Photo by Tom Rivers: State Sen. Robert Ortt speaks in Medina in June.
Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt
SAN DIEGO, CA – State Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) will be recognized by the Arc of the United States this week at the organization’s annual convention in San Diego.
Ortt will receive the Catalyst Award for the “Public Policy Victory of the Year” for his work to support direct care professionals serving individuals with disabilities.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized for my role in what was a tremendous team effort by dedicated individuals, families, and workers in the disability community,” Ortt said. “We knew that direct care workers not only care for the needs of these vulnerable individuals, but also help them to lead complete lives. And while government can be slow or difficult, what happened here was that through effective communication, advocacy, and education; we were able to take a significant policy goal – funding our hard-working direct care professionals – and turn it into a reality.”
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Ortt prioritized direct care and worked with families, advocates, and legislators as part of the bFair2DirectCare campaign. Ortt fought to include the funding in the Senate Republican budget and urged the Governor to recognize the urgency of the issue. The final adopted budget provides a $146 million multi-year boost in wages to compensate direct care and other clinical professionals for the work they do in caring for others. Ortt noted that the increases will help state-funded non-profits that specialize in the care of vulnerable New Yorkers not only recruit and retain employees, but continue to provide the same level of care that allows them to lead fuller, more independent lives.
The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They encompass all ages and more than 100 different diagnoses including autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and various other developmental disabilities. With nearly 700 state and local chapters nationwide, the Arc works with its federation of state and local chapters to create an impressive network of human service agencies ensuring they have the strongest civil rights advocates promoting and protecting their needs at all levels.
Provided photo – First row (from left): Destiny Satkowski, Alexis Stratton, Kennedy Smelski, Alisha Scroger and Samantha Lawson. Middle row: Heaven Flood, Madeline Kraus, Carly Eldridge, Catherine Fleischhut, Tristen Johnson, Richard Miles and Desereé Brewer. Back Row: Skyler Christopher, Jamasen Johnson, Steven Schumacher, Porter Bellan, Malik Abdulghani, Jordan Klosin, Elijah Klosin, Matt Steves and John Reed.
Posted 31 October 2017 at 3:44 pm
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Congratulations to the 22 students from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.
Congratulations go to Malik Abdukghani (Lockport/Building Trades), Caleb Bellan (Medina/Welding), Desereé Brewer (Lockport/Security and Law Enforcement), Josephine Capen (Royalton Hartland/Allied Health), Skyler Christopher (Royalton Hartland/Early Childhood Ed), Carly Eldridge (Royalton Hartland/Allied Health), Catherine Fleischhut (Roylaton Hartland/Early Childhood Ed), Heaven Flood (Lyndonville/Cosmetology), Jamasen Johnson (Royalton Hartland/Electricity & Electronics), Tristen Johnson (Newfane/Electricity & Electronics), Jordan Klosin (Barker/Building Trades), Madeline Kraus (Medina/Allied Health), Samantha Lawson (Barker/Cosmetology), Richard Miles (Royalton Hartland/Early Childhood Ed), John Reed (Lockport/Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering), Destiny Satkowski (Medina/Allied Health), Steven Schumacher (Royalton Hartland/Welding), Alisha Scroger (Medina/Culinary Arts), Kennedy Smelski (Lyndonville/Allued Health), Elijah Sones (Medina/Building Trades), Matthew Steves (Royalton Hartland/Building Trades) and Alexis Stratton (Barker/Cosmetology).
The students were honored at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ technical education center in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives.
The students had to maintain an 89.5 average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.
Provided photos: Medina band members wait for the scores to be announced and awards handed out on Sunday at the Carrier Dome.
Posted 30 October 2017 at 7:09 pm
Band narrowly misses winning state championship
Courtesy of Medina Mustang Band
The Medina Mustang Marching Band narrowly missed winning a state title on Sunday when it competed in the 44th annual New York State Field Band Conference Championship at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
This was Medina’s 41st appearance in the championship show. There are 52 schools in the Field Band conference coming from New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Congratulations to the schools that offer and support this art form for their student body.
The day started off at 8 a.m. with the Dome Breakfast put on by the Boosters for the students and their families as a form of pep rally. From there the students, staff, boosters and all of the equipment and props travel to Hobart College where they practiced for several hours before heading to Syracuse for more practice and then their performance.
