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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Gloria Jasso last week received her high school diploma from Brockport after years of study, beginning with English classes at her Kendall home in 1998.
WATERPORT – Gloria Jasso was 22 when she went to her first class, English as a Second Language.
It was 1998, and she and some of her farmworker friends gathered in Gloria’s home in Kendall to be taught by Linda Redfield.
Jasso grew up in rural, impoverished Mexico and never attended school. That wasn’t unusual for girls in Michoacan, the poorest state in Mexico. Jasso grew up in a mountainous region. She learned some reading and writing from her aunt.
“There were no schools or teachers,” Jasso said.
She started working at Herberle Farms in Hamlin in 1994. She would work there for 19 years, picking apples, trimming trees, planting strawberries, and working in the warehouse.
Gloria Jasso is pictured with one of her tutors, Deanne Borrie (left) and teacher Linda Redfield, right.
After work, she would take classes. In the winter, when she wasn’t working for the farm, she could spend even more time learning, attending classes in Medina and later in Brockport. She also learned splelling, English, math and other skills by helping her four children with their homework.
Once she learned words in English, she wanted to learn more. It was the same with math. As she mastered some skills, she kept pushing herself.
“As soon as I was learning a word in English it made me more excited to learn more,” Jasso said.
For 17 years she learned, improving her English, math, computer skills and education.
She considered getting a General Equivalency Diploma, but opted for a more challenging high school diploma. Last week, she was presented with that diploma through the National External Diploma Program.
“She had the intention to always improve herself,” said Linda Redfield, one of her teachers.
Redfield is the education director at the World Life Institute on Stillwater Road in Waterport. The school hosted a celebration for Jasso on Wednesday.
Jasso said her teachers and several volunteer tutors were instrumental in her success, in completing the many classes and building her confidence.
She completed many of her classes on-line and met with teachers twice a week at the public library in Brockport. She was looking for a tutor to help check her work. Several people stepped forward, including Deanne Borrie of Kent.
Borrie and the tutors declined any payment, even gas money, despite Jasso’s offers. Borrie said she is grateful to have Jasso as a friend and is inspired by her work ethic and her generous nature.
Jasso and her husband Efrain Arellano recently moved into their own house in Brockport. They have four children, including daughter Tania, who was the valedictorian at Kendall in 2015.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Tania Arellano was a star for Kendall in athletics and academics. She was the valedictorian of the Class of 2015.
Tania now plays soccer and basketball at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. Tania is a business and accounting major, and scholarships are covering her college costs.
“She is very smart,” Jasso said about her daughter. “I am so proud of her.”
Tania was deeply committed to her schoolwork at Kendall, and took a rare absence from school in 2011 to accompany her mother to Albany, when Jasso was honored as a “student of the year” by the New York State Association of Adult Continuing and Community Education.
Jasso and her husband have three other children: Johnny, a 10th grader; Princesa, a sixth grader; and Diego, a fourth-grader. They attend school in Brockport.
Jasso said she is looking to update her resume and may pursue job training.
“I have to see what’s available,” she said.
Redfield said Jasso’s achievement is remarkable.
“She never had an education in her home country,” Redfield said.
Jasso thanked her teachers and tutors for their help on the educational journey. In addition to Borrie, Frank and Jeanne Lauta, Bill and JoAnne Camaan, and Frank and Tracy Panczyszyn all volunteered as tutors with Jasso.
(Editor’s Note: Michelle Restivo of Albion joined her grandfather, Richard “Dick” Heard, on the Honor Flight this past weekend from Rochester to Washington, D.C. Heard, 91, is a life-long Albion resident who lives in his childhood home. He 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 throughout his time serving. Restivo is a kindergarten teacher in Batavia.)
By Michelle Restivo
ROCHESTER – “Folks, we’ve got a slight problem, but nothing we can’t handle.”
Steve, our Honor Flight trip leader, addressed the 54 American Veterans and their guardians at the airport gate early this past Saturday morning.
My Grandpa Dick and I were among the group waiting to board a plane to begin our Honor Flight trip to Washington DC. Our pilot had called in sick! The backup pilot was completing his FAA mandated 10-hour crew rest, and would be unable to fly our plane until 10 a.m., 4 hours later than our scheduled departure time.
