current sentence for assault.
“Obviously, he can’t control himself,” Church said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 November 2025 at 10:02 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s Morgan Tomporowski and Wilson’s Aidan Neumann and their Lady Tiger and Lakemen teammates will be competing in the Class C state semifinals on Saturday.
State Class C semifinal round tournament competition is next up on Saturday for both the Akron field hockey and Wilson boys soccer teams.
Akron will face Whitney Point (Section 4) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Arlington High School. The victor will face the winner of the Roundout Valley (Section 9) vs. Bayport Blue Point (Section 11) in the championship game on Sunday.
The Lady Tigers advanced to the semis by defeating East Rochester 8-0 in the Far West Regional. Whitney Point blanked Locust Valley 7-0 in the Regional.
Akron brings a 16-1 record into the semis while Whitney Point is 18-0-1.
Offensively the Lady Tigers have been led by Morgan Tomporowski who has 49 goals and 6 assists. Mackenzie Tomporowski has 13 goals and 4 assists, Madison Gates 11 goals and 3 assists and Madigan Regan 4 goals and 18 assists.
The appearance in the state semis is the second in three years for Akron which dropped a narrow 1-0 overtime decision to Carle Place in 2023.
Wilson will face Seton Catholic (Section 4) at 8:45 a.m. Saturday at Middletown High School. The victor will face the winner of the Maple Hill (Section 2) vs. North Salem (Section 1) semi in the finals on Sunday.
The Lakemen advanced to the semis by nipping Naples 3-2 in overtime in the Far West Regional. Seton Catholic scored a 3-1 Regional win over Bishop Ludden (Section 3).
Aidan Neumann has led Wilson in scoring with 54 goals and 13 assists as David Gurski has 20 goals and 13 assists and Cole Hermann 8 goals and 28 assists.
Wilson brings a 20-0 record into the semis while Seton Catholic is 13-4-2.
‘Continuity doesn’t mean that no change occurs, but that what does change remains recognizable and connected to the past.’ – Adrienne Kirby
A photo from the early 1900s, showing the front of what is now the Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn.
By Adrienne Kirby, Town of Gaines Historian
GAINES – The Bicentennial of Orleans County is a singular point in time to reflect on our roots. As historian, it is part and parcel of my job description.
Occasionally, I am asked to provide a letter of support for historical endeavors in Gaines. Several years ago, the Cobblestone Society asked for a letter to support their efforts to place the hamlet of Childs on the National Historic Register. As I thought about the importance and significance of Childs and of how I would express that to someone who had never seen it, I realized that what I had written was a bit of an “Ode to Childs” in prose.
In the spirit of the County Legislature, which encouraged the citizens of Orleans County to “commemorate the worthwhile endeavors of their predecessors and look forward to the future of this fine county with optimism,” in their Proclamation for the Bicentennial, I present my reflection on Childs, NY.
Our two hundred year old home sits on a rise that slightly elevates it above most of the other buildings in Childs. One of my favorite aspects of our house is the view from my son’s second story bedroom window at night. From there, I can look over the rooftops of my neighbors to the east and see the heart of Childs.
From this angle, the Tavern on the Ridge is barely visible, largely in shadow. The traffic light indicates the crossroads hidden by the silhouettes of houses crowded up against the southwest corner. A portion of Crosby’s signage glows, adding further illumination to the Cobblestone Church, its bell tower a stunning stark white against a black evening sky. This scene is almost magical on a snowy winter’s night; it is so still and peaceful.
A notable aspect of Childs is its continuity. Continuity doesn’t mean that no change occurs, but that what does change remains recognizable and connected to the past. Architecturally speaking, some buildings have been repurposed from their original intent. Others have had some minor exterior cosmetic changes made over the last sixty years in the name of energy efficiency or ease of maintenance. But by and large, these buildings would be easily recognized by their former inhabitants. The convenience store building, a mere fifteen years old, can also lay claim to continuing Child’s history; there has almost always been a general store on that corner, selling food and sundry goods.
A photo from 1964 shows spectators gathered across the road from the H&A Superette to view the addition of the restored tower to the Cobblestone Church.
The buildings in Childs take center stage, and yet there are trees, too, that serve as landmarks and contribute to the sense of continuity here. Driving in from the east, the lone pine in the front yard of the Visitor’s Center signals one’s approach to Childs long before the road sign does.
Coming from the south, a beautiful sycamore just north of the intersection, nearly three times taller than the corner store, crowns the horizon. The oversize leaves and fragrant blossoms of the catalpa tree at the Vagg house add to the sense of place.
These particular trees and others, have been here nearly a hundred years or more. I know of an instance in which a neighbor successfully negotiated with the town to prevent an old maple from being cut down. The trees are as much a part of Child’s heritage as its buildings.
Two hundred years ago, most of Child’s citizens were farmers. Agriculture remains a primary industry in the Town of Gaines. Almost every backyard of the some dozen families of this hamlet looks out onto a field. In 1890, these fields probably produced beans. In the 1950s, there were surely tomatoes growing. Now, we tend to see wheat or soybeans.