This photo shows the band forming a heart shape at the end of the show, which was entitled “With Every Heartbeat.”
The band was led onto the field by Drum Major Shelby Green and Assistant Drum Majors Madison Kenward and Brigid Keller.
In Small School 1 Division (SS1), Medina competed against seven other schools and came in second place with a score of 92.35, bested by East Syracuse-Minoa at 92.60. The difference between 1st and 2nd place was a mere .24.
First place scores for the other classes are:
• SS3: Roslyn – 80.85
• SS2: Phoenix – 86.40
• LS3: Corning Painted Post – 84.70
• LS2: Cicero North Syracuse – 90.0
• National: Arlington – 97.25
Jim Steele, Medina’s band director, commented that he feels totally at peace knowing that the Mustang Band went to Championships and performed their best.
“Regardless of placement these kids are great ambassadors for our school and our community and should be commended for their hard work and dedication to better themselves as musicians and more importantly, as people,” Steele said. “They again are all champions in my eyes. A heartfelt thanks needs to go out to our high school Principal and Vice Principal, Mike Cavanaugh and Kevin Lasky in addition to our Superintendent, Mark Kruzynski for attending the show with countless other Medina fans and followers. They all witnessed a top notch performance by our kids. Our Boosters are second to none and again proved yesterday that we are the luckiest organization in the world to have them with us. They too were true ‘rock stars’ last night.”
Seniors in the band are shown on stage at the Senior Recognition on Oct. 25.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Tyler Choate of Roy-Hart signs his name on a panel that will be part of a locker at the space station. Bill Gibbs, a representative from NASA, met with Tyler's class this morning at the Orleans Career and Technical Center at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2017 at 1:56 pm
Precision machining students sign panel that will be part of locker headed to space
MEDINA – Students in the Advanced Manufacturing Program at the Orleans Career and Technical Center were praised this morning by representatives from NASA for their dedication designing parts for the agency.
The students are pictured with their teacher William S. Rakonczay, front third from left, and Bill Gibbs (in white coat) from NASA.
Gibbs thanked the students and the class for their four years of participation in the NASA HUNCH program, where students design and build parts for NASA. Students have made a knob and other parts, working with NASA liaison, Amanda Phelps, who travels from Ohio to visit the class about every two weeks.
Rakonczay has led the class for 25 years with the Orleans/Niagara BOCES. He said the partnership with NASA has raised the expectations for students.
“The accuracy and quality needs to be 100 percent,” Rakonczay said. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with NASA and be recognized.”
Students’ names are signed on the panel in a type of marker where the ink won’t float off in space. The panel will be used for the stowage lockers on the space station.
The Orleans/Niagara students have been successful meeting NASA standards. Gibbs said the students are using the latest technology that will prepare them for careers for precision machining.
“The HUNCH program is a small step in your education, but a giant step in your future,” Gibbs said.
For students to meet the NASA standards, Gibbs said they need dedication and “inner fortitude” to push for perfection.
Gibbs talks with students and their family members this morning. Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson and Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey also attended the morning session and presented the class with certificates of commendation.
Brooke Moreland of Roy-Hart signs her name on the panel. The class has 38 students. Brooke is one of three girls in the class. She said she loves math and wants to work with technology and precision manufacturing.
“It’s a growing field with a lot of promising opportunities,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 October 2017 at 7:54 am
Provided photo
SYRACUSE – After months of hard work, the Medina Mustang Band earned its highest score of the season on Sunday at the state competition in the Carrier Dome.
Medina’s score of 92.35 was good for second place in the Small School 1 Division. Medina finished just behind East Syracuse Minoa, which scored 92.60.
More than 4,000 high school students competed Sunday at the 44th annual New York State Field Band Conference championships in the Carrier Dome. There were more than 50 high school marching bands from three states.
Each band performs a seven- to 10-minute show, and they are evaluated on their musical and visual presentation.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: 4-H club officers pledge to attend and preside at meetings regularly, appoint committees, and give all members a chance to take part in club decisions and activities.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 October 2017 at 8:18 am
Orleans County 4-Her Nicole Mrzywka welcomed 4-Hers, their families and club leaders to Achievement Night Thursday evening in the Trolley Building on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. This year’s theme was “A night at the movies!” 4-Hers were encouraged to dress as their favorite movie character.
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County 4-Hers gathered Thursday evening in the Trolley Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds to recognize contributions made by members and leaders during the past 4-H year.