The 4 other local Southwest pilots were already out on flights for the morning. So, we settled in for a bit of a wait.
Michelle Restivo and Richard Heard pose for a “selfie” from their seats on the plane.
The Rochester Honor Flight Organization is amazing. Now that I’ve seen it in action, I am in total awe. These people bend over backwards while standing on their heads, to accommodate and please our Veterans.
Soon after the delay was announced, HFO volunteers started coming around offering decks of playing cards and newspapers they had bought at the airport newsstand. Then, came the start of the continuous passing of snacks, candy, and water.
“What would you like? Can I get you anything? Please, have another.” My grandpa was in his glory. He never passed up an opportunity to dip his hand into the snack or candy bag, and at one point in the trip he had a stockpile of various snacks, four water bottles, and a Gatorade.
About halfway into our delay, Steve came back onto the PA system and told us, “Alright, we usually do this on the bus ride in to DC, but since we’re getting a late start and we’ll be here a while, we’re doing it now. Time for something you haven’t heard in a while. Mail call, guys.”
Just like in the service, he called out each service man or woman’s name, and a volunteer brought over a pack of letters. My grandpa received 8 letters, addressed to Corporal Heard.
The letters were written by Monroe County students of varying ages. He received letters from kids in 3rd, 8th, and 11th grade, as well as one teacher. Each letter was unique in its own way, but all had the same theme: gratitude for his service and his sacrifice.
The letter writers had been given information about the Vet they were writing to, including the branch of service and in which war they served. Grandpa Dick was in the Army Air Corp in World War II. Many letters included personal connections.
“This boy is interesting,” Grandpa said about one letter. “His family was from the Ukraine, and his great grandfather died while fighting on the Eastern Front.”
I took a closer look at this letter, which opened with, “I am merely a high school student,” and continued later, “I consider anybody who was in the military a war hero, whether they were in Europe, the Pacific, or stateside. People tend to forget there were people back at home helping the soldiers at the fronts get through the Imperial and Nazi empires.”
My Grandpa spent his 4 years in the service stateside, and this young man made sure to recognize the importance of that.
As promised, the pilot arrived promptly at the end of his crew rest, and our short flight to Baltimore was smooth. Hot cocoa was Grandpa’s drink of choice when the beverage service came around, and of course, he enjoyed another snack.
We de-boarded the plane and walked off the jet way, to be greeted by thunderous applause and a line of people waving American Flags. The first person in line was a young naval cadet. He reached out to shake my grandpa’s hand, “Thank you for your service, sir.” It was a phrase we would hear over and over again during the next 24 hours.
We continued down the line, Grandpa shaking hands with many thankful people along the way. After leaving our gate, we proceeded through the airport, past gates filled with people. All were on their feet, applauding the Vets with a standing ovation.
Many called out, “Thank you for your service!” as we wheeled by. It was an amazing sight, one that brought out some very raw emotion from Vets and guardians alike.
My grandpa is a man of few words, when it comes to feelings. He would love to tell you all about the latest news story he read, or information about a rare species of bird in East Africa. But, he rarely talks about himself.
Once we were situated on the bus moving on our way to Washington DC, I asked him what he thought about the airport arrival. “That was nice. It was so nice.” Indeed it was.
The bus ride included a box lunch for each of us. We were attempting to make up time, so we omitted our 1-hour stop for lunch. Grandpa was surprised to find a ham wrap inside his box.
“Oh, this is wrap. I’ve never had one of these before.” Earlier in the day, Honor Flight served us an airport breakfast of McDonald’s breakfast meals, and Grandpa had his first ever Egg McMuffin. He deemed both items, “good.” It was a day of firsts for him, that’s for sure.
As you can imagine, traveling with 54 WWII and Korean War Vets is not an easy task. The youngest Vet in our group was 81, and the oldest, 98. Each Vet was provided with a wheelchair, though I noticed some never used it. Good for them!
But, that means everywhere we went, we were loading and unloading these chairs, and transporting many of the guys in and out of them. My grandpa is ambulatory and still drives around town, does his own grocery shopping, and ventures out to his great-grand kid’s sporting contests.
