By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2019 at 10:03 am
Provided photo: Jonathan Doherty, left, is pictured with his friend Ben Metcalf on Thursday in Elba when Doherty received an Award of Merit from the Iroquois Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Doherty, an Eagle Scout, has remained active with scouts in Albion as an adult, including his current role on the Program Planning Committee for Troop 164.
He was called a perfect representative for the Boy Scouts, and an eager promoter of the values of the program.
He also is active with the Self Advocate All Stars through the Arc of Genesee Orleans. Doherty helped start that group in 2006.
He also volunteers with the Albion Alumni Association, Strawberry Festival Committee and other community organizations.
The school year at Orleans/Niagara BOCES started on a great note with the announcement of its 2018-2019 Employees of the Year. District Superintendent, Dr. Clark Godshall, announced the winners at the opening day celebration at the North Tonawanda High School.
Anne Carnahan
Anne Carnahan, a Cosmetology teacher at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, was named the Teacher of the Year.
“I have been lucky enough to have worked at our career and technical centers for 14 years,” Carnhan said. “I began my career here as a substitute teacher and then was able to work as a teacher’s aide for four years, rotating between almost all of the classrooms. My teaching career began in 2011 in the Cosmetology Department at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and after two years there, I transferred to Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. Through all the years I have been with this organization, I have been blessed to work with absolutely amazing co-workers, friends and students. We call ourselves a “family” and it is so evident that even by the students notice and make mention of it.”
Anne says she has always had a passion doing hair. “Even though I still work part-time at a salon, I find a greater satisfaction in teaching my students my trade,” she said. “One of my favorite parts of teaching is, during a lesson, when the students all feel they can’t master it, and then, the lightbulb goes off. They get that look in their eyes and the pride in their smiles as they realize that they can accomplish anything with practice and determination. My goal each year is not to just teach cosmetology, but to help them get ready for “the real world”. So many of my kids come back after graduation and share their new life experiences and thank me for helping them with their goals.”
She says she is both honored and shocked that she was chosen to be “Teacher of the Year.” “There are so many more deserving people that I work with. I would like to thank whoever nominated me and also say that I am blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people.”
Paulette Hamilton-Koehler
The Administrator of the Year was Paulette Hamilton-Koehler, coordinator at the Royalton-Hartland Learning Center. She has been with Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 18 years.
“My favorite part of my job is being privileged to work with the children that come to our school,” she said. “I am so appreciative to have been nominated to receive this award. I have been fortunate to work with the special education administrative team, the vision and hearing teachers, counselors and the staff at the Roy-Hart Learning Center. I am privileged to work with the hardest working, compassionate and caring staff that I have ever worked with. Making a difference in the lives of our students and their families at the BOCES has been my dream career and I could have never have done it alone.”
Judy Bennett
The Clerical Person of the Year is Judy Bennett, who works at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. She has been with BOCES for 10 years.
“My favorite part of my job is interacting with the students, teachers and all the amazing staff at Orleans/Niagara BOCES,” Bennett said. “I was in shock when I heard my name being called by Dr. Godshall. I am honored that someone nominated me among all of the outstanding clerical staff that I work with. It takes everyone coming together as a team to accomplish our jobs. I will work hard to uphold the title ‘Employee of the Year.’”
Greg Klopfer
The Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year is Greg Klopfer. Greg has worked for BOCES for 20 years.
“I really enjoy driving around as a courier and getting to stop at all our sites and talk to everyone for a few moments a day,” he said. “We have such amazing staff here. It was such an awesome feeling to know that my peers nominated me as an employee of the year. I am so grateful to them.”
Susan Diemert
The Staff Specialist of the Year is Susan Diemert, who has worked at BOCES for more than three decades.
“I have worked at BOCES for 32 years and started as a GED teacher before becoming a Staff Specialist in 2002,” Diemert said. “My favorite part of the job is watching youth and adults achieve their goals every day. Whether it is to obtain a high school equivalency diploma, become employed, enter post-secondary, find housing, learn English, or enroll in a training program, we see positive outcomes that will help the individual move forward to improve his or her life. The incredible adult literacy staff provides a coordinated program that helps students overcome barriers and gain success. This past year we had 169 students receive their high school equivalency diploma and hundreds obtaining jobs and training. I am very fortunate to have a job that is challenging and rewarding. I am much honored to receive the Employee of the Year award for a job I love.”
Ann Stimm
Substitute of the Year is Ann Stimm, who was hired as a substitute clerical person in October 2018. In March 2019, she began a five-month assignment at the North Tonawanda Learning Center and was reassigned in August as a substitute account clerk typist at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center. 5
“What I enjoy most is being able to share my years of business and secretarial experience to make filling in a seamless transition,” Stimm said. “I enjoy meeting all of the wonderful employees and students of Orleans/Niagara BOCES. When I opened the letter from Dr. Godshall, I was shocked, elated and proud to be recognized. I would like to thank BOCES for this recognition and my peers who took the time to write a letter on my behalf.”
Maggie Lupo
Teacher Aide of the Year is Maggie Lupo, who has worked at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center since 2004.
“I started as a personal care aide,” Lupo said. “I then worked as a special education teacher aide until 2011. I came to the Orleans Career and Technical Educational Center in January of 2011, where I am currently working as a Diesel Tech teacher aide and helping out where I am needed. I enjoy my work very much. I am fortunate to have work that I really take much satisfaction from. My favorite part of the job is the people! The students love coming to school here and that just makes work enjoyable. My co-workers are some of the best educators you could ever work with! They care about the students and their futures and this is evident on a daily basis. I was quite surprised to be selected as employee of the year. I was very honored and humbled to receive such a recognition. This positive affirmation will help guide me though the semesters ahead.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HEMPSTEAD – Karina Rosario of Albion achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2019 semester, earning a spot on the Provost’s List at Hofstra University
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, NY.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
