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Month: September 2018
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BOCES will celebrate new lab for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program
Provided photo: Bill Rakonczay, AME teacher at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, is shown in the new classroom and lab.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s (OCTEC) Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) program was awarded a $250,000 naming rights grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to upgrade the classroom at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES site.
Now that the renovations are completed, it is one of the premier Career and Technical Education CNC labs in the country, said AME teacher Bill Rakonczay.
“We are thrilled to have received this very generous grant from the Gene Haas Foundation,” Rakonczay said. “The director of the Gene Haas Foundation, Kathy Looman, encouraged me to apply for the funds because she said she has heard a lot about our program, and from what she saw from our social media accounts. I think that speaks volumes about what we do here.”
There will be a ceremony for the grand opening of the new Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing and Engineer Lab at 1 p.m. on Thursday, with an open house to follow from 2 to 6 p.m. The O/N BOCES is located at 4232 Shelby Basin Rd., Medina.
The AME program teaches students CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, along with engineering principles. The AME program at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES also partner with NASA for their HUNCH program with the students making parts for the stowage lockers that go to the International Space Station.
“Gene Haas Foundation is thrilled to partner with Orleans/Niagara BOCES on this upgrade to their facility,” Looman said. “This naming program is an endorsement of the best CNC programs in the world. This grant was established for the purpose of highlighting those programs in order to raise the standard of Manufacturing Technology programs everywhere. We would like to thank William Rakonczay and the entire team at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for the success it has had as we look forward to the future.”
The upgrades to the classroom took place over the course of this summer and this year’s classes walking into the new Gene Haas Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Lab at the beginning of the school year.
“It is a very exciting time for me and for the students,” Rakonczay said. “We have a state-of-the-art learning lab. It’s been completely transformed.”
The Gene Haas Foundation has played a very important role in Mr. Rakonczay’ s program for many years providing scholarships to his students to continue their education. Gene Haas, the sole funder of the foundation bearing his name, is the founder and owner of Haas Automation, the largest machine tool builder in the western world.
The foundation was created by its namesake in 1999 to focus on manufacturing education in the form of scholarships for CNC machinist training. It donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community.
There are over 300,000 manufacturing jobs that are currently unfilled due to a lack of skilled workers. Those numbers continue to grow daily due to retirements.
“I get calls all the time from companies who desperately need machinists,” Rakonczay said. “There are just not enough trained workers out there.”
Albion opens artificial turf softball field with win over Medina; Barker locks up N-O title
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Abigail Wittenberg slides safely into home ahead of a tag by Medina pitcher Samantha Heschke during the Purple Eagles win this afternoon to open their new artificial turf field.
Celebrating the opening of their new artificial turf softball field and Senior Day, the Albion Purple Eagles downed rival Medina 13-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League game this afternoon.
A three-run home run by Cami London, which highlighted a 6 run second inning, and a two-run homer by Kenzi Snook in the fifth frame keyed the Albion offense.
London, winning pitcher Alana Irvine and Aubrielle Barry each finished with 2 hits.
In the circle, Irvine pitched a 2 hitter with 7 strikeouts.
Albion’s Alana Irvine delivers the first pitch on the Purple Eagles new turf field.
Barker 11, Wilson 3
Barker put a lock on its first N-O title since 2007 with an 11-3 win over runner-up Wilson.
The Lady Bulldogs stay perfect at 10-0 in N-O action with two league games remaining while Wilson slips to 8-3.
Madyson Flint and Peyton Bradley combined to pitch a 4 hitter with 8 strikeouts for the Lady Bulldogs.
Barker moved on top to stay with a 5 runs second inning highlighted by two-run singles by both Arnie Sturtevant and Kaylee Stoll.
Sturtevant also had a two-run double to key a four run fifth inning uprising.
Elba 12, Lyndonville 8
Breaking away from an 8-8 tie, Elba scored 4 times in the seventh inning to down Lyndonville 12-8 in a Genesee Region League contest.
Kayli Miller had 3 hits for Lyndonville as Bella Groves and Brooke Robinson each had 2.