Agriculture has yet another impact here. Unlike many other livelihoods and professions now, farmers don’t move every few years. Because they are dependent upon the land, they understand the value of a particular place. Farmers helped found the Cobblestone Society in order to save the cobblestone church, as well as the schoolhouse. They continue to be significant contributors to large scale community projects.
The National Register of Historic Places highlights what is unique and worth preserving for a national audience. A successful application from the Cobblestone Society to place the hamlet of Childs on the Register will affirm and make known to the whole country what we who live here have long known and appreciated.
The Cobblestone Church, Ward House and Schoolhouse have been designated National Historic Landmarks for several decades, the only buildings in Orleans County to have that honor. But in March of this year, all of Childs was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving our bit of Western New York a well-deserved national spotlight, highlighting how the past and the present can live side by side. It is a source of pride to those of us, who, in the words of the Legislature, “acknowledge the advantage of living here.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 November 2025 at 8:30 am
MEDINA – Medina VFW will host a Veterans’ Health and Benefit Fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at their post at 216 East Center St.
The event is supported by GO Health and Orleans County Veterans’ Services via the Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.
In addition to local healthcare resources and local benefit information, veterans will receive free food and drinks, according to Veterans’ Services officer Nik Mroz.
The event is open to veterans, plus one guest. Registration is required by calling Orleans County Veterans’ Services at (585) 589-3219.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 November 2025 at 9:34 pm
Provided photo: Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall will perform his award-winning Charles Dickens show Dec. 19 at the Medina Theater to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.
MEDINA – Realizing the increased demand for food, a new Medina resident has teamed with a Medina native to offer an evening of entertainment to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.
Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall, who recently moved to Medina with his wife Kathy, has offered to perform his award-winning impersonation of Charles Dickens at the Medina Theater on Dec. 19.
“I think we got caught up in the spirit of the holidays, and definitely in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” Randall said. “Everyone is donating their time and Joe (Cardone) is donating the theater – which is the biggest part. I hope it puts everyone in the spirit of the holiday season, and as Tiny Tim observed, ‘God bless us, everyone.’”
Prior to the doors opening at 7 p.m., Cardone said there will be a brass quartet playing and Christmas carols sung under the marquee. The evening will also feature Medina High School’s Select A’Capella Choir.
Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will qualify to be entered in drawings for prizes. Food will be divided between MAAC and food pantries at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and The Vine.
Randall has performed a variety of roles around the country, including his critically acclaimed portrayal of Mark Twain Live. He has also performed as a magician and is a member of the Puppeteers of America.
He may be best-known, however, for his 40 years with WKBW-TV, where he was an award-winning meteorologist, morning show host and feature reporter until his retirement more than a year ago. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2017.
In a review by Night and Day of Randall’s performance as Charles Dickens at Musical Fare Theater in 2007, they declare “The one-man show brings out all the talent of this multi-faceted local actor. Dressed in period costume with beard and hair style and voice to match, Randall transported theater-goers to March 1868 when Dickens visited Buffalo to sold-out crowds. In his show, Randall demonstrates his versatility by performing every person in a voice befitting that character.”
Since its premiere in 2007, Randall has given more than 200 performances across Western New York. He amazes audiences by memorizing his hour and a half show, word for word.
“The Trump administration on Monday again asked the Supreme Court to block lower court decisions, requiring it to pay full food assistance benefits to about 42 million Americans, who rely on the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.“ (Washington Post, 11 Nov 2025, page 1)
According to figures published in the Hub, about 5,000 people in Orleans County receive SNAP benefits. Perhaps the Republican leadership in the county could comment on why so many Republican voters are being deprived of SNAP benefits by a Republican President. And, just before the holidays.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2025 at 1:13 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Two seasons have collided in Orleans County the past couple days with snow falling along with many leaves. This photo was taken this morning along the Erie Canal towpath in Albion.
Another winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans County with the National Weather Service saying 3 to 5 inches of snow is headed to Orleans by 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The advisory also includes Niagara County. The Weather Service said there could be slippery road conditions for the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands.,” the Weather Service said. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2025 at 12:51 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jerry Shaffer, a Medina native who is co-founder and president of the Red Star Foundation, gets the crowd ready for the winning 50/50 number during an event Saturday at Dubby’s Tailgate. Todd Graham of the Who Dats is at right.
The Red Star Foundation and Orleans County Veterans Service Agency teamed for the event at Dubby’s which offered veterans and their guests free food and games.
The Red Star Foundation highlights the issue of suicide by veterans and first responders.
The Red Star Foundation has a banner and a pin with a red star as the focus to be given to loved ones in a design similar to the banners for Gold Star and Blue Star families. Blue Star families have a loved one on active duty. A Gold Star family had a loved one killed in active duty.
The Red Star banners honor the service of veterans or first responders, and Shaffer said he believes the banner can reduce the stigma of suicide. He wants to help build a network of support among the families who have endured such a loss.
