achievements

Local 4-H kids do well at NY State Fair

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 9 September 2016 at 4:00 pm

Members of the Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers Club participated in the New York State Fair Rabbit Show and Rabbit Knowledge Decathlon Labor Day Weekend. 4-Hers from 13 counties around the state took park in the Knowledge Decathlon on Sept. 4. The Orleans County Sr. Team took first place with Amelia Sidonio, Peggy-Jo Gabalski and Rachel Gregoire. Photo: left to right in back: Joan-Marie Gabalski, Peggy-Jo Gabalski, John Gabalski, Hugh Gabalski, all of Byron, Brian Shaw of Kendall, Zach Albright of Elba, Owen Shaw of Kendall. Front row, far right: Nate Shaw of Kendall and Sebastian Zilempe of Middleport.

Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Members of the Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers Club participated in the New York State Fair Rabbit Show and Rabbit Knowledge Decathlon Labor Day Weekend. 4-Hers from 13 counties around the state took park in the Knowledge Decathlon on Sept. 4. The Orleans County Sr. Team took first place with Amelia Sidonio, Peggy-Jo Gabalski and Rachel Gregoire. Photo: left to right in back: Joan-Marie Gabalski, Peggy-Jo Gabalski, John Gabalski, Hugh Gabalski, all of Byron, Brian Shaw of Kendall, Zach Albright of Elba, Owen Shaw of Kendall. Front row, far right: Nate Shaw of Kendall and Sebastian Zilempe of Middleport.

SYRACUSE – Orleans County was well represented during the 2016 New York State Fair, which wrapped up its annual run on Labor Day at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

Photo courtesy of Marlene Seielstad: Kaitlin Zwifka of Albion won a ribbon for a horse-riding event at the State Fair.

Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educator Robert Batt provided the following results:

• In Dairy Goats, Natalie Mrzywka of Holley was reserve for the Kim Berham Award, which recognizes overall accomplishments for showmanship, project record, knowledge and herdsmanship.

• In sheep, Nicole Mrzywka of Holley won Champion Medium Weight Market Lamb.

• Rylie Lear of Waterport won Reserve Senior Showman in Beef.

• Orleans County Rabbit Raisers brought home many ribbons from the State Fair including the coveted 1st Place ribbon in the Senior Team Division of the Rabbit Knowledge (Science) Decathlon.

The team consists of Peggy-Jo Gabalski, Rachel Gregoire, and Amelia Sidonio. Peggy-Jo placed second in the individual Top 10, Rachel placed third and Amelia placed fourth.

Orleans County fielded two Junior Teams. John Gabalski, Joan-Marie Gabalski and Will Gregoire took second place. Zach Albright, Sebastian Zilempe, Brian Shaw and Owen Shaw took fifth place.

Will Gregoire placed fourth in the individual Top 10, John Gabalski placed sixth and Brian Shaw placed ninth.

In the Novice Division, Meagan Hardner placed fifth and Nate Shaw placed eight in the individual Top 10.

Brian Shaw also won Best of Breed for both his Himalayan rabbit and his English Spot rabbit.

Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Orleans County 4-Her Rachel Gregoire of Murray and Orleans County 4-H Educator Robert Batt man the Orleans County Booth in the Youth Building on the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse Labor Day weekend. Projects displayed around them are exhibits by Orleans County 4-Hers.

Nate Shaw received Best Opposite for his Rex and Best of Breed for his Silver; Zach Albright received Best Opposite for his Satin rabbit; Peggy-Jo Gabalski received Best Opposite for her Californian rabbit; Hugh Gabalski received Best of Breed for his Havana rabbit and Best Opposite for his American Fuzzy Lop, and Peggy-Jo Gabalski received Best of Breed for her American Fuzzy Lop.

• Family and Consumer Science exhibits in the Youth Building received awards including Rylie Seielstad’s banana bread, Sophia Cardone’s sugar cookies, Alexandria Perraciny’s beaded bookmark and Amelia Sidonio’s photographs all received rosettes for outstanding youth exhibit. Amelia’s photos were recognized as the top four in the state.

Peggy-Jo Gabalski’s felted doll won overall third in New York State for all county fairs in the Art and Home Building.

• 4-H Dog Show participants brought home seven Grand Champion and seven Reserve Grand Champion Awards. Kaitlyn Johnson won Grand Champion awards in Beginner B Obedience, Advanced Novice Obedience and Rally Excellent. Lydia Hoffann won Reserve Champion Awards in Beginner C Obedience and Rally Novice. A. Rori Higgins won Grand Champion in Beginner A Obedience. Erin Kiefer won Grand Champion in Agility Open. Rachael Kiefer won Grand Champion in Grooming and Handling B Senior and Reserve Champion in Agility Open and Agility Excellent.

Nicole Mrzywka won Reserve Champion in Graduate Beginner A Obedience, Rally Novice B and Pre-Novice Agility. Madison Ploof won Grand Champion in Grooming and Handling A Senior. Amber Kiefer, Brooke Kiefer, Erin Kiefer and Rachael Kiefer won Grand Champion in the Four-Person Team Class.

• In Horse, here are the following results.

Photo courtesy of Marlene Seierstad: Riley Seielstad of Albion took home many ribbons from the State Fair.

Photo courtesy of Marlene Seielstad: Riley Seielstad of Albion took home many ribbons from the State Fair.