Fair Royalty, 4-H Fair Master Showmen, large and small animal Grand Master Showmen and Orleans County 4-Hers who exhibited at the 2017 New York State Fair were recognized.
The Adventurers, Heelers, OC Beef and Dairy, and Hooves and Heartbeats 4-H Clubs were recognized for 100 percent re-enrollment, which compares the number of club members at the end of last year to the number of club members on September 30, 2017.
4-Hers Aeddon Cayea and Rachel Gregoire received the 2017 4-H Martin David Scholarship, which is awarded to worthy 4-H youth who apply and plan to enter college or the Armed Forces. Cayea and Gregoire received their awards prior to Achievement Night. Their selection was based on their 4-H Leadership and participation, school activities and integrity.
4-Hers who participated in the Public Presentation Program, District Public Presentations, and 2017 Project Champions were recognized. Project Champions will be invited to the Teen Recognition Dinner in January and will receive a project champion pin at that event.
Five Star Horse Awards went to Riley Seielstad, Faith Woody, Kate Spierdowis, Jaime Schieber, Zayda Moyle, Ari McGurn, Becca Albright, Andrew Moore and Emily Mergler. The 5-Star Horse Award is the highest recognition for knowledge and mastery in the area of the horse program.
Kayla Sucy presented the Five Star Dog Award to Brooke Kiefer.
4-H Leaders were also recognized and thanked for their volunteer efforts.
Long-time Orleans County 4-H Leader and volunteer Pauline Lanning lights candles of 4-H Club presidents and officers during the installation ceremony. The candles are the symbols of the 4-Her’s office.
Collins will present Congressional Gold Medal for the Civil Air Patrol member
Rho Mitchell, right, is pictured in 2012 with his son David and grandson Josh. All three made their careers as funeral directors. Bruce Landis took this photo that hangs inside Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes.
ALBION – Congressman Chris Collins on Saturday will present a Congressional Gold Medal, the Nation’s highest civilian award, to the widow of Rho B. Mitchell of Albion.
Mrs. Beverly Mitchell will be presented the award for her late husband’s efforts in the United States Civil Air Patrol during World War II. The award will be presented as part of a ceremony held at 11 a.m. at the family business which is the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave.
Senator Robert Ortt will be in attendance along with Ed Morgan from Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office. The Civil Air Patrol New York Wing Commander, Col. Tom Carello, will be the Master of Ceremony for the event.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Elmira in 1928. He joined the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet while in High School in Elmira. During his service with the Civil Air Patrol, Mr. Mitchell earned his pilot’s license. Mr. Mitchell was also in the Navy Reserve and while in college, he was called to duty with the Navy two weeks after marrying his high school sweetheart Beverly.
After one year on a carrier in the Atlantic, Mr. Mitchell returned to the US to serve a second year of duty. Upon discharge from the Navy, Mr. Mitchell completed college at the Simmons Institute of Funeral Services and moved to Albion in 1957 to open the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home.
Assigned to the War Department under the jurisdiction of the Army Air Corps, the Civil Air Patrol had more than 120,000 volunteers. CAP members patrolled the country’s coastline from Maine to Mexico and the southern border with Mexico by air, vigilant for enemy submarines and potential saboteurs. Others towed targets for military trainees, watched for forest fires, conducted search and rescue missions, provided disaster relief and emergency transport of people and parts and conducted orientation flights for future pilots. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Corps was formed in October 1942 to provide pre-military and aviation training to potential future recruits.
In all, 68 CAP members lost their lives in the line of duty by the end of the war.
Since the first Congressional Gold Medal was awarded in 1776 to General George Washington by the Second Continental Congress, there have been more than 300 recipients. The Senate passed legislation authorizing the award of Congressional Gold Medal to Civil Air Patrol WWII members in May 2013, with the House following suit a year later. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law May 30.
The Orchard Park school district hosted the Cavalcade of Bands on Saturday with 13 bands from Western NY and Pennsylvania competing.
It was a beautiful Fall night for this activity as evidenced by the large crowd in attendance. In SS1 Medina took first place with a score of 87.75, followed by East Irondequoit with 82.30.
First place winners in the other classes were Pioneer in SS3 with 73.20; Northwestern in SS2, 78.55; Webster in LS2, 85.60; and Lancaster in the National class with 87.15.
