achievements

‘Woman of Distinction’ praised for advocating for needy families

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.”

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New class completes small business training program through Orleans EDA

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.

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Cole Heideman of Lyndonville named to SUNY Potsdam President’s List

Staff Reports Posted 20 June 2017 at 7:58 am

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.

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Catholic Daughters thanked for running information booth at Albion festival

Staff Reports Posted 19 June 2017 at 10:48 am

Provided photo

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 31^st annual Strawberry Festival was June 9-10.

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National Guard soldier from Albion promoted

Staff Reports Posted 16 June 2017 at 10:57 am

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.

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Albion students recognize ‘world’s best crossing guard’

Staff Reports Posted 16 June 2017 at 7:51 am

Provided photo

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.

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Top 10 graduates praised for hard work, urged to embrace role as leaders

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 31^st 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.

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GCASA announces scholarship award recipients, including 2 from Orleans

Photo courtesy of GCASA: These three were all awarded scholarships by the GCASA Foundation. They include, from left: Shelby Restivo of Albion, Hannah Bowen of Notre Dame High School, and Keara Pitts of Medina.

Posted 7 June 2017 at 12:28 pm

Press Release, GCASA

Each year, the GCASA Foundation awards two $1,000 scholarships – one to a Genesee County student and one to an Orleans County student.

The GCASA Foundation Scholarship was established to support the work of the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

The foundation board is committed to the scholarship program, created to help students who will study human services, counseling, or health services. This year, the selection committee decided to add a Director’s Choice scholarship award in the amount of $500 due to the exceptional applications received.

The committee selected Hannah Bowen, a senior at Notre Dame High School, as the award recipient for a Genesee County student and Shelby Restivo, a senior at Albion Central School, as the Orleans County recipient.

Hannah plans to study psychology at Clarkson University. Shelby plans to study psychology at Monroe Community College, with the goal of furthering her education to become a counselor.

The Director’s Choice scholarship was awarded to Medina Central School senior, Keara Pitts. Keara plans to study Human Services at Genesee Community College and then further her education to pursue a degree in school psychology.

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Alison O’Hearn graduates from Grove City College

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2017 at 3:55 pm

GROVE CITY, PA – Alison O’Hearn is one of 606 seniors to earn their degree from Grove City College on May 20, 2017. O’Hearn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and is from Albion.

Grove City College is a highly ranked, nationally recognized private liberal arts and sciences college that equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience distinguished by a commitment to affordability and promotion of the Christian worldview, the foundations of a free society and the love of neighbor.

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BOCES sending 14 to National SkillsUSA Competition

Provided photo: Top row (L to R) – Marisol Cabrera, Andrew Carrigan, Cameron Cooper, Christian DiRamio and Benjamin Gordon. Middle Row: Joseph Hecko, Lexi McCoy, Noah Rocklein, Brendan Schyve and Eliza Serth. Bottom Row: Kyle Sharkey, Kennedy Smelski, Derek Soluri and Robert Wagner.

Posted 5 June 2017 at 4:28 pm

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Fourteen students from the Orleans and Niagara Careers and Technical Education Centers are getting ready to head to Louisville, Kentucky for the 53rd annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

The event is a showcase of career and technical education students and anticipates more than 16,000 people, including students, teachers and business partners to participate in the weeklong event from June 19th-23rd. The contest highlights the best career and technical education students in the country.

Marisol Cabrera (Esthetics/Barker), Andrew Carrigan (Automated Manufacturing Team/Lewiston-Porter), Cameron Cooper (Criminal Justice/Starpoint), Christian DiRamio (Technical Drafting/Niagara Wheatfield), Benjamin Gordon (Automated Manufacturing Team/Lewiston-Porter), Joseph Hecko (Welding Fabrication Team /Wilson), Lexi McCoy (Automated Manufacturing Team/Niagara Falls), Noah Rocklein (Welding/Barker), Brendan Schyve (Electronics Technology/Royalton Hartland), Eliza Serth (Esthetics Model/Newfane), Kyle Sharkey (Diesel Equipment Tech/Wilson), Kennedy Smelski (Health Occupations Portfolio/Lyndonville), Derek Soluri (Welding Fabrication Team/Niagara Falls) and Robert Wagner (Welding Fabrication Team/Starpoint) took first place in their competitions and will represent New York State at those competitions.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES is incredibly proud of all our students and wishes them the best of luck at competition!

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Lake Plains Players award 3 scholarships

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 June 2017 at 7:09 am

Natalie Allen, center, of Lyndonville starred as Belle in Lyndonville-Medina’s production of Beauty and the Beast in March.

Allen received one of three $250 scholarships from the Lake Plains Players, a community theater group. The Players awarded the scholarships to students who plan to continue their studies in the performing arts (Theater Arts, Dance, Musical Training, etc.) after high school.

Allen will be attending Nazareth College in Rochester to study music education.

Evan Steier also received a scholarship. He is pictured Friday at Albion High School with a display board highlighting his internship experience with Albion music teachers, Karen Conn in the elementary school and Carrie Kozody in the middle school.

He will be attending Nazareth College to study music therapy.

Shannon Broda, a drum major in the Albion marching band, leads the group during the Memorial Day parade. She received a $250 scholarship. She will be attending SUNY Fredonia to study music.

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Medina student raises $2K-plus by ‘Goin’ Bald for Bucks’

Posted 1 June 2017 at 9:49 am

Provided photo: Ayden Amrhein raised $2,180 for cancer research and patient care at the Roswell Institute in Buffalo.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Clifford Wise Middle School student Ayden Amrhein set a goal of $800 for cancer research in Roswell’s Goin’ Bald for Bucks campaign.

