achievements

Long-time Hospice volunteer, medical director honored for service

Staff Reports Posted 27 April 2018 at 7:02 am

Curtis Foundation also recognized for contributions

Orleans Hub photos: Jean Shervin of Albion, left, gets a hug from her daughter Jan Albanese at Hospice of Orleans’ annual meeting and volunteer appreciation luncheon Thursday at the Medina United Methodist Church. Shervin was named Volunteer of the Year by Hospice.

MEDINA – Jean Shervin has been volunteering since she was in grammar school, and she has carried that spirit of helping others throughout her life.

Shervin, 84, of Albion on Thursday was honored as Volunteer of the Year by Hospice of Orleans County at their annual meeting and volunteer recognition luncheon at the Medina United Methodist Church.

Shervin’s first volunteer efforts were with Red Cross during World War II. She learned how to knit so she could make squares for afghans for servicemen.

“I’ve been volunteering for different agencies ever since,” she said.

Shervin is a regular volunteer at Hospice, not only helping with fundraisers on special occasions, but serving meals at the Martin-Linsin residence two nights a week.

Being honored by Hospice was a complete surprise and one Shervin doesn’t think she deserves.

“There are so many volunteers who do more than I do, but I’m very appreciative they chose to recognize me,” she said.

Also honored was Dr. Thomas Madejski, who received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award, named for the woman who was instrumental in forming Hospice years ago. Madejski was also presented with citations by Senator Robert Ortt, Eileen Banker on behalf of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and George McNierney representing Congressman Chris Collins.

“Dr. Madejski has spent countless hours serving hospice patients in their homes, at the hospital, nursing home and in the Martin-Linsin residence,” Spychalski said.

Jean Shervin, standing, chats with Dr. Thomas Madejski just before they were both honored by Hospice of Orleans County at the organization’s annual meeting and volunteer appreciation luncheon Thursday. Shervin was named Volunteer of the Year, while Madejski received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award for his support of Hospice. At left is Dr. Andrew Esch, who is taking Madejski’s place as Hospice’s medical director.

Madejski has stepped down as medical director for Hospice.

Taking his place is Dr. Andrew Esch, who is certified in hospice and palliative medicine and internal medicine. He is also a consultant for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Catholic Health and the National Center to Advance Palliative Care, and is medical director for the Palliative Care and Survivorship of Western New York.

He said two of the biggest unsung heroes at end of life are volunteers and caregivers.

“An organization the size of this speaks volumes about the way this community comes together to help others,” Esch said.

Brittany Dix, Development manager for Hospice, announced the Curtis Foundation as recipient of Business/Civic Award.

“They have been strong supporters over a number of years, contributing to several of our pursuits, including providing funds for IT needs, renovations to our administrative offices and most recently, upgrades for the Martin-Linsin residence,” Dix said.

David Mitchell accepted the award on behalf of the Curtis Foundation.

Brittany Dix, Development manager at Hospice of Orleans County, stands at the microphone after David Mitchell accepted the business/Civic Award on behalf of the Curtis Foundation at Hospice’s annual meeting and volunteer luncheon. County Legislator Bill Eick is at right.

Chris Fancher, volunteer coordinator, said their many volunteers never cease to amaze her.

“Their generosity can be seen each and every day at Hospice of Orleans,” she said before calling the names of more than three dozen individuals who volunteer in many capacities for Hospice, from office work and grocery shopping to sanitizing medical equipment.

One volunteer, Gil Cain, holds the record for volunteer hours, with 400.

Fancher also announced that volunteer Florence Surdi has been chosen by Orleans County Office for the Aging as Senior Volunteer of the Year. She will be presented with her award in Albany in May.

In addition to recognizing volunteers, Hospice conducted its annual meeting. Vice chair Maura Pierce shared highlights of 2017, calling attention to the total number of volunteer hours (5,975), which saved the organization $111,194.

Officers elected were Craig Lape, chair; Doug Miller, vice chair; Beverly Saskowski, treasurer; Annette Pearl, secretary; Ada Grabowski, assistant secretary; and Sheila Myer and Ada Grabowski, directors.

Kellie Spychalski, CEO of Hospice of Orleans County, welcomes guests at Hospice of Orleans County’s annual meeting and volunteer luncheon.

