By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Albion and Medina kids compete in Louisville
In May, Jack Hill won the state FFA competition for delivering the junior creed speech. Hill was an eighth grader when he delivered the 2 ½ minute speech at the State Convention, which was hosted by Medina.
Jack Hill
His success earned him a trip to the National Convention in Louisville, Ky. Hill earned a bronze award, competing against the state champs from around the country.
He needed to memorize the creed and be ready to answer questions from the judges.
Jack was the first Medina student to compete at nationals “in a very long time,” said Todd Eick, the Medina FFA advisor.
Eick and four other students joined Hill at the convention, which they compared to a massive pep rally for agriculture. About 60,000 students were in Louisville from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 for the event.
“You can’t begin to describe the energy of 64,000 kids wearing blue jackets and cheering for agriculture,” Eick said. “It’s definitely been a motivation for the kids that went and have gotten back. They have a different drive.”
Albion sent 10 students and two advisors to the National Convention. Jayne Bannister competed in the extemporaneous speaking competition and finished in the top 20, good for a bronze award.
Jayne Bannister
Jayne, an Albion senior, spoke about the role the United States can play in food production and food security in the future. She sees American farmers sharing good agriculture practices with other countries, including in Africa, to help boost yields and preserve farmland.
She said a growing world population, with a shrinking land mass for food, poses a great challenge to farmers. She thinks the agricultural industry will meet the needs in the future.
“We have to be more efficient and smarter in providing food for the world,” she said.
Jayne has been accepted to Kansas State University, where she plans to double major in animal science and agriculture education. Her family runs a beef and fruit farm in Point Breeze.
Jayne felt drawn to Kansas, the second leading state for beef.
“There are cows everywhere,” she said about the landscape at K State. “It felt like home away from home.”
Another Albion FFA member was recognized at the National Convention. Paige Levandowski is a junior at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, studying agriculture education. She wants to be an ag teacher, and would welcome the chance to return to Orleans County to help with an FFA program.
Paige Levandowski
She earned her American Degree through FFA. It was a continuation of her Empire Degree with a focus in equine science and management. Levandowski tracked expenses and revenues for buying and selling horses.
She buys horses and resells them after riding them and taking them to horse shows. She buys horses when they are “green” with not much training.
Levandowski was state vice president of FFA two years ago when she was a freshman at SUNY Morrisville. She was determined to complete the American Degree.
“It’s the highest ranking for a member,” she said. “It’s really good closure for my FFA career.”
The Albion chapter also was recognized at the National Convention with a silver award. It won a bronze award the previous year.
The chapter has 80 members. It was recognized for its community outreach efforts, including a holiday food drive that nets about 20,000 pounds of produce for Community Action. The FFA chapter also puts on a fall festival for the elementary school, welcoming students to paint pumpkins and do other crafts.
“The kids do a great job reaching out to the community,” said Adam Krenning, FFA advisor and ag teacher.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Medina Central School on Friday welcomed five graduates as distinguished alumni, including from left: Dr. James Ingram, Maureen Blackburn and the Honorable James Punch. The district also inducted the late John McElwain and Dr. Susan Hagood.
MEDINA – The school district added five more graduates to its wall of “Distinguished Alumni” on Friday. The new inductees include graduates who stayed in Medina for long careers of community service. Others excelled far away from their hometown.
The honorees were recognized during a school assembly on Friday afternoon in front of 600 students in grades 8 through 12.
“They remind students of what they can do in their lives if they make good choices,” said Mark Kruzynski, high school principal. “We wanted to highlight that community service is also just as important.”
The honorees include:
James Punch, Class of 1973
After graduating from Medina, Punch earned his bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and then earned a law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1980.
He returned to Orleans County in 1985. Two years later he was the youngest district attorney ever in the state. In 1990, he was elected as county judge. He continues in that role, leading County Court, Surrogate Court, Family Court and State Supreme Court. He has started the Crime Victims’ Unit, Youth Court, a Sex Abuse Task Force, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, and Domestic Violence Court.
He is active in the community, serving as legal advisor to Medina High School’s mock trial team. He also has been active with the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, YMCA Board, Boy Scout Executive Committee, and the Holy Trinity Parish. He is president of the Parish Council and a Eucharistic minister.
