Sponsored Post
Splash pad at Bullard provided relief from heat
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – With temperatures in the 80s today, many parents brought children to Bullard Park today and the splash pad proved popular.
This photo shows kids getting drenched at the splash pad at about 6:45 p.m. This was also opening day for Albion’s summer concert series at Bullard, with the concerts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
It won’t be so hot in the next several days with highs at 73 on Thursday, 71 on Friday, 72 on Saturday and 74 on Sunday.
GCC faculty and staff receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards
Photos courtesy of GCC: Top row from left include Barry Chow, Heather Jones and Kelly Starchok. Bottom row: Paul Brew and Amy Westfall.
Press Release, Genesee Community College
BATAVIA – Five exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.
The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
“The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards represent the highest recognition of excellence across the SUNY System,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC. “I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff whose passion, innovation and dedication have earned this distinguished honor. Their work exemplifies the very best of Genesee Community College and our commitment to student success.”
The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Paul Brew won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.
Mr. Brew has been a member of Genesee’s history faculty since 2008 and has taught a variety of courses including American History, World History, and American Government to name a few. History can be a challenging subject to engage students and they may often not recognize its value.
Mr. Brew uses a variety of strategies and approaches to spark curiosity and guide students to make connections between historical information and the present. He also effectively engages students in historical inquiry through active learning strategies, debates and collaborative projects.
Amy Westfall won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the Classified Service. These are system-level awards established by the university to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the university’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.
During her career in the library, Westfall has demonstrated an exceptional ability to anticipate and meet the needs of faculty, ensure continuous and efficient library operations, and foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the campus community.
Her contributions extend beyond her daily responsibilities, as she consistently advocates for students, identifies opportunities to enhance services, and offers guidance and support with the utmost compassion and discretion. Her role in facilitating a seamless transition during the relocation of the Learning Center and her personal commitment to student safety and well-being, are testaments to her profound impact.
Barry Chow won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. This award recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.
During his 26-year career at Genesee, Chow has been instrumental in fostering innovation, curriculum development and faculty leadership. His service to the college includes impactful presentations, committee leadership, and mentorship, shaping both academic policies and student engagement.
He has advised multiple student organizations, including the TV Club and Phi Theta Kappa, providing hands-on learning experiences that bridge theory with real-world application. Beyond the college, Barry has made contributions to the media and education fields, serving in leadership roles within the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the Television Academy. His professional expertise has influenced both institutional advancements and industry standards.
Kelly Starchok won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.
Her passion for fostering student engagement led her to her current role as Director of Student Engagement & Inclusion, where she has redefined student involvement post-pandemic, creating an inclusive and dynamic campus environment. She has launched impactful initiatives and spearheaded the establishment of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter at GCC.
Starchok’s management of over 30 student clubs, supervision of major campus events and hands-on approach (e.g., stepping into the College mascot costume when needed) demonstrates her tireless dedication. Beyond her position, her creativity and problem-solving are evident in her successful implementation of GCC’s Bus Services, ensuring accessible transportation for students. She actively participates in key campus committees and represents GCC in external leadership initiatives, including Leadership Genesee and national student engagement conferences.
Heather Jones won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.
Jones has been a GCC faculty member since 2008 teaching a range of courses including Drawing, Painting, 2D Design, Art History and Portfolio Development. Her teaching philosophy, rooted in learner-centered strategies and Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, creates an engaging learning environment for students.
She utilizes a “5C’s” rubric to empower students to create and critique artwork using a guided approach to assessment that fosters a deeper understanding of the creative process. Beyond the classroom, Jones has demonstrated leadership through her work in art exhibits, illustration publishing, study abroad programs, collaborations with international institutions and innovative uses of technology. Her work as a Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholar demonstrates her commitment to enhancing cross-cultural understanding through art.
