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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!”
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 July 2016 at 8:00 am
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
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo courtesy of Fred Cond – This photo from the late 1950s shows Santa Claus portrayed by the George Cond of Holley with his three sons, Fred Cond, bottom; George Cond III, middle; and Roger Boyce, top.
ALBION – George Cond delighted in making children happy, spending the Christmas holiday season portraying Santa Claus.
“He really liked kids,” his son Fred Cond said. “He prided himself on being Santa Claus.”
The Holley resident in the mid-1950s enrolled in the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Albion. At the time, Cond was working three jobs, but he gave up two of the part-time positions to become Santa. (He quit his job as a cook at a restaurant and a position at Sears, but continued to work as a setup man for the punch press machines at Delco in Rochester.)
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. Christmas Park included a Santa School, toy shop, reindeer, train, motorized swans and other activities.
Charles Howard is pictured as Santa in this program promoting the Santa Claus School, which he started in 1937 in Albion.
Howard is one of the most respected Santas in the world by the men who portray Santa today, even 50 years after Howard’s death. His Santa Claus School was moved from Albion after Howard died in 1966, but the school continues today in Midland, Mich., and still bears Howard’s name.
George Cond also is held in high regard by the Santa community. Next week, Cond will be inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame during the Santa Convention in Branson, Missouri.
“A student of Howard’s Santa Claus School, Cond assumed the role of Santa at Christmas Park in late 1950s and continued until the close of the park in 1966,” according to the Hall of Fame. “With Howard busy as the Executive Director and away on business during the Christmas Season, Cond handled most of the day-to-day Santa appearances throughout the park. He appeared in and around the Western New York State region on behalf of Christmas Park.”
Fred Cond keeps one of his father’s business cards, noting his service as Santa Claus.
Cond worked as the Santa at Christmas Park for about a decade and many of the photos from that time, showing kids with a Santa at Christmas Park, actually are more likely to show Cond as Santa than Howard. Fred can tell the photos of his father.
George Cond injured his right hand and two of his fingers seemed to be permanently “frozen” in a bent position. Many of the photos from Christmas Park show a Santa waving, with middle and ring fingers in that bent position. That’s a giveaway that Cond is wearing the red suit, not Howard.
Cond wasn’t the only family member to work for Howard at Christmas Park. Cond’s wife Elaine also worked there and Fred would help as an elf.
Fred, now 63, remembers when as a boy he was asked to bring lunch to Santa. Fred carried the meal over to Santa, who was on break. Fred discovered his father in the Santa suit without the beard and wig. It was the first time Fred realized his father portrayed Santa.
“My father told me that Santa can’t be there all the time,” Fred recalled at his home in Brockport. “He said, ‘I’m helping Santa out. I’m helping him take some of the orders.'”
Fred Cond holds his father’s Santa suit, which was originally worn by Charles Howard. The suit, No. 191, bears Howard’s initials. Fred now wears the suit when he portrays Santa. (All of the suits made at Christmas Park were individually numbered.)
When Howard died, the fate of Christmas Park was uncertain. George Cond wanted to buy it and keep it viable for years. But he was outbid by an out-of-town buyer. Christmas Park didn’t last long without Howard.
Fred Cond wishes Christmas Park could have continued.
“If it was still around today, it would be bigger than Darien,” Cond said. “Charlie Howard was a very clever man.”
After Christmas Park closed, Cond continued to portray Santa for local families, schools, churches, and other venues. He was the Santa for Kodak.
He was asked to follow Howard as the Santa in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, but Cond declined out of respect for Howard.
“In his mind, Charles Howard was always Santa Claus,” Fred Cond said.
His father died in 1996. He was an active Santa until the late 1980s. The Santa Claus Hall of Fame induction is a pleasant surprise for his family, Fred Cond said.
The Santa suit used by George Cond was originally Charles Howard’s suit. It bears Howard’s initials. The wing and beard are made of yak hair.
Fred Cond continues the Santa legacy in the family. Fred first portrayed Santa as an 18-year-old at the former Ames in Albion. He continues to be Santa every Christmas season, mostly wearing the suit for friend and family.
