achievements

5 are honored for efforts to preserve and promote local heritage

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Five Orleans County residents were honored on Friday for their efforts to preserve Orleans County history. The group includes, from left: Melissa Ierlan, Delia Robinson, Peg Wiley, Al Capurso and Tim Archer.

ALBION – Three people were recognized as Heritage Heroes on Friday for efforts to preserve and promote local history. In addition, two other Orleans County residents were given special awards for their heritage efforts.

Genesee Community College recognized the third class of Heritage heroes on Friday during an awards reception at GCC in Albion. The college first recognized Heritage Heroes in 2014 as part of GCC’s Civil War Encampment. The 150th anniversary of the Civil War has passed and GCC no longer hosts the encampment.

But GCC plans to continue to recognize Heritage Heroes, said Jim Simon, GCC dean of the campus centers in Albion and Medina, and Derek Maxfield, GCC history professor. They also announced plans for a new Orleans County Heritage Festival on Sept. 9-11 featuring historic sites and attractions around the county.

Simon and Maxfield both said the county is fortunate to have many energetic citizens working to preserve historic sites and share stories of pioneer residents and others from many generations ago.

Derek Maxfield speaks at Heritage Heroes reception

Derek Maxfield, a history professor at Genesee Community College, speaks during the Heritage Heroes awards celebration on Friday at GCC in Albion. Maxfield serves on the selection committee. He announced plans for a new Orleans County Heritage Festival this year from Sept. 9-11.

The Heritage Heroes recognized for 2016 include:

Al Capurso is a retired case manager for the Department of Social Services, Probation and Mental Health. He worked there for 24 years. He also owned the Bait Barn shop by his home on Route 279.

Since retiring he has tackled many local projects, including new historical markers at the Courthouse Square for the first pioneer settler and also one by a cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road. Capurso has led efforts to save that cobblestone building, with volunteers repairing windows and paying to have a new roof put on the site, which could become a meeting house and building used to display historic artifacts.

Capurso also gained government approvals to have a local stream named Gilbert Creek in honor of pioneer settler Elizabeth Gilbert. Capurso said many community members have stepped forward to help preserve the former schoolhouse.

Peg Wiley and her husband Richard moved to Point Breeze in 2002 to run their business, Wiley’s Riverside Marina. Mrs. Wiley soon became involved in community projects, including leading the effort to build a replica of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse that was toppled in 1916 during a wind storm.

Wiley helped raise $300,000 for the new lighthouse, which was completed in 2010 and now serves as an iconic symbol for the county featured in tourism guides. The lighthouse also includes a small museum telling the history of the original lighthouse.

The project helped inspire other community fund-raising efforts for a new public library in Albion, a new Education Center at the 4-H Fairgrounds and the new Hospice residence in Albion.

“The lighthouse was built by the community,” Wiley said at the awards program. “The community became empowered. They believed they could do it.”

Wiley said many people helped with the project, including the late Cheryl Staines, who served as treasurer of the project. Staines died on Friday after battling cancer.

“We couldn’t have done it without her,” Wiley said.

Tim Archer is the service learning teacher at Albion, working with seventh graders. He has led them on several historic preservation efforts in Albion and beyond.

They have cleaned up the Prisoner of War Camp from World War II in Hamlin, and are working to have a historic marker at Hillside Cemetery in Holley for Charles Herbert Taylor, the only known resident of the county killed in the battle of Gettysburg.

Archer and Albion students cleaned up the cemetery at the former County Alms House on County House Road in Albion, resetting stones, clearing brush, researching the names of residents and erecting a memorial in their honor.

Archer said he has 140 students each year to work on projects. The students are determined and feel pride in the efforts.

“They need to take ownership of their community,” he said.

Bill Lattin gives Heritage Hero award to Melissa Ierlan

Bill Lattin, retired Orleans County historian, presents the first C.W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History to Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon town historian.

The Heritage Heroes program this year included two new awards to recognize municipal historians, who were excluded from previous Heritage Hero recognition. Maxfield said the Heritage Hero Committee wanted to recognize municipal historians, who he said are “unsung heroes,” often working long hours for little pay.

The committee created the C.W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History in honor of Lattin, the county’s historian for nearly four decades. He also led the Cobblestone Society Museum for about 40 years.

Melissa Ierlan is first recipient. She works as Clarendon’s historian and code enforcement officer. She also is active in the Clarendon Historical Society and has spearheaded efforts to save the chapel at Hillside Cemetery.

Ierlan has also repainted 15 historic markers in the county (including one in Elba for the mucklands). She scrapes the paint off the markers and meticulously repaints them, projects that take several days. She has volunteers who help re-weld some of the markers.

Lattin said Ierlan has a can-do attitude. He compared her to former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton.

“Melissa is supercharged,” Lattin said. “She sees things to do and does them.”

