achievements

Chamber honors award winners for ‘tenacity’ and commitment to community

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday recognized award winners for 2024. The group includes, front row, from left: Lisa Christiaansen, Tapped on Main in Medina; Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; Jenna Pangrazio and Brody Hoffmeister of Rudy's in Medina; Marisa and Matthew Burch, Chop's Shop Bar & Grill North in Lyndonville; and Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service. Back row: Brian Christiaansen of Tapped on Main, David Mitchell; Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group in Albion; George Lacey and Samantha Tillman of Captain's Cove in Carlton; Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market in Medina; Rex Harvey, Ray Laine and Lori Laine of Frontier Heating & A/C Service.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2024 at 9:55 pm

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce honored several businesses and community leaders during the 26^th annual Chamber awards celebration last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course.

Camber Director Darlene Hartway said the award winners all show tremendous “tenacity” in running successful businesses and completing projects for the community.

The following were recognized during the awards celebration:

Matt Burch, owner of Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North, accepts the award for new business of the year. He is joined at the podium by his wife Marisa, left, and Darlene Hartway, the Chamber director.

New Business of the Year – Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North in Lyndonville

Matt Burch opened Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North in the former Curly’s location on April 22.

Burch opened his first pizzeria in Gasport in 2008. He expanded that site in 2017, adding a bar. He is looking to add more to the Lyndonville site.

He thanked his employees for getting off to a good start in Lyndonville at 16 North Main St.

“It’s been a blessing so far in Lyndonville,” Burch said at the award dinner, which was attended by about 125 people. “The community has been so supportive.”

Darlene Hartway, the Chamber director, praised Burch for choosing Lyndonville for the new pizzeria.

“I’m always in awe of people willing to take that leap, especially in a small town,” she said.

Brian and Lisa Christiaansen accept the Phoenix Award for their extensive renovations to create Tapped on Main in Medina.

Phoenix Award – Tapped on Main at Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina

Brian and Lisa Christiaansen completed an extensive remodeling at at 549 Main St., Medina, in December 2019, opening a bar at Mark’s Pizzeria. The bar was forced to close due to Covid restrictions in March 2020.

The Christiaansens reopened Tapped on Main in 2021, and last year added a game and party room that can accommodate groups of up to about 50.

Brian Chriastiaansen opened his first Mark’s Pizzerias in Hamlin about 30 years ago, and followed with Mark’s in Bushnell’s Basin and then Brockport. He now has stores in Medina, Albion and Newfane.

He and his wife wanted to have a space for customers to sit down and dine and he and Lisa had always wanted a bar. They decided to combine a bar with the pizzeria, and became the first Mark’s franchise to serve beer and wine from a bar.

As part of the renovations they kept the original ceiling and brick walls in the historic building.

Agricultural Business of the Year – Roberts Farm Market

Gary and Maggie Roberts of Roberts Farm Market accept the award for Agricultural Business of the Year. The farm market is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The Roberts family has been farming since 1931 in Medina. In 1974, the family started a farm market on Maple Ridge Road, which has expanded and includes a greenhouse and apple cider press.

Gary and Maggie Roberts and two of their children, son Patrick and daughter Jenna Bruning, all have key roles in the operation today.

Gary praised his wife for the success of the farm market over many years.

“She has brought the market to where it is today,” Gary said during the awards banquet.

He said he is fortunate to have two of his children alongside him working in the business.

The farm began when Gary’s grandparents, Justin and Lorraine Roberts, purchased their home and 166 acres of land on Maple Ridge Road in 1931, just across from the farm market.

The family grows fruit on about 200 acres, yielding about 175,000 bushels. Of those 20,000 bushels are sold at the farm market or are used for making cider.

George Lacey, owner of Captain’s Cove in Carlton, accepts the Hidden Gem award. He is joined by Captain’s Cove manager Samantha Tillman, center, and Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director.

Hidden Gem – Captain’s Cove Motel & Marina

The Chamber honors a business as a “Hidden Gem” for its role promoting and supporting Orleans County tourism, often without much fanfare.

George lacey has overcome many challenges since he purchased Captain’s Cove Motel & Marina in 2015. His wife passed away three weeks after Lacey bought the business, which was they flooded in 2017 and 2019.

He has rebuilt the store with improved parking on the upper level. All the wood in the new building came from the trees up on the hill.

Lacey recently obtained his beer license for the new store, and has groceries, fishing tackle, live bait and hunting licenses.

The property also includes a 14-unit motel and 32 slips. Captain’s Cove rents pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes. He has refrigerators available for fisherman to store their catch.

The entire west wall of the new building facing the river also has a new look. Mural artist Michelle Cryer of Clarendon is painting a large mural showing the lake and the Oak Orchard Lighthouse.

Lacey was praised by Dawn Borchert, the county’s tourism director, for his hard work to make Captain’s Cove and Point Breeze a destination.

Lacey urged more people to invest in Point Breeze and local community.

“I see lots of opportunity in Orleans County,” he said.

Businessperson of the Year – Bob Gibbs of Environmental Construction Group

Bob Gibbs, owner of the Environmental Construction Group, is presented with the award of “Businessperson of the Year.” He accepts it from Lindsay Ward, regional director of the SUNY Brockport SBDC.

Bob Gibbs owns the Environmental Construction Group, a full-service abatement, remediation and selective demolition company. ECG is based in Albion and employs about 50 people.

