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3 dance groups from Holley studio make it to finals at State Fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 September 2019 at 8:59 pm

‘Bad Guy’ makes top 10 at talent show

Provided photos: This group from Lisa’s Dance Studio placed ninth in today’s talent show at the State Fair in Syracuse. The group performed a number called, “Bad Guy.” Lisa’s had two other groups make it to the finals, which included the top 25 acts at the State Fair.

SYRACUSE – Three groups from Lisa’s Dance Boutique competed in the finals of the talent show today at the State Fair, with one of the groups placing ninth overall.

That group performed a routine called “Bad Guy.” Lisa’s had two other groups make it to the final 25 in the finals.

Lisa’s had six groups advance to the semi-finals in the maxi division (ages 13 and up), including: Cold Hearted Snake, Tribe, Perm, Bad Guy, Brave and You Say.

Lisa’s also had three groups in the mini-division (12 and under), including A Little Bit Too Much, Fierce and Cruella DeVil.

The groups from Lisa’s advanced to the State Fair after a strong showing in July at the Orleans County 4-H Fair’s talent show.

This group advanced to the finals today. “Tribe” includes front row, front left: Brianna Drennan, Julia Frederick, Leah Kania, Madison Isenberg, Deanna Schubmehl, Tori Allen, Charley London and Leah Weinbeck. Back row: Allison Amoroso, Kamryn Berner, Savanna Isenberg, Olivia Amoroso, Abby Connelly, Madigan Neumann, Kylie Towne and Hannah Coolbaugh.

Brave also made it to the finals today.

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Holley man re-enlists in New York Army National Guard

Staff Reports Posted 24 July 2019 at 12:03 pm

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Staff Sergeant Patrick Giancursio from Holley re-enlisted to continue service with the Company A (Distribution), 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

“It’s great to see soldiers staying in the Army and continuing to serve their State and Nation in the New York Army National Guard,” Shields said. “The most important Army asset we have is the individual soldier. The dedication, skills, and leadership traits they bring to our community and their employers are invaluable.”

“By choosing to stay in the Army National Guard they directly contribute to our nation’s security and to the governor’s ability to respond to disasters, all while building a bright future for their family through the Guard’s retirement, education, and health insurance programs,” Shields said.

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

Local residents graduate from RIT

Staff Reports Posted 10 July 2019 at 10:02 pm

ROCHESTER – Rochester Institute of Technology conferred some 4,200 degrees this academic year. The university held its 134th annual commencement celebration in May. The following local residents received degrees:

• Dakota Clay of Kendall received an MBA in business administration in December 2018.

• Michael Fischer of Albion received a BS in chemical engineering in May 2019.

• Roland Sanford of Albion received a BS in computational mathematics in May 2019.

• Amber Smarpat of Albion received a BFA in illustration in December 2018.

• Traci Westcott of Holley received a BFA in photographic and imaging arts in December 2018.

• Kenneth Westveer of Holley received a BS in electrical engineering technology in May 2019.

• Ganna Yaroshchuk of Holley received a BS in diagnostic medical sonography in May 2019.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

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Medina’s Alissa Blount wins Silver Medal at National SkillsUSA Competition

Posted 5 July 2019 at 1:28 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Alissa Blount

MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES is proud to announce that Alissa Blount, a senior from Medina High School, has taken home a second place medal from the National SkillsUSA competition.

The National Leadership and Skills Conference was held in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of June. More than 19,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 600 national corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions participated. There were 103 hands-on skill and leadership competitions.

Alissa attended the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Allied Health program at Medina Memorial Hospital taught by Melissa Brigham. Alissa won her silver medal in the Health Occupation Professional Portfolio competition.

The contest recognizes students for their successful development of a professional portfolio. The competition evaluates the ability of the students to present themselves to a prospective employer.

The contestants use their portfolio to showcase communication skills. The contest consists of two parts: a portfolio notebook and a live presentation by the contestant.

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Several residents from Orleans County named to RIT Dean’s List

Staff Reports Posted 1 July 2019 at 4:48 pm

ROCHESTER – The following local residents made the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2019 spring semester. Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of Incomplete, D or F; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

• Brian Bogan of Lyndonville, who is in the manufacturing engineering technology program.

• Carson Zgoda of Medina, who is in the medical illustration program.

• Ganna Yaroshchuk of Holley, who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

• Ricky Daniels of Albion, who is in the chemical engineering program.

• Keaton Freitag of Kendall, who is in the game design and development program.

• Isaac Barrett of Holley, who is in the software engineering program.

• Gillian Gallets of Holley, who is in the industrial design program.

• Anne Jewell of Holley, who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

• Madeline Gibbs of Albion, who is in the dietetics and nutrition program.

