achievements

2 from Orleans selected for Girls State program

Staff Reports Posted 14 March 2024 at 8:16 am

Mallory Kozody, left, and MacKenzie Fiorito will represent Orleans County at the Empire Girls State program.

Two high school juniors in Orleans County have been selected for the Empire Gurls State program from June 30 to July 6 at SUNY Brockport.

Mallory Kozody of Albion and MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley have been picked for the program, which is run by the American Legion Auxiliary. Anna Hess from Lyndonville has been named an alternate.

Classified as an “Action Program,” Empire Girls State focuses on providing students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops highlighting the process of government, running campaigns, writing bills and other political activities.

As part of the program, participants become citizens of a fictional 51st state where they are in charge of building and establishing their own government.

According to the American Legion Auxiliary, the program “endeavors in one week to instruct the young women attending about the privileges of the vote, how political parties are formed and how leaders are chosen and elected to fill the various offices – it serves to instill in them the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of the American Citizenship as they actually participate in the process.”

Advanced Manufacturing students at Orleans/Niagara BOCES sign on for careers

Photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: from left include Jerry Stadelman (Modern-Tec Manufacturing), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Chris Carnahan (Moley Magnetics Inc.), Riley Bloomingdale (Roy-Hart), Mikey Wilson (Pivot Precision), AJ Horne (Custom Manufacturing and Design), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Sam Burning (Roy-Hart), Joe Burg (J.W. Burg Machine and Tool), Joe Bruckner (Medina), Casey Childs and Mike Green (Amada Tool America Inc.), Tim Werth(Performance Manufacturing Inc.), David Merlin (Barker), RJ Shaughnessy IV (Newfane) and Braxton Schafer (Nuclear Alloys).

Posted 7 March 2024 at 4:27 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – We all have seen on the news where a high school student is recognized for “signing on” to a local college to play sports, correct? What about the students who want to enter the workforce after graduation?

Orleans/Niagara BOCES believes they should be recognized too.  Congratulations go to: Riley Bloomingdale (Royalton-Hartland), Joe Brueckner (Medina), Sam Brunning (Royalton-Hartland), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Dakota Gilhousen (Lockport), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Dave Merlin (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Robert Shaughnessy (Newfane) and Cal Stevenson (Lockport).

Recently Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students participated in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship’s “Signing Day Event.” Held at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center on March 5, the seniors who are participating in the paid co-op program were celebrated for their achievements in the workforce.

Company representatives, where the students have been working, were on hand for the signing event where students signed a commitment to work for them after graduation.

The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program offers an unprecedented solution to our region’s skilled trades shortage in advanced manufacturing. It is a one-of-a-kind career exploration program where students are connected to advanced manufacturing companies through Matching Day events that lead to job shadows and paid co-ops.

Basically, our students make money as they continue their learning.  Students can also receive college credit at Monroe Community College at no cost.

“I am so proud of my students,” said Mr. Rakonczay.  “This is a great program that gives my students on-the-job training that prepares them for the workplace and college.  I want to thank the companies that participate such as: Amada Tool America Inc., Custom Manufacturing and Design, J.W. Burg Machine & Tool, Modern-Tec Manufacturing Inc., Moley Magnetics Inc., Nuclear Alloys, Performance Manufacturing Inc. and Pivot Precision.  I also want to thank the parents and guardians who support us.  Without all of them, none of this would be possible.”

After the event, each participating students received a swag bag, a caliper and micrometer set. A huge thank you to the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program for partnering with us to ensure the students’ success and offering them this opportunity!

Orleans residents named to Provost’s List at GCC

Staff Reports Posted 5 March 2024 at 2:59 pm

BATAVIA – There 216 students from Genesee Community College named to Provost’s List. Students honored on the Provost’s List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The following from Orleans County made the list:

