Provided: Top row left – Timothy S. Whitcomb; Top row right – Robert W. Hirsch; Bottom row left – Jim H. Tuttle; Bottom row right – David M. DiMatteo
BATAVIA – The Genesee Community College Foundation will proudly induct both the 2020 and 2021 honorees into its Alumni Hall of Fame in Batavia on Thursday, September 16, at 4 p.m. after missing last year’s ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eager to honor the work done by these four individuals, GCC will induct Timothy S. Whitcomb, Jim H. Tuttle, David M. DiMatteo and Robert W. Hirsch into its Alumni Hall of Fame, forever marking their contributions to their communities and the pride they have brought to Genesee Community College.
Timothy Whitcomb, GCC class of 1989, is the Sheriff for Cattaraugus County in Western New York and has served in this role for 30 years. Sheriff Whitcomb is also a Board Member and PTP Director for Law Enforcement Operations at TTMPT (Talk to Me Post Tour); an independent not-for-profit group of committed and concerned retired police officers and police professionals, and actively speaks nationwide as on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sheriff Whitcomb earned a master’s degree in Counseling Education from St. Bonaventure University and is a certified police instructor in the areas of Interview and Interrogation, the Investigation of Sex Crimes, and the Law Enforcement Response to School Violence. Sheriff Whitcomb is a graduate of the 206th Session of the Federal Bureau Investigation’s National Academy. He has also recently been certified as a SWAT Team fitness specialist.
Sheriff Whitcomb has been an adjunct professor for both St. Bonaventure University and Jamestown Community College. He has served as President for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and is a past President of the State of New York Police Juvenile Officer Association.
Jim Tuttle, GCC classes of 1971 and 1982 graduated from Genesee Community College with his AAS degree in Criminal Justice and enlisted in the United States Army. Mr. Tuttle re-enlisted in the Army Reserves several times continuing to serve the United States of America for a total of 21 years and eventually returned to earn an Associate degree in Business Administration in 1982 and later to serve on the Alumni Council.
Mr. Tuttle continued his education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Hazardous Studies from SUNY Empire State College. He served as a police officer for the City of Batavia for 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant.
Mr. Tuttle met his wife while working as an EMT at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia.
Mr. Tuttle has demonstrated his compassion for others and the community by serving four years as a Town of Pembroke Supervisor, GCC Alumni Council member, GCC Alumni Homecoming Committee, GCC’s Cougar Classic Golf Committee and on the Advisory Board for Genesee County Stop DWI.
David DiMatteo, GCC class of 1984, has been a practicing attorney in the region for over 32 years. A 1982 Notre Dame high school graduate, he began his college education pursuits at Genesee Community College, graduating GCC in 1984, he continued his education at Le Moyne College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology then completing his legal studies at the University of Buffalo Law School in 1989. Upon graduating he took a position in Warsaw, where he found his own general law private practice in 1993.
He works with municipalities in Erie, Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties addressing siting or prohibiting siting of windmills and a variety of solar projects, writing and adapting local law, and creating and financing water districts. He has worked with the NY State Senate to facilitate legislation for local communities.
Mr. DiMatteo has a farm in Wyoming County where he raises Black Angus cows and horses. He also enjoys hunting locally as well as in Africa, Alaska and the Arctic Circle. Mr. DiMatteo and his wife enjoy their farm with their three children and their new granddaughter.
Robert Hirsch, GCC class of 1997, earned his leadership certification from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in Education from Buffalo State, a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Education from SUNY Brockport, his coaching certification and an associate degree in History and Education from Genesee Community College.
Mr. Hirsch began his career at Warsaw Central School (WCSD) where he taught history and coached the wrestling team for over a decade. The wrestling program he built there included eight LCAA titles, seven Section V championships, over 50 sectional champions, eight individual state champions, and a team NYS title in 2007. Beyond the wrestling mat, Mr. Hirsch encouraged his wrestlers to be involved in community service; he himself served a total of 18 years as the Director of Recreation for the towns of Freedom and Arcade where he organizes the annual Summer Olympics for children.
Mr. Hirsch also coached the NYS Women’s Wrestling National Team which earned Mr. Hirsch the title of 2014 Wrestling Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling. Mr. Hirsch went on to coach the Alfred State wrestling team to win the Northeast Championship and placed second two other times. Coaching four NCWA All-Americans, one National Champion and MVP of the tournament, including an eleventh-place team finish, Mr. Hirsch lead the Alfred State Wrestling team through their NCAA III transition in 2019. During this time Mr. Hirsch was the RTI Director at Alfred Almond Central School. Mr. Hirsch is currently the middle/high school principal at Franklinville Central School.
Mr. Hirsch resides in Arcade with his wife and their two beautiful daughters.
Each year, candidates are nominated by friends, family, colleagues or other associates for their impactful contributions to their profession and distinguished service to the community and/or Genesee Community College. The GCC Alumni Hall of Fame, which is located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building, boasts honorees from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds.
