Photos by Tom Rivers: Qasim Huzair plays the role of Uncle Fester in Lyndonville-Medina’s production of The Addams Family in March. Qasim won a “best supporting actor” award from the Stars of Tomorrow. The “Dancesters” in back also received a “Tip of the Hat” award.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2018 at 11:01 am
Both named outstanding musicals, among many awards
ROCHESTER – Two high school musical productions in Orleans County were big winners Thursday night at the Stars of Tomorrow competition in Rochester, which recognizes the top school musicals in the Rochester area.
Albion and Lyndonville-Medina both won the top award for outstanding musical. Albion, which competes with many large suburban schools in Division B, performed Godspell on March 23-24 and Lyndonville-Medina, in Division D, performed The Addams Family from March 23-25.
Enoch Martin (Judas), Victor Benjovsky (Jesus) and Laiken Ricker (disciple) perform a high-energy song in Godspell, Albion’s musical in March.
Both programs won many other awards and five students from the two programs also advanced in an individual competition where the winner goes to the Jimmy Awards program in New York City in June.
Lyndonville-Medina won the following awards for The Addams Family:
• Outstanding musical
• Outstanding Dance Ensemble
• Outstanding Acting Ensemble
• Outstanding Orchestra
• Outstanding supporting actor for Brian Cunningham, Qasim Huzair and Jacob Corser
Christian Hahn, center, portrays Gomez Addams, the patriarch of the family. He is shown with Brian Cunningham, left, who portrayed Pugsley Addams and Cora Payne, who portrayed Gomez’s wife Morticia. The three all received awards for their performances.
• Outstanding leading actor for Christian Hahn
• Outstanding leading actress for Cora Payne and Layna Viloria.
• Future Stars – Meagan Hardner
• Special Recognition – Grace Masse and Miranda Lembcke
• Tip of the Hat – Ethan Bowie, Sarah Cochrane, Zayda Moyle and the Dancesters.
(Hahn, Huzair, Payne and Viloria advance to round 2 of the Stars on May 24.)
Albion won the following awards for Godspell:
• Outstanding Musical
• Outstanding Dance Ensemble
• Outstanding Singing Ensemble
• Outstanding Acting Ensemble
• Outstanding Orchestra
• Outstanding supporting actor for Enoch Martin
• “Tip of the Hat” recognitions from the adjudicators for Nate Grammatico, Riley Seielstad, Emma Tower, Sophia Zambito, Matt Kovaleski, Richard Flanagan, Miranda Smith and the Albion HS Special Olympics Club
(Enoch Martin advances to round 2 of the Stars on May 24.)
Sophia Zambito, left, and Riley Seielstad, center, both were recognized by judges.
LATHAM – Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent award recognitions for members of the New York Army National Guard who participated in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support missions following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017.
Two soldiers from Orleans County are receiving the Humanitarian Service Award:
Pfc. Jordan Wolcott from Albion and Sgt. 1st Class John Anstey from Holley both served in the U.S. Virgin Islands from Oct. 23 to Oct. 26, 2017. They served with the 105th Military Police Company of the New York Army National Guard.
“The support of our New York National Guard in the Caribbean following Hurricanes Irma and Maria was nothing short of exceptional, and our soldiers are the reason for that success,” German said. “Our citizen soldiers are used to responding here at home, so the effort to move troops and equipment to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands presented unique challenges. The presentation of the Humanitarian Service Medal is a great reflection of our soldiers’ commitment to serve others.”
The Department of Defense approved the Humanitarian Service Medal on March 29, 2018 for soldiers who provided meritorious participation in operations of a humanitarian nature. More than 400 Army National Guard Soldiers will be eligible to receive the award. Presentations will be made at the unit level at a future date.
MEDINA — Destiny Satkowski, a senior at Medina High School, recently won first place in the New York State Skills USA competition.
Satkowski competed in the health occupation pro portfolio in the Allied Health II program.
Another Orleans County student at the Orleans-Niagara BOCES also placed in the competition. Justin Corser of Lyndonville was third in the technical computer application in computer technology.
SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.
Two local licensed practical nurse programs are among the top ranked in the state, according to the latest rankings by the Annual PracticalNursing.org.
Niagara County Community College was ranked third in the state and the Orleans-Niagara BOCES was sixth out of 67 programs.
The rankings are largely based on NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years. The NCLEX-PN exam is used by state boards of nursing around the country for testing proficiency and granting licensure.
NCCC earned a 98.15 overall score for third in the rankings with the Orleans-Niagara BOCES at 95.39 for sixth.
CAZENOVIA – Gabriell Struble of Albion was honored at Cazenovia College’s 15th Annual Student Leaders Celebration. Struble was recognized as a Leader Scholar (above 3.70 GPA).