After sharing his story about how his aunt’s battle with thyroid cancer inspired him, Ayden reached out to his classmates and the community to help him reach his goal. He was thrilled to go well beyond his goal – raising $2,180 for the charity.

Ayden headed to Shear Elegance in Medina on May 27 to meet his end of the bargain and get his head shaved.

“We are very proud of him,” says Principal Elaine Wendt.

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Albion Rotary Club gives 3 scholarships

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 May 2017 at 10:50 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club awarded $2,750 in scholarships to graduating seniors this year. Pictured, from left, include Karina Rosario, Clara Stilwell and Vivian Rivers. The scholarship winners attended last week’s Rotary Club meeting at The Village Inn.

Vivian Rivers won the Dick Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship, a $1,250 award that is given to a student committed to community service and leadership, and who displays high potential for future accomplishment. Vivian has been active as a class officer, the FFA, Interact, marching band, chorus and other activities. She also topped more than 100 hours of community service and attended a church mission trip to Peru.

Clara Stilwell won the $1,250 Edward Archbald Memorial Scholarship, given to a senior who shares Archbald’s love of sports, recreational activities, community service and work experience. Clara has been active in sports – golf, swimming, tennis, cross country and track – and also has been in the band, chorus, marching band, select chorus, and many service clubs, including the FFA, Interact, Spanish Club and Honor Society.

Karina Rosario was awarded the $250 Rotary Career Advancement Prize for a senior committed to community service, school activities and work experience. Karina is active in school organizations and the community, while also working at Kast Farms and being dedicated to community service, including tutoring elementary school students.

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Busy community volunteer honored by Office for the Aging

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2017 at 1:12 pm

Mary Ann Tillman recognized locally and in Albany for contributions to many local efforts

Provided photo: Mary Ann Tillman, right, accepts an award on May 12 from Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging in Orleans County. Tillman was recognized during a program at the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

KNOWLESVILLE – A long-time community volunteer was recently recognized in Orleans County and at the State Capitol.

Mary Ann Tillman traveled to Albany on May 9 and was recognized there, joining senior ctiizens who were honored throughout the state for making a difference in their communities.

Tillman then on May 12 was honored during the Office for the Aging’s annual Spring Jubilee at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Tillman is the former owner of the Carlton Grill for 12 years. She also worked as executive director of the American Cancer Society in Orleans County.

Since she retired, she has been active in many organizations, including:

• Hospice of Orleans with nursing/indirect care/companionship/promotional activities/fundraising

• Office for the Aging with newsletter/special event support

• Holy Family Parish with fundraising, as a eucharistic minister delivering communion to homebound members, the local soup kitchen, President of Ladies of Charity, and director of the support group for her church’s bereavement committee.

She also volunteers with the American Red Cross, local libraries, St. Joseph’s School, the VA in Batavia, Catholic Daughters, Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, the Garden Club, Carlton Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus, Board of Public Health office and at her exercise class.

“She is a prime example of what a volunteer is,” said Melissa Blanar, Office for the Aging director. “She is active in her community and making a difference. She is staying active in life which is very important for older adults.”

Mary Ann Tillman wears an apron about her “Famous Polish Bread,” which makes each year at the annual Lawn Fete to benefit the Holy Family Parish in Albion. This photo is from August 2015.

Tillman, a Kent resident, and her late husband Robert raised two children, Richard and Patricia. Mary Ann has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tillman in 2016 also was named “Volunteer of the Year” by Hospice of Orleans. She said there are numerous ways to get involved in the community.

“She does not like to hear peple say there is nothing to do,” Blanar said. “There is a world full of possibilities if someone wants to help.”

Tillman said she has made many friends by volunteering. She urges others to find ways to give of their time and help local organizations.

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Lyndonville resident, nursing professor at NCCC, earns SUNY distinguished teaching award

Staff Reports Posted 20 May 2017 at 9:51 am

Dr. Julie Woodworth one of 21 honored with distinction in NY

Dr. Julie Woodworth

A Lyndonville resident who teaches nursing at Niagara County Community College is the first professor from NCCC to receive the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professorship.

The state recognizes 21 professors throughout the SUNY system with the distinction and Dr. Julie Woodworth was among the honored group.

“Each year it is an honor to review the collective work of SUNY’s outstanding faculty, and to recognize the sheer academic strength within our walls that inspires our students,” said SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall. “The standards of our distinguished ranks are rigorous, with high demands set for leadership and innovation. Congratulations to all of today’s honorees, who have led our students by an excellent example, created new research opportunities, and challenged those around them to reach higher levels of achievement.”

Dr. Woodworth is a member of the Department of Nursing and Allied Health at Niagara County Community College and has implemented evidence-based teaching techniques that support student engagement and learning. She received the SUNY Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2008 and the Professional Nurses Association of Western New York’s Ruth T. McGrorey Award in June 2017. She also maintains her nursing practice at Medina Memorial Hospital in the surgery area.

Woodworth has completed recent research within the nursing education field and has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals to add to the evidence-based literature in the nursing education field. She is generous with her personal time, easily accessible, and demonstrates a continual concern with the intellectual growth of individual students.

She maintains high standards of care and knowledge level attainment for patient care delivery in the very rigorous nursing program. She is also involved in the promotion of curricular reform at Niagara County Community College to advance the nursing curriculum to an up-to-date, rigorous student centered program with above average NCLEX-RN pass rates.

“I love working with nursing students and help them to succeed,” she said. “NCCC’s pass rates for 2016 on the NCLEX testing for licensure is a 94%. This is a great pass rate and notably one of the highest in the area.”