The complete list of Hall of Fame members is available by clicking here.
BROCKPORT – SUNY Brockport has again been recognized for excellence by U.S. News & World Report. Brockport ranked No. 73 among regional universities in the north in the publication’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, which were released Sept. 13.
Brockport jumped 10 spots from its ranking a year ago.
“I would like to thank our outstanding faculty and staff for all they do each day to make SUNY Brockport a great place for our students to learn,” said Brockport President Heidi Macpherson. “We will continue to provide our students with an exceptional experience both inside and outside of the classroom.”
SUNY Brockport was also recognized in the following categories:
Top Public Schools, Regional Universities North: No. 20
Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities North: No. 29
Social Mobility (measures the extent schools enrolled and graduated students who received federal Pell Grants), Regional Universities North: No. 35
Best Undergraduate Nursing: No. 251
Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs: No. 274
Jeffery Kelly, a 1978 Medina graduate, is making progress with research in fighting amyloid plaques. (Photo from Scripps Research)
LA JOLLA, CA – Pioneering biochemist Jeffery Kelly, PhD, has been awarded a $3 million Breakthrough Prize for demonstrating that nervous system and heart diseases can be caused by protein clumping-associated toxicity, and for inventing a medication to slow progression of such diseases.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Kelly is a 1978 graduate of Medina High School. He is the son of Janice Kelly-Mack and the late John W. Kelly. He heads The Kelly Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute, one of the world’s largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. The SRI employs about 3,000 people in La Jolla, Calif. and Jupiter, Fla. Kelly works out of the La Jolla campus in San Diego.
The 2022 Breakthrough Prizes in Fundamental Physics, Life Sciences and Mathematics are recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious science prizes. Kelly’s award, one of three life science prizes announced today, recognizes transformative advances in the understanding of neurological disease.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Breakthrough Prize and to be included in the terrific company of this year’s other recipients and those of years past,” says Kelly, the Lita Annenberg Hazen Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Research, a professor of molecular medicine, and a Scripps Research trustee.
Scripps Research President and CEO Peter Schultz, PhD, notes that Kelly has been a leader in the field of protein misfolding and aggregation, helping illuminate its role in neurodegenerative disease progression.
“His breakthrough was in translating our knowledge of protein folding diseases to a human therapeutic through rational, structure-based drug design to prevent protein aggregation,” Schultz says. “The impact of this work on patients with transthyretin cardiomyopathy has been transformational.”
In its announcement Thursday, the Breakthrough Prize Foundation noted that Kelly’s work impacts scientific understanding of Alzheimer’s and beyond. A hallmark of the brains of people with Alzheimer’s is the presence of abnormal beta-amyloid plaques.
Proteins are built from genetic instructions within the cell. As they are built, they fold into origami-like shapes that are key to their function. Mistakes in folding, or ability to maintain a fold, can create misshapen clumps inside or outside cells. This process contributes to degenerative diseases, as with alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s and beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s.
Kelly has spent much of his career asking whether neurodegenerative disease could be stopped by preventing the clumping of a normal protein into amyloid plaques. These toxic substances can wreak havoc beyond the brain. Kelly notes that around 40 diseases have been named after the amyloid structure, including a rare inherited or sporadic condition called transthyretin amyloidosis. It leads to progressive damage to the eyes, heart, and peripheral, autonomic and central nervous systems.
Through painstaking work, Kelly designed molecules that stabilize proteins in their correct shapes, much like a stick jammed into the spokes of a wheel can stop it from turning. In this way, Kelly and colleagues created a first-in-class treatment for transthyretin amyloidosis, including cardiomyopathy, a stiffening and thickening of heart muscle. They also raised hope for treating other protein clumping diseases.
His drug tafamidis, sold under the brand names Vyndaqel® and Vyndamax®, was initially approved in more than 40 countries for treatment of polyneuropathy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and additional regulators recently approved tafamidis for treatment of the heart condition transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
“Through the fashioning of small molecule drugs that can stabilize proteins against abnormal protein aggregation, I think we learned two really important things,” Kelly says. “One is the process of protein aggregation really does drive neurodegeneration. The second is that treating these patients early is absolutely critical.”
To that end, Kelly is now teaming with other experts at Scripps Research on a strategy to aid early diagnosis and improve the body’s ability to clear toxic protein clumps.
“There are 40ish proteins that have the propensity to aggregate and lead to either peripheral and/or central nervous system degeneration,” Kelly says. “It has taken us 25 years to develop a drug to slow one of these, so everything we do in the lab is now focused on developing drugs that have the potential to treat multiple amyloid diseases.”
Kelly earned his PhD in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina and went on to Rockefeller University for postdoctoral work. He joined Scripps Research in 1997, and served as dean of the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences from 2000 to 2008.
