LYNDONVILLE – After being a certified AVID site for four years, Lyndonville Central School District has achieved Highly Certified Status, the highest possible certification at the high school and middle school level.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges.
At the high school and middle level, AVID students are enrolled in the school’s toughest classes, such as Advanced Placement, and receive support in an academic elective class, called AVID, taught within the school day by a trained AVID teacher.
What differentiates AVID from other educational reform programs is its astounding success rate. Of the 2013 AVID graduates, 86 percent planned to attend college; 76 percent to a four-year college. At LCSD, 100 percent of the AVID graduates have applied to a four-year college.
Director of Special Programs and Staff Development and CSE/CPSE Chairperson Anne Marie Holland said the school district is working to implement AVID into the culture of Lyndonville schools.
“This is a wonderful achievement. Thank you too all the members of our AVID site team for their hard work and dedication,” said Holland. “And thank you to Superintendent Jason Smith and the Board for their ongoing support of the system.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2015 at 12:00 am
Provided photo – Terry Bliss has been active in the Kendall Lions Club for the past 25 years and also served as district governor in 2007-08.
KENDALL – Last week Kodak announced four $2,500 awards would go to causes led by employees world-wide. Kodak approved funds for humanitarian work in Shanghai, Brazil, Israel and Kendall.
Terry Bliss has worked for Kodak for 31 years, currently as a systems analyst in production support. He also has been a member of the Kendall Lions Club for 25 years.
He served as district governor in 2007-08, leading about 1,360 Lions Club members from Lyndonville to Walworth, and from Lake Ontario to Bolivar.
Kodak announced its second annual “Kodak Cares: Leaders in the Community Program” awards last week. The company approved $2,500 for the Kendall Lions, the only organization in the United States to receive funding.
Kodak notes that Bliss has served in leadership roles for the Lions Club, and has supported “countless community activities.”
Kodak cited one example of him loading his truck with 10,000 pairs of glasses and sending them to recycling center to be cleaned, sorted and distributed to people in developing countries.
Bliss said the Lions Clubs in six counties near Rochester collect about 85,000 pairs of glasses each year. Those glasses are taken to Ridgeway, Pa., where they are sorted by prescription and then sent to third-world countries.
Bliss remains an active leader in the Lions Club, at the local level and in the district. He is influential in training and mentoring new leaders for the Lions.
He is pleased the Kendall Lions have a successful Leo Club in the Kendall High School. The Leos will celebrate their 10th anniversary next year, and Bliss said some of the $2,500 from Kodak could be used to support the Leos.
“We want to recognize them for all the work they’ve done in the past 10 years,” Bliss said.
The Kendall Lions Club just learned about the $2,500 from Kodak last Thursday. Bliss said the club leaders are discussing how to best use the funds.
“The $2,500 is great for any organization,” he said. “It’s pretty amazing because there were four recipients and we were the only one in the U.S.”
The Kendall Lions have 64 members and expect to add two more next month. It’s the second largest club in the entire district.
NORFOLK, Va. – Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class John D. Stageman, an Albion native, was recently selected as the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Junior Sailor of the Year for 2015.
“I’m honored to be selected and that the board recognized all the effort and hard work I put in this year,” said Stageman, who has been in the Navy for nine years and currently works in the Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operation department for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to represent my command and community.”
Stageman is a 2006 graduate of Charles D’Amico High School. His mother, Darla Stageman, resides in Albion and his father, David Stageman, lives in Rochester.
The Junior Sailor of the Year award is part of a program established in the interest of recognizing superior performance of enlisted personnel with emphasis on outstanding achievements, exemplary personal conduct and military bearing, and demonstrated initiative in the performance of duty.
In addition to recognizing outstanding performance, this program motivates personnel to strive for improvement in their assigned duties, military behavior, appearance, and leadership.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 2 December 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Sharon Smith (left), principal of the Kendall Elementary School, receives a “Friend of 4-H” award from Jennifer Wagester, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County during the organization’s annual meeting on Tuesday evening. Smith was recognized for the school’s support in hosting 4-H clubs.
KNOWLESVILLE – Local officials, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, 4-H Leaders, volunteers and friends gathered Tuesday evening for the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension annual meeting at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Jennifer Wagester, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, reported on 2015 highlights, which included an increase in programming for nutrition with participation in the federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the addition of a nutrition educator to the staff. The Master Food Preserver program was also revived and a three-day training held during the fall.
Wagester reported the most significant increase in program enrollment was in 4-H with the addition of 84 new members, a record growth of 24 percent. She noted the 4-H program is on its way to meeting the 2016 enrollment goal of 500 youth.
The highest facility update was in the Trolley Building kitchen made possible by grant funds, the Fern Blackburn Memorial, Fair Committee, the Leaders’ Association and a concession stand hosted by staff. A fire suppression hood was installed and the range refurbished. Additionally, a three-bay sink was installed along with a commercial refrigerator.
