Provided photo: Nyla Gaylord, director of United Way of Orleans County, holds the Pillars of Homeless Service Award she received at the WNY Homeless Alliance 20th anniversary celebration on Dec. 5.

Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, was recently recognized by the WNY Homeless Alliance with their Pillars of Homeless Service Award.

The award was presented Dec. 5 at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville, where more than 350 community members met for the WNY Homeless Alliance’s 20th anniversary celebration. The event recognized two decades of regional progress toward ending homelessness, and honored leaders whose long-standing dedication has strengthened the Western New York homeless response system.

A focal moment of the afternoon was the presentation of the award, which celebrated 21 individuals who have each contributed more than 20 years to supporting people experiencing homelessness. These honorees, whose combined careers represent centuries of advocacy and human compassion, were recognized for their steadfast service, innovation and leadership across the region.

Gaylord has a four-decade career in human services, which has been shaped by a commitment to walking alongside people whose struggles often go unseen.

Her work began in 1980 with Rural New York Farmworker Opportunities (now PathStone), where she provided assistance to migrant farmworkers and learned firsthand that advocacy, trust and dignity are essential to helping individuals move forward.

Over the years, she created programs and services to assist older adults, displaced homemakers, people with disabilities, refugees and individuals facing addiction, unemployment and mental health challenges. No matter the role, she witnessed a fundamental truth – without stable housing, people cannot begin to address unemployment, health or recovery.

In Orleans County Gaylord has led efforts to address the shortage of housing and rising homelessness. Following the 2022 closure of the Holley Hotel, she convened community partners for a countywide “Community Conversation on Housing,” which led to the opening of the county’s first warming center in 2023. Under her leadership, United Way continues to bring together government, nonprofit, business and grassroots partners to expand affordable housing options and respond to the growing number of residents without shelter.

The December celebration also featured a video chronicling the Homeless Alliance’s history, remarks from executive director Kexin Ma, and reflections from honorees Joy Tedeschi and Robyn Kreuger on the shared commitment that has shaped progress throughout Western New York, In a moment of national acknowledgment, Congressman Tim Kennedy’s office presented an Extension of Remarks to the Homeless Alliance – an honor that will join the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.

United Way of Orleans County extends appreciation to the Homeless Alliance and to all regional partners working to ensure every person has access to safe, stable housing. As the need grows, so does the organization’s commitment to collaboration, compassion and community-driven solutions.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nyla Gaylord speaks in May during a housing forum that she helped lead for officials in Orleans County. That forum was held at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

Press Release, Niagara County Farm Bureau

Provided photo: Kevin Bittner accepts the James Quinn Award during the annual meeting of New York Farm Bureau.

VERONA – A Niagara County fruit grower who has served several years in leadership roles with Farm Bureau has been recognized by the organization.

Kevin Bittner on Wednesday was presented with the James Quinn Award during NY Farm Bureau’s annual meeting at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. This is the second highest award in the organization and goes to someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting Farm Bureau and NY Agriculture during the past year.

Bittner is the orchard manager for Bittner Singer Farms based in Appleton. His father Jim is managing partner and brother David is field manager for the farm.

Kevin Bittner just completed his term as Niagara County President. In addition to helping plan the March Ag Forum, he served as emcee.  As Farm Bureau president, he served on a number of other county committees. Bittner was a resource person for local farmers and members of the media. He also promoted agriculture through presentations to various organizations including Lions Clubs.

On a state level, Bittner serve on the Resolutions Committee for Farm Bureau. As a grassroots organization, their priorities are set by the members. The Resolutions Committee coordinates each county’s items into a coordinated format.  He also serves on the advisory board for the Cornell University Geneva Experimental Station.

When accepting the award, Kevin expressed appreciation for those who helped him throughout the year.  As part of Bittner Singer Orchards, he appreciated his father and brother for keeping the farm functioning when he was gone. Bittner appreciated the Niagara County Farm Bureau Board for their help with the numerous projects throughout the year. Finally, he acknowledged the input and friendship from members across the state.

New York Farm Bureau provides the resources that support and enrich the rural way of life. Through the efforts of our organization, farmers have learned to work together to promote more efficient production, better marketing, fair legislation, and a safe food supply and work environment.  Membership is open to all involved in agriculture, whether in production or consumption.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Heather Smith, the CEO and a partner at Velocitii, accepts thanks the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce for naming the company in Medina as its “Business of the Year” for 2025. She is joined on stage by Velocitii leaders, Jeff Brandt, chief information officer, and Brian O’Neill, vice president of sales. The awards celebration was held Oct. 23 at the White Birch Golf Course.

