Month: December 2018

Our Letters Policy

Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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.

Petitions due April 5 to run for Hoag Library trustee

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2024 at 8:09 pm

ALBION – Hoag Library has two trustee positions up for election on May 6.

People interested in serving as a trustee need to live in the library service area (central Orleans towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton).

Petitions needs to be signed by at least 25 adults in the service area. Petitions have been available at the library service desk since March 14. They are due by 5 p.m. on April 5.

The election will be from noon to 7 p.m. with results announced that night during the library’s annual meeting.

Albion candidate who won on write-in thankful for chance to be trustee

Posted 24 March 2024 at 7:50 pm

Editor:

I’d like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a trustee for the village of Albion. I’m deeply grateful for the efforts of everyone who supported my write-in candidacy, for the neighbors who took a few moments to speak with me, and for everyone who voted.

Running as a write-in, especially just a few days before the election, I expected my odds of being elected would be slim. My hope was to at least increase awareness of the fiscal challenges the village and the county as a whole face. These circumstances leave me all the more humbled and grateful for the opportunity.

I looked forward to being sworn in on April 1, and I’m excited to begin working for the good of our community.

William Gabalski

Albion

Candidate who tried to get elected in Lyndonville thanks voters for support

Posted 24 March 2024 at 7:46 pm

Editor:

To the voters of the Village of Lyndonville, I  would like to thank those who braved the weather and voted for me on March 19.

To the all the voters who read my letters I humbly apologize. I have written statements in the past suggesting that when you vote to only vote for those that have an opponent. I believe I was wrong.

I now encourage all voters to write in someone when there is no opponent, giving an opponent. When you are allowed to pick more than one, for an example a Trustee seat, make your pick and if you don’t like the choices on the ballot, write in yourself or a friend or family member make sure all choices possible are made leaving no space or chance for someone to manipulate your ballot.

People look out for more self-serving Republicans and Democrats. One must check to see who or what businesses they are connected to. Also if they mention promises of fixing this or that, ask yourself “How are they connected?”

Voting records are a good source of character. Village, Town and County minutes are good references. Are the public servants discussing how to help you and save your tax dollars or spending your tax dollars and helping non-Americans.

Look at the Republican and Democrat mission statements – both State and Nation. Are the candidates you voted for doing the missions? Yes, I have read the Democrat mission statements. Since Orleans County is, in my opinion, poor, I agree taxes should be affordable to everyone – key word affordable.

I am still a Christian man and one of the People of the United States, beneficiary of the Word of God and the Constitution of the United States. People, I have more petitions that I need signed. I will be stopping by.

People, I also want to know why you are registered to vote but don’t vote in all elections? Do you not know all elections are important? Please politely tell me. I close with a Bible quote. “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

Steve Colon

Lyndonville

Tenney uses scare tactics to try to get votes, rather than seeking solutions

Posted 24 March 2024 at 6:58 pm

Editor:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who endorses a sexual predator for President, recently claimed, in a TV ad, that “The invasion at our Southern Border is an existential threat.” Despite this threat, Ms. Tenney refuses to push her colleagues to bring the $118 billion Senate bipartisan border bill to the floor for a debate, let alone a vote. This legislation addresses all of Ms. Tenney’s immigration concerns.

Conservative Senator James Langford, (R-Ok), stated that this bill, if passed, there would be “No more massive caravans of migrants flowing over the border,” and “allows law enforcement in America to control the border.” If the migrant issue at our Southern border is an “existential threat” as she claims, then she is actively working against our national security interest.

More importantly, why is Ms. Tenney using this scare tactic of an “invasion at our Southern border” which she has no interest in solving, for her re-election campaign. The obvious answer is that she has no other issue to run on.

She opposed the Pact Act which provides health care to our veterans who defended and served this country. She voted against capping medication, like insulin, at $35. She wants her constituents to pay exorbitant amounts for needed medication.

She voted against the infrastructure bill that provides jobs in Western New York. She voted against the Chips and Science legislation that moves micro-chip manufacturing from China to the U.S.