His wife Debbie said Fred is changed every year when he brings out the Santa suit.
“Once he puts on that suit, the Christmas spirit invades him,” Debbie said.
Fred said Howard’s family has asked if he would be willing to give up the suit, but Cond said it is too important to him and the Cond family.
“There are very few things I have of my dad,” Fred said. “This was part of my life, growing up with my dad. He was a big part of Christmas Park. He was hand-picked by Charles Howard to play Santa, and my dad did it because of his love for the kids.”
This document shows Cond’s enrollment papers for the Charles Howard Santa Claus School in Albion in October 1958.
Charles Howard signed the enrollment papers for Cond in red ink.
Each student at the school received a red folder from the “Santa Claus School” in Albion, NY. Fred Cond has many of his father’s papers from when he attended the school.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – John Robinson and Doug Hamlin are riding the Erie Canal Towpath today through Orleans County, part of a 350-mile-plus journey along the Erie Canal Towpath.
The two men are using adaptive use bicycles to make the trip for the fourth straight year. Robinson and Hamlin make the long ride to highlight inclusivity, showing that people with disabilities are capable of big accomplishments.
“People with disabilities want to work, they want a family, they have hopes and dreams just like everybody,” Robinson said at about noon today while taking a short break by the canal bridge on Keitel Road.
Robinson is a congenital amputee without full arms and legs. He overcame countless obstacles to become a successful businessman, husband, father and inspirational speaker.
He is pictured with his wife Andrea today on the canal in the Town of Albion.
Robinson was inspired to undertake the first Journey Along the Erie Canal in 2013 by his wife and two children after receiving a three-wheeled, hand-operated cycle as a donation. His family helped him learn how to ride and then train for the statewide journey.
Doug Hamlin and his wife Pam are making the ride together. Hamlin uses a specialized hand cycle for the ride.
“If we can inspire one person to ride an extra mile it will have been worth it,” Hamlin said.
Robinson and Hamlin are partners in Glenmont-based Our Ability, a network of consulting, public speaking, recruitment and professional services that champions the inclusivity of people with disabilities in the workplace.
They are using the trip from Buffalo to Albany to celebrate launch of New York Business Leadership Network, a coalition among businesses in New York State interested in both hiring and building supplier diversity of businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.
Today is day 3 of the ride. The cyclists started in Medina at the Prospect Avenue Lift Bridge this morning and are going 32 miles east to Spencerport. To see the schedule, click here.
Hamlin, Robinson and the group of cyclists are off after a short break by the Keitel Road canal bridge. The trip ends on July 8 in Albany.
ROCHESTER – Jim DeFilipps, an Orleans County deputy, addresses 1,100 law enforcement officers on June 18 during the Policeman’s Ball in Rochester.
DeFillipps, the 2015 New York State Deputy of the Year, was one of three law enforcement officers involved in critical incidents who were recognized by the Badge of Honor Association. DeFilipps was honored for going “above and beyond the call of duty.”
DeFilipps was shot twice in a shootout at 3 a.m. on March 21 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. Ellis had fled to a nearby wooded area in Clarendon 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. For his acts of valor, DeFilipps was named Deputy of the Year for 2015 by the New York State Sheriff’s Association.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Marlee Diehl will lead 2,300 Rotarians in 69 clubs
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Marlee Diehl, a member of the Albion Rotary Club, was installed as the new District Governor for Rotary on Sunday, leading 69 clubs in Western New York and Southern Ontario.
About 100 people from the two countries attended the District Governor changeover celebration on Sunday at Tillman’s Village Inn. Diehl succeeds Kevin Crosby, a Lockport resident and member of the Buffalo Sunrise Club.
There are about 2,300 Rotarians in the district known as the “Best of Friends” District, the first district that included Rotary clubs in two countries.
Crosby said membership in the district held steady overall in 2015-16. The district is losing the Rotary Club in the Tonawandas after 99 years but is adding one in Hamliton.