Gibbs has worked in the environmental field for more than 30 years, starting when he was 23. Most of the company’s work in is Monroe County, doing remediation and demo work in some of the biggest construction projects in the Rochester area, including several school districts, Strong Memorial Hospital, Innovation Square (former Xerox Tower).

ECG also has taken on projects in New Jersey, Arkansas, Virginia, Texas and Wisconsin.

Gibbs has also bought distressed properties in Albion, done major renovations and sold them as homes. He is has cleared some vacant land, turning them into ready-to-build lots, and is currently transforming 101 East Bank St. into a place that can be rented out for parties.

Gibbs thanked his wife and two grown daughters for their support, and for riding “the emotional journey with me.”

He grew up helping his father, the late Robert Gibbs Sr., who was a contractor. Gibbs was 19 when he bought a house at age 19 and completely renovated it by age 21.

Brody Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio were honored with the Small Business of the Year for their commitment to Rudy’s Diner in Medina.

Small Business of the Year – Rudy’s Diner

Brody Hoffmeister was thrust into ownership of Rudy’s Diner following the death of his mother, Kelly Duffield, from cancer in October 2019.

Hoffmeister is the third generation to lead the establishment. In March 2020 he faced an unexpected challenge. The business was forced to close to in-person customers due to Covid restrictions. Rudy’s and other diners had to shift to takeout-only.

The pandemic sliced away a big chunk of Rudy’s business, and some customers did not return. They preferred the comfy booths, nostalgia and friendly faces at the popular diner.

Hoffmeister and his wife Jenna Pangrazio have retooled the operation, keeping the 1950s feel of the diner while offering a pared down but popular menu.

Hoffmeister urges the community to continue to support Rudy’s, where he said the focus on food is quality over quantity.

Rudy’s currently operates with 10 employees, down from a peak of 25 before Covid hit.

“We’ve had an uphill climb but we’re still here,” Hoffmeister said during the Chamber event.

Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, accepts the Community Service Award on behalf of the agency that assists about 5,000 people a year. Mary Lou Tuohey, last year’s winner, is at right.

Community Service Award – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is an agency dedicated to helping people become self sufficient. The agency offers numerous services to help build a stronger community.

Community Action has more than 100 employees and the agency assists families of very young children through Early Head Start and Head Start, and has numerous other programs, including ACT (helping youth ACT responsibly), Stone Soup Success/Food Rx (educating to prepare healthy meals), Child Care Resource and Referral, Weatherization and Energy Services, Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, a credit recovery program for Albion seniors, emergency services, holiday meals and gifts, the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley, which provides daily meals, a clothing depot and food giveaway.

Community Action is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. Renee Hungerford, the executive director, said Community Action has been on a journey of transformation as an agency, embracing new technology while staying true to the mission of uplifting the community.

She said many people can find themselves thrust into poverty, whether from a tragic event or an illness. Sometimes, a rise in income from a higher minimum wage can lead to hardship, disqualifying people for some assistance and making their rent unaffordable. She urged compassion and understanding for some of the challenges of lower-income people in the community.

Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating & A/C Service, accepts the award for “Business of the Year.” Behind him are his son Ray Laine, left, and son-in-law, Rex Harvey, and Darlene Hartway from the Chamber. Ray and Rex are both key leaders at Frontier.

Business of the Year – Frontier Heating & A/C Service

In 1991, Tom Laine started Frontier Heating and AC Service in his garage. The business has grown to over 7,000 customers.

After four years in his garage, Frontier moved to East Bank Street in Albion. Last year, the business moved to a 12,000-square-foot facility on Route 31A.

The site has more parking and a larger a showroom to display the products they sell. Frontier services all brands and sell Amana and Mitsubishi equipment, as well as boilers, water heaters, air conditioning units and heat pumps. In addition they install Generac and Honeywell generators, and deal with all types of fuel, including natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and propane.

Frontier offers “around the clock service.” The business employs 15 to 20 people at any given time, nearly all Orleans County residents. Over the years, their service area has expanded to include Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties.

‘They’re not happy until you’re happy,” said Hartway, the Chamber director.

David Mitchell, left, is congratulated on the Lifetime Achievement Award by Darlene Hartway, center, and Mark Tillman, last year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement.

Lifetime Achievement Award – David Mitchell of Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals

David Mitchell wanted a career where he could make an impact with local families going through a tough time in life. He considered being a police officer, but chose to be a funeral director.

The community is grateful for that decision, said Mark Tillman, last year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement for his long career running Tillman’s Village Inn.

Mitchell has served Orleans County for 40 years as a funeral director. He took over as owner of Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes after his father Rho retired. Mitchell has expanded to owning funeral homes in Middleport, Gasport and Medina, and has the business set up with local ownership long into the future with his son Josh Mitchell and Jake Hebdon from Cooper Funeral Home in Medina. Christopher Mitchell has been rebranded as Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals.

David Mitchell has maintained and grown the local ownership of the funeral homes in an era when corporate conglomerates have been buying up funeral homes in smaller towns.

Tillman said David Mitchell has been a trusting presence for the community during times of immense grief.

“Compassion, dignity, professionalism, community service and, most of all, kindness,” Tillman said in listing some of Mitchell’s attributes.