Holley 5, Pembroke 4
Holley pushed across a run in the seventh inning on a passed ball to nip Pembroke 5-4 in another G-R contest.
Ryleigh Weader and Skylar Gallagher both had RBI singles on the day for the Lady Hawks.
Kendall 24, Byron-Bergen 7
Kendall topped Byron-Bergen 24-7 in a G-R contest as Brooke Rodas and Isabella D’Agostino both had 3 hits. Rodas’ hits included a home run.
In the circle, Danielle Offhaus hurled a 4 hitter with 4 strikeouts.
Albion scores key victory over Akron to grab N-O League tennis lead
Albion moved into the drivers seat in the Niagara-Orleans League tennis championship race as the Purple Eagles blanked defending champion Akron 5-0 at Akron this afternoon in a key late season clash of unbeatens.
Albion, which is seeking its first N-O title since 2015, improves to 9-0 while Akron slips to 9-1.
Leo Bolton and Mark Ames scored singles victories for the Purple Eagles which also got wins from the doubles teams of Jordan Marshall – Landon Graybill, Oliver Beach – Jason Anstey and Brayden Whittier – Lucy Rivers.
The two teams will meet again at Albion in the season finale on May 15.
In the other N-O matches, Wilson downed Barker 4-1 and Roy-Hart bested Newfane 4-1.
Roy-Hart swept the three doubles matches on wins by the duos of Allie Trombley – Jayden Swygert, Emily Livergood – Kaylie Churchill and Abby Glyshaw – Alaina Kusmierczak.
John Konstanty won at second singles for Roy-Hart while Newfane’s Luke Gunby took the first singles match.
N-O Standings – Albion 9-0, Akron 9-1, Wilson 7-4, Roy-Hart 4-5, Barker 3-6, Medina 2-7, Newfane 0-11.
Big first inning powers front-running Mustangs to victory over Purple Eagles
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Vinny Gray slides safely into home before Albion’s Nathan Gibson gets the ball during the Mustangs win over the host Purple Eagles this afternoon.
Erupting for 8 runs in the first inning, Medina went on to down host Albion 12-1 in a Niagara-Orleans League baseball game this afternoon.
Brandon Christiaansen and Julian Woodworth both banged out two-run singles and Aidan Papaj chipped in with both an RBI double and an RBI single in the decisive frame.
The Mustangs other 4 runs came in the fourth frame as Ryleigh Culver belted a three-run home run and Carter Woodworth had an RBI single.
Julian Woodworth finished with 3 hits and Papaj 2.
Brody Fry picked up the win on the mound scattering 5 hits and striking out 7 over the first four innings and Julian Woodworth gave up no hits and fanned 2 in the fifth inning.
Front-running Medina improves to 7-1 in N-O action and Albion slips to 2-6.
Roy-Hart 9, Newfane 0
Dawson Draper hurled a 2 hitter with 14 strikeouts for Roy-Hart in the 9-0 win over Newfane.
The Rams scored 5 runs in the second inning as Brayden Hy belted a three-run homer and Evan Poeller a two-run single.
Rem Albee had 3 hits on the day for the Rams as Poeller and Ethan Kuzma both had 2.
Roy-Hart improves to 5-3 in the league and Newfane slips to 6-4.
Wilson 9, Barker 0
Tyler Johnston pitched a no hitter with 17 strikeouts to lead Wilson past Barker.
Blake Simpson had 3 hits for the Lakemen as Johnston and Tyler Woolson both had 2.
Wilson is now 7-3 and Barker 0-8 in N-O action.
N-O Standings: Medina 7-1, Wilson 7-3, Roy-Hart 5-3, Newfane 6-4, Akron 3-5, Albion 2-6, Barker 0-8.
Northstar 3, Kendall 0
Northstar blanked Kendall 3-0 on a one hitter in a non league game.
Medina stickmen down Lockport
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Will Prest puta a shot on goal during the Mustangs 11-3 win over Lockport at Vets Park this afternoon.
Building up an 8-1 half-time advantage, Medina went on to defeat Lockport 11-3 in an interdivisional lacrosse game at Vets Park this afternoon.