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Albion music program makes it 11 years in a row for national recognition

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Albion Marching Band performs during the Memorial Day parade last May.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2018 at 11:56 am

ALBION – The Albion music program has made it 11 straight years of being recognized on a national list of schools with outstanding music programs.

The North American Music Merchants has its annual lists of school districts that are “Best Communities for Music Education.” Albion is one of 583 districts to be recognized nationally, and the only one in Orleans County.

The NAMM organization gives out the award to recognize districts that make music a priority, especially in an era of tight school budgets and packed student schedules.

“The schools and districts we recognize this year – both new and repeat honorees – represent a diverse group of urban, rural and suburban districts and demographics,” said Mary Luehrsen of The NAMM Foundation. “Along with a strong commitment to music education, there are two common traits that each program shares: consistent funding that anchors music education as part of the core curriculum and music programs that are located in communities where music education is viewed as a jewel of the school system. Parents, administrators and community members are proud of these local music programs and attend them regularly.”

Only about 4 percent of school districts in the country are on the current list, which NAMM started 19 years ago. Albion has now made it 11 straight years. Holley has previously been recognized by NAMM.

Victor Benjovsky portrays Jesus in Albion High School’s production of Godspell, which was performed March 23-24. The district does four musicals each year, with two by both the high school and middle school drama programs.

Albion runs an active music program in the elementary, middle and high schools. The high school puts on two full-scale musical and students also perform in several different instrumental and choral groups. In all, high school musicians perform numerous times during the school year. The Jazz Band Cabaret (April 21 at 6 and 8 p.m.) is next on busy schedule of music events.

The middle school puts on two musicals each year, and its students perform with the marching and jazz bands. Elementary music teachers lead students in performances throughout the year.

Research studies continue to demonstrate the physical, cognitive and social benefits of music making. Students who are involved in a school-based music program are not only more likely to graduate high school and attend college, the NAMM Foundation stated.

Students, with even only a few years of musical training early in life, also are better able to process sound, even later in life. Social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills and learning how to give and receive constructive criticism, NAMM said in announcing the schools on the list.

Some upcoming music events by Albion students include:

May 12: Marching Band @ Lilac Festival Parade

May 16: 5th grade Chorus/Band Concert

May 19: Marching Band @ Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands

May 23: Grades 3 & 4 Chorus/Band Concert

May 28: Marching Band @ Albion’s Memorial Day Parade

May 31: HS Talent Showcase

June 5: MS Band/Chorus Concert

June 6: HS Band Concert

June 7: HS Chorus Concert

June 9: Marching Band @ Strawberry Festival

(All concerts are at 7 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium unless otherwise noted)

For more on NAMM, click here.

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Cancer survivor from Kendall finishes Boston Marathon

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2018 at 7:49 am

Jim Baker battled freezing rain, hypothermia to finish in 3:45

Photos courtesy of Jim Baker: Jim Baker, 55, of Kendall is pictured near the start of the Boston Marathon. He toured the city with his family over the weekend before the prestigious race on Monday.

BOSTON – Jim Baker’s second try running the Boston Marathon felt like redemption, and euphoria despite 26.2 miles in cold rain and wind.

Baker, 55, of Kendall ran the prestigious marathon on Monday and finished in 3 hours, 45 minutes.

“What a great feeling,” he said Tuesday evening. “I really enjoyed it this time.”

He ran the race two years ago and was a minute shy of 5 hours. That day it was hot and humid and Baker said he was in distress quickly into the race and had to struggle to get to the finish line.

The soreness and the slower-than-expected time two years was more than a tough day of running. Baker found his times didn’t rebound in races after that marathon. He went to the doctor and was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Baker had surgery to remove a plum-size tumor. He started chemotherapy in June 2016. After seven months of treatment, his doctors declared him cancer-free on Jan. 13, 2017.

Baker kept running during chemo. It wasn’t his usual 8-minute mile pace. It was much slower, but he kept going, fighting nausea.

When he completed his treatments, he set a goal to qualify again for Boston and have a better experience there on race day.

Last Sept. 17, when he was 54, he finished the Rochester marathon in 3 hours, 35 minutes. That was 5 minutes faster than he needed to qualify for Boston. Baker has been training all winter, with some long runs at 18 to 20 miles.

He was ready for Boston. But Monday the weather was horrible, with hard rain throughout the race and temperatures in the 30s. There were giant puddles throughout the course that soaked sneakers.