Punch addressed the students are encouraged them to always move forward. They shouldn’t sit back and dwell on either success or failure.
“Don’t define yourself as ‘having succeeded’ and decide nothing more needs to be done – ‘I’m perfect,'” Punch said. “Equally, don’t define yourself by your failure and decide nothing more can be done – ‘I’m hopeless.'”
Punch said he is grateful for a career in Medina and Orleans County. He told the students he hopes many of them will be able to stay in the Medina area and contribute to the community.
Dr. James Ingram, Class of 1965
After Medina, Ingram earned degrees at SUNY Geneseo and the University of Alabama School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree and became a certified surgeon. He also served in Vietnam with the Navy.
In his career he pushed for innovation in electronic health records and his company developed patient management software tools for physicians. Ingram’s company went public in 2012 and was acquired by Vista Equity for $644 million.
Ingram lives in Carrollton, Ga. He said Medina provided a foundation for his career.
“Find a passion in life, find a direction,” Ingram advised students. “You’ll have challenges and misdirection, but keep up the course and you’ll be successful.”
Maureen Blackburn, Class of 1963
When she was a student at Medina, Blackburn had three lung surgeries. Doctors said she’d be lucky to live 20 years. She spent a lot of time in the hospital as a kid.
“It’s everyone’s choice on how you meet challenges,” she told the students.
She took on an attitude to embrace each day, to give of her talents and look for ways to encourage others.
Maureen Blackburn addresses Medina students on Friday when she was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award. She is joined on stage by Dr. James Ingram and the Honorable James Punch, right.
Blackburn earned degrees from GCC, RIT and then her master’s in social work from the University of Buffalo. She worked for Medina Central School as a social worker. When she retired, she served on the Board of Education, including as its president.
She has been active as St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Red Cross, Medina Area Association of Churches and the Medina Sandstone Society.
“Each day is a gift, each day is a blessing,” Blackburn said. “Make it count.”
John McElwain, Class of 1959
After high school, McElwain served four years in the Navy. He returned to Medina and was active in numerous community causes. For 20 years, the electrician by trade designed and installed the lights for the Christmas displays at State Street Park, creating the nativity scene and electric candle advent wreath.
McElwain was 70 when he died on March 8, 2012.
He was very active with the Lion’s Club, served as past president and promoted a Lions Vision Screening Program at Medina schools and other districts in Orleans County.
He volunteered as a “Big Brother” in the Special Friends program through the Orleans-Genesee Minsitry of Concern, was recognized as a “Best Friend” by The Arc of Orleans County for his service at Camp Rainbow, and was a Boy Scout leader for many years.
“He was very active with kids,” his cousin Russ Martino said. “He was very down-to-earth and lovable.”
Dr. Susan Hagood, Class of 1975
Hagood completed her undergraduate studies at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and did graduate work at Louisiana State University. She received her Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2009. She dedicated the last 20 years of her professional career to the Humane Society of the United States.
During her career with the Humane Society, she worked with predatory control, wild horses and animal preservation funding efforts. She researched the effects of human-wildlife conflict, particularly with development and transportation.
Hagood was 54 when she died of cancer Nov. 8, 2011, at her home in Hanover, Pa. with her husband of 28 years, Jerry Boxman, at her side.
Each honoree will have a plaque in their honor on the “Alumni Hall” by the cafeteria.
“What they have in common is that they all began their paths to success at Medina High School,” Kruzynski said.
Provided photo from Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess recognized members of the correctional services faith-based ministry during a luncheon on Oct. 17.
David H. Ferris has been ministering to inmates since 1986. He received a plaque from the sheriff, in recognition of his “28 Years of Dedicated and Faithful Service to the Sheriff’s Office and the County of Orleans.” While Ferris is planning to “scale back” his ministry, he has no intention of retiring completely from this unselfish calling.
Seated from left: Mrs. Ben Harris, Rev. Ella Mae Hawkins, Dave Ferris and Mrs. Dawn King.
Standing from left: Sheriff Hess, Rev. Leroy Hawkins, Rev. Ben Harris, Rev. Richard Allis, Rev. Neil Samborski, Rev. Charles Barkowski, Mr. Dylan Parfitt, Rev. Dan Thurber, Rev. Don Snyder and Rev. Tim Lindsay (Jail Chaplain and Ministry Coordinator).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 October 2014 at 12:00 am
File photo – Rachel Gregoire is shown competing at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in this photo from July with an Australian cattle dog.