The event recognized the remarkable contributions students, staff, and faculty made to enrich the Cazenovia College experience. Those honored play various roles and contribute in different ways to creating a positive campus-life environment. Cazenovia College is an independent, co-educational college near Syracuse, offering bachelor degree programs in the liberal arts and professional studies.
BUFFALO – Buffalo State is proud to recognize the following undergraduate students who were recognized for their academic achievements at the college’s annual Honors Convocation held in April 2018.
• Rael Brown of Buffalo (dietetics)
• Wynter Dumont of Albion (early childhood education)
• Kendra Morrison of Albion (psychology)
• Randolph Pearl of Kent (career & technical education)
• Denise Punch of Medina (career & technical education)
Honors Convocation recognizes undergraduate students who have completed at least 45 credit hours (30 credit hours for transfer students) at Buffalo State and achieved at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 April 2018 at 6:28 pm
Photos courtesy of Chris Rice: Neil Newton, left, is presented with his plaque by Steve Wowelco, president of the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame.
Neil Newton, a long-time sportsmen in Orleans County, was inducted into the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame on Saturday during a banquet at Theodore’s Restaurant in Canastota. Newton’s plaque will be displayed at the Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Museum in Vail Mills, NY.
Newton is one of 10 new inductees in the Hall of Fame. The NYSOHOF is an organization dedicated to honoring those individuals who have spent many years preserving outdoor heritage, working for conservation, or enhancing our outdoor sports for future generations.
Newton has been past president and a member of the Finger Lakes Conservation Council for 35 years. He has been active in St. Mary’s Archery Club, Black North Rod & Gun Club, and Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen for 63 years.
Newton also has been active in Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen for 63 years. He also took the lead in getting centerfire rifle hunting allowed in Orleans County last year.
He has been a hunter safety instructor and served on the Hunter Education Committee of the NYS Conservation Council for many years. Newton was a co-founder of the DEC Walleye Cooperator rearing project and made arrangements necessary for the project in addition being involved with rearing and stocking the walleye fingerlings.”
Neil Newton, front row at right, joins the other inductees for a photo.
BATAVIA – Two people from Orleans County received inaugural Genean Awards on Saturday during a celebration by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
Lisa Roeseler (pictured above), a music teacher and director of Medina High School’s A’Cappella Choir, was recognzied with the individual artist award.
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.
Bryan DeGraw received the Supporter of the Year for his efforts to boost the local cultural scene. DeGraw is co-owner of 810 Meadworks with his wife LaRissa. The DeGraws 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! created 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 Genesee Chorale also was honored as the “Organization of the Year.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 April 2018 at 6:40 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Al Capurso sings, “Till We Meet Again,” during a rededication ceremony on June 9, 2017 for a bronze tablet listing the names of 24 soldiers from Orleans County who died in World War I. The tablet was installed at the Orleans County Courthouse.
ALBION – Al Capurso has led several preservation efforts in Orleans County in recent years, and has been active in environmental and social justice causes for many years.
An Albion church is holding Capurso as a shining example for the community. Capurso will be recognized with a humanitarian award at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Pullman Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church.
Capurso is retired from 30 years with the county working in social services and with at-risk youth. He also owned the Bait Barn for about 25 years, selling fishing supplies for many years.
He is a life-long resident of Orleans County who has been married to the former Chris Rodden for 45 years. They have four grown children.
Capurso is the current president of the Orleans County Historical Association. He is on the board of directors for the Cobblestone Society Museum and also served as the Gaines town historian.
He is also a musician who performs at many local community events.
Capurso also stands out for his “gentle kindness,” said Darrell Dyke, a member of the board of trustees for the Pullman church.
Capurso ran for the County Legislature last year, the first campaign by a former county employee. Don Allport held off Capurso in the election.
Capurso has been active with Stop Polluting Orleans County (SPOC), which opposed a new landfill in Albion. He also has spoken out against a new quarry in Shelby near the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The public is invited to the service at Pullman at 11 a.m. on Sunday. A reception will follow at noon at the church, 10 East Park St., Albion.
Al Capurso is pictured on Oct. 17, 2015 when a new historical marker that was unveiled by a former one-room schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, just north of the Erie Canal. The schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the area. Capurso led the efforts to save the schoolhouse.
ALBION – A group of Orleans County residents will be honored as “Heritage Heroes” during an awards program at 7 p.m. today at the GCC campus center in Albion.
The Heritage Heroes Awards recognize the work and dedication of those who give their time and resources to preserve and protect the history of Orleans County for future generations. The awards are co-sponsored by SUNY GCC and the Orleans Hub. The entire community is invited to come and help honor these important individuals.