Jim Baker was in good spirits at mile 18 of the Boston Marathon despite running in the freezing cold.

Baker felt good, really good during the first half of the race. He reached the halfway point in 1:45:05, which had him on pace for a 3:30 marathon. But the cold weather took a toll. At the 15-mile mark Baker started to cramp from the hypothermia. Many runners had to leave the course for medical treatment.

But Baker pushed onward.

The crowd still came out despite the onslaught of rain, and they were loud along the course. Baker said they lifted his spirits and helped keep him going. His wife Stacey and their daughter Megan also were there cheering him on. His son Kyle and many of his friends followed his progress on-line. The Boston Marathon posts updates on a runner’s times about every 3 miles. Baker was slowing down a little after the halfway mark but was still posting a good time, much faster than the race in 2016.

Before the final right turn, Baker could hear the roar of the crowd.

“It was so cool,” he said. “I have to give the crowd credit.”

He crossed the finish line in 3:45:25, an 8:36 pace per mile.

He was drenched when it was over and suffering from hypothermia. He didn’t stop shaking until an hour and half after crossing the finish line.

He met up with many of his running friends from the Rochester area when it was over. Baker said he has made many good buddies since he started running 11 years ago when he was 44. He works as a chemist for Kodak. He would go for walks during lunch breaks at work more than a decade ago, but Baker said that walking didn’t do anything to chip away at his extra pounds. He initially couldn’t run more than 200 yards without stopping. But he didn’t give up.

Conquering 2 miles while running was a milestone. He ran his first race at a 10K (6.2 miles) and enjoyed the energy and people at the races. He signed up for more races and joined the Bagel Bunch, a running group in Greece.

Jim Baker enjoys a post-race celebration with Jason McElwain, another Rochester area runner. The two often went on training runs together as part of the Bagel Bunch. McElwain is one of the Rochester’s top long distance runners. He ran Boston in 3:10:28.

He wants to lower his time at Boston next year. He would like to run the race when the weather is ideal, about 50 degrees without punishing rain. Two years ago it was way too hot, and Monday was a freezing deluge.

“It’s been either end of the extremes,” he said. “I’d like a 50-degree day and I’d like to do a 3:25.”

Despite the difficult conditions on Monday, Baker said he will cherish the memory.

“The first time I did it, it was a disaster,” he said about the race two years ago. “But I will remember this one because I had so much fun with it. I just want to improve on it.”

Baker’s upcoming running calendar includes the Shoreline Half Marathon on July 14 in Hamlin, the Metro 10 race in Albion (a 10-miler on Aug. 18) and the Rochester marathon in September.

Baker is an Albion native. He has lost 40 pounds since he started running. He credits the sport with saving his life. Running made him more in tune with his body. When he was running slower than his usual pace two years ago, he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with cancer. He had no other warning signs. He had no loss of appetite.

He was able to have the tumor removed and completed chemo before the cancer spread.

He wasn’t the only local finisher at Boston. Roger Bolton of Albion finished in 3:20:48 and Evan Dumrese, a Scottsville resident who grew up in Albion, completed the course in 3:25:33. Mike Conn, an Albion native and graduate of the Class of 1985, finished the Boston Marathon in 3:31:32. Conn currently lives in Rochester.

Any other local finishers are welcome to send a note to news@orleanshub.com.

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GO Art! will honor Lisa Roeseler, retiring Medina music teacher

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2018 at 8:35 pm

Bryan DeGraw, owner of 810 Meadworks, finalist for an award

Lisa Roeseler

BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council will present its first Genean Awards on April 28, and a Medina music teacher will receive the artist of the year.

Lisa Roeseler, a music teacher and director of Medina High School’s A’Cappella Choir, will be recognized with the individual artist award on April 28 during GO Art!’s celebration at its historic building, 201 East Main St.

Roeseler started at her career in Medina as a music teacher Towne Primary School in September 1986 and moved to the High School in September 1987. She has been a popular teacher at Medina, with her vocal ensembles performing in the community, especially the annual holiday concert by the A‘Capella Choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

When she started, she had 17 students in Mixed Chorus and 43 in A’Cappella. The Mixed Chorus now averages 85 to 90 students and A’Cappella now averages 92 to 100.

The debut Genean Awards will honor the Genesee Chorale as Organization of the Year.