Dylan Lonnen and Will Prest both scored 3 goals to lead the Mustangs as Lucius Wagner added 2 and Liam Castricone, Cole Callard and Ayden Johnson 1 each.
Now at 6-7 overall, Medina next visits Brockport for a non league contest at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Hoag Library trustee election, annual meeting today
ALBION – Hoag Library will have its annual meeting today at 7 p.m., and voters in the library service area of central Orleans will elect two people to be trustees.
There are three people running for two positions with four-year terms. Voting is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library.
Kevin Doherty and Jim Babcock, the incumbents, are back on the ballot, along with Carole Patterson, a former board member from 2009 to 2013.
Patterson is retired from The Village of Orleans. She was part fo the feasibility study with the Ivy Partners for the new Hoag Library before it was built in 2012. She remains invoIved with the Friends of Hoag Library.
“My vision for the future as part of the Hoag Library board is to support and address staff concerns, support and assist with new program ideas,” Patterson said in a candidate statement on the library website. “I would like to see a daytime book club for members of the community who are unable to attend evening sessions. Continue to support Friends of Hoag as outside support for library needs not included in annual budget. I feel the library is the cornerstone of Albion providing services for the entire community.”
Kevin Doherty was the board president when the new library was built. He owns a technology services company, Doherty Communications, and is a former member of the Board of Education.
Jim Babcock, a local contractor, also has been involved in many community efforts.
“I believe the library is a valuable asset to the community and with great stewardship it can continue to be,” Babcock said.
Joe Brueckner of Medina becomes an Eagle Scout
Provided photos
MEDINA – Joseph Andrew Brueckner became Troop 28’s newest Eagle Scout on Sunday during a ceremony and celebration at Glenwood Park in Ridgeway.
In the photo at left, Brueckner thanks people for their support during his scout journey, including Todd Draper in back. In the photo at right, Brueckner celebrates with Scoutmaster Tim Miller.
Brueckner has been a scout since the 1st grade. His Eagle Project consisted of adding 2 benches and 10 birdhouses at Glenwood Lake.
This photo shows a group of all Eagle Scouts. From left Scoutmaster Tim Miller, Steve Miller, Joe Brueckner, David Vanderwalker, Todd Draper and Eli Pask.
Brueckner is a senior at Medina High School and is in the AME program at BOCES. He works as an intern at Amada Tool America in Batavia as well as helping with his family’s restaurant and catering business. He plans to continue his education after high school but is uncertain which school he will choose.
Joe Brueckner is shown with his family, including father Matt Brueckner, mother Kim Brueckner and brother Brandon Brueckner.
Joe Brueckner does a trust fall with Eagle Scouts Tim Miller, Eli Pask, Steve Miller, David Vanderwalker and Todd Draper (not shown in photo).
Medina FC nipped in 2nd Division opener
The Medina Mustangs FC made their debut in the Buffalo District Soccer League’s 2nd Division Sunday dropping a narrow 4-3 decision to the host United Warriors.
Nate Dillenbeck scored 2 goals and Steven Anderson 1 for Medina as Aiden Prince and Greg Husung had assists.
The Mustangs moved up to the 2nd Division after winning the 3rd Division playoff championship last year.
Medina next visits Wolverines United next Sunday in Buffalo.
Lyndonville teachers’ union announces support for 3 candidates for BOE
Provided photo: Lyndonville Teachers Association President Shane Price, left, is shown with candidates endorsed by the LTA, including Megan Bruning, Patrick Whipple and Matthew Heinsler. LTA Treasurer Tammy Mallon is at right.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Teachers Association has announced its support for three candidates for the Board of Education who are challenging incumbents in the May 21 election.
The teachers’ union is backing Megan Bruning, Patrick Whipple and Matthew Heinsler.
The incumbents seeking re-election include Board President Ted Lewis and members Susan Hrovat and Steve Vann.
Lyndonville Teachers Association issued a statement, saying it endorses Bruning, Whipple, and Heinsler “who are pro-teacher and are willing to collaborate with teachers, staff, students, parents and the community toward overall student and district success.”