“These positive changes occurred because our volunteers, staff, community members, and county legislators worked together to make a difference in the lives of Orleans County residents,” Wagester said.
Long-time Lake Ontario Fruit Program Team Leader Debbie Breth receives recognition in honor of her upcoming retirement from special guest, Dr. Chris Watkins, Cornell Cooperative Extension director.
Neil Johnson, right,receives the Legacy Award from Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors President Ed Neal while Board Vice President Erin Anheier looks on.
Anheier said the Legacy Award is special as it is not given annually. She noted Johnson has served Extension and 4-H over the last 40 years in “as many capacities as possible.” She said the History of the Orleans County 4-H Fair, written by Johnson, was his most lasting and profound contribution over those years. The history provides, “Valuable insight into the past…. which would have been lost,” without Johnson’s efforts, Anheier said.
“I love 4-H,” Johnson said in accepting the award. “I couldn’t think of a better organization to give my time to.”
Stephen Kruger (left), architect, and his dad, Warren Kruger, Kendall Highway Superintendent, were honored along with Oak Orchard Concrete with Friend of Extension Awards.
All three worked with the Extension in 2015 donating time, expertise and materials to help make much needed structural repairs to the Curtis Pavilion on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Board of Directors member Vincent Flow of Holley made the presentation and noted the Pavilion, which was constructed decades ago, was beginning to tilt to the northeast.
Nineteen posts supporting the Pavilion were reinforced, and Flow said Oak Orchard Concrete was always very prompt with deliveries, even though they were needed sporadically throughout the project.
Through the efforts of the Krugers and Oak Orchard Concrete, Extension was able “to minimize the cost without sacrificing the quality of the job,” Flow said.
Other special awards went to Shelly Daggs, Outstanding 4-H Leader; and Sara’s Garden Center (Kathy Kepler), Friend of the Master Gardeners.
ALBION – Two photographs by Bruce Landis have won first place awards in an international competition by the Professional Photographers of America. Landis is owner of Photos by Bruce on Ridge Road.
The top photo shows Aaron Burnside, a 2015 Albion graduate, posed at a dairy farm owned by the Neal family on County House Road. That senior picture won a first place award. Judges commented about the excellent knowledge for using existing light and control of the mix of ambient and supplemental lighting.
Burnside, a four-year member and past vice president of the Albion FFA, was photographed in the one of the barns wearing his FFA jacket with several cattle in the background.
In addition, a photo of a pet dog titled “Blue Eyed Mikko” also was awarded the International First Place Award. Mikko was photographed as part of an outdoor winter photo session as the snow was actually falling and also used a mix of lighting methods.
The Siberian Husky is owned by Nick Causyn. “Blue Eyed Mikko” was taken outdoors at Bruce’s studio on Ridge Road.
Both images will be on public display January 2016 in Atlanta, Ga. at the Professional Photographers of America annual convention.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Ruthie Miller, Mikayla Auch, Holley Middle School/High School Principal Susan Cory, and Makenzie Ferranti are shown during a recent Board of Education meeting.
HOLLEY – Three students have been recognized by the Holley Central School Board of Education with this month’s Soaring to New Heights Award.
Eighth-graders Mikayla Auch and Ruthie Miller and 11th-grader Makenzie Ferranti received their certificates at the Nov. 16 meeting of the Board.
Mikayla runs with Ruthie, who is visually impaired, for practice, facilitating Ruthie’s participation on the school’s cross country team. Makenzie runs with Ruthie during competitions allowing Mikayla to compete.
“Ruthie doesn’t let anything slow her down,” Holley Middle School/High School Principal Susan Cory said.
The awards recognize the students for going above and beyond expectations and for lending their skills and abilities to help others. Ruthie was recognized especially for her “great spirit,” Cory said.
Board member Melissa Ierlan said she frequently sees the girls out running as part of their training. “Way to go Ruthie,” Ierlan said.
Mike Crissman and Susan Cory during the award presentation on Nov. 16.
Social Studies teacher Mike Crissman also received a Soaring to New Heights Award
for his dedication to his students and his exceptional efforts in preparing them for college and life beyond high school.
“Mr. Crissman works really hard with his students and let’s them know he believes they can do anything they set their mind to,” Cory said in presenting the award.
Board President Brenda Swanger said Mr. Crissman started his career at Holley when Swanger’s daughter was in school. “We are so proud you are here at Holley,” she said.
“You make them work hard,” Board member John Heise said of Crissman’s students, “but they also notice that you work hard.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Kirk Narburgh worked on new Hoag Library, several projects at Albion Central School
Photo by Tom Rivers – Kirk Narburgh speaks during an informational meeting last May about a $14.3 million capitol project for Albion Central School. Voters approved the project that will address numerous maintenance issues and infrastructure upgrades.