  • Megan Gentile of Holley
  • Jason Grager of Lyndonville
  • Luca Pylypiak of Lyndonville
  • Anthony Moule of Lyndonville
  • Brent Oliver of Medina
  • Dominique McKinley of Medina
  • Jenna Wildschutz of Medina
  • Valerie Busch of Medina
  • Adam Lindberg of Medina
  • Leah Knab of Albion
  • Kobe Pugsley of Albion
  • Kaitlin Simons of Albion
  • Autumn Husfelt of Albion
  • Krista Lefrois of Albion
  • Barbara Lamka of Albion
  • Meganne Moore of Albion
  • Erin Harding of Holley
  • Jacqueline O’Grady of Holley
  • Evangeline Cooper of Kent
  • Jacqueline Santiago Garcia of Waterport

RIT Dean’s List includes several from Orleans County

Staff Reports Posted 21 February 2024 at 8:26 am

ROCHESTER – The following students were named to the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete”, “D” or “F”; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

  • Jacob Corser of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
  • Conner Hollenbeck of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
  • Nathanael Strong of Albion, who is in the packaging science program.
  • Reg Chuhi of Holley, who is in the computing and information technologies program.
  • Sierra Apicella of Holley, who is in the studio arts program.
  • Kyle Kuehne of Kent, who is in the software engineering program.
  • Sydney Wilson of Lyndonville, who is in the software engineering program.
  • Alanna Holman of Medina, who is in the human-centered computing program.
  • Isaac Becker of Waterport, who is in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program.

Local students on Dean’s List at Buffalo State, Hamilton College

Staff Reports Posted 19 February 2024 at 8:46 am

Buffalo State University and Hamilton College have announced students from Orleans County made the Dean’s List for the fall semester.

The following had GPAs of at least 3.5 and were full-time students, making the Dean’s List at Buff State:

  • Alexis Creasey of Albion, majoring in Psychology
  • Nicolina Creasey of Albion, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Hannah Heil of Medina, majoring in Fashion and Textile Technology
  • Isabel Ramsey of Medina, majoring in Graphic Design
  • Emily Schoolcraft of Medina, majoring in Childhood Education

Hamilton College in Clinton, NY announced that Jonathan Pietrafesa of Medina made the Dean’s List with a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0. Pietrafesa is a senior majoring in cinema and media studies.

National Guard soldier from Holley gets promotion

Staff Reports Posted 14 February 2024 at 6:26 pm

HOLLEY – William Kelly of Holley, a member of the New York Army National Guard, has been promoted to the rank of first sergeant, announced Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York.

Kelly is assigned to the Company B, 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

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

Katelyn Spierdowis earns engineering degree from Clarkson University

Staff Reports Posted 12 February 2024 at 6:27 pm

POTSDAM – Katelyn Spierdowis of Albion received a bachelor of science degree with great distinction in civil engineering from Clarkson University on Dec. 16, 2023.

As a private, national research university with its main campus at Potsdam, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation.

GCC announces Orleans County residents on Dean’s List

Staff Reports Posted 8 February 2024 at 10:39 am

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College announced students from Orleans County who made the Dean’s List in the fall semester. Students honored on the Dean’s List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

  • Brianna Smith of Lyndonville
  • Calista Stinson of Lyndonville
  • Chyenne Tackley of Lyndonville
  • Kristi Oliver of Medina
  • Melanie Poynter of Medina
  • Faith Oberther of Medina
  • Amanda Jones of Holley
  • Sara Kingdollar of Holley
  • John Butler of Kendall
  • Isabella Zasa of Knowlesville
  • Shawna Grabowski of Waterport
  • David Garrow of Medina
  • Alex Stahl of Medina
  • Logan Gardner of Medina
  • Makayla Heideman of Medina
  • Kenley Fenton of Medina
  • Faith Woody of Albion
  • Lucy Rivers of Albion
  • Sandra Hammond of Albion
  • Ethan Hofmann of Albion
  • Rowan Hofmann of Albion
  • Cheryl Root of Albion
  • Sandra Intorcia of Albion
  • Sadie Gregoire of Albion
  • Gabriella Olshefski-Koch of Holley
  • Hannah Knight of Holley
  • Kayleigh Bopp of Holley
  • Paige Struble of Kendall
  • Qasim Huzair of Waterport
  • John Troy of Waterport

Local students make Dean’s List at UB, Cortland and Hartwick

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 February 2024 at 10:05 am

College students from Orleans County have made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at the University at Buffalo, SUNY Cortland and Hartwick College.