Every week the band director makes subtle changes to the show to improve the performance and the presentation of Medina show theme for this year, “With Every Heartbeat.” This week the band members were wearing shirts with an image depicting an EKG image of a heartbeat.
On Wednesday at 7 p.m. the band will perform their show in Vets’ Park followed by a Senior Recognition. This is open to the public and a great opportunity to see these young people perform without having to travel.
The State Championships are on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse when every band in the conference will compete. In LS3 there are 7 bands and the show starts at 8 a.m. LS2 has 9 bands starting at 9:36 a.m.; SS3 has 11 bands beginning at 12:25 p.m.; SS2 has 10 bands, including UB in exhibition, starting at 3 p.m.; SS1 has 8 bands starting at 6:10 p.m. with Medina performing at 7:02 p.m.
The National class has 9 bands beginning at 8:05 p.m. and includes Syracuse University in exhibition.
Staff Reports Posted 25 September 2017 at 12:16 pm
LATHAM – Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Jordan Wolcott from Albion and assigned to the 105th Military Police Company received a promotion to the rank of Private First Class.
Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.
These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
Food Network: Nick Hunter, Steven Klatt (center) and Brandon Lapp are teammates in Braised in the South which won the Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race.” Klatt is a Holley graduate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2017 at 10:42 pm
CLARENDON – When the winning team was announced on the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race, the Clarendon Rec Hall crowd jumped out of their seats and hollered in joy.
Steven Klatt, 31, and his teammates on Braised in the South took home the top prize, $50,000. Klatt grew up in Clarendon and graduated from Holley. He is the son of Ryan Klatt and Susan Colby, the Clarendon town clerk.
Susan Colby, standing, jumps out of her seat after her son’s team won the “Great Food Truck Race” on the Food Network. The show aired from 9 to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Colby watched the finals at a viewing party at the Clarendon Rec Hall with about two dozen people. She had tears rolling down her face after Klatt and his team won the grand prize.
“We’re pretty darn proud,” Colby said. “He deserves all the credit.”
Braised in the South is based in Charlotte, South Carolina. It faced Mr. Po’ Boys from Dallas, Texas, in the finals in Savannah, Ga.
The team that sells the most food is the winner. Braised in the South created dishes with shellfish, scallops and clams to win the finals.
The competition features Southern-style food. The Great Food Truck Race started with seven teams, but each week one is eliminated, the team with lowest sales.
Susan Colby, right, watches the show wearing a Braised in the South shirt.
Colby said her son and his teammates are planning to go into the food truck business. They all work as chefs in Charleston.
Klatt and his wife have two children.
“It’s the most humbling experience I’ve ever been a part of,” Klatt said on the show. “It’s all worth it.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Leonel Rosario, co-owner of Mariachi De Oro in Medina, accepts the award for Business of the Year on Friday night during the 19th annual Orleans County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner. There were about 150 people at the awards program at the White Birch Golf Course.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2017 at 2:18 pm
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce presented its an annual to business owners and residents who have stepped up in big ways to improve the community.
Mariachi De Oro won the award for Business of the Year. The Rosario family opened the Mexican restaurant on Maple Ridge Road six years ago and has expanded the building, adding a bar and bathrooms. The Rosarios also put in an outdoor patio, expanded the parking lot and continue to tweak the menu. The restaurant draws many out-of-towners to Medina for authentic Mexican food and culture.
Leonel Rosario, co-owner of Mariachi and the head cook and manager, thanked Mariachi’s customers for embracing the restaurant.
“Thank you for letting us be part of the community,” Rosario told about 150 people at the annual awards dinner at the White Birch Golf Course. “Thank you for loving our food.”
He also thanked his wife Dolores for her dedication to Mariachi and his mother Lucha for her support and sacrifice in raising her 12 children.
Rosario said the village officials, including Code Enforcement Officer Marty Busch, have been helpful as the Rosarios worked to upgrade the property and overcome potential setbacks through the years.
Seeing customers have a good experience at Mariachi has been the biggest encouragement, Rosario said. “That fills my heart with more energy and passion,” he said.
Other award winners include:
Lifetime Achievement: Bruce Landis
Bruce Landis
The Albion photographer has been working locally since 1974. He has won numerous state, national and international awards, and is a past president of the Albion Rotary Club and Greater Rochester Professional Photographers. Gabrielle Barone, last year’s lifetime achievement winner, said Landis has distinguished himself with his professional career and community service.