The LTA said the three endorsed candidates “are committed to an atmosphere of teamwork where all constituents play a role in decision making and achievement of the district vision for the present and the future.”
The Lyndonville district newsletter includes statements from all six candidates.
Megan Bruning works full-time and two kids in the district. She works as a technical writer for Baxter Healthcare in Medina.
“I represent so many families in this district that battle the balance of work, life, school, finances, parenting and all the other dramas that come with being alive,” she states in the school newsletter. “I have a perspective that I feel is not currently represented at the district level.”
Bruning would like to see more efficient communication from the school district, rather than parents “digging through backpacks to find crumpled up papers of school events.”
She wants to see Board meeting agendas, minutes and highlights more conveniently available and accessible to all of the community.
“There are some frustrations within the district,” she said. “Although, I may not have the magic to fix it all, I have a perspective and experience that can help us drive toward improvement.”
Matthew Heinsler is a squadron commander for the U.S. Air Force. He said he embraces the core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self and excellence in all I do.”
He writes in the newsletter he wants to serve the people of the school district, and help create a better future for the district.
Patrick Whipple, PhD, is director of Professional Learning Services at Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. He also is a board member for the Lyndonville Area Foundation and a member of the Lyndonville Music Boosters.
Whipple wants more transparency, clear communication and “an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement.”
“Our educational landscape is ever-changing, and we must adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our students, and prepare them for the challenges of the future,” Whipple said. “This means regularly evaluating our policies, practices, and outcomes, and being open to change when it serves the greater good.”
Hrovat, Vann and Lewis said they are looking to reduce the cost to the school district for health insurance.
“Together, we continue to learn about and find ways to improve the current system, which has locked the school into an expensive and difficult to change insurance plan,” Hrovat, a senior state parole officer, said in a message to voters in the school newsletter.
If the district’s health insurance plan was modified, Hrovat said it could enhance the current insurance and “save the community extensively, despite pushback from major players.”
Lewis has been the board president for the past 11 years and has been on the board for 15 years. He is retired as an Environmental Research Scientist and Associate Faculty member in the at SUNY Brockport.
Lewis said he is proud of the high-quality education at Lyndonville, including the district’s ability to continue in-person classes when some restrictions were eased in the Covid pandemic. Many districts had a hybrid schedule with students in-person some days and at home on others. Lyndonville was able to offer in-person all five days of the week for everyone during the 2020-21 school year.
“This achievement took strong local leadership from our Board of Education and Administrative team, as well as commitment and sacrifice from our teachers and staff,” Lewis said. “This is a shining example of what small town education with strong local control can accomplish.”
Steven Vann works as a president of J.S.C Management Group which operates many Burger King restaurants. He sees the small-school atmosphere as a great asset for the community and the top reason for the Lyndonville community to grow. However, Vann said the district needs to be sustainable for years to come.
Vann said his experience in business is an asset to the district in his role on the board – “from HR, construction, budgets, and ability to hold people accountable and ask tough questions.”
Vann pushed for changes in health insurance carriers, which he said would have saved the district $571,000 a year, reducing the tax levy by more than 10 percent.
“While my efforts failed to get this across the finish line, the efforts exposed the resistance of the administration to review other options,” Vann writes in the district newsletter. “The administration purposely delayed the endeavor, which ultimately could have cost us even more money.”
Voting for the board members as well as the district budget and funding for the library will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.
Gas prices continue climb, up 4 cents in Orleans in past week
Gas prices continue to trend upward, increasing another 4 cents in the past week in Orleans County, from $3.63 to $3.67 a gallon for regular unleaded. That follows a 21-cent increase the previous three weeks.
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.65, down a cent from last Monday. A year ago, the price was $3.55, AAA reported.
The New York State average is $3.73, up two cents from a week ago. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.70, AAA said.