English: Showmanship at halter Jr. – Rachel Inman – 7th Showmanship at halter Sr. – Elizabeth Storm 3rd, Jessica Suttera 7th Trail Hunt Seat Sr. Jessica Suttera – 7th; Elizabeth Storm, 10th Equitation Pont – Riley Seielstad – 7th, Hayleigh MacDonald – 10th Equitation Jr. – Rachel Inman, 8th Equitation Sr. – Mary DiBattisto – 2nd;

Hannah Wehling – 5th; Elizabeth Storm – 10th Hunter Flat Pony – Riley Seielstad – 6th Hunter Flat Jr. – Rachel Inman – 6th Hunter Flat Sr. – Jessica Suttera – 5th; Elizabeth Storm – 9th; Mary DiBattisto – 10th Hunter Pleasure Jr. – Rachel Inman 8th Hunter Pleasure Sr. – Jessia Suttera- 9th Hunter Hack Pony – Riley Seielstad – 2nd;

Hayleigh MacDonald – 8th Hunter Hack Jr. – Emilee Novak – 5th Hunter hack Sr. – Mary DiBattisto 1st; Anna Garbowski – 4th; Andrea Toussaint – 7th Working Hunter Pony – Riley Seielstad – 5th; Hayleigh MacDonald 7th Working Hunter Jr. – Emilee Novak – 5th Equitation over Fences Pony – Hayleigh MacDonald – 7th Equitation over Fences Jr. – Emilee Novak – 6th Equitation over Fences Sr. – Mary DiBattisto – 3rd; Andrea Toussaint – 8th; Hannah Wehling – 7th

Western: Introductory Level Test A Jr. – Madison Bale – 2nd Introductory Level Test B Jr. – Madison Bale – 2nd Basic Level Test A – Madison Bale 1st Western Trail Jr. – Madison Bale – 4th Wester Trail Sr. – Elizabeth Storm – 10th Western Showmanship Sr. – Kelsey Hilburger – 6th; Jessica Suttera – 8th Western Pleasure Pony – Rachel Inman – 5th Western Pleasure Sr. – Kelsey Hilburger – 2nd Wester Road Hack Jr. – Rachel Inman – 10th Western Road Hack Sr. – Kelsey Hilburger 6th Western Horsemanship Jr. – Rachel Inman – 4th;

Emma Klaver 10th Western Showmanship Sr. – Jessica Suttera 1st ; Elizabeth Storm – 5th Stock Seat Equitation Jr. – Rachel Inman – 3rd Stock Seat Equitation Sr. – Jessica Suttera – 2nd Costume Class – Madison Bale, 7th

Hannah Weihling of Albion was among the honored riders at the State Fair.

Hannah Wehling of Albion was among the honored riders at the State Fair.

Dressage: Training Level Test 1 Jr. – Emilee Novak – 3rd Training Level Test 1 Sr. – Mary DiBattisto – 2nd; Andrea Toussaint – 4th; Kelsie Johnstone – 5th; Riley Seielstad – 6th Training Level Test 2 Jr. – Hayleigh MacDonald – 2nd; Emilee Novak – 7th Training Level Test 2 Sr. – Mary DiBattisto – 1st; Riley Seielstad – 3rd; Hannah Wehling – 8th; Kaitlin Zwifka – 9th; Kelsie Johnstone, 10th Dressage Equitation Jr. – Hayleigh MacDonald – 3rd; Emilee Novak – 7th

Dressage Equitation Sr. – Mary DiBattisto – 1st; Hannal Wehling – 4th; Riley Seielstad – 5th; Andrea Toussaint – 10th Training Level test 3 Sr. – Hannah Wehling – 2nd; Kaitlin Zwifka – 7th Prix Caprilli Jr. – Emilee Novak – 3rd; Hayleigh MacDonald – 4th Prix Caprilli Sr. – Kaitlin Zwifka – 1st; Hannah Wehling – 3rd; Riley Seielstad 4th; Mary DiBattisto – 7th; Kelsie Johnstone – 8th; Andrea Toussaint – 9th

Provided photo: Rylie Lear of Waterport won Reserve Senior Showman in Beef.

Strong showing at State Fair for Holley dancers

Staff Reports Posted 7 September 2016 at 12:01 am

Photos courtesy of Heather Kelley

SYRACUSE – Several dancers from Lisa’s Dance Boutique competed at the talent showcase at the State Fair, with some of the dancers making it to the finals, which featured the top 25 acts from qualifying rounds.

The top photo shows a group that made it to the top 10, finishing seventh. They performed a dance called “Me Too.” The dancers were led by instructor Heather Kelley.

The group includes, from left: Leah Weinbeck, Madison Isenberg, Tori Allen, Savanna Isenberg, Olivia Amoroso, Julia Frederick, Kylie Towne and Allison Amoroso.

The dancers are shown in action performing “Me Too.”

This group made it to the finals, performing “Footloose.” They include, from left: Savanna Isenberg, Julia Frederick, Allison Amoroso, Leah Kania, Charlie London, Deanna Schubmehl, Leah Weinbeck, Cora Bennage, Madigan Neumann, Kylie Towne, Hannah Coolbaugh, Olivia Amoroso and Leah Pritchard.

Madison Isenberg, a soloist, made it to the semifinals with her lyrical dance to “Human.”

These contestants – Hailey Bader, Emilie Weinbeck and Carly Fox – performed at the maxi level. Hailey and Carly performed a tap duet to “Feedback” and advanced to the semifinal round as did Emilie with her lyrical solo to “Piece by Piece.”

This mini group – Olivia Amoroso, Allison Amoroso, Kylie Towne and Julia Frederick – advanced to the semifinal round with their lyrical number to “Not About Angels.”

Freeze-Dry sees steady growth, innovation at Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 September 2016 at 10:06 am

Company with Canadian roots is Orleans County Chamber of Commerce ‘Business of the Year’

Photo by Tom Rivers: Matt Beadle, plant manager for Freeze-Dry Foods in Albion, and Karen Richardson, president and co-owner of the company, are pictured with some of the Freeze-Dry products.