Landis thanked his parents for instilling in him a work ethic, and for teaching him how to fix things and work with his hands. His brother also helped him set up his first darkroom, and launched Landis’s passion for pictures.
Landis also thanked his wife, Sue, and his family for their sacrifices while he often worked on weekends and weeknights.
Agricultural Business of the Year: Kludt Farms in Kendall
Rudy Kludt, with Mike Kludt, left, and Gary Kludt, in back said the family and employees work hard together.
Kludt Brothers Farm has shown the family and its employees work hard, take initiative and give back to the community the past century, said Robin Root, a Barre farmer and co-owner of the Root Brothers Farm.
Kludt Brothers has embraced new technology and updated field practices and production steps. The farm has been a backbone of the Kendall community for many years.
“They are a great family known for helping everyone in their community,” Root said.
Rudy Kludt said the farm works well together.
“We all put our heads together and we try,” he said.
Small Business of the Year: Canalside Tattoo in Medina
Shawn Ramsey
The Chamber recognized Shawn Ramsey for the growth in his business and for renovating the former Curvin’s News on Main Street.
Ramsey, 41, took a chance on his hometown in 2015. After two decades in Pittsburgh, he came home to open Canalside Tattoo Company on East Center Street. It proved popular. In March, he moved to a bigger location at the former Curvin’s News.
Ramsey said he went to Curvin’s as a kid to buy comic books. Reading those helped inspire a love of art.
Moving to Curvin’s increased Canalside Tattoo’s space from 750 to 2,500 square feet. Ramsey also added two tattoo artists: Tyler Vercruysse and Joshua Schutrum.
Ramsey has a degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He started his career with a sign company and then worked in web design and software development. For the past 12 years, he has also been a tattoo artist.
Tattoos have become more accepted by society. He works with customers who want tattoos to celebrate the birth of a child and other milestones. Many customers also are deep in grief and want a tattoo to honor a loved one.
“Our customers literally trust us with their bodies,” he said.
Business Person of the Year – Deborah London (Bloom’s Florist) in Albion
Debbie London accepts the award for Business Person of the Year from Barry Flansburg, who was representing State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Debbie London has kept Bloom’s Flower Shop going despite a disruptive road reconstruction on Main Street about a decade ago, the emergence of Walmart and Tops in Albion, the recession in 2008-09, and other challenges.
She has adapted to the changing marketplace, selling more flowers through her web site. London said customer service has stayed a priority for Bloom’s, which is now in its 82nd year. She is the fourth owner.
She was working in the banking industry when her job was eliminated about 17 1/2 years ago. She was friends with Gary and Lorraine Oakley. They were looking for a buyer for Bloom’s and London decided to go for it.
“When one door closes, another opens,” she said.
She does the bookkeeping and payroll for Bloom’s, and also for her husband Brian’s two businesses. Brian is an electrician and also a fly fishing guide.
Phoenix Award: Fitzgibbons in Medina
Amy Cifelli and Tony McMurtie accept the Phoenix Award for the radical transformation of the former Silver Dollar on Main Street in Medina.
It took eight years of painstaking renovations at the former Silver Dollar before Fitzgibbons Public House opened in January. The site has become a destination, a world-class place with an awesome atmosphere, the Chamber said.
Amy Cifelli and her husband Kevin bought the badly deteriorated site about a decade ago. They gutted and strengthened the building but didn’t want it to feel “new.” Mr. Cifelli, a software engineer, also is a woodworking artist and created the railings and other pieces that adorn the interior.
Tony McMurtie, owner of The Pillars in Albion, joined the effort and helped develop the Celtic menu with its range of beers.
Cifelli said she and her husband initially wanted to open a place where people could get “a beer and a burger.” Fitzgibbon’s became much more than that.
New Business of the Year: Orleans Millworks in Kendall
Karl Driesel
Karl Driesel last year opened Orleans Millworks in his hometown. Driesel had a woodworking business since 2009. He was working out of his home until committing to building a new 5,884-square-foot shop and showroom at 1750 Kendall Rd.
Diesel specializes in moulding. He enjoys taken a rough piece of lumber and turning it into railings, mouldings, hardwood floorings, and other useful purposes.
Driesel wanted the new building to blend in with the town. The building is green and tan, and inside the showroom features many different types of wood species. Driesel works with about 20 different types of wood.