Diehl said all of the clubs are different with their own strengths. She and Crosby unveiled the theme for Rotary in 2016-17: “Serving Humanity.”
Diehl addresses the crowd Sunday at the Village Inn, where the Albion Rotary Club has its regular weekly meetings on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m.
Diehl and her husband attended the Rotary International Convention in Seoul, Korea, on May 27 to June 1. She said she is honored to be District Governor on the centennial of the Rotary Foundation, which directs money to international aid efforts.
Diehl, a Waterport resident, has been active in many district events and committees, helping to plan and lead district conferences and training sessions. She served as assistant district governor for three years.
She has been active in Rotary since 1994, when she joined a club in Hamilton, Ontario. Diehl’s husband Bill is twice a past president of the Albion Rotary Club. They met at a Rotary conference in Toronto in 2009, when they were both at a training session for incoming Rotary presidents.
As district governor, Diehl said her focus will be celebrating Rotarians, especially those with a long commitment to helping their communities.
For about 35 years she worked as a recruiter, helping companies find executives and leaders in management. While connecting with business leaders, she noticed many wore Rotary pins or had Rotary posters on their walls.
When she was looking for an outlet for community service, she turned to Rotary and joined the Hamilton club in 1994. She is also active at the First Presbyterian Church in Albion and the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Rhonda Parker
ALBION – An Albion woman who produced and directed her first film in 2014 – “Friends Don’t Let Friends – Date Friends” – is organizing a new film and arts festival at Genesee Community College in August.
Rhonda Parker won several awards in 2014 at a Buffalo film festival. She has met many directors, producers and actors in the Western New York film circle in the past three years since she took up directing and producing films while a student at GCC.
“I didn’t know there were so many actors and films in Western New York,” Parker said. “This festival will be a chance to bring the Rochester and Buffalo film communities together.”
Parker said the two communities each have their own film culture, with Buffalo tending to be more prolific in producing films while Rochester’s film community is more technical-focused.
Parker and her husband Mark created Beaver Alley Studios, a non-profit organization last year. Since their debut film they have produced “Lonely Bananas,” which will be screened during the Western New York F.A.M.E. (Film, Art and Music Event). That film will be shown at 6 p.m. on Aug. 14, capping the three-day festival that starts Aug. 12. The Parkers also have produced “Message in a Bottle.”
Parker and Beaver Alley Studios are planning FAME with the Genesee Community College Center for the Arts. In addition to screening films, the festival will feature music performances, art displays, a photography contest, educational workshops, vendors, networking and “edgy comedy.”
Parker said the festival has generated buzz in the two film communities.
“As film makers, FAME understands the burden of high festival fees and the frustration of low audience turn out,” she said in a news release. “The group keeps fees low and has created an event with mass appeal. The festival treats film makers, musicians and artists like celebrities with an audience Q&A or panel discussion and encourages active audience participation by allowing attendees to choose some of the awards.”
File photo – Rhonda Parker, center right, is pictured in November 2014 with some of the cast and crew of “Friends Don’t Let Friends – Date Friends.” The group includes, front row, from left: Amelia Favata (Della) and Rhonda Parker (writer/director). Back row: Mark Parker (Director of photography/editor), Eric Witkowski (Jeff), Erin Stamp (Gwen), Casey Litzenberger (Allison) and Adam S. Dixson (Kyle).
Parker earned her degree from GCC with a double major in paralegal studies and communications. She wants to promote the local film and artistic talent, particularly the women artists.
Aug. 12 will feature scary films, while Aug. 13 will showcase “Girl Power” with films by female writers/directors or strong female leads. Aug. 14 will feature family-friendly films and others produced in WNY.
The mid-August festival at GCC has already received nearly 300 film, music and photography entries from all over the world. The organization is also seeking workshop presenters, sponsors and vendors. Vendor tables cost $100 for three days, but are discounted to $75 if booked by June 30. Tickets for the event are available on a per-block or workshop basis all the way to full VIP all-access. For more information on the schedule, tickets and the festival, click here.