The following from Orleans were recognized for academic achievement at the University at Buffalo:

  • Cam Bell of Albion
  • Amaya Cancino of Holley
  • Jaklin Mofardin of Lyndonville
  • Arella Biesinger of Medina
  • Brooklyn Brown of Medina
  • Carter Green of Medina
  • Elle Gross of Medina

The Dean’s List at SUNY Cortland includes the following from Orleans County:

  • Paige Derisley of Waterport – Physical Education K-12
  • Tessa Heideman of Lyndonville – Psychology
  • Lacey Kenward of Medina – Early Childhood and Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 6)
  • Olivia Morrison of Albion – Anthropology
  • Xander Payne of Medina – Sport Management

Hartwick College in Oneonta also announced that Erin Kiefer, an English major from Lyndonville, was named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.

20 from Orleans make President’s List at GCC

Staff Reports Posted 31 January 2024 at 8:18 am

BATAVIA –  There are 198 students from Genesee Community College named to President’s List including 20 from Orleans County. Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The students from Orleans include:

  • Brianna Pasnik of Medina
  • Emma Carson of Medina
  • Sade Poole of Medina
  • Cayden Lilleby of Medina
  • Corey Saj of Medina
  • Alexandria Strong of Medina
  • Candice Baker of Medina
  • Michael Greybill of Albion
  • Myrna Martin of Albion
  • Reuben Rivers of Albion
  • Amanda Greenough of Albion
  • Derrick Murschel of Albion
  • Isaac Neidert of Albion
  • Madison Flor of Albion
  • Melanie Kuhmann of Albion
  • Rowan Ford of Albion
  • Jackson O’Brocta of Albion
  • Grace Gregoire of Albion
  • Luke Gregoire of Albion
  • Natalie Bertsch of Waterport

Students from Orleans make Dean’s List at Morrisville, LeMoyne and FLCC

Staff Reports Posted 27 January 2024 at 9:22 am

Students from Orleans County have earned academic honors by making the Dean’s List at SUNY Morrisville, Le Moyne College and Finger Lakes Community College.

• Blake Dunton of Knowlesville and Olivia Kroening of Knowlesville made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Morrisville.

• Aubrey Schoolcraft, a freshman Accounting major from Medina, is on the Dean’s List at Le Moyne College in Syracuse.

• At Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, Adriana Botello of Holley and Ella Lewis of Lyndonville made the Dean’s List as full-time students with grade point averages at 3.5 or higher.

Albion farm family advances to final 4 in national Ag Innovation Challenge

Provided photo: Jody Neal and his sons Zachary, left, and Jayden, embrace technology on the farm.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2024 at 8:35 pm

ALBION – Jody Neal of Albion and his sons, Jayden and Zachary, advanced to the final four of an agricultural innovation challenge. The Neals moved from the top 10 semi-finalists nationally to final group of four in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is holding its annual meeting in Salt Lake City and the competition is among the featured events at the convention.

Jody is a partner a Poverty Hill Farms in Albion, a dairy farm on East County House Road. He also was a mentor in the Orleans County 4-H Robotics program, where his sons put their programming and tech skills to the test.

Jody and his adult sons have formed Udder Ways LLC for their innovations, including an udder cleaning system that they have worked on for the past eight years. The device is used just before a cow is milked.

Their invention uses a unique, brushless technology to gently stimulate cows and ensure clean and dry teats, the family states on their website.

“With our patented vortex-style application, you can achieve consistent stimulation and promote milk letdown effortlessly,” they said.

The Neals have a shot at the $50,000 grand prize. There will be $20,000 awarded to the runner-up, and $15,000 each to the two other finalists.

An additional $5,000 goes to the People’s Choice Team. The Neals welcome votes from the public for that award. Voting ends at midnight tonight. Click here for more information.

Several from Orleans make Dean’s List in fall semester at colleges

Staff Reports Posted 19 January 2024 at 7:10 pm

College students from Orleans County have been named to the Dean’s List or President’s List for high academic achievement in the fall semester.