Driesel works with customers mainly between Buffalo and Rochester, serving residential, commercial, and wholesale markets often working directly with homeowners and contractors.
The site in Kendall proved ideally located between the two major markets, and Driesel also wanted to be be close to his house and help his hometown.
Driesel graduated from Morrisville State College, earning degrees in wood products technology and business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. For three years he was teaching at Morrisville, making a 2 ½-hour trip two to three times a week. He taught in the wood science department and showed students how to make cabinets.
Diesel in 2016 decided to focus solely on his own business. He purchased Medina Millworks from the Graber family – Jerome, Matthew, Stephen and Phillip. That acquisition has boosted Driesel’s business, expanding his customer base and giving him more access to modern woodworking equipment.
“There is a saying, ‘It takes a village or a city to raise a child,'” he told the crowd at the Chamber dinner. “I am the child and I thank you.”
Entrepreneurial Excellence: The Missing Peace in Medina
Anna Chichocki accepts the award for entrepreneurial excellence.
The Chamber recognized Anna Chichocki, owner of The Missing Peace, for entrepreneurial excellence for demonstrating a unique approach to business that has resulted in a strategic advantage in her business. Chichocki developed a team with many wellness programs under one roof.
Cichocki sells non-toxic personal care products at 510 Orient St., in a former Medina sandstone warehouse. The building has been repainted and decorated to facilitate feelings of calmness.
She wanted The Missing Peace to offer more holistic wellness options for the community and reached out to people with other skills and services.
Cichocki sells soy-scented candles, Shakeology by Beachbody (nutrition supplements), Richway BioMats, and Pure Haven Essentials – safe, non-toxic personal care products. She also does astrology card readings.
Sharon Houseknecht has been working in holistic health for three decades. She does nutritional consultations, Reiki, ear coning, foot spa detoxifications and energy balances. She also offers smoking cessation services to help people with their addiction to nicotine. She is certified as a natural health professional, Reiki master and as a herbalist.
Beth Joy is a personal trainer who runs pilates and PiYo classes. She offers nutrition advice and leads fitness classes. She is a personal trainer and Beachbody coach.
Katie Crooks is a licensed massage therapist who offers Swedish massage, medical massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, and Young Living Essential Oils.
Cichocki became more interested in natural health after her youngest daughter was diagnosed with autism. Cichcocki said her daughter responded to a modified diet with a focus on healthy foods. Cleansing and detoxing, which removed heavy metals from her body, also have helped her daughter.
Community Service Award: Warren Kruger, Kendall Highway Superintendent
Warren Kruger
Warren Kruger has served as Kendall’s highway superintendent the past 28 years. He has put in miles and miles of drainage, waterline and paved numbers roads.
When Lake Ontario flooding many residents backyards and homes beginning in April, Kruger organized a sand bag distribution effort to help residents preserve their property.
Kruger also plays important roles in the town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the scarecrow festival and Homegrown Days.
He plays in the Kendall Community Band and drives a classic car in the Kendall Firemen’s Carnival Parade.
Kruger thanked the highway employees for their dedication to the job. The employees and Kendall residents “are like extended family,” he said.
Community Service Award: Jackie Mowers-Sciarabba, Geneses-Orleans Ministry of Concern
Jackie Mowers-Sciarabba accepts the community service award.
Jackie Mowers-Sciarabba has played a critical role assisting many families facing shut-off notices and other emergencies in her role as a client advocate for the Geneses-Orleans Ministry of Concern.
She also manages the Just Friends E-3 youth mentoring program.
The Chamber wants to recognize individuals and organizations that “improve the fabric of the community” and Mowers-Sciarabba certainly has done that in her role with the Ministry of Concern, said Adam Tabelski, a board member for the Chamber.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Some of the Rosario family members who work at Mariachi De Oro Mexican Grill include, front row, from left: Leonel, Dolores, Isabel and Gladys. Back row: Sergio, Kevin and Donato.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2017 at 9:24 am
Chamber names popular restaurant ‘Business of the Year’
MEDINA – Six years ago the Rosario family opened Mariachi De Oro Mexican Grill on Maple Ridge Road, following nearly a year of renovations.
Six brothers – Francisco, Sergio, Martin, Pablo, Donato and Leonel – plus their sister Elba transformed the site. They rebuilt and expanded the kitchen and gave the dining area and grounds a new look. The restaurant showcases their Mexican culture.