BROCKPORT – 89.1 The Point was a national finalist (top four in the nation) for College Broadcasters, Inc (CBI) Best Special Broadcast in the 2021 National Student Production Awards competition for their coverage of the Election in late 2020.
The Point is the college station at Brockport State University. The station’s coverage area includes Orleans County.
Notable contributions to the award include host Derick Abbey and political correspondent Shay Gauthier, with research and production elements from Matthew Delaney, Peter Buffone, Karl Schmidt, and Gio Battaglia.
Other finalists in the category include Gannon University (WERG), Montclair University (WMSC), and Husson University (WHSN). Winners will be announced late October.
ROCHESTER – Rochester Institute of Technology announces its spring 2021 Dean’s List, which includes several students from Orleans County. Undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40 for nine credit hours of traditionally graded coursework and they have registered for and completed at least 12 credit hours.
The following are on the Dean’s List from Orleans County:
Elijah Sones of Albion, who is in the business administration-accounting program.
Rebecca Powley of Kendall, who is in the echocardiography program.
William Gregoire of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
Conner Hollenbeck of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.
Ricky Daniels of Albion, who is in the chemical engineering program.
Alex Lane of Holley, who is in the computing security program.
Keaton Freitag of Kendall, who is in the game design and development program.
Jessica Smith of Lyndonville, who is in the film and animation program.
Gillian Gallets of Holley, who is in the industrial design program.
Jacques Gregoire of Albion, who is in the game design and development program.
Noah Heinsler of Waterport, who is in the film and animation program.
Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
For the fourth consecutive year, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has been selected as one of the 2021 Best Companies to Work for in New York.
The annual listing of businesses honored through the Best Companies to Work for in New York program was created by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group.
This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses.
The 2021 Best Companies to Work for in New York list is made up of 72 companies, including the not-for-profit GCASA, which offers services in the areas of substance use prevention, treatment and recovery.
GCASA Executive Director John Bennett said he was proud to be honored for a fourth year, recognizing his staff “as amazing individuals who help people in our communities every day.”
“Our employees give back in so many ways and are deserving of having a great place to work,” he said. “We try to be family-oriented and give staff flexibility in creating their own schedule which is a highly-rated perk we offer. This year, we are improving our in-house training and education opportunities and addressing some salary inequities compared to other regional organizations in our category.”
To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity;
Be a publicly or privately held business;
Have a facility in the state of New York;
Have at least 15 employees working in New York; and
Must be in business a minimum of 1 year.
Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in New York. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part was worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation.
The second part consisted of a survey to measure the employee experience. This part was worth approximately 75 percent of the total. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.
Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in New York and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.
Kim Corcoran, GCASA’s director of Human Resources, said the agency’s staff is committed to providing the best possible services to its communities.
“GCASA is extremely honored to be recognized once again,” she said. “Along with an employer-completed survey, 125 staff were asked to respond to a survey to include areas regarding GCASA’s leadership, corporate culture and communication, work environment, pay and benefits, supervision, and overall engagement. This is quite a tribute to our staff and reflects the positive environment fostered by our leadership.”
All honorees will be celebrated at an online event at 5:30 p.m. July 28. For more information about the event, click here.
SLIPPERY ROCK, PA – Destiny Satkowski of Medina is on the Dean’s List for the spring 2021 semester at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.
The Dean’s List consists of SRU undergraduate students who earned an adjusted semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, based on a schedule of at least 12 newly attempted and earned credits.
The Orleans County Youth Board typically holds a Youth Recognition Banquet annually to recognize those youth who continuously go above and beyond for our community.
The Youth Recognition Awards are presented to youth who are positive role models, have performed outstanding service for their community, and/or have assumed extraordinary roles within their families.
Even though we are unable to hold the banquet due to the pandemic, the Youth Board wanted to share and celebrate these individuals. We would like to recognize the 14 youths who would have had a night to celebrate their contributions with their nominators, family and friends by sharing a brief bio about each of them and why they were selected by the board to receive the awards in 2021.
They are all in receipt of their awards at this time, which include commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, U.S. Congressman Chris Jacobs, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Senator Robert Ortt. They also received a yard sign in their honor, a t-shirt, a gift card, and a certificate from the Youth Board.
This year’s recipients of the Youth Recognition Awards are as follows:
James Michael Beach
James Michael Beach, 16, of Albion High School is an extraordinary young man who exemplifies the characteristics of this award. He is passionate about giving of himself and sharing his talents with others. James completed his service learning requirements for school and then just kept seeking ways to give back to the community. To date, James has logged over 90 hours of community service in a variety of ways. He has been involved in grounds and maintenance projects, serving and cleanup for the Barre Center Presbyterian Church’s Chicken BBQs, and providing special music for church services.
Following a youth group Christmas caroling activity at Clover Hill, James took it upon himself to go back on numerous Saturday mornings to play piano and call BINGO for the residents. James also volunteered at the Hoag Library organizing and helping with children’s crafts. He has also helped and prepared dinners at the Community Kitchen. James is very involved in many activities at school and holds down a part-time job, but does not let his busy schedule keep him from giving back to the community. James is an excellent role model for the younger members of his church and is always willing to assist his elders in any way he can.