Mitchell has been active in many community organizations – as a member of the Holley Rotary Club and Albion Lions Club, as a board member for Community Action, United Way, Ministry of Concern and the Curtis Foundation.

He sponsors many local events and gives to other community causes and projects, including donating two vans to the Orleans Joint Veterans Council to transport veterans to medical appointments.

Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals has eight employees, including two long-time funeral directors: Paula Fuller with 30 years and Scott Schmidt with 27. Mitchell said the employees are committed to the community and are instrumental to the business’s success.

Tillman quoted the late Steve Jobs, CEO and co-founder of Apple: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

Tillman followed that by saying, “David, the love shows.”

David Mitchell honored by Chamber with lifetime achievement award

Photos by Tom Rivers: David Mitchell is shown last week by a photo from 2012 showing David with his father Rho and David’s son Josh. All three chose funeral directors as their career. David joined his father in the business in 1984.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2024 at 1:10 pm

Mitchell has worked as local funeral director for 40 years

ALBION – As a kid, David Mitchell often joined his father Rho at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes in Holley and Albion.

David would mow the lawn, washed cars and helped around the funeral homes. He grew up thinking he would pursue a career as a police officer. Mitchell thought that job was a great way to serve the community and help people.

But he realized following his father as a funeral director also met that goal of service. Mitchell was 21 and was doing a residency in Rochester to become a funeral director. Mitchell said he has always preferred to be a person in the background, making sure everything is in order and tended to, while also making sure a family’s needs are being met.

He was at a service when a family went out of their way to thank you for his attention to all the details.

“That was a moment when the light bulb went off, and confirmed that I do want to do this,” Mitchell during an interview last week in Albion.

He joined his father in 1984 at Christopher Mitchell, and has upgraded both the Albion and Holley sites. David’s son Josh joined the business in 2012, making it three generations of Mitchells in the funeral service.

David Mitchell was honored in November 2018 by the Cobblestone Museum with “The Pullman Award” in appreciation of Mitchell donating a couch made by George Pullman in the 1850s. Mitchell acquired the couch when he purchased the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home in Albion. Mitchell wanted the couch to stay in the community and be displayed for the public to enjoy. George Pullman was a furniture manufacturer in Albion before he moved to Chicago and developed the Pullman’s Palace Cars for the railroad industry.

Christopher Mitchell in recent years has expanded and acquired funeral homes in Middleport (Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home) and Gasport (Sherrie Bream & Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home). Last year Mitchell announced a partnership with Cooper Funeral Homes in Medina, with Cooper owner Jake Hebdon becoming a part owner with Christopher Mitchell.

Hebdon joins Josh Mitchell in ensuring local ownership and leadership of the funeral homes for many years to come. The business has been rebranded as Mitchell Family Cremations & Funerals.

David isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. He remains the full-time leader of Christopher Mitchell. The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce will honor him with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” on Oct. 17 during the annual Chamber awards banquet.

Mitchell said he appreciates the award, and is grateful for a long career in his home community, working with so many families.

“Ninety-nine percent of this job is dealing with the living,” Mitchell said. “You treat them with the utmost respect and care. You treat each family the best you can as if they are your own.”

When he started in 1984, Christopher Mitchell was doing about 90 funerals a year. That is now about 400 a year at the five funeral homes.

Christopher Mitchell has eight full-time employees who Mitchell said are instrumental in the business’s success. He noted Paula Fuller has worked as funeral director with Christopher Mitchell for 30 years, and Scott Schmidt has been there for 26 years. Mitchell also said the late Lee Minier was a big contributor to Christopher Mitchell, helping it grow during his tenure from 1992 to 2007.

David’s father Rho passed away in 2015, and he was active in many community organizations. David has followed his father’s example serving with the Albion Lions Club, Holley Rotary Club and on the boards for several organizations. Christopher Mitchell also donates and sponsors numerous events and causes in the community.

‘The community has been good to us and I’d like to believe we’re good to the community,” Mitchell said.

Christopher Mitchell recently was recognized for the ninth year in a row with the National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence Award, which is given to funeral homes that deliver extraordinary service while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards. Mitchell said the recognition goes to the top 1 percent funeral homes out of more than 11,000.

Christopher Mitchell values traditional funeral services, and also embrace modern technology to serve families, including video tributes, live-streaming services, and jewelry or other mementos with fingerprints of loved ones.

“We’re always out trying to learn new ideas and techniques,” David Mitchell said. “It’s all about connecting with the families.”

2 from Orleans County among Arc GLOW award winners

Posted 11 October 2024 at 11:12 am

Provided photos: Heidi Wyant of Albion was named Arc GLOW’s “Employee of the Year” and Nathan Johnidas of Albion was named the “Self-Advocate of the Year.”

Information courtesy of Arc GLOW

BATAVIA — The Arc GLOW, a four-county organization serving people with disabilities, held its second annual awards banquet and annual meeting on Wednesday. Two of the award winners are from Orleans County.

Heidi Wyant, the Arc GLOW transportation director, was named “Employee of the Year.”

Wyant has been with the agency for almost three years, coming to Arc GLOW from Community Action of Orleans Transportation. So, although she has only been with the agency since 2021, her impact has been felt by the people we serve for over 30 years since CATS had a long-standing partnership with Arc of Orleans and later Arc of Genesee Orleans, Arc GLOW officials said.