ALBION – In 1999, soon after the former Ontario Foods left Albion for a bigger plant in Medina, Freeze-Dry Foods moved into the Albion site on East Avenue, a sprawling site that used to be home to Lipton’s.

Ontario Foods (now Associated Brands) was a Freeze-Dry customer and the Canada-based company welcomed the chance to make its products in Albion at a site that has long been used for food processing.

Matt Beadle, plant manager, and Karen Richardson, co-owner and president, are pictured outside the Freeze-Dry plant in Albion that has a long history of food production, from Lipton’s to Ontario Foods and now Freeze-Dry.

Freeze-Dry has steadily grown in the past 17 years, overhauling the plant, adding new product lines and committing to a long future in Albion.

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has recognized Freeze-Dry Foods as the 2016 Business of the Year. The company and other Chamber award winners will be recognized on Sept. 16 at The Village Inn.

Albion has been a good fit for Freeze-Dry, said Karen Richardson, company president and co-owner.

“We like the location,” she said. “We’re only a couple hours away from Canada and we’re close to many customers. We’re in a transportation hub.”

Richardson said she expects more investments in the Albion plant and workforce as the company continues to grow.

Freeze-Dry has benefitted from many dedicated workers, including three current managers who started at entry level positions, Richardson said.

Freeze-Dry employees are pictured Friday after a picnic when the company celebrated being picked as the Chamber's Business of the Year.

Provided photo: Freeze-Dry employees are pictured Friday after a picnic when the company celebrated being picked as the Chamber’s Business of the Year.

Freeze-Dry has 60 employees and has strived to reward them, plant manager Matt Beadle said. Twice the company has raised pay scales the past two years, and also has employees taking leadership and professional development classes at Genesee Community College in Albion.

The company had an employee picnic and celebration on Friday with nearly everyone wearing T-shirts noting that Freeze-Dry was picked as Business of the Year.

Beadle said the company had a recent job fair and 35 people showed up to fill out applications.

“The word is definitely getting out that we have good substantial jobs,” Beadle said.

The company, based in Oakville, Ontario, is one of the few freeze dry companies in the United States. (The technique dehydrates frozen foods so the moisture content changes directly from a solid to a gaseous form. The product maintains its original size and shape with a minimum of cell rupture. Removing moisture prevents a product from deteriorating at room temperature.)

Matt Beadle holds a new Campfire Meals product line launched last year by Freeze-Dry. The meals are in pouches and are ready by simply adding hot water.

Freeze-Dry has added new drying chambers because of increased demand. This year it plans to modernize the controls on its refrigeration systems, which follows a recent effort to install LED lights throughout the building. The new lights and refrigeration controls, as well as recirculated water, reduce the company’s energy draw, Beadle said, making the plant more sustainable.

Beadle joined Freeze-Dry two years ago. He says the employees and owners are committed to excellence, and building a stronger company.

“I see a lot of potential here,” he said. “I see a chance to grow a great business.”

Freeze-Dry declined to show how it makes its products, citing proprietary issues. The plant is certified by the United States Department of Agriculture.

The company specializes in freeze-dried meat & seafood to include poultry, beef, ham, sausage crumbles, pork, pizza toppings, flavored beef and pork, and numerous types of fish & seafood, Beadle said.

The products have a shelf life of up to 25 years because Freeze-Dry eliminates moisture and oxygen, while preserving nutrients, flavor, taste, color and aroma.

Beadle said Freeze-Dry food tastes better than competitors in China partly because of the meat and other ingredients used by Freeze-Dry. Beadle said the company strives to use ingredients that are locally sourced in the United States.

Karen Richardson holds a popular Freeze-Dry product: an emergency “Bug-out bag” that has a backpack, emergency food supply, and gear for short-term survival situations.

Freeze-Dry works with several major food companies, and also has worked to grow its own line of products, including camping/backpacking meals, a line of meals called Piper’s that can be prepared in an office, and emergency food products that are sold as part of survival kits. (Click here to see the Freeze-Dry product line.)

Beadle’s office has a hunting décor, with deer heads mounted on the wall. He has attended outdoor shows, including a recent major event in Utah. The campfire meals come in pouches with 12 different meal options that easy to prepare by adding hot water. The product hit the market last year and was developed in Albion, Beadle said.

“We did all the R & D right here,” Beadle said.

The product, and others made by Freeze-Dry, can be purchased at the Albion plant, 111 West Ave.

Beadle also thinks the company has a winner with the Pipers product, a three-pack of meals that are targeted for time-crunched office workers. The meals – rice & pulled pork, lasagna with meat sauce, rice and chicken tortilla – can be ready in 10 minutes with Keurig coffee machine that adds hot water.

“This is a real meal,” Beadle said. “It’s not astronaut food.”

Freeze-Dry also just started kosher food, and is looking to give back more to the community. It recently donated more than $10,000 of food to the Open Door Mission in Rochester.

Albion businesses recognized for keeping up nice landscape

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 August 2016 at 5:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee presented two landscape awards to businesses on Friday. Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes and Dunkin Donuts were both recognized “for their commitment to the betterment of Albion.”

The top photo shows ABC directors – Gary Kent, Gary Derwick and Joe Gehl – presenting the award to Josh Mitchell, a funeral director at Christopher Mitchell.

Josh manages the grounds at both Albion and Holley. Josh joined the family business in 2011. He mows and waters the lawn, plants flowers, and pulls weeds. Soon after he started at Christopher Mitchell, Josh put up hanging baskets with flowers at the back entrance of the funeral home on Route 31.

“I want to make it colorful and feel homey,” he said about the property.

His father David said he is impressed how Josh has been so committed to the lawns at the funeral homes.

