By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2017 at 5:17 pm
Kendall and Medina both earned “Silver Medals” and made the list of high-performing high schools in the latest ranking by U.S. News and World Report.
The news publication posted its annual ranking of the 22,000 high schools in the country, and Kendall placed 2,295th and Medina 2,468th, which puts them near the top 10 percent.
In New York, Kendall was ranked 181st and Medina, 195th. The U.S. News’ Best High Schools List is compiled by first analyzing how well students performed on qualifying high school state assessments such as Regents Exams in Algebra 1 and ELA.
The high schools identified as over performing were then ranked nationally in terms of college readiness, using participation and success in the Advanced Placement program. U.S. News then awarded more than 6,040 gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top-performing schools.
“This is great validation at how well our staff does in preparing our students for post-secondary education and careers,” said Mark Kruzynski, the Medina school district superintendent. “We are very proud to once again receive this honor and be able to recognize the dedication of our students, staff and the community to make Medina High School one of the best high schools in the country. This award is truly an achievement that the entire district can celebrate, as the success we have in the high school builds upon the foundations our students have received at Oak Orchard and Clifford Wise Intermediate Middle School. Congratulations to the entire Medina Central School District.”
Kendall is also a repeat winner.
“This honor respects the hard work and commitment by the entire staff and community of Kendall,” Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent, said when Kendall was recognized last year.
To see the breakdowns, visit www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2017 at 8:19 am
Provided photos: Adam Burlison, 10, of Albion holds his trophy after winning a spelling bee on Saturday in Grand Island.
ALBION — An Albion fourth-grader won a spelling bee on Saturday that featured 46 of the top spellers in Western New York from grades 4 and 5.
Adam Burlison, 10, was perfect as the field of spellers was winnowed from 46 to 1. The second-place finisher misspelled “heritage.” After Adam spelled it right, he sealed his victory with the word, “sentimental.”
It was a heart-pounding 2 1/2 hour event for many in the Albion community. Adam’s mother Lisa, an Albion elementary school teacher, posted the competition on Facebook live. When Adam won, the bus for the Albion marching band burst into cheers and applause. The band was coming home from the Lilac Festival in Rochester.
Adam’s father is the late Wayne Burlison, the assistant marching band director and elementary school band teacher. Wayne was 36 when he died from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.
The announcer at the spelling bee used each of the words in the contest in sentence. For “sentimental,” the announcer said: “Sentimental. She gave her father a sentimental card for Father’s Day. Sentimental.”
Adam was like a machine as he spelled his words – geothermal, successful, voluntary, stockade, fantastic, dilute, ventricle and many others.
Adam Burlison competed against 45 other top spellers. His winning word: “sentimental.”
He was one of three Albion students at the competition in Grand Island. Madison Banker and Sawyer Brigham also competed. All three students are in Meghan Kania’s class. Sawyer also finished in the top 10.
The final three in the spelling bee made it through all of “expert” words on the fourth grade list. Then the judges asked words from a fifth grade list that contestants didn’t study.
Adam has honed his spelling skills by reading lots of books, his mother said. His favorite books are fiction/fantasy, which Mrs. Burlison said have a lot of unusual words.
The closed captioning also is on the TV in the Burlison home because Lisa has a slight hearing loss.
“I realized at an early age that he was learning to read from that as well,” she said about the words on TV.
She thanked his friends at school for helping prepare him for the spelling bee. They asked him words over lunch in the cafeteria.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group from Port Austin, Michigan is pictured with the grand prize winning salmon in the Lake Ontario Counties Fishing Derby, which concluded today with an awards program at the Bald Eagle Marina in Kendall. The 27-pound, 8-ounce salmon won the $15,000 grand prize. The group includes, from left: Paul Nienaltowski, Kenny Rutz, Chris McConnell and Alex Nienaltowski.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2017 at 7:50 pm
LOC Derby ends with celebration in Kendall
KENDAL — The fish are still biting in Lake Ontario, despite all the media reports of doom on the lake. The high waters and erosion don’t bother the fish, sports fishing promotion officials said today during an awards presentation at Bald Eagle Marina in Kendall.
“The lake isn’t off limits,” said Bill Hiltz Jr., a long-time sportsfishing promoter in Niagara County. “Once you get on the lake, the fishing is still good.”
Hilts was in Kendall today as emcee for the Spring Lake Ontario Counties Derby. About 4,500 people fished in the LOC Derby, where $44,350 in prize money was up for grabs. There are also summer and fall LOC fishing derbies. The awards ceremonies are typically at Captain Jack’s, a tavern in Sodus Point. But a road to that site was blocked off due to flooding.
LOC organizers decided to have the awards show in Kendall at the Bald Eagle Marina, which is a new weigh station for the derby. The Bald Eagle Marina has floating docks that move up or down, depending on the lake levels. It’s boat launch remains open.
Other marinas with stationary docks are struggling due to the high lake levels, or their boat launches aren’t open.
Dave Chilson, owner and director of the LOC Derby, said fishermen and the sports fishing industry remains concerned about access at some marinas. Chilson also worries the extensive media coverage of the high lake waters, erosion and flooding may scare off fishermen and customers for the marinas and lakeside businesses.
“All of the publicity has made it worse,” Chilson said about the impact on businesses by the lake.