“The impact that Heidi has on the agency is far more in depth than most people realize,” said John Prospero, vice president of transportation.

Wyant supervises over 30 employees, is responsible for the transportation of over 200 adults and children, all with some type of special need, on more than 25 bus routes.

“In addition, Heidi is responsible for managing our northern vehicle fleet of about 100 vehicles—which entails everything from fleet maintenance to fuel and oh by the way now is done in a NYSDOT certified facility,” Prospero said. “And here is one other tidbit that I am guessing most of you do not realize—Heidi’s operation transports people throughout seven counites. In the three years that Heidi and I have worked together, she has brought in new business, recruited drivers and literally doubled the number of bus routes and the people we serve.”

Nate Johnidas of Albion was named “Self-Advocate of the Year.” Johnidas was voted president of the Self-Advocacy All-Stars. As president, he led the group in preparing for the annual talent show and reached out to community members to invite them to speak at the 3rd Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day.

“This year was a big one for him,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of self-direction and community services. “Nate set many goals for himself this past year regarding his desire to be more independent. In an effort to facilitate this, Nate took the appropriate measures to become his own guardian and representative payee. His self-advocacy efforts paid off and he was successful in reaching these goals and now resides his own apartment in the community. Nate continues to work with staff and natural supports to maintain his independence in his new apartment.”

Other award recipients include:

Community Services and Self-Direction Person of the Year – Brittany Murphy
KidStart Employee of the Year – Margaret Putman
Supported Employment Person of the Year – Elizabeth Padilla
Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tammy Reimels
Day Habilitation Person of the Year – James Gibbs
Residential Person of the Year – Monica Mineo
Direct Support Professional Person of the Year – Heather Taft
Friend of Arc GLOW – Hoffman Hanafin & Associates
Business Partner of the Year – Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop
Volunteers of the Year – Kevin and Dawn Fisher

Over 300 staff, individuals, family members and community members came to the Batavia Downs to honor the 12 award recipients. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and representatives from Senator George Borello and Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office were also in attendance.

“October first marked our official three-year anniversary as Arc GLOW; we have accomplished so much as one agency,” said Martin Miskell, CEO.

Additionally this year, Arc GLOW launched Genesee IGNITE in partnership with Genesee Community College. This, and the LIVES program through SUNY Geneseo which celebrated 15 years in April, are Arc GLOW’s inclusive higher education and college experience programs.

Two other agency milestones which were celebrated this year were Hilltop in August which celebrated 50 years and Finders Keepers Thrift Shop which celebrated 15 years in June.

Over 137 Arc GLOW staff also celebrated longevity milestones ranging from five to 40 years of service in 2024.

“We completed our first phase of the strategic plan to examine where we are, where we want to go, and how we are going to get there. Our first major initiative resulted in a Brand Marketing Plan, and we will be working with Causewaves to guide us through,” Miskell said.

In the coming year, Miskell said Arc GLOW aims to:

Look to expand the variety of our programming to meet every interest and ability.
Roll out the Brand Marketing Plan to include a new mission and vision statement.
Advocate for more funding and grants.
Continue to make renovations to Arc GLOW homes and sites to accommodate the needs of the individuals it serves.
Increase staff retention and recruitment to be the employer of choice.
Increase community awareness in Arc GLOW.

Three Arc GLOW Board of Directors were recognized for their service: John Haugh, Susan Maha and Michelle Mahler.

Additionally, Arc GLOW recognized the Tuohey family of Medina and their commitment to Arc GLOW. Mary Lou Tuohey announced she will be retiring from her family business Case-Nic Cookies at the end of 2024.

“The Tuohey family is the true definition of a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision,” said Englert. “The Tuohey family always can be found volunteering at Arc events or organizing fundraisers to benefit Arc GLOWs programs and other communities. Mary Lou constantly provides cookies for our fundraisers and events, and her daughter, Nicole, heads her own fundraisers. Her Have a Heart Campaign raised over $2,300 this year that benefited many programs within the agency.”

Arc GLOW will recognize award winners at banquet Oct. 9

Posted 3 October 2024 at 5:38 pm

Press Release, Arc GLOW

BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will be holding its second annual meeting and awards banquet at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Batavia Downs.

Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee. Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.

The award winners are the following:

• Self-Advocate of the Year – Nathan Johnidas, Albion

Award goes to a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.

• Supported Employment Person of the Year – Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia

The award honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

• Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tammy Reimels, Hilltop

The honor goes to a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.

• Residential Person of the Year – Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia

The award honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.

• Day Habilitation Person of the Year – James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia

The recognition goes to a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.

• Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year – Brittany Murphy, Genesee County

Honors a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.

• KidStart Employee of the Year – Maggie Putman

Goes to an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.

• Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP) – Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon

The award honors a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.

• Employee of the Year – Heidi Wyant, transportation manager

Recognizes 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.

• Friend of the Year – Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC

Recognizes a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.

• Business Partner of the Year – Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop in Geneseo

Honors a partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.

• Volunteers of the Year – Kevin and Dawn Fisher

The award goes to people committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.

Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Frontier Heating and AC Service has grown from Tom Laine’s garage to over 7,000 customers

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 October 2024 at 8:06 pm

Chamber’s Business of the Year moved to bigger location, maintains focus on customer service

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Tom Laine, owner of Frontier Heating and AC Service, stands by one of their trucks at the base at 14530 East Lee Rd. The business has been named “Business of the Year” by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. Frontier will be recognized at the awards dinner Oct. 17 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

ALBION – The owner of Frontier Heating and Air Conditioning Service is honored to be named Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

“I was elated with the news,” said Tom Laine. “It’s nice to be recognized for the good work we’ve done over the years.”

Laine founded Frontier Heating and A/C Service in 1991 in his garage in Albion, after working for 11 years for other contractors, he said.

“We did business there until 1995, when my wife Lora (Lori) and I purchased 115 East Bank St., where we did business for 27 years,” Laine said.

In March 2023, Laine moved his business to a new, bigger location at 14530 East Lee Rd. The new 12,000 square foot facility is more convenient for them to better serve their customers, he said. They have ample parking with a showroom to display the products they sell.

It’s a challenge to keep on the cutting edge of technology, Laine said.

The worst part of his business is “around the clock” service, but Laine knows it is important to his customers to have emergency service available at any time.

This facility at 14530 East Lee Rd. is the home of Frontier Heating and AC Service, the Orleans County Chamber’s Business of the Year.

They service all brands and sell Amana and Mitsubishi equipment, as well as boilers, water heaters, air conditioning units and heat pumps. In addition they install Generac and Honeywell generators, and deal with all types of fuel, including natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and propane.

Laine, who will be 67 this year, is gradually letting his son Raymond and son-in-law Rex Harvey have more responsibility.

“I keep going, because I know the day will come when I can’t,” he said.

Frontier Heating employs 15 to 20 people at any given time, nearly all Orleans County residents. Over the years, their service area has expanded to include Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties.

Laine is proud of how his business has grown over the years.

“When I started, my wife delivered mail and would speak to her customers daily, giving out my business card,” Laine said. “That’s where I got my first lead for a furnace.”

Today Laine boasts a customer base of 7,000.

“I’m happy to say we still have that first client,” he said.

He says his job is making sure each and every customer has a good experience and is 100 percent satisfied.

“We’re looking for customers for life, and we’re not happy until you’re happy,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce announces annual award winners

Posted 24 September 2024 at 3:33 pm

Frontier Heating & A/C Service named Business of the Year

Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce

ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners. They will be honored on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The winners for 2024 include:

Business of the Year – Frontier Heating & A/C Service
Lifetime Achievement Award – Dave Mitchell – Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals
Phoenix Award – Tapped on Main – Mark’s Pizzeria
New Business of the Year – Chop’s Shop Bar and Grilled North
Community Service Award – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Agricultural Business of the Year – Roberts Farm Market
Businessperson of the Year – Bob Gibbs – Environmental Construction Group
Small Business of the Year – Rudy’s Diner
Hidden Gem – Captain’s Cove Motel & Marina

National Guard soldier from Albion gets promotion

Posted 10 September 2024 at 4:32 pm

Information from New York National Guard

A National Guard soldier from Albion has been promoted, Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced.

Daelonte Ortiz from Albion and assigned to the Company D, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion Aug. 26 to the rank of specialist and will take on additional responsibility and leadership.

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

These promotions recognize the best-qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).

2 from Albion earn degrees from out-of-state colleges

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 August 2024 at 8:53 pm

Two people from Albion have recently earned bachelor’s degrees from colleges out of state.

Malory Adams graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in English at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

AD Christ on Aug. 15 received his bachelor of arts degree from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.

Small animal grand master named at 4-H Fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2024 at 2:27 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Luke Gregoire, right won the small animal grandmaster showman today at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and Evelyn Paratore, left, was the reserve grand master.

The top showmen in four different small animals – dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature horses – vied today for the grand master showman.

Gregoire, 17, of Murray has been showing chickens and rabbits at the fair for about five years. He qualified for the event today after being reserve champ in poultry.

Paratore, 12, of Corfu won the master showman for rabbits.

The grand master showman competition takes the top two showmen in the four different animals and makes them show all four small animals.

The master showmen needed to do a quick health check on the animals, note the ideal height and weight for each and note anything that could be considered a fault. For example, the bantam roosters shouldn’t have any white feathers.

Other participants in the competition include Meganne Moore (mini horse master), Grace Goodrich (mini horse reserve), Celes Paratore (poultry master, rabbit reserve), Bailey Gonzalez (dog master), and Sophia Albone (dog reserve).

Provided photo: Luke Gregoire shows a rabbit and answers questions from the judge. Luke has shown rabbits and chickens for years and said he was comfortable with them today, while he had to do some last-minute cramming to prepare to show a dog and a miniature horse.

“I didn’t feel as strong about the mini horses, but the big thing is to project confidence,” he said.

Evelyn Paratore said she is least familiar with dogs. She has shown the other animals, and also was in the large animal grand master showman competition on Friday, featuring eight different livestock animals.

After today’s small animal contest, Evelyn said she felt the pressure lifted.

“It is stressful and tiring, but fun at the same time,” she said about the intense competitions.

Carter Kuipers claims grand master showman title

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2024 at 10:39 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Carter Kuipers, 16, of Byron shows a beef animal during Friday’s grand master showman competition.

Carter won the title against other top livestock showmen from this week’s fair.

The grand master showman is one of the most prestigious titles at the fair. The competition features the master showman in nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Carter showed pigs and beef qualified for the competition after winning the beef master showman title.