An Orleans County resident is a finalist for the Supporter (of the cultural sector) of the Year. The award will go to either Bryan DeGraw, co-owner 810 Meadworks; Diana Kastenbaum, owner of Pinnacle Manufacturing in Batavia; or Brian Kemp, owner of T-Shirts Etc. in Batavia.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Bryan DeGraw, co-owner of 810 Meadworks with his wife LaRissa, is pictured in the tasting room of the business at 113 West Center St., Medina.

DeGraw and his wife LaRissa opened 810 Meadworks in downtown Medina on Nov. 30, 2014. They make mead products and have a tasting room. The DeGraws also have run a concert series at the “beegarten” in the back of the building at 113 West Center St.

GO Art! wanted to create its own unique awards “like the Oscars or Tony awards for GENesee and OrlEANs Counties, to recognize a few of the amazing people and organizations we have within our counties,” said Gregory Hallock, executive director.

The awards will be presented during a Swing Fling, April 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. For more information, click here.

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Lyndonville inducts 23 into Honor Society

Staff Reports Posted 30 March 2018 at 10:08 am

Provided photo

LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville inducted 23 students into the Honor Society on Wednesday for their academic success and service to the school.

There were 12 students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, including Morgan Austin, Connor Bell, Ethan Gardner, Amanda Garza, Shawna Grabowski, Alexis Hughes, Aasiya Huzair, Ella Lewis, Drayven Oakes, Kate O’Brien, Karlee Rounds and Jack Whipple.

There were 11 students inducted into the National Honor Society for high schoolers, including Madison Austin, Angelina Black, Mason Boyd, Faith Chaffee, Allyson Deslatte, Oskar Heinsler, Tamara Huzair, Emilee Kassey, Sage Moore, Jonathan Slingerland and Sawyer Wilson.

Alisha Schwarzott is the advisor of the National Junior Honor Society at Lyndonville, and Paula Bachman is the advisor for the NHS.

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Albion students create winning poppy posters

Posted 30 March 2018 at 8:14 am

Photo and article courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Three high school art students received poppy poster recognition. Pictured holding their winning posters are, from left: Madison Dugan (first place), Kaleigh Albanese (third place), and Janae Doty (second place).

The contest is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Sheret Unit #35. Event chairperson Joyce O’Conner and Auxiliary president Donna Boyce congratulated the students and praised them for their artistic abilities.

The annual contest has very specific criteria that the students must follow in order to be considered.

The posters will advance to the State Convention in Albany where they will be judged against a whole new group of posters from other counties. The winner of that level will advance to be judged at the National Convention.

The students will be invited to a dinner hosted by the Legion Auxiliary and receive a cash prize for their efforts.

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Albion inducts new members into NHS, honors special education teacher

Posted 29 March 2018 at 5:49 pm

Photos and article courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion High School incucted 26 students into the National Honor Society on Wednesday. These members met the criteria set forth by NHS of scholarship, service, leadership and character. The new inductees were welcomed by current members.

The new members include, front row, from left: Alexa Adams, Emma Mathes, Malory Adams, Madison Narburgh, Brylie Hapeman, Kirsten Struble, Trinity Allen and Tess Pettit.

Middle row: Gricelda Maldonado, Jace Conn, McKenna Boyer, Kaylyn Holman, Hannah VanEpps, Chantel VanDeGenachte, Emily Caldwell, Marie Reynolds, Jessica Schleede and Natalie Lathrop.

Back row: Devin Olles, Jacob Ettinger, Matthew Kovaleski, Enoch Martin, Evan Allen, Harrison Brown, Kirk Ellison and Jessy Cruz.

Jennifer Blanchard receives the Excellence in Teaching Award from Natalie DiCureia. Mrs. Blanchard is a high school special education teacher and sophomore class advisor.

Mrs. Blanchard addressed the audience. She encouraged them to step outside of their comfort zone and to embrace their own journey, whatever and wherever it may lead. She reassured students that sometimes the path they are on may change, and there is nothing wrong with change. She told students that they are the only ones in charge of their lives and that they need to own it and make their life the best it can be.

The National Honor Society also took time to recognize staff members who exemplified the organization’s ideals. The following were recognized, from left: Nancy Wickman, Jennifer Rowe, Eric Christiansen and Gary Simboli.