HOLLEY – An Orleans County 4-H’er has placed eighth in the country in the National Junior Horticultural Association contest. Rachel Gregoire, 14, of Holley also was part of a team from New York that beat all the other state teams.
Gregoire can identify numerous plants from flowers to woody ornamentals to fruits and vegetables. The national test included 100 samples to identify. Participants were also quizzed in a written exam.
Rachel travelled to Lexington, Kentucky, for the competition, leaving last Thursday and returning home on Tuesday. She competed against more than 50 people in the individual competition.
“There’s not a lot of kids that do it,” Rachel said about the horticultural study. “It’s not like Facebook.”
She said she enjoys learning about plants, and is able to pinpoint them based on their characteristics.
“It’s really useful,” Rachel said about the ability to identify plants. “It’s like detective work. There are so many. It’s been a great learning experience.”
Rachel is primarily coached by her mother, Kellie. They connected with several horticultural enthusiasts from St. Lawrence County while in Lexington.
Rachel is also a member of the Rabbit Raisers 4-H Club. She is a sophomore at the Cornerstone Christian Academy in Brockport.
She can compete in the national events until she is 21. Next year’s event will be in Orlando, Fla. It shifts closer to home in 2016 when it will be at Erie, Pa.
MARIETTA, OH – Adam Hoot of Medina, N.Y., has been selected to be a McDonough Scholar at Marietta College this fall. Hoot is a graduate of Medina High School.
The nationally recognized McDonough Leadership Program helps students gain a deeper understanding of leadership, practice their leadership skills, and in the process grow as engaged leaders on campus, in the local community, and beyond.
Students must be accepted into the program through a highly selective process. While a part of the program, Hoot will take leadership classes, participate in different community service projects including the award-winning Make a Difference Day in October. Hoot will have the chance to travel as part of the McDonough Leadership Study Abroad, pursue a variety of experiential activities, and attend prestigious leadership conferences.
“We have an outstanding group of students starting the leadership program this fall,” said Dr. Gama Perruci, Dean of McDonough. “They are driven and full of passion. It’s very exciting to work with them because they are at a stage in their lives when they are defining their goals and developing their leadership skills in order to pursue their dreams. The McDonough Leadership Program serves as the nurturer of those dreams.”
Hoot came to campus the week before classes began to participate in the EXCEL (Experience Civic Engagement and Leadership) Workshop, designed to introduce students to the McDonough Leadership Development Model. As a McDonough Scholar, Hoot will pursue one of four academic options: International Leadership Studies Major, Minor in Leadership Studies, Certificate in Leadership Studies, and the Teacher Leadership Certificate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council honored three people from Orleans County on Saturday. Kelly Kiebala, GO ART!’s executive director, is pictured with, from left: Michael Bonafede, Lance Anderson and Jim Hancock.
BATAVIA – Jim Hancock read about a small town in the Midwest that started a parade of lights to celebrate the holiday season. That was seven years ago. The parade attracted community organizations with floats decorated with lights and holiday themes.
Hancock, chairman of Medina’s Tourism Committee, thought a similar parade would be a draw to Medina, bringing the community together and attracting visitors to see the businesses in the downtown.
Hancock has been the lead organizer for the Parade of Lights in Medina the past six years. The event draws several thousand people to the downtown and keeps getting bigger. This year’s parade on Nov. 29 will conclude with fireworks for the first time.
“I really proud of where I live and I want to do what I can to enhance it,” Hancock said on Saturday after he was recognized by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council for his efforts with the parade and other Medina events.
Hancock was one of three from Orleans County to be honored by GO ART! on Saturday during the organization’s 14th annual community arts awards gala.
In addition to serving as chairman of the Parade of Lights, Hancock is active with the Medina Sandstone Society and took the lead in establishing a Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame last December. The second class will soon be announced.
He also helps organize concerts in Medina, has been a long-time member of the Lions Club and assists in the food pantry. He recently retired from United Way board of directors after 37 years.
Lance Anderson, an Albion native, was honored for efforts as president of the Lake Plains Players, a community theater group with members primarily from Orleans and Niagara counties.
Anderson works as a private voice teacher. He said the Lake Plains Players is like a family that finds a spot for interested community members to be part of their shows.