Carter’s mother Vicki (Miller) Kuipers won the grand master title in the late 1990s. Carter said he enjoys the challenge of showing the nine different animals.

“It’s fun and it’s exciting,” he said on Friday night after winning the competition. “You can get out there and show what you know.”

Emma Kron, judge of the event, took the cumulative scores of the participants, and she said Carter Kuipers emerged as the winner.

“He was consistent across all the species,” she said.

Meganne Moore, 18, of Albion leads a horse in the first part of the grand master competition. Moore was named the reserve grand master. She qualified after winning the Western horse event.

Meganne has been showing animals at the fair since she was a 5-year-old Cloverbud. She first showed a chicken. She has made it to the grand master event twice before. Her second-place showing is her best finish.

“I was calmer this time,” she said. “I wasn’t as scared of the animals.”

The competition requires people to show dairy and beef animals, that can top 1,000 pounds.

This is Meganne’s last year in 4-H. She heads to Geneseo State College this fall to major in biology with a pre-vet minor.

The master showmen included:

Carter Kuipers, 16, of Byron, representing beef
Phoebe Allen, 15, of Albion, representing sheep
Brilyn Rebisz, 19, of Bergen, representing dairy goats
Carissa Klossner, 16, of Holley, representing llamas
Evelyn Paratore, 12, of Corfu, representing meat goats
Kennedy Murphy, 13, of Albion, representing English horse
Ruth Kuipers, 14, of Byron, representing pigs
Georgia Baxter, 14, of Churchville, representing dairy cows
Meganne Moore, 18 of Albion, representing Western horse

These four show meat goats, including from left: Ruth Kuipers, Kennedy Murphy, Evelyn Paratore and Brilyn Rebisz. The participants needed to show off the animals’ best characteristics and also answer questions about the animal and breed from the judge.

Carissa Klossner of Holley maintains eye contact with judge Emma Kron while Carissa showed a horse on Friday.

Phoebe Allen of Barre keeps a dairy animal under control during the grand master showman competition.

Georgia Baxter of Churchville answers a question from the judge when the grand master participants show meat goats.

Evelyn Paratore of Corfu, left, and Kennedy Murphy of Albion get ready to lead beef animals into the show arena. The two are more accustomed to showing other animals. Evelyn qualified after winning the meat goats master showman and Kennedy won for English horse.

Ruth Kuipers of Byron leads a llama in the show ring. She qualified as the top pig showman.

Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen shows a meat goat during the competition. She closed out her 4-H career on Friday. The grand master competitors all had to be nimble in the show ring leading animals from under a 100 pounds to well over 1,000.

New karaoke champ crowned at fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2024 at 9:44 am

Qasim Huzair is third in his family to win the singing title

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Qasim Huzair, 20, of Lyndonville sings “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. Huzair won the karaoke competition at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Thursday, earning $500 for first place.

Huzair has been performing at karaoke at the fair for about a decade. He usually sings songs from musicals. He qualified for the finals with “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin.

“I just wanted to have fun and have fun with the audience,” he said about changing to a hard rocker for the finals.

Huzair said it was humbling to win because all of the 15 singers in the finals put on a good show.

Huzair is the third person in his family to win the karoke title. His sister Tamara and brother Ayman also won the crown.

Qasim’s sister Leylah and brother Amir also performed in the finals on Thursday. About 500 people watched the event.

Qasim is a music education student at Roberts Wesleyan College.

The top five at the karaoke finals are shown on Thursday after the top performers were announced by six judges. From left include Qasim Huzair of Lyndonville, first ($500 prize); Gideon Pask of Barre, second ($250 prize); Greg Stanton of Medina, third ($125); Olivia Manfredi of Kendall, fourth ($75); and Samual Robinson of Albion, fifth ($50).

(Left) Brilyn Rebisz, 19, of Bergen sings “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert, while Brilyn’s mother, Joceyln Rebisz of Bergen, performs “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

Evan Steier of Albion, an elementary teacher at Albion, sings “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood.

Carrie Clay of Albion sings “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Andy Remillard sings “Bed Of Roses” by Bon Jovi.

Greg Stanton sings “Call Me The Breeze” by Lynyrd Skynyrd during the karaoke finals. Stanton, 69, is a retired signmaker. He is part of a band, Stanton, that is making its debut this year at many local concert series. The band will be performing Monday evening at the Yates Community Library.

Stanton came in third in the karaoke competition. He is shown interacting with the crowd, trying to get people up and dancing.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Stanton said about performing. “I should have done this 40 years ago.”

Gideon Pask, 16, of Barre proved a crowd favorite with his deep bass voice singing “The Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash.

Samuel Robinson of Albion performers “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, and Phoebe Allen of Albion sings “Goodbye Earl” by the Dixie Chicks.

Medina dancers named national champs at competition in New Jersey

Posted 25 July 2024 at 8:31 am

Press Release, Dance Theater

MEDINA – A team of 23 students from the Dance Theater in Medina recently attended “The Power of Dance” East Coast Nationals Dance Competition in Seaside Heights, N.J. and returned home as National Grand Champions!

Their full team production entitled “Hot Like Fire” took home the highest overall score of the 12 and Under “You’ve Got The Power” Dance Battle. The team brought home the National Grand Championship trophy!