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce presented nine awards to businesses and committed citizens during the Chamber’s 27^th annual awards banquet last month.

Darlene Hartway, the Chamber’s executive director, told 125 people at the banquet that the county has a strong backbone of business owners.

“Our local business owners invest their time, talents and money not only into their own businesses, but into the entire community,” Hartway said at the Oct. 23 banquet. “They donate, volunteer, serve on community boards and actively participate in the community.”

The award winners were nominated by other businesses and residents in the county.

“Local business owners are tenacious,” Hartway said. “They fight through times of loss and hardships. They sacrifice family time, financial rewards, wear and tear on mind and body, simply to serve their neighbor communities. I am in constant awe of people who make the commitment to invest in themselves, their businesses, and their community.”

Business of the Year: Velocitii

Velocitii opened 11 years ago and operates out of the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue in Medina.

Velocitii is a business process outsourcing company. It provides support for other businesses, handling calls for customers about plans, billing and troubleshooting. Velocitii works with companies in healthcare, waste management, hospitality, e-commerce, auto insurance and technology.

Velocitii was founded by Roger Hungerford in the Olde Pickle Factory, initially with six employees. Velocitii each of the past three years has been named a top workplace in the Rochester region, placing in the mid-size company category (125 to 300 employees).

The company is now owned by Heather Smith (CEO), Brian O’Neill and Jeff Brandt. It has grown from 55 employees to 180 in the past three years.

Most of the employees work from home and Smith said Velocitii values work-life flexibility for the employees, while maintaining customer service for its clients.

The company provides paid time off to volunteer in the community, and strives to reward employees with other recognitions throughout the year.

“I want to thank the management team and the employees,” Smith said. “We look forward to many more years in the Orleans County community.”

Lifetime Achievement Award: Rita Zambito

Rita Zambito accepts the award for “lifetime achievement.” She has led a very successful real estate business in Orleans County and the region.

Rita Zambito in less than 20 years has turned a startup real estate business into a powerhouse in the region with 80 real estate agents that handled 600 transactions, topping $100 million in 2024.

“She has reached sales volumes thought unattainable in her market,” Hartway said.

Zambito started selling real estate in 1995. In 2006, she launched Zambito Realtors with her son, Mark. In 2021, she bought into the nationwide Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

She also has assisted her other son Michael with the very popular Zambistro restaurant in Medina, handling the back office operations.

Her daughter, Mandy Gotham, works out of the Berkshire Hathaway office in Orchard Park.

Zambito said she took chances on the business as a single mother. Her children have all been great to work with.

Hartway praised Zambito for being a great role model for women in business locally.

“This award is so deserving,” Hartway said. “You have been a beacon in our community.”

Business Person of the Year: Dan DeCarlo

Dan DeCarlo accepts the “Business Person of the Year” during the Chamber banquet. DeCarlo has been involved in the family business of selling auto parts in Albion ever since his father purchased Arnold’s Auto Parts in 1968. Dan was 8 years old back then.

After taking over the business when his father retired 10 years ago, DeCarlo has been a big supporter of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministry which has a community refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s, 116 North Liberty St. The outreach ministry has many other events throughout the year, including a massive Easter egg hunt, Trunk of Treat at Beggar’s Nite and free chicken barbecue dinners.

DeCarlo also has organized many car shows and cruise-ins over the years.

His business ethics and support of community have earned him the Business Person of the Year. DeCarlo said he is a low-key guy who doesn’t like to be in the spotlight.

“I want to thank my employees, customers and friends who come in every day to support us,” he said. “I’ve spent almost my whole life at the store and in the downtown community. It’s been quite a ride.”

New Business of the Year: Homestead Pest Control

Jacob Ivison, owner of Homestead Pest Control, accepts the award for “New Business of the Year.”

The business is based at 109 East Bank St. in Albion. Hartway, the Chamber director, said the Chamber appreciates Ivison investing in a brick-and-mortar site in downtown Albion as well as offering the pest control services to the community.

Ivison was working as a delivery driver for an agricultural chemical facility. He met the owner of a pest control business sin Middleport, and that person directed him to a new career.

Ivison works with residents and business owners to rid the sites of bugs and rodents.

“Orleans County has been very good to me,” he said.

Hidden Gem: Hurd Orchards

Amy Machamer, co-owner of Hurd Orchards on Route 104 in Holley, accepts the “Hidden Gem” award which goes to a business that brings in tourists and visitors to the county.