The group has been raising the bar, doing more productions each year, including a children’s theater camp and show this summer.
Last year Anderson played one of the lead roles – Jean Valjean – in the organization’s production of the epic show, Les Miserables. The group’s next show, Follies, will be Oct. 17-19 at the Roy-Hart Auditorium.
“It’s an honor working with so many lovely people,” Anderson told a crowd at Terry Hills Golf and Banquet Facility. “I’m very proud to be a part of the Lake Plains Players.”
GO ART! also recognized Michael Bonafede of Albion as both a musical performer and for his efforts promoting cultural events in the community.
Bonafede is a skilled percussionist who played in the band Black Sheep. He continues to perform with friends and fellow musicians.
He also serves as chairman of the Strawberry Festival Committee, which puts on a two-day fest every June with a schedule packed with entertainment. That festival has been an annual tradition for nearly 30 years.
He praised a dedicated festival committee, with many long-time members that help plan concerts, a 5K and 8K race, the parade, crafts, a car show and other entertainment.
He quoted the late opera singer Beverly Sills, who said “Art is the signature of a civilization.” Bonafede said, “Art can be a signature of a community.”
Bonafede also served 16 years on the Albion Board of Education, including more than a decade as its president. He promoted the arts in the school district, which has won national recognition for its music program.
Bonafede, his wife Judith Koehler and their sons also have been working to restore the Pratt Opera House in downtown Albion with a goal to make it a musical and performing arts venue. He thanked his friends for their help with the project.
Bonafede noted that the Pratt Opera House was built in 1882 by John Pratt, a local farmer.
“He knew what culture and art was,” Bonafede said about the builder’s founder. “He knew the significance of it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council honored artists and contributors of the local cultural scene on Saturday during GO Art!’s annual community arts awards gala at Terry Hill Country Club.
The honorees include, from left: Michael Bonafede of Albion for his role as drummer and help in planning many community events; Kim Buczek (Linda Blanchet Award) for earning doctorate in music arts and performing in Cincinnati area; Jim Hancock of Medina for his volunteer work with many community causes and events; Albion native Lance Anderson, president of the Lake Plains Players – a community theater group; Cassandra Prong (daughter of honoree Bill Hayes – honored for his years of support for GO ART!); Vincent Pastore, a life-long Batavian and accomplished musician; and Leslie DeLooze, accepting on behalf of the Richmond Memorial Library, which offers many arts and cultural programs through the year.
Orleans Hub will have more on the program later today.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo courtesy of Batavia City School District – Michelle Restivo of Albion is pictured at the Jackson Primary School in Batavia. Last week she was picked as a “Teacher Who Opens Door to Education.”
BATAVIA – Michelle Restivo makes fun a priority in her classroom. But that doesn’t mean she skimps on learning.
Restivo of Albion teaches kindergarten at the Jackson Primary School in Batavia. She acknowledged she and other teachers feel pressure to keep the school day packed with instruction so students can score well on tests through the Common Core.
But that doesn’t mean Restivo will eliminate art, crafts and other projects. She said those activities are needed for students, especially those in the elementary grades.
And she incorporates lessons in those activities, having them draw the ocean and sailboats in a lesson about Christopher Columbus, for example.
“If they’re not having fun and looking forward to it, it won’t be meaningful learning,” Restivo said.
She was recognized last week by a Rochester radio station for winning the “Open the Door to Education” contest. She was interviewed on 100.5 The Drive. She will receive a new door for her home from DeRisio Construction.
Restivo was nominated for the award Kelseylynn Chechak, whose son Jacob was in Restivo’s class last year.
“I could not have dreamt of a better teacher,” Ms. Chechak wrote. “She encouraged the children, celebrated their successes, and made learning fun. Learning about different countries, the kids had passports, their chairs set up like airplane seats, and a paper suitcase to put all their research in. This is just one example of Mrs. Restivo’s amazing teaching methods. Although she is an amazing educator, the kids saw her mostly as a friend. Her love, patience, and friendship was shared with all of the kids.”
Restivo and her husband Jonathan have two children in the Albion school district: Shelby and Ben.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kim Remley, chairwoman of Stop Polluting Orleans County, addresses the congregation today at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion. She won the 2014 Pullman Memorial Humanitarian Award.
