Dr. Clark J. Godshall, superintendent of the Orleans–Niagara BOCES, was recently honored by the Association of School Business Officials International with its 2017 Pinnacle of Excellence Award for an innovative outreach program that provides education and support to the community’s veterans.
What began as elementary school students’ desire to help local homeless and disabled veterans blossomed into a collaboration among education providers, community-based organizations, veterans’ agencies, and the public to bring awareness to and help the vast number of veterans in the county in need of food, shelter, skills, and support.
Godshall championed the development and implementation of several initiatives to reach out to adults and veterans, including Literacy Zone, a continuing education adult literacy program that welcomes all veterans and their families to participate in activities to increase literacy, obtain a GED, learn computer skills, and improve job-readiness skills. An annual community luncheon and event honors and thanks local veterans and their families for their service.
“This program encompasses ‘lifelong learning’ at its best,” Godshall said. “It has changed many lives for the better.” These programs also provide opportunities for the local K–12 students to give back to the community by volunteering.
As the Pinnacle of Excellence Award recipient, Godshall will receive $5,000, Virco furniture for his school system valued at $5,000, an all-expenses-paid trip to the ASBO Annual Meeting & Expo in Denver, CO, and a crystal Pinnacle of Excellence Award.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2017 at 8:36 am
‘Don’t be too pushy,’ said Jarred Saj, who helps organizations raise money
Jarred Saj helped sell tickets for the duck race held on July 4 in Lyndonville. Saj sold 85 tickets, the most of anyone, in the benefit for Hospice of Orleans.
LYNDONVILLE – Two local organizations are thankful for the salesmanship skills of Jarred Saj, a Medina man who was the top seller for both the Strawberry Festival and Hospice of Orleans for their recent derbies.
Saj, 37, sold 115 tickets for the turtle race during the Strawberry Festival, which is organized by the Albion Rotary Club and other community volunteers.
There were about 900 tickets altogether sold at $5 each or 5 for $20.
Saj also agreed to help Hospice sell tickets for its duck race held on Tuesday. Saj was the top seller at 85 out of about 1,500 total sales.
He had his biggest effort in 2014 when he sold 300 tickets for the turtle race. But Saj said he was hounding people too much to sell that many.
“I like to help the non-profits and my community,” Saj said. “I have the time and I like to keep myself busy.”
Saj asks his friends, and stops by the offices for the Arc of Genesee/Orleans, and finds many staff members who buy the tickets. He said the face to face sales work best. He also pushes for buying the tickets in blocks of 5, rather than one each. (You get a better price buying 5 at a time and increase your chances for winning.)
Saj started selling the turtle tickets for the first time about six years ago when Deb Boyer, former turtle race organizer, asked for his help.
She appreciated his efforts so much that Saj was recognized during the 2014 parade, and presented with a keepsake toy turtle.
Saj said there is a fine line in selling the tickets. “Don’t be too pushy,” he said.
He finds many people are happy to buy tickets to support the organizations. They also like having a chance to win the top prize of $500.
Brittany Dix, director of development of Hospice, appreciated Saj’s efforts to sell the duck tickets.
“He’s very helpful and wants to be involved,” she said. “He’s enthusiastic.”
Dix said many people sell tickets, usually maxing out at 20. Saj went way beyond that.
“It’s completely voluntarily,” she said. “He found time.”
Ducks float down Johnson Creek during the duck race on July 4 in Lyndonville.
Provided photos: New U.S. citizens, Maria Castaneda and Julio Escobar, received certificates from their citizenship teacher, Cheryl Lieberman, center between students. Linda Redfield Shakoor, left, serves as English language teacher and coordinator at World Life Institute.
Posted 3 July 2017 at 1:07 pm
Press Release, World Life Institute
WATERPORT – World Life Institute Education Center honored 55 adult students, including 4 new citizens, for their accomplishments in citizenship education, English language improvement and pottery skills on June 28 in Waterport.
The adult education program is a partnership between Orleans-Niagara BOCES and World Life Institute. On hand to congratulate students were Dr. Clark Godshall, superintendent of the Orleans-Niagara BOCES and BOCES board member Maureen Kaus.
Susan Diemert, BOCES literacy specialist, directly in charge of the program, presented new citizens and English language learners with beautiful certificates for their achievements.
Dr. Linda Redfield Shakoor, English language teacher and coordinator at World Life Institute, acted as emcee of the event, attended by more than 75 people.
World Life Institute and the Orleans-Niagara BOCES congratulated 55 students for improving their English.
New U.S. citizens, Maria Castaneda and Julio Escobar, received certificates from their citizenship teacher, Cheryl Lieberman, while Susan Diemert draped leis of red white and blue around their necks to welcome them to their new status.