The Committee also created the Robert E. Waters Award for Lifetime Achievement in honor of the late Waters, a newspaper publisher who was active in many community causes. Waters was in the inaugural Heritage Heroes class.

Delia Robinson is the first recipient of the award. She served as a Gaines town historian for more than three decades, writing books on cobblestone buildings, Gaines history and contributions of women to the county’s history.

Robinson was influential in many historical markers being placed in the county, noting efforts by women. She continues to give monthly historical talks at Hoag Library.

“You never know all of the history,” Robinson said. “History is never done. There’s always something to find out.”

Albion resident named Byron-Bergen superintendent

Staff Reports Posted 26 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Mickey Edwards

BERGEN – The Byron-Bergen Central School District’s Board of Education has named Mickey Edwards as the district’s next superintendent. Edwards’ start date is July 1.

Edwards lives in Albion. He is a former high school art teacher and principal at Albion. He is currently superintendent at Wyoming Central School.

“With his dedication, enthusiasm, and professional background, along with a deep understanding of many aspects of educational leadership, our board feels that Mr. Edwards is an excellent fit for the students, faculty, and staff of the district,” said Debi List, Byron-Bergen Central School District’s Board President.

Before working as the top administrator at Wyoming, Edwards served as the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction for Orleans/Niagara BOCES, a position he held from 2009 until 2014. Edwards began teaching in 1995 as an art teacher for the Hilton Central School District.

In 1996, he began teaching at Albion Central Schools as an art/technology instructor. He continued his career at Albion Central Schools serving as the Elementary School Dean of Students, Middle School Assistant Principal and High School Principal. Edwards is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp.

Edwards earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Roberts Wesleyan College, and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from The College at Brockport. He holds a School District Administrator certificate from The College at Brockport.

“I am very excited to join the Byron-Bergen Central School District team and meet the staff, students, and the community members of Byron and Bergen,” Edwards said. “Byron-Bergen Central School District should be proud of its many accomplishments and strengths. I look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence as we work together to ensure that our students are successful and prepared for tomorrow.”

Mr. Kevin MacDonald, District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, acted as search consultant. MacDonald said the Board developed and implemented a process that helped to determine the best candidate.

“Mr. Edwards understands the challenges and issues the districts in our region face. His breadth of experience, and educational leadership will greatly benefit this district as he works with the Board of Education, staff, and community to provide a quality education for the children of this community,” said MacDonald.

Arc recognizes ‘Best Friend,’ other supporters during awards banquet

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Debbie Heuer addresses a crowd of about 300 people after being named the 2015 “Best Friend” for The Arc of Orleans County.

HOLLEY – The Arc of Orleans County held its annual awards program on Friday and recognized many of the agency’s key supporters, as well as developmentally disabled adults who have excelled in jobs and other roles in the community.

Debbie Heuer received the “Best Friend” award for her volunteer work with the agency for the past three decades. She is a former board president, and has served on numerous committees and efforts, including basket raffles, the golf tournament, 5K race, endowment fund and Signature Series. She also coached a soccer team for people with disabilities.

“Debbie is humble and gives of her time, talents and support to the Arc with no need for accolades,” said John Huber, The Arc board president.

He presented the award to Heuer in front of about 300 people during the 36th annual Best Friend Dinner at Hickory Ridge Golf Course.

Debbie Heuer receives a citation from Ed Morgan (representing State Sen. Rob Ortt) during Friday’s awards program. John Huber, The Arc board president, is in back. Eileen Banker, back left, also presented Heuer with a citation from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Heuer thanked the Arc, especially its many dedicated employees, for serving people with disabilities and their families. Heuer first connected with The Arc in 1988 when her son Tyler received early intervention services from Rainbow Preschool.

“They are kind and generous and underpaid,” Heuer said about The Arc staff. “On behalf of the whole Heuer family, I want to say thank you to The Arc for what you mean to us and all of the support.”

The agency presented several other awards on Friday, including:

Business Partnership Award: DeGeorge Property Group

File photo by Tom Rivers

The Arc of Orleans County celebrated the opening of the “Snack Shack” on Oct. 21 at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex at 243 South Main St. The Snack Shack sells baked goods, soda, coffee, ice cream, fruit, candy and breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Ben DeGeorge of the DeGeorge Property Group was recognized for teaming with The Arc to start a snack shop at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex, which is owned by DeGeorge Property. DeGeorge upgraded the site with new plumbing, cosmetics and furniture, while giving lots of encouragement to The Arc in establishing the snack shop on Oct. 21.

Heritage Award: Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning

Bill Hayes, owner of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, is congratulated with the Heritage Award by Eileen Banker (left) from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s office and Donna Saskowski (right), Arc executive director.

Bill Hayes, owner of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, has been a long-time supporter of The Arc, sponsoring the golf tournament which supports Camp Rainbow. He also has been generous with the annual appeal and other fund-raising efforts.

