By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 August 2014 at 12:00 am
Jeff Winters helped lead a turnaround at local YMCA
File photo by Tom Rivers – Jeff Winters, executive director for the Orleans County YMCA, discusses a $400,000 capital project at the Y in this photo in April 2013, when the organization kicked off the fund-raising campaign. The Y met its fund-raising goal and the project is nearly complete.
MEDINA – Four years ago the YMCA was mired in an $80,000 annual operating deficit, a building in need of significant repairs and a modest membership base.
Jeff Winters had a law degree and a good job at the time. The Medina native likes a challenge and likes people. He took on the task of leading the Orleans County YMCA.
Four years later the organization is nearly complete with $400,000 in renovations to its historic building, a former Armory on Pearl Street. The organization is profitable and has quadrupled its members to 2,200.
“I’m proud of what we’ve done here,” Winters said. “The organization is set up for the future. It’s on a good path.”
Winters, 31, is leaving the Y on Sept. 12. He will be executive director of the American Cancer Society in Albany. He has been living in the state capitol since last October, when he got married to a woman he met in law school. He commuted to Medina on Monday mornings and left for Albany on Fridays for nearly a year. Winters was committed to seeing the Y work through a capital project.
He leaves with praise and deep appreciation from the Y board of directors.
“Jeff has infused a level of energy and professionalism that has been instrumental in helping us achieve growth and renewed confidence in a key institution,” said board member Dean Bellack. “He will be missed. On behalf of the board, we wish him the success that we are sure will grow in time.”
The Y is accepting applications for the director’s positions until Aug. 29. Resumes should be sent to Scott Taylor, GLOW YMCA director, at staylor@glowymca.org. For more on the position, click here.
The Y in Orleans County now has 52 employees. Winters credited the “Y Team” for making the organization and its programs sought after in the community. Residents are drawn to Y programs that promote healthy living, social responsibility and youth development, Winters said.
The Chamber of Commerce honored Winters with a community service award last September for his efforts at improving the Y in Orleans County.
Holley native Jillian Hazzard is seeing success on Amazon from the sales of her recently released book, “Blood Leverage.” The title refers to the power of blood, such as familial ties, life-giving abilities or as an economic value in the world of her book.
The debut book is part of a planned trilogy called “The Bloodstone Chronicles.”
After graduating in 1995 from Holley, Hazzard attended the University of Buffalo. She completed four years of English and then completed a law doctoral. Her writing has been non-fiction and mostly legal work. However, many of her friends felt she should branch out.
“People were always telling me I should write a book,” said Hazzard. “Then one day I got stuck in a Barnes and Noble waiting for my ride.”
Hazzard said she picked up an unofficial biography of an author and was skimming through it when she reached a quote that struck a chord with her. The quote basically said that most people think they could write a novel if they had the time, but that even if they had time, they would not be capable.
She took it as a personal challenge. She began a book, which she scrapped after six months. When she fell ill with a cold and wanted to relax, she looked through her vampire novels and found herself disappointed. She felt she could do better.
“Vampires couldn’t stay a secret nowadays with social media. Everyone would want immortality and it would not end well for the humans,” she said.
The book takes place centuries in the future at a time when vampires are openly in existence. Humans had undergone an event called the Mass Conversion, which changed them into vampires because of technology discovered which meant that harming humans for food was no longer needed. The technology failed and now the remaining humans live in two factions. There are humans that trade blood for the ability to live an easier life in the cities and there are the Free Humans who live in rural areas to avoid these transactions.
The main character, Aurora “Rory” Strong, lives a hard life as a Free Human. Her own village has made her into a social outcast due to her mother’s research into how the Mass Conversion led to the failure of society. Rory seeks to rebel through the illegal private transactions of the sale of her own blood.
“I used general lore with a few tweaks,” she said of her vampires, which are a mix of traditional and modern in their powers and lifestyles.
Jillian Hazzard
“Blood Leverage” is in the Top 100 new release vampire romances on Amazon, and the top 77 of vampire novels overall. It is also available on Kindle, owned by Amazon, which offers 2.7 million books. Though it’s place on the list fluctuates due to the algorithm Amazon uses, the book is in the top 10,000. At the time of the interview, the book was in the top 6,000.
“I’m fortunate the reaction to ‘Blood Leverage’ has been so positive. I’m so grateful for the support in Orleans County,” Hazzard said. “Small-town support behind you is immensely valuable. Thank you to all the people who have supported me.”
The reviews average out to a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers have even written her fan mail. Some reviewers compare her work to international best-sellers.
“It’s weird and unexpected and wonderful,” she said.
Hazzard has also been in talks with some of the teaching staff at Holley school for a possible discussion with the students about writing and self-publishing in the fall. She also plans to offer advice that she has learned from trading works with other authors for early proofreads.