The church honored Remley for her advocacy efforts the past 20 years with SPOC, a group opposed to additional landfills in Orleans County.
“She is a great choice,” John Andrews, a Pullman church member, said about Remley. “Her dedication to the cause has been unwavering. She has persevered and pushed on. She’ll never quit.”
Remley is pictured with Lousie Wu, wife of church pastor Lee Richards, and Richards after the service today when she was presented with the humanitarian award.
The service this morning had an environmental message, with a focus on being good stewards of the earth.
Remley and SPOC in the late 1990s successfully fought an effort by Waste Management to open a third landfill in Albion. That landfill would have been far bigger the McKenna Landfill and Orleans Sanitary Landfill, sites along the canal between Densmore and Transit roads.
Richard Penfold is trying to pick up the Waste Management application and open a new landfill. Remley and SPOC continue to fight against that effort.
“I really think that it’s the wrong thing for us because of the impact on the environment and the traffic issue,” Remley said about a new landfill.
Lee Richards, pastor of the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, leads a toast for Remley during a reception this afternoon.
Richards said Remley was recognized for her work with Stop Polluting Orleans County “and for exemplifying the liberal religious values of love, respect, social justice and service to others.”
Today’s service included many members of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion, where Remley has been a long-time member and active leader in the church’s youth programs. Other SPOC and community members also attended the Pullman service and reception today for Remley.
“I admire Kim,” said Grace Denniston, a member of the Carlton United Methodist Church. “I think she is a very courageous person who stands up for what she believes in, even if it’s not popular.”
Klatt is shared superintedent for Barker, Roy-Hart
Dr. Roger Klatt
Dr. Roger Klatt, a 1978 Albion High graduate and former Albion teacher and coach, was presented with the Educational Leader of the Year Award by Niagara University College of Education on Thursday.
Klatt, who taught and coached at Albion for 15 years, is now the superintendent of both the Barker and Royalton-Hartland School Districts.
He was presented the award for his work as a school leader for the Barker and Roy-Hart Districts.
In presenting the award, Niagara College of Education officials noted that prior to becoming one of the first “shared superintendents,” Klatt spent 17 years in a variety of administrative roles at Barker Central including middle school principal, director of instructional services, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Prior to that his 17 years of teaching experienced were highlighted by being selected as Albion Central’s Educator of the Year in 1995.
“Many of his family, friends and past/present colleagues were in attendance last night sharing in the occasion,” said Barker Athletic Director and former Albion teacher and coach Dave Carson. “I know Roger is proud of his Albion roots and all three of the districts that he has served and it was clear last night that the folks from Albion, Barker and Roy-Hart are proud of him.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Elizabeth Pearson earns Gold Award
Photos by Peggy Barringer – Elizabeth Pearson is pictured with the new sign she made for the Kendall Community Park located across from the Kendall Elementary School.
KENDALL – The Kendall community opened a new park a few years ago with a gazebo as the centerpiece of the site. That park never had a sign and the gazebo was lacking enough places to sit down.
A local Girl Scout has met those needs for the site, building two benches and a sign for the park along Kendall Road across from the elementary school.
Elizabeth Pearson, 19, completed the projects for her Gold Award, the top honor that can be attained by a Girl Scout. She is one of only 5 percent of Scouts to earn the Gold Award.
Elizabeth worked closely with a mentor, Elizabeth Pensgen of Pittsford, to assemble the benches and sign, sanding them and then either staining or painting them.
Elizabeth was joined at a celebration Saturday for completion of the project by Ed Gaesser, a past president of the Kendall Board of Education, and Nadine Hanlon, current BOE president. The board in January supported the project.
Elizabeth Pearson also made these benches for the gazebo on Kendall Road. Each gazebo also has an etching of an eagle, the school mascot.
Elizabeth then worked to line up donations for the materials and complete the projects. She thanked Lowe’s for donating the wood and Lakeshore Luxuries in Hamlin for donating the decking screws.
She did the bulk of the work over the summer and last month. She graduated from Kendall last June and is a freshman at Monroe Community College, majoring in liberal arts.
She juggled her school work with the projects, which required a minimum of 80 hours of work to be eligible for the Gold Award.
Elizabeth lives just across the county line in Hamlin. She has been active in Troop 82089 for 10 years. She is grateful for the Scouting experiences.