Hayes lives in Batavia next to developmentally disabled adults. He said they are great neighbors. He also hires a crew through the ARC in Genesee County to clean his business.

“They are honest, they are diligent and they are hard workers,” Hayes said, encouraging other businesses to hire work crews through The Arc.

Community Service Award: John Hald

John Hald accepts the Community Service Award. He volunteers in many community efforts, including the Lyndonville Fire Department and Lyndonville Lion’s Club.

He also helps at Hospice of Orleans, PAWS Animal Shelter, and also cares for neighbors’ pets if his neighbors are away or ill. He also helps some of his neighbors when they are sick by taking out their trash and visiting them.

Self-Advocate of the Year: Phil Donoghue

Donna Saskowski (left), Arc executive director, congratulates Phil Donoghue on his award. Donoghue was recognized for his active role in the “Self Advocacy All Stars,” helping with fundraisers, incuding building a sleigh for the Strawberry Festival Parade and a winter dance. He also made the fireplace for the winter gala. He helps his peers in jewelry making classes and other projects.

Supported Employment Worker of the Year: Mike Grandin

Grandin has worked several jobs since joining The Arc in 2000, including six years with the Associated Brands enclave. He also worked at Fischer’s Newsroom for more than a year, stocking, pricing and cleaning. He started as a cleaner at Snap Fitness in Medina last June. Grandin has excellent work attendance and is a role model to others.

Orleans Enterprises Worker of the Year: Tom Popowych

Popowych has been working at Orleans Enterprises for 20 years, with nearly perfect attendance to the work site on Washington Street in Albion. He has demonstrated a tireless work ethic and keen attention to detail. He displays good manufacturing practices and daily workshop safety, as well as a friendly demeanor.

Music teacher honored for outstanding work by RPO

Staff Reports Posted 19 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Kelly Follman

ROCHESTER – A Waterport woman who teaches music in the City of Rochester was one of four teachers honored last week by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for outstanding work in the classroom.

Kelly Follman is an instrumental and vocal teacher at Francis Parker School #23 in the Rochester City School District. Follman directs the Compass Choir and two bands, as well as directs and produces two elementary musicals each year.

She holds the position of Eastman Pathways program liaison between the city school district and the Eastman School of Music. This year, she is a recipient of the RCSD Board of Education “Yes We Can” Award for her work with children in urban education, specifically at Francis Parker School.

Follman is a woodwind specialist who performs in area pit orchestras and serves as costumer for community theater productions. She passionately believes that children in the city of Rochester should have access to the same music-making opportunities as their peers in surrounding communities, and works diligently to achieve this, according to a news release from the RPO.

Photo: RPO

The four teachers recognized by the RPO include, from left: Kathleen Sullivan of Pine Brooke Elementary School at Greece Central School District; Kelly Follman of Francis Parker School #23 in Rochester City School District; Brian Bohrer of Rush-Henrietta High School; and William Baldwin, Twelve Corners Middle School in Brighton Central School District.

She was recognized last Thursday during the 28th annual RPO Musicians’ Awards for Outstanding Music Educators. Founded in 1988, the Awards program works to strengthen the relationship between area music educators and the musicians of the RPO.

The awards commend those teaches who have shown both educational and musical excellence and who recognize the positive influence they have on musicians and audiences of the future. Administrators, educators, parents and students submit nominations that are then reviewed by a committee comprised of community educators and RPO musicians.

“We want to see how they engage students in the classroom, and how they are creating an atmosphere of excitement toward music,” explains Anna Steltenpohl, chair of the Awards committee and RPO oboe and English horn player. “We want to see how they are bringing music alive.”

For more on the awards, click here.

Heritage Heroes recognized for important preservation efforts

Posted 18 April 2016 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – Dee Robinson, a historian, shares a lecture in February 2015 at the Hoag Library on early black history in Orleans County. The program was part of a Black History Month celebration. Robinson is being recognized for lifetime achievement in her role as historian.

Press Release, GCC

Now in its third year, the Orleans County Heritage Heroes Awards were created in 2014 as a way to recognize the efforts of those who give their time, hard work, and often money to preserve and protect local heritage. Often unnoticed, the efforts of those honored help to ensure that the history of Orleans County will be passed to the next generation.

The 2016 class of Heritage Heroes will be recognized in a ceremony at Genesee Community College in Albion on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Jim Simon, associate dean of Orleans County Campus Centers, expressed his wish that many from the community would attend the ceremony to help celebrate.

“Those chosen as Heritage Heroes are special people,” according to Simon. “They give freely of their time and work tirelessly to preserve the many historic assets of Orleans County. We hope that their neighbors and friends will turn out for the ceremony to show their appreciation for all that these honorees have done.”