• Chemistry teacher Nancy Wickman received the Character Award from NHS member Elisabeth Baker. Elisabeth said Mrs. Wickman has a caring relationship with everyone, is understanding, and easy to talk to. She is also very dedicated to making her AP and Regents level chemistry classes a fun experience for everyone. She takes time out of her own day to make sure each and every one of her students understands the material thoroughly.

• Middle School math teacher Jennifer Rowe received the Scholarship Award from NHS member Natalie DiCureia. Natalie said Mrs. Rowe is very passionate about scholarship. She has impacted the lives of many with her outstanding ability to teach. She goes above and beyond to make sure her students know their material and truly understand the connections that they need to make. She will go the extra mile to help any student that may be struggling.

• School psychologist Eric Christiansen received the Leadership Award from NHS member Garrett Derisley. Garrett noted Mr. Christiansen has a great way of interacting with students and takes pride in being able to provide advice to a student or tell them about a program that helps change the student’s life for the better.

• Choral director Gary Simboli received the Service Award from NHS member Riley Seielstad. Riley honored Mr. Simboli for consistently taking on the role of service not just in school but in the community. She said, “He goes out of his way to spread compassion and acceptance in our school.” She also noted that the students see him as a role model because he volunteers his time and talents in the community through local benefits, events, concerts and service projects.

Victor Benjovsky and Elisabeth Baker present a National Honor Society pin to Gricelda Maldonado.

New members recite the National Honor Society pledge.

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Sportsfishing coordinator, local doctor recognized by Legislature for achievements

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 March 2018 at 9:34 am

Provided photos

ALBION – Two Orleans County residents were presented with a “Special Recognition Award” for their achievements. The top photo shows Mike Waterhouse receiving an award from County Legislator Ken DeRoller. Waterhouse is retiring after 13 years as the county’s sports fishing and tourism promotion coordinator. Dawn Borchert, left, is the county’s new tourism director.

“We do hereby acknowledge your outstanding service as our Sportsfishing and Tourism Coordinator for Orleans County for over 13 years,” according to the award from the County Legislature. “Your dedication and expertise has benefited our fishing and Tourism industries. We appreciate your support and commitment in promoting the assets we have in Orleans County. This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated.”

Dr. Tom Madejski accepts a “Special Recognition Award” from County Legislator Skip Draper. Madejski on March 24 took office as President of the Medical Society of the State of New York. Madejski, an Albion resident, practices at General Physicians Medical Practice in Medina.

Madejski is an attending physician at Medina Memorial Hospital and serves on the hospital’s Medical Quality Assurance Committee. He is also a clinical instructor in medicine & pharmacy at University of Buffalo. With a specialized focus in geriatric medicine, Madejski is the medical director of The Villages of Orleans, Absolut Care of Gasport Nursing Facility and the Hospice of Orleans County.

“Your dedication to your profession is outstanding and highly beneficial to the residents of Orleans County, and beyond,” according to the certificate presented by the County Legislature. “We appreciate your support and commitment in providing quality health and wellness care to our friends and family, as well as our community. This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your professionalism and allegiance to our Orleans County community.”

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Holley native receives Meritorious Service Medal for leadership in Navy

Staff Reports Posted 27 March 2018 at 9:20 pm

Travis D. Carpenter, a Holley native and the son of Skip and Cindy Carpenter, recently received a Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership in the U.S. Navy.

Carpenter, a commander, received the medal for his service as Integrated Air and Missile Defense Cell Lead and Plans and Projects Department Head on the staff of Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command from June 2013 to November 2017.

Through dedication and a comprehensive understanding of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Commander Carpenter provided expert advice and planning support to enable fleet operations, according to a citation from R.P. Breckenridge, Vice Admiral of the U.S. Navy.

“He developed an extensive concept of employment for layered ballistic missile defense to facilitate support to U.S. Sixth Fleet ships operating in the Eastern Mediterranean area of operations,” the vice admiral said. “His superb performance as Lead Integrated Air and Missile Defense Planner during Exercises VIGILANT SHIELD 2015, 2016 and 2018, enabled full operational certification of the Maritime Operations Center for homeland defense missions.”

In addition, Breckenridge said Carpenter developed a two-day training program in partnership with the Missile Defense Agency and facilitated a three-day War Fighter Prep 2017 symposium as recurrent training for 165 staff personnel.