The family members had all worked for years at local farms. They wanted to try their own business. Mariachi has been a stunning success, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce officials said in naming Mariachi its “Business of the Year.” The Rosarios and other Chamber award winners will be celebrated Friday during an awards banquet at the White Birth in Lyndonville.
The business has grown since it opened on Sept. 9, 2011, putting on an addition for a bar and bathrooms, an outdoor patio, and continued additions to the menu. Mariachi is waiting for its outdoor liquor license to cater to customers on the patio. Mariachi hired artists for Mexican-themed murals inside the restaurant, and has a mariachi band perform monthly.
Mariachi De Oro Mexican Grill is located at 11417 Maple Ridge Rd.
The restaurant draws many out-of-county visitors to Medina for the authentic Mexican cuisine. Mariachi has been featured in very positive reviews from The Buffalo News and Buffalo Spree.
“Everything is fresh, that is our secret,” said Leonel Rosario, co-owner of the restaurant and the head cook and manager.
Mariachi has Mexican staples – burritos, tacos, fajitas – and much more, from seafood, to steak and pork dinners. They make their own fresh tortillas. Many of the spices used in the kitchen are imported from Mexico. Leonel uses many of his family’s recipes from the state of Oaxaca.
“When people ask me about Mariachi, I tell them we are a Mexican restaurant, but we are more than a Mexican restaurant,” said Leonel, 35, the youngest of the brothers.
Some of the family continues to work in local agriculture. The family also runs Monte Alban, a Mexican grocery and clothing store that opened about a decade ago on Route 31 in Medina. There is also a taco stand behind Monte Alban’s.
Leonel is a steady presence at mariachi. He is often joined by his wife Dolores and their children, Leonel Jr., 16; and Galilea, 15.
He was interviewed on Tuesday after the lunch rush.
Question: Are you surprised by the Chamber award?
Answer: Yes. When I found out I was really happy and excited. In the first year that we opened and I was back there cooking, sometimes we didn’t have any customers for a couple hours. You feel like, ‘What’s the point being back there?’ And then you keep pushing more, and doing more things and you start seeing more customers. You get better at things. When you see these kind of achievements happen, it makes you feel really proud and thankful. It gives you more energy to do things that you’ve already been thinking about.
For me it was like a payoff for 80-hour weeks. I’m used to being inside the kitchen.
Leonel Rosario is pictured at Mariachi De Oro with the main dining room behind him.
Question: Eighty hours a week for six years?
Answer: Yes. You get time off here and there. But like any other business owner you can never leave your place.
Question: You and your family are really quite a success story. I am impressed with the Rosarios. You guys seem to get along well, too.
Answer: For us it hasn’t been uphill all of the time. We have always run businesses together. We have respect for the older siblings. That’s a main reason why we’re able to work so well together. And also because we lived together as brothers and sisters with no parents.
There is plenty of Mariachi merchandise available at the restaurant.
Question: You mentioned you were working on an outdoor liquor license. How much more can you do here?
Answer: I want to have Mariachi del Oro be a place where you can have a real authentic Mexican meal plus have an awesome experience with what’s happening. I want us to have more than food. I want to bring my culture and our traditions into the place and share it with everybody.
We’re bringing in a mariachi band and let people come in and learn about other cultures. The mariachi band comes every month. I want to do more music. I want to do more events just so people can have fun.
Question: I noticed you do many public events, with dancing and food, despite a busy schedule.
Answer: That was always one of things that helped me to get out of my self zone and achieve more because I studied my dancing and the sharing of the Oaxaca and Mexican culture. Anytime they ask, I always go for it. It’s one of the things I also enjoy a lot. Dancing will always be one of my biggest hobbies.
Leonel and Dolores Rosario perform a Mexican folk dance in March 2016 at the “The Colonnade.” That site is the former Masonic Temple now used a cultural center by the World Life Institute.
Question: It’s pretty high energy dancing. You got to be in good shape to do that.
Answer: Yes. Before I could dance like it was nothing, but now that I’m 35, I’m started to feel it a little more. Me and my wife we have always loved dancing.
Question: Why has Medina worked for you, especially at this site?
Answer: I think Medina is the type of community where everybody is starting to think and bring so many more ideas that it is helping the town to bring people in from miles away. They are doing a lot of events, which I think is really nice for all of the business owners in the community. The MBA (Medina Business Association) comes up with all of these ideas.