“He’s always been detail-oriented,” David said. “That’s why he is good at his job. It’s nice to see someone young take pride in their surroundings.”

Dunkin’ Donuts opened in August 2014, building a new store after taking down a dilapidated warehouse on South Main Street. The Betterment Committee said Dunkin’ represents a big improvement visually for the street, and the company has been committed to its landscape.

The following are pictured, from left: Joe Gehl; Gary Kent; Dave Eckhart, director of operations for 34 Dunkin’ stores from Medina to Syracuse; Albion store manager Tamara Gaita; and Gary Derwick.

Dunkin’ has an underground irrigation system that turns on at 4 a.m. every day.

ABC for the second year in a row has presented the awards, honoring a locally owned company and a corporate franchise. Last year, the Betterment Committee gave the awards to Albion Agencies and Burger King.

Correction officer from Orleans picked for ‘Valor Award’

Staff Reports Posted 22 August 2016 at 2:55 am

ALBION – A corrections officer from the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion has been recognized with a “Valor Award” by the state-wide union representing COs.

The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association recognized Tommy Brice. He was pumping gas on May 16 at about 3:15 p.m. at Crosby’s gas station in Albion.

He observed a girl, 16, walking past a Rite Aid towards a motel as an older man approached her and appeared to start asking her questions. The girl attempted to walk faster, almost appeared to be running away from the man, whom eventually managed to get in front of her, according to the union.

Brice sensed something wasn’t right, drove over and asked the girl if anything was wrong. The girl turned to CO Brice and started to cry. He knew something was wrong and called the police and followed the suspicious man back to his room at the motel until police arrived.

Subsequently, the police entered this man’s room and found 4 knives on the bed. The suspect stated to the police that his intent was to abduct the girl, the union said.

These actions display honor and the true meaning of being a peace officer, and that his tour doesn’t end when he punches out at 3 p.m., NYSCOPBA said.

Clay Crushers are on the mark at state competition

Staff Reports Posted 18 August 2016 at 5:26 pm

ALBION – The Orleans County Clay Crushers, a youth shooting team consisting of 47 area boys and girls, completed their 10th Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP)/Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) Season on Aug. 7.

Members of the team come from Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Wyoming counties. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which NRA certified coaches and other volunteers use the shooting sports of Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and Action Pistol to teach and demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork and other positive life skills.

The Clay Crushers sent 29 kids, representing 81 of the total competitors, at New York State SCTP Championship at the Rochester Brooks International Trap and Skeet Club on June 25-26. Other athletes were from the Bridgeport, Camillus and DeWitt Gun Clubs.

• Trap Shooting

In the Trap Shooting competition the Varsity Squad of Anthony Tomassetti (Holley), Jacob Bensley (Medina), Jared Atwell (Albion), Jenna Coyne (Pittsford) and Zach Brazzell (Medina) broke 446 of 500 targets to earn first place honors. The Clay Crusher squad of Jack Burgoon (Albion), Hayden London (Albion), Zach Monagan (Albion), MacKenzie Donahue (Albion) and Jacob Kuhman (Medina) came in third place.

Individually the top 3 finishers in the Varsity Division were Clay Crushers. In first place was Jared Atwell (97/100), ssecond place went to Jenna Coyne (91/100) and third place to Zach Brazzell (90/100).

In the Junior Varsity Division, the Clay Crusher squad of Patrick Brien (Albion), Mitchell Knaak (Albion), Alex Rustay (Albion), Thomas Rada (Batavia) and James Hapeman (Albion) broke 369 of 500 targets to come in first place.

The Junior Varsity Clay Crusher Squad of Bryan Bale (Medina), Victor Benjovsky (Albion), Jacob Delamarter (Albion), and Mitch Gonyea (Byron) shot their way to a third place finish. There was a tie for the Junior Varsity Individual High Gun between Clay Crushers Patrick Brien and Alex Rustay. Both shooters broke 91 of 100 targets. After a shoot off between the two of them Patrick Brien bested Alex Rustay to take first place.

The Clay Crusher Intermediate Advanced squad of Cole London (Albion), Jacob Long (Elba), Andrew Caldwell (Albion) Austin Aman (Albion) and Ryan Krenning (Albion) broke 364 of 500 targets to earn a second place finish. The Individual High Gun was Clay Crusher Jacob Long breaking 88 of 100 targets.

In the Intermediate Entry Division the Clay Crusher squad of Madison Bale (Medina), Shane Hastings (Albion), Max Hapeman (Albion), and Jordan Boccacci-Philips (Albion) took first place breaking 271 of 500 targets.

• Skeet Shooting

In the Skeet competition the Clay Crusher Varsity squad of Jared Atwell, Zach Brazzell and Bryan Bale won their division. Individually the top three shooters in the Varsity Division were Clay Crushers. In first place was Jared Atwell (97), second place was Bryan Bale (90) and third place was Zach Brazzell (89).

The Junior Varsity squad of Patrick Brien, Jacob Delamarter and Madison Bale came in second place. Individually, Patrick Brien earned first place honors and Madison Bale third place.

• Sporting Clays

In the Sporting Clays Competition Varsity Division, first place went to Jared Atwell (90/100), second place Bryan Bale (68/100) and third place to Anthony Tomassetti (57/100).

The Junior Varsity winner was Patrick Brien (71/100) followed by Alex Rustay (55/100). The Intermediate Advanced winner was Madison Bale (63/100). The Intermediate Entry winner was Mitch Gonyea (63/100).

The Clay Crushers began the season on March 9, shooting over 23,500 targets through Aug. 7. The Crushers are a 501©3 corporation dedicated to teaching area youth the safe and responsible use of firearms in a competitive team atmosphere. If you would like more information about the team, look up Clay Crushers on Facebook.