Nominator: Nancy Good, Church Member (Barre Center Presbyterian Church)
Parents/Guardians: Mike & Jaime Beach
Aedan Bunch
Aedan Bunch, 18, of Norman Howard School has exhibited a strong commitment to community service through his church. During the bitter cold and heavy snow that February brought, Aedan volunteered to clear the sidewalks and steps of the church, which provided safe access to the building. Although the church was not holding services at the time, the church’s neighbor, The Medicine Shoppe, was using the building to administer Covid-19 vaccines. Because the sidewalks and entrance ways were cleared by Aedan, along with improved weather conditions, hundreds of local residents were able to receive the vaccine with safe and easy footing.
Aedan is also an active member of a Demolay chapter separate from his church, where he actively participates in several fundraisers and service projects, including food and clothing drives. He has decorated and cleaned graves on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and also volunteered at the Iroquois National Wildlife Reserve. Aedan takes pride in giving back to his community and he understands the need to lend a hand when help is needed.
Nominator: Cynthia Kiebala, Church Member (St. John’s Episcopal Church)
Parents/Guardians: Ann & Steve Bunch
Andrew Drechsel
Andrew Drechsel, 18, of Holley Central School is a shining example of a student who truly believes in giving back to others and helping to make his community a better place. Andrew is a member of the Holley Interact Club and is always willing to participate in any opportunity that comes his way. He has done it all: Day of Shopping, Day of Caring, working at Open Door Mission, and helping out Sample Soap.
Andrew has also been a member of 4-H and is in the final stages of receiving his Eagle Scout award. He worked an unpaid position at the Holley Summer Recreation Program and is also a member of his church’s youth group. Andrew worked at almost all of the food distribution sites during the pandemic, loading boxes of food into the vehicles. He also volunteered for the Sports Boosters to help prepare the soccer field for the upcoming season. He worked tirelessly alongside Penny cleaning and digging out the garden that welcomes fans to the field. Andrew’s community is so grateful for all that he does. He is truly an amazing young man!
Nominator: Penny Cole, Counseling Secretary
Parents/Guardians: Trina Lorentz Lang & Scott Lang
Ianah Drisdom
Ianah Drisdom, 17, of Medina High School is an outstanding asset to the school and community. She has participated in numerous volunteer activities throughout her time in high school. She shows superior time management skills while balancing responsibilities as a National Honor Society member, working a part-time job, and maintaining good grades.
Ianah started volunteering in 9th grade where she worked feeding and helping the homeless, which was a humbling experience for her. It provided her an opportunity of self-reflection and appreciation for things in life. She has also volunteered at a family business and during football games where she worked the concession stand and helped clean up afterward. This was a tremendous help to the high school. Ianah has had a positive impact on the Medina community.
Nominator: Nicholas Michalak, School Counselor
Parent/Guardian: Karen Boston
Tatum Gagne
Tatum Gagne, 16, of Holley High School has made it her purpose to try and spread cheer and happiness throughout the school. For the second year in a row, Tatum created and addressed holiday cards to every single student and faculty member and delivered them. What seemed like a small gesture meant a lot to others, especially to some students who felt isolated or lonely.
Tatum also took initiative when she saw a 7th grader sitting alone at lunch and became a big sister to this young lady. She eats with her weekly and checks in on her inside and outside of school. Tatum has truly gone above and beyond and has made a huge difference for this young lady. As a member of the Holley Rotary Interact Club, Tatum has worked hard doing behind the scenes tasks, which are especially necessary in this pandemic year. Tatum is the classic example of making the school, community, and world a better place, one small act at a time.
Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker
Parents/Guardians: David & Becky Gagne
Amanda Garza
Amanda Garza, 16, of Lyndonville High School plays an extraordinary role inside and outside of the school community. Amanda demonstrates an amazing work ethic that is an inspiration for her peers. Amanda serves as president of the school’s Diversity Club, where she provides a strong sense of leadership and her work around the building has helped to raise awareness of cultural diversity. She has never been heard to speak negatively about another person and is never drawn into conflict. Instead, she displays a level of kindness and maturity that is a model for other students.
As president of the Spanish Club, Amanda took charge of calling and running meetings, fundraising, encouraging members, and participating in all club activities. She enjoys sharing her Hispanic culture and is proud of both her Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage. Amanda proposed, organized and carried out a cultural cooking lesson with her mother so her class was able to learn about Mexican cooking traditions and culture. Amanda is described as dedicated, helpful, smart, kind, and mature. The faculty at Lyndonville is proud to recognize Amanda for her many contributions to the school.