Nazareth University in Rochester recognized the following from Orleans with  GPAs at 3.5 or above, putting them on the Dean’s List:

  • Karlee Robb of Kendall
  • Hailey Crawford of Albion
  • Joseph Nettles of Holley
  • Melissa Robinson of Albion
  • Hannah Stewart of Kent

Alfred State College said nine students from Orleans County are on the Dean’s List, including:

  • Jayce Ashton of Albion: Heavy Equipment Operations: Notre Dame High School in Batavia
  • Julia Buck: Business Administration: Holley Senior High School
  • Lorelei Dillenbeck: Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Lyndonville Central School
  • Samuel Doolan: Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning: Lyndonville Central School
  • Robert Dysard: Heavy Equipment Truck & Diesel Technician: Albion Senior High School
  • Ethan Kuhn: Forensic Science Technology: Kendall Jr-Sr High School
  • Reagan London: Nursing (AAS/BS): Lyndonville Central School
  • Jacob Thom: Welding Technology: Albion Senior High School
  • Slade Tower: CNC Manufacturing and Machining: Albion Senior High School

SUNY Oneonta announced Daisy Perez-Reyes of Albion earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2023 semester. Perez-Reyes is studying Sociology at SUNY Oneonta.

Grove City College in Pennsylvania named Emma Roush of Medina to the fall Dean’s List. Roush is a Psychology major at Grove City.

SUNY New Paltz congratulates Parker Penafiel of Albion for earning fall 2023 Dean’s List honors.

Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio announced Leah Kania of Albion, who is majoring in voice performance, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.

SUNY Cortland congratulated Lacey Kenward of Medina for earning President’s List honors for the Fall 2023 semester. Kenward is studying Childhood Early Childhood Education. To qualify for the President’s List, students must earn a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

Southern New Hampshire University announced the following students from Orleans County earned GPAs of at least 3.700 for the fall and are on the President’s List:

  • Amanda Woodruff of Medina
  • Brenden Weed of Albion
  • Adam Kuhn of Holley
  • Jonathan Rissew of Kendall
  • Jarod Wachtel of Kendall

Outstanding Citizens in 2023 stayed dedicated to making Orleans County a better place

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 January 2024 at 8:16 pm

The Orleans Hub each year highlights a group of local residents who stand out for their selfless devotion to make Orleans County a better place.

Here are our picks for “Outstanding Citizens” from the past year, people who stood out for working through difficult challenges to complete a community project or serve others.

Trio worked for nearly a decade to bring bronze Santa to Albion

Photos by Tom Rivers: These directors of the Albion Betterment Committee are shown on June 10 with a new bronze statue of Santa in honor of the late Charles W. Howard, who started a Santa school in Albion in 1937 and ran it until his death in 1966. From left include Gary Derwick, Joe Gehl and Gary Kent.

A trio of long-time friends about a decade ago launched an ambitious project to honor a revered Albionite from about a half century ago, an effort the three members of the Albion Betterment Committee also said would help promote the community today.

On June 10, Gary Derwick, Joe Gehl and Gary Kent cut the ribbon for a new bronze statue in downtown Albion in honor of Charles W. Howard, the man who is still considered the “Dean of Santas.” Howard ran a school to train Santas from 1937 to 1966. The school continues in his name today in Midland, Mich. Howard also developed Christmas Park in Albion and served as the Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade for 18 years.

The three leaders of the Albion betterment Committee have been rallying behind Howard’s legacy in the past decade. They have put up “Believe” signs, convinced the state to name a portion of Route 31 in memory of Howard, and backed other projects promoting Howard, including two Santa murals in Albion.

The bronze statue was the biggest effort. They raised about $80,000 for the project and hired Brian Porter to create the statue in a likeness of Howard in his Santa suit.

Derwick, Gehl and Kent hope the statue will be a springboard for others to promote the community’s Santa lineage. Already, it seems to be paying off. This past holiday season about 40 of the light posts were decorated, as well as 12 Christmas trees on the courthouse lawn. There also was a big “Santa’s Hometown Parade” with many lighted floats on Dec. 9.

Pastor helps students get school year off to good start with annual Family Fun Day

Pastor Jovannie Canales interviews Sherry Tuohey, who heads MAAC’s Red Barrel program at Christmas, during the Family Fun Day at Butts Park on Aug. 5. Canales and his wife Melisa, left, are leaders of the Oasis Church in Medina. It used to be known as The Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ until changing its name in May.