The club would lie to thank the following for their support this season: Barre Sportsmen’s Club, The Niagara Frontier Friends of the NRA, The Midway USA Foundation, Hunters Landing – Batavia NY, The St. Mary’s Archers Club, VFW Post #4635, The Holley Rod and Gun Club, The Medina Conservation Club, The Junior Wilson’s Sportsmen’s Club and the Black North Rod and Gun Club.

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Student creates walking guides for Mount Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2016 at 3:00 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kyle Thaine, 18, is pictured by the Ingersoll Memorial Fountain on Sunday after a tour of Mount Albion Cemetery. Thaine has created three walking guides for sections of the historic cemetery.

The guides, which include maps and highlights of notable residents, are available at the cemetery or online by clicking here.

Thaine has seen first-hand the popularity of the annual Ghost Walk at Mount Albion Cemetery. Thaine has portrayed several of the Albion residents buried in the historic cemetery.

The Ghost Walk is put on by Albion students and draws about 500 people to the cemetery. Thaine also attends some of the walking tours led by historians Matt Ballard and Bill Lattin. Those tours draw a crowd of people interested in the backgrounds of residents in the cemetery.

Thaine decided to create three walking guides for people who aren’t able to attend the walking tours or Ghost Walk events.

The guides highlight prominent business leaders, politicians, soldiers and others who were victims of tragedies, such as the bridge collapse on Sept. 28, 1859. The bridge collapsed when 250 gathered to watch a tightrope walker over the canal. At least 15 people died in the calamity.

Photo by Tom Rivers

Thaine portrays Rufus Bullock, who grew up in Albion, was a railroad official in George and was elected that state’s governor in 1868. He was instrumental in the reconstruction of Georgia after the Civil War. Thaine portrayed Bullock in the 2014 Ghost Walk at Mount Albion.

Kyle Thaine during the 2015 Ghost Walk portrayed his great-uncle, Eugene Barnum, who was killed during World War II after shooting down two German planes.

Thaine graduated from Albion High School in June and will major in history in college at Albany. He worked on the Mount Albion guides as part of an internship project his senior year with Sue Starkweather-Miller, the school district’s grants manager and internship coordinator.

Photo by Kim Pritt

“I wanted to do a history project,” Thaine said about creating the guides and a website about Mount Albion. “This is for people who can’t make the Ghost Walks or the tours.”

Thaine also helped with two new interpretive panels that are expected to be added to the cemetery this fall.

He was a seventh-grader when he and his classmates researched and set up a permanent memorial for residents of the Alms House, the precursor to the county nursing home.

Freeze Dry Foods named Chamber’s Business of the Year

Staff Reports Posted 10 August 2016 at 5:24 pm

ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce today announced the winners of its annual business awards. The award-winners will be recognized during a Sept. 16 celebration dinner.

Here are the winners:

• Business of the Year: Freeze Dry Foods of Albion. This award is presented to a business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year.

• Lifetime Achievement: Gabrielle Barone (vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency). This award is presented to an individual with a long-term record of outstanding business achievements.

• Phoenix Award: The Print Shop, owner Ken Daluisio, who expanded the Medina business on East Center Street, renovating a dilapidated storefront. This award is presented to an organization or business that has successfully adapted or re-used an existing facility.

• New Business of the Year: Brushstrokes Studios of Medina (owners Tim and Crystal Elliott). This award is presented to a business or organization that has opened in the past year.

• Community Service Award: Lions Clubs in Orleans County (Albion, Clarendon, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina) & Cindy Robinson of Medina. Robinson is president of the Medina Business Association. This award is presented to a business, organization or individual that has provided meaningful contributions to the community in either professional or non-professional spheres.

• Agricultural Business of the Year: Root Brothers Farm in Albion. This award is presented to an agricultural business that has experienced significant overall achievements/success throughout the year.

• Business Person of the Year: Ward Dobbins of H.H. Dobbins in Lyndonville. This award is presented to an individual who has had outstanding accomplishments within their own business/businesses and who has made notable contributions to our local business sector.

• Small Business of the Year: Paper Boys (owners Ryan Pritchard and Chasen Lee). This award is presented to a small business that has experienced significant achievements/success throughout the year.

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Andrew Meier nominated for ‘Reshaping Rochester’ award for work on Newell building

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 August 2016 at 6:44 pm

File photos by Tom Rivers –Andrew Meier is pictured inside the second floor of the Robert H. Newell Building, which is now home to the law offices of Webster, Schubel and Meier.

MEDINA – Andrew Meier is a finalist for an award that recognizes people in the Rochester region with “civic spirit, persistence and determination that translates visions into reality.”

Meier, a former Medina mayor, was nominated for his efforts to revive the former Robert H. Newell Building on West Center Street in Medina. He was fresh out of law school when he bought the run-down historic building in 2005.

He has gradually brought the building back. It is now home to several businesses including the Shirt Factory Café, 810 Meadworks, Webster, Schubel & Meier law offices, the Hart House, a hotel with four rooms plus two lofts for extended stays. The historic site also has an outdoor performance venue in back.

Meier has been nominated for the Reshaping Rochester 2016 Betty Strasenburgh Award for Activism. The award will be presented Nov. 17 by the Community Design Center of Rochester. The non-profit organization of design professionals promotes healthy, sustainable communities by encouraging quality design of the built environment and thoughtful use of built and natural resources.

Meier is one of six finalists for an award that “recognizes a personal effort to advance a difficult and worthwhile endeavor. This award honors leadership that encourages others to pursue challenging paths toward a productive end.”

The revitalization of the Newell building encouraged more people to invest and take a chance on downtown Medina.