Nominator: Aaron Slack, Principal
Parents/Guardians: Luis & Marlene Garza
Megan Harrington
Megan Harrington, 18, of Holley High School has been a key member of the Holley Interact Club since her freshman year. Megan has always gone above and beyond in planning and organizing community activities. She was integral in making the first Annual Day of Caring a successful event that helped out a local nursing home, PAWS Animal Shelter, the Holley Community Center, and many community members who received gift cards on their cars.
Megan has volunteered at the Day of Shopping for several years, Open Door Mission, and Sample Soap. She is one of the first students to sign up and help with anything needed. Megan will be missed by the Interact Club following graduation. Megan is kind, organized, and empathetic towards others.
Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker
Parents/Guardians: Scott and Dione Harrington
Collin Longer
Collin Longer, 18, of Albion High School is an active member of various extracurricular activities. Collin has been a member of FFA, Recycling Club, and Student Government. As a member of these clubs, Collin has been a natural leader for his peers and is willing to take on responsibility for projects within these clubs.
Collin has shown leadership skills by volunteering to complete the school’s morning announcements. More importantly, Collin’s independence and desire to better himself is admirable. Collin has overcome many obstacles placed before him. He is not afraid to ask questions and he knows how to advocate for himself when needed. Collin is doing his best to balance his academics, trying to cope with living in a pandemic, and the passing of his father earlier this year. Collin is a courageous young man who has certainly taken on an extraordinary role in his family.
Nominator: Valerie Pettit, School Counselor
Parents/Guardians: Wendy Preston
Kohl Morgan
Kohl Morgan, 17, of Holley High School is a natural born leader. He is kind, empathetic, and a hard worker. He has made a huge difference in both his school and his community. As a valued member of the Holley Interact Club, Kohl is always willing to help with any activity. He has helped with the Annual Day of Shopping for several years and was an integral part of the first Annual Day of Caring.
Kohl has also helped make lunches at the Open Door Mission and has collected and distributed hygiene supplies for Sample Soap. He has participated in Clean Sweeps and other activities in the elementary school. Kohl is the first one to dive in and get work done. He also engages other students to help and the students truly look up to him. Wherever Kohl goes, others follow. Kohl is the first student thought of when in need of a loving and caring hand to help another student. He is always ready to help even when others are not. He is an amazing young man and the Holley community is truly blessed to have him.
Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker & Penny Cole, Counseling Secretary
Parents/Guardians: Jennifer & Steven Morgan
Waylon Peet
Waylon Peet, 18, of Kendall Central School is committed to making the Kendall community a better place. Waylon is very involved with the Kendall Fire Department where he is an active firefighter. Prior to being accepted into the Fire Department, he was a “junior” firefighter.
Waylon has volunteered to work the Annual Carnival for several years. Many members took notice of his hard work and dedication to helping the organization. Since joining, he has attended training sessions, meetings and state classes. He is also an important member of his family. Due to extenuating circumstances, Waylon is required to take on extra responsibilities at home. He helps to keep order in the house and is a mentor to his younger siblings.
Nominator: Carol D’Agostino, Principal
Parents/Guardians: Melinda Roberts & Stephen Peet
Colburn Spierdowis
Colburn Spierdowis, 17, of Albion High School has completed an outstanding amount of community service at several area organizations. Colburn has given many hours to the Boy Scouts of America where he helped with various projects and activities.
He has demonstrated a gift for working with youth. He has volunteered as an assistant with the Cub Scouts and has volunteered at the Sportsmen’s Club Kid’s Fishing Derby as a supervisor. Colburn has also served as an assistant at local soccer camps, helping to teach skills and fundamentals. Colburn is praised as helpful and respectful. He is always dependable and a great role model for youth to look up to.
Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Counseling Department Chairperson
Parent/Guardian: Karen Spierdowis
Allison Trowbridge
Allison Trowbridge, 17, of Holley Central School is one of the first ones to step up and volunteer to do anything that is needed. Allison volunteers through her involvement with Interact Club and her Cheer Squad. She has been a part of Interact Club since 7th grade where she has assisted with cleaning up at animal shelters, making care packages for the homeless, and working on numerous other activities.
As part of her Cheer Squad, Allison participates in volunteer projects such as visiting nursing homes during the holidays and helping athletes at the Special Olympics. The number of hours Allison commits to these above-mentioned projects is too numerous to count. Outside of school, Allison holds down a part-time job while also helping to take care of her Nana who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She also assists her Papa with household chores. Allison is the type of young lady who steps up whenever she is needed by anyone!
Nominator: Sarah Trowbridge, Mother
Parents/Guardians: Ken & Sarah Trowbridge
Charles Turpyn
Charles Turpyn (“Chuck”), 17, of Holley High School is an amazing and caring young man. He has faced many challenges this past year and he rose to the occasion for all. He has been a member of the Interact Club for 3 years and has participated in all activities, including the Day of Caring and the Fall into Reading event.