Machamer is the seventh generation in her family to be part of the farm. Her daughter, Amelia Sidonio, is the eighth generation.

Amy has teamed with her mother, Susan Hurd Machamer, to run the farm the past 40 years. Hurd Orchards, located at 17260 Ridge Rd., is an EcoCertified farm that uses sustainable and environmentally responsible growing practices.

“Our hope is to be ambassadors to the fruit culture,” Machamer said about the Chamber event. “Our message is to bring simple goodness to the broad world around us.”

While the farm has adapted to changes, Hurd Orchards stays authentic, Machamer said. Hurd Orchards welcomes many visitors for events, including luncheons with food prepared from an 1895 cookbook. The steamed quince pudding is a popular item. A pear luncheon features the Seckel pear which are grown at Hurd’s.

Hurd Orchards sells fruits commercially, and has a bakery and jam kitchen. They raise elegant flowers and make up gift baskets to order.

“It’s been almost two centuries of filling Western New York with beauty and flavor,” Machamer said about the farm. “We draw a lot of people from very far away. We’re proud of that, and we have dedicated ourselves to Orleans County.”

Agricultural Business of the Year: RLW Cattle

Chamber board member John Ivison presents the Agricultural Business of the Year award to RLW Cattle, which is owned by Patrick and Rachael Woodworth. They were unable to attend the award’s banquet. Their children – Lane, Nathan and Morgan – accepted the award on their behalf.

The family also owns Sandy Knoll Farms, a fruit and grain operation. The Woodworths have had beef animals for the kids to show in 4-H.

The family decided to raise registered beef. Patrick and Rachel moved the family into the Woodworth family homestead in 2013, and brought cattle back to the farm. They revived the pastures, and named the business RLW in honor of Patrick’s grandfather, Ralph Leo Woodworth.

In 2023, their first beef was USDA inspected and packaged for resale — and the community welcomed their locally raised beef with enthusiasm and pride. By spring 2024, they opened their storefront on Swett Road and have continued to grow with the support of local families who value quality, local agriculture and tradition.

Phoenix Award: Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory

Andrew Meier, right, and his partner Richie Sarrero accept the Phoenix Award for their efforts to restore and repurpose the Newell building at 113 West Center St.

Meier, an attorney in Medina, purchased the building in 2005. He has worked 20 years to upgrade the property, which was once home to the Newell Shirt Factory business.

The building now has three floors of different businesses. In 2006, the first business, the Shirt Factory Café, opened. It has since been restructured and is a restaurant and cocktail lounge known as the Shirt Factory.

Several businesses, including 810 Meadworks and a salon opened there, but moved out, creating new opportunities for Meier to try other ventures. The result was creating a coffee and snack shop called Factory Espresso, which opened in the spring of 2024, and a classic cocktail bar called the Newell Lounge which opened this spring.

Total remodeling of the second floor created space for Webster, Schubel and Meier to move their law offices there. The third floor renovation is home to the Hart Hotel, with 10 boutique rooms.

Meier and Sarrero plan to eventually have the Lounge open every day. They are expanding the kitchen and adding an outdoor event space in back of the building.

Community Service Award: Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern

Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, said the agency is seeing an increased demand for assistance from the community. Reita Fletcher, the Chamber treasurer, is in background.

 The Ministry of Concern has expanded its efforts in the community. Last year it started a food and personal care pantry at Albion Central School in the middle and high schools.

The organization known for years as “The Agency of Last Resort” also has increased outreach for the local homeless population.

GOMOC began in 1955 as the Migrant Ministry. The agency focused on meeting the basic needs of migrant families who were vital to the local economy, but often lacked access to stable housing, transportation and essential services.

Over time, the GOMOC mission was expanded to serve all individuals and families in crisis in Orleans and Genesee counties. Today, according to Allport, GOMOC operates a wide range of critical community programs which address immediate needs, while helping families work toward stability.

This includes a furniture program, Emergency Assistance Program, Homeless Outreach Program, Youth and Family Empowerment Program, the Mary Grace Room and Rental Assistance Program.

“We are small but we are mighty,” Allport said at the Chamber dinner.

Through these efforts, GOMOC continues to be a lifeline for residents who have nowhere else to turn, Allport said. The organization operates on the belief that every individual deserves respect, dignity and access to resources, regardless of their circumstances.

Allport said the recent federal government shutdown delayed SNAP food benefits and HEAP heating aid, putting more vulnerable people at risk.