Dance Theater not only had their full team production dance selected for the battle, but also their Pre-Competition Team Jazz number “Hip to be Square” and their Mini Competition Team Jazz number entitled “In His Kiss.”

The Dance Theater competition teams competed against 325 other dance entries from 13 other studios from across the east coast.

The Dance Theater competition teams have dancers from across Orleans, Niagara and Genesee counties including Gracie Brower, Elaina Bruce, Sydney Bruce, Jailyn Cramer, Rayne Davis, Aubrey Fletcher, Sierra Frasier, Alexis Hare, Elissa Lainberger, Olivia Maynard, Charlotte McGrath, Emma McGrath, Makenzie McGrath, Hailey Moore, Izabella Murphy, Kirsten Page, Natalie Rath, Mila Rodriguez, Gracie Tardibone, Abby Vick, Carly Voelker, Baylie Watson and Arabella White.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES names Employees of the Year

Posted 23 July 2024 at 4:22 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its Employees of the Year for the 2023-2024 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.

Melanie Conley is the Administrator of the Year. Conley is the Director of Business Services and has worked at O/N BOCES for seven and a half years.

When asked what her favorite part of her job she answered, “As I thoroughly love what I do, it is difficult to narrow it down to one particular aspect. My favorite part is leading the business office, facilities, technology and print shop operations and knowing that all of these functions play a critical role in our students’ obtaining a first-rate education. Another favorite part of my job includes being a resource for our component school districts when they may have a need or question in which they may be looking for direction. I also love the good people and the relationships that I have been able to establish with our Orleans/Niagara BOCES and component district staff! We have great people working hard every day to give our area students the best educational opportunities possible.”

Conley adds that she is humbled and honored by the recognition.

Kristen Strassburg is the Clerical Person of the Year. A school nurse at the Niagara Academy, she has worked at that site for the past 20 years.

“I love working with the kids and the staff,” Strassburg said. “I have made some fantastic connections with many of them and have made lifelong friends at the school. There is something so special and magical about the Niagara Academy and I love how we work together as a team to help these students achieve their goals.”

She said she is honored at being named an employee of the year. “I believe I am the first school nurse to win in this category. I work with such an amazing group of school nurses, so I hope I am the first of many to win. They are truly the best and I look forward to our staff development day once a year. It is really the best day of the school year for me.”

Katie Carlisle-Diemert is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked as an Adult Literacy teacher in the incarceration program at Niagara County Jail since 2013. “I worked in the business world for a long time before I came to work for BOCES,” she said. “The satisfaction of going home each day having helped another person change their life for the better is very powerful. It is like nothing you can get from corporate America. Watching people and helping people to make positive life change is my favorite part of my job.”

She said she is surprised and thankful about the honor. “I never expected to win this. I am appreciative that my colleagues have noticed the effort I put into my work and that they believe I make a difference.”

Colleen Bronschidle is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. She has been a custodian worker at the Niagara Academy since 2005. Before that she ran the school’s kitchen for five years and was eventually hired by BOCES in 2010.

“I started out as a teacher aide and substitute cleaner,” she said. “I then went on to a full-time cleaner than custodian at the Niagara Academy. My favorite part of the job is the people I work with every day. They are like extended family to me. I was shocked to receive Employee of the Year. I am very proud of my job and I love the atmosphere at Niagara Academy. I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity and let them know I appreciate it very much.”

Sheldon Somas is the Staff Specialist of the Year. Sheldon has worked at BOCES for ten years. He was shocked and surprised that he won Employee of the Year. “The best part of my job is working with my co-workers in the Tech Department.”

Mary Kuhn is the Teacher of the Year. She is a music educator with the special education students and has taught at BOCES since October 1996.

“The most enjoyable aspect of my job is connecting with my students through different elements of music,” Kuhn said. “They are amazing, and teaching them something I am passionate about if truly awarding. I must acknowledge the incredible support from the staff who work alongside me in guiding our students. Without the dedicated aides and personal care aides, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Antonia Newell is the Teacher Aide of the Year. She has worked at BOCES for 17 years. “I absolutely love my job, coworkers and students! I am so humbled to be chosen for this and so excited. I am very thankful!”

Deborah MacIver was named the Substitute of the Year. MacIver worked as a teacher aide with O/N BOCES since 2016. When she retired in 2023, she started substituting for the organization.

7 faculty, staff from GCC receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Posted 17 July 2024 at 3:26 pm

Press Release, Genesee Community College

These GCC faculty or staff honored with Chancellor’s Awards include, from left: Karlyn Backus, Amy Conley and Richard Schlesinger.

BATAVIA – Seven exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Richard A. Schlesinger was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistent superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Dr. Schlesinger has been a member of our college’s communication faculty since 2016 and has taught a variety of courses including Interpersonal Communications, Speech, First Year Experience, Career Explorations, and Argue and Debate. Communication courses go well beyond the textbook since lessons need to come to life with real-world applications, and Dr. Schlesinger creates well-crafted lessons which are designed to build practical skills.

He is a highly experienced individual known for creativity and adaptability both inside and outside the classroom and is committed to student success. In addition, he is the author of: “If You Don’t Ask The Answer Is No: A Practical Guide for Getting Through College Without Falling Through the Cracks” and is currently working on his second book.