Here are the average prices today in Western New York counties:
- Orleans, $3.674
- Genesee, $3.628
- Wyoming, $3.620
- Livingston, $3.675
- Monroe, $3.690
- Niagara, $3.585
- Erie, $3.675
- Chautauqua, $3.630
- Cattaraugus, $3.612
- Allegany, $3.653
“Tepid demand, increasing supply, and falling oil prices could lower pump prices,” AAA said in a statement this morning. “Domestic gasoline demand will pick back up as we get closer to Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start of summer driving season, which will likely come with an increase in prices at the pump.”
The national average price for diesel is $3.97, down three cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.40, no change from a week ago, AAA said.
Medina murder mystery event had people hunting for clues at 17 businesses
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Brody George, collections manager at Medina Railroad Museum, portrayed mayor E. Lou Sieve in the Medina Area Partnership’s murder mystery event Saturday, “When Push Came to Shove.” (Right) From left, Tami Siffsinger of Lyndonville and Carol Bellack and Robin Wehling of Medina dressed for the era during Medina Area Partnership’s murder mystery event on Saturday. Here, they prepare to enter Author’s Note, hoping to find a clue.
MEDINA – The past weekend was a busy one in Medina, with many stores offering specials, welcoming an influx of visitors and staging a murder mystery to solve.
Saturday was the Medina Area Partnership’s fun murder mystery event, “When Push Came to Shove.”
Seventeen businesses and 132 people participated in the event, which entailed visiting all participating businesses, talking to the character portrayed in that store and then deciding who killed Austin Franks, an owner of the Franks and Bettor Cold Storage after its grand opening.
Christine and Chris Blowers of Lockport participated in MAP’s annual murder mystery event on Saturday for the first time. They are checking their notebooks here at a lily & a sparrow.
The scene is set in 1904 and all the local people of importance attended the ribbon cutting, which was followed by tours of the cold storage and refreshments. Everyone (they thought) finally cleared out, except Austin Franks, who offered to do a final check of the building.
Later, when the night watchman did his rounds, he found Franks dead at the bottom of the elevator shaft.
Each participating business was given a script listing how the “actor or actress” knew each character involved and how they knew Austin. Each actor had three clues to give out.
The day began with check-in at the Medina Senior Center, where attendees received a wristband, investigator’s booklet, snack and a goodie bag. They had until 4 p.m. to visit all participating locations, then had to decide who the murderer was and e-mail their answer to Medina Area Partnership.
The correct answers were then entered in a drawing to win a gift basket filled with prizes worth more than $250. Winner was Andrea Walton of Medina.
Many participating individuals dressed in costumes of the early 1900s, including Tami Siffsinger of Lyndonville and Carol Bellack and Robin Wehling of Medina.
They were encountered on Main Street as they made their way into Author’s Note, “investigator’s” notebooks in hand.
“We know there’s a lot of hanky panky going on,” Wehling said.
“There’s illicit love, so it could be a woman who did it,” Bellack speculated. “Regardless, it’s a gorgeous day to be out, and we’re supporting the Medina Area Partnership.”
Siffsinger was happy about the gift bag they received, which included their investigator’s notebook and coupons for participating stores. They also had a wine tasting at Main Street Liquor and sampled sweets at Della’s Chocolates.
Chris and Christine Blowers of Lockport were at a lily & a sparrow, checking their notebooks and asking questions. This was their first time taking part in such an activity.
“We always liked to do adventures and this is something different,” Chris said. “We enjoy watching mystery shows on TV, but here we have real life clues.”
Brody George, collections manager at Medina Railroad Museum, played the role of Mayor E. Lou Sieve. He didn’t realize when he volunteered to be an actor, he would be the murderer.
When people came in looking for clues, he said he “loosely made stuff up.”
Overall, it was nice to see all the businesses who participated, he said.
Medina welcomes donations for flowers in downtown
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership will continue to implement beautification projects in Medina’s downtown business district with the annual placing of flower pots.
MAP is seeking monetary donations to assist with the cost of flowers, soil and other products needed to achieve those initiatives.
Cost to sponsor a flower pot is $75, and anyone interested is asked to send a check payable to Medina Area Partnership to Mary Lewis, Creekside Floral, 509 Main St., Medina. Lewis is chair of MAP’s Beautification Committee.