A group from Port Austin, Michigan made their second annual trip to Lake Ontario. They stayed in Wilson and caught the biggest fish, a 27-pound, 8-ounce salmon. They caught it off the Niagara bar, near the mouth of the Niagara River. The group brought its own boat from Michigan and tried to launch it in St. Catharines, Canada, but those marinas were off limits due to the high lake and flooding.
They were directed to Wilson, where they were able to get their boat in the water.
Pul Nienaltowski reeled in the fish on May 9. He said Lake Huron has few salmon. He and his brother and their friends like the Chinook salmon. They put up a fight when they are caught, Nienaltowski said.
Chilson moved the awards program to the Bald Eagle Marina, which is opening a restaurant, Lures, next month, and is making other improvements.
“We wanted to highlight it because it’s obviously a great facility,” Chilson said.
Other first place winners include:
• Chinook salmon, 25 pounds, 5 ounces – Lee Beaton of Clifton Springs, NY
• Brown trout, 16 pounds, 12 ounces – David Rafle of Edinboro, Pa.
• Lake trout, 22 pounds, 10 ounces – Brian Marketich of Beaver Falls, Pa.
• Walleye, 13 pounds, 1 ounce – Mitch Franz of Henderson Harbor, NY
David Rafle of Edinboro, Pa. talks about his first-place winning brown trout. All of the first place winners won $1,000. David Chilson, center, is the LOC president and director. Bill Hilts, Jr., left, served as emcee for the event.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Youth Bureau on Thursday recognized three adults - Medina teacher Eric Gross, Holley school social worker Samantha Zelent, and Albion youth football coach Geno Allport - for their service to youth. The following students were also recognized: Serenity Baumgart, Hannah Biedlingmaier, Emily Blanchard, Anna Brasted, Thomas Bummer, Sarah Granchelli, Ashley Kingsbury, Brandon Miller, Chad Miller, Charles Edward Moore II, Tiffany Petry, Zachary Petry, Hayley Rowley, James Sharp, Ashley Sietmann, Nicholas Smith, Robert Vidovich III and Vincent Viterna.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2017 at 2:51 pm
Keynote speaker, Sheriff Randy Bower, tells group to follow moral compass, be challenge-driven
Vincent Viterna, 17, of Medina accepts a youth recognition award on Thursday. Vincent has been active as a firefighter with the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, taking numerous training courses and helping with fundraisers.
MURRAY – The Orleans County Youth Board honored three adults and 18 young people for their service to the community during the 35th annual Youth Recognition Banquet on Thursday at Hickory Ridge Golf and Country Club.
The youths do numerous acts of service, from volunteering at animals shelters, their local fire department, nursing homes, Scouts and other community organizations.
The following students will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Serenity Baumgart of Medina, Hannah Biedlingmaier of Holley, Emily Blanchard of Albion, Anna Brasted of Holley, Thomas Bummer of Lyndonville, Sarah Granchelli of Medina, Ashley Kingsbury of Kendall, Brandon Miller of Kendall, Chad Miller of Kendall, Charles Edward Moore II of Albion, Tiffany Petry of Medina, Zachary Petry of Medina, Hayley Rowley of Holley, James Sharp of Holley, Ashley Sietmann of Kendall, Nicholas Smith of Holley, Robert Vidovich III of Medina and Vincent Veteran of Medina.
The Youth Board also recognized three adults for their service to youths.
Eric Gross
Eric Gross and Samantha Zelent received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award, given to a paid professional whose work exceeds normal expectations.
Gross is a physical education teacher and coach at Medina’s Clifford H. Wise Intermediate/Middle School. A co-worker, Kristy Young, said Gross is a humble person with a contagious positive attitude. He gives his own money and time to help student athletes at Medina, taking them to appointments and making sure they have the proper equipment.
Gross grew up in Medina and has worked as a teacher for 16 years, coaching cross country, track and wrestling.
Samantha Zelent
Gross said he is fortunate in his job to have strong support from Medina families, his co-workers and the staff at the school, as well as his own family.
Samantha Zelent is a social worker for grades 7-12 at Holley Junior-Senior High School. Her dedication, compassion and genuine concern for her students are exhibited on a daily basis, the Youth Board said.
Penny Cole, a secretary in the guidance office at the school, said Zelent has a heart for the students at the school and a radar for their needs. She gives students and their families her personal cell phone number to reach out to her off hours if necessary.
Zelent thanked the entire school community of teachers, staff, administrators, students and parents for stepping forward to support kids in crisis.
“Holley is a wonderful community and I’m so blessed,” she said. “I can ask for help and they’re right there.”
The Holley students are “awesome kids” who make her career so rewarding. “They are a tremendous part of my life,” Zelent said.
She also thanked her parents, former Holley principal John Heise and retired Albion teacher Sandra Heise, for instilling a love for community service and people. Zelent’s husband John is a second grade teacher at Brockport. He had a bone marrow transplant two years ago. Zelent thanked the community for their support during her husband’s illness.
She and John have a son Alex, 8, who is his mother’s driving force to do good.
“It’s my responsibility to make this world a little better for him,” she said.
Geno Allport was recognized for his years of volunteering with the Albion youth football program.
Geno Allport of Albion received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. He is always setting a great example of guidance, values and respect when working with the youth in the community in his role as a youth football coach in the Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program and as an official with the Niagara Orleans Football Association, the Youth Board said.
