ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its place on the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance list on Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine’s list of large companies.
This year marks the first time ESL appeared in the large-company category after growing to more than 1,000 employees. The locally owned financial institution ranked number 29 out of 50 companies. Editor’s Note: ESL has a site in Orleans County at 11182 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina.
Prior to this year, ESL garnered recognition on the list of small and medium-sized companies for a decade. The financial institution is named alongside other respected New York-based organizations, including The Bonadio Group in the large category and First American Equipment Finance in the small and medium category.
“We are honored to be named a Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance for the 11th consecutive year,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president, chief administrative officer. “This year is especially meaningful to us, as we join the list of large companies for the first time. As we continue to grow and expand our geographic footprint, our commitment to providing a superior employee experience remains a key focus for us. At ESL, we recognize that supporting and investing in our employees strengthens our ability to serve our members and communities.”
To determine the Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list, Great Place to Work measures and benchmarks approximately 200,000 employee survey responses from Great Place to Work-Certified companies in the financial services and insurance industry.
Provided photo: Grace Goodrich is shown with her miniature horses.
Press Release
MEDINA – Grace Goodrich is a Medina High School senior that competed as part of the Orleans County 4-H Hippology and Horse Judging team in June.
Coached by Jann Davis, that team consisted of Grace Goodrich, Aubree McAdoo and Morgan Aina. They placed 5th in horse judging, and Grace placed 4th in the individual horse judging portion of the competition.
The top 4 seniors in this competition get to move on to the 4-H Horse Judging Nationals Competition in Louisville, Kentucky this November to represent New York State.
Grace earned this by judging 6 classes, some in hand and some riding classes. She wrote notes on all of the classes she watched and then placed the horses in each class from 1st to 4th using her horse knowledge. Her placings were then compared to a team of four professional horse judges. She then needed to give oral reasons (without the use of her notes) on four of those classes individually to the same professional judges.
While in Kentucky for the competition, the 4-Hers will get to tour the Kentucky Horse Park, Churchill Downs and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The total expenses to cover this trip will be close to $1,000 (to cover registration, food, incidentals).
Her coach, Jann Davis, has organized a basket raffle fundraiser that will be held at the Orleans County Fairgrounds Trolley building on October 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to donate a basket or gift card, contact Jann at 585-205-1531.
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Chamber Awards, recognizing local businesses, organizations and individuals whose leadership, service and contributions continue to make an impact throughout Orleans County.
This year’s award recipients are:
Business of the Year: Watson Construction Group
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Bixler
Phoenix Award: Dance Theater
New Business of the Year: EH Collectives
Community Service Award: Shannon Blount / Cat by Cat Inc.
Agricultural Business of the Year: Panek Farms
Businessperson of the Year: Brian Christiaansen
Small Business of the Year: J L Thom CPA
Hidden Gem: Marti’s on Main
The recipients will be formally recognized during the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce 28th Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 5, at White Birch Golf Course, 1515 N. Lyndonville Road in Lyndonville.
The annual celebration brings together members of the local business community, community leaders, organizations and residents to recognize the people and businesses helping Orleans County grow and thrive.
Each award highlights a different form of impact, from entrepreneurship and business growth to agriculture, community service, longevity, and investment in the future of Orleans County. This year, we are also presenting The Walsh Hotel & Taproom with the People’s Choice Award from our Inaugural Taste of Orleans event.
The Chamber congratulates each of this year’s recipients and looks forward to bringing the community together in November to celebrate their accomplishments.
Tickets for the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony will be available soon.
BERGEN – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) this afternoon will present Harris Wilcox Inc. with a New York State Historic Business Preservation registry certificate recognizing the business’s long-standing service and contributions to Genesee County and the region.
Harris Wilcox Inc. was founded by Harris Wilcox on May 24, 1943. He was a respected business leader and extremely active in the business community. Harris was asked to use his auctioneer skills for a neighbor needing help selling her mother’s estate and she knew Harris Wilcox was the man for the job; and what a job he did!
By the end of the following week, he had two more sales booked. While Holsteins and livestock were the original focus of the company, the real estate division soon followed in 1950.
Harris Wilcox could now proceed with the sale of estate property and contents and settle payouts. Harris’s son, Craig, joined the team in 1966 and eventually his sons Brett and James joined the family business as well.
Brett Wilcox’s son, Cash and his daughter, Madison are the 5th generation of auctioneers and Cash’s wife, Heather, is an active realtor.
While business has always been a priority, Harris and his team still found time to give back to the community that helped build them and still do today. Harris Wilcox Inc. has evolved over the past decade to become identified with successful real property and auctions across New York State and remains a prominent regional business and legacy in the Western NY community.
The award will be presented today at 2:30 p.m. at 59 South Lake Ave. in Bergen.