However, he agreed to use a wheelchair for much of the trip, as we were often covering longer distances than he was used to. Usually, once we reached our destination, we would park the wheelchair and he would use his handy collapsible cane to motor around the historical monuments.
Noticing the similarity of when my family and I visited Disney World where each amusement ride had a large area denoted for “stroller parking” and our line of wheelchairs parked at stops all over DC, I chuckled to myself at one point.
Our first stop was Arlington Memorial Cemetery, where we watched the very respectful changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Our trip leaders told us to look for the Sergeant and the guards to scuff their foot as they passed by our Veteran group.
Apparently, it is how they acknowledge the former servicemen, even though they are not supposed to ever scuff their feet during the ceremony. We looked and listened, and sure enough, we saw it. The inspection and changing of the guard ceremony was incredibly precise and showed the utmost respect. “That was really something,” my grandpa said after we had moved on.
Our next stop was the Women’s Memorial. We had 5 women veterans in our group, and all had asked to add this stop to our trip. Even with the lengthy delay, our HFO trip leaders made sure to honor their request.
This stop is where my grandpa was surprised when getting off the bus was another granddaughter of his, her husband, and 2 of their 3 children. They live just outside of DC, and I had been coordinating with her all morning arranging the meet up. They followed our bus for the rest of the day and toured many of the memorials with us. “Wow!” my grandpa said upon seeing our family.
Back on our bus, we circled the Marine Corp memorial, Iwo Jima, and saw the Air Force memorial from afar. Due to our altered schedule, we did not get off at those as planned.
The next stop was a big one and we covered the Lincoln Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall, in that order per my grandpa’s request. After seeing all three, he said the Lincoln was his favorite.
Although when I asked him later in the day on Sunday, he said he liked all of the memorials for different reasons, and that he really liked the way the Korean War Memorial was depicted.
It was at this memorial that he explained to us about the very long antennae on the radios that the soldiers carried. Since he went to radio school, he shared with us that, “low frequency antenna was used so as not to be detected.”
Grandpa also talked about Korea as being the “forgotten war” and told us that it never really ended. “That war is still being fought now,” he said.
It was here at the Korean War Memorial, that I saw one of my most memorable moments, my grandpa sitting near a wall inscribed with the words,” Freedom is not free.”
It was a poignant picture, one that really brought tears to my eyes. Squeezing all three of these memorials in during just the 45 minutes we had at this stop was tight (most people only saw two out of the three). It was a bit of a race back to our bus, but we made it thanks to speed walking/pushing skills of my cousin’s husband.
“Hurry up and wait” was something I heard many of the Vets and guardians say during our trip. Through listening to their comments and conversations, I deduced that this was a common phrase heard in the military.
One serviceman told a story about moving out, sitting in the heat all afternoon, waiting, then retreating, moving out again, and then retreating back for the night. Many of them said “hurry up and wait” originated in the military, and that they were all very good at following those orders.
Fortunately for us, it wasn’t too long of a wait before we arrived at our final stop for the day, the World War II Memorial. Our most anticipated stop, and one that exceeded anything we could have imagined.
(Michelle Restivo will have more on the Honor Flight.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Tyler Rotoli has a passion for football, mentoring young players
Photos by Tom Rivers – Tyler Rotoli greets members of the Albion JV youth football team when they are introduced before a Sept. 19 game versus Medina.
ALBION – Last Friday, Tyler Rotoli ran for 142 yards in leading the Albion varsity football team to a 27-14 win over rival Medina.
Early the next morning, Rotoli was at his job at Burger King at 5:30, getting the Main Street location ready for the day. He worked till lunch and then hustled to Oakfield to join a team of 10- and 11-year-olds from Albion. That team had a big playoff game against Medina.
Rotoli is one of the coaches of the youth team, the offensive coordinator for a group that likes to throw the football and break off long runs. Rotoli has taught the team more than 70 plays, many of the formations and techniques from the varsity team.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Tyler Rotoli fights for yardage in a 14-12 loss on Sept. 25 to East Aurora/Holland.
This year was the first time the JV youth squad made the playoffs in years.