D.J. Moore has been alongside Allport for years as a youth football coach. Moore said Allport spends 12 hours at the field on game days, setting up the field, making sure officials are on time, leading his team and cheering on the others. He makes sure everything is put away.
Allport has been a leader in the region for player safety, Moore said. Allport also finds grants for the program that make Albion’s football registration the lowest cost in Western New York “so our parents can afford it.”
“He teaches the kids about not just football, but about life itself,” Moore said. “Without Geno, our program would not survive.”
Allport said he considers the Youth Board recognition “a team award.” He thanked his sister Jaime Allport, Moore and other volunteers in the program.
Randy Bower holds one of the compasses he handed out on Thursday when he was keynote speaker during the annual Youth Recognition Banquet.
Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower was the keynote speaker for the event. He shared about the challenge of becoming paralyzed at age 18, four months after high school graduation.
Bower was working a full-time job at the time as a line technician for a cable company. He had all the overtime he wanted and enjoyed an active social life.
On Oct. 10, 1983, Bower was driving home from a friend’s house at about midnight. He fell asleep at the wheel. Clarendon firefighters saved his life that night, Bower said.
When he awoke paralyzed at Strong Memorial Hospital, facing the greatest challenge of his life. His family and friends pushed him to overcome the challenge. Bower said most people with his spinal cord injury are hospitalized for six months. He was able to push himself to be home in 2 months after the accident, in time for Christmas that year.
Bower said he has adopted a “challenge driven” approach to life. Challenges develop mental and physical toughness, challenges stand down fear, inspire courageous acts, tests your limits, builds self confidence, empowers freedman mold who we become, Bower said.
The sheriff urged people to volunteer. He cited the service of coaches and firefighters who give to others, not seeking any compensation. Even the current crisis with the flooding on lake Ontario was a testimony of volunteerism, with neighbors helping to fill and distribute heavy sandbags, Bower said.
He gave everyone a compass. A moral compass should always be used when making decision, he said.
“Your moral compass is the thing inside us that tells us which direction we should go when we have to make a decision involving right and wrong,” Bower said. “Use your moral compass, fly straight, embrace challenges, think forward and always, when able, be there for others.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Angela Tarricone starred as Jane in Albion High School's production of Tarzan, which won several awards during the Stars of Tomorrow program that honors high school theater productions in the Rochester region. Tarricone was named "outstanding leading actress" for Division B schools.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2017 at 2:15 pm
Lyndonville-Medina production also recognized at Stars of Tomorrow
Albion and the Lyndonville-Medina theater productions were both recognized on Thursday for excellence in the annual Stars of Tomorrow program by the Rochester Broadway Theatre League.
Albion was one of four schools in Division B to be named an “outstanding musical” for its production of Tarzan. Albion also won for Outstanding Acting Ensemble, Outstanding Production Crew, and Outstanding Student Orchestra.
Thomas Bummer plays Gaston, an egotistical villain determined to marry Belle, who declines the offer in Beauty and the Beast. Gaston is shown here with five “Silly Girls” played by Sophia Cardone, Emily Green, Maisie Griffin, Cora Payne and Layna Viloria.
Lyndonville and Medina students worked together in their production of Beauty and the Beast. They won an award for Outstanding Singing Ensemble.
Student performers in both musicals also won individual awards, including:
Victor Benjovsky won an Outstanding Supporting Actor award for his role as “Kerchak,” the gorilla father in Tarzan. Benjovsky is shown here getting his makeup on before the March 31 show.
Leif Isaacson, left, played “Cogsworth” in Beauty and the Beast for Lyndonville-Medina. He also won an “Outstanding Supporting Actor” award. Cogsworth (Leif Isaacson) and Lumière (Christian Hahn).
Enoch Martin, as Tarzan in Albion’s production, was named an Outstanding Leading Actor. Martin swings into the jungle with Jane (played by Angela Tarricone), who was recognized with an Outstanding Leading Actress award.
Enoch Martin and Angela Tarricone now move on to a new competition. On May 25, they will go back to RBTL at 7 p.m. and will perform. It is an elimination contest. If they make it through the first round, they will advance to the next round, and the next, until there is only one winner for leading man and leading woman. The winners will go to New York City.
The public can also vote for them. The person who receives the most votes is called the “Fan Favorite” and will receive prizes (tickets to School of Rock, etc). Visit RochesterFirst.com for Fan Favorite voting. Angela: text SOT02 to 75327 and Enoch: text SOT16 to 75327.
In addition, the following were recognized from Albion:
• Future Stars Award – Autumn Flugel and Maia Pate
• Special Recognition to the Special Olympics Club for their outstanding work on the gorilla costumes and flower/vine backdrop
• Adjudicator Tip of the Hat Award: Nate Grammatico, Evan Steier, Caleb and Tess Pettit, Brennan Moody, Donato Rosario and the Ape Family Ensemble.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Tim Archer is pictured with one of his service learning classes on Tuesday after member of the VFW presented him with his teaching award. Archer said the students are committed to the many service projects.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 May 2017 at 1:17 pm
Tim Archer praised for honoring veterans, promoting citizenship
ALBION – An Albion teacher has won a state-wide teaching award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars for his work promoting citizenship and connecting his seventh-grade students with projects honoring veterans.
Tim Archer is now under consideration for the national VFW award for a middle school teacher. The VFW each year honors an elementary, middle and high school teacher.