Pictured from left include Marlene Hill, Joe Barchet and Sienna Garcia Mathewson
Press Release, Arc GLOW
BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will hold its fourth Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting on Oct. 14 at Batavia Downs, and the honorees include three from Orleans County.
Taking place 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Batavia Downs, Rebecca LeClair, a former Rochester local news anchor, will be the emcee. Arc GLOW’s entertainment will be provided by some of the talented people supported. In August, Arc GLOW invited nominations of staff members, people supported and community members for a variety of different awards.
The 2026 award winners are the following:
• Volunteer of the Year – Marlene Hill, Arc GLOW’s board of director
Honors a volunteer who exemplifies Arc GLOW’s mission through dedicated service, compassion, and a commitment to helping individuals and communities thrive. This award recognizes a person whose contributions create positive and lasting impacts on those we serve.
• Self-Direction Person of the Year – Sienna Garcia Mathewson, Orleans County
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates initiative, leadership and active community involvement.
• Outstanding Citizenship Award – Joe Barchet, Orleans County
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates kindness, respect, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their community through their actions, relationships and involvement.
• Self-Advocate of the Year – Casey Reynolds, Batavia
Recognizes an individual who uses their voice to advocate for themselves and others, promote inclusion and inspire positive change in their community.
• Supported Employment Person of the Year – Adam Wapniewski, Yancey’s Fancy, Genesee
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, the ability to learn and apply new employment skills, and sustained success in community-based employment.
• Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tyler Heiman, Leicester
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates a commitment to learning new job skills, producing quality work, maintaining attention to tasks, and preparing for success in future employment opportunities.
• Residential Person of the Year – Sabrina Lechander, Sanford IRA in Perry
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who lives in an Arc GLOW IRA and has shown growth in independence, developed important life skills, and made meaningful progress toward achieving personal goals and greater self-sufficiency.
• Day Habilitation Person of the Year – Adam Russell, Uptown Day Habilitation in Mt. Morris
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning, consistent effort in Day Habilitation activities, and a commitment to building skills and meaningful connections within their community.
• Community Services Person of the Year – Kimberly Wallace, Wyoming County
Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who embrace new experiences, contribute positively to their communities, and promote inclusion through their actions and engagement.
• KidStart Employee of the Year – Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children’s Services
Honors a KidStart employee who demonstrates outstanding support for children and families, a commitment to early childhood education, and a dedication to nurturing growth, learning, and success in all areas of development.
• Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP) – Dan Crofts, direct support professional at IGNITE program in SUNY Genesee Community College
Honors a Direct Support Professional who provides outstanding support to individuals with developmental disabilities through person-centered services, skill-building opportunities, community inclusion, and a commitment to helping people achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
• Employee of the Year – Ashely Coe, residential manager at Garibaldi IRA
To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.
• Exceptional Leadership Award – Cathy Sullivan, program quality assurance coordinator
Honors an employee who exemplifies exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to Arc GLOW’s mission. This award recognizes a person who inspires others, promotes teamwork, and consistently demonstrates integrity, vision, and excellence in their work.
• Friend of the Year – Livingston County Office for the Aging
Honors a community friend and supporter who demonstrates a strong commitment to Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through advocacy, partnership, volunteerism, or philanthropic support that positively impacts those we serve.
• Business Partner of the Year – Bob Johnson Auto Group
Honors a business partner that supports Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through exemplary customer service, strong community partnership, and the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for the individuals we serve.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 September 2026 at 8:07 am
Provided photos: Julie Woodworth, center, is shown with Gail Tylec, SUNY Niagara trustee, and Lloyd Holmes, president of SUNY Niagara, after she was presented with the New York Community College Trustees’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Contribution Sept. 18 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Ballroom.
A Lyndonville resident, Orleans County coroner and employee of Medina Memorial Hospital has been recognized with the prestigious New York Community College Trustees’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Contribution.
Honoree Dr. Julie Woodworth, a former nursing professor at SUNY Niagara, explained the award is presented to someone who has reached the pinnacle of one’s professional career or has achieved great success in one’s field of study.
Her write-up in the awards program stated “Her career is a testament to the life-changing impact of community college education. A SUNY Niagara Alumna, Woodworth began her academic journey by earning an associate’s degree in nursing before advancing through bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate studies to become a nationally recognized nurse educator and leader.
“Throughout more than two decades of teaching, mentorship and service, Woodworth has helped countless students achieve their educational and professional goals, while strengthening the nursing workforce and improving healthcare in the community. Her dedication to student success, lifelong learning and community engagement reflects the very best of the community college mission – creating opportunities, transforming lives and serving the public good.”
Woodworth’s nomination by Niagara Board trustee Gail Tylec was supported by the entire board. Letters of recommendation were received from the ACEN senior director, who spoke of Woodworth’s expertise provided when she was an accreditor for other nursing programs.