Hawley speaks against proposal to ban any additional farms with 700-plus cows
Photo provided by Assemblyman Hawley’s Office: This photo was displayed at the podium of a news conference today.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) stood in support with his colleagues today at the state Capitol to denounce a new proposal from the Majority that would place a ceiling on the number of cows allowed on New York dairy farms (A.6928).
This initiative would prevent the Department of Environmental Conservation from giving any permits for new or expanding dairy operations that exceed 700 cows. While the Majority claims this policy will help improve environmental conditions, Hawley believes this bill will put an unnecessary burden on local farms and hurt our state’s agriculture industry.
Over the last 25 years, New York has seen a dramatic decline in the number of dairy farms across the state. From 1997 to 2022, the number of dairy operations decreased from 9,300 to roughly 3,000. This decline has picked up substantially in recent years as the dairy industry has struggled to turn a profit and keep up with operating costs. Hawley is adamant that this proposal will only accelerate this trend a push more dairy farmers out of business.
“While small-scale dairy farms are struggling to make ends meet, members of the Majority who have never stepped foot on a farming operation are trying to regulate them out of business,” said Hawley. “As a former farmer myself, the assertion that our local farms are destroying our environment is completely ridiculous.
“Working families across our state rely on our dairy farms for their basic necessities, and this proposal will only bring up costs and reduce availability. We cannot allow this out-of-touch proposal to hurt our rural communities, and I will continue to stand with my colleagues in the state Assembly to ensure this initiative is shut down once and for all.”
Law enforcement carried torch for Special Olympics during run in Albion
Photos courtesy of Law Enforcement Torch Run – Special Olympics New York
ALBION – Vern Fonda, an environmental conservation officer with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, carries the torch on Friday with other law enforcement officers during a torch run to benefit the Special Olympics.
He is leading a group down Route 31. This was the third annual torch run in Albion. The event is coordinated by the Albion Police Department and the Special Olympics. Some Albion students joined officers on the run.
Albion Police Chief David Mogle holds a torch during the start of the run that began in the parking lot at Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street.
Lt. Brandon Annable of the Albion Police Department took a turn holding the torch. He and the group are shown on the main driveway leading into Albion High School.
The group of law enforcement officers pose for a group before the start of the run.
Retired Rochester PD Sgt. Brett Sobieraski carried the torch for part of the run. Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, has conquered many endurance challenges to raise money for Special Olympics and officers killed in the line of duty.
Medina senior to wrestle at Norwich U.
Contributed Photo – Medina High senior Reece Senske has signed to continue his wrestling career and his education at Norwich University in Vermont where he will study Criminal Justice. He is shown here at the signing with his mother Jessika Bulera and father Mike Senske. Standing are his grandfather Richard Senske, grandmother Julie Bulera, Medina Wrestling Coach Eric Gross and his grandfather Dave Bulera. Reece earned over 100 victories during his wrestling career with the Mustangs and was a two-time place finisher at the state championships.
Kendall, Hamlin to celebrate start of $17 million sewer project on Thursday
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata stands at Lake View Park which was established through the REDI program – Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. This area used to be a turnaround along Lake Ontario. Big chunks of the land were washed out and eroded during high lake levels in 2017 and 2019. The town’s new sewer project with Hamlin will start near this park.
KENDALL – The towns of Kendall and Hamlin on Thursday will celebrate the start of construction on one of the bigger municipal projects in recent memory – a $17 million sewer project that will stretch about 15 miles in the two towns.
Two contractors are lined up and ready to start work on the project which serves about 270 residences in Kendall and about 30 in Hamlin.
Blue Heron Construction Co. LLC will be paid $8,326,480 to install low-pressure sewer collection system from Thompson Drive to Troutburg Cottages. The company will install will install grinder pumps, lateral connections and abandon septic tanks at each residence.
Rochester Pipeline Inc. is the low bidder at $5,380,730 to construct three sewer pump stations, and install sewer force main and gravity sewer from Troutburg Cottages to the sewer connection point in Hamlin. The three sewer pump stations will be near Lomond Shores/West Kendall Road, Troutburg Cottages and Hamlin Beach State Park entrance off Moscow Road.
Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said the “blue ribbon project” includes many different entities, including the two towns, counties of Orleans and Monroe, Monroe County Pure Water, the state parks system, and many other entities.
A section of Thompson Drive at the western end of Kendall was eaten up by Lake Ontario in the spring 2017. This photo was taken on May 7, 2017.
The cost was significantly higher than the initial $9 million earmarked for the project in 2019. The state offered to pay 95 percent of the cost through the REDI Commission, which was established with $300 million for projects along the south shore of Lake Ontario.
Kendall and Hamlin were able to get about $4 million more from the state towards the project, and access other grants to bring the project to an affordable costs for residents.
“This is a win for everybody,” he said.
Kendall and Hamlin officials will join dignitaries on Thursday for an 11 a.m. ground-breaking at the Lake View Park on Thompson Drive for the sewer project. Kendall used REDI funds to create a small town park at Thompson Drive. This area saw chunks of land eroded from the high lake waters in 2017 and 2019.
Many of the septic systems along the 15-mile project have septic systems vulnerable to high waters that could erode land for septic. The project will disconnect homes from the septic systems and connect them to a wastewater system.
Besides the 15 miles of force main via horizontal directional drilling, the project includes 3,431 feet of gravity sewer via open trenching, and approximately 5 miles of sewer laterals to private residences via open trenching.
This map from LaBella Associates shows the project area in Kendall and Hamlin.
Sponsored Post
Medina Sports Boosters appreciate sports photography volunteer
Editor:
Chad Kroening is a mainstay at Medina games, taking photos of students and coaches.
Photography has the incredible ability to freeze moments in time, transforming them into treasured memories.
Medina Mustang Sports Boosters is fortunate to have an instrumental volunteer, Chad Kroening, to capture these moments. Chad is a father of four with a full-time job and still finds time to donate numerous hours to the organization.
Rain, shine, wind or snow, he travels around the campus to attend home games of all of the sports throughout the year as well as multiple away games. Mr. Kroening spends countless hours capturing, editing and sharing photographs. He ensures that families get the best possible images of their children and posts on the Mustang Sports Boosters social media for all families to enjoy, free of charge.
In addition to his photography skills, Chad creates a sense of belonging in the Medina community. His work helps highlight the dedication of not only the athletes but also the coaches and supporters behind the scenes. The impact of his work goes far beyond the photographs themselves; it strengthens bonds among families and friends.
Chad’s impact on the Medina Mustang sports programs is truly invaluable. He embodies the spirit of community and youth sports. The board of directors of the Medina Mustang Sports Boosters are incredibly grateful for his time, energy and unwavering support and appreciate his Mustang Pride.
Board of Directors for Medina Sports Boosters
A run in the bottom of the 7th gives Kendall a thrilling Class C state qualifier victory
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Sammy Conte is congratulated by his Kendall teammates after singling in the game winning run in the seventh inning to give the Eagles a 5-4 win over Geneseo in the Section V Class C state qualifier this evening at Dwyer Stadium.
Pushing across a run in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the seventh inning, Kendall nipped Geneseo 5-4 in the Section V Class C state qualifier baseball game this evening at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.
Sammy Conte singled in the game winning run for the Eagles as a leadoff double by Vinnie D’Agostino set up the opportunity.
“That was huge. That is his third walk off hit,” said Eagles Coach Tige Noni of Conte’s game winner.
“The kids never gave up,” said Noni whose Eagles had to come from behind twice. “It wasn’t very pretty but we got it done. The battle was epic.”
Nic Cole did yoeman work on the mound for Kendall pitching all seven innings scattering 7 hits and striking out 12.”
“It was a great game overall,” said Cole. “The bats getting the runs to get us back in it really brought my energy back up.”
“Nic really threw just a great game. He got after them,” said Noni.
Geneseo jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on an RBI single by Tyler Churchfield.
Kendall though answered right back with the tying run in the home half of the first on an RBI single by Vinnie D’Agostino.