Chuck can always be counted on to participate in activities and does a lot of the hard behind-the-scenes work. This year, he went above and beyond taking care of family members experiencing medical issues. Chuck is extremely modest about his contributions, but he can always be counted on to do what is best for his school, community and family.
Nominator: Samantha Zelent, School Social Worker
Parents/Guardians: Katie Niederhofer and Charles Turpyn
Evan Thomas Valentine
Evan Thomas Valentine, 18, of Holley High School was such a wonderful young man who was caring and loving to everyone and everything. Evan was full of faith, kindness, and generosity. Evan battled Leukemia for 2 and half years before passing away on February 21st of this year. He still continued to help others while being sick and receiving treatments. In January 2020, there was a horrific house fire in the community and, despite being worn down from treatment, Evan was at the Social Center of St. Mary’s in Holley, sorting through clothes and household items.
Evan served as Alter Server as well as Sacristan at St. Mary’s where he won Alter Server of the Year in 2018. Throughout his battles, he always had a smile, never complained about his circumstances and always had a positive, infectious energy about him. Evan was a life-time member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His project was completed at the Veteran’s Memorial at the American Legion Post in Holley, in honor of him, by friends and family. Once you met Evan, you were never the same. He left his handprint on everyone that he touched.
Vickie Scroger, Jason Requa make extra effort for local youth
Photos and information courtesy of Orleans County Youth Board
The Orleans County Youth Board is recognizing two adults in the community for their dedication to young people.
The Youth Board typically recognizes an adult worker and an adult volunteer during the annual Youth Recognition Banquet. This year the awards program won’t be held in person due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.
The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award is named for Brinsmaid, who have 33 years of community service in Orleans County. The award is presented to a paid professional who emulates dedication and service to youth and families above and beyond their paid position.
Vickie Scroger
Vickie Scroger is this year’s winner. She is the manager of food service at Holley Central School where she always makes sure the students have delicious, balanced meals for breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks.
While this is her job and what is expected of her, she always does more than she needs to, according to penny Cole, a co-worker who nominated Scroger.
In her role as food service manager, Scroger decorates the dining hall and serving areas for each holiday and/or event. During Homecoming, she has all of the different sports teams recognized with their own soccer ball, football, track shoe, or megaphone with each student’s name.
This takes countless hours, yet she does it each year. During the week of the musical, Vickie has musical themed menus for each day and, again, decorates to match the show. She does sports banquets at cost, so that all athletes and their families can attend when otherwise they wouldn’t be able to.
She has always gone out of her way to make things nice for the kids. Last year when the pandemic hit, she worked tirelessly to come up with different fun meals for the students. Vickie went above and beyond to make sure the students had filling, hot meals.
The parents would come each day to pick up breakfast and lunch, which meant preparing 180 meals most days, for both meals. She would also bake homemade cookies for them once in a while as a treat.
At Easter, she purchased Easter eggs and filled them with little candies so students would have a treat. Vickie had a team of helpers to assist her but the success of this was all Vickie’s planning and preparation. She genuinely loves the students and this past year has shown just how much. She always says, “It’s about the kids or it’s for the kids.” The Holley School District is extremely lucky to have such a remarkable, kind and caring lady.
In memory and spirit of Eileen Heye, the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award honors an individual who is a role model for the youth of today and gives of themselves to better the lives of children.
Jason Requa
Jason Requa is the type of person that stands off to the side, just out of reach of most cameras, and lifts others towards the spotlight. He has led many young people in developing life skills and has never asked for anything in return. He truly wants to see the youth of his community grow into great adults. Jason works for the Local 3 Brick and Tile Setters Union in Rochester. His job requires frequent travel, but Jason still manages to help coach soccer, serve as a member of the Kendall Board of Education, and assist with Eagle Scout projects – all while supporting his own family.
Jason’s commitment to volunteerism within the community is admirable, said Kendall Scoutmaster Ken Spohr, who nominated Requa for the award.
Jason is always dedicated to becoming a better coach and leader. He has the ability to reach the hearts, minds and skill sets of the youth, which shows through his coaching. Jason’s passion for teaching life-long confidence and skill sets does not end at coaching, as he is a huge influence with the Kendall Boy Scouts. He used his knowledge of masonry work to teach the scouts, which led them to be able to complete the physical labor to finish their project at the Kendall War Memorial.
He has also spent countless hours educating youth about opportunities after high school in the skilled trades fields. Jason’s long-term influence on youth has already molded them into confident and successful college students, detailed skilled tradesmen, and dedicated people serving our country.
Through his employment with the union, he reaches young veterans through a program called Helmets to Hard Hats, to help them get jobs in trades after leaving the service. The strength of Jason’s influence is directly related to his dedication to youth, but he also leads by example as an adult who gives back to his community.
Provided photos: From left includes Kellie Spychalski, CEO of Supportive Care of Orleans; Lynn Burgess, 2020 Business/Civic Award Winner; and Christine Fancher, Social Worker/Volunteer Coordinator.