Ms. Tenney’s only hope is to scare people to vote for her. She even endorses a sexual predator and grifter for President. Her record shows she is opposed to the financial and security interests of her constituents.

William Fine

Brockport

Medina winterguard units compete in Liverpool

Posted 24 March 2024 at 4:34 pm

Press Release, Medina Mustang Band Boosters

Both Medina JV and Varsity Winterguards travelled to Liverpool, near Syracuse, to compete in a Mid-York Color Guard Circuit competition on Saturday.

The Mid-York Circuit is comprised of winterguard programs from Central and Eastern New York, while the North East Color Guard Circuit encompasses those in Western New York.  The trip gave the Medina guards the chance to experience other winterguard programs and thus expand their knowledge and awareness of the artform across the state.

There were 34 guards in a class structure that was somewhat different from those in the NECGC. Medina JV guard remained in the Cadet class and competed against Laurens JV, East Syracuse Minoa JV, Cicero North Syracuse JV2, the Black Knights JV (Rome, NY), and Central Square JV.  Scores ranged from 75.85 for Laurens to Medina’s 65.05.

The SA (Scholastic A) class was divided into three levels with the Medina Varsity competing in the SA2 class against the Laurens Jaguars, Baldwinsville Varsity, East Syracuse Minoa Varsity, and Cicero North Syracuse JV1. Scores ranged from a high of 88.20 for Laurens to 71.22 for Medina.

Medina is gearing up for the North East Color Guard Circuit championships on April 6 at Gates Chili High School.

NY shouldn’t use budget process to bypass public debate of important legislation

Posted 24 March 2024 at 4:14 pm

Editor:

NYS is up to its old tricks – using the budget process to quickly pass legislation.

The Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation (TED) Bill found under FY2025 Budget Article VII Bills, specifically Parts O and P, include the RAPID Act (Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment Act) and the Affordable Gas Transaction Act. These acts deserve individual debate and vote – not as part of an unrelated budget bill.

When the Governor and Legislature use the massive annual budget process with its looming deadline to pass non-budget legislation, the citizens of New York and democracy lose.

There are many topics and issues included in the budget and the timeline for debate and passage is short. Oversight, analysis, public debate and comments are limited. It is a terrible venue for making dramatic changes that impact municipal authority, private property rights and utility access.

The Climate Act became law in June 2019 in a regular legislative process where debate on the bill was extensive.  Since then, much of the legislation that implements the law has been quietly tucked into amendments to the budget and passed.

The Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) was established through a budget amendment in 2020 called the Accelerated Renewable Act (‘’94-c’’) to expedite the permitting of industrial renewable energy projects. Stringent timelines and removal of local government involvement tilted the process towards the State bureaucracy and the developers and it was done under the guise of the budget.

In next year’s budget, currently being debated, the governor has proposed the RAPID Act (Part O of the TED bill) to enable ORES to also expedite transmission projects. It will have the authority to “promulgate regulations on an emergency basis…absent any finding of an emergency.”

In a similar fashion to the 2020 budget amendment, municipalities have few options when projects do not comply with local laws and regulations. This act offers limited recourse for landowners who do not sign a right-of-way agreement with the developers.

The eminent domain procedure law is being amended to add electric transmission facilities. The bill specifically names “open spaces and scenic beauty” of the Adirondacks and Catskill parks to be considered for protection but fails to recognize and protect the natural beauty enjoyed by rural communities across the state.

Lastly, in terms of gas usage in the state, the governor proposes the Affordable Gas Transaction Act (Part P), where a commission of five people appointed by the governor will determine how and when to discontinue gas service.

Individual property rights are being trampled, precious agricultural land, open space and scenic rural beauty are being industrialized, municipalities are losing their ability to advance the needs of their citizens while New York energy policy is running into the brick wall of reliability.

The State Legislature must not abdicate its responsibility to look at the whole picture and long-term consequences of its implementation of the Climate Act.