Diemert also gave a special recognition Linda Redfield, who earned her Ph.D. from Niagara University this spring. New citizen student, Emilio Gomez, stated how he can now vote for the first time in a U.S. election and can travel more freely as well as help his family more.
Dr. Redfield noted how agricultural workers have more challenges becoming citizens due to language, literacy, and technology gaps as well as economic and immigration policy challenges. The adult education program in Waterport assists each student with the entire educational process.
Citizenship and English language teachers at World Life Institute teach daily morning and evening classes that help agricultural workers overcome obstacles to becoming citizens. This year, seven new agricultural workers are enrolled in the citizenship class and anticipate taking their tests in the next 18 months.
Most students spend at least two years in weekly evening classes improving their English and studying U.S. history and government to pass the U.S. citizenship test. Teachers help students through the long application process and speak only English to primarily Latino students.
In addition to Dr. Redfield, teaching responsibilities at the Waterport site are shared by Cheryl Lieberman, Deborah Wilson, Monica Beck, Gejlana Carter and Harris Lieberman.
World Life Institute also teaches pottery classes in a program that receives support from the Geneses-Orleans Regional Arts Council
A classroom in the Waterport facility was devoted to a display of new pottery creations by students in the World Life Institute-GO Art! sponsored Voices from the Earth program. The program offers weekly classes and periodic workshops that provide the opportunity for agricultural workers and their families to learn pottery skills.
“These classes not only teach artistic skills but provide a relaxing, creative outlet for agricultural workers whose jobs are stressful, both outdoors in apple fields and indoor in greenhouses,” said Deborah Wilson, lead teacher for Voices.
Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GoArt! was present to help congratulate the students and encourage them to continue in their creative endeavors.
While the majority of students come from Mexico, Intergrow Greenhouses interns from Ukraine, China, Viet Nam, Brazil, and Honduras received recognition.
The evening wrapped up with the students and their families breaking open a piñata from Monte Alban in Medina.
ALBANY – The College of Saint Rose congratulates Gregory Albertson of Albion for earning a Bachelor of Science as a member of the Saint Rose Class of 2017.
The College of Saint Rose is a dynamic, progressive college in the heart of New York’s capital city where teaching is the first priority. The Saint Rose experience empowers students to improve themselves and the world around them.
Provided photo: Matthew Johnidas of Lyndonville was among the graduates in the BOCES Life Skills program. He is pictured with Special Education Coordinator Krista Macomber, left, and teacher Kim Wiley.
Posted 29 June 2017 at 3:23 pm
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
The Orleans/Niagara BOCES Life Skills program graduated 12 students at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda recently.
Administrators, teachers, staff members, family and friends celebrated as students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
The BOCES students at the North Tonawanda High School played the bells and student Michael O’Shea spoke to the audience about his experience with the program.
The students and guests then celebrated at the Gratwick Hose Fire Company #6 in North Tonawanda with a picnic.
Congratulations go to Catherine Bruscino (Newfane), Isaiah Demler (Barker), Jeremy Englert (North Tonawanda), Brian Green (North Tonawanda), Joshua Hepler (Medina), Matthew Johnidas (Lyndonville), Nicholas LiPuma (Wilson), Meghan Livesay (North Tonawanda), Terrell Reed (Niagara Falls), Rachel Retzlaff (Niagara Wheatfield), Joseph Vercruysse (Royalton Hartland) and Angelina Zangara (Williamsville).
PAUL SMITHS – John Morrill of Holley graduated from Paul Smith’s College in May 2017. Morrill earned a bachelor of science in environmental sciences from Paul Smith’s, which is located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York.
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society presented a $500 scholarship to Madeline Winters, who was selected as the Outstanding John Ryan Scholar.
Pictured, from left, include: John Ryan Scholarship review committee members Steve Bunch and Mary Zangerle, Madeline Winters, Sandstone Society Vice President David Miller, and committee member Sue Holland.
The John Ryan Scholarship program was started three years ago by the Sandstone Society with cooperation from the Medina High School History Department, under the direction of teacher Todd Bensley.
In addition to the scholarship, students are inducted into this program and have their names inscribed permanently on a wall in the hallway of the History Department. They also have a special designation recorded on their High School diploma.
The overall purpose of the John Ryan Scholar’s program is to instill a love of history in high school students, urging them to find out about and become involved in the community in which they live.
The scholarship is named in honor of John Ryan, who opened the first commercial quarry in Medina in 1837, quarrying the famous Medina Sandstone.
Provided photo: Lyndonville Rural Carrier Julie Hess, left, is recognized by Postmaster Roberta Keirn for her safe driving and caretaking ways.
Press Release, U.S. Postal Service
LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville Rural Carrier Julie Hess drives over 50 miles per day delivering mail to 513 residential and business address in Lyndonville.