Pastor Jovannie Canales wants students to be well-stocked with supplies when the school year starts. He also wants their families to be connected to agencies and churches that can make their families stronger.

For six years Canales, pastor of the Oasis Church, has organized a Family Fun Day at Butts Park in Medina. The event attracted 600 people on Aug. 5. It has grown from the first one in a parking lot. Now there are musicians, many non-profit organizations, lots of free food, BMX bikers and skateboarders, many from the faith community, and numerous school supplies.

Canales and his wife Melisa are leaders of the Oasis Church in Medina. It used to be known as The Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ until changing its name in May. The church is bilingual, speaking and writing in Spanish and English. Canales wants everyone to feel welcome. The church attendees come from many backgrounds – Mexican, Honduran, Puerto Rican, Panamanian, Jamaican, white and Black.

Canales also helps organize the National Night Out, which included 42 different organizations and many first responders at Butts Park on Aug. 1. At least 500 people attended the event that allowed residents to connect with law enforcement, other first responders, and community organizations.

Canales also has served on Medina’s Police Reform Committee that regularly meets with leaders of the police department. That committee has worked with the department to increase community policing, training and how to better respond to people in a mental health crisis.

Newcomer to Albion takes dream of new basketball courts to reality

Susan Oschmann joined in on some of the action at the new basketball courts at Bullard Park on Oct. 26. Oschmann pushed for two years to get new courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project.

Susan Oschmann made it a mission two years ago to get new basketball courts at Bullard Park. Oschmann rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete. They opened on Oct. 26.

Oschmann recently moved to Albion from Kendall and was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid.

The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.

Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.

Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation.

Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.

Oschmann said there is still more to do – about $50,000 is needed for more fencing as well as benches for spectators in a shaded area and working outdoor lights.

Oschmann also helped spearhead a new sled library, where people can borrow a slide when the Bullard Park sledding hill is covered in snow. She also coordinated the Santa’s Hometown Parade in Albion on Dec. 9.

Medina woman makes mission of helping veterans through ‘Operation Honor’

Jenn Thom cheers on runners during the Operation Honor 5K on Nov. 11. The course started at the Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club, went through village streets and concluded at the Sportsmen’s Club. She has organized the race on Veterans’ Day since 2018.

Jenn Thom has made it a personal mission to try to help local veterans who may be experiencing a financial pinch. She is one of the leaders of Operation Honor, a local non-profit that raises money for veterans.

Operation Honor modelled the example of the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, where people battling cancer can apply for assistance and receive some help to pay bills and other expenses.

Thom hasn’t served in the military. She runs an accounting business. Operation Honor is her way of serving veterans who she said sacrificed so much for the country. Many of those vets often find themselves in financial stress. Operation Honor is able to lighten that load whether covering utility bills, car payments, or purchasing heating pellets for veterans in need.

Besides giving directly to veterans, Operation Honor provides funding to other groups that help vets, including a van service that takes veterans to medical appointments. Operation Honor donated $10,000 last month to the Joint Veterans Council towards a low-mileage van. Operation Honor also has given to the Warrior House in West Shelby, which provides a hunting retreat for wounded vets and children who have lost a parent in war.

Operation Honor is looking to start an oral history initiative with local veterans being interviewed about their time in the military. Sarah Surdel, another Operation Honor leader, is heading that effort in 2024.

Albion woman starts organization giving senior citizens rides on 3-wheeled bike

Provided photo: Susan Walders took a tri-shaw bike to The Villages of Orleans in Albion on Sept. 27 and gave several residents rides outside the nursing home. She plans to be busy taking people on rides in 2024.

Susan Walders has been determined to help senior citizens, especially those in nursing home and other care facilities, get outdoors and connect with nature. She sees bike rides as a great way to meet that goal.

Susan Walders rides a tri-shaw bike down the sidewalk along East Avenue in Albion on Sept. 2. She is practicing as a “pilot” with the new bike.

Walders was able to raise $12,000 new tri-shaw, a 3-wheeled bike with cushions for two passengers. She has formed a non-profit organizations, Cycling Without Age in Orleans County, with a board of directors.