Small Business of the Year: Bentley Brothers

Laura Bentley, owner of Bentley Brothers in Albion and Brockport, accepts the “Small Business of the Year” award. Bentley Brothers celebrated its 100^th anniversary this year.

Laura is the fourth generation to own the business, which was started in 1925 in Barre by her great-grandfather, Allen Bentley.

“It’s a huge milestone,” Laura said about the century mark. “It’s a celebration of my family and the people who have worked for us over the years. They’ve put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

Allen Bentley originally called the business, J. Allen Bentley, and operated out of the grange building. He sold some of the tractors and Cletrac machines that drained and cleared the Elba mucklands, equipment on tracks instead of tires that would have sunk into the muddy soil.

The business became Bentley Brothers when Allen’s sons, Gerald and Walter, came back from World War II and started working there in the mid-1940s.

Allen died in 1951 and his sons continued to run the business through the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were joined by Dave, his brother Doug and cousin Donna.

Bentley Brothers has been selling Kubota equipment since 1980. Bentley also carries the following brands: Land Pride, Ariens, Gravely, Scag, Stihl, Echo, Terrain King, Brillion, Kubota Generators, Bush Hog, Stinger and Wallenstein.

Laura joined her family at Bentley Brothers 20 years ago and also runs other local businesses in the community. She said she is grateful for the customers, employees and her family members who have put so much into Bentley Brothers the past century.

Today, Bentley Brothers has 22 employees at the two locations.

Laura urged younger adults to be more active in the community, by serving on local boards, volunteering, running for political office or running businesses.

“I encourage you all to think of how you can impact the community,” she said.

Two soldiers from Orleans County in the National Guard have recently received promotions.

Chandre Labuschagne from Medina and assigned to the NY Air National Guard Headquarters was promoted on Oct.1 to the rank of technical sergeant.

Air National Guard promotions are based on an airman’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

Samantha Harvey from Holley and assigned to the Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, received a promotion on Oct. 21 to the rank of staff sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

For more information about the New York Air National Guard or to contact a recruiter, visit https://dmna.ny.gov/ang/.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

 Photos courtesy of Zach Busch: The Symphonic Band was conducted by Mr. Martin Allen, a retired high school band director of 32 years at Grand Island Schools. The students performed four works, including “Cincinnatus March” by H. A. Vandercook and “Mambo Perro Loco” by Julie Giroux.

Information courtesy of Zach Busch, Holley band director

WEBSTER – Last weekend 6 students from Orleans County participated in the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Zone 2 Jr. High Area All-State festival at Webster Schroeder High School.

NYSSMA Zone 2 encompasses schools from Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne Counties. To be selected for Area All-State, students must first prepare a solo on their instrument or voice for adjudication at Solo Festival.

Then, based on their score and a teacher recommendation, an application is sent to a committee of music teachers from the NYSSMA Zone 2 area who select that year’s student participants in the Area All-State ensembles.

Students spent eight total hours last Friday and Saturday rehearsing their music before giving concerts to friends and family in the afternoon.

Three of the students from Orleans County include, from left, Rosa Scroope of Holley, Lillian Olsen of Medina and Adler Class of Medina.

From Lyndonville, 8th grader Harli Crawford made the Mixed Chorus as an Alto, 8th grader Emily Kroll made the Treble Chorus as an Alto, and 9th grader Karalyn Klotzbach made the Treble Chorus as a Soprano.

From Medina, 9th grader Adler Class made the Symphonic Band on Percussion and 8th grader Lillian Olsen made the Symphonic Band on Trumpet.

From Holley, 9th grader Rosa Scroope made the Symphonic Band on French Horn.

The Mixed Chorus was conducted by Mrs. Heather Vest, the Executive Director of the Cincinnati Youth Choir. The students performed five works, including “Come to the Music” by Joseph M. Martin and “Fly Away Home” by Pinkzebra.

The Treble Chorus was conducted by Dr. Brian Stevens, the founder of a professional chamber choir “Vox Lusciniae” out of Western NY and the Director of Choral Activities at St. Bonaventure University. The students performed five works, including “From Now On” from the Greatest Showman and “Omnia Sol” by Z. Randall Stroope.

Photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES – This photo shows the group of students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center who were inducted into National Technical Honor Society.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Congratulations to the students from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES centers, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.

The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives. The students had to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.

This group from Medina was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Mollie Mark, assistant high school principal is at left, and Dr. Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, is at right.