“I’m impressed with everything he’s done,” said Earl Schmidt, the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency director, and a member of the VFW. “He goes above and beyond.”
Archer and his class have worked on several projects honoring veterans. Their next effort will be rededicating a World War I bronze plaque on the Orleans County Courthouse.
The memorial was given by the American Legion, which asked Archer to help find a suitable place to display it. That marker will be rededicated at 3 p.m. on June 9, going back to its original spot on the Courthouse.
Tim Archer, right, received surprise visitors on Tuesday afternoon at his seventh grade service learning class. Three members of the VFW stopped by to present him with the New York “teacher of the year” award from the VFW. The VFW representatives include, from left: Earl Schmidt, the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency director; Jim Freas, Medina VFW post commander; and Rebecca Hucknall, a senior master sergeant and VFW post adjutant.
Dan Monacelli, the middle school principal, said Archer has been “an amazing mentor” to his students, inspiring them in them service projects, while promoting citizenship and flag etiquette.
“This is a big deal,” Monacelli told one of Archer’s classes on Tuesday. “It’s big because of his hard work and because you kids buy into it.”
Students secured a proper cemetery marker for one Civil War veteran at the old St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion. Hey painted 160 Civil War markers (Grand Army of the Republic) that were rusting at Mount Albion Cemetery. They dedicated a historical marker for the lone Orleans County veteran who died at Gettysburg.
“He brings the curriculum to life,” Monacelli said. “You can reach out and touch it.”
Archer, in addition to the community projects honoring veterans, has many veterans come and and speak to his classes.
Some of the recent projects Archer has led with his students include:
Historical marker unveiled for local soldier who died at Gettysburg
On Oct. 8, 2016, a new historical marker for Herbert Charles Taylor, the only Orleans County resident believed to have been killed in the Battle at Gettysburg, was unveiled at Hillside Cemetery.
The local Honor Guard is pictured in the background of this photo. Taylor is buried in the older section of Hillside Cemetery, a historic site in the Town of Clarendon, just south of the Village of Holley.
Gettysburg was the Civil War’s deadliest battle with about 23,000 Union casualties and about 28,000 killed from the Confederacy. Taylor, a member of the 140th N.Y. Infantry, was with his regiment at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 and repulsed the attack on Little Round Top.
Marker added at Civil War section of Mount Albion, and GAR markers repainted
Albion students on May 26, 2016 dedicated a new marker at the Civil War section of historic Mount Albion Cemetery. Students researched local Civil War soldiers. Archer and the students also repainted about 160 GAR grave markers for soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War.
Seventh-grader Emily Merger wore a period dress for the ceremony last May. She said women also made many sacrifices during the Civil War, keeping houses, farms and businesses running while caring for children while their husbands were at war or killed in battle. Tim Archer, the Service Learning teacher, is in back.
Civil War soldier gets headstone 101 years after death
A new headstone was unveiled on April 30, 2016 for John Frost, a principal musician (chief bugler) for the 33rd New York Infantry and also the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division of 6th Corps. Frost was buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Brown Road in 1915.
Frost raised five children in Orleans County and sold coal for a living. In 2015, the Holy Family Parish was going through records at the cemetery and realized that John Frost never had a headstone. County Historian Matt Ballard, a member of the parish and also the Knights of Columbus, shared the story with Archer,who then told his students about Frost.
The students wanted Frost to have a headstone. They worked with the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans and Niagara counties to secure a headstone for Frost. The marble stone was unveiled about a year ago.
Bronze memorial for World War I vets headed back to Courthouse
Provided photo: American Legion Sheret Post #35 Commander Wally Skrypnik is pictured with a large bronze plaque memorializing 24 area soldiers who died during World War I. Skrypnik is pictured with Albion seventh graders Leah Pritchard, center, and Emily Harling. The seventh grade service learning class is working on having the memorial placed at the Orleans County Courthouse.
The latest project for Archer and the students includes finding a fitting home for the bronze marker that lists the names of 24 local residents from the school district (towns of Albion, Barre, Carlton and Gaines) who died in World War I.
The American Legion Sheret Post #35 donated the large 3-by-5-foot bronze plaque memorializing 24 local WWI soldiers. The plaque has been displayed in various indoor locations, but was most recently in storage, not visible to the public.
After being impressed by the students work last year on area Civil War soldiers, the local American Legion Post felt it fitting to donate the plaque to the hard-working students on the 100th anniversary of the United States entrance into WWI.
Archer was willing to accept the challenge to have the memorial placed back in the community.
“Our kids will learn a great deal about courage, integrity, and self-sacrifice,” Archer said in September. “There is no greater example of ‘loving thy neighbor’ than laying down your life for another. We all need role models like this.”
Those listed on the plaque include: John D. Arnett, Albert Beary, Jesse S. Brooks, John A. Butler, Leo. F. Christopher, Oliver E. Clement, Ronald F. Corey, Robert B. Densmore, Harry H. Dibley, Frederick Green, John Kurzawski, Martin Larwood, Louis Monacelli, Dewey Mott, Benjamin A. Needles, Leonard Osborne, Adolfo Passarelli, Stanley Rutkowski, James A. Sheret, Egbert Sheret, John H. Stevens, Alexander Wilson and Stanley P. Zyglarski.
Long-time Community Action employee serves the agency, community in many ways
Provided photos: Annette Finch is pictured with State Sen. Robert Ortt in the State Capitol today.
Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt
ALBANY – State Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) today recognized Annette Finch of Albion as one of the New York State Senate’s “Women of Distinction” during a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.
Finch was personally selected by Ortt and was among 61 other distinguished women who were honored by the State Senate this evening.
The Senate’s Women of Distinction program celebrates outstanding women from all walks of life throughout New York State whose contributions have enriched the quality of life in our communities.
“The Women of Distinction program allows us to pause and recognize the extraordinary women in our communities whose lives, work or accomplishments contribute to enriching our society and neighborhoods,” Ortt said. “Annette is one of those women. I am proud to honor her for her achievements, and I thank her for making our communities better and brighter.”
Finch is a dedicated and passionate advocate for low-income and disadvantaged families throughout Orleans and Genesee counties. She has worked for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee Counties since 1977, and because of her exceptional leadership skills, was appointed as the nonprofit’s Director of Community Services in 1990.
“I’m honored that Senator Ortt selected me as the ‘Woman of Distinction’ for his district,” said Finch. “What I do is not for recognition or awards. I do it from my heart to better families, children, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. It’s a privilege to work for Community Action and volunteer in my community.”
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, 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.
Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson, left, joined Finch and Ortt in Albany today for the program when Finch was honored.
Finch plays a vital role in her community, dedicating her time, talent and energy to numerous local organizations. For the past 39 years, Finch has volunteered as the Treasurer for the Salvation Army Service Unit for Orleans County. She also serves as both an advisory committee and board member of the following: Orleans & Albion Correctional facilities; the Village Recreation Committee for more than 35 years; the Bereavement Committee for Holy Family Church; Genesee Community College; Job Corps; the statewide Angels in Action program; Food Link; and as Chairperson for Orleans County, FEMA to name a few.
Finch has been honored for her community service with several awards, such as Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year; Rosemary Fleming Memorial Award presented by the New York State Community Action Association; Orleans Chamber of Commerce Award for Community Service; Local American Legion Award for Continued Service; and a New York State Certificate of Recognition.
“Annette’s commitment to her community is commendable,” said Senator Ortt. “Her reputation as an outstanding administrator is a direct reflection of her love for and dedication to the individuals and families in her community. She truly is an inspiration and embodies the word ‘distinction.’”
The “Women of Distinction” celebration started in 1998. Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the world of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries, or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.
MEDINA – Many SkillsUSA students from Orleans/Niagara BOCES returned to their career and technical education (CTE) centers with medals from the New York State SkillsUSA Competition held in Syracuse.
SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.
Congratulations go to:
Student Name
District
Place
Contest
CTE Program
Kennedy Smelski
Lyndonville
1st
Health Occupations Portfolio
Allied Health
Noah Rocklein
Barker
1st
Welding
Welding
Marisol Cabrera
Barker
1st
Esthetics
Cosmetology
Eliza Serth
Newfane
1st
Esthetics Model
Cosmetology
Brendan Schyve
Royalton Hartland
1st
Electronics Technology
Electricity/Electronics
Tanner Rees
Royalton Hartland
2nd
Related Technical Math
Graphic Communications
Stephen Zayac
Albion
2nd
Diesel Equipment Tech
Diesel Technology/Ag Mechanics
Alex Freeman
Lyndonville
3rd
Welding Sculpture
Welding
Joshua Barnett
Albion
3rd
Web Design
Computer Technology
Albert Burch
Lyndonville
3rd
Web Design
Computer Technology
Jack Muscarella
Royalton Hartland
3rd
Technical Drafting
Precision Machine Technology
Chandler Heary
Lockport
3rd
Criminal Justice
Security and Law Enforcement
(William) Powell Stephens
Brandon Ptak
Nicholas Albone
Medina
Lockport
Lyndonville
3rd
Automated Manufacturing Team
Precision Machine Technology
Rebecca Albright
Nicholas Monaco
Royalton Hartland
Starpoint
3rd
3-D Visualization & Animation
Provided photos: Brendan Schyve of Royalton-Hartland won first in electronics technology. He is pictured with his teacher Bill Leggett.
Provided photos: Brittany Dix, Hospice development manager, presents Darren Wilson, president of the Lyndonville Area Foundation, with the Business/Civic Award on behalf of the Foundation for the organization’s longtime support of Hospice of Orleans.
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans
MEDINA – Hospice of Orleans held its annual meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the United Methodist Church of Medina on April 27. Kellie Spychalski, the new chief executive officer for Hospice, welcomed volunteers, members, and staff.
Board President Sheila Myer presided over the annual meeting portion of the event where she called upon Treasurer Jon Costello to provide a summary of the financial results of the 2016 fiscal year.
Costello also publicly thanked the hundreds of individual, civic, corporate, and foundation donors who contributed over $425,000 to Hospice during the year. The officers and directors for Hospice for 2017-18 were elected during the meeting. The following will serve: Craig Lape, Chairperson; Maura Pierce, Vice Chairperson; Jon Costello, Treasurer; Annette Pearl, Secretary; and, Ada Grabowski, Assistant Secretary.
Chief Operating Officer Joel Allen took to the podium and provided a summary of 2016 accomplishments. While many successes were discussed, most notably, 143 volunteers donated more than 5,700 hours to support the mission of the organization, resulting in a cost savings of nearly $95,000.
Residence Coordinator Michelle Toenniessen presents Gil Cain with the Mary Janet Sahukar Award, named for Hospice of Orleans’ founding director.