The bike arrived in late August and Walders took it to The Villages of Orleans on Sept. 27 for the first bike rides, taking residents on a path behind the nursing home.

Other “pilots” have been trained to ride the bike. She expects to be busy this year going to nursing home and other care facilities for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

United Methodist congregation in Albion covered many of the expenses to get the organization off the ground. Walders also secured other donations and sold items that she crocheted and knitted.

The 3-wheeled bike is sturdy. The pilots go on slow rides so the seniors and other passengers can enjoy the scenery.

“We want to get people out of their rooms and into the community and nature,” Walders said. “They can feel the wind in their hair. Getting outside on this bike will improve mood and socialability.”

Walders pushed for the new service for seniors, partly so she could get her mother outside for rides. Her mom is a resident at The Willows in Medina and she was the first passenger for Cycling Without Age in Orleans County.

Scott Christ and many volunteers bring back the Murray Tractor Pull

Scott “Spanky” Christ, the lead organizer for the Murray Tractor Pull, also competed in the event on July 22. He drives “Just For Fun” in the Super Farm Class and is regularly among the points leaders in that class for the Empire State Pullers.

The community missed the Murray Tractor Pull. The event returned July 22 after a four-year absence, first cancelled due to Covid restriction in 2020, and then not coming back in 2021 or ’22.

Scott “Spanky” Christ wanted the event back and put in a major effort getting the course ready, recruiting competitors and bringing in a record-size crowd of 1,600 people to the venue on Groth Road.

The event raised $8,500 for the Ronald McDonald House, a worthy cause that provides hospitality for families with children fighting a serious illness.

Christ is part of a three-generation family that competes in tractor pulling. His father Lloyd drives his Heavy Super Stock tractor, “It’s Only Money,” and Scott son’s Travis also competes in the Super Farm Class with “No Expectations.”

The crowd, which included many first-timers to a tractor pull, seemed to revel in watching high-powered tractors, semi trucks and other vehicles pulling a 40,000-pound sled.

“Everything went over very well,” Christ said after the tractor pull. “Hats off to all of the volunteers.”

Provided photo: The Christ family in Holley and a team of volunteers that put on the Murray Tractor Pull present a ceremonial check for $8,500 to the Ronald McDonald House.

Brett Sobieraski inspired many by running 1,300 miles in 50 days in honor of slain Rochester PD officer

Provided photos: Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, is shown on June 4 entering New York State, the eighth and final state of a 1,300-mile journey on foot.

Brett Sobieraski does mighty feats frequently. In 2015, he swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario for a charity that helps support the surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. In 2018, he ran over 175 miles for 50 hours nonstop to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.

Sobieraski is a retired Rochester police sergeant who lives in Kent. In 2023, Sobieraski announced he would be running a marathon every day for 48 days, traveling on foot from Florida and Rochester, going 26.2 miles a day. He would run the marathons to honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022. Sobieraski also sought to raise $100,000 for Mazurkiewicz’s family.

That goal was expanded to 50 marathons in 50 days, and Sobieraski would raise $110,000 for the family.

The journey began April 23 in Palatka, Florida and ended June 11 in Rochester. Sobieraski added two marathons near the end. He was allowing two rest days but added more when he was feeling strong and the mission had such a following as he passed through communities and reporters picked up the story.

The “8 States for Maz” marathon mission was featured by the Today show in a moving feature about the loss of a fallen police officer and the impact on Mazurkiewicz’s family.

Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz

Sobieraski said he felt like the community too quickly moved on after the death of Mazurkiewicz. Sobieraski said he wanted the officer’s family to feel love and respect from the community, and know Maz’s life of service is deeply appreciated. The response was far more than Sobieraski could have imagined. In the last 5K of the final marathon, 850 people joined him.

Sobieraski spent much of the trip as a lone solitary figure, running along the side of a road, often carrying an American flag. He took a chance in committing to such a demanding goal, including sections that were up mountains.

In the end, he brought together the community, and honored Mazurkiewicz, a Rochester PD veteran who was shot in the upper body on Bauman Street. He worked in RPD’s Tactical Unit 8. He would investigate many of the city’s toughest cases. Sobieraski said Maz was deeply respected in the RPD. Sobieraski picked eight states to run, with the eight in recognition of Maz’s tactical unit number.