“We are very excited about hosting an event like no other,” Parker said. “Three days of regional and international films, performances from local singers and songwriters, art displays, educational workshops-and of course, the all-important networking giving all attendees the opportunity to explore, exchange and share ideas and inspiring artists to continue their work.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County legislators Lynne Johnson and John DeFillips, left, present “Special Recognition Awards” to local teen-agers for saving the life of a man on May 26 who drove into Lake Ontario at Golden Hill State Park in Barker.
The teens include, from left: Alex Plummer, Josh Tombari and Hayden London (as well as Matt Scroger, not pictured). They were invited to Wednesday’s Orleans County Legislature meeting. They are joined by Lt. Patrick Rindsleisch of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, second from right, and Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower.
The teens went fishing at Golden State Park in Barker on Thursday and likely saved the life of a man who drove into the lake. They boys were fishing by the inlet at the state park. They heard an engine roar and then a big splash in the water.
They ran to the lake and saw a green van pointed down in the water. The front was submerged. Another man was standing near the shore and told the teens a man was inside the van.
London and Plummer each grabbed big rocks. London took off his shirt and dove in the water. He saw a man who appeared to be elderly inside, hitting at the window trying to get out.
London smashed the driver’s window with a rock. Water came rushing inside the van, London told the Orleans Hub on May 27, a day after the rescue. London put his shirt on the window, to protect the man from the broken glass. London and Plummer then pulled the man out of the van.
Hayden London, right, accepts the “Special Recognition Award” from Legislator John DeFilipps.
Rindsleisch said the man is likely doing well today because there hasn’t been any reports of injuries. He couldn’t provide more information because of confidentiality laws. But he did say the boys deserve praise for their actions on May 26.
Legislators called London, a junior at Lyndonville, “an extraordinary human being” for his selfless actions after a man had driven into the lake.
“Your quick thought and immediate action, with a rock in your hand, saved this life,” legislators said in the award for London. “By going above and beyond and risking your own life to save another, the Orleans County Legislature has a renewed sense that people are willing to help others in times of need. This will forever be remembered and extremely appreciated.”
“The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your heroism and is proud and grateful that you are a citizen of Orleans County.”
Sheriff Bower also presented the boys with T-shirts with a message about the importance of forward-thinking.
Bower, a former youth coach, said he always preached to his players to be prepared and to be thinking ahead.
“We applaud you for what you did,” Bower told the teens.
File photos by Tom Rivers – John Robinson is pictured last June 30 on his third ride along the Erie Canal, going 363 miles from Buffalo to Albany. He is pictured with his wife Andrea. They are close to the Main Street lift bridge in Albion.
John Robinson and his friend Doug Hamlin are again riding the Erie Canal towpath to highlight inclusivity, showing that people with disabilities are capable of big feats.
Robinson and Hamlin also are using the trip from Buffalo to Albany to celebrate launch of New York Business Leadership Network, a coalition among businesses in New York State interested in both hiring and building supplier diversity of businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.
John Robinson meets with people with disabilities last June 30 when he stopped at The Arc of Orleans County.
Robinson and Hamlin will spend 12 days riding bicycles about 350 miles across upstate New York via the historic Erie Canalway Trail. The two men are partners in Glenmont-based Our Ability, a network of consulting, public speaking, recruitment and professional services that champions the inclusivity of people with disabilities in the workplace.
“Each year our journey aims to raise awareness of the ability inside all people with disabilities,” said Robinson. “Along the way, we will connect with athletes and other individuals with disabilities and promote inclusive tourism along the historic Erie Canal.”
Robinson was a congenital amputee without full arms and legs. He overcame countless obstacles to become a successful businessman, husband, father and inspirational speaker.
In 2011 he founded Our Ability (click here for more information) with Hamlin, a 28-year veteran of the software industry who is also disabled as the result of an accident in 1983. At Our Ability they help to mentor and inspire people with disabilities through positive video stories. In 2014, Robinson was one of 10 people nationally named a White House Champion of Change for Disability Employment.