Meier was 24 in 2004 when he decided to return to small-town Medina. He had just earned a law degree from Syracuse University after earning his bachelor’s at the University of Rochester. Many of his law school friends settled into jobs at law firms in the big cities.

Meier returned to his hometown, working with David Schubel and Norris Webster at their law firm on Main Street. Meier bought a house in Middleport, renovated it and sold it. He liked that challenge, of bringing life back into an old building.

“I love architecture and I really love old buildings,” Meier told Orleans Hub in a previous interview.

Meier had long admired the Robert H. Newell Building at 113 West Center St. The building for 86 years was home to the Robert H. Newell Shirt Factory, which manufactured custom-made shirts, including for many famous customers, including Winston Churchill and Bob Hope.

The Newell company left the historic building in 2004 and moved to Maple Ridge Road. The business closed in 2007.

The Village of Medina acquired the building after years of unpaid taxes. The three-story site had been neglected and was in disrepair. It was put up for sale in 2005, and Meier bought it. He was 25 at the time.

“It had great bones and potential,” Meier said about the building. “I knew the risks going in. It was an opportunity that came up that I could not pass up.”

He set about the task of methodically renovating and preserving the 14,000-square-foot building that opened in 1876, a site that was a hotel for its first 14 years before it becoming the Newell building.

The Hart House Hotel includes rooms named for famous former Newell shirt customers, including Churchhill for the British statesman. There are also rooms named for Hope (legendary comedian) and Astor (wealthy industrialist from New York City).

Meier showed faith in the community when he invested in the Newell site. Cindy Robinson, the current Medina Business Association president, told the Orleans Hub in a previous article that Meier’s example encouraged others to take a chance on Medina, and has been a big part of the downtown revitalization the past decade.

“He was one of the original risk takers,” Robinson said. “He has been a catalyst for the downtown.”

For more on the Reshaping Rochester awards, click here.

Fair crowns royalty, small animal grand master showman

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 31 July 2016 at 3:19 pm

KNOWLESVILLE – Fair Royalty for 2016 was crowned during the awards ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The front row, includes, from left: Dominic Hinkley, prince alternate; Nate Shaw, prince; Olivia Kroening, princess; and Mackenzie McGrath, princess alternate.

Back row: Will Gregoire, duke alternate; Zac Albright, duke; Riley Seielstad, dutchess alternate; Saleya Williams, dutchess; Claudia Drechsel, queen; and Megan Blackburn, queen alternate.

Saturday also featured the top small animal showmen in eight different animals in the Small Animal Grand Master Showman competition. Rachel Gregoire of Murray, left, won the title and Amelia Sidonio of Holley was picked Small Animal Reserve Grand Master Showman.

4-H’ers in the competition were evaluated on their ability to show animals they were given (not their own) in eight different animal areas.

Nicole Mrzywka of Holley competes in the Small Animal Grand Master Showman competition Saturday morning. Nicole was the Fair’s Dog Master Showman. Those in the Saturday contest had to show a dog, chicken and rabbit.

Grant Moy of Clarendon was Reserve Dog Showman earlier in the week. Here he shows a chicken as part of the Small Animal Grand Master Showman competition.

Rachel Gregoire shows a rabbit during the Small Animal Grand Master Showman competition. Rachel was both the Rabbit and Poultry Master Showman. She was chosen Small Animal Grand Master Showman at the Saturday morning competition.

4-H’er wins prestigious showman title at her final Fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 July 2016 at 3:09 pm

KNOWLESVILLE – Jayne Bannister, 18, of Point Breeze shows a dairy animal and answers a question from judge Tanya Nickerson during Friday’s Grand Master Showman Competition at the Orleans County 4-H fair.

Jayne won the title, one of the most prestigious honors at the fair. The contest includes the top showman in eight different animals: horse, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Jayne, a past winner of the grand master showman, won the title in her final year in 4-H. She qualified for the competition after winning the swine showmanship on Monday.

Jayne in May finished her freshman year at Kansas State University, where she is a double major in animal science and agriculture education. She said showing animals the past decade at the fair has helped her in her goal of teaching the public about agriculture and how food is grown and raised.

After the Grand Master Showman competition, Jayne changed clothes to try the grease pole climbing contest for the first time.

Jesse Suttura, 16, of Greece shows a dairy cow during the Grand Master Showman competition. She qualified after winning the horse showmanship. The competition has the winners of each competition earlier in the week show all of the different animals on Friday evening.

The Small Animal Grand Master Showman competition is today at noon.

These competitors in the Grand Master Showman event hold dairy animals while keeping an eye on the judge. The four showmen in this photo include, from left: Rylie Lear, Jesse Suttura, Mel Klossner and Justin Robinson.

Justin Robinson, 16, of Albion shows a dairy animal on Friday. He qualified for the event after winning the dairy showmanship.

Natalie Mrzywka, 17, of Holley shows a sheep during Friday’s event. Natalie won the grand master showman title last year. She qualified this year by winning the meat goat showmanship.

Natalie said she enjoys the grand master showman event because she learns about so many different types of farm animals. The competition last more than two hours.

“It’s fun to be in the ring,” she said.

The showmen try to get the sheep squared and set up for the judge. The 4-H’ers include, from left: Jayne Bannister, Nicole Mrzywka (the reserve grand master showman), Justin Robinson and Natalie Mrzywka.

Rylie Lear of Waterport shows a dairy animal. She qualified after winning the beef cattle competition.

Justin Robinson leads a beef animal around the show ring while other competitors show the animals to judge Tanya Nickerson.

Orleans deputy honored in front of peers, community

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2016 at 7:08 pm

James DeFilipps named NY deputy of the year

KNOWLESVILLE – James DeFilipps, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, receives the 2015 “Deputy of the Year” by the New York State Sheriff’s Association from Ronald Spike, Yates County sheriff. Spike is also chairman of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute Board of Directors.