During the meeting, Brittany Dix, development manager, presented Hospice’s Business/Civic Award to Darren Wilson on behalf of the Lyndonville Area Foundation for its substantial support of the organization over the years with projects including enhancing the Bereavement program, contributing to the capital campaign for the Martin-Linsin Residence and most recently aiding in the implementation and enrichment of the Supportive Care program which has proven to be fundamental in establishing a continuum of care for patients in need.
Wilson graciously accepted the gift, stating that the Lyndonville Area Foundation has been pleased with the work of Hospice and looks forward to continuing the wonderful relationship that has been established.
Gil Cain of Lyndonville received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award for being an avid supporter and advocate of Hospice services, always looking for ways to “give back” to Hospice. In presenting the award, Residence Coordinator Michelle Toenniessen cited spontaneous catered meals to patients in the Martin-Linsin residence, special holiday meals, and spending an abundance of time finding out what the residents “miss from home.”
Volunteer Coordinator and social worker Chris Fancher presents Cheryl Mart with Volunteer of the Year.
Appropriately, Cain happened to be seated at the same table as Mary Janet Sahukar, for which the award was named, and prior to the award, Sahukar humbly attributed her contributions as efforts made by herself and “many others.”
CEO Kellie Spychalski also recognized Earl Schmidt, director of Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, for his meaningful contributions to Hospice’s “We Honor Veterans” program.
In addition, Spychalski also acknowledged and thanked Chief Operating Officer Joel Allen for his outstanding contributions to Hospice during his nearly seven-year tenure with the organization. Allen is retiring from Hospice in May.
Volunteer Coordinator and Social Worker Chris Fancher was called to recognize many different men and women who volunteer their time and talents to Hospice. One such group was Girl Scout Troop 82127 who sought out opportunities to volunteer at Hospice throughout the year. Fancher acknowledged and thanked all of the Girl Scouts who have reached out this year to enhance the lives of Hospice patients.
Finally, Fancher awarded a very unsuspecting volunteer, Cheryl Mart (that she lovingly referred to as her “right hand”) with the Volunteer of the Year award. Cheryl began as a volunteer about five years ago and has given the gift of her time weekly, whether it be coordinating volunteer schedules for the residence, maintaining volunteer files, or even learning a new computer system. Cheryl always brings an eagerness to learn and serve, and Hospice feels very fortunate to have Cheryl on our volunteer force.
Kellie Spychalski, Hospice CEO, recognizes Earl Schmidt, director of Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, for helping with Hospice’s “We Honor Veterans” program.
Hospice of Orleans, Inc. offers a comprehensive continuum of care to those in the community diagnosed with serious illness as well as provides supports to their families and caregivers. Offering Transitions, Supportive Care, and hospice services at home, in the Martin-Linsin Residence, in a skilled nursing facility or hospital, Hospice of Orleans, Inc. helps patients make informed choices about their care, supports those who are caring for them, educates the community, and offers support to those who are grieving. For more information, contact Supportive Care and Hospice of Orleans at 585-589-0809.
MEDINA – Thirty-nine students were inducted into the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society on April 5 at Medina High School.
The current 33 members, under the direction of Bronwyn Green and Darnell Gray, placed cords around the necks of the new members in a ceremony that honored an almost 100-year tradition at the school district.
There was also a candle ceremony which highlighted the four tenets of the National Honor Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service.
The tradition started in the 1920’s when an exclusive scholarship club at the High School invited students to join based on their academic grades and recommendations. In 1964, the school district started its own National Honor Society, but decided to uphold the tradition of the existing club.
This year’s inductees include: Alexis Adams, Alexander Allis, Jacob Bensley, Alyssa Beyer, Kaya Bloom, Alden Cayea, Hannah Duhow, Cheyenne Farewell, Grace Flores, Owen Frasier, Andrew Fuller, Carson Gates, Shelby Green, Christian Hahn, Jack Hill, Alexis Hinman, Jacob Houseman, Ian Joseph, Brigid Keller, Madison Kenward, Tobias Kiebala, Madeline Kraus, Makenna Lederhouse, Ethan Leonard, Hannah Mahnke, Alexis Maines, Grace Masse, Renee Masters, Brianna Meyers, Amanda Nottingham, Noah Pencille, Jorge Phillips, Tiffany Poynter, Alisha Scroger, Leah Sheelar, Elijah Sones, Hannah Sones, Dylan Sturtevant and Luke Wilson.
Medina Central School Superintendent Mark Kruzynski, High School Principal Michael Cavanagh and Vice Principal Kevin Lasky were in attendance with many proud family members. The guest speaker was Mary Lou Tuohey, owner of Cas-Nic Cookies in Medina.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Geno Allport, an Albion youth football coach, fires up the team during a game last October. Allport also is active with the Niagara Orleans Football Association, most recently serving as NOFA’s Player Safety official.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 April 2017 at 3:01 pm
MURRAY – The Orleans County Youth Board will sponsor its 35th annual Youth Recognition Dinner at Hickory Ridge Golf and Country Club on May 11.
The Youth Board with recognize 18 young people for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize two adult youth workers and an adult volunteer.