SYRACUSE An Albion native, Kirk Narburgh, is the new chief executive officer and managing partner of King + King Architects LLP. The Syracuse firm touts itself as the country’s oldest architectural firm going back five generations.
Narburgh has worked there for 27 years. He succeeds Peter King as CEO.
“Our transition planning began several years ago,” Peter King said in a news release. “Together, with the other partners, senior-leadership team and staff we are ready to lead the firm forward and continue our legacy for which King + King Architect’s has been known for over 147 years.”
Narbugh, a partner with the firm since 2001, will lead 48 full-time employees.
King + King has worked on projects in Albion, including the new Hoag Library and several building expansions and renovations at Albion Central School.
Narburgh, a registered architect and a landscape architect, has 33 years of experience in total.
“It is an honor to be a part of the King + King family, and I look forward to working with the current and next generation of partners and firm leaders,” Narburgh said.
Narburgh is also an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture, where he has taught for the past 25 years. His mother, Sharon Narburgh, owns Narby’s Superette and Tackle in Carlton.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 November 2015 at 12:00 am
(Includes reporting from Syracuse University)
After war, Forrest Vosler attended classes at Syracuse
Provided photos, Syracuse University – Technical Sergeant Forrest Lee Vosler was born on July 29, 1923, in Lyndonville. He was presented the Medal of Honor on Aug. 31, 1944 in a ceremony in the Oval Office with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
SYRACUSE – A Lyndonville native who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor in World War II has another accomplishment: a college degree.
Forrest Vosler was posthumously awarded the degree during a ceremony at Syracuse University on Friday. Vosler attended classes at Syracuse following the war.
Vosler, a technical sergeant and U.S. Army Air Force radio operator, sustained serious injuries to his eyes, legs, and arms when the plane he was in was shot down and crashed in the North Sea.
Vosler was unable to complete his baccalaureate degree due to his combat injuries. He persisted for 17 years, dropping in and out of school, trying to earn the degree he dearly wanted, said Ray Toenniessen, an Albion native who is managing director of Development and External Relations for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.
“Despite being named the Army Air Force’s ‘Greatest Hero’ of World War II, Vosler’s combat injuries to his eyes made it difficult for him to study,” Toenniessen said. “He had trouble reading because he could only see shapes and shades, and required additional surgeries.”
Vosler died on Feb. 17, 1992 with his dream of a college degree not fulfilled. On Friday he joined Syracuse University’s Class of 2015.
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud presents a diploma to Steve Vosler, son of Forrest Vosler, during a special Degree Conferral Ceremony on Friday. Dr. Karin Ruhlandt (left), dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Mike Haynie, Vice Chancellor for Veteran and Military Affairs also were part of the ceremony.
A committee through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families reviewed Vosler’s transcript and military service. The committee recommended the university award him an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. On Friday, Chancellor Kent Syverud presented the degree to Vosler’s son, Steve Vosler.
Forrest Vosler also was recognized as this week’s “Hometown Hero” for Syracuse University and Steve and his wife Karen were recognized on the field at the football game.
Vosler was born on July 29, 1923, in Lyndonville. After graduating from Livonia High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Force where he became a radio operator. Vosler was assigned to the 358th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, in England. He was a crewmember of a B-17 Flying Fortress called the “Jersey Bounce, Jr.”
Provided photo – This World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. includes the name of Lyndonville native, Forrest L. Vosler, a technical sergeant who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt awarded the Medal of Honor to Vosler in the Oval Office on August 31, 1944, for his actions over Bremen, Germany.
Vosler was hit twice by 20 mm shrapnel after taking the place of one of the plane’s gunners. Despite many injuries to his legs, arms and eyes, he managed to tend to the wounded tail gunner, repair the damaged radio equipment, and send a distress signal before the aircraft crashed into the North Sea, Syracuse University said.
Vosler was discharged from the Army Air Force following numerous surgeries and extended stays in nine hospitals. He matriculated at Syracuse University in the spring of 1945. While at Syracuse, he met and married his wife, Virginia Slacka Kappa Delta and a Liberal Arts graduate of the Class of 1945. They raised four children in Central New York: two sonsStephen and Jeffrey, and two daughters Sondra Fields-England and Susan Snow Bass.
Steve and Karen Vosler, center, were recognized during Saturday’s football game in Syracuse.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Barbara Waters addresses Medina High School students on Friday when she was inducted into the school’s “Wall of Distinguished Alumni.” Waters has been active in the community, owning several businesses and serving on the board for Medina Memorial Hospital. She shared about hard work, and meeting her goal of getting a college degree – at age 60.
MEDINA – High schoolers looking for inspiration for the future don’t have to look far for examples of Medina students who have been successes, pouring their lives into the local community or leaving their mark elsewhere in the country and the world.