Michele L. Terry was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the Classified Service, a system-level award established by SUNY to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the University’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Terry has been a member of our college’s classified staff since her arrival in 2002. She began as a Clerk-Typist, became a Secretary, and has been in the role of Executive Secretary since 2009. She has cheerfully transitioned to different job responsibilities under different supervisors over the years and continually maintains a positive atmosphere.

Terry has proven to be a “patient teacher” to new employees and often steps up to help at the Hub of the Student Success Center. Terry is involved in, and assists with, many campus events. In addition, she serves as secretary to the GCC Association Board and became a notary public in 2019.

These honorees include Elizabeth Simmons, Teresa Sukiennicki, Laura Taylor and Michele Terry.

Teresa L. Sukiennicki received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, which recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.

Sukiennicki has been a member of the college’s biology faculty since 2006 when she started as an adjunct instructor prior to becoming a full-time faculty member in 2009. She has been regularly involved with the Academic Senate, including being co-chair of the Academic Standards Committee for over eight years. She was the Outdoor Adventure Club advisor for eight years, and regularly volunteers within the community. Sukiennicki maintains her connections with educators outside of the College through her participation in several professional associations and gives back to the community through her weekly volunteer work at EquiCenter.

Elizabeth M. Simmons was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship, which recognizes consistently superior professional achievement in the field of librarianship.

Simmons has been a member of our college since 2017 where she started as a Reference and Cataloging Librarian, and in 2019, she became a Systems & Electronic Services Librarian. She has served in a critical role as she navigated the library through some impactful changes including migrating the library’s website, establishing technical workflows and training staff for a new Library Services Platform, implementing a laptop loaning program for students, and configuring and implementing a study room booking software in the library.

Simmons is GCC’s SUNY Librarians Association campus delegate and is an active member of other state library organizations in addition to holding positions on a variety of college committees.

Karlyn M. Backus was recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.

Her service to the college began in 2009 as an adjunct instructor, in 2011 she was hired full time as an ACE Program Specialist, she joined the college’s Records Office in 2019 as the Assistant Registrar and was then promoted to Registrar.

Backus has always been an individual that embodies the spirit of “Serving Beyond Expectations.” She is well known not only on campus for her contributions of knowledge, teamwork and innovative solutions, but at the SUNY level as well. A few examples of her work include leading and supporting several digital transformation efforts, implementing a collaborative collegewide professional development group, and leadership roles within the college’s Academic Senate and Information Technology Advisory Council.

Amy V. Conley was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, which supports the pursuits foundational to sustaining the intellectual growth of SUNY institutions by recognizing consistently outstanding scholarly and creative productivity, conducted in addition to teaching, by SUNY’s instructional faculty.

Conley has been a member of our college faculty since 2009. Some of her career highlights at GCC include her work with the Business Creators Club over the past 14 years and innovative contributions on delivering course content, specifically through hyflex. In addition, Conley is a faculty liaison with the pTECH Program, a 23-24 SUNY Online Ambassador, works extensively with The BEST Center to create and teach classes, mentors student participants in the annual business idea pitch competition, and is an active member of GCC’s Educational Initiatives and Career Services Committees. Beyond the classroom, she organizes countless activities including networking events and promotes student involvement in the community.

Laura J. Taylor was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University’s commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Taylor has been a member of our college since 2017, and since joining GCC, has transformed the college’s fashion degree program in several important ways. She oversaw the transition of the annual fashion show from the Forum to the Arena; and perhaps even more remarkably, was able to find a way to make the event possible during the pandemic. Taylor works to maintain connections with fashion business leaders nationwide, strengthen relationships with fashion programs at 4-year institutions, and has been instrumental in transforming GCC’s fashion degree program to modernize course content and provide students with the best possible resources available.

“We are incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals who have received the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence,” said Dr. James Sunser, president of GCC. “Richard Schlesinger, Michele Terry, Teresa Sukiennicki, Elizabeth Simmons, Karlyn Backus, Amy Conley, and Laura Taylor have consistently demonstrated outstanding contributions to their respective fields, our campus, and the community. Their commitment to excellence and dedication have had a profound impact on our students and the overall educational experience at Genesee Community College.”

Hilton fisherman sets state record for catching biggest longnose gar

Posted 12 July 2024 at 10:18 pm

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo provided by DEC: Chuck Zimmerman holds his record-breaking fish.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced a new state record for longnose gar was set on June 21.

Using a topwater swimbait, Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, reeled in a 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County. The record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record longnose gar, caught from Lake Champlain in 2018, by one pound and four ounces.

“DEC congratulates Mr. Zimmerman on an impressive catch and encourages all anglers to take advantage of the state’s plentiful fishing opportunities in the hopes they too can catch a new state record or other Angler Achievement Award when they cast their next line,” said DEC interim commissioner Shane Mahar.

The prehistoric longnose gar prefer shallow weedy areas of larger lakes and can be found swimming near the water’s surface. In New York, longnose gar are primarily found in the St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, Lake Champlain, eastern Lake Ontario, and larger tributaries to these waters.

Evolutionarily speaking, longnose gar are considered living dinosaurs and New York is fortunate to have these fish swimming in its waters today. Their long, needle-like snout is filled with rows of teeth, making them unmistakable from other fish species.

Mr. Zimmerman submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which also tracks state record fish. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.