“You get to be with your friends and do things you wouldn’t normally be able to do including horseback riding, whitewater rafting, camping and Christmas caroling,” she said.
She said the Gold Award projects were fun – and a lot of work.
“A lot of girls will back off from a Gold Award because it is so much work,” she said. “I wanted to be one of the few to get the Gold Award.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Kim Remley, leader of Stop Polluting Orleans County, speaks during a public hearing on Sept. 16 about a landfill in Albion.
ALBION – Kim Remley has long been active in the Albion community, pushing for park upgrades, youth activities and health care.
She also has led a citizens group in a fight against additional landfills in the community. Remley is chairwoman of Stop Polluting Orleans County.
She is being recognized with the 2014 Pullman Memorial Humanitarian Award. Lee Richards, pastor of the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, said Remley is primarily being recognized for her volunteer work leading SPOC and the organization’s commitment to protecting the local environment. But he said Remley has been a dynamo in the community, devoted to many causes.
“She is an inspiration to others to get involved,” Richards said.
Remley will be honored at 11 a.m. on Oct. 12 at Pullman, with a reception to follow at noon. The public is invited to the event at 10 East Park St., Albion.
Remley is also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion and is active with Vacation Bible School and a youth group, TGIF. She is spearheading the church’s efforts to erect a Peace Pole.
She is a member of Rebuild Bullard, a committee working on upgrading Bullard Park. She also is a vendor of the Downtown Browsery Co-Op and serves as vice chairwoman of the group’s board.
She has been active with the Albion Main Street Alliance, local political campaigns, Friends of the (Swan) Library, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Committee and was a volunteer for the Lakeside Health System Foundation.
In 2010 she was recognized by the Orleans County Youth Board with the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award.
During the event honoring Remley, Richards said he plans to share a quote Henry David Thoreau: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
Richards said he is impressed with Remley’s community service, especially the years of devotion to fighting landfills.
“She has shown she can stick to it,” Richards said. “She’s worked long and hard on it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2014 at 12:00 am
File photos by Tom Rivers – Lance Anderson, president of the Lake Plains Players, portrays Jean Valjean in the production of Les Miserables. Anderson said playing Valjean, here shown as prisoner No. 24601, was a dream come true. Anderson has expanded the LPP’s number of productions, including a children’s theater camp over the summer.
BATAVIA – Three Orleans County community members will be recognized for their efforts to promote arts and culture in the county.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council on Oct. 11 will present community arts awards to Jim Hancock of Medina, Michael Bonafede of Albion and Albion native Lance Anderson, who is president of the Lake Plains Players, a community theater organization.
Anderson has pushed the Lake Plains Players to put on more shows, including a youth theater camp this summer, culminating in the performance of 101 Dalmations. The group does its main theater show at the Roy-Hart school auditorium. The LPP also performed smaller shows at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery this year.
Anderson, a vocal teacher, played one of the lead roles – Jean Valjean – in the organization’s production of the ambitious show, Les Miserables. The LPP had 78 cast members in the epic production last October.
Michael Bonafede, chairman of the Albion Strawberry Festival Committee, plays the drums and leads a horse-drawn carriage with a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s coffin during the Strawberry Festival Parade in June. The coffin was on display as part of the 100th anniversary celebration for the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home.
GO ART! is giving an “Individual Award” to Bonafede, who has been chairman of the Strawberry Festival Committee for several years. Bonafede volunteers in leading a committee that puts on two days of entertainment the second weekend of June, including two venues for musicians besides the parade.
Bonafede also is a talented drummer who performed with the band Black Sheep in the mid-1970s. The band included Lou Gramm, who went on to be lead singer for Foreigner. Black Sheep recorded two albums for Capital Records and shared the stage with Kiss, Aerosmith, REO Speedwagon, and Hall and Oates.
Bonafede also served 16 years on the Albion Board of Education, including more than a decade as its president. He promoted the arts in the school district, which has won national recognition for its music program.
One of the fire trucks has a giant glowing Mickey Mouse at the back as it heads down Main Street through a big crowd in downtown Medina on Nov. 30 during last year’s Parade of Lights. Jim Hancock is the lead organizer of the parade, which is now in its sixth year.