Press Release, Supportive Care of Orleans
ALBION – Supportive Care of Orleans is proud to announce the following award winners for the year 2020 for both the Business/Civic Award as well as the Mary Janet Sahukar Award.
The 2020 Business/Civic Award was presented to Lynn Burgess of Lynn’s Salon in Albion. Lynn has been instrumental in helping support our Annual Spring Bouquet Sale for many years and never ceases to amaze the organization with her overwhelming support. Lynn has also been a strong supporter over the past several years helping contribute to many of our other fundraising events.
Pictured from left include Kellie Spychalski, CEO; Doug Miller, 2020 Mary Janet Sahukar Award Winner; and Christine Fancher, Social Worker/Volunteer Coordinator.
The 2020 Mary Janet Sahukar Award was presented to Doug Miller. Doug has been a part of many campus projects this past year including the expansion of the organization’s parking lot. He and his wife Sue donate large planters and flowers to the Martin-Linsin campus each year and they bring so much beauty to those who enter the front doors.
Doug has also been extremely instrumental in assisting the agency wherever needed, including his Board of Director duties with the organization. He has a kind, giving heart, and we are so very excited to share this aware with him.
Supportive Care of Orleans would like to again thank both Lynn Burgess and Doug Miller for their contributions and continued efforts to help support the mission of the organization.
Provided photos: These students earned medals in the NYS SkillsUSA Competition. Pictured, bottom row, from left: Brendan Zimmerman, Hanna Willard, Zach Duewiger and Shelby Wolf. Top Row: Rebecca Berner, Mackenzie Clogston, Maddie Gancasz and Teddy Wojciechowski.
Posted 30 April 2021 at 1:43 pm
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Eight Orleans/Niagara BOCES students medaled at the New York State SkillsUSA Competition it was announced this week. Congratulations go to:
1st Place – Rebecca Berner (Royalton-Hartland) for Health Occupations Portfolio (OCTEC/Allied Health)
1st Place – Mackenzie Clogston (Newfane) for Basic Health Care (OCTEC/Health Occupations Technician)
1st Place – Maddie Gancasz (Barker) for Early Childhood Education (OCTEC/Early Childhood Education)
1st Place – Teddy Wojciechowski (Royalton-Hartland) for Technical Drafting (OCTEC/Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program)
1st Place – Brendan Zimmerman (Lewiston-Porter) for Welding (NCTEC/Welding)
2nd Place – Hanna Willard (Royalton-Hartland) for Cosmetology Senior (OCTEC/Cosmetology Program)
2nd Place – Zach Duewiger (Royalton-Hartland) for CNC Milling (OCTEC/Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Program)
3rd Place – Shelby Wolf (Royalton-Hartland) for Job Interview (OCTEC/Allied Health Program)
Due to the pandemic, the contests were conducted virtually this year from the Orleans (OCTEC) and Niagara (NCTEC) Career and Technical Education Centers. The purpose of the competitions are to evaluate contestants’ knowledge and skills and to recognize outstanding students for excellence and professionalism.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. First place students will be moving on to the National SkillsUSA competition virtually at the end of June. We are super proud of all these students and all the students who participated!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 April 2021 at 7:12 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION — Mayor Eileen Banker on Wednesday evening presents a citation expressing “sincere appreciation and gratitude” on behalf of the Village of Albion and Albion Village Board to Harry Papponetti, who is stepping down next month as Albion fire chief.
Papponetti has served 51 years as an Albion firefighter, including three stints as fire chief, from May 1979 to April 1984, January 1998 to April 2003, and since May 2015. He has been part of the department’s leadership for the past 49 years.
“Your positive example of sacrifice and devotion on behalf of our community has taken many hours and sometimes days away from your own family,” the citation states. “This board, along with the residents of the Village of Albion, sincerely thank you!”
The citation is signed by Mayor Banker, and trustees Chris Barry, Zack Burgess, Stan Farone and Gary Katsanis.
Harry Papponetti, who is also Albion’s animal control officer, accepts the citation during Wednesday’s Village Board meeting.
“I want to thank everybody on the past and present Village Boards,” Papponetti said. “They have all been very appreciative of the fire department.”
Photos courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Electricity/Electronics teacher Bill Leggett, OCTEC Assistant Principal Nicole Goyette, Alayna Trautman and OCTEC Principal Michael Mann commend Trautman for the award.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Congratulations go to Alayna Trautman, a senior from Royalton-Hartland and an Electricity/Electronics student at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Alayna is the recipient of the Thomas Olivo Leadership Award from the New York State Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (NYSACTEA). This award was named in honor of C. Thomas Olivo, who was the New York State Education Department’s director of Vocational Education in 1966, when VICA (now known as Skills USA) was established.
Dr. Olivo had the foresight to see the value of instituting a youth organization for students enrolled in secondary trade, industrial, technical and health occupations. He advocated developing leadership skills through participation in career oriented student organizations, a goal that ACTEA continues to support today. Students receiving this award are honored with a $500 scholarship from ACTEA.
