Sponsored Post
Month: August 2018
Our Letters Policy
We appreciate input from our readers, and we publish letters to the editor without charge. The letters should be written by the person who submits the letter and not be “ghost written” by someone else. While open speech and responsibility are encouraged, comments may be rejected if they are purely a personal attack, offensive or repetitive. Comments are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Orleans Hub. Although care is taken to moderate comments, we have no control over how they are interpreted and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of comments and the rationality of the opinions expressed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content and brevity. Please limit the length of your letter (we suggest no more than 500 words) and provide your name, telephone number, mailing address and a verifiable email address for verification purposes. Letters should be emailed to news@orleanshub.com.
Local trio helping to spark Thunderwolves
Contributed Photo – Helping to spark the SUNY Niagara baseball team this season is the local trio of, from left, Gavyn Boyle, Zach Fike and Aidan Paul.
A trio of local players have been playing key roles for the SUNY Niagara baseball team which is enjoying an outstanding season compiling a 35-7 overall record to date.
On the mound, the Thunderwolves starting rotation includes Medina High graduates Zach Fike, a sophomore, and Aidan Paul, a freshman, while at the plate, freshman outfielder Roy-Hart grad Gavyn Boyle, has provided a strong bat.
Paul, who leads the Thunderwolves in mound appearances with 9, has won 5 games and also earned a pair of saves while notching 49 strikeouts and compiling a 1.17 earned run average. His most recent win came Thursday as he hurled a 1 hitter with 8 strikeouts in a 5 inning 11-0 win over Tompkins Community College.
Fike, who shares second place on the team in mound appearances with 7 has 3 wins and a save while registering 35 strikeouts and compiling a 1.20 era. His most recent win also came against Tompkins as he allowed 2 hits and struck out 9 over four innings of the 21-2 five inning win.
At the plate, Boyle is batting .398 with 9 doubles, 1 triple, a team leading 4 home runs and 33 RBI.
The Thunderwolves next visit Finger Lakes Community College Sunday for a doubleheader.
Amherst lacrosse squad downs Medina
Jumping out to a four goal first quarter lead, Amherst went on to down visiting Medina 11-6 in a non league lacrosse game this morning.
Improving to 6-3 on the season, Amherst built up leads of 5-1 after the first period, 6-2 at the half and 9-5 after three quarters.
Cole Callard led Medina with 3 goals as Will Prest, Lucius Wagner and Dylan Lonnen each had 1.
Now at 4-6 overall, the Mustangs next host Tonawanda in a Class D Division game at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Vets Park.
Medina 4th graders plant a maple tree at FFA Model Farm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Destiny Cherry (in blue coat) and Kellan Bensley shovel dirt in the hole where a maple tree will be planted. (Right) Kellan Bensley, left, and Jack Smith get shovels from FFA adviser Todd Eick, to help plant a maple tree at the FFA model farm.
MEDINA – Fourth-graders from Oak Orchard Primary School learned about trees and helped plant a maple tree at Medina FFA’s model farm on high school grounds.
It has been a tradition for several years for Medina Lions to conduct an activity with fourth-graders every year on Arbor Day, said Lions president Jim Hancock.
In the past the Lions have visited the fourth-grade classes with speakers to talk about trees, planted trees with help from the students in various locations, and in one year they gave a sapling to each child.
This year, however, they decided to plant a maple tree in the pasture of the mini model farm maintained by the FFA at Medina High School.
Medina Lions president Jim Hancock, left, and Lion Tim Moriarty, right, talk with Medina FFA teacher Todd Eick at the FFA Model Farm on Medina High School grounds, as they wait for fourth-graders to arrive for a tree planting ceremony.
Children and their teachers, Karen Pane, Scott Gerdes, Alina Patterson, Maria Lemme and Alexis Jones from all five fourth-grade classes walked to the farm on the southwest corner of the high school, where they were greeted by FFA instructor Todd Eick and his class of FFA members.
Eick asked each teacher to choose one child from their class to help shovel dirt around the tree.
Eick explained they planted a tree in the middle of the pasture to provide shade for the animals kept there. This includes alpacas, Nigerian dwarf goats and several ducks. A maple tree was chosen, as Eick explained, so 40 years from now when he has retired and his successor is in place, the tree can be tapped for maple syrup, providing another element of farming for the students to learn.