Rich McAdoo, a Medina native and Ridgeway firefighter, presents the 50/50 winnings to Dakota Morasco. McAdoo is on the board of directors for the Red Star Foundation. McAdoo is recovering from a motorcycle accident about two months ago.
“Veterans are very near and dear to my heart,” said McAdoo, who works with the Border Patrol. “Suicide is a major problem in the veterans’ community.”
The Red Star Foundation is working to set up a peer-to-peer network to help veterans in a mental health crisis.
The organization was launched 1 ½ years ago. Many veterans suffer from depression and many have a post-traumatic stress disorder. When they leave active duty, their chances of suicide increase 50 percent, Shaffer said, because many feel a loss of a sense of identity and purpose, and a loss of their military community when they are no longer on active duty.
Saturday’s event was funded with support from the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project, which includes state funding for social events and support for veterans to help them not feel so isolated and connect with their communities.
The Who Dats were one of two bands that performed during the event. They are shown performing “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money. The band includes, from left: Ed Hilfiker, Alex DeSmit on drums, Lonnie Froman as lead singer, Todd Graham and John Borello.
Travis Fitch performed from 1 to 3 p.m., and The Who Dats were on stage from 3 to 6 p.m.
Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia, met with Bills fans at Dubby’s. He also had many of the T-shirts from 26 Shirts. He is holding one of his favorite shirt designs about Buffalo Wings.
26 Shirts sells limited edition Buffalo-themed apparel. It has raised over $2 million to support families battling a health crisis, including many children with cancer.
Mike Beach of Albion, right, purchased one of the items from 26 Shirts. Del Reid is a well-known Bills fan.
He said Bills Mafia is about the greater community of Buffalo Bills fan, who are passionate about their team whether in a long playoff drought or as a Super Bowl contender.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
AMHERST – New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with Amherst Town Supervisor-Elect discussed the importance of legislation that would support the New York National Guard and New York Air National Guard today.
The Guard has been called on to deal with issues and conflicts here in the U.S. and across the globe. In New York State, our guard members have been deployed throughout New York State prisons in the wake of massive strikes and prison guards being terminated from their positions. Guard members have also been called on to keep the subway system in New York City safe from increasing crime rates.
These National Guard members should be recognized for their service and should receive additional credit for the competitive examination for original appointment or a promotion. Senate Bill S.8365, would amend civil service law and provide a preference for activated members of the New York Army National Guard or the New York Air National Guard for competitive examinations.
“The duties carried out by our service members have earned them more than our sincere thanks, and with this legislation, we can help our national guard members achieve career growth and advancement in the public employment sector, which is always in need of qualified candidates,” said Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “While some of my colleagues are more concerned with blocking President Trump’s ability to deploy National Guard troops in New York, I am worried about the health and wellbeing, and careers of our troops and their families, currently deployed on some missions they were never intended to carry out. We must support our National Guard and their families, and this legislation is one of many great ways to do so.”
A member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard who has been active pursuant to a state disaster emergency declaration for 60 days or more would receive 2 ½ points additional credit in a competitive examination for original appointment or promotion. The bill remains in the rules committee.
“The unwavering dedication of the New York Army and Air National Guard, who have served during state-declared disasters, deserves recognition and support,” said Town of Amherst Supervisor-Elect Shawn Lavin. “Granting these men and women additional credit on their civil service examinations is a small but meaningful way to express our gratitude while also giving active guard members a well-earned competitive edge in appointments and promotions.”
Photos from Orleans County Department of History: A World War II Blue Star Service Flag is shown from the First United Methodist Church of Albion.
ALBION – A World War II Blue Star Service Flag was recently donated to the Orleans County Dept. of History.
It is large, 8 feet by 12 feet with a red border. The center is white and contains twelve rows of blue stars. Each star has a name underneath, written on heavy paper and stitched on to the cloth background.
The flag dates to World War II. The names represent the members of the First United Methodist Church of Albion Sunday School as well as members of the church who “had entered our country’s service.”
The flag was dedicated on October 11, 1942, and was displayed prominently in the church sanctuary. It contains 72 stars. Seventy-two sons from this one congregation in Albion off in the war, a lot of worry for their families.
Mercifully, there is just one Gold Star. It is for Pvt. James A. Brundish Jr., who was killed in action on the Italian front on June 16, 1944. He was the son of James and Irene Brundish. The family lived at 117 Chamberlain St. in Albion. According to his registration card, James was 5’10”, 150 lbs., had brown hair and blue eyes. He worked at Loblaw’s Grocery Store. He enlisted at the age of 18 and was killed 14 months later. He is buried at the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Ky.
Two families had four sons in the service: the Massaro brothers: Anthony, Louis, Thomas and Joseph and the Vick brothers: Arnold, Howard, Charles and Harold, while the three Woodruff brothers: Clayton, Raymond and Gerald were also enlisted.
This poignant reminder of bravery was donated by June V. Schuck of Albion. Her grandfather was one of the Vick brothers mentioned. June also donated several volumes of newsletters sent to service members and their responses, which we will share next week.
List of the World War II Service Members from the First United Methodist Church of Albion