Congratulations go to:

Bella Andes (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Lockport), Brianna Bacon (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Jenna Barnard (Early Childhood Education/Albion), Emiliana Batista (Allied Health/Medina), Theresa Bennett (Allied Health/Royalton-Hartland), Adriannah Berner (Allied Health/Royalton-Hartland), Elliot Beyrle (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Albion), Icess Britton (Automotive Technology/Lockport), Kara Browning (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Deven Byrne (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Medina), Kyle Cassick (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Karlee Cau (Allied Health/Medina), Joseph Cirillo (Graphic Communications/Barker),

Andrew Coder (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Royalton-Hartland), A’Niya Cornwell (Health Occupations Technician/Lockport), Cheyanne Cunningham (Cosmetology/Lockport), Alicia Dabb (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Kacie Disinger (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Matthew Donahue (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Noah Doxey (Building Trades/Royalton-Hartland), Vincent Gray (Allied Health/Medina), Austin Guido (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Medina), Carina Hartigan (Culinary Arts/Royalton-Hartland), Briley Huwyler (Auto Collision & Repair/Barker), Avion Johnson (Auto Collision & Repair/Medina), Conner Kam (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Aydan Kickbush (Computer Technology/Medina),

Alyssa Killock (Cosmetology/Lockport), Abigail Kincaid (Allied Health/Albion), Matthew Maines (Welding/Barker), Nathaniel Miller (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Emily Miner (Allied Health/Lyndonville), Markayla Ming (Cosmetology/Lockport), Madison Muckle (Allied Health/Albion), Lauren Nagel (Animal Science/Lockport), Reilly Notin (Computer Technology/Royalton-Hartland), Aurora Owczarczak (Allied Health/Medina), Paisley Pasnik (Allied Health/Medina), Alexandrea Patrick (Cosmetology/Lockport), William Plummer (Welding/Albion), Cherish Potter (Health Occupations Technician/Barker), Ethan Robinson (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Akron),

Gianna Rowles (Cosmetology/Newfane), Penelope Schalck (Allied Health/Medina), Carson Schwab (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Barker), Allie Smith (Allied Health/Medina), Savannah Spoth (Cosmetology/Lyndonville), Violette Streckewald (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Hagen Van Leuven (Welding/Medina), Camden VandenBosch (Computer Technology/Royalton-Hartland), Hunter Walczak (Electricity/Electronics/Medina), Aurora Wass (Security and Law Enforcement/Barker), Alexander Wilson (Building Trades/Medina), Nathan Woodworth (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Lyndonville), Giovanni Wright (Security and Law Enforcement/Newfane), Joshua Zayac (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Albion), Brooke Zglinicki (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland).

This photo shows the students from Albion inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Principal Jennifer Ashbery is at left with Superintendent Mickey Edwards at right.

Press Release, American Legion Auxiliary in Orleans County

Provided photo: From left include Izabella Garcia, Alexis VanAmeron and Nisi Beltran-Roblero.

Nisi Beltran-Roblero, Alexis VanAmeron and Izabella Garcia of Orleans County joined 300 high school students that were selected to attend the 84th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session in Brockport this past summer.

As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

Nisi, Alexis and Izabella, all rising seniors, are active in many ways in their school and community.

A key component of the ALA Girls State program is the mock legislative sessions in which the girls write and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect local officials and an ALA Girls State governor.

In addition to their government forums, the delegates hear distinguished guest speakers, learn various aspects of Americanism and learn about the sacrifices of the American military.

“The ALA Empire Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young leaders across our state“ said Claire Herrman-Moran, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “After attending ALA Empire Girls State, the participants come back to their communities filled with patriotism and pride, having gained new leadership skills and built strong connections with the other students.”

“ ALA Empire Girls State exemplifies our mission to inspire the next generation of civic-minded leaders through education, service, and patriotism,” said Kim Quick, American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York President. “It’s incredible to see 300 students come together to grow as citizens and connect with one another in a program that truly changes lives.”

About ALA Girls State

The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs in the United States.

The program embodies the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through its enduring commitment to developing students as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The participants become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

About the American Legion Auxiliary: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, which was founded in 1919, have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the United States’ veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. Members volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $3 billion.

As part of the world’s largest patriotic service organization for family members of veterans, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also honor and support veterans and the military community through annual scholarships and programs like ALA Girls State.

Provided photo: Maci Manicki teamed with Mike Weldon to win first place at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Jackson, Ohio.

Maci Manicki,15, of Kent recently won first place at the Ranch Sorting National Championships Congress Super Sort.