Then he asked the children how old they thought the oldest maple in New York state was. He told them the oldest living maple was planted in 1590 in Syracuse.
Medina FFA instructor Todd Eick, center, talks to fourth-graders about the importance of trees prior to planting a maple tree at the FFA model farm on Arbor Day.
Eick urged the students this summer to bring their families out for a walk and see how the tree is growing. He explained a maple tree grows about a foot a year and half an inch in diameter.
Hancock told the children about the Lions Club and how they were founded in 1935.
“We do a lot of good things for the community,” Hancock said.
He also introduced Tom Robinson, incoming president and chair of the tree program, and Lions Tom Beach and Tim Moriarty.
Eick then shared that the FFA in Medina was founded in 1936.
Before the children left to go back to their school, Eick asked them to line up and sing happy birthday to his mother, Pat Eick, whose birthday was Monday. Eick’s son Mason, an FFA member, recorded the song to play for his grandmother.
Fourth graders from Oak Orchard Elementary School head back to class after participating in a tree planting ceremony at the FFA Model Farm at Medina High School.
Sponsored Post
Medina keeps up Arbor Day tradition and plants nearly 70 trees
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Second graders at Oak Orchard School in Medina helped plant four trees Friday on North Avenue as part of an Arbor Day celebration in the village. These kids with shovels include Emma McGrath in blue sweater and Gabrielle Watts.
The four trees plants by the kids were “Northern Acclaim” varieties.
This group is in a second grade class taught by Jamie Brooks. Her students have helped with Arbor Day plantings for five years. They students look forward to it every year and it ties in with their science lessons.
“They are learning about the earth around them,” Brooks said. “It’s talking the classroom outside.”
Members of the second grade Glee Club at Oak Orchard Primary School sang three songs to help celebrate the tree planting an Earth Day. Here they are singing, “This Land Is Your Land.”
Andrea Busch, director of the Glee Club, leads them in singing from a stage on North Avenue, not far from the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.
The group sang “This Land Is Your Land,” “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Medina is planting 69 trees this spring with 44 new trees on North Avenue, South Avenue, West Avenue, Park Avenue and State Street Park. The other 25 trees are going in Boxwood Cemetery.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman reads an Arbor Day Proclamation and shares her enthusiasm for the community’s commitment to trees.
Arbor Day 2024 marks the 17th year Medina’s urban forestry program has been a participant in the Tree City USA program of the National Arbor Day Foundation. The annual Tree City award honors Medina’s commitment to community forestry.
Many of the trees were paid for with donations through ReLeaf Medina. Click here for more information.
Mary Lewis, the Medina Tree Board chairwoman, said the Tree Board welcomes corporate and community sponsors to the tree-planting program.
The Arbor Day celebration included 2nd and 3rd graders from Medina Central School. The kids in front are second-graders in Abbi Keppler’s class.
Fast start sparks Albion girls past Newfane
Scoring five quick runs in the first inning, Albion went on to defeat Newfane 12-6 in a Niagara-Orleans League softball game this evening under the lights at Newfane.
Cami London had a two-run double, Alex Sanders a two-run single and Leah Pawlak an RBI single in the decisive opening frame for the Purple Eagles which made it three wins in a row.
Sanders finished with three hits as London, Pawlak and Aubrielle Barry each had two. Barry’s hits included a home run and Sanders’ a triple. Barry drove in a total of 4 runs and Sanders 3.
Improving to 5-2 in N-O action, Albion next hosts undefeated (7-0) front-running Barker at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Barker nipped Albion 6-5 in an earlier season meeting.
Construction starts for Edwards Vacuum factory at STAMP
$319 million facility is second to build at STAMP, following Plug Power
These are renderings from the Governor’s Office show phase 1 of the new facility to be built for Edwards Vacuum.
Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office
TOWN OF ALABAMA – Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced the start of construction on the first phase of the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility, located in the Genesee County town of Alabama.
The British-based global leader in vacuum and abatement equipment for the semiconductor industry, part of the Atlas Copco Group, chose the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in Genesee County as the location for its new U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility.
The technology produced at the new facility is a vital component to controlling the highly sensitive environment of semiconductor manufacturing processes. Edwards Vacuum’s decision to invest in New York State followed passage of the federal CHIPS and Science Act, New York’s Green CHIPS legislation, and the domestic semiconductor industry growth the complementary programs have spurred, including Micron’s unprecedented $100 billion commitment to Central New York, which is expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs.