For the past 20 years, she has performed her job flawlessly. On Tuesday, she was recognized by Postmaster Roberta Keirn for her accident-free driving record with a National Safety Council Safe Driver Award.
“Julie is a caretaker of her community on many levels,” said Postmaster Keirn. “Her vigilance on the road is a testament to how she keeps herself and community safe. And when she is not driving for work, she is usually riding a bike to raise donations for important causes.”
Hess is a supporter of Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She has participated in the Ride for Roswell, enduring the 100-plus mile route for the last five years. In addition, she conducts a yearly yard sale and raffles a bicycle to encourage other riders. The year, her team has accrued over $6,000 in donations for the upcoming this weekend.
“Whether through her actions at work or her contributions in her spare time, Julie inspires us all to do better for our health and our neighbors,” concluded Keirn. “It’s wonderful to be able to recognize her for her postal contributions.”
The Postal Service does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses. It relies entirely on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Annette Finch, director of Community Services for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, is pictured in the food pantry at Community Action with State Sen. Robert Ortt, who picked Finch to receive the “Woman of Distinction” award for the 63rd Senate District, which includes all of Niagara, Orleans and part of western Monroe counties.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2017 at 4:23 pm
ALBION – Many of the “Women of Distinction” recognized in the State Capitol each year are leaders of businesses, high-powered political figures, college presidents and others in the limelight.
State Sen. Robert Ortt said Annette Finch, who has spent 40 years working with needy families, deserves the same status as the other Women of Distinction.
Ortt picked Finch to represent his Senate District as a Women of Distinction on May 9 in Albany.
He also stopped by Community Action on June 9 at her office to celebrate the award with her colleagues.
Ortt said Finch and Community Action do important work for many local families.
Among Finch’s responsibilities, she assists individuals with emergency services, job training, clothing, and transportation, while ensuring clients are treated with dignity and respect. She works diligently to provide programs, services, and opportunities that can enable all people to reach their fullest potential in becoming self-sufficient.
For 40 years, Finch has compassionately worked to initiate and develop life-changing programs through Community Action, including its garden projects, thrift store, care packages for veterans, school supplies for children, the annual holiday basket, and coat drives.
In addition, she has worked in conjunction with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign and camp for families and children in need, as well as the work release program through the Albion Correctional Facility to help teach life skills, Ortt said.
“I believe in the mission,” Finch said about Community Action. “I love what I do. Working here is like being with another family.”
Finch has also been a long-time member of the Albion Recreation Committee, and also has served on the Rebuild Bullard Committee for Albion’s most popular park. She also has been active in the local women’s softball league for over 40 years as a player, coach and umpire.
“She doesn’t do what she does for an award,” Ortt said. “That’s why we picked the right winner.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2017 at 11:20 am
Provided photo
ALBION – A new class graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program on Tuesday. The 10-week program provides small business training. The Orleans Economic Development Agency has run the program since 199 and 464 people have completed the class.
The new graduates include: Heather Saeva (Saeva Hops), Pat Greene (Quiet Eye), Darlene Hartway (Sourced Market & Eatery), Karen Boston, Chris Kozody, Katie Whipple, Tara Ashton (Bella Cosa), Dennis Button (Digital Ink Arts), Marcell Taylor (Marcell Fresh Bud Absolute Xquisite Taylor Cutz), Brandy McKinney and Jeff Maier (Buckshot Tanning).
The class met at the Arnold Gregory Office Complex, a former hospital on South Main Street in Albion. Ben DeGeorge (back right) of the DeGeorge Property Group owns the building. He has space in Arnold Gregory for a new business incubator.
POTSDAM – Cole Heideman of Lyndonville was recently named to the President’s List at The State University of New York at Potsdam.
Heideman, whose major is Philosophy, was among 855 SUNY Potsdam students who were honored for academic excellence in the Spring 2017 semester. College President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg recognized the students for earning top marks.
To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
ALBION – The Catholic Daughters were recognized last week for their many years of volunteering at the information booth at the Strawberry Festival.
The following are pictured, from left: Mary Lee Knights of the Catholic Daughters; Karen Sawicz, Strawberry Festival co-chairwoman; Joyce Winkelmann of the Catholic Daughters; and Michael Bonafede, coordinating chairman of the festival.
The information booth is at the corner of the courthouse lawn by State and Main Streets. The 31st annual Strawberry Festival was June 9-10.
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.
Joseph Schafer from Albion and assigned to the Company A (Engineer), 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion 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.
ALBION – Albion Middle School students presented a poster for “world’s best crossing guard” to Dave Nayman on Thursday afternoon. Nayman serves as the crossing guard in front of the school during the morning and afternoon.
He is pictured with, from left: Nolberto Martinez Maya, Melissa Robinson, Sierra Kast and Alexa Grandy.