Pamela Atwater

Barker

Eagles set to play at Ripken Experience

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 March 2024 at 11:11 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for Kendall this season will be this group of senior veterans. In front are Jacek Kwiatkowski and Jimmie Swift. In back are Nate Shaw, James Fox and Louie Conte.

It will be a special Easter week break for the Kendall varsity baseball team as the Eagles will travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a series of scrimmages and games at the Ripken Experience complex.

The Eagles are scheduled to have three scrimmages, two games and a number of practices while at the Ripken Experience before returning to begin the Genesee Region League season at Byron-Bergen on April 10. Before leaving the Eagles are also slated to face Barker in a non league game this Wednesday at Lyndonville at 5 p.m..

“It’s going to be good,” said Coach Tige Noni of the trip to Myrtle Beach. “It will be great. All the fields are turf so we should get a lot of work in. It should be fun.”

Leading the Eagles is the veteran senior quintet of Nate Shaw (First base), James Fox (Pitcher/Outfield), Louie Conte (Shortstop), Jacek Kwiatkowski (Third base) and Jimmie Swift (Catcher/Pitcher).

The Eagles other returnees include sophomores Nick Cole (Pitcher/First base), Vinnie D’Agustino (Second base), Jonny Conte (Outfield) and Colby Hughes (Catcher/Utility) and junior Gavin Braun (Outfield/Pitcher).

“It’s encouraging to have a veteran group like that back and we’ve have a challenging regular season schedule for them,” said Noni.

Kendall went 10-4 in the G-R and 13-5 overall last spring.

Weekly H.S. sports schedule

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 March 2024 at 9:55 am

Weekly Schedule
Monday
Softball – Kendall at Medina, 5 p.m.

Tuesday
Softball – Albion at Attica, 5 p.m.
Lacrosse – Wilson at Medina, 5 p.m.

Wednesday
Baseball – Barker vs. Kendall at Lyndonville, 5 p.m.
Softball – Holley at Medina, 4:45 p.m.

Thursday
Softball – Pembroke at Barker, Holley at Geneseo, 4:30 p.m; Springville at Medina, Wilson at Lyndonville, 5 p.m.
Lacrosse – Depew at Medina, 7 p.m.

Friday
Baseball – Roy-Hart at Maryvale, 12 p.m.

General store endured as cornerstore of Carlton for 140-plus years

Posted 24 March 2024 at 8:50 am

Judging by the price of gas, this photograph of Narby’s Superette was taken in 2001.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Vol. 4, No.12

CARLTON – For over one hundred and forty years, a general store has operated from the location which until recently housed the now closed Narby’s Superette at The Bridges in Carlton.

Several photographs from the Orleans County Department of History collection document this history.

This photograph, dated 1887, shows two adjoining businesses – that of G.W. Root on the left and G.D. Fowler’s general store on the right. A hotel, later destroyed by fire, had originally been built on this location.

Two men are standing on the left of the building. Peering closely, we can see two young children wearing white shirts peeking out from either side of what appears to be a tub.

The man standing on the left on the front porch is identified as George Root, who was a Civil War veteran of 8th NY Heavy Artillery. To the right, the man leaning against the pillar is identified as Ed, but his last name in not readable, while the man to his right is identified as G. D. Fowler.

This photograph, dated 1888, shows G.D. Fowler’s’ General Merchandise delivery wagon. Canned goods and fabric may be seen on the back of the wagon. The body language captured in the interchange between the three people shown here is classic. The salesman, identified as A.J. Small, is obviously pitching a sale for his goods. The older lady in the middle appears skeptical, while the young lady on the left is almost convinced, but still a little uncertain.

Fowler’s store also housed the Post Office. Benjamin and Gifford Fowler alternated as Postmasters from 1877 -1915 with a brief interruption from 1894-1897 when the post was held by James J. Waldron. Postal service to The Bridges was discontinued in 1915, when the mail was sent to Kent. Benjamin Fowler was one of the directors of the Albion-Carlton Telephone Company formed in 1880 and his store was among the first to provide telephone service in the area.