This year’s Heritage Heroes are:

Tim Archer – A distinguished teacher at Albion Middle School, Archer was the 2009-2010 “Educator of the Year.” Working with retired Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, Archer and his students took on the task of revitalizing the long neglected County Alms House Cemetery in Albion. After cleaning up the cemetery and resetting toppled and buried stones, students researched the names of nearly 160 residents buried there.

Provided photo

This photo from May 2015 shows Albion seventh grade service learning students helping to clear brush at the old CCC/POW Camp at Hamlin Beach State Park. WWII prisoners of war were housed here in the 1940s. Pictured, from left, are Kolin Vangorder, Conner Hollenbeck, camp expert Ed Evans, Patrick Ricker, teacher Tim Archer, Cody Wilson, and Brooklynn Reed. It’s one of many service learning projects led by Archer that highlight local history.

More recently, Archer and his students sought to honor the only known resident of Orleans County to be killed at the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Buried in Hillside Cemetery in Holley, Charles Herbert Taylor fought for the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry. Believing that Taylor’s resting place should be highlighted, Archer applied to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for a grant to erect a historic marker.

Margaret Wiley – During a violent storm in 1916, the Oak Orchard Lighthouse was destroyed. But thanks to the dedication and perseverance of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Committee, led by Peg Wiley, the historic structure has been rebuilt and once again stands as a beacon over the Ontario shore.

This photo of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse was taken in May 2015. Construction of the lighthouse was completed in 2010. It is a replica of one from 1876. That lighthouse toppled over in a windstorm in 1916.

The Oak Orchard Lighthouse is one of the landmarks at Point Breeze. Completed in 2010 – almost a hundred years after its demise – the Lighthouse features a museum and a recently added Children’s Peace Garden. As the impetus behind this amazing effort, Peg helped to raise over $300,000 to make her dream a reality.

Since its opening, the Oak Orchard Lighthouse museum has become one of the jewels in the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, welcoming visitors by tens of thousands from all over the world and all fifty states.

Al Capurso – Presently the Town of Gaines historian, Al is being honored for his many contributions prior to the appointment. One such effort was the naming of a small creek after pioneer Elizabeth Gilbert.

In early 2013, Al and his son Kenny noticed a creek along Brown Road in Gaines. They followed its path across Ridge Road to Carlton. It flows 6.5 miles northeast and connects with Marsh Creek about 2.4 miles south of Lake Ontario. After research showed that the stream was unnamed, Al lobbied to name it after a plucky early pioneer who was the first to settle on Ridge Road in Orleans County in 1807. After approval from the Federal Bureau of Geographic Names, Al hosted a dedication ceremony and even made the sign marking Gilbert Creek.

Al Capurso is pictured with a new historical marker that was unveiled Oct. 17 by a former one-room schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, just north of the Erie Canal. The schoolhouse was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest cobblestone buildings in the area.

More recently, Al has led a determined effort to save the cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road. The schoolhouse for District No. 2 was built in 1832 and served as a school until 1944.

It fell into disrepair and had long faded from public memory until Al took a hand in the matter and gathered a sympathetic crew who have cleaned, painted and repaired the centuries old structure. To ensure that the building is not forgotten again, Al worked to erect a historic marker on the site.

In addition to the three Heritage Heroes to be honored on April 29th, two special awards will be bestowed:

The Robert E. Waters Award for Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to retired Town of Gaines historian Delia Robinson. An authority on cobblestone construction, Robinson is the author of Cobblestone Buildings of Orleans County and served as the resource librarian at the Cobblestone Society and Museum.

She is also author of Historical Amnesia, highlighting the contributions of many women in shaping Orleans County and was instrumental in having many historical markers put up in Orleans County that note contributions from women. She continues to give monthly historical lectures at Hoag Library called “Tea with Dee.”

Over the years, Dee has generously given of her time to speak to local groups, advocate for historic projects, and provide research support for others seeking to know more about their family tree.

The award in named for late Robert Waters, long-time publisher of the The Journal-Register in Medina. He was a champion of many local projects, including the saving of the Medina Armory. He was influential in the Medina Sandstone Society and was a Heritage Hero in 2014.

The C.W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History will be awarded to Melissa Ierlan, Town of Clarendon Historian and President of the Clarendon Historical Society.

Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon town historian and president of the Historical Society, unveils a historical marker on Sept. 21, 2014 for Hillside Cemetery, which in 2013 was named to National Register of Historic Places.

A historian not afraid to get her hands dirty, Melissa has put in many hours and lots of elbow grease to restore faded historical markers from throughout the area. Dismounting the signs, she has stripped them and meticulously repainted the signs the iconic blue and gold before replacing them.

Ierlan has also been instrumental in the effort to restore the beautiful red sandstone, gothic revival chapel at Hillside Cemetery in Holley. Designed by Rochester architect Addison Forbes, the Medina sandstone chapel was built in 1894. Due in part to her efforts, a grant of $126,210 was recently secured from New York State for the restoration fund.