The 2018 Orleans County Heritage Heroes are:
Aaron Grabowski
Organist and director of Music at St. Mary’s Church in Medina, Aaron Grabowski has always had a passion for making music. However, Grabowski is more than a musician, he also builds organs. Prior to moving to Medina, he acquired a circa 1890s Barkhoff pipe organ, which was originally installed in Annunciation RC Church in Buffalo, built just a few years before St. Mary’s. When he joined St. Mary’s Church, it was evident to him that the church’s ailing electronic organ needed to be replaced. Although the original pipe organ was removed from the balcony many years ago, the organ facade (consisting of exposed pipes and oak millwork) remained intact. Upon inspection of the organ loft, Grabowski knew a proper pipe organ, befitting of the church’s history and space could be installed. Grabowski and several other interested parishioners worked together and decided he would install his Barkhoff organ in at St. Mary’s, and do the work himself! The Barkhoff was a perfect fit, given its age (built within a decade of St. Mary’s), classical voicing and having been designed by the same architect, Albert A Post. Grabowski’s dedication and hard work will fill the nave of St. Mary’s for generations to come.
Diane Palmer
Diane Palmer has always been a historian at heart and has long lent her talents and dedicated her time serving the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Cobblestone Society & Museum. Currently a member of the Board of Trustees at the Cobblestone Society & Museum, Palmer has led the museum’s rebranding efforts and has been instrumental in several key fundraisers.
She also is one of the coordinators of the Eastman at Albion concert series. The series has included about 20 concerts, raising more than $20,000 with the proceeds going to scholarships for Albion students who pursue music and the performing arts in college. In many of the concerts, Albion high schoolers have performed with the professional musicians in town for the concert. The series features Rochester-area musicians, often affiliated with the Eastman Community Music School, paired with Albion’s architectural treasures – the historic churches at the Courthouse Square.
Arthur Barnes
Noted local artist for over 30 years and constant advocate for the community, Arthur Barnes uses his artwork to celebrate Orleans County and its rich history. Barnes created a series of four large-scale murals depicting the Erie Canal which can be enjoyed in Medina, Knowlesville, Albion and Holley. Both a photographer and artist, Barnes highlights local tourism landmarks, such as the County Courthouse, the Culvert in Ridgeway and Mount Albion Tower. However, most of his work pays homage to the houses, barns and beautiful rural landscape of the area. These pieces serve to document Orleans County history as several of the houses and barns in his paintings are no longer standing. In 2000, Barnes bought a cobblestone building in Millville originally built as a Quaker meeting house in 1841. Barnes has repaired the roof and spent countless hours on additional improvements to spare what would have been an inevitable collapse of the building.
Roy Bubb
Teacher and historian, Roy Bubb added author to his resume when he penned Memories of Manning Corners: History of the Bubb Family and its Neighborhood 1931-1942, which is a retrospective on growing up in Orleans County. In 1986, Bubb retired from The SUNY College of Brockport after 25 years of service providing the best possible learning environment to future educators. In the late ’60s, Bubb co-created a simulation program that received recognition from the National College Association. Since then, Bubb has published nearly a half dozen books including his 2017 work, The Family Scrapbook, An Era in Clarendon and Holley-Murray’s History. Proceeds from Bubb’s many works benefit both the Madison Historical Society in Madison, NH, and the Clarendon Historical Society in Clarendon, NY.
Receiving the Bill Latin Municipal Historian Award – Lysbeth “Betsy” Hoffman
Since 1980, Lysbeth “Betsy” Hoffman has served her community researching information, collecting names and dates, archiving and cataloging, and writing as the Town of Carlton Historian. Former Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin knew Hoffman as an invaluable resource, one who would always have the answer. For many years Hoffman was a regular columnist for the Medina Journal-Register reporting the “goings on” in Lakeside. She developed special displays in the Carlton Town Hall and was an avid collector of archival material that continues to aid and educate future generations.
Receiving the Bob Waters Lifetime Achievement Award – Marsha DeFillips
One of the longest servicing municipal historians in Orleans County, Marsha DeFillips has been the Holley-Murray Town historian for over 40 years. Very active in the Holley-Murray Historical Society, DeFillips was influential in establishing the Murray-Holley Historical Society Museum in the old train depot and has led multiple talks and workshops and helped many residents trace their own familial roots. Recently DeFillips teamed with Melissa Ierlan to present “Digging up your ancestors online” which is a public workshop designed to encourage and guide individuals down their own genealogy path. One of the signature accomplishments during her term as town historian has been her creation of an Index of personal names in Landmarks of Orleans County. To do this, DeFillips spent many months combing through and extracting every name mentioned in Isaac Signor’s 1894 publication, developing a permanent record of history.
The public is welcome to attend the awards ceremony at GCC’s Albion Campus Center, 456 West Ave. A reception will follow the ceremony featuring light refreshments.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Orleans/Niagara BOCES