Manicki teamed with Mike Weldon to take the championship among 179 teams in the rookie division. They competed as part of the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Jackson, Ohio on Oct. 17.

With Ranch Sorting, a group of 11 cattle are gathered into a 50-to-60-foot round pen. All but one of the cattle is tagged with a number from 0 to 9.

Riders compete as a two person team with the objective to sort the cattle, one at a time, away from the herd and through an opening between the pens. (Click here to see a video of Maci Manicki at the competition.)

It is a difficult challenge. The cattle must be sorted in sequential order according to the back numbers.

The arena announcer calls out a number, at random, between O and 9. As the first rider enters the pen with the cattle while the other rider guards the opening between the pens.

The sorter must start with the animal tagged with the announced number and work through the sequence. Any untagged animal is left in the pen.

The sort has a time-limit. The team with the most accumulated cattle in the least amount of time after the three rounds wins. Manicki and Weldon sorted 29 cattle in three rounds totaling 167.59 seconds.

Along with cattle sorting, Manicki has competed in the Pennsylvania and New York high school rodeo circuits, where she does barrels, poles, goat tying and breakaway roping. She has won multiple events including year-end “All Around Cowgirl” for her division. Manicki also competes in the Attica Rodeo and Show Association, running barrels and team penning.

Landmark Society official touts preservation for community identity, economic benefit

Photos by Tom Rivers: Winners of Preservation Awards from the Cobblestone Society & Museum include, front row, from left: Andrew Meier, Donald & Linda Prince, Cynthia Waters (regent for the DAR in Orleans County), and Sue Beamer. Back row: Rosalind Starkweather, Susan Starkweather Miller, Doug Miller, John and Melissa Gailie, and Henry Beamer.

LYNDONVILLE – The Cobblestone Society and Museum honored six local preservation winners for their many years of effort to maintain and safeguard important buildings in the community.

The Society and Museum welcomed just over 100 people on Friday for the annual preservation awards dinner at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

The group also heard from Megan Hillyard, director of preservation service for the Landmark Society of WNY. She presented the keynote address on how preservation is important to community identity and pride, and also pays off with economic benefits through tourism and other initiatives.

This year’s nominees are:

Joseph Hart home of Rosalind Starkweather, and Dougl Miller and Susan Starkweather Miller at 323 S. Main St., Albion.

The Joseph Hart house was constructed between 1820-23 in the federal style. It was built to replace a log cabin which Joseph Hart erected in 1811/12 as an early settler. The home is situated on its third site, still on land purchased by Joseph Hart in 1811 from the Holland Land Company. This parcel was originally part of the town of Barre.

In 1921, the home was moved to its third and current location at 323 South Main St. The Joseph Hart home has been in the Starkweather family since June 1974, when it was purchased by Sue’s parents, Duane and Rosalind Starkweather.

Highlights of the home include a five-inch key to the original lock possessed by the family; wide board floors in the foyer, dining room and living room; an open, U-shaped staircase with landing and an additional staircase leading downstairs to the crescent-shaped breakfast nook in the back of the house; and glass-enclosed sunporch with a fieldstone floor and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Roz Starkweather accepts citations for her home during a preservation awards banquet on Saturday. Her family has been caretakers of the house for the past 51 years. At right is Barry Flansburg, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Hawley and the County Legislature presented commendations.

The Ebenezer Rogers house at 352 South Main St., Albion, which is the home of John and Melissa Gailie.

John and Melissa Gailie’s Ebenezer Rogers’ house is located at the southern edge of Albion and is the oldest house in the town. Building began in 1816 and was completed in 1820 for Ebenezer Rogers, who helped start the Barre Center Presbyterian Church as well as the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.

Rogers’ house is appealing through the beautiful brickwork, the welcoming front entrance and front door with its fanlight window, which opens to its original stairway and entry.

At each side of the hall and throughout the downstairs, Bible and cross double doors are unpainted originals, revealing the mellow color of the wood and Rogers’ love for his Christianity. In the living room, the early date of the house is displayed in the fireplace mantel and window trim. The delicately-scaled mantel has paired, reeded and columnettes which flank the firebox. The kitchen was remodeled in 2018, and still has the original fireplace and mantel to keep the historic feel of the house.

Melissa and John Gailie accept a preservation award on Friday from the Cobblestone Society and Museum.

The Orleans Chapter DAR house at 249 North Main St., Albion, was built circa 1845. Sitting on a spacious shaded lawn, the stately red brick Patriots House served as a residence for the Lee, Tousley and Church families until 1929.