Fowler’s store was later purchased by Benjamin Bamber. A listing in the 1903 Orleans County Directory noted that Bamber was a general merchant who sold dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, drugs and medicines, hardware, crockery, paints, and oils. The store was also identified as a “Telephone Pay Station.”

Following Benjamin Bamber’s death in 1921, the store was run by his son Ward and was later acquired by Floyd Burns. The left half of the building was torn off many years ago.

Sharon and William Narburgh, Jr. acquired the business in the mid 1960s. Sharon continued the operation following the death of Mr. Narburgh in 1992. Upon her recent retirement, she calculated that she had worked at the store for a remarkable 58 years.

Refill with Randy – Easter provides opportunity to refresh, reconnect

Posted 24 March 2024 at 8:00 am

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

This Sunday (Palm Sunday) is the beginning of Holy Week which caps off Lent, leads into Easter, and focuses on the the passion of the Christ. I know that not everyone celebrates Easter, some are preparing for Passover which is only a month away, but for me as a Christian pastor this is the climax of the Christian calendar. It is also, as I have found, a great time to connect with others in the community.

Over the past 6 weeks I have enjoyed gathering with others from different churches and different backgrounds at the Lenten Lunches offered in Albion and Medina. Not only do I like to fellowship with others in the community who I do not get a chance to see on a regular basis, but it is the one time of year that I am pretty much guaranteed to get a delicious egg salad sandwich. Even if you don’t celebrate Lent you have probably partaken of a Friday Night Fish Fry with friends or family. Even as I write this, I am realizing how much this season of fasting is actually centered around food, but I digress.

The point I am trying to make is that there are plenty of opportunities for people to come together during this time and it only multiplies during holy week. Most churches will have their own Palm Sunday and Easter morning services, we meet @10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Medina in case you are looking for somewhere to go, but there are other occasions to connect with those outside of your immediate circle on Good Friday and Easter morning.

Last year I participated for the first time in the MAAC Cross Walk where I was one of many who took turns carrying a cross around Medina while pausing at different spots to read the Scriptural account of Jesus’ journey to Golgotha. It was interesting last year because just before we were about to start a fire broke out filling the area with smoke which caused us to reroute. Thankfully the first responders on scene did a good job containing it so after praying for the safety of all involved we began our walk. If you are interested, we will be doing it again at noon this Good Friday starting at the Medina City Hall.

Good Friday is also a great time to gather with other churches and denominations in order to reflect on the cross and look ahead to the empty tomb. For the past decade I have been a part of the P.A.C.T. Good Friday Service where hundreds come together to worship and share in Communion. Personally, this is one of my favorite and most anticipated events each year. If you would like to join us it is at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church @ 6:30 p.m. on March 29.

Lastly, another thing I was able to experience for the first time last year was Easter Sunrise Service at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina. A little over 40 of us joined together on a cold, windy day to sing a few songs and hear a short message in what turned out to be a beautiful, serene setting. If you are an early bird we will be gathering there again at 7 a.m. this Easter morning.

See you in two weeks!
Pastor Randy

5K race went on today in Albion despite Route 31 being off limits

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 5:51 pm

About 75 participate in Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Runners gather at the start line in front of a new inflatable resembling a colon this morning in the parking lot at the Albion Elementary School.

There were 56 finishers in the race, and several others who walked part of the 3.3-mile distance.

Photos by Marsha Rivers: Alex Zirkelbach of Olney, Maryland is out in front in today’s

Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion. Alex won the race in a time of 19:45.

Jody Lynn Musolino of North Tonawanda was the first female, crossing the finish line in a time of 23:36.

The course was changed from the usual route along Route 31, from the elementary school to Mount Albion Cemetery and back after heavy snowfall last night.

The state Department of Transportation deemed the shoulders of 31 off limits after the snowfall.

Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisports considered cancelling the race, but Albion school officials agreed to be out early and have the parking lots and walkways plowed.

The course ended up being three loops of 1.1-mile each in the elementary and high schools.

The Cayea brothers of Medina take off fast at the start of the race. Arian Cayea, second from left, was second overall in 19:46 and his brother Aeddon, left, was sixth overall in 22:35.