Those selected as Heritage Heroes could be of any age but had to be living residents of Orleans County. No Posthumous nominations were accepted. History professionals and GCC employees were also not eligible for the award, nor were those serving on the award selection committees. The selection committees were made up of staff and students of Genesee Community College, community members and history professionals.

The award ceremony on April 29th at GCC in Albion is open to the public, but seating is limited. A reception will follow the ceremony featuring light refreshments. For more information on the awards or the ceremony, contact Jim Simon at jsimon@genesee.edu or Prof. Derek Maxfield at ddmaxfield@genesee.edu or by calling the Albion Campus Center at 585-589-4936.

Dr. Madejski elected VP of State Medical Society

Posted 18 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Dr. Thomas Madejski

Press Release, Medical Society of the State of New York

WESTBURY Thomas J. Madejski, MD, a board-certified internist in Medina, took office on Sunday as vice president of the Medical Society of the State of New York at its 210th annual House of Delegates meeting in Tarrytown.

Dr. Madejski received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy, State University of New York at Buffalo and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the School of Medicine, SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse.

He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, and was Chief Resident in the Department of Medicine from 1989-1990. In 1990, he was named a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He holds additional certifications in the areas of geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine.

Active in organized medicine, Dr. Madejski has been a delegate representing New York at the American Medical Association’s annual meeting for the past 11 years. In 2015, he was elected to the AMA’s Council of Medical Service. Additionally, Dr. Madejski is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and past president and member of the Orleans County Medical Society.

Prior to his election as vice president, Dr. Madejski was the Medical Society of the State of New York’s treasurer. He also has served MSSNY as Commissioner, Division of Socio-Medical Economics and as Vice-Chair, Legislative & Physician Advocacy Committee.

Dr. Madejski is an attending physician at Medina Memorial Hospital and serves on the hospital’s Medical Quality Assurance Committee. He is also a clinical instructor in medicine & pharmacy at University of Buffalo.

With a specialized focus in geriatric medicine, Dr. Madejski is the medical director of Orleans County Nursing Home, Absolut Care of Gasport Nursing Facility and the Hospice of Orleans County.

Dr. Madejski resides in Albion and practices at General Physicians Medical Practice in Medina.

Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.

Kendall Lions celebrate 10th anniversary of Leo Club at school

Posted 10 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos courtesy of Kendall Lions Club – Kendall Lions Club President Tom Minigiello, Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow and Lion Terry Bliss are pictured after Morrow was presented with a Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award.

Press Release, Kendall Lions Club

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club welcomed over 90 Lions, Leos and their families on Saturday in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Leo Club at Kendall Central School.

The Lions hosted the dinner at the Kendall Fire Hall. During the program, Lion Terry Bliss shared with those attending the history of Leo Clubs in the Lion organization as well as how the Leo Club was formed in Kendall 10 years ago.

Lion Mike Cusimano shared the impact the service of the Kendall Lions Club and the Leo Club has had on our community. He encouraged the Leos to continue this commitment to service as they go forward in life. He also encouraged the families to consider joining the Lions in their service to our community.

Leo Advisor Mrs. Marlene Morrow, back left, and KCS High School Principal Mrs. Carol D’Agostino are at the head table in the celebration of the Leo Club at Kendall.

Lion Julie Christensen, the school district superintendent, spoke on behalf of the school district. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino shared the impact on the high school and shared with the families the commitment, support and guidance demonstrated by Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow. The Leo Club presented a slide show showing the many ways they have served their school and community over the past 10 years.

The evening ended with a presentation by the District Governor Tim Crawford to the club. Lion Terry Bliss awarded a Robet J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow. This award is awarded by clubs to individuals who embody the ideals, ethics and objects of International Lionism. It is the highest award available in Lions Multiple District 20 of which the Kendall Lions are a part. Ms. Morrow demonstrates these qualities as she guides and supports the Leos and students at Kendall Central School.

Leo Officers – Nancy Wright, Julia Smith, Rose Pajek and Destiny LaPlant – are pictured with Lion President Tom Minigiello and Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow. Following their presentation the Lions presented the Leos with a monetary gift to help them continue their work.

Albion High School inducts 34 into Honor Society

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

ALBION – The Albion High School National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on March 31 and inducted 34 new members.

The Albion High School Chapter welcomed the following students to the National Honor Society pictured above; Marella Albanese, Rose Arnold, Emilie Barleben, Lauren Becht, Kastriot Bela, Emily Blanchard, Shannon Broda, Sierra Chudy, Jillian Doyle, Nicole Eldred, Owen Foos, Elizabeth Furmanski, Celeste Hoffman, Jared Hollinger, Megan Leight, Mackenzie Luft, Joseph Madejski, Bailey Maier, Katherine Mann, Isabella Prest, Jacqueline Quintana Aragon, Vivian Rivers, Karina Rosario, Katherine Rustay, Yasmeen Shabazz, Samuel Slick, Skyler Smith, Clara Stilwell, Angela Tarricone, Catherine Thom, Laurence’ Walker, Chloe Weis, Savanah Wirth and Stephen Zayac.