The association held its annual awards ceremony in January, but DeFilipps was unable to attend the program in Albany because his wife Marie gave birth to the couple’s second child, Gianna, on Jan. 19.

Rather than have a quiet presentation at the Sheriff’s Office in Albion, Sheriff Randy Bower wanted DeFilipps to be recognized in front of the community at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Jim DeFilipps is congratulated on the award by Sheriff Randy Bower, center, and Undersheriff Chris Bourke, left.

“We are celebrating a true hero,” Bower told a crowd of more than 100 people at the presentation.

DeFilipps was recognized for performing an act of valor and heroism, above the normal call of duty, the Sheriff’s Association said.

It was 3 a.m. on March 21 when DeFilipps was shot twice following a high-speed chase with James Ellis of Wyoming County. DeFilipps was the first police officer on scene when Ellis wrecked his vehicle in Clarendon on Route 31A. Police were pursuing Ellis after a 911 call when he threatened an ex-girlfriend in Shelby with a gun.

After the crash in Clarendon, Ellis fled to a nearby wooded area and opened fire on DeFilipps and other deputies and police to arrive on the scene. DeFilipps, despite getting hit twice by gunfire, shot Ellis, killing him and ending his threat.

DeFilipps, after being wounded in the abdomen, kept a rifle light on Ellis so he could be found by other police officers, who gave him first aid. Ellis would die at the scene.

“Deputy DeFilipps’ quick actions that night eliminated a threat and saved other officers and civilians injuries from the crazed man,” Spike said in presenting the award to DeFilipps. “The State Sheriff’s (Association) determined that Deputy DeFilipps’ actions were exceptional while in the line of duty.”

Sheriff Randy Bower nominated DeFilipps for the NYS “Deputy of the Year.”

DeFilipps’ life was likely saved by wearing a bullet-proof vest. He suffered serious abdominal bruising. He returned to work the night shift after three months of recovery. in January, he switched to working the day shift and is currently in charge of the Marine Patrol Division.

DeFilipps, a Holley resident, started his career with the Holley Police Department. He has worked as a deputy for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for about 13 years.

He said the award was “overwhelming.” He said the threat of gunfire while on the job “is something that’s always on your mind.”

Marie DeFilipps holds Gianna DeFilipps, who was born on Jan. 19.

Spike also praised the other responding law enforcement officers during the incident on March 21, 2015 in the middle of the night. Spike said dispatchers, volunteer firefighters and other first responders also should be commended.

“Orleans County can be proud to have such dedicated public safety members of this community,” Spike said.

James DeFilipps, Ronald Spike and Randy Bower

Deputy Jim DeFilipps holds the “Deputy of the Year” award next to Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike, left, and Randy Bower, the Orleans County sheriff.

“The Sheriffs of New York State have conferred upon Deputy James DeFilipps the 2015 New York State Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award for exceptional public safety service demonstrating bravery and perseverance while facing gunfire in attempting to conserve the peace in his county,” Spike said.

Bower gives a contingent from the Sheriff’s Office instructions on how to line up during the ceremony honoring DeFilipps.

ESL teacher gets big surprise party from students

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2016 at 9:00 am

Linda Redfield praised for helping many workers build a better life through education

Photos by Tom Rivers– Linda Redfield, right, is hugged by Gloria Jasso during a surprise party for Redfield on Saturday at the World Life Institute school on Stillwater Road in Waterport. Redfield started teaching English to Jasso in 1998. Many current and former students attended the party for Redfield.

WATERPORT – Linda Redfield has devoted the past two decades-plus to helping about 400 farmworkers learn English. Redfield started going to labor camps in 1994, before a school built by the World Life Institute became the base for classes in 1999.

The school on Stillwater Road offers evening courses in English, as well as computer literacy, pottery and other programs.

Many of the students return year after year to improve their English. Many have earned GEDs. Ten of the students have earned their U.S. citizenship.

Redfield is a guiding force along the way, serving as more than a teacher. Her students threw her a surprise party on Saturday at the school.

“She always encouraged me and said, ‘You can do it,'” said student Gloria Jasso, who helped plan the surprise party for Redfield. “She is so special and is just wonderful not only to me but to everybody.”

One of Redfield’s ESL students signs a poster on Saturday, thanking Redfield for her 20-plus years of teaching English to the farmworker community.

Jasso grew up in rural, impoverished Mexico and never attended school. In 1998, Redfield started teaching Jasso English at her home in Kendall.

Redfield became like a second mother for Jasso, helping her settle into the community. Jasso worked at a local farm for 19 years. She now is employed at Lifetime Assistance, working with people with disabilities.

“With her support, many of us have accomplished a lot of our dreams,” Jasso said. “She always encourages us to succeed.”

Linda Redfield, Jose Iniguez and Francisco Rosario

Linda Redfield is pictured with two of her first ESL students more than 20 years ago. Jose Iniguez, left, is now co-owner of a large local fruit farm and Francisco Rosario, right, owns a Mexican grocery store in Medina. His family also owns a Mexican restaurant, Mariachi de Oro, in Medina.

Jose Iniguez was one of Redfield’s first English as a Second Language students in 1994, when Redfield went to a labor cap on Densmore Road to teach English to farmworkers.

Iniguez only spoke Spanish at the time. After a long day of work in the fields, Iniguez would study English. Redfield was always patient, always encouraging, Iniguez said. She was also flexible. Farmworkers might not get to the camp until 8 p.m., and Redfield would be ready to help them learn.

Iniguez said learning English helped him to get promoted at the LaMont farm. Today, he is co-owner of Lamont Fruit Farm, a 500-acre farm based down the road from the WLI school.