• Michael Fischer of Albion, who is in the chemical engineering program.

• Stella Russo of Medina, who is in the physician assistant program.

• Toby Kiebala of Medina, who is in the mechanical engineering program.

• Tommy Follman of Albion, who is in the criminal justice program.

• Nicholas Ettinger of Albion, who is in the electrical engineering technology program.

• Riley Starr of Lyndonville, who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

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Bellavia will receive Medal of Honor today

Staff Reports Posted 25 June 2019 at 8:24 am

David Bellavia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – David Bellavia will become the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor today.

President Donald Trump will present the nation’s highest military honor to Bellavia during a ceremony scheduled for 3:25 p.m. in the East Room of the White House.

Bellavia, 43, lives in Waterport and is a Lyndonville graduate. He is a former staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. He is being recognized for his actions defending fellow soldiers while serving in the second battle of Fallujah, Iraq, on Nov. 10, 2004.

While serving as a squad leader in Operation Phantom Fury, a 2004 American offensive on the western Iraqi City of Fallujah, Bellavia saved his entire squad when he cleared a housing block of enemy combatants who had pinned down his unit. Once Bellavia secured the safety of his squad, he re-engaged with the enemy combatants, re-entered the house where enemy fire was located, proceeded to kill four enemy insurgents, and wounded a fifth.

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National Guard soldier from Holley receives new rank

Staff Reports Posted 17 June 2019 at 12:24 pm

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of a member of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of additional responsibility and leadership.

Bradley Ralph from Holley and assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company, 642nd Support Battalion received a promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state’s executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York’s Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Gabriell Struble of Albion graduates from Cazenovia College

Staff Reports Posted 15 June 2019 at 2:35 pm

CAZENOVIA – Gabriell Struble of Albion has graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Cazenovia College.

Cazenovia College is an independent, co-educational college near Syracuse, offering graduate and bachelor’s degree programs in the liberal arts and professional. Cazenovia has been named a “Best College” for 15 consecutive years and a “Best Value” by U.S. News & World Report.

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Medina native earns medical degree in West Virginia

Staff Reports Posted 14 June 2019 at 8:02 am

Rachael Huwyler Wiig

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Rachael Huwyler Wiig, D.O., graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree on May 25.

While at WVSOM, Dr. Huwyler Wiig received a Translating Osteopathic Understanding Into Community Health Gold Award. She was a member of the Rural Health Initiative.

Huwyler Wiig earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2011. She is a 2006 graduate of Medina High School.

Huwyler Wiig is the daughter of Bobbi and Monte Huwyler of Medina. She is married to Jesse Wiig.

She plans to enter an emergency medicine residency at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Mich.

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6 from Orleans on SUNY Geneseo Dean’s List

Staff Reports Posted 13 June 2019 at 4:11 pm

GENESEO – The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its Dean’s List for the Spring 2019 semester. To be on the list, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5-grade point average while taking a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Students on the Dean’s List from Orleans County include: Caitlyn Davies of Medina, Molley Gross of Medina, Bradley McPherson of Medina, Tyler Waldriff of Medina, Nicole Boyle of Holley and Matthew DeSimone of Holley.

In addition, Brittany Bearss of Medina was named to SUNY Geneseo’s President’s List for Spring 2019. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 4.0-grade point average while taking at least 12 credit hours.

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Cole Spierdowis of Albion becomes an Eagle Scout

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2019 at 7:12 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Linda Spierdowis puts the Eagle Scout neckerchief and neckerchief slide on her grandson, Colburn “Cole” Spierdowis, during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony this afternoon at the Holy Family Parish’s Lyceum.

Cole, 15, earned the highest rank in Scouts. He has been in the program for a decade, joining as a Tiger Scout in 2009.

Cole is joined by other Eagle Scouts at today’s Court of Honor, including Congressman Chris Collins. They are doing the Scout sign.

Cole has earned 31 merit badges as a Boy Scout. He led Scouts in sanding and painting a classroom at the Lyceum for his Eagle Scout project. Cole said he wanted to do a project at the Lyceum because that is where the Scouts hold many of their meetings and the Holy Family Parish sponsors Troop 164.

Sue Flanagan (left), the assistant scout master, said a supportive family is critical for a Scout to succeed. Cole is joined by his mother Karen Spierdowis and grandmother Linda Spierdowis.

Cole is sophomore at Albion High School. He said he has enjoyed the camping trips and working on his merit badges.

He presented mentor pins to Eric Brown and Michael Grabowski, two adult leaders in the troop who have offered Cole lots of encouragement and support.

Congressman Chris Collins attended the ceremony and presented Cole with a flag that has flown on the U.S. Capitol. Collins also gave Cole an official congressional commendation and one of Collins’ challenge coins that include the Cub Scout motto of “Do your best” and the Boy Scout motto of “Be prepared.”