Geneseo regained the lead at 4-1 by scoring three times in the second on a two-run single by Bryce Patterson and an RBI single by Luke Davis.
However, the Blue Devils could not cross home plate again as Cole bore down allowing only two more hits and striking out 7 over the final five innings. The Eagles defense also came up with a big double play triggered by Vinnie D’Agostino at shortstop to get out of trouble in the fifth inning.
The Eagles rallied back into a 4-4 tie by scoring three times in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Cole, a balk and a wild pitch. A single by CJ D’Agostino and a hit batter set up the threat.
Geneseo did get two runners aboard with one out in the top of the seventh but Cole slammed the door on the threat by registering two clutch inning ending strikeouts.
That set the stage for Conte’s dramatic game winning single in the home half of the seventh.
Cole and Vinnie D’Agostino both had 2 hits on the evening as did Patterson for the Blue Devils.
Kendall played the game a bit shorthanded as three senior starters – catcher Colby Hughes, first baseman/pitcher Gavin Braun and outfielder Gio Rodriquez – were away on a Senior trip.
Improving to 23-1, Kendall will next face Section VI champion Gowanda in the Class C Far West Regional on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Dwyer Stadium. The victor will advance to the state semifinals.
Note: More pictures and a video of the winning run will be on our Facebook pages later.
Kendall catcher Andrew D’Agostino tags out Geneseo’s Preston Granger at home plate.
Nic Cole went the distance on the mound for Kendall.
Jonny Conte slides safely into home for Kendall’s first run of the evening.
Carlton will celebrate Home Town Day on Saturday
Parade participants welcome for noon processional down 98
Photo by Tom Rivers: Kids look to scoop up candy tossed from vehicles in last year’s Carlton parade down Route 98 on June 1. This year’s parade will be Saturday starting at noon.
CARLTON – The Town of Carlton will have its third annual Home Town Day on Saturday wth a parade, food vendors, children’s activities and two bands.
Parade participants are welcome to be ready by 11:30 a.m. for the noon start of the parade. Participants should meet at the corner of Route 98 and Park Avenue.
Brenda Mufford s the parade coordinator. She would like to see fire departments, EMS and law enforcement, as well as veterans.
She also welcomes marching bands and drum corps; youth organizations – sports, scouts and 4-H clubs; churches; elected officials; local businesses; civic, neighborhood and family groups; and classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and golf carts. People can even walk the route with their dog.
Mufford said participants don’t need to RSVP, and can just show up. For more information contact Mufford by email at happygirl14411@yahoo.com or by phone, (585) 746-9688.
Carlton started the festival in 2023 to celebrate the town’s bicentennial. Town officials and volunteers want to make it an annual event on the first Saturday in June.
After the parade there will be kid activities at the Carlton Rec Hall until 4 p.m. The band Coupe De Ville will play at 1 p.m. followed by The Creek at 4 p.m.
There will be several food options from vendors.
Albion students hosting discussion June 4 on issues in community
Editor:
We are three Albion High School students who want to make a difference in our community. We are trying to reach out to as many people who have the same goal as us as possible.
We have set up a meeting at Dubby’s Tailgate on June 4 at 7 p.m. in order to discuss how we can do that. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.
We will bring statistical data to show how the students at Albion feel about their community. We are trying to have an open and honest conversation with anyone willing to help about how we can fix problems in our community.
Anyone who would like to attend is welcome to.
Zackary Baron, Sawyer Brigham and James Earl Ruiz
Albion
Farmworkers deserve respect, not unwarranted hostility especially when at the grocery store
Editor:
A few days ago, some Mexican workers from our farm were food shopping at Save A Lot in Albion. They were approached by a very agitated man who said, “you m—– f—— should go back to Mexico where you belong, I’m calling immigration on you.”
This vulgarity is one that is especially hurtful to those of Hispanic culture. This man was also taking pictures of them, their van, and possibly doing video.