Those who sponsor a pot will be recognized on a sign in a flower pot, as well as on the large sign outside of city hall and on the MAP website. Larger donations are also welcome to assist with other beautification projects, where the objective is to make the downtown community and greater Medina area an attractive place to visit.
Kendall has 3 winners at Dundee Invit.
Kendall had a trio of winners at the Dundee Invitational track meet Friday night.
Hunter Richards won the Shot Put with a new meet record of 43-9.25 and placed 2nd in Discus 118-2.
Paige Hardenbrook won the Discus with a throw of 86-5.
Chris Nettles won the 200 in 23.79 and placed 2nd in the 100 (11.92).
The girls 400 Relay team of Leann Clay, Addison Kludt, Adrianna Schiavone and Elizabeth Pratt also placed second.
Hannah Brundage also took third in the 1500 as did Ben Brundage in the 1600.
Local netters bow in Section V class finals
Holley’s Cavan Bennage and the Kendall doubles duo of Josh Esposito and Jonathan Esposito lost in the Class finals of the Section V tennis tournament today.
Bennage lost to Sean Hogan of East Rochester 6-4, 2-6, 3-6 in the Class B2 singles finals. He advanced to the finals by scoring three victories by pro set scores of 10-1, 10-7 and 10-1.
The Espositos lost in the B3 doubles final to the Caledonia-Mumford duo of Garret Thompson and Oliver Johnson in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. They gained a spot in the finals with a pair of pro set wins by scores of 10-2 and 10-9.
Petitions will be available this week to force referendum on fire district for Albion, Gaines
ALBION – A petition is now available to force a referendum on a proposed joint fire district serving the Village of Albion, and towns of Albion and Gaines.
Representatives plan to be at Hoag Library this week from 4 to 7 p.m. from Monday to Thursday with a petition.
The town boards for the two towns plus the Albion Village Board on April 30 met and voted to create a joint fire district. The new district would move the fire department out of the village budget and into its own taxing jurisdiction with elected commissioners.
The two towns currently pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection.
The vote from the two towns and the village creates a new district to take effect on Jan. 1. The three municipalities are expected to soon appoint five commissioners who would likely start on July 1 and serve about six months until the five commissioners can be elected in December.
But some community members want the joint fire district to go to a public vote. Richard DeCarlo Jr., co-owner of the Heritage Estates mobile home park, and Laura Bentley, owner of Bentley Brothers and the Tavern on the Ridge, say more details are needed on the costs to taxpayers with the new joint fire district.
DeCarlo and Bentley do not live within the fire district, but they are both significant taxpayers in Albion and Gaines. They both said they support the joint fire district, but more information should be provided to the public.
“I understand there is a need for this,” DeCarlo said about the fire district. “It has to happen. But there’s been a lack of transparency.”
Bentley and DeCarlo believe a public referendum would force the local officials to present more details, and the plans for the fire department’s future in regards to new fire trucks, whether a new fire hall is in the pipeline, and other expenditures.
During an April 24 public hearing about the joint fire district, residents were told the fire district budget would likely be $750,000 to $850,000 a year, well above the current $350,000 for the fire department. That $350,000 has left the fire department without a reserve fund for a new ladder truck at an estimated $2.2 million and another fire engine at about $1.1 million. Those trucks will be needed in the near future to replace aging apparatus, deputy fire chief John Papponetti said.
The fire district intends to lease the current fire hall on Platt Street. But DeCarlo would like to know if that is the long-term plan for the district, to stay at the current fire hall or build a new one.
During the public hearing, residents could ask questions, but no answers were provided outside of the prepared presentation.
Because three different municipal boards voted in favor of forming the district, three different petitions are being passed to force a referendum. The petitions need to be turned in within 30 days from the April 30 votes from the three boards.
Bentley said the two towns require signatures from at least 5 percent of the registered voters in the last gubernatorial election. She said that is about 100 in both Gaines and Albion.
But the village requires signatures from at least 20 percent of the registered voters or about 650 people.
“Everyone is in a favor of a fire district,” Bentley said. “But we want to see more information, including a budget breakdown for the next three years.”