“As a Western New York native, I experienced the years of decline from the exodus of manufacturing from Upstate New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Those days are over. The start of construction on the newest Edwards Vacuum facility signals the beginning of a new chapter for both Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions. Edwards’ choice to build in New York State brings hundreds of good paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment Upstate while helping strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain, shorten delivery times for suppliers like Micron, reduce carbon emissions, and bolster national security.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Today is a great day for the Western New York and Finger Lakes region, with Edwards Vacuum breaking ground on its $300+ million manufacturing plant, which will create an estimated 600 good-paying jobs and boost New York’s already booming semiconductor supply chain. Thanks to my CHIPS & Science Act, which continues to deliver investment after investment for Upstate NY, we are adding another stop to our semiconductor superhighway along the booming I-90 corridor Tech Hub with Edwards Vacuum’s groundbreaking today. This is yet another example of my CHIPS & Science Law bringing manufacturing back to America, especially Upstate NY, and is only the beginning of the next chapter in Upstate NY’s manufacturing renaissance.”
Construction on the $127 million first phase of Edwards Vacuum’s 240,000 square-foot campus will include manufacturing, warehouse, and administration facilities, with a capacity to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year. The all-electric facility will strive for LEED certification, with a majority of the power generated via hydroelectricity.
Edwards’ commitment to build in the U.S. comes after significant investments by the Biden Administration to increase domestic chip manufacturing, and the passage of the federal CHIPS and Science Act and New York’s Green CHIPS legislation, as well as a growing need to support its customers in North America.
Edwards dry pumps are currently manufactured in Asia. By bringing manufacturing to New York, Edwards customers – including Micron and GlobalFoundries in New York, and Intel in Ohio – will experience shorter wait times, improved responsiveness and reduced CO2 emissions from an American-made product. Edwards estimates that when phase one is operational, it will reduce CO2 emissions by 13,000 tons per year.
Empire State Development has awarded Edwards Vacuum up to $21 million through a combination of performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits and Investment Tax Credits in exchange for 600 jobs, and an additional $1 million to support workforce development efforts and the training of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, the New York Power Authority is supporting the project though a 4.9-megawatt (MW) low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation and a 2.1 MW of High Load Factor power allocation that NYPA will procure for Edwards on the energy market. Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The start of construction for Edwards Vacuum’s new facility signals that hundreds of good jobs and millions of dollars in investments are headed to Upstate New York. We are well on our way to becoming a global hub for advanced manufacturing and building a strong semiconductor ecosystem in New York State.”
Semiconductors, and their supply chain partners, are vital to the nation’s economic strength, serving as the brains of modern electronics, and enabling technologies critical to U.S. economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. The industry directly employs over 277,000 people in the U.S. and supports more than 1.8 million additional domestic jobs. Semiconductors are a top five U.S. export, and the industry is the number one contributor to labor productivity, supporting improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of virtually every economic sector — from farming to manufacturing.
In the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul doubled down on her commitment to establish New York as a global hub for semiconductor research and manufacturing, including:
- $100 million in funding for additional rounds of the FAST NY program.
- $500 million for NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex – with total State investment of $1 billion – to jumpstart a $10 billion partnership that will bring the future of advanced semiconductor research to New York’s Capital region by creating the nation’s first and only publicly owned High NA EUV Lithography Center.
- $200 million to establish One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) – a network of four new workforce development centers to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of the future created by companies like Micron and Edwards Vacuum.
Assemblymember Steven Hawley said, “I’m proud to see the announcement today that Edward’s Vacuum is starting construction at the STAMP mega-site. The 139th Assembly District has always been a hub of innovation and it’s only fitting that it will be at the center of New York’s emerging semiconductor industry. This project is another step in the right direction toward growing the local economy, creating good-paying jobs and making New York a leader in this sector.”
Town of Alabama Supervisor Rob Crossen said, “We congratulate Edwards Vacuum on the start of construction at the STAMP mega-site. This latest milestone in the development of STAMP continues the realization of our shared vision for investments that improve the economy, attract good paying jobs, and enhance our community.”
GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde said, “As we work to grow our economy and deliver family-sustaining careers at the STAMP mega-site, having partners like Edwards Vacuum, Senator Schumer, and Governor Hochul is gratifying. The start of construction for this critical semiconductor industry project demonstrates the impact that STAMP provides in our shared state and federal vision to grow semiconductor and related advanced manufacturing sectors.”