The course was longer than a typical 5K by about 0.2 mile.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A runner heads to the finish line, the inflatable of a colon. Wolfpack Multisports recently acquired the inflatable for the Burlison 5K, which is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Wayne’s wife Lisa and son Adam attended the event today.

Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisport encourages people to get checked for colon cancer, starting at 45.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
  • Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:

  • A change in bowel habits
  • Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
  • Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Weakness and fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

‘Little Women’ takes the stage for Albion High School drama program

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 2:20 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mallory Ashbery, center, is Marmee March, the mother of four daughters in Little Women. Marmee’s husband and the girls’ father is away in the Civil War, serving as a Union Army chaplain.

The girls include, from left: Danielle Wyant as Meg, Lily Brigham as Amy, Ella Trupo as Beth and Mallory Kozody as Josephine “Jo” March. They are at home in Concord, Mass. Mr. March sends a letter that he has contacted pneumonia. His wife prepares to go see him in Washington.

Albion performed the musical with shows on Friday at 7 p.m., and today at noon and 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.

The show is co-directed by Elliott Michki, Kailey Winans and Kathy Winans.

Jo (Mallory Kozody) acts out one of her novels, “An Operatic Tragedy,” while sister Meg (Danielle Wyant) chimes in.

Jo aspires to be a great novelist. Her stories entertain her family but so far have been rejected by 22 publishers.

James Ruiz plays Mr. Laurence and Zackary Baron is Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. Mr. Laurence is upset that Jo cut down one of his trees.

Laurie becomes friends with the March sisters. He first proposes to Jo and is rejected, and later marries Amy, the youngest sister.

Sawyer Brigham plays Sir Braxton and acts out a scene Jo’s operatic tragedy, with Clarissa, played by Keria Zambito. She is fleeing Sir Braxton and is heroine of Jo’s operatic tragedy. Julia Button, right, is in the ensemble.

Jo (Mallory Kozody) comforts her sister Beth (Ella Trupo) who has been stricken by scarlet fever and would die from the illness, causing a great sadness in her family.

Gideon Pask plays Professor Bhaer, a German professor who falls in love with Jo. The two become engaged with plans of opening their own school. Pask sings “Small Umbrella In The Rain.”

It’s a new look diamond season for Bulldogs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 March 2024 at 9:58 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Getting set to lead Barker into the upcoming baseball season is this roster of Bulldogs. In front are Noah Sandolfini, JJ Prynn, Alex Ark, Ireland Brady, Owen Harris and Tristen Garcia. In back are Logan Flint, Michael Kalynycz, Daniel Barry, Justin Higgins, Charlie LaGreca, Isaac Monaco and Blake Schwab.

Barker’s varsity baseball team will have a bit a new look this coming season.

Barker will be a merged team for the first time as the Bulldogs lineup will include players from Lyndonville which does not have enough players in the upper grades to field a varsity team of its own this season.

Barker and Lyndonville are also merged for girls soccer.

Anchoring the Bulldogs lineup will be the veteran group of senior Charlie LaGreca (Of); juniors Isaac Monaco (Inf), Noah Sandolfini (P), Tristen Garcia (Inf), Ireland Brady (Inf), Michael Kalynycz (Of), sophomore JJ Prynn (Of) and freshman Logan Flint (1b)

The Bulldogs roster also includes seniors Blake Schwab (Of/Inf/P), Daniel Barry (Inf) and Justin Higgins (Utility) along with juniors Alex Ark (U) and Owen Harris (Inf). Barry and Higgins are from Lyndonville.

“I’m liking what I’m seeing so far. They are putting in the work,” said Jesse Watts who has taken over the coaching reins as longtime Coach Rob Mucha has stepped down.

Barker’s main graduation loss was pitcher/catcher Aidan Voss who is now playing for Genesee Community College.

The Bulldogs will also be playing their home games on the JV diamond off Haight Road as the site of the current varsity field will be part of Barker’s new multi use artificial turf complex.