He and his wife Judith Koehler also have been working to restore the Pratt Opera House in downtown Albion with a goal to make it a musical and performing arts venue.
GO ART! is also recognizing Hancock for his efforts in Medina. Since retiring as director of the Job Development Agency in Orleans County, Hancock has stepped up his volunteer efforts. He heads Medina’s Tourism Committee, which plans events, including concerts, and also makes sure the visitor center is staffed inside City Hall.
Hancock is the lead organizer of Medina’s parade of Lights the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, an event that draws a huge crowd to downtown Medina.
Medina Sandstone Society President Bob Waters, left, is pictured with Hall of Fame Committee members David Miller, Jim Hancock and John Slack during the HOF inaugural induction ceremony last Dec. 11.
He is active in the Medina Sandstone Society, and took the lead in establishing a Sandstone Hall of Fame last December inside City Hall. Hancock was part of the HOF Committee with David Miller and John Slack. The group wanted to promote community history and pride, showcasing some of the great structures from around the state made of the local stone.
GO ART! also will recognize Vinny Pastore of Genesee County, the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia, Bill Hayes from Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, and Elba native Kimberly Buczek.
The 14th annual Genesee-Orleans Community Arts Awards Gala will be 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia. For more information, contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Brad MacDonald, vice president at Brunner International, accepts the “Business of the Year” award from Chamber Executive Director Kathy Blackburn and a citation from Barry Flansburg, a representative for State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Bruce Krenning of Albion was recognized for “Lifetime Achievement” for his years of volunteer service. Krenning is the current board chairman for Orleans Community Health and has served as vice president of New York Farm Bureau and on the Albion and Lyndonville boards of education.
GAINES – Some of Orleans County leading businesses and citizens were recognized during an awards dinner on Saturday, and several testified that they have overcome challenges to contribute to the local community.
Brunner International five years ago put on an addition only to have the economy be gripped in a recession. Brunner had to scale back from five days of three shifts a week to only one shift for three days a week.
Brunner weathered the recession, and is expanding again, with a new addition currently under construction. The company expects to grow from 390 employees to 450 that make axle shafts and brakes for the trucking industry. Brunner was named “Business of the Year” by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
Brad MacDonald, the company vice president, said the award and expansion wouldn’t be possible without dedicated and skilled employees. Brunner faces competition in its industry from China and other countries with lower costs of doing business.
“There aren’t too many heavy manufacturers left in the United States,” MacDonald said. “We’re very proud to say we make a product that is American made.”
The Chamber recognized two residents with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Marcia Tuohey was a successful entrepreneur before she entered local politics and was the first woman elected to serve as Medina mayor and then the first woman elected to the Orleans County Legislature. She served 10 years as Legislature chairwoman.
Craig Tuohey, right, accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award with his brother Carl on behalf of their mother, Marcia Tuohey.
“She was a woman who never accepted that glass ceilings existed in the business or the political arena,” said her friend Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency. “If she thought it existed she took a sledgehammer to it.”
Tuohey was 84 when she died at home on Aug. 7. She set a high standard in local government and in her businesses, Barone said, which included a construction company, rehabbing houses, a manufactured housing park and a restaurant.
“She was full of drive, dedication and determination,” Tuohey’s son Craig said Saturday during the awards dinner at Tillman’s Village Inn. “She loved this county.”
Bruce Krenning started a farming career after graduating from Cornell University. He was an orchard manager for George Lamont before Krenning started his own farm. Krenning Orchards was decimated by a hail storm on Labor Day in 1998. Krenning was forced to go out of business.
He had already served on the boards of education for Lyndonville and Albion. But after the storm and the loss of his business, Krenning said he wrestled with self worth.
“I thought after the hail storm that life was over and nobody would want me,” Krenning said. “But that’s not true. I’ve had opportunities with great boards.”
Krenning didn’t stay down long after the storm. He was elected vice president of the New York Farm Bureau, a state-wide organization with 30,000 members, and helped get crop insurance approved at the federal level for fruit and vegetable farms.
He is currently chairman of the board for Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital. He will retire in a few months as an insurance agent with the Southcott Agency. He is active with the Orleans Renaissance Group and wants to help with the restoration of the Bent’s Opera House in Medina.
J.J. Heideman, owner of BAD-AsH-BBQ, accepts the award for “New Business of the Year.”