The following students will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Serenity Baumgart, Hannah Biedlingmaier, Emily Blanchard, Anna Brasted, Thomas Bummer, Sarah Granchelli, Ashley Kingsbury, Brandon Miller, Chad Miller, Charles Edward Moore II, Tiffany Petry, Zachary Petry, Hayley Rowley, James Sharp, Ashley Sietmann, Nicholas Smith, Robert Vidovich III and Vincent Viterna.
Eric Gross and Samantha Zelent are receiving the Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award. Eric is the Physical Education teacher and coach at Medina’s Clifford H. Wise Intermediate/Middle School and continuously is going above and beyond for his students and the community. Samantha Zelent is a Social Worker for grades 7-12 at Holley High School. Her dedication, compassion and genuine concern for her students are exhibited on a daily basis.
Geno Allport of Albion is receiving the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. He is always setting a great example of guidance, values and respect when working with the youth in the community in his role as a youth football coach and an official with the Niagara Orleans Football Association.
Our keynote speaker for the evening will be Sheriff Randy Bower who grew up in Orleans County.
Registration and refreshments will begin at 6 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6:30. Seating is limited. If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Orleans County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960, no later than May 1.
ALBION – Thomas J. Madejski, MD, took office as President-Elect at the Medical Society of the State of New York’s 211th annual House of Delegates meeting in Tarrytown on April 22.
A board-certified internist, he currently serves as President of the Medical Staff at Medina Memorial Hospital. Madejski also practices at General Physicians Medical Practice in Medina.
Dr. Madejski received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the School of Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse.
He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, and was Chief Resident in the Department of Medicine from 1989-1990. In 1990, he was named a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He holds additional certifications in the areas of geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine.
Active in organized medicine, Dr. Madejski has been a delegate representing New York at the American Medical Association (AMA)’s annual meeting for the past 12 years. In 2015, he was elected to the AMA’s Council of Medical Service. Additionally, Dr. Madejski is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and past president and member of the Orleans County Medical Society.
Earlier, Dr. Madejski served MSSNY as Vice President and as Treasurer. He also has served MSSNY as Commissioner, Division of Socio-Medical Economics and as Vice-Chair, Legislative & Physician Advocacy Committee.
Dr. 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, Dr. Madejski is the medical director of Orleans County Nursing Home, Absolut Care of Gasport Nursing Facility and the Hospice of Orleans County.
Madejski and his wife Sandra have five children. Dr. Madejski has been active in the Boy Scouts as an adult volunteer. Four of his sons have earned their Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Alice Zacher, the Shelby town historian, speaks after a new historical marker was unveiled in September 2015 at the Millville Cemetery on East Shelby Road. Zacher wrote the application to have the marker paid for by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. She will be recognized on May 5 with C.W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History.
Press Release, GCC
MEDINA – Now in its fourth year, the Orleans County Heritage Heroes Awards were created in 2014 as a way to recognize the efforts of those who give their time, hard work and resources to preserve and protect local heritage. Often unnoticed, the efforts of those honored help to ensure that the history of Orleans County will be passed to the next generation.
The 2017 class of Heritage Heroes will be recognized in a ceremony at Genesee Community College’s Medina Campus Center in Medina, NY, on Friday, May 5th at 7 p.m.
According to Derek Maxfield, associate professor of history at GCC and a member of the executive committee that chooses the winners, “It is vitally important that we take the time to honor these deserving folks. Not only does it shine a spotlight on their efforts, but it reminds us that it is up to us – the living generation – to take the steps necessary to preserve our heritage for future generations.”
This year’s Orleans County Heritage Heroes are:
• Jim Hancock has always been preservation minded and is a very high profile advocate for Orleans County history and culture. As president of the Medina Sandstone Society, Jim has had some pretty big shoes to fill with the passing of Bob Waters. One of the originators of the society, Jim has been instrumental in the creation of the Sandstone Hall of Fame. Jim has also been a major force in the creation of the John Ryan School of Historical Excellence at Medina Central School. As the former chairman of the Erie Canal Task Force and the present leader of the Christmas Parade of Lights and leadership in the Medina Tourism Committee, one has to wonder if this man ever sleeps.
• Ken McPherson personifies what it means to be a Heritage Hero as gregarious keeper of the flame. A graduate and advocate for the Charles Howard Santa School, “No one has done more to keep Charlie Howard’s legacy alive in his hometown,” according to Phil Wenz when he presented Ken with the Charles W. Howard Award in 2015. A thirty year veteran Santa Claus, Ken has amassed an impressive collection of Howard memorabilia and is on the committee to erect a memorial to Howard in downtown Albion.
• Richard and Shirley Nellist work as a team, and they have painstakingly prepared detailed records for the eleven cemeteries in the Town of Ridgeway – over 11,000 burials all told, which are now loaded into the Orleans County Genweb system online and available for anyone doing genealogical research. Active members of the Medina Historical Society, Richard and Shirley have both served on the Board of Trustees.
• Gretchen Sepik brings history to life with her engaging and inspirational portrayals of Erie Canal Sal, Susan B. Anthony, Mary Jemison and Beatrix Potter. In 2009, the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council awarded Gretchen a grant to adapt her character Erie Canal Sal into a children’s book. As it is the 200th anniversary of the building of the Erie Canal, it only seems appropriate to honor Gretchen for her work educating young people about “Clinton’s Ditch.”