Barker, which is scheduled to open Niagara-Orleans League competition on April 15 at home against defending champion Akron, has eight non league tune-up contests slated before that beginning with a game against Kendall on Wednesday.

Event hosted by GCC shows students many local career opportunities in healthcare

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 8:38 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

BATAVIA – Medina firefighters Tiffany Petry and Dustin Pahura show students how to do CPR. The two firefighters were among many stations on Friday at Genesee Community College in Batavia, which hosted the second annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.

There were 575 students from 31 school districts in the four rural GLOW counties, including the Orleans County school districts of Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

This group from Holley includes, from left: Mya Brown, Haidynn Mullins, Mia Thom and Isaiah Johnson.

The Holley  students said the day at GCC connecting with healthcare organizations was very helpful as they consider careers. Johnson wants to work in EMS, while the three girls are considering careers in psychology.

“There are many different options,” Mya Brown said about careers in healthcare.

They are at a table for the Livingston County Health Department, which showed candy and medicine, and also cleaning products. People were asked if they could tell the difference from cady and pills that could be potentially harmful to them. The exercise was intended to show the value of having a medicine lock box to make sure people, especially young children, didn’t accidentally confuse prescription pills with candy.

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare started in 2023 and connected students to over 200 representatives from 57 companies, municipal agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions.

The healthcare event and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing attract over 1,500 students annually with the goal of empowering youth in the four counties to seek success in careers.

“With GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing, we are seeing a generation of students that are engaging with careers with great opportunities in our region,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair and Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce. “Meeting the healthcare needs of our communities is a challenge that we are proactively addressing through the support of our participating organizations, sponsors, and volunteers.”

These students are in a vet tech workshop where they could simulate hearing the heartbeats for small dogs.

Every student participated in a pair of self-selected workshops with a variety of healthcare careers led by healthcare and emergency response professionals.

Sessions covered careers in EMS, pharmacy, healthcare administration, physical therapy, healthy living, physicians/residents, holistic medicine, radiology/sonography/ultrasound, mental health and social work, research science, nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner, surgery and vet technician.

Students put bandages on these stuffed dogs as part of the vet tech workshop.

Hospice of Orleans was among many organizations at the event. The agency was represented by Julia Alt, right, the director of advancement, and Kelli Birch, the volunteer coordinator.

Hospice is looking to fill positions for home health aide, social worker and registered nurse, and the agency welcomes more volunteers, Alt said.

Students were able to learn about Hospice, and also had a chance to fill out a greeting card for hospice patients.

Audra Fisher, a secretary with the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, and Justin McAdoo of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company show students how to “stop the bleed” and put on tourniquets.

These students try a stethoscope on a baby mannequin “Luna” at a station for the nursing program at Genesee Community College. The students could listen to the heart beat, the sound of the lungs and the abdomen.

GCC has about 100 students complete an associate’s degree in nursing each year. The graduates go into careers with high demand, said Deborah Penoyer, director of the nursing program.

Jennifer Kula, back left in blue, is a current student in the program. She has done clinicals at local hospitals and a long-term care facility.

“The science and learning are awesome,” said Kula, a Batavia resident. “I love the opportunity to serve people in the community.”

Big snow alters course for Burlison 5K this morning in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 7:45 am

File photo by Tom Rivers: This portrait of Wayne Burlison was displayed on a tree along the course at Mount Albion Cemetery during the 2016 race.

ALBION – A big snow overnight has necessitated a course change for this morning’s 5-kilometer race in Albion.

The Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

The route usually starts on Clarendon Road by the elementary school and heads east on Route 31 to Mount Albion Cemetery for a loop there and then heads back on 31 to the school parking lot.

But with about a half foot of snow on the ground, the state Department of Transportation advised race director Bert Gallmon that Route 31 would be off limits for the race.

He was informed of the change Friday when the forecast called for significant snow. Gallmon and Albion school officials have come up with a modified course that includes three loops of about a mile in the school parking lots.

The race starts at 10 a.m. Participants can sign up this morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. inside the elementary school in the cafeteria. A post-race gathering with food will be at Dubby’s Tailgate.