Students signed the poster and wanted to thank Nayman for being their crossing guard and keeping them safe. Nayman is diligent and reliable, serving as crossing guard in all kinds of weather to help students to safely cross East Avenue on their way to and from school.
Photos by Tom Rivers: These four are all graduating as valedictorians for their high school classes. They include, from left: Jessica Smith of Lyndonville, Nicole Waild of Medina, Elizabeth Rath of Kendall and Anna Brasted of Holley.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2017 at 9:16 am
LYNDONVILLE – The Top 10 graduates at Holley, Kendall and Lyndonville and Medina were celebrated during the 31st annual Orleans County Academic Excellence Awards Dinner on Tuesday at the White Birch Golf Course.
The graduates received medallions for reaching the top 10 in their class.
They were addressed by Scott Brooks, a 2006 Holley graduate. Brooks graduated in the top 10 of his class at Holley. He works as the Program Director for KISS 106.7 and Sunny 102.3 and can be heard every afternoon on KISS. Scott is also the Digital Program Director and Social Media Manager for all 7 iHeartMedia radio stations in Rochester.
Scott Brooks, left, and Bob D’Angelo, superintendent of Holley Central School, are pictured at the Academic Excellence Awards Dinner on Tuesday in Lyndonville for the Top 10 graduates at Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
Outside of his radio career, he is the announcer for the Rochester Knighthawks at the Blue Cross Arena. During his time at Holley, Scott played baseball, basketball, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.
“They’re not just the Top 10 graduates, but they are the Top 10 leaders,” Brooks said in an interview before the awards dinner. “They’ve been the role models to the other hundreds of kids in their school.”
The Top 10 push the other students to try harder in the classroom, raising the level of academics for their schools, Brooks said.
He urged them to keep striving, and find a career they love.
“Go for it,” Brooks said is his advice. “Don’t be afraid to try something new.”
The Top 10 students typically juggle many extracurricular activities, in addition to mastering their coursework.
Lizzie Rath is Kendall’s valedictorian. She plans to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Rochester. She has been a three-sport athlete for Kendall, often doing her homework late at night after getting home from a game.
She said balance in all of the activities and time management are needed to maintain high grades while being busy with school activities.
“It’s pretty difficult,” she said. “It’s a lot of late nights.”
She said her classmates, especially James Longrod and Salutatorian Chelsea Wright, all pushed each other to do well in school.
Jessica Smith, Lyndonville’s valedictorian, is headed to Rochester Institute of Technology to major in film animation. She has been active in the school musicals, chorus, band and technology club.
She said she tried to turn in her assignments on time even when the work wasn’t perfect.
“You need to get your work on time and not stress over any one thing at a time,” she said.
Smith said the Top 10 had a friendly rivalry, and pushed each other to excel and take tough classes.
“We all encourage each other to do our best and take AP classes and extracurricular activities,” she said. “We try to do as much as we can and keep busy.”
Nicole Waild, the Medina valedictorian, is headed to Nazareth in Rochester to major in biochemistry. She was in Medina’s marching band and other school activities.
“Stay focused and don’t get too distracted,” was her advice for keeping the grades high and being active in school.
She also stayed off Facebook and Twitter, trying to keep her social media to a minimum.
Anna Brasted, Holley’s valedictorian, will be an art major at SUNY Cortland. She has been active at Holley on the softball team, as editor of the yearbook, president of Spanish Club and other activities.
She said time management is the key to getting it all done.
She also was thankful for the chance to attend two foreign trips at Holley. She went to France and Italy on one trip, and Spain on another.
“Take advantage of the opportunities at school,” she said.
Bruce Landis, right, takes a photo of the Top 10 graduates at Holley. The Academic Excellence Awards Dinner was held at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
Here are the Top 10 at the four school districts. (Albion has its own convocation awards dinner.)
Holley: Christopher Balys, Brooklyn Bartholomew, Jesse Beach, Anna Brasted, Claudia Drechsel, Megan Fribance, Megan Hatfield, Corinne Johnson, Veronica Mendoza and Diana Yaroshchuk.
Kendall: Eliya Cooper, James Longrod, Jenna LoSapio, Emily Mattle, Alexis Payton, Kenneth Price, Elizabeth Rath, Ruth Seabolt, Richard Wolf II, and Chelsea Wright.
Lyndonville: Natalie Allen, Sierra Blanar, Thomas Bummer, Jacob Hoffee, Brooke Kiefer, Aubrey Lewis, Kelsi Nice, Brianna Paniccia, Ciarra Silversmith and Jessica Smith.
Medina: Kathryn Bilicki, Nicholas Bogan, Aeddon Cayea, Jadiel Flores-Medina, Martha Gardner, Abigail Griffin, Madison Holland, Morgan Roach, Kristian Snyder and Nicole Waild.