At that time, it was purchased by Emma Reed Webster for the Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. The Orleans Daughters are proud caretakers of the Greek Revival building that serves as their chapter house and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Of note in the front hall are the hand-carved newel post and landing, supported by four Doric columns, a most unusual feature.

Cynthia Waters, regent for the DAR in Orleans County, accepts the preservation award on behalf of the organization.

Andrew Meier, a Medina native and local attorney, has long admired the Robert H. Newell building at 113 West Center St. Established in 1876 by Elizur Kirke Hart, a banker and U.S. Congressman from Albion, for 86 years, it was home to the Robert H. Newell Shirt Factory, which manufactured custom-made shirts, including many for famous customers, including Winston Churchill and Bob Hope.

The Newell company left the historic building in 2004 and moved to Maple Ridge Road. The business eventually closed in 2007. The village of Medina acquired the building after years of unpaid taxes. The three-story site had been neglected and was in disrepair. It was put up for sale in 2005 and Meier bought it. He was 25 at the time.

He set about the task of methodically renovating and preserving the 14,000 square-foot building, a site that was a hotel for its first 14 years before it became the Newell Building.

Meier has turned the site into commercial space for businesses on the first floor, and upper floors for boutique hotel rooms and a law office.

The oldest portion of home of Donald and Linda Prince was built of wood in 1825. A brick addition was added in 1850 to the house at 14050 State Route 31, Albion. This large house now has more than 5,000 square feet of space. Some of the early residents to call this home include the Hatch family, and later the Ricci and Perrizini families. Don and Linda acquired the home in 1986.

Hank and Sue Beamer are the third family to reside in the Shelp-Beamer House since its construction in 1836 at 10181 West Shelby Rd., Town of Shelby. The Beamers purchased the property in 1985.

This house is located just east of the Niagara-Orleans County line, near Dewey Road. It was built of field and lake-washed cobbles for John Shelp, and is one of six cobblestone structures in the town of Shelby, sitting on 145 acres.

It was built for Shelp, his wife Mary and her father Oliver Cone, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. In 2008, the house, two barns and a milk house on the grounds were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This three-story house is considered one of the finest examples of cobblestone masonry in Western New York.

About 100 people attended the preservation awards banquet at the White Birch.

Cobblestone Museum director Doug Farley provided an update on a new visitors center at the museum. Farley said construction could start in late October or November on the project which includes a new structure with a 99-person meeting space next to the historic brick house at the corner of routes 98 and 31. The brick house will also receive restoration work.

A garage at the brick house will be removed and an accessibility center added with restrooms.

Brenda Tremblay, an Albion native and classical morning host and producer at WXXI in Rochester, served as emcee.

She said many retirees from outside the area are choosing WNY small towns for retirement, and the historic feel of the communities is a big part of the draw.

Tremblay highlighted “the sheer grit it took to develop Orleans County. These cobblestone houses are such treasures.”

Megan Hillyard of the Landmark Society served as keynote speaker and touted the benefits of historic preservation.

Communities can identify their historic assets through a survey. The Landmark Society is doing that with a barn inventory in Victor and also the Genesee Valley towns of Perry, Mount Morris and Nunda as part of an effort to preserve farm land and agricultural resources in those communities, Hillyard said.

A historic resource survey can be the first step in getting a property or group of sites on the National Register of Historic Places. That can then lead to historic tax credits for projects to preserve and restore the sites, Hillyard said.

She also discussed the benefits of historical markers in bringing awareness to important sites in the community, and helping to develop an identity for the community and promote heritage tourism.

She highlighted organizations that have spearheaded preservation, including the Cobblestone Society that formed in 1960 to protect the Cobblestone Universalist Church and a cobblestone school on Route 104. The Cobblestone Society acquired many other properties and built a museum of many important artifacts from Orleans County.

Press release and photo courtesy of University at Buffalo

BUFFALO – The following local students were selected as a member of the UB Marching Band for the 2025 season:

• Zackary Baron of Albion, a member of the drumline.
• Jaxon Phillips of Medina, a member of the drumline.
• Caiden Class of Medina, who plays the alto saxophone.

The Marching Band – nicknamed “Thunder of the East” – is the largest and most visible student musical experience at UB. For over 100 years, the group has entertained tens of thousands of UB fans each season with high-energy performances and True Blue spirit.

“I see membership in the UB Marching Band as a journey of tradition and purpose where students grow, inspire others and carry the university’s spirit in every performance,” said James Mauck, Marching Band director. “Membership in the UB Marching Band goes beyond music – it’s about friendships, inspiration and pride in representing the university.”