The school has a “Wall of Distinguished Alumni” and five more graduates were inducted into that select group on Friday.
Michael Cavanagh, high school principal, said the school wants to honor alumni, promote school spirit and pride, and provide an incentive for current students.
“The people we honor today are proof that we are all capable of greatness and making a difference in society,” he told about 600 students in grades 8 through 12 during an afternoon program in the auditorium.
The school inducted Barbara Waters, Class of 1948; Lee Eick, Class of 1969; Dr. Hugh McElwee, Class of 1960; Wilford Gratrick, Class of 1930; and Edwin Caleb, Class of 1965.
Barbara Waters was first to be inducted. She graduated during an era with fewer opportunities for women. However, she would own five family businesses and became an influential leader in healthcare for the community. She built and opened the 120-bed Orchard Manor in 1972, the 24-bed Willows, the Lakewood Village Mobile Home Park, and bought and remodeled many homes.
She credited her father, Frank Balcerzak, for instilling a work ethic in his children. Barbara shared with students about how she and her twin sister, Marcia Tuohey, would work on a muck farm as teen-agers.
“It wasn’t glamorous work for two young girls but it was enough to buy clothes,” Waters said. “The lesson that hard work never hurt anybody we learned at an early age.”
She was active on the board of directors for Medina Memorial Hospital for 22 years, and was able to recruit many long-time physicians to the community.
Waters and her late husband Robert were long-time community dynamos, pushing projects in the Medina area. Mr. Waters wrote the nomination for his wife to be considered for the Wall of Distinguished Alumni before his death on July 29. Mr. Waters was inducted into the group in 2003.
His wife shared with students about her dream of going to college and earning a degree. When she graduated from high school in 1948, not many women were in college, and there wasn’t much financial aid for students.
After achieving business success, Mrs. Waters went to college at Niagara University. When she was 60, she graduated after being in classes with students ages 19 and 20.
“Everyone has a dream,” she said. “I wanted to receive a degree.”
Waters told students there are job opportunities locally. She told the girls “the glass ceiling has been cracked” and they should aim high. She told the students to cope with changes throughout life.
Bill Eick, an Orleans County legislator, accepts the award on his brother’s behalf.
“There are so many opportunities now,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to really work hard.”
Waters was the only one of the five inductees to attend the program on Friday. Two inductees are deceased and two others live across the country.
Lee Eick enjoyed a career as a successful structural engineer after earning a degree from Purdue University in 1974. He worked on projects around the world, building bridges, dams, water turbines and renovating historic properties for Ch2m Hill Companies, Ltd. He lives in Oregon and has been an influential mentor for engineers and an active church member in his community.
Lee’s brother, Bill Eick of Shelby, accepted the award on his behalf. Bill read a statement from his brother, who credited family values and a work ethic from the family’s dairy farm for helping him attain success and strive to serve others.
Dr. Hugh McElwee is a gastroenterologist in Fort Collins, Colo. He has been in practice for 43 years and has several breakthroughs in his field.
Cavanagh read a statement from McElwee who said he wasn’t the smartest student at Medina.
“I wasn’t the best at anything in high school,” McElwee said. “Patience and persistence are more important than intelligence or money.”
Edwin Caleb’s sister, Karen Larson, accepted the award on his behalf on Friday.
Edwin Caleb was born in 1947 and grew up in West Shelby. He earned a law degree in 1979 in Oregon and would serve 27 years as district attorney for Klamath County, Oregon, establishing Citizens for Safe Schools program, the Elder Abuse Task Force and the Domestic Violence Reduction Unit. He supervised the Klamath County Major Crime Team in the investigation and conviction of murderers and sex offenders.
He also was active in mentoring programs with local youth. Caleb was picked as “Citizen of the Year” in 2012 by his local newspaper for his professional and humanitarian work. He died on Jan. 29, 2015.
Wilford Gratrick earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Michigan State University and was in the ROTC program. He served as a company commander in the Army during World War II before returning to Medina in 1946.
He worked for the Medina Power and Light Company before joining the Army again in 1948. He would travel the world with the Army using his skills in nuclear technology. After he retired from the Army, he worked as a professor for four years at the University of California in Berkeley. He died in 1985 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
ALBION – The Albion Police Department is pleased to announce being awarded the 2015 Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award by the America Automobile Association.
The nationally recognized AAA Platinum Community Traffic Safety Award is the highest award AAA can bestow on any Police Department. It’s awarded to departments that have developed and maintained traffic safety initiatives in their communities and who have shown success in those initiatives.
The Albion Police Department has used programs such as Buckle Up New York, Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, Stop DWI and the Child Passenger Safety Seat Program to enforce vehicle and traffic laws as well as to educate and assist motorist.