The Chamber also recognized J.J. Heideman as “New Business of the Year” for BAD-AsH-BBQ. Heideman has brought an innovative style to the food business, taking his food business on location. He has an “unstoppable work ethic,” the Chamber said.
Heideman thanked the community for its support. He dedicated the award to his mother.
“This is awesome,” he said. “I never dreamed it would come to this.”
A building that had been vacant for nearly a decade found new life the past year as Fairhaven Treasures. Ray and Linda Burke, owners of the building at the corner of routes 98 and 104, upgraded the house from 1834 with help from many volunteers. The Burkes were recognized with the “Phoenix Award.”
The site sells high-end crafts and art, and is available for concerts and other events.
The Chamber honored Precision Packaging Products in Holley for “Entrepreneurial Excellence.” The company has grown from 30 to 35 employees when it moved to Holley in 2003 to the current workforce of 115. It also has made many innovations in the plastic packaging market for food companies.
Greg Piedmonte, the purchasing manager for Precision Packaging Products, accepts the “Entrepreneurial Excellence” award on behalf of the Holley company.
Lake Ontario Fruit, a packing and storing facility on Ridge Road in Gaines, was recognized as “Agricultural Business of the Year.” The company has invested $7 million since 2008 in additions for storage and a new high-tech packing line. Lake Ontario Fruit packs 1.1 million bushels of fresh apples each year.
“We’re a vessel for the growers in Orleans County,” said John Russell, managing partner for the business. “This is one of the best apple-growing regions in the world. We’ll continue to invest in the county. We’ll continue to invest in our facility and we’ll continue to invest in the future of Orleans County agriculture.”
The Chamber also recognized two residents with community service awards. Anni Skowneski works as case manager for Community of Orleans & Genesee, assisting many families in crisis. She praised the Community Action team, including her boss Annette Finch and her predecessor Joni Dix for being great role models.
Ken DeRoller of Kendall was recognized for his years of service to the Kendall Lions Club, and his service on local Planning Boards, the Orleans Economic Development Agency and now as county legislator.
DeRoller said he always wanted to give back to the community, and he first did so as a volunteer firefighter. When that role became too physically taxing, he switched to service on the boards and through connecting with residents and other local officials.
“Orleans County is a great place to live,” he said. “I enjoy being here.”
Lisa Ireland, former executive director of the United Way of Orleans County, was given a special recognition award from the Chamber and its executive director Kathy Blackburn, right.
The Chamber also issued a surprise special recognition award to Lisa Ireland, the outgoing director of the United Way of Orleans County. She was the first director of the United Way when the eastern and western Orleans chapters merged about three years ago.
She also worked as executive director for the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and community relations director for Hospice of Orleans. She is leaving the United Way to work as director of donor relations and scholarships for the Rochester Institute of Technology.
“We consider ourselves lucky to work with such a powerful voice for our community,” said Kathy Blackburn, Chamber executive director.
Ireland said she agonized about taking the RIT job because she wants to stay invested in her home county. In her new role she wants to help more Orleans County residents have a shot at attending a prestigious college like RIT.
She thanked the business community for supporting the United Way, which directs money to 20 local agencies.
“We’re not a huge county, but we have huge hearts,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
GAINES – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce recognized entrepreneurs and community leaders during the 16th annual awards banquet on Saturday at Tillman’s Village Inn. About 110 people attended the event.
The following were recognized, front row, from left: Phoenix Award for Linda and Ray Burke, owners of Fairhaven Treasures; Lifetime Achievement for Bruce Krenning; Community Service Award for Anni Skowneski; New Business of the Year for BAD-AsH-BBQ owner J.J. Heideman; Carl Tuohey, son of the late Marcia Tuohey, winner of Lifetime Achievement.
Back row: Chamber Board Award and special recognition for Lisa Ireland, outgoing director of United Way of Orleans County; Community Service Award for Ken DeRoller; Agricultural Business of the Year for Lake Ontario Fruit – co-owners John Russell, Rod Farrow and Eric Brown; Brad MacDonald, vice president for Brunner International, the Business of the Year; Greg Piedmonte, purchasing manager for Precision Packaging Products, winner of Entrepreneurial Excellence; and Craig Tuohey, son of the late Marcia Tuohey, recognized for Lifetime Achievement.