The National Honor Society recognizes outstanding high school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921. (Click here for more information.)

Photo by Tom Rivers – Rich Gannon, a high school social studies teacher, receives the “Excellence in Teaching Award” from Kyle Thaine, a member of the National Honor Society in Albion.

The National Honor Society provides students with opportunities to excel in community service through a variety of projects. The Albion Chapter is active in many community service projects helping collect and distribute necessary supplies to needy families of Genesee and Orleans counties.

National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization that has been active in Albion for many years. Students with a 90% or above average after the first 20 weeks of their junior or senior year are invited to support their candidacy for membership. This consists of filling out several forms, writing an essay, and obtaining four letters of recommendation. Membership is granted only to those selected by the Albion NHS Faculty Council using the information provided by the candidate in the areas of leadership, service, and character as well as input gathered from Albion High School faculty, staff, and administration.

National Honor Society members also looked at the four pillars of NHS and chose staff members who exemplified these areas. Staff members chosen who model these pillars were Mrs. Michele Powley (service award recipient), Ms. Susan Sampson (scholarship award recipient), Mr. Brad Nickerson (character award recipient) and Mrs. Dawn Arnold (leadership award recipient).

The Society also annually awards an Excellence in Teaching Award to a faculty member. This year the Albion NHS Excellence in Teaching Award winner was an Albion High School Social Studies teacher Mr. Rich Gannon.

Also recognized at the induction ceremony were current National Honor Society members. Pictured above are; Miranda Allen, Dylan Bader, Desiree Barber, Daniel Beam, Bethany Bowman, Scott Daniels, Wynter Dumont, Cheyenna Eagle, Randal Eblacker, Matthew Flanagan, Madeline Gibbs, Sarah Graham, Mckayla Hastings, Meghan Hurley, Caitlin Malanowski, Alyce Miller, Evan Pappalardo, Meredith Patterson, Katelyn Perry, Katlin Pieniaszek, Zachary Shaffer, Kelsee Soule, Melissa Symonds, Kyle Thaine, Nathaniel Trembley, Raven White and Mikayla Yaskulski.

Holley graduate awarded SUNY’s top honor at North Country Community College

Staff Reports Posted 9 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Holley graduate Nicole Blackburn is pictured with Dr. Steve Tyrell, president of North Country Community College, and Wyatt Willis. Blackburn and Willis were both recognized on April 5 in Albany with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

A Holley graduate, now a student at North Country Community College, has received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York.

Nicole Blackburn, the daughter Nadine and Brian Blackburn of Holley, is majoring in Health Science. She serves as a student ambassador who welcomes prospective students and families to the college community.

Additionally, she is the captain of North Country Community College’s women’s basketball team.

As a result of her academic success, Nicole is also the recipient of the Scholar of Promise Award and the Trudeau Institute Biology Ward.

Only two North Country Community College received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Wyatt Willis is the other recipient. He is a resident of Brainardsville and a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard involved with homeland security following 9/11.

“Both Nicole and Wyatt are great examples of students who make the most of their college experience,” said Dr. Steve Tyrell, president of North Country Community College. “As you can see, they are student leaders who clearly understand the importance of community and civic responsibilities at the College and in the community. I stand with everyone in the college community in applauding both of them for their success and recognition of this prestigious award.”

Both Nicole and Wyatt were honored by Dr. Nancy Zimpher, Chancellor of the State University of New York, in a formal ceremony held on April 5 in Albany.

Medina inducts 34 into National Honor Society

Staff Reports Posted 8 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Thirty-four students were inducted into the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society on Wednesday at Medina High School.

Current members, under the direction of advisor Bronwyn Green, placed cords around the necks of the new members in a ceremony that honored a nearly century-old tradition.

This year’s inductees are: Coby Albone, Xion Baes, Brittany Bearss, Kathryn Bilicki, Nicholas Bogan, Teanna Cardone, Aeddon Cayea, Mallory Colton, Jadiel Flores-Medina, Taylor Frasier, Grace Fuller, Martha Gardner, Sarah Granchelli, Emily Green, Abigail Griffin, Molley Gross, Brandon Harris, Erin Hofmeister, Madison Holland, Taylor Hurrell, Kyla Leno, Chase McAdoo, Abbyleigh Osborne-Jones, Morgan Roach, Federico Rosario, Victoria Schicker, Carley Schultz, Kristian Snyder, Mikayla Soha, Emmanuel Sones, Paige Wagner, Nicole Waild, Madeline Winters and Kathryn Young.