Throughout 2015 the Albion Police Department conducted several targeted details that focused on specific areas of safety for both motorists and pedestrians. These details were done in non-traditional ways to increase their effectiveness.
Several more details are planned using techniques that have never been done in our area and will increase awareness and effectiveness with the end goal of making our community safer.
This is the fifth consecutive year that the Albion Police Department has received the Community Traffic Safety Platinum Award.
The Albion Police Department is dedicated to making our highways and streets safer for all who use them. Throughout the holiday season we will continue our efforts by adding more patrols and details and we urge motorist to make responsible decisions.
Photos courtesy of Eastern Niagara Post – Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni, left, and Sgt. David Mogle accept the Platinum Award from AAA Safety Advisor Terri Rae Anthony during an awards luncheon on Thursday at Donna Eick’s restaurant in Lockport.
LOCKPORT – Three police departments in Orleans County were recognized by AAA with traffic safety initiatives on Thursday.
Albion, Holley and Medina police departments were all honored during an awards luncheon in Lockport at Donna Eick’s restaurant.
Albion received the top award – the Platinum Community Traffic Safety Award. Medina was given a “Silver” and Holley a “Bronze” for their efforts.
The Platinum recognized departments for outstanding efforts and enforcement activities geared towards making communities safer over a consecutive three-year period, AAA said.
In addition to Albion, AAA recognized the Middleport Police Department, New York State Police in Lockport and Niagara County Sheriff’s Department.
Chad Kenward, a Medina police officer, accepts the “Silver Award” from Anthony for the Medina PD’s efforts to promote traffic safety.
The Lockport Police Department also was recognized with a Gold award, and Barker Police Department was given a Bronze.
“We are proud of all these departments for their achievement and participation in the Community Traffic Safety Program,” said JJ Miller, AAA East Central Safety Advisor. “They went above and beyond the call of duty by organizing projects to make their communities safer places for motorists and residents.”
To be eligible for the annual awards, a community must conduct traffic safety promotions and educate the public on safety topics.
Photo courtesy of Mattie Zarpentine – Michelle Restivo and her grandfather, Richard Heard of Rochester, return to the Rochester airport on Oct. 25 after being on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
(Editor’s Note: Richard Heard of Albion was on the Honor Flight last month, flying out of Rochester to Washington, D.C., so veterans and their families could see the memorials in the nation’s capital. Heard was joined by his granddaughter, Michelle Restivo of Albion. She has shared highlights from the trip with the Orleans Hub. This is the fourth and final installment. Heard enlisted during World War II and was a radar mechanic. In February of 1943, he was called to active service from reserve status. He was stationed in six states. Restivo works as a kindergarten teacher in Batavia.)
By Michelle Restivo
Our Honor Flight tour of Washington, D.C. was over. We’d visited all of the war memorials and much more.
Grandpa Dick had been thanked for his service by hundreds of people. The little snippets of his experience in the service during WWII that he shared with me are conversations that I will treasure forever.
Seeing and learning so much in such a short amount of time was more than I’d ever imagined. Back on the bus Saturday evening, we started our trek back to our hotel in Baltimore.
I was sure Grandpa would doze a little on the ride back; I’d guess he averages about 14 little naps on any given day at home. And up to this point in our journey, I hadn’t seen him close his eyes once! But to my surprise, it was ME who nodded off on the ride.
I would wake and glance over to check on him, and there he was – looking out the window, or around the bus, wide eyed as ever. I don’t think he wanted to miss a thing of this trip, and his adrenaline must have kept him going long after he felt tired.
Photos courtesy of Michelle Restivo – A big crowd gathered at the airport to greet the Veterans on the Honor Flight.
Since our delayed start earlier in the morning had put us far behind schedule, we didn’t have much time in our room before heading down to dinner. A quick freshen up, and we were off again.
Honor Flight Rochester kept our momentum going, we had heard about the delicious turkey dinner awaiting us in the ballroom. We made a quick stop to cash in our drink tickets at the bar. (The Veterans literally paid for nothing on this trip. And why would they – they have already paid so much in their time and sacrifice!)
Walking in, I could almost see these soldiers back in time. Dressed in uniform, gathering with their comrades at a local watering hole on a base or while deployed.
We found a table to join, and I enjoyed hearing the men swap stories of their time and place in the service. It’s really difficult for Grandpa to hear in situations like a dinner party, the background noise muffles all conversation. But, the men tried to include him in their conversations as much as possible.
During our trip, I quickly became adept at being Grandpa’s interpreter, as he called me. I made sure to sit on his “good side”. That way, I could lean in and relay what was being said to him so that he could reply. His voice is incredibly soft these days, so I would often have to repeat what he said to the others at the table. It was an interesting way to hold a conversation, that’s for sure.