With us, we wanted to join them and share with them what we can offer to help bring people into Medina.
Kevin Rosario cooks a big pot of pork on Tuesday for the dinner crowd at Mariachi’s. His cousin Sergio is in back working as the grill cook.
Question: It seems like this location by creek has also worked out well for you?
Answer: Yes. We found this place. We saw it and we liked it. We went for it. I think it’s a beautiful spot. We get people from the city.
Question: The name Mariachi De Oro, what does that mean?
Answer: The Golden Mariachi. That’s what it means. When we were thinking about what to name it, some us love mariachi music. I love mariachi music. We wanted to always bring a mariachi band to play. So that’s why it’s Mariachi De Oro.
The bar stools have saddles to sit on at Mariachi Del Oro.
Husson University announced that Allison N. Christensen, a fifth-year student pursuing her Master of Science in occupational therapy, is this year’s recipient of the Margaret Louise Burckes Scholarship. Christensen is a graduate of Kendall Junior Senior High School.
Each year the Burckes Scholarship is given to a Husson University student, in good academic standing, who demonstrates a commitment to service and occupational therapy as a profession. Financial need is also taken into consideration. Recipients are selected by faculty members in Husson’s School of Occupational Therapy.
Allison’s mother, Cindy Christensen, recalls how her daughter first became interested in occupational therapy. “I work at a school that has an occupational therapy department. At the time, Allison was struggling to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. She ended up shadowing the preschool’s occupational therapist and completed a research paper on this profession in high school. After learning more about occupational therapy, she decided that it would be a good career choice and she’s never regretted it.”
An outstanding student, Allison began her studies at Husson in the fall of 2013. She has been named to the Honors, Dean’s or President’s List for seven of the past eight semesters. In 2017, she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in healthcare studies from the University, which is based in Bangor, ME.
“Receiving this $1,000 scholarship means so much to me,” said Allison. “I’m just overwhelmed that the faculty gave me this vote of confidence. It’s like they’re saying, ‘we believe in you and know that you have what it takes to provide care to others.’”
Allison continued: “As part of the scholarship presentation, I got to hear about the life of Margaret Louise Burckes. One of my closest friends leaned over and whispered to me, ‘she sounds just like your twin!’ I’ve always dreamed about going on mission trips and doing the kinds of things that Margaret has done.”
This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Margaret Louise Burckes. Burckes career afforded her the opportunity to work in rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, and in homecare services with people who had both mental and physical disabilities.
Over the course of her career, Burckes travelled to 15 countries, including Singapore and Thailand, in order to serve populations in need of occupational therapy (OT) services.
Food Network: Nick Hunter, Steven Klatt (center) and Brandon Lapp are teammates in Braised in the South which won the Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race.” Klatt is a Holley graduate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2017 at 1:30 pm
Holley native Steven Klatt and his teammates on Braised in the South have advanced to the finals of a Food Network show after Sunday’s show in Athens, Ga.
Klatt and Braised have been the top team the past two weeks in the “Great Food Truck Race.” The show airs on Sundays at 9 p.m.
The competition features Southern-style food. The Great Food Truck Race started with seven teams, but each week one is eliminated, the team with lowest sales.
Braised in the South is based in Charlotte, South Carolina. It will face Mr. Po’ Boys from Dallas, Texas, in the finals.
The Clarendon Rec Hall will be open for a viewing party this Sunday for the finale.
“We’re very excited,” said Susan Colby, Klatt’s mother and the Clarendon town clerk. “We’re very proud of him.”
KENDALL – Over the past weekend, Dan Schuth of Kendall received the Super Champion of Show Award at the National Poultry Show sponsored by the American Poultry Association (APA) held in Bath, N.Y. There were 242 exhibitors present from across the country showing a total of 2,542 birds.
After each bird was judged by class, breed and variety, the six APA licensed judges present worked together to pick the Super Champion bird of all the ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl in the show. Schuth took the award with a white embden goose which he had raised from an egg, from parents he had also raised. Schuth said he knew he had a good bird but was shocked to hear he won the award. He said that “after years of work, it was like winning a million bucks on the Lottery.”
Dan and his wife, Marietta, also breed and exhibit several varieties of chickens and are members of the Rochester Poultry Association, which will hold its annual Club Show at Genesee Country Museum in Mumford on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Provided photo