Collins is also an Eagle Scut and a former assistant Scoutmaster. He also served on the Executive Board of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council and was chairman of the GNFC National Jamboree as well as the World Jamboree for 2007.

He said Scouts develops leaders and teaches responsibility. He praised Cole for earning the Eagle and getting it well before he was 18.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley also attended the Court of Honor and presented Cole with a commendation from the Assembly.

Greg Dugan, local leader of the Knights of Columbus, also presented Cole with a citation.

Cole said he plans to stay active in the troop and help other Scouts work on completing merit badges.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s a ton of fun,” Cole said about Scouting.

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Albion junior dog handler will compete in Switzerland next month

Staff Reports Posted 6 June 2019 at 9:15 am

Provided photo: Lydia Hofmann of Albion is one of 19 juniors to qualify for the European Open Dog Agility Team that will compete in Switzerland in July. She is shown with Chase, a Shetland Sheepdog.

ALBION – An Albion girl is headed to Switzerland next month to compete in American Kennel Club’s European Open Juniors Agility Team USA.

Lydia Hofmann and her dog Chase are among 19 juniors and their K-9 partners representing the United States in the competition.

Lydia started training with Chase, a Shetland Sheepdog, by taking a dog obedience class with Ron Leight at Leighthouse Obedience Training in Albion. She joined the Orleans County 4h K-9 Companions Dog Club and continued her training with Ron and Patty Leight and Rachael Kiefer.

Lydia has competed at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and State Fair, winning awards in showmanship, obedience, rally and agility.

Lydia and Chase currently train in agility with Della and Jim Sliker at Agility Dream Dogs on Eagle Harbor Road in Albion. Lydia and Chase regularly compete in AKC agility trials. She would like to thank her family and all who have helped her reach this milestone.

People interested in supporting Lydia financially are welcome to participate in a raffle for a $50 gift certificate that is offered at Olde Dogge Inn in Albion.

For more on the AKC’s European Open Juniors Agility Team USA, click here.

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Seven from GCC receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Photo from GCC: Seven from Genesee Community College are SUNY Chancellor's Award Winners, including front row, from left: Derek Maxfield, Kristen Mruk, John Molyneaux and Maureen Goodsell. Back row: JoNelle Toriseva, Lori Kubik and Kathleen Kimber.

Posted 4 June 2019 at 9:35 pm

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – As Genesee Community College celebrated an all-encompassing and momentous commencement weekend for its students, the college administration, staff and faculty took a few hours to acknowledge and celebrate each other’s accomplishments and dedication that go “beyond expectations.”

“In the spirit of commencement and the hard work of our students, GCC recognizes the dedication of our faculty and staff who go beyond expectations in helping our students succeed,” said GCC President James Sunser. “And so, for a few hours, we close non-essential offices and celebrate our successes as a team.”

Perhaps the most prestigious honors recognized at this ceremony were the 2019 State University of New York Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence bestowed upon seven of GCC’s finest.

Receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service which recognizes consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty over multiple years, was Professor of Spanish, Kathleen A. Kimber.

Kimber became a member of GCC’s faculty in 1997 and immediately got directly involved with the campus and community. Regularly using her Spanish fluency, Kimber goes above and beyond her duties as a professor to assist in translations, donating countless hours over the years. On multiple occasions, she has served as a medical translator in Honduras – an experience Kimber shares in the classroom providing real-life learning opportunities to her students.

Kimber has chaired and co-chaired many initiatives on campus, collaborated and contributed to grant writing opportunities and campus governance topics, student and faculty mentoring relationships, consistently and clearly demonstrating her commitment to service. Kimber was also the recipient of a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities in 2011 and for Excellence in Teaching in 2004. Kimber earned her Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Integration from Pennsylvania State University Online, her M.A. from Indiana University, and her B.A. in Spanish from SUNY Potsdam. Kimber resides in Naples.

Recognizing consistently superior professional achievement, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service was awarded to Student Activities Specialist, Kristen E. Mruk. Mruk, of Lancaster, joined the GCC professional services team in 2013 and since then has completely transformed GCC’s Leadership Certificate Program into an online program making it more accessible and relevant to today’s students.

Additionally, Mruk revised the Student Orientation process to improve new student experiences, and has supported students transition to college through supplemental online programs and working closely with GCC’s six campus centers. All of these efforts and Mruk’s countless hours analyzing data, collaborating with colleagues and implementing new tools have allowed her to execute ideas to improve student participation and satisfaction. She is also actively involved with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), the College Student Personnel Association of New York State (CSPA-NYS) currently serving as its President Elect, and has been serving as a volunteer with SABAH (Spirited Athletes Bold at Heart) in Buffalo for 20 years. Mruk earned her M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College and her B.A. in Communication from SUNY Buffalo.

For Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, Director of Humanities, JoNelle R. Toriseva received a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Toriseva’s passion for scholarship and creativity have been evident through all she has accomplished since joining GCC in 2011. The highlight of Toriseva’s career so far was her work in spearheading the development of GCC’s Scholarship Symposium. Now an annual signature event for GCC, it not only presents the accomplishments of our students and employees by demonstrating and celebrating their creative achievements, but it supports and encourages a culture of research, academic excellence, and innovation as well.

Toriseva has presented at various national, state, and local conferences and published award-winning writing. She brings to the classroom a lifetime of interesting accomplishments and experiences and continues to research and develop collaborative efforts within the college and local community to enhance scholarship and creativity opportunities for all. Toriseva received her M.F.A. in English, Creative Writing from Mills College, her M.A. in English and her B.S. in Spanish Education from Bemidji State University, and her B.A. in Spanish & Speech Communication from Concordia College. Toriseva resides in Rochester.

Receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate, or professional level of the highest quality was Associate Professor of History, Derek D. Maxfield. Since his hire in 2009, Maxfield has been actively involved in GCC’s campus community and dedicated to providing students with an exceptional learning experience.

Described by many as a gifted storyteller, Maxfield has a way of reaching students in the classroom that is memorable. He incorporates applied learning, which gets his students beyond the classroom and experiencing the preservation of history on the ground, has created unique and engaging assignments, created new courses, and coordinates the GCC History Club’s Historical Horizons Lecture Series. Maxfield’s first book, “Hellmira: The Union’s Most Infamous POW Camp of the Civil War” is being published this fall. Maxfield holds an M.A. in History from Villanova University and a B.A. in History from SUNY Cortland. He currently resides in Churchville.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level of the highest quality. Receiving this award was Adjunct Instructors Lori E. Kubik and John R. Molyneux.

Kubik, who lives in Attica, has been a member of GCC’s adjunct faculty since 2012 teaching several Grammar and English courses. In addition, she has been teaching in GCC’s Advanced Learning Program since its inception in 2015. Kubik creates and uses various educational techniques to ensure she reaches all students’ learning styles. Kubik is not only known for her unique ways to engage students, but also for her dedication to go above and beyond her duties as an adjunct teacher. Her breadth of knowledge, commitment to intellectual rigor dazzles students and faculty alike. It is very evident by all she does that she is truly invested in our college, community, and most importantly, our students. Kubik earned her M.S. and B.A. in Secondary English Education from the State University College at Buffalo.

Molyneux has been a member of GCC’s adjunct faculty since 2002 and has taught a variety of courses in English, Literature and Speech. He is a veteran teacher with almost 50 years of teaching experience and is well known for his ability to connect with students. Molyneux is creative, innovative and passionate about educating. His dedication and motivation is an inspiration for all who cross his path. Molyneux is an exceptional instructor who is dedicated to bringing literacy instruction from the library to the classroom and beyond. As a result, his class offerings are in high demand. Molyneux holds a B.A. in English from St. Francis University. He currently resides in Henrietta.

The final SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence was presented to Maureen P. Goodsell, Admissions Data Entry Operator for Excellence in Classified Service. This award is a system-level award established to give recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate SUNY’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Goodsell came to GCC in 1999 and has been dedicated to mastering her role and has accomplished a great deal of work beyond the outline of her position description. Goodsell is a wealth of knowledge, a valuable resource for students and staff, and possess extraordinary customer service skills. She is a creative thinker, always flexible with the ever-changing times, and enthusiastic about all she does. Goodsell continually strives to fulfill and exceed all the expectations of her position in an effort to better herself and GCC. She is a role model when it comes to work ethic and a great leader. Goodsell earned her A.A.S in Business Administration from Genesee Community College. She currently resides in Batavia.

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Local 4-Hers compete in 4-county Fashion Revue in Ellicottville

Staff Reports Posted 4 June 2019 at 7:32 am

Photos courtesy of Orleans County 4-H Program

Orleans County 4-H members competed in the Western District Fashion Revue on Saturday at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County in Ellicottville.

The top photo shows 4-Hers from Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Wyoming and Orleans counties taking part in the annual event. Participants modeled their own sewing creations in a fashion show and then enjoyed a tour of the Nannen Arboretum and lunch before returning home.

Six of the Orleans County 4-Hers were able to attend. They are all members of the Adventurers Club based in Barre.

In the front row, from left, includes Dennis Mathes, Shania Mathes and Izzy McCoy. Back row: Allison Mathes, Lillian Mathes and Sarah Mathes.

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