Barker wins to maintain two game N-O softball lead; Lyndonville and Kendall win
Front-running Barker downed host Akron 18-6 this afternoon to maintain a two game lead in the Niagara-Orleans League softball title chase.
Arnie Sturtevant banged out 6 hits for Barker as Madyson Flint, Anna Bowerman and Peyton Bradley each had 3 and Madelina Pavlock 2. Pavlock’s hits included a double and a home run and Sturtevant’s a triple as Flint, Bowerman and Bradley all had doubles.
Barker is now 7-0 and Akron 2-4 in N-O competition.
Lyndonville 10, Oakfield-Alabama 8
A big six run third inning keyed Lyndonville to a 10-8 win over Oakfield-Alabama in a Genesee Region League game.
Hannah Fox singled in two runs and Brooke Robinson one to highlight the big frame.
Robinson finished with 3 hits as Bella Groves and Addie Dillenbeck each had 2. Dillenbeck’s hits included a double.
The Lady Tigers are now 4-2 in G-R action.
Kendall 8, Pembroke 7
Kendall scored twice in the bottom of the seventh inning on a double by Lia Larson and an RBI single by Sophia Picardo and an RBI double by Brooke Rodas to nip Pembroke 8-7 in a G-R contest.
Rodas and Isabella D’Agostino both finished with 3 hits as Larson and Makaila Abrams each had 2.
Maryvale 20, Medina 14
Maryvale scored six runs in the seventh inning to down Medina 20-14 in a non league softball game at Vets Park this afternoon.
Lorelei Sanders had 4 hits, including two doubles and a triple, for Medina as Iyla Lilleby had 3 and Molly Cook and Breanne Demmer 2 each.
Albion tennis squad improves to 6-0
Albion improved to 6-0 at the halfway point of the Niagara-Orleans League tennis season with a 4-1 win over Newfane (0-5) this afternoon.
Albion swept the three doubles matches with wins by the duos of Jordan Marshall – Landon Graybill, Oliver Beach – Jason Anstey and Brayden Whittier – Lucy Rivers.
Mark Ames also won at second singles for Albion while Newfane’s Luke Gunby took the first singles match.
Golf
Holley downed rival Kendall 207-248 in a Genesee Region League golf match.
Ryker Knight took medalist honors with a 44 for Holley which also got season best rounds from both Ben Cox (51) and Lance Babcock (5-3).
Holley is now 2-3 and Kendall 0-4.
Big early inning sparks Albion past Barker
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Nate Gibson drives in a run during Albion’s marathon second inning today as the host Purple Eagles downed Barker.
A huge 10 run second inning keyed Albion to a 14-2 win over visiting Barker in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.
Three errors and three walks plated the majority of the runs in the deicisive frame.
Jack Kinter had 3 hits and Nate Gibson 2 on the afternoon for the Purple Eagles.
Isaac Monaco had 2 hits for Barker.
Seth Krenning picked up the win on the mound in the five inning contest as he scattered 6 hits and struck out 3.
Albion is now 2-2 and Barker 0-6 in N-O competition.
Roy-Hart 6, Oakfield-Alabama 5
Rebounding from an early 4-0 deficit, Roy-Hart rallied to nip Oakfield-Alabama 6-5 in a non league contest.
Rem Albee singled in the game winning run in the seventh inning for the Rams.
Earlier Isaac Smith belted a two-run home run to highlight a three run fifth inning rally which got Roy-Hart back in the game.
Albee finished with 3 hits and Ethan Kuzma 2. Kuzma, Brayden Hy and Dawson Draper all had doubles.
Kendall 20, Holley 0
Louis Conte pitched a no hitter with 10 strikeouts to lead Kendall past Holley in the five inning Genesee Region League game.
Conte also banged out 3 hits, including a pair of home runs, for the Eagles which also got a home run from Jimmie Swift. Vinnie D’Agostino and Jonny Conte each added a pair of hits.
Barker first baseman Logan Flint awaits the ball to get an out on Albion’s Seth Krenning.
Mustangs down Tigers in 8 innings
Medina pushed across five runs in the top of the eighth inning to down host Akron 10-5 in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.