Principal Michael Cavanagh welcomed honored guests and Medina Mayor Andrew Meier gave the keynote address.

In the 1920’s an exclusive scholarship club was held at Medina High School that invited students to join them based on their grade point average and formal recommendations. When Medina Central School District decided to charter its own chapter of the National Honor Society in 1964, the administration decided to honor the spirit of the existing club.

Grace Fuller is corded by Colm Cooper.

Emmanuel Sones receives the NHS cords from Allison Bensley.

Madeline Winters is corded by Courtney Bailey.

Albion makes it 9 straight years as Best Community for Music Education

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2016 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – The Albion Marching Band performs at last June’s Albion Strawberry Festival.

ALBION – The Albion music program has again made a national list of schools with music programs cited for excellence by the North American Music Merchants.

NAMM has named Albion and 475 other school districts in the country as a “Best Communities for Music Education.” Albion has made the list the past nine years.

The NAMM organization gives out the award to recognize districts that make music a priority, especially in an era of tight school budgets and packed student schedules.

Nathaniel Trembley played Ugly, a misfit rejected by his siblings for his unusual appearance in Albion High School’s production of “Honk!” during last year’s high school spring musical. Albion will perform Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat April 8-9.

Albion runs an active music program in the elementary, middle and high schools. The high school puts on a full-scale musical and students also perform in several different instrumental and choral groups. In all, high school musicians perform numerous times during the school year.

Just last week, 468 kids in grades 3 through 12 sang in a district chorus concert.

The middle school puts on a full-scale musical, and its students perform with the marching and jazz bands. Elementary music teachers lead students in performances throughout the year.

The NAMM Foundation wants to single out districts for outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of the core curriculum.

The schools recognized by name represent 3.5 percent of the nation’s 13,515 school districts.

To see the list of school districts recognized by NAMM, click here.

Holley school officials, citing safety concerns, don’t want school to be polling site

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 March 2016 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – The April 19th New York Presidential Primary is causing some concern for Holley Central School Superintendent Robert D’Angelo.

That’s because the Holley Middle School/High School is the designated polling place for voters in the Town of Murray and D’Angelo asked members of the Holley Central School Board of Education on Monday evening to consider discussing the possibility of the eventual re-location of the polling place with Orleans County Board of Elections officials.

D’Angelo told board members he is a former U.S. history teacher who appreciates the importance of elections and making school buildings available to the community. “But my concern is the safety of the students,” he said.

D’Angelo has added a security officer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the building on April 19, but he worries, particularly as this year’s presidential campaign heats up on the national level, that the district, “cannot control who comes in those buildings.”

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Holley Fourth Grade teacher Lynn Vendetti, left, was presented with a Soaring to New Heights Award by Holley Elementary Principal Karri Schiavone during Monday evening’s School Board of Education meeting.

He said he has already scheduled a Superintendent’s Conference/Staff Development Day for the date of the November election, so that students will not be on campus that day.

“I think this election could bring out an enormous amount of people,” D’Angelo said of the upcoming presidential election in the fall. “We want to make sure people in our buildings are safe. We will do the best we can on April 19th, when they hold the primary.”

He noted Holley is the only public school building in Orleans County that is used as a polling place, and added after the board meeting, it may be one of very few, if any, in the region.

School Board President Brenda Swanger and other members of the board noted the meeting room/court room at the Murray Town Hall has benches that are locked in place and cannot be moved to accommodate voting. She said she has spoken with Sheriff Randy Bower and Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni and will meet with officials at the Board of Elections. Swanger said she will report back to the Board of Education in April.

D’Angelo and Swanger noted it is probably too late to change the polling place this year, but hope that the site can be moved in the future.

Also at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Holley fourth grade teacher Lynn Vendetti was presented with a Soaring to New Heights Award.

Vendetti was nominated by one of her students recently for a “Golden Apple Award” presented by Channel 8 News in Rochester.

Vendetti has worked closely to help the student who has been struggling with attendance issues to improve this year.

Schiavone said the award was “so well-deserved.”

“It’s not just me,” Vendetti said in accepting the award, “I work with a great team and the parents have been so supportive.”

Barre honors firefighters at annual banquet

Staff Reports Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

BARRE – The Barre Volunteer Fire Company held its annual banquet and awards program on Saturday at the East Shelby Fire Hall.

The Barre Fire Company presented many awards, including the EMS Person of the Year to Amanda Dixon, left. She is pictured with James Neal, second from left; Jerry Bentley and Patrick Lamka, the EMS captain.

Mark Farone was named Firefighter of the Year.

Chris Flansburg won the Chief’s Award. Both Farone and Flansburg are dedicated volunteers for the Barre Fire Company.

Terry Bentley, right, accepts the President’s Award from Karl Driesel.