After dinner, we retired to our room for the evening. It was pretty cool sharing a room with Grandpa. He is such an interesting guy and watching him putter around was very entertaining. He even shared some hilarious stories with me, about some of his shenanigans while he was in the service. Those are best kept out of print, we decided.
The next morning at breakfast, we heard stories of several Vets who closed down the bar the night before, what a great time they had! Our bus was second to leave the hotel for the airport, so we remained in the breakfast room chatting at a table with two other Vets and their guardians. They seemed to know each other, and since it was quiet with just us in the room, Grandpa was able to participate freely in the conversation.
They again traded stories of their time serving, and then of course the conversation turned to their life after service. Grandpa enjoyed talking with them about Albion; one of the men knew people there through his business. They talked a lot about the way town used to be, establishments that were there that I’d never heard of, people whose names I recognized but didn’t really know. It was fun little trip back in Albion’s history for me.
Our flight back to Rochester was uneventful, and right on time. Grandpa did catch some shut-eye this time; I think the previous day’s events were finally catching up to him. After landing, our trip leaders gave instructions for us to meet by the ramp heading toward security and we would enter the airport as a group. More than once, we heard the volunteers say, “The best is yet to come.”
How could anything top the experiences we’d just had? I knew that Honor Flight invited the public to welcome the group home, and that is special for sure. But I had no idea of what the organization really had planned.
Similar to our arrival into the Baltimore airport, there were people cheering for the Veterans as we exited the plane in Rochester. Waving flags and reaching out their hands. Still staying, “Thank you for your service, sir,” but this time adding, “Welcome home.”
We made our way through a line of distinguished individuals: a retired Army general, a Monroe County executive, a news anchor, an American Legion Post president, and the president of Rochester Honor Flight. Then, the president made an announcement to our group, and I finally realized just what was to come.
Lucille Bloom holds a picture of Richard Heard from when he visited the World War II Memorial in Washington on Oct. 24. She was among the greeters to see him when he returned.
“Ladies and gentleman, we can’t thank you enough for your service. We are so grateful for all that you sacrificed for our freedom. We know many of you returned home after your time in the service, to no fanfare, no thank yous, and that some of you, you returned home to protests of your service and opposition to you, the soldiers. Here is the homecoming you all deserved. Welcome home, and thank you for your service. Now, go enjoy your welcome home party.”
I could hear strains of a brass band playing and we all pushed forward into the airport. What was to come was a scene like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Hundreds of people lining the sides of our pathway, all cheering, “Welcome home! Thank you!”
Included in this first group that we saw was our family. My grandma was there in the front row, holding a picture of Grandpa Dick in front of the WWII memorial. We spotted many of Grandpa’s family members in the crowd, cheering for him and all of the Veterans, welcoming them home.
The smiles I saw Grandpa give during these few minutes were some of the biggest I’ve ever seen. We continued on our way, moving through the cheering crowd. Each time we rounded a corner, went down another hallway, even riding the elevator down to the next level, we saw more people.
There was a flag line by the Patriot Guard riders, girl and boy scout troops, Knights of Columbus presenting their swords, a brass band playing patriotic songs, previous Honor Flight participants, a second flag line by I don’t even know who, a color guard of ROTC cadets, and hundreds of people holding flags and signs.
At one point, we passed a group of school children and I could hear them saying things like, “Is that my guy? What does his nametag say? There’s mine!” I quickly deduced that these were some of the kids who had written letters to the Vets for their mail call the day before.
I leaned down to tell Grandpa this, and he stretched his hand out for me to push him closer to the side so he could see the kids better and shake their hands. Many of the kids held handmade signs, and all of them were cheering and smiling. It was surreal.
A belated welcome home celebration for those men and women most deserving of our gratitude, so amazing that my words cannot even describe it.
After what I can estimate to be 20 minutes, we arrived at our final destination, the international room of the Rochester Airport. We heard from several speakers, including Brian Mitchell as the keynote. He is a Korean War Veteran, and Legion Post President. In his speech, Mr. Mitchell talked a lot about the “Greatest Generation,” people who came of age during the Great Depression and lived during the WWII era. Again, I didn’t know much about this saying and decided to learn more upon returning home.
An excerpt from Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, says it best. “At a time in their lives when their days and nights should have been filled with innocent adventure, love, and the lessons of a workday world, they answered the call.”
Richard Heard is welcomed back by his nephew, Stephen Heard.
Through my reading and my personal experience spending 36 hours with members of this greatest generation, I am forever changed. What I had previously thought to be an uncommon attitude, my Grandpa often told us that he didn’t do anything special in serving during WWII.
However, what I’ve learned is that this is an incredibly common attitude of WWII Veterans. When speaking of their service, I heard many of the Vets I traveled with say things like, “I was doing my job. I was doing what was asked of me. I was doing what was expected of me. I was doing what I knew I needed to do.”
Whether they fought on the front lines or remained stateside like my grandpa, the theme was the same: it was no big deal. I never expected to hear that.