The Marching Band includes woodwinds, brass and drumline sections, along with members of the color guard, feature twirlers and UB Dazzlers (dance team).

In addition to performing at UB events, the Marching Band performed in front of 70,000 fans at the Buffalo Bills home game vs. the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 28.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its Employees of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.

Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.

Rachel Ross is the Administrator of the Year.  Rachel has worked for Orleans/Niagara BOCES for one year and is the principal of the Godfrey Learning Center and the Orleans Learning Center.

“My favorite part of the job is the people,” she said. “I feel so lucky to work with such great students and staff every day.”

Ross said she was shocked when her name was announced at the opening day celebration. “It hit me emotionally. I think it is clear indication that I am on the right path and doing the right things. There is no better feedback to guide and affirm your practice than this. I am grateful for the feedback.”

Penny Aikin is the Clerical Person of the Year. Aikin has spent 39 years in Continuing Education, five years as a Keyboard Specialist and the last 34 as a Secretary. She is also a certified TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Test Administrator which allows her to test adult students part-time in the evenings at our Lockport Literacy Zone located at 50 Main Street.  Penny loves working with adult students.

“Our Literacy Program offers adults in the community assistance whether it is someone who needs their GED, someone needing to learn English or students seeking to obtain their citizenship,” she said. “The work that I do as a Data Manager has helped to insure we are the number one literacy program in New York State. I love my job as it enables me to work directly with an awesome literacy staff and to interact frequently with students all having different goals and needs.”

Aikin said it is an honor to be recognized for the work she does each and every day.

Erica Kopp is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 19 years and says her favorite part of her job is teaching and helping people move forward in their lives.

“Many of our students come in carrying regret or embarrassment about not finishing high school,” she said. “It takes so much courage and determination to complete the program. Supporting them through that journey is incredibly meaningful. I was truly surprised and very appreciative of my colleagues choosing me! We have so many dedicated teachers and I honestly could not believe I was selected.”

Donald Duncanson is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. He has been working at BOCES for 4 1/2 years.

“My favorite part of my job is meeting new people every day and solving and fixing problems,” he said. “I feel very honored to have been chosen. I work with great people and it makes my job easy and enjoyable.”

Laird Burkett is the Staff Specialist of the Year. Laird has worked at BOCES as a Computer Technician for eight years. He said his favorite part of his job is helping people do their best work.

“I listen to teachers and staff, simplifying the technology behind the scenes, and support our team so solutions last,” Burkett said. “When a classroom runs smoother because we planned together, that’s the most rewarding part.”

He said winning this honor was very humbling. “Any success I’ve had comes from bringing people to the table, hearing their needs, and doing the follow-through together.”

Jennifer Jourdain is the Teacher of the Year. Jennifer works at the Niagara Academy and is on her 21st year at ONBOCES.

“What I love about my job is that the students I work with have typically had nothing but negative school experiences at their home district,” she said. “When they enter our alternative program, I love seeing these students gain confidence in their ability and find success for themselves in school.”

She said she felt honored when announced as the teacher of the year. “It was great to receive this award following a year of feeling respected and valued by the organization I work for.  I look forward to being part of the BOCES culture moving forward.”

Teresa Armstrong is the Teacher Aide of the Year. “I was shocked!” she said about the recognition. “It was a wonderful surprise to be recognized by my peers.”

Armstrong has been at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 22 years and is at the Niagara Academy.  “My favorite part of my job is making connections with not only the students, but also my colleagues as we strive to make a difference in our students’ lives.”

Ron Jackson was named the Substitute of the Year. Ron worked as a welding teacher at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center until his retirement in 2024. He filled in as a teacher in the welding program for part of the school year.

“I started on my birthday, February 18th in 2019,” he said. “I had to laugh, I’ve worked in power plants for 32 years and let’s just say, we didn’t get any snow days there! My first day teaching was a snow day. I hadn’t had a snow day since 1979!”

When asked what his favorite part of his job was, his answer was, “That’s hard to answer. It really wasn’t a job to me. It was the most rewarding opportunity I have ever had the pleasure of doing. So, I guess I would say it would be having the opportunity to pass on my life’s lessons to anyone who would listen.

“My passion has always been in welding, but my goal was to teach kids to be employable first and welding second. I do miss being part of something bigger than myself. It is the best job I have ever had. I am very honored to have received this and all I can say is from the heart, thank you for this wonderful opportunity to work with some of the most caring and dedicated people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.”