Womens Auxiliary officers include from left: Mora Curtis, Betty Hazel, Stephanie Spencer and Stephanie Corke.

Officers for 2016 include from left: Susan Driesel, Fire Police Captain; Nic Elliot, 4th Lieutenant; Ben Flansburg, Captain; Bert Mathes, 1st Lieutenant; James Neal, Assistant Chief; Chris Flansburg, 2nd Lieutenant; Doug Bentley, Mechanic; Jerry Bentley, Chief; Brian Bentley, Assistant Mechanic; and Patrick Lamka, EMS Captain. (Not pictured: John Egloff is 3rd Lieutenant.)

The banquet on Saturday included a special presentation recognizing four generations of the Bentley family for their volunteer service to the fire company. Family members have given 158 years of service to the Barre Fire Company, including 93 years in a leadership position.

The Fire Company marks its 55th year this year. Gerald Bentley, who passed away in 1996, was a charter member. His son Douglas Bentley joined in April 1972 and was chief in 1987-88 and has been mechanic since 1995.

The third generation of Bentleys started when Tom Bentley and Jerry Bentley both joined in March 1989. Tom has been assistant mechanic, lieutenant, assistant chief and chief from 2005-2010. Jerry has been lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and chief from 1997 to 2004 and since 2015.

Terry Bentley joinedin August 1995 and has served as vice president, president, EMS captain and is currently secretary.

The fourth generation of Bentleys also has joined the Barre Volunteer Fire Company. Brian Bentley became a member in March 2012. He is the assistant mechanic for 2016. Kara Bentley joined in November 2015.

Kendall farmer honored for one of top corn yields in country

Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo/National Corn Growers Association – Matt Kludt (center) of Kendall placed third nationally in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated Category of the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. Trophies were presented at the annual Commodity Classic held in New Orleans in early March. From left, are Martin Barbre, Carmi, IL, chairman of the NCGA Corn Board; Kludt; and Wesley Spurlock, Stafford, TX, first vice president of the Corn Board.

Press Release, National Corn Growers Association

NEW ORLEANS – A local corn grower has been honored as one of 18 national winners in the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association.

Matt Kludt of Kendall placed third in the nation in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated
Class with a yield of 322.9722 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was DEKALB DKC52-84RIB.

The 2015 competition included 7,729 entries from 45 states. The contest consists of six classes. In the national competition, three placings are awarded within each class. The 18 national winners represented nine states.

The average yield among national winners was 386.4 bushels per acre – greater than the 2015 U.S. average of 169.3 bushels per acre. Six of the national winners recorded yields of 400 bushels or more per acre.

“This harvest, the world witnessed the incredible bounty U.S. corn farmers can provide to meet the growing need for food, fuel and fiber both in our nation and around the world,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a corn grower from Newburg, MD.

Agronomic data gleaned from the contest reveal the following:

Average planting population for the national winners was 40,861 seeds per acre, compared to 34,123 for all entrants.

National winners applied an average of 364.06 pounds of nitrogen, 116.39 pounds of
phosphorus and 231.78 pounds of potassium per acre.

Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.94 pounds for the national winners and 0.89 pounds for all entrants.

27.78 percent of the national winners applied trace minerals, compared to 38.74 percent of all entrants.

Use of manure as a fertilizer was consistent. 38.89 percent of national winners applied manure, compared to 16.06 percent of all entrants.

The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from 3 states. The highest overall yield was 218.9 bushels per acre, while the national yield average was in the mid-60 bushel-per-acre range.

The winners were recognized March 4 at the 2016 Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the U.S. corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and equipment industries, held this year in New Orleans, LA.

The National Corn Growers Association represents more than 41,000 members, 48 affiliated state corn grower and checkoff organizations, and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.

For more on the Corn Growers, click here.

Albion student creates logo for Coast Guard

Posted 7 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Dakota Purvee of Albion holds the banner with the logo he created in his graphic design class at BOCES.

Press Release, Orleans-Niagara BOCES

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was looking for some artwork to represent their 9th District Eastern Region.

The group asked Orleans Career and Technical Education Graphic Arts teacher Crystal Hall-Cirillo if she had anyone in class who would be willing to take on the project.

“I thought one of my seniors, Dakota Purvee, would be a great person to tackle it,” she said.

Dakota, who is from the Albion Central School, was excited to see what he could come up with.

“They wanted a logo to put on their banner that would represent Buffalo, Cleveland, Massena and Niagara Falls,” Dakota said.

He submitted designs to the 50-person board and waited for feedback.

“They chose one and asked me to add more color and make some other changes,” he said. “When it was done they said they loved it.”

When Dakota saw his finished product on the Coast Guard banner he said, “It’s awesome. It was a good experience for me because I saw what it was like to work with a real client and have to keep making changes to please them. I really enjoyed the process.”