I am far from being part of the Greatest Generation. Instead, I am living within a generation of entitlement, of self service, of avoidance. Hearing such a contrast of attitude was shocking to me, and it made me appreciate all service men and women even more.
Grandpa told me that when he got out of the service, he spent a week in Florida with a family member. Then, he took the bus home to Rochester and arrived at the station to no fanfare at all. He returned to his civilian life after serving our country for almost 4 years during the war, much like I return home from a weekend away. The Honor Flight welcome home party, although belated, was an experience I am grateful to have been part of.
Jacob Williams, Richard Heard’s great-grandson, was part of the welcoming commttee on Oct. 25.
Grandpa doesn’t speak of his time in the service often, he doesn’t act like he did anything special, and he certainly doesn’t think he is a hero. This trip taught me that every American Veteran both living and passed, should be honored and celebrated, and their sacrifices never forgotten.
We can’t give every Veteran a ceremony every time we encounter one in our daily lives. But, I’ve now seen the impact it has to reach out your hand and simply say, “Thank you for your service,” to those men and women. They deserve our eternal thanks and gratitude, and we should be willing to tell them.
Please join me this Veteran’s Day: shake a Vet’s hand, attend one of the programs put on to honor our Vets, send a note to a VA Hospital, or spend time reading about the service of so many before our time and telling others what you learned and what it means to you.
Or perhaps most importantly, if you know a Vet, ask them to tell you a little about their service. Most don’t often offer it up freely, but as Mr. Mitchell said in his closing remarks at our Honor Flight welcome home celebration, ” With every passing day, we are losing a bit of history. Make it a priority to learn from our Veterans about their experiences. Every Vet has a story to tell, and while not all are dramatic, every one is important.”
Thank you Honor Flight Rochester for teaching me so much about American history and the people who helped shape this great country. Thank you to all the American Veterans out there. And most of all, thank you, Grandpa, for your service and for the privilege to join you on this most amazing experience. Happy Veteran’s Day.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – William Fox of Lyndonville was presented with medals today from his service in the Navy from 1959 to 1963. Fox was one of three local veterans to receive long overdue medals. David Hellert of Shelby and Ronald Jewell of Holley, both Vietnam War veterans, also received medals.
Fox was in the blockade of Cuba in 1962 and President John F. Kennedy came aboard his ship, an experience that Fox said was a highlight of his service in the Navy.
“It was awesome,” Fox said. “Not everyone had that opportunity.”
Fox served in the U.S. Navy from Aug. 13, 1959 to July 26, 1963. He was presented with the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Navy Expeditionary Medal.
“I wish my mother was alive,” Fox said. “She told me to go get my medals.”
After his military service, Fox worked 23 years for the former Abex Corporation in Medina and then 17 years for a steel mill in Lockport.
David Hellert is handed his medals from Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, who spoke during a Veterans Day program today outside the Veterans Service Agency on Route 31 in Albion.
Hellert was in the Army from Oct. 10, 1969 to May 5, 1972. Today he was presented with the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Attachment, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device, and Marksman Badge & Auto Rifle Bar.
Hellert worked as a plumber and steamfitter for the State Canal Corp. after his service in Vietnam. He remains active with the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Ronald Jewell of Holley, left, is presented with medals for his service in Vietnam, including an Army Commendation Medal for an act of valor when Jewell risked his life to put out a fire. Jewell left his bunker on March 8, 1967 to help put out an ammo dump, which caught fire from a mortar attack.
Jewell was in Vietnam for a year, leaving on Oct. 25, 1966 and returning a year later. He left for Fort Hood in 1966 when his son was 2 months old.
“I was kind of loose and crazy and it calmed me down,” Jewell said about his military service.
He would work 33 years at Rochester Products. He said his wife of 49 years, Dianne, has been a great influence in his life. The couple raised three sons.
The three veterans presented with medals today include, from left: William Fox of Lyndonville, Ronald Jewell of Holley, and David Hellert of Shelby.
Paul Fulcomer, the Veterans Service Agency director, helped the veterans secure their medals.
Fulcomer, pictured at right, is retiring at the end of the month after 13 years as the Veterans Service Agency director. He is pictured with his grandson, Mason Berry, during today’s Veterans Day program.
“It’s the best job I’ve ever had in my life and the most rewarding,” said Fulcomer, a Vietnam War veteran.
There will be a retirement celebration and open house for Fulcomer at the VFW Post in Medina from 2 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 22.
Tim Lindsay, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion, shared an opening prayer and also the benediction at today’s Veterans Day observance. Lindsay has three sons serving in the military.
He said the military draws out the best qualities of valor, duty and honor.
“Their service has made us a better people and nation,” Lindsay said about veterans.
Markeya Lucas-Drisdom of Albion, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, served in the Honor Guard during today’s observance.