• The C.W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History will be awarded to Alice Zacher. As historian for the Town of Shelby from 1981 to 1995 and 2006 to the present, Alice is a true inspiration and a tireless advocate of local heritage. In 2012, Alice published “Slate Boards and Hot Soup: A History of One-Room Schoolhouses in the Town of Shelby.” Through this she not only did her part to preserve the history and culture of the one room schoolhouses, but she donated all of the proceeds to the Millville Cemetery. Clearly, another of her passions, Alice has worked to raise funds to preserve the chapel at the cemetery, secured a historic marker from the Pomeroy Foundation, and took the lead in getting the cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places. An active member of the Medina Historical Society, Alice is presently cataloging artifacts donated to the society.
Those selected as Heritage Heroes could be of any age but had to be living residents of Orleans County. No posthumous nominations were accepted. History professionals and GCC employees were also not eligible for the award, nor were those serving on the award selection committees. The selection committees were made up of staff and students of Genesee Community College, community members and history professionals.
The awards ceremony on May 5 is open to the public, but seating is limited. A reception will follow the ceremony featuring light refreshments.
Provided photos: Teachers Sue Lindke and Anne Carnahan are pictured with first-place junior students Paige Gagliardi (Roy-Hart) and Kimberly Rastelli (Roy-Hart).
Press Release, Orleans-Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Cosmetology students in Anne Carnahan’s and Sue Lindke’s classes at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center recently spent a day creating elegant evening hairstyles and outrageous fantasy looks for their annual runway show.
The juniors created evening looks and the seniors were given the task to come up with a creative theme for their designs. Local beauty professionals judged the looks and declared the following students the winners of the competition:
Junior – Evening Look
1st Place – Kimberly Rastelli (Royalton-Hartland) with her model Paige Gagliardi (Royalton-Hartland).
2nd Place – Heaven Flood (Lyndonville) and her model Hayley Nierssberger (Lyndonville).
3rd Place – Karlie Orsak (Barker) and her model Sierra Ribbech (Barker).
Seniors – Fantasy Look
1st Place – Jordan Mount (Lockport) and her model Alanna Atkin (Lockport).
2nd Place – McKenna Carpenter (Newfane) and her model Hannah Yocum (Albion).
3rd Place – Cameron Tucker (Albion) and her model Joelle Fiannaca (Medina).
Teacher Anne Carnahan is pictured with first place seniors – Jordan Mount (Lockport) and Alanna Atkin (Lockport) – and teacher Sue Lindke.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2017 at 1:56 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Lake Country Pennysaver won 12 graphics awards for advertisements and a specialty publication by the Free Community Papers of New York. Pictured, from left, included Jayme Privitera, senior graphic designer; Karen Sawicz, publisher; and Marissa Olles, art director.
ALBION – The Lake Country Pennysaver won several awards in the annual graphics competition through the Free Community Papers of New York.
The association held its annual meeting in Saratoga Springs, and the Lake Country Pennysaver won 12 awards for ad designs. That includes a second place in general excellence and a second place for a specialty publication – the annual Community Directory. The awards were presented on April 8.
The Pennysaver is part of Lake Country Media, which also owns and runs the Orleans Hub. The office is at 170 North Main St., Albion.
Karen Sawicz serves a publisher of both operations. She praised the graphic designers and sales staff for working so well together, and for turning around the ads so quickly.
Marissa Olles of Albion serves as art director. The St. Bonaventure graduate joined the Pennysaver as a part-time proofreader in 2005 and worked her way up to art director.
“We’re proud of how efficient we are,” she said about the staff.
The Pennysaver staff enjoys working with so many small business owners, helping them with ads and promotions to boost their businesses, Olles said.
“We are in Orleans County,” Olles said. “You don’t have to go into the city for professional design services.”
Privitera of Le Roy said she and the staff research the latest trends in layout, with color schemes and photographs.
“We have a real clean, professional and modern look to our ads,” she said. “Everything looks cohesive right down to the last detail.”
Amy Fox also works as a graphic designer for the Pennysaver and Orleans Hub.
The Pennysaver is celebrating its 70th year this year. Sawicz’s parents, Vincent and Gwen St. John, owned the Pennysaver beginning in 1960.
The Pennysaver endured the prolonged power outage last month and still met the Thursday layout deadline. Sawicz said the Pennysaver has had continuous publication every week, except during the Blizzard of ’77.
The Pennysaver won awards in the following categroies:
The Pennysaver was recognized for its annual Community Directory.
• General Excellence, Division A up to 15% Editorial content – SECOND PLACE – March 27 and April 3 Pennysavers were submitted in their entirety
• Advertising Design Contest – FIRST PLACE AND SECOND PLACE – ads submitted by Jayme Privitera
• Best Restaurant Ad: B&W – SECOND PLACE – The Basket Factory
• Best Single Ad: B&W up to 12″ in length – FIRST PLACE – Seever Construction
• Best Single Ad: Color over 12″ in length – FIRST PLACE – Sunrise Door
• Best Single Ad: Color over 12″ in length – SECOND PLACE – KFC
• Best Institutional Ad: B&W – FIRST PLACE – Pat’s Long Bridge Repair
• Best Institutional Ad: B&W – SECOND PLACE – B&L Landscape
• Best Single Ad – Local Agency Design – FIRST PLACE – Elderwood by Gelia Media
• Separate Publication, 8.5″x12″ mag standard or ltwt. newsprint – SECOND PLACE – Community Directory
• Community/Customer Service – Good Will – SECOND PLACE – Pet of the Week campaign