Another was from Professor Bridget Beilein, who talks about a recent trip to France, where Woodworth did CPR on a stranger.
Yet another was from Professor Laura Scaletta, who spoke of Woodworth’s diverse talents and contributions to her community.
“I am honored to get this prestigious award,” Woodworth said. “I have spent my career as an expert nurse, teaching the next generation of nurses, and now as the county coroner.”
She also continues to work part-time at Medina Memorial Hospital and teach at Daemen University.
In 2017, Woodworth became the first and only SUNY Niagara faculty to earn a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Award.
LOCKPORT – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its Employees of the Year for the 2025-2026 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. The winners were announced at Opening Day for Orleans/Niagara BOCES at the Palace Theater in Lockport.
Dan Connolly is the Administrator of the Year. Connolly has worked at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for almost ten years. He says his favorite part of the job is that every day is something new. “There is no way I could do what I do without the outstanding staff that I work with. I was shocked, grateful and humbled when I heard my name called on opening day.”
Harris Lieberman is the Adult Education Employee of the Year. “I have worked for Orleans/Niagara BOCES since the Summer of 2015. I was hired as a part-time ESL teacher and worked in Waterport at the satellite facility, World Life Institute. I worked for five years and then took a leave of absence to live in China for almost three years. I returned in 2024 and retained full-time employment with Orleans/Niagara BOCES and now work primarily at 50 Main Street, Lockport.”
He says his favorite part of his job is getting to meet and teach students from all over the world. “Sometimes I feel like my students teach me more than I teach them. Their incredible life stories, struggles and resilience help motivate me to keep coming back to work year after year. I was completely surprised and deeply honored to win this award. Among all of the excellent individuals I work with, it is very humbling that I was chosen out of so many talented, passionate workers.”
Elaine Sheehan is the Clerical Person of the Year. She started working at BOCES in 2015 as a teacher’s aide for the LPN program. “My job responsibilities were greeting staff and young adults and helping them find where they needed to go. I also helped teachers if they ever needed anything. I was very excited that my fellow employees like and appreciate me and everything I do. I feel very honored by them and to receive this award.”
Theresa Salmeri is the Maintenance Person of the Year. She has worked at BOCES for six years and retired this year. “My favorite part of the job were the people I work with and the freedom to work independently.”
She says she was shocked when she won. “People were texting me and letting me know I won. What great news to get!”
Lisa Bielmeier is the Staff Specialist of the Year. She has worked at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 28 years.
“My favorite part of the job is working with our BOCES staff and our component districts highlighting all the important things they do to enrich the lives of children and adults,” she said. “What I really enjoy about my job is being creative, interacting with people and telling their stories. I love that every day is different and I am always meeting and working with such dedicated educators.
“The ONBOCES Public Relations team that I am a part of are the best. My coworkers are talented, smart, passionate about their work and a lot of fun to be around. It makes coming to work so enjoyable.”
She says she was shocked when her name was called opening day during the awards. “It meant so much to me that the people I work with thought enough of me to nominate me for this award. I feel very humbled and honored.”
Tajwanna Jackson is the Teacher Aide of the Year. “I have been with BOCES since March of 2023. My favorite part of the job is being able to make a difference in a student(s) life. Being named Employee of the Year is truly an honor and a blessing. It makes me feel grateful and appreciated for the hard work and dedication I put into my job every day. I don’t come to work just to do a job I come with a purpose, knowing that the students, my coworkers, and the school community all matter.
“This recognition reminds me that the little things I do each day make a difference,” Jackson said. “Whether it is encouraging a student, helping someone through a difficult moment, supporting my coworkers, or simply being someone others can depend on, I am grateful that my efforts are noticed. Being Employee of the Year motivates me to continue growing, learning, and giving my very best. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference at the Niagara Academy.”
Sarah Koithan is the Teacher of the Year. “I started working the ESY (Extended School Year) program in 2008 as an aide and subbed during the school years. I spent two and a half years being a long-term substitute teacher before being officially hired in 2014. My favorite parts of my job are building relationships with my students and getting to see the small steps of progress that they make. I love reflecting back at their transformation throughout the year, how much they’ve grown, and when parents share the progress they notice as well. I also have some awesome colleagues. We make a great team together!”
Koithan says she was shocked when she heard her name opening day. “It means so much to me knowing that it comes from my peers and all of my hard work is noticed and appreciated by others. I put my heart and soul into a lot of projects to try to make our school a better place to work and do what’s best for the students. I was truly touched and work with such a special team of people.”
Dan Crofts works with students through the IGNITE program at GCC
Provided photo: Dan Crofts holds a copy of his autobiography about being on the Autism Spectrum.
BATAVIA — For over 15 years, Dan Crofts has worked as a direct support professional for Arc GLOW.