County Legislator Lynne Johnson delivers remarks at the service today.
“Veterans are ordinary and yet extraordinary human beings – men and women who offered some of life’s most vital years in the service of their country, and who sacrificed their ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs,” Johnson said.
She urged the community to thank veterans for their service.
“Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in their eye,” she said. “Others may carry the evidence inside of them: a pin holding a bone together, or a piece of shrapnel in the leg.”
Members of the Honor Guard do a gun salute in today’s Veterans Day program.
Provided photo – Medina schools officials join students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Pictured from left include: Medina High School Principal Michael Cavanaugh, Damian Norrish, Alyssa Shortridge, Dylan Lewis, Medina Superintendent Jeffrey Evoy and High School Counselor Linda Knipe.
Press Release Medina Central School
MEDINA – Congratulations to Medina High School seniors Dylan Lewis, Damian Norrish and Alyssa Shortridge for their recent induction into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).
The students were honored at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center in front of their teachers, families and district representatives for maintaining 89.5 average in their career and technical education (CTE) programs and 84.5 average at the high school.
Dylan is in the Electricity/Electronics Program and plans on going on to Genesee Community College or to head straight into the electricity field. Damian takes the Cosmetology Program and would like to become a physician’s assistant. Alyssa is in the Computer Technology Program and plans on working in cybersecurity field.
The students were eligible for membership based on their ability to emulate the seven NTHS member attributes – skill, scholarship, honesty, responsibility, service, leadership and citizenship. NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Joe Sacco puts out Christmas album to benefit parish
File photos by Tom Rivers – Joe Sacco sings the National Anthem during opening day ceremonies for the Little League program in Albion in May 2014. Sacco has two grandsons, Nicholas and Christopher Sacco, who played for the Sandstone Park team.
ALBION – He has sung at hundreds of weddings and funerals, and performed in jazz bands since he was a kid. Joe Sacco has used his powerful tenor voice to sing the National Anthem before Little League and professional baseball games, and many community events.
The life-long Albion resident earned a vocal performance degree at the Eastman School of Music in 1956 after 12 years of taking lessons at the school.
“Music has been very good for me,” Sacco said at his home on Ingersoll Street this afternoon. “I’m very lucky and fortunate I can still do this.”
Sacco, a former Albion mayor, decided to make the recording at age 79. In August he sang seven Christmas and religious songs for his debut CD, “A Christmas Gift For You.”
“People have asked me, ‘Joe, when are you going to make a CD?'” he said. “I figure if I don’t do it, I’ll lose it.”
The CD goes on sale tomorrow (Nov. 7) at Dance Reflections and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Most of the proceeds from the CD will be given to the Holy Family Parish.
Joe Sacco is pictured on Dec. 25, 2013, singing Christmas carols from the choir loft at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He has made that a holiday traidtion for more than 20 years. Harriette Greaser is shown playing the organ.
Sacco’s granddaughter Heather Hapeman owns Dance Reflections and the CD will be available Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He also will sell it before Christmas in the lobby of St. Joseph’s on Saturdays after 5 p.m. Mass, and on Sundays after the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Masses.
Sacco has 500 of the CDs made. Frank Zicari of Albion did the recording, and Harriette Greaser, organist at St. Joseph’s, accompanied Sacco while he sang “Alleluia For Christmas Day,” “Mary’s Boy Child,” “Ave Maria,” “Gesu Bambino,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “O Holy Night,” and “The Birthday Of A King.”
Sacco didn’t pursued music as a career, although it has been a passion. He worked 10 years as an Albion police officer, and then 10 years as transportation director for Albion Central School. When the district decided to contract out transportation services, Sacco was out of a job until he was hired by the Genesee County ARC. He worked there 22 years as director of transportation until finally retiring last year at age 78.
He played saxophone and sang in the house bands at the former Apple Grove Inn in Medina for 15 years, and the Moose Club for 10 years.
Sacco is shown singing “Birthday of the King” when he was the featured soloist during a Christmas Mass at the church on Dec. 25, 2013.
Sacco said his older brother Peter was a big influence in developing his musical skills. Peter Sacco earned a doctorate in music and taught in college in San Diego.
Joe tagged along at his brother’s band gigs, playing clarinet when he was 9 and 10 with his brother, who performed at many local taverns.
Joe has stayed in Albion and these days does most of his singing at church and for community events. He said he quit smoking 40 years ago and credited that decision for giving him longevity as a public performer.
He will be part of a Dec. 6 Eastman at Albion concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion. His CD will be for sale at the event, and Sacco will perform with other community members during the 3 p.m. concert.
She credited her father, Frank Balcerzak, for instilling a work ethic in his children. Barbara shared with students about how she and her twin sister, Marcia Tuohey, would work on a muck farm as teen-agers.