“We need to pay attention when cops are murdered,” Sobieraski said. “These are our people, and their families are suffering.”

Herb Loesch of Barker inducted into NYS Veterans Hall of Fame

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 December 2023 at 7:09 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: State Sen. Rob Ortt reads a tribute to Herb Loesch of Barker, who the senator just chose as this year’s inductee into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. He presented the tribute this morning at Medina Memorial Hospital, where Loesch is undergoing physical therapy.

MEDINA – State Sen. Rob Ortt has chosen a Barker veteran to be included in the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame for 2023.

Herbert Loesch this morning was honored for his service to the military and the community in a ceremony at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Loesch, who will be 95 on Jan. 12, is in Medina Memorial Hospital undergoing physical therapy due to a fall.

In previous years, the induction ceremonies have been in Albany, but this year Ortt delivered the honor to Medina Memorial. Ortt explained it is customary every year for each state senator to choose a veteran from his or her district to be added to the Veterans Hall of Fame, which is in Albany.

“By having it here, all his family and friends could attend,” Ortt said. “We make sure each veteran we choose is worthy of the honor, and Herb certainly is. He still wears his uniform proudly and is a member of the American Legion and VFW. I know he is very proud of his service.”

Two of Loesch’s comrades who served in Korea are still alive, and he keeps in contact with them.

“I’m amazed how Herb is a strong advocate for veterans,” said Ortt, who shared he was also in the military.

Loesch said he was honored Ortt chose him for this award.

“It’s wonderful the senator took time out to do this,” Loesch said.

Loesch served in the United States Army in Korea, as a medic with the 24th Division, obtaining the rank of sergeant 12T.

“He exemplifies what it means to be a patriotic American and proud military veteran,” Ortt read from Loesch’s profile. “A dedicated Army veteran, Mr. Loesch’s military career began when he enlisted in 1952, following his education at Alfred University, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, receiving a bachelor of arts.

One of the 1,000 toy Jeeps in Herb Loesch’s collection sits on the table at Medina Memorial Hospital’s board room, along with a plaque Loesch received and the poster describing his service in Korea.

“After basic training at Camp Pickett in Virginia, Mr. Loesch received advanced medical training at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. After training, he was deployed to Korea. For his service to our nation, he earned numerous recognitions and accolades, including the Korean Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (ROKDA), United Nations Service Medal and the National DEF Service Medal.

“In 1954, Mr. Loesch was honorably discharged from the Army. He became actively involved in the Barker Chapter of the American Legion Post No. 435, as well as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“Mr. Loesch collects, maintains and proudly displays military memorabilia at his home, including a collection of more than 1,000 toy Jeeps. He keeps a prominent military display of World War II and Korean War items at Barker High School, utilizing these collections to discuss our nation’s military history and encourage young people to pursue careers in the armed forces.

“During local parades, Mr. Loesch can be found in the lineup with his restored World War II Willys Jeep, wearing his full military uniform. He remains an active member in his community and serves as treasurer in his church and the Western New York John Deere Club. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 639 and volunteers to place flags at military gravesites.

“Mr. Loesch currently lives in Barker with his longtime partner, Grace. His two children also reside in New York state.”

Ortt told Loesch, “It is an honor for me to recognize veterans like you.”

Ortt added how impressed he was that Loesch maintained a military display at his former high school.

“That is such an important thing,” Ortt said. “Young people today get out of high school and don’t consider the military as a career. Herb is one of those veterans who not only served, but came home and advocated for veterans and served his community. Korean War veterans sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Pretty soon there won’t be any Korean War veterans.”

Loesch was suggested for the honor by Peter Morris, a fellow member of the Western New York Two Cylinder (John Deere) Club, where Loesch has served as treasurer for 30 years.

Among those who attended the ceremony in the hospital’s board room were his partner Grace Bodine; Loesch’s two children, son Terry Loesch of Canandaigua and daughter Tracy Stevenson and her husband Mark of Appleton; his pastor the Rev. Tom Gardner; Al Hain, president of the WNY Two Cylinder Club; Bob Gilsanin from the Sheret American Legion Post in Albion; and several other family and friends.