The New York Business Leadership Network was formed by Our Ability in December of 2015 in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2014 executive order establishing the Employment First Commission to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in New York. The executive order calls for 100 businesses to commit to formal policies to hire people with disabilities as part of their diversity strategy.
“NYBLN’s dual goals are to inspire those individuals with disabilities to achieve their dreams through education and employment as well as to educate able-bodied individuals about the differences in ability around us,” Robinson said.
John Robinson, left, and his friend Doug Hamlin, right, ride adaptive use bicycles along West Bank Street in Albion in this photo from July 1, 2014.
This year’s canal trip begins in Buffalo’s Canal Side Park and concludes on July 8 at Jennings Landing in Albany. As the tour makes its way across New York, numerous advocacy groups and organizations supporting the rights of people with disabilities will join Robinson and Hamlin for parts of the trip.
Robinson was inspired to undertake the first Journey Along the Erie Canal by his wife, Andrea, and two children after receiving a three-wheeled, hand-operated cycle as a donation. His family helped him learn how to ride and then train for the statewide journey. Hamlin joined Robinson that first year and saw what the ride could symbolize. He will once again ride alongside Robinson on his own specialized hand cycle.
As in past years, Our Ability’s partners for the journey include New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID), New York State Canal Corporation, the Disability Education Forum of New York, Inc., the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and NYSARC, Inc.
“The New York State Canal Corporation is thrilled to partner with Our Ability for the fourth annual Journey Along the Erie Canal,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton. “John and Doug are an inspiration to us all. Their message of inclusion and support can be extended to all facets of life and across all borders. We are proud that once again the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail will serve as the background of such a worthy cause.”
Photos courtesy of Kim Pritt – Adam Burlison and his mother, Lisa Burlison, present the Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship to Zachary Shaffer. This scholarship honors Adam’s father, Wayne Burlison, a former elementary school music teacher at Albion. Meredith Patterson also was awarded a Burlison scholarship.
Press Release, Albion High School Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The Albion High School Alumni Foundation takes great pride in making a difference for a lifetime for the Albion Central School District community – alumni, students, teachers, and friends. The main focus of the Foundation is a Scholarship Program that continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year.
Each year at the Class Night celebration, the Foundation presents scholarships to graduating seniors who meet the criteria of each specific scholarship. These awards provide financial assistance so that our bright young scholars may continue their educational goals and be successful in their future endeavors.
The funding for the scholarships are made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni, as well as individuals or organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during the Class Night event, along with other scholarships that are awarded that evening.
This year, the Foundation awarded 24 scholarships to 32 students, totaling $51,650.
Elizabeth Goff accepts the A.B. “Dick” Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship presented by Foundation President Chris Haines.
Here are the results of the 2016 scholarships managed and awarded by the Albion HS Alumni Foundation.
Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships ($1,500 each): This year’s recipients are Daniel Beam, McKayla Hastings, Kyle Thaine, and Mikayla Yaskulski.
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): This year’s recipient is Meredith Patterson.
Smith Foundation Challenge ($1,000): These scholarships are awarded annually by the Foundation to students entering the second year of college. This year’s recipients are Charlyne Olick and Brittany Francis.
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Randal Eblacker.
Elizabeth Balcom Smith Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Matthew DeCarlo.
Golden Performance Award ($500): This year’s recipient is Elijah VanEpps.
Jim and Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Kassidy Hastings.
Dr. Lee Minier Science Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Miranda Allen.
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Zachary Shaffer.
Madeline Gibbs receives her award and a hug from Mrs. Karen Sodoma, retired Albion teacher and wife of Ronald Sodoma, retired Superintendant of Albion Central Schools. The Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship is one of four scholarships added to the Foundation’s Scholarship Program in 2016 and honors Sodoma, who passed away in April 2015.
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence ($1,500): This year’s recipient is Kyle Smith.
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship ($2,500): This year’s recipient is Miranda Allen.
A.B. “Dick” Eddy “Service Above Self” Scholarship ($1,250): This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Goff.
The Nancy Elaine LaGamba Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Bethany Bowman.
The Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships ($2,500 each): This year’s recipients are Cheyenna Eagle, Meghan Hurley, Chlow Weis, and Raven White.
Hoag Scholarships ($10,000 each): This year’s recipient for the Engineering Scholarship is Matthew Flanagan. The Chemical Engineering Scholarship was not awarded this year.
Panek Family Farm Agriculture Scholarship ($1,000): This year’s recipient is Sarah Kuehne.
The Rex and Marilyn Horton Scholarship ($500): This year’s recipient is Allyson Irwin.
The Wayne A. Burlison Memorial Scholarship ($500 each): This year’s recipients are Meredith Patterson and Zachary Shaffer.
Glassner Family Scholarship ($1,400): This year’s recipient is Sarah Graham.
John Panek Scholarship ($2,000): This year’s recipient is Kelsee Soule.
The next four scholarships are new to the Foundation’s Scholarship Program in 2016.
Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): This year’s recipient is Madeline Gibbs.
Masonic Renovation Lodge # 97 Scholarship ($750): This year’s recipient is Jason Downs.
Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship ($1,250): This year’s recipient is Kyle Smith.
David R. Long Agricultural Scholarship ($2,500): This year’s recipient is Kelsee Soule.
To view more photos and to learn how you can be a part of making a difference for a lifetime for Albion students, visit www.AlbionAlumni.org.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Rubie Maxwell, a Holley sixth grader, stands with Holley Elementary School Principal Karri Schiavone after receiving a Soaring to New Heights Award at the Holley Board of Education meeting Monday evening. Maxwell has volunteered as the Pre-K Safety Patrol Officer, helping students on and off the bus each day. The students call her “Miss Rubie,” Schiavone said. “She takes time out of her day to help out. The Pre-K students love her.” Top Ten graduates of this year’s Senior Class were also recognized during the Soaring to New Heights portion of the meeting.
HOLLEY – School leaders from Holley and Kendall will meet July 18 to discuss shared services, including instruction, non-instruction and extra-curricular programs.
Robert D’Angelo, Holley school district superintendent, reported to the Holley Board of Education on Monday that he and School Board President Brenda Swanger met recently with Kendall School Superintendent Julie Christensen and Kendall School Board President Nadine Hanlon. They are planning the agenda for the July 18 work session between the two boards, administrations and teams.
Swanger said neither district wants to lose its identity, and D’Angelo emphasized he sees nothing but good coming from the effort.
“We want to share, not swallow each other up,” D’Angelo said.
The districts already share some programs. For example, Kendall students played on the Holley varsity baseball team this season after Kendall didn’t have enough players to field a team.
In other discussion at Monday’s meeting, Board of Education members say they have not yet made a decision regarding the number of teachers for next year’s third graders.
Several parents spoke during the public comment portion of Monday evening’s meeting, expressing concerns that the district might reduce the number of third grade teachers from four to three.
Two third grade teachers are leaving – the board accepted the resignation of one teacher and the retirement of another – but board members say they are not yet ready to make a decision about how they will proceed.
“We don’t have to decide until it’s absolutely necessary,” Board Vice President Robin Silvis said. “We have a lot to think about.”
Board member John Heise said if next year’s third grade was reduced to three teachers, it would be a way for the district to save money.
“The fund balance has gone down,” he said. “We’ve got to start saving somewhere.”
Swanger, the Board president, said she did not agree.
“We haven’t made a decision … it’s not going to be an easy decision,” she said. She and other Board members thanked parents for attending the meeting and making their feelings on the subject known.
Board members indicated they would likely make the decision in August. Incoming third graders will not have their teacher named on Fourth Quarter reports cards to be sent home on Wednesday.
Board members also approved the creation of an Interact Club, a community service club which will be sponsored by the Holley Rotary. A number of students are interested, and board member John Heise, a Holley Rotarian, said students would like to get going this summer on projects.
Heise said students have already begun looking into installing a “buddy bench” on the playground at the Elementary School as a potential first project. The club would be open to students in grades 7-12.