Displaying managerial acumen, he streamlined coordination of training activities, resulting in Air Operations Federation members providing 3,860 days of direct operational support.

“Commander Carpenter’s distinctive accomplishments and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,” Breckenridge wrote in the citation for Carpenter.

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Masons honor members with many decades of service

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2018 at 11:51 am

Don and Bernadine Ross lead the way with 75 years

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Don Ross (center), a member of the Medina Masonic Lodge, was honored on Saturday for 75 years to the Masons. Ross and several other long-time members of the Albion and Medina lodges were recognized during an awards program at the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.

Ross received a framed certificate and pin during the presentation. Tim McGee of Albion, the current junior warden and a past district deputy grand master, gives Ross the pin. James Sullivan, left, of Lockport is a past grand master for the Masons in New York State.

Ross, a Barre resident, ran a plumbing business for 40 years in Albion. He joined the Masons when he was 22. He was a pin boy as a kid, setting up bowling pins on two lanes owned by the Masonic Lodge. The members were always good to him, and welcomed him to join the lodge as a young adult.

Ross was praised for serving the many in many roles over the past 75 years.

“Don has been dedicated, loyal and hard-working, doing almost all of the jobs in the lodge,” said Jonathan Incho, lodge master in Medina.

Ross’s wife, Bernadine, also was recognized for 75 years of service to the Order of the Eastern Star. She receives a certificate from Brenda Busch, the worthy matron of the Canalside Order of the Eastern Star, and from Steven Pawlak, the worthy patron of the organization.

Mrs. Ross worked with her husband in the plumbing business, running the office. She also has been active in the Order of the Eastern Star.

“She has worked very hard, doing whatever has been asked of her,” Incho said.

Several other long-time members were recognized for their service to the Masons. This certificate and pin goes to Roy Salmon, who has 65 years of service to Masons.

The Albion Renovation Lodge 97 presented the following awards in honor of service on Saturday:

• 55 years to Rex Horton

• 50 years to both Dennis Smith and David M. Bertsch

• 45 years to Allen B. Lackey

• 30 years to Warren Seager

• 20 years to Keith Bane III and Neal Martin

• 15 years to Scott Kranzmann, Charlie Nesbitt, Stephen E. Coville II and Juan Morales

• 5 years to Alex Allport

Rex Horton accepts an award for his 55 years of service as a Mason in Albion. James Sullivan, the past grand master for the Masons in New York State, presents the award.

Dennis Smith was honored for his 50 years as a Mason. He was presented a white apron noting the 50 years of service.

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Roy-Hart grad makes Dean’s List at Brockport

Staff Reports Posted 22 March 2018 at 9:07 am

BROCKPORT – Nickolas Ander, a Roy-Hart graduate, is a freshman in the honors college at The College at Brockport. He is majoring in biology and made the Dean’s List with a GPA between 3.40 and 3.69.

He is the son of Scott and Michelle Ander, and the grandson of Wilson Harris of Waterport and Bob and Carol Ander of Gasport.

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GCC to induct new members of Alumni Hall of Fame

Posted 21 March 2018 at 4:36 pm

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – The Genesee Community College Foundation is proud to announce its 2017 and 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees. The community is invited to the induction ceremony at 4 p.m. on March 28 at the Conable Technology Building, One College Road.

Candidates for the Alumni Hall of Fame are nominated by friends, family, colleagues or other associates. Each of the selected honorees has made significant contributions to their profession and has provided distinguished service to the community and/or Genesee Community College.

The GCC Alumni Hall of Fame, which is located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building, boasts honorees from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds.

Each of these outstanding GCC graduates has made a lasting impact on their communities and earned this honor. We are proud to welcome the following to the Alumni Hall of Fame:

2017 Inductees:

• George Walker IV, ’98, SVP of Creative Development, Dynamic Attractions

• James Branciforte, ’80, CEO Lifetime Assistance, Inc.

2018 Inductees:

• Georgann Carrubba, ’03, President and CEO, Tencar

• Scott Gardner, ’98, President and CEO, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce

The complete list of Hall of Fame members is available at www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/.

The Alumni Hall of Fame Induction is free and open to the public. GCC welcomes all Hall of Fame members, GCC alumni, and of course, the friends and family of our newest inductees to attend this celebration.