Rotoli has juggled his varsity schedule, his work at Burger King, and his homework with a devotion to practices and games with the youth team.
“He’s a natural born leader,” said head coach Geno Allport, who coached Rotoli when he played on the youth teams. “He has the passion and he has the heart.”
Allport said it’s unusual to see a high school player anywhere in the region be so committed to working with a youth program. Besides Rotoli, Jared Hollinger also has been working with the Albion youth program. Hollinger is a junior lineman for the varsity team.
Rotoli is running back, quarterback, linebacker, whatever position the teams needs him. He preaches unselfishness and a “Team First” attitude for the youth players. He fires them up before the game, and shouts encouragement and instruction throughout the contests.
After a tough loss to Medina on Sept. 19, Rotoli gathered the group on the sideline, reminding them to keep working hard in practices. The team would close out the regular season with several victories.
After a tough loss to Medina on Sept. 19, Tyler Rotoli gathered the youth JV team, offering encouragement and motivation to keep working hard in practice and the rest of the season.
“I just want to give back to the next generation and be a positive role model,” Rotoli said. “You don’t really remember the wins and losses. You remember the coaches.”
Rotoli, 17, said Allport has been a steady and positive influence in his life for many years.
“He’s been there through the ups and downs,” Rotoli said.
He knows some of the players need male role models. That is part of his drive to be at the practices and games, even when he is fighting exhaustion.
“All I want to do is touch another life,” Rotoli said. “I want to be that big brother to somebody else and motivate them.”
Rotoli aged out of youth football after seventh grade. In eighth grade, he offered to help with some of the youth teams. His younger brother Junior plays on this year’s JV team. Two of Rotoli’s cousins, Amari and Javon Jones, also are on the team.
Rotoli found as an eighth-grader that the kids responded to his instruction. The following year he took an on-line program and became a certified coach. That program makes sure coaches know proper techniques for tackling. (Click here for more information.)
Rotoli impressed Allport and the other coaches with his grasp for the game, his analysis of the players’ strengths and how to devise plays to best use those talents.
Allport said Rotoli typically calls the plays on offense, and the team usually finds the end zone several times a game.
“I gave him freedom to run the offense because he knows what he’s doing,” Allport said.
Most of the JV youth players would watch Rotoli during Friday home games at the varsity field. The next day, Rotoli would join them for their game. Allport said Rotoli inspires the kids “to see where they can go” as a varsity player.
Rotoli is considering majoring in criminal justice in college so he can work as a police officer. Allport is hopeful Rotoli will stay in the area after college, and continue to coach and work with the youth football players.
Allport also said Hollinger has been a big help with the youth football program. He and Rotoli help set up the field and with clean up after the games.
“You’re not going to find kids that busted their butts more than those two,” Allport said.
Tyler Rotoli and Geno Allport, head coach of the Albion JV youth team, talk strategy before Saturday’s playoff game versus Medina.
Rotoli said he would like to be a coach in the future. He enjoys the life lessons with the game, and often gives fiery speeches to the players.
“If you work hard, you get good outcomes,” he tells the players when they’re doing push-ups or finishing sprints.
“You got to be disciplined,” he bellows.
Rotoli said spewing those words has been good for him. It reminds him he needs to keep working hard, too, including the early morning shifts at Burger King following an away game on Friday.
“I’m preaching you need discipline and perseverance,” he said. “It motivates me, too.”
Contributed Story Posted 12 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Provided photo
ALBION – An Orleans County Jail corrections officer was recognized for 25 years of service to the county last week. Lt. John Mignano, right, is pictured with Scott Wilson, the jail superintendent.
Lt. Mignano joined the Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer on Oct. 1, 1990, under then Sheriff David M. Green. Mignano was promoted to sergeant on Feb. 22, 1999 under then Sheriff Merle Fredericks Jr. Mignano was elevated to lieutenant on Feb. 16, 2004 by current Sheriff Scott Hess. Lieutenant Mignano currently serves as the “C” Line Shift Supervisor.
He received a congratulatory letter from Sheriff Hess, and a Certificate of Achievement for “25 Years of Dedicated & Faithful Service to the Sheriff’s Office and the County of Orleans.”
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.