Dr. Michael Weyrauch, Career and Technical Education director at Orleans/Niagara BOCES, said the school is thrilled with Alayna’s accomplishments.
“She is an outstanding individual,” Weyrauch said. “She is hardworking, dedicated and is always thinking of others. We are very proud of her.”
Dr. Hank Stopinski, superintendent of Royalton-Hartland Central School District, added, “The entire Roy-Hart community is proud of all that Alayna has accomplished during her time at our district and BOCES. She is truly a student who represents all that we hope all students will aspire, living the RAMS way, every day!”
Roy-Hart Superintendent Dr. Hank Stopinski, Roy-Hart High School Principal Gary Bell, Alayna Trautman and Roy-Hart Counselor Colleen Albee celebrate Trautman’s recognition.
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION – New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Michael Owczarczak, a Medina resident, a combat veteran, and a member of the 107th Attack Wing who also served in the Army National Guard, has been named Outstanding Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year for the 5,800- member New York Air National Guard.
Owczarczak serves as the unit training manager of the 107th Attack Wing’s Security Forces Squadron, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Owczarczak was selected for the award by a board made up of senior enlisted leaders from across the New York Air National Guard.
The New York National Guard picks four Airmen of the Year annually in the categories of First Sergeant, Airman, Non-Commissioned Officer and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
“Sergeant Owczarczak distinguishing himself as a resilient and strategic leader built for success,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, the senior enlisted leader for the New York Air National Guard.
Owczarczak enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 1998 and served as a combat medic assigned to the 105th Military Police Company in Buffalo. He joined the New York Air National Guard and the 107th Security Forces Squadron in 2001.
In September 2019, Owczarczak deployed to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq, where he served as superintendent of plans and programs. He coordinated efforts to protect equipment valued at $3 billion, and led a joint, Norwegian and American response force to help secure airfield perimeter defense, safeguarding 4,500 coalition personnel.
When the base came under Iranian missile attack on January 8, 2020, Owczarczak played a key role in responding to the attack, Richardson said.
He received the Bronze Star in recognition of his efforts.
“His accomplishments of this past year to include the deployment, earning a Bronze star, and multiple award categories is no surprise to anyone he works with,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jerrod Kester, the 107th Security Forces enlisted manager.
Owczarczak is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
He also works with multiple committees and councils to bolster wing development and morale.
“Master Sgt. Owczarczak is a clear example of what a SNCO should be not only in security forces but our Air Force,” Kester said. “I have witnessed the hard work and dedication he has put in on a daily basis.”
Owczarczak’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
ALBION – Albion’s Charles D’Amico High School is pleased to announce that four of its students have been inducted into Orleans/Niagara BOCES National Technical Honor Society.
Jacob Coolbaugh
The first of the inductees is Jacob Coolbaugh, a senior at the High School. He is in Computer Technology at the Orleans Career & Technical Education Center (OCTEC).
According to Coolbaugh, he is planning on majoring in Cyber Security at Genesee Community College.
“My goal is to be a cybersecurity expert and work at a reliable company,” Coolbaugh said.
In addition to his academic successes, Coolbaugh also competes on Albion’s Swim Team.
Benjamin Hickman
Benjamin Hickman is focusing on Electricity and Electronics at OCTEC. Currently, Hickman’s goal is to head straight into the work-force after graduating this spring.
“My goal is to get and keep a job,” Hickman explained.
On top of his scholastic accomplishments, Benjamin is also a swimmer for Albion in addition to being a trap shooter.
Elijah Lloyd
The third inductee is Elijah Lloyd and is also a senior at Albion High School. Lloyd is focusing on Security and Law Enforcement and plans to attend the University of Buffalo for Computer Engineering once he graduates.
“My goal is to become a State Trooper,” Lloyd said.
Succeeding not just as a student but as an athlete as well, Lloyd also plays on Albion’s basketball team and runs track and field.
Jakob Talbot
Lastly, Jakob Talbot was also inducted into the NTHS. Talbot has been studying Electricity and Electronics at OCTEC and plans to further his education by attending college for electricity wiring or computer programming.
“My goal is to accomplish my future plans,” Talbot stated.
His accomplishments don’t stop there, Talbot was recognized for being on Honor Roll, a member of National Honor Society, and a tri-sport athlete in the Purple Eagle Athletic Program as a member of the track and field, wrestling, and cross country teams.
All four inductees were also recognized for their perfect attendance as well as being members of SkillsUSA, a national organization that provides leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development experiences for its students.
BROCKPORT – 89.1 The Point was a national finalist (top four in the nation) for College Broadcasters, Inc (CBI) Best Special Broadcast in the 2021 National Student Production Awards competition for their coverage of the Election in late 2020.
For the fourth consecutive year, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has been selected as one of the 2021 Best Companies to Work for in New York.