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Union recognizes employees with 25 years or more of service at jail, dispatch

Posted 19 March 2018 at 7:54 am

Provided photos

ALBION – The union for employees at the county jail and dispatch center recently recognized employees, including some recent retirees, with 25 years of more of service to the county.

The following, from left, received plaques for their 25 years or more of service: Kevin Kaderli, Beverly Taylor, Nancy Daniels, John Mignano, Sheriff Randy Bower, Bill Oliver and Allen Turner. Absent from event were Charles Dingman, Sue Emerson and Wayne Litchfield.

The Orleans County Sheriff Department Local 2966 organized the celebration, which was held at the county jail on March 8.

Each of the recognized employees, including Allen Turner, received a plaque.

Sgt. Michael Christopher, a corrections officer at the county jail, is president of the union. He is pictured with Sheriff Randy Bower.

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2 Lyndonville students picked for Girls State

Staff Reports Posted 14 March 2018 at 8:31 pm

Pictured, from left: Ritajane Isaacson (Alternate), Carly-Grace Woodworth (Citizen), Lillian Strickland (Citizen), and Cathy Fox, Orleans County Chairperson for the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State. Missing from photo: Joyce Stamp (Alternate).

LYNDONVILLE – Carly-Grace Woodworth and Lillian Strickland, juniors at Lyndonville High School, were recently selected to represent the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliaries this summer at Empire Girls State to be held at The College at Brockport, July 1–7.

Interviews were held at the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post #529 in Holley. Candidates were interviewed by members of the American Legion Auxiliaries from Orleans County which resulted in Carly-Grace and Lillian being selected as Citizens; Ritajane Isaacson and Joyce Stamp as Alternates in the event a Citizen is unable to attend. All candidates interviewed were from the Lyndonville school district.

Empire Girls State is an American Legion Auxiliary-sponsored program. Empire Girls State is a week-long, educational experience with hands-on workshops on the political process designed to create a government from the county to the state level. This mythical 51st state allows the participants to learn the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.

Annually, high school principals with the help of teachers and guidance counselors, identify girls who are juniors in high school who are in the upper third of their class academically and who possess outstanding qualities of leadership, character, honesty, scholarship, cooperation and maturity. Those girls identified and who are interested will then submit their name and resume to the Auxiliary Unit for consideration.

Final selection is made by the local American Legion Auxiliary Units. Cathy Fox serves as the Orleans County chairperson for the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State.

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Dr. Madejski to be appointed president of the Medical Society of the State of New York

Staff Reports Posted 8 March 2018 at 3:49 pm

Dr. Tom Madejski

MEDINA – A local physician, Thomas J. Madejski, will be appointed president of the Medical Society of the State of New York at its upcoming meeting on March 24 in Buffalo.

Madejski, an Albion resident, works in Medina with General Physician, P.C., on Ohio Street. He is also president of the medical staff at Medina Memorial Hospital, as well as medical director of the Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center in Albion, Absolut Care in Gasport, and Hospice of Orleans County.

As president of the Medical Society, Dr. Madejski will oversee all the public health and legislative activities of the state’s principal professional organization for physicians and will work to protect and defend the rights of all patients in New York state.

“Dr. Madejski has been a tireless supporter of MSSNY’s legislative priorities and has been a champion of both physicians’ and patients’ rights during challenging times,” said Dr. Paul Hamlin, chairman of MSSNY’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward to his leadership as he takes office as president of MSSNY.”

Dr. Madejski is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo School of Pharmacy and The School of Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Hospice Palliative Care.

“I am honored to have been elected to lead the Medical Society of the State of New York for the upcoming year,” Madejski said. “MSSNY is the leading voice for physicians in New York State, working for patients, and our physician members and their healthcare teams, to improve the health of our patients and the delivery of healthcare in New York State.”

“During my 25+ years with MSSNY I am proud to have worked on a wide range of issues including: advocacy for HIV testing and treatment for newborns, electronic interchange of health data with privacy protections, reducing social ethnic and other healthcare disparities, and the opioid crisis in WNY, and throughout the state, among many others. MSSNY will continue to work to advocate for improved access and the betterment of health for our patients at both the state and federal levels.

“I am also thankful and honored to be a part of General Physicians, and Kaleida, which have been supportive of my involvement and also committed to improving the health and lives of our patients, friends and families.”