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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Two soldiers from Orleans County recently re-enlisted in the Army National Guard.
Specialist Kyle Otto from Holley re-enlisted and will continue service with the Headquarters and Service Company, 642nd Support Battalion.
Staff Sergeant Robert Reis from Kent re-enlisted and will continue service with the Company D, 3-126th Aviation.
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.
“New Yorkers count on our citizen soldiers to be ready and be there when disaster strikes,” said Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General. “And our nation counts on our soldiers when duty calls for overseas service. I congratulate our members for choosing to stay in service and striking that balance between military duties, education or employment commitments and family obligations.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2018 at 10:33 pm
Melissa Barnosky advances to National Competition April 14-15 in Indianapolis
Provided photo
Melissa Barnosky, an Albion senior, is the American Legion New York State oratorical contest champion. She won the event today in Albany. She is pictured with Lee Brusino, Zone 5 chairman for the Legion.
Barnosky won a $6,000 scholarship today. She advances to the national competition on April 14-15 in Indianapolis.
Barnosky also made it to the state competition last year and finished third.
Melissa won at the school and county levels. She came in second at the district level to qualify for the zone competition, which she won to advance to the state contest.
Students in the competition deliver a prepared speech on the U.S. Constitution and citizen duties and obligations to the government. The speech must be 8-10 minutes in length. If it is over or under, there are penalty points.
The students also prepare for several assigned topics on various amendments. The students do not know which assigned topic they will have to present until 5 minutes prior. The assigned topic is randomly chosen by one of the members. Then the contestant is informed of the topic. The speech needs to be 3 to 5 minutes in length without penalty points.
ROCHESTER – The following students from Orleans County made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at the Rochester Institute of Technology:
• Dakota Clay of Kendall, who is in the business administration-management program.
• Alyssa Hering of Albion, who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.
• Michael Matela of Kendall, who is in the civil 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.
• Nicholas Bogan of Lyndonville, who is in the chemical engineering program.
• Jessica Smith of Lyndonville, who is in the film and animation program.
• Amber Smarpat of Albion, who is in the illustration program.
• Kyle Appleman of Albion, who is in the mechanical engineering program.
• Morgan Zona of Holley, who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.
• Stella Russo of Medina, who is in the physician assistant program.
• Traci Westcott of Holley, who is in the photographic and imaging arts program.
• Brady Smith of Holley, who is in the civil engineering technology program.
• Nicholas Ettinger of Albion, who is in the electrical engineering technology program.
• Riley Starr of Lyndonville, who is in the mechanical engineering program.
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 February 2018 at 11:20 am
Photo courtesy of Andrew Szatkowski: Medina native Jimmer Szatkowski speaks during a grand opening celebration this morning for a new Chick-fil-A in Cicero, near Syracuse. Szatkowski’s brother Andrew of Medina made the trip for the restaurant’s kick off.
The Chick-fil-A opened at 6:30 this morning and there were more than 150 people waiting in line by 6 in the morning, according to a report from the Syracuse Post-Standard.
The new Chick-fil-A is the first in Upstate New York. Jimmer Szatkowski worked 20 years with IBM as a supply chain executive. He decided to make a career change and left Raleigh, NC and returned to upstate to work on opening the Chick-fil-A.
Szatkowski told the Post-Standard he was drawn to Chick-fil-A’s focus on community service. Chick-fil-A has a custom of awarding its first 100 customers a free meal each week for a year.
Of the first 100 this morning, Szatkowski randomly selected some of the customers and they spent the morning helping at the Samaritan Center, Syracuse’s biggest soup kitchen, and the Francis House, a home for people with a terminal illness.