“She has changed a lot of lives,” Iniguez said at the party for Redfield. “She is the type of person who will almost always never say no. She will extend a hand to anyone.”

Linda Redfield is pictured in front of a big group that attended a surprise party in her honor on Saturday.

Redfield is well regarded around the state as an ESL teacher. In 2013, she was honored in Albany as “Teacher of the Year” by the New York State Association of Adult Continuing Education Programs. Five of her students have won “Student of the year” by the association.

Redfield thanked the students for the surprise on Saturday. Some of the students who attended the party hadn’t been to the WLI site in a few years. All came to thank Redfield for her work with the migrant farmworker community.

“Each and everyone of you is very important to me,” Redfield told the group during the celebration. “What is so beautiful is that you are at the World Life Institute representing the world, representing life, and learning together in peace and harmony.”

Redfield was asked what the biggest benefit has been to her in working with the farmworker population the past 22 years.

“The people, the relationships,” she said. “And the gratitude of the students, their humility and their progress.”

Sergio Rosario thanks Redfield for helping him learn English. “Now I have more opportunities, more open doors,” he told her.

Redfield is currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership and policy development at Niagara University. She will remain active with the ESL program at the WLI, which is a partnership with the Orleans-Niagara BOCES.

Cheryl Lieberman has been teaching with Redfield in the program for more than 20 years. They often use music to help students learn English.

“This is what she loves,” Lieberman said about Redfield. “Not only is her heart in it, but she is willing to adapt.”

Redfield has seen the student base expand to workers and interns from Brazil, China, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Indonesia. They spend about a year in the local community while working and learning at Intergrow Greenhouses on Route 98 in Gaines.

In this file photo from June 2014, Claudio Fernandes of Brazil smiles while holding a certificate in recognition of his efforts to learn English. Fernandes worked at Intergrow Greenhouses.

The annual student recognition program included a record-high 44 students last month. They received certificates for their work in the program.

The students who surprised Redfield on Saturday made a certificate for her, in a style that she created for the students in the ESL and citizenship classes.

Redfield was honored by students, “For all of her hard work, and dedication to the Migrant Community. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Hall of Fame Santa was friend to many, including Big Bird

Staff Reports Posted 9 July 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

ALBION – Debbie Mirrione of Batavia sent in these photos of her grandfather, George Cond of Holley. Cond was a Santa at Christmas Park in Albion, hand-picked to play the role by Charles Howard, who developed Christmas Park and also a Santa Claus School.

The late Mr. Cond is being inducted in the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame on Sunday during a Santa Claus convention in Branson, Missouri (click here for more on the convention). The convention was in Albion last year.

The top photo shows Cond with Big Bird in Garden Plaza, Parmer, N.J.

In this photo, Cond (Santa) is pictured with Mrs. Claus (Cond’s wife, Elaine).

Cond was born in 1925 and lived until 1996. The Holley resident in the mid-1950s enrolled in the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Albion.

Cond was so good at portraying Santa that Charles Howard embraced Cond as the Santa at Christmas Park in Albion, Howard’s entertainment venue at Route 31 on Phipps Road. Howard was inducted in the Santa Hall of Fame in 2010, a member of the inaugural class.

Cond is pictured with some of the key ladies at Christmas Park, including front row, from left: Elaine Cond, Santa, and Ruth Hayward. Back row: Elizabeth Babcock, Mae Wolfe, Margaret Alloway, and Sophie Bischer. Babcock made many of the Santa suits that were sold at Christmas Park.

For more on Cond from the Santa Hall of Fame, click here.

Jonathan Doherty honored for efforts with Self Advocate All Stars

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2016 at 8:00 am

Jonathan Doherty for Self Advocate All Stars

Photos by Tom Rivers– Jonathan Doherty of Albion is pictured with a can for recyclable bottles and cans that was recently added on Main Street in Albion by the Frosty Bucket. The Self Advocate All Stars collect the cans and use the proceeds to fund recreational programming and conferences for people with disabilities.

ALBION – Jonathan Doherty has been recognized as the Volunteer of the Year in the western region of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State.

Doherty, 33, of Albion is an active community member, volunteering with the Strawberry Festival Committee, Boy Scout Troop 164, the Albion Alumni Foundation, the Eastman at Albion Concert Series, and numerous events for The Arc of Orleans County.

Doherty also was one of the driving forces a decade ago in creating the Self Advocate All Stars, a group for developmentally disabled adults who do community service projects.

“I’m never home,” Doherty said about his busy schedule. “I like to get out in the community and support the community because I live here. It’s fun to help the different groups.”

Doherty and the Self Advocate All Stars march in parades, wash cars, present at County Legislature meetings and make other efforts to reach out to the community. Last month they added cans to collect recyclable bottles in downtown Albion. They collected $38.85 worth of bottles and cans at the Strawberry Festival.

Doherty called the Mizkan vinegar plant in Lyndonville, and the company donated six cans that the All Stars turned into recyclable collectors.

The All Stars formed in 2006. One of its early goals was to rail against official government use of the “R-word.” The County Legislature in May 2010 passed a formal resolution, telling local, state and federal governments to no longer use the word “retarded” in describing people with developmental disabilities.

The R-word is a “vicious slang” that is insulting and hurtful to people with developmental disabilities and their families, legislators said in their resolution in 2010.

Doherty said the All Stars have other events and fundraisers planned, including car washes at the Save-A-Lot in Albion from noon to 4 p.m. on July 9 and Aug. 13; a garage sale on July 15-16 at the Albion Academy at 16 West Academy St. in Albion; and a picnic at Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway on Aug. 20.

Jonathan Doherty walks in Holley’s parade last June with the Self Advocate All Stars. Last month he was named Volunteer of the Year for the western region of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State