Some background on the workers, many of them have been coming to our farm for ten years or more. They come through the federal H2A program which makes it totally legal for them to be in the US and to work for up to ten months.
These are loyal, hardworking, good men. We value their dedication to our farm operation, their knowledge of what it takes to grow top-quality apples, and their willingness to work alongside us every day. These jobs are not easy, require long hours, sometimes in bad weather, and they have to leave their families for extended periods.
We could not grow apples without the high-quality work they do. In the H2A program, the farm owner has to offer these jobs to local workers and hire them if they apply and qualify. We have had about four local people apply for jobs in the last ten years, none of them lasted more than a week.
To the man who yelled obscenities at our guys and made them be afraid of what might happen, please think before you berate good people again. Our guys took a video of you during your tirade. You appear quite well fed and had a bag of groceries.
The vital workers on our farm, and others like them across the country make sure grocery bags like yours are full of made in the USA produce. You should be thanking them, not cursing and abusing them.
Jeff Smith
Medina
Medina Memorial starts primary care at new healthcare center in hospital
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Patients will check in at this window for the new primary care services announced this week at Medina Memorial Hospital.
MEDINA – Continued growth and addition of services continues at Orleans Community Health with announcement of the official launch of primary care services at the Medina Healthcare Center, effective as of June 2.
With a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care, the new practice will offer services ranging from pediatrics to adult medicine – all in one convenient location, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health.
“We are pleased to introduce two experienced providers, who will lead this new chapter in community healthcare,” Robinson said.
They are Leah Brenner, CPNP, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years if experience, who brings a well-rounded background in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatric care, offering a compassionate and thorough approach to children’s health; and Pamela Eaton, A-NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than two decades of experience in geriatric and adult internal medicine. She is well known locally and someone who care deeply about the overall health of the community.
“We’re thrilled to expand access to high-quality care services right here at Medina Memorial Hospital,” Robinson said. “This is a major step forward in continuing our commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Orleans County is in dire need of more primary care providers, and we’re excited to share that we’ll be adding more members to our team in the coming weeks.”
The Medina Healthcare Center is located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital. In addition to primary care services, the area includes a surgery clinic (previously on the ground floor), ear, nose and throat clinic, wound care and podiatry. More specialty services are being recruited for this area, as well as a fundraising campaign to expand and enhance the center.
Appointments are now being scheduled at (585) 798-2550.
Medina will face Wellsville in a state playoff rematch on Wednesday at Newark
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina shortstop Aidan Papaj, making a throw to first, and second baseman Preston Woodworth and their Mustangs teammates will begin state playoff competition on Wednesday against Wellsville at Newark.
In a rematch of last year’s Far West Regional, Medina will begin state playoff baseball competition by taking on Wellsville in a Class B Sub Regional at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Colburn Park in Newark.
The victor will advance to Saturday’s Regional against Section IV champion Oneonta with that winner advancing to the state semifinals.
Top seeded Medina advanced to the state playoffs by downing No. 6 Southwestern 4-0 in the Section VI Class B championship game on Saturday.
Top seeded Wellsville advanced by winning the Section V Class B championship with a narrow 4-3 victory over No. 2 LeRoy.
Medina brings a 21-1 record into the Sub Regional while Wellsville is 16-3. Interestingly, Wellsville handed Medina its lone loss 4-1 in a late season non league contest at Vets Park.
In the Far West Regional last year, Medina needed a big late inning scoring burst to down Wellsville 8-3.
Breaking away from a 1-1 deadlock, the Mustangs erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to key the win. A two-run single by Carter Woodworth and an RBI single by Aidan Papaj highlighted that decisive uprising as three wild pitches and a balk plated the other runs.
This marks the first year that Section VI is involved in a Sub Regional. Previously, the Section VI and Section V champions met in the Far West Regional with the victor advancing to the state semifinals. Class B is the only one of the six Section VI classifications that has a Sub Regional game this year.
Planning on going to the game? Click here to purchase tickets.