Brandon Christiaansen and Ryleigh Culver both banged out two-run singles and Richard Keppler had an RBI single in the decisive frame as Medina improves to 3-1 in N-O competition,
Earlier, Medina took a 5-3 lead in the fifth frame on a sacrifice fly by Aidan Papaj, an error and a single by Brody Fry.
Akron tied the contest at 5-5 in the sixth on a triple by Jack Julicher and a sacrifice.
Julian Woodworth finished with 3 hits and Culver 2.
The loss drops defending champion Akron to 3-3.
Wilson 7, Newfane 0
Wilson knocked rival Newfane from the ranks of the unbeaten by a 7-0 score at Tyler Johnston pitched a 1 hitter with 14 strikeouts.
Ryan Hough had 3 hits, including a home run, and Tyler Woolson 2 hits for the Lakemen.
Newfane is now 5-1 and Wilson 3-3 in N-O action.
Medina takes home top student award from 43North business competition
Provided photos: Medina students Alexander Balaban, Isabella Gray and Elaina Bitsas pitched their idea of Pets & Found.
Press Release, Medina Central School
BUFFALO – Medina Junior-Senior High School business students competed and won top honors at the first-ever 43North Students to Startups Finals! The event was held at Seneca One Tower in Buffalo, NY.
Medina students Alexander Balaban, Isabella Gray and Elaina Bitsas competed against nine other teams, most from larger districts, and came home with first place and $1,000 for their hard work and effort.
Their business idea – Pets & Found – was a subscription style app to help owners find their pets and partner with local veterinarians to develop a kind of animal patient portal to benefit both pet owners and veterinarians.
43North is an accelerator program for seed-stage startups and has given over $5 million annually into growing Buffalo’s startup ecosystem. 43North is excited to collaborate with educators to inspire entrepreneurship and innovation in their classrooms.
“We are so proud of these students,” says Jody Sargent, one of the school’s business teachers. “We want to congratulate them for their hard work and effort as well as Business/Computer teacher Mrs. Krista Lindke who worked extensively to prepare these students for their success.”
The students were featured on the news television stations in Buffalo last night.
From left include Mr. Jody Sargent, Isabella Gray, Elaina Bitsas, Alexander Balaban and Mrs. Krista Lindke at the 43North Students to Startups Finals.
31 inducted into honor society at Albion Middle School
Provided photo: The new inductees of the National Junior Honor Society are pictured at the middle school on Thursday evening.
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – Carl I. Bergerson Middle School inducted 31 students into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on Thursday.
The current members of NJHS led the ceremony, explaining that the organization is built on the four pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character and that inductees must exhibit all four qualities and be recommended by a faculty member in order to be eligible. The current member of NJHS include Aubrielle Barry, Sophia Bouchey, Maliyah Carithers, Makenzie Cook, Peyton Dimatteo, Alivia Dumrese, Lillian Fisher, Anna Gillette, Julia Graham, Sadie Money, Dakota Palmer, Adelaide Pettit, Drake Schomske, Keira Sidari, Katelyn Viza, Tra’Monie Walker, Nathan Wehling and Aniela Wilson.
Some of the current members were recognized with the Service Pin for completing 25 hours of service. Those members include Sophia Bouchey, Makenzie Cook, Julia Graham, Dakota Palmer, Adelaide Pettit, Drake Schomske, Tra’Monie Walker, Nathan Wehling and Aniela Wilson.
Once the Service Pins were awarded, Mrs. Robin Bower addressed both current and new members of NJHS as the night’s guest speaker. In her speech, she highlighted students’ perseverance and love of learning, commending them on their hard work and their well deserved success.
The soon-to-be new inductees were then asked to stand and recite the NJHS pledge before crossing the stage to receive their certificates and sign the registry book. The newly inducted members of NJHS include Madison Blount, Colson Braley, Stryker Braley, Aubrey Bruning, Kelsey Crawford, Blake Coty, Jax Gotte, Lena Grillo, Rianne Hand, Sophie Kozody, Carter Krull, Maddax Krull, Noah Latz, Nicole Loney, Adele Mathes, Logan Mayes, Mary McCormick, Brooklynn Miens, Tatiana Morales, Jane Nesbitt, Hannah Olles, Kamryn Peruzzini, Kendall Peruzzini, Brooklyn Pisano, Parker Roberts, Thailer Seibert, Scarlett Stambach, Oliver Stoffa, Caden Woolston, Chloe Mosele, and Kasia Robinson.
Congratulations everyone!