Today, he can be found within the IGNITE (Inspiring Growth and Nurturing Independence Through Education) program at Genesee Community College (GCC). In this role, he supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they participate in an inclusive higher education experience, helping students in developing vocational, social, communication, and independent living skills while participating in IGNITE classes, community outings, job site tours, internships, and audited college courses.
It is for his consistent support and dedication Crofts will be honored as one of the four awardees across the state of the 2026 Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award. This annual award recognizes a DSP who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment to providing supports to people who have IDD.
“I would like to commend Dan Crofts on the work that he has done with my daughter. We first met Dan about four years ago (give or take) when my daughter first started services through Arc GLOW,” said Elizabeth Newman in a letter of support. “A couple of years ago, my daughter started the IGNITE program at GCC, and was overjoyed to hear that Dan had accepted the position with the IGNITE program and that she would be continuing to work with him!”
“Now two years later, he has continued to have such a positive impact on her learning and growth, and even though she has graduated from that program, we have been honored to hire Dan on as her self-hired community habilitation staff,” she continued. “He has been such a positive influence, mentor and roll model for my daughter and all those who he is around.”
Newman isn’t the only one who sings high praises of Crofts; Cathy Barcomb also wrote a letter of support saying he is patient, caring and compassionate.
“An example of this is the day my son was struggling emotionally, and I needed to pick him up from the program. Dan and Daniel were in the classroom when I arrived,” she said. “I proceeded to encourage my son to pack his backpack and to head home with me. After a little bit, he complied.
“During this time, Dan remained quietly working on his computer, only speaking to say goodbye to us. A few minutes later Dan texted me to let me know that he wasn’t ignoring us but was giving Daniel the space and time to collect himself and be able to leave without getting upset further. Dan understood what Daniel needed at that moment. That is one of Dan’s strengths; his ability to assess a situation and handle it admirably.”
In addition to his work as a DSP, Crofts is also an accomplished, published author whose work has appeared in various publications. He has written and published an autobiography detailing his own personal experiences as a person on the Autism Spectrum.
It is his experiences as both a professional and person with lived experience on the Autism spectrum which brings unique insight and perspective to his role. He willingly learns about new topics, technologies, and educational methods that can enhance participant experiences in both classroom and community settings.
Crofts often states that he may wish to remain a lifelong DSP because of his passion for the field and the individuals he serves.
The award will be presented to Crofts Friday, Sept. 25 during The Arc New York’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the Warren-Washington-Albany chapter of The Arc New York.
Provided photo: Dr. Michael Weyrauch (left), Orleans/Niagara BOCES director of Career & Technical Education and Adult Education, congratulates Todd Eick on his award from the New York Association of Agricultural Educators.
Todd Eick, an Orleans/Niagara BOCES animal science teacher, was announced as the New York State winner of the Ideas Unlimited Award.
Eick, who works at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, was recognized during the June 2026 New York Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) Conference at the Oswegatchie Education Center for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to agricultural education.
The annual conference celebrates excellence in agricultural education by recognizing teachers whose passion for student success, innovative instruction, and service to their schools and communities exemplify the highest standards of the profession.
The NYAAE says, “Through hard work, dedication to students, and an unwavering commitment to the school district and community, Mr. Eick has demonstrated the qualities of excellence that define outstanding agricultural educators.”
Eick, a former teacher and FFA advisor at Medina Central School, was recognized for the development a project he titles Threads of Agriculture – Weaving Global Agricultural Data into Fiber Art.
The weaving project is an interdisciplinary activity where students design and produce a circular loop scarf that represents and graphs agricultural data. Students collect authentic agricultural data, organize the information for data interpretation and then weave a finished agricultural product that also functions as a linear proportion color graph.
This project can engage students in a global agricultural understanding, fiber and textile production and data analysis – and it is a way to make the hot career skill of data science interesting in a way that can be difficult. Students report strong engagement because of their own decision making, hands-on production and personal research. Students of multiple learning styles find a place where their style is engaged and the project is aligned with standards and reinforces academic concepts in science, mathematics and art.
The NYAAE and Orleans/Niagara BOCES congratulate Eick on his well-deserved award and his continued contributions to agricultural education across New York State. This is the third time that he has won this award at the state level and he is also a previous winner at the national level.
His commitment to developing future leaders in agriculture strengthens local communities and inspires the next generation of agricultural professionals.
“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized by my peers in our professional state organization,” Eick said. “The other projects that were nominated were equally (if not more so) demanding of this recognition. I’m proud of this project, what it provides for the students, and is a great way to incorporate the fiber industry into our curriculum. It is also a wonderful introduction for students to global agriculture.”
A National Guard soldier from Medina has been promoted in the New York Army National Guard, Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced.
Ashley Lowery of Medina is assigned to Charlie Company, NY Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Lowery was promoted on July 31 to the rank of private.
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 Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.