“You can write part time as a way to get your work out there. You can create your own career as an author,” she said. “The biggest asset any potential writer has are their friends. You only get a fresh set of eyes from them once. Provide your beta readers with a clean manuscript so they don’t focus on the typos and can focus on the plot. They should be helping to make the plot as good as possible.”
Though she is currently not practicing law, Hazzard continues to take classes to maintain her license, including a course she completed about publishing house contracts. It only reinforced her idea that self-publishing her novel was the best course of action.
She said the contracts make it very difficult to succeed if an author is accepted at a major publishing house. She has known writers that are ecstatic to receive the validation of a major publisher, but find that they don’t reach the success they thought they would.
To obtain a contract with a major publisher, writers must first have an agent. After getting an agent’s attention with a book blurb, the agents will then read the novel and provide further feedback.
“I had 12 agents respond,” she said. “They asked to read a draft. They gave a lot of praise and a lot of changes. They tell you what they think a book needs to succeed.”
Hazzard instead opted to self publish because it cut out the middleman and she was able to see her vision through to the end as she wanted to see it. Now that self-publishing is also made easier with modern technology, authors have fewer costs to themselves as well.
With the success of her first novel, Hazzard is already working on completing the second book in the trilogy, “Blood Loyalty.” She said the third book, which she also has outlined, will be released in the spring.
“I already know how it will end. I’ve planned an exit strategy,” she said. “Some authors or publishers are determined to milk it, but often readers complain that the series tends to deteriorate over time. I laid the foundation, now I need to build the building.”
For more information about Hazzard, visit her website at www.jshazzard.com.
Contributed Story Posted 12 August 2014 at 12:00 am
Contributed Photo
MEDINA – Kyle Barna, a 2014 Medina graduate, is the initial recipient of the Dave Boice/Bill Ossont Scholar/Athlete Scholarship. The scholarship was founded by Medina High graduate Dr. Dan Terryberry in honor of Boice, whom he calls his “best teacher” and Ossont whom he calls “his best coach.”
Barna will be attending Memphis University where he will be a walk-on candidate for the football team. Shown here from left are Dr. Terryberry, Ossont, Barna and Boice. The scholarship was awarded to Barna during the Medina High Alumni Weekend this past Saturday at Shelridge prior to the golf tournament.
Photos by Sue Cook – Becky Wolford fills the Albion Free Methodist Church with her voice during practice.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
ALBION – Nine years ago, Becky Wolford was beginning her recovery from brain surgery that removed a baseball-sized tumor.
Doctors thought she might not sing again. Singing was important for Wolford, who led worship at churches.
She has made a remarkable recovery and is now part of the worship band at the Albion Free Methodist Church. In two weeks, Wolford will be leaving for Tennessee to record an EP, a shorter version of a full album.
Wolford’s EP will be recorded at Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tenn., by students of the Dark Horse Institute. The students will complete the recording, mixing and engineering. The school is a part of the Dark Horse Recording label.
“A lot of the big names are at the label, like Taylor Swift,” said Wolford of the prestigious studio.
Becky Wolford has been singing in churches for decades.
“The students will record this for their end grade,” she added. “I’ll receive it at a discounted price and then I can make copies of it.”
A full band will be going with her, along with her husband Todd and daughter Bethany. The instruments will be recorded on separate days from the vocals, which will all be mixed together in the end. The six songs they will record were all written by Wolford.
“I’ve always been a songwriter from childhood on,” said Wolford.
Her husband Todd is a former pastor who now teaches at Lyndonville.
“It’s been a lifelong dream for her, and we’ve been married 32 years, so it’s been my dream for her to do this as well,” he said.
The songs she will record are “A Better Place,” “Covenant of Grace,” “In an Instant,” “Shadow of the Cross,” “Hand of the Savior” and “Dance.
“Five of them were written after my surgery,” Wolford said. “Some of them are about going through tough times.”
The songs also suggest there is always room to grow and that there is always hope in faith.
“Some of these songs, I was really little when she wrote,” her daughter said. “I’ve always liked hearing her songs.”
Wolford and the band practice at the head of the church for a performance that evening. Also in the band are Cindy Bovier (piano), Matt Ash (electric guitar), Jim Drew (guitar), Mike Stamp (drums), Tom Smith (bass) and Andy Peters (acoustic guitar).
“I’m really excited that I get to go with her and experience it and everything. I’m going to be hanging out with her in the studio so I can get the whole feel of it. I’m super excited for her. She deserves this,” Bethany added.
Wolford is using Kickstarter as funding for the trip. The funds raised will cover studio time, meals for all the musicians and any added travel expenses. A person can choose to pledge a certain amount of money on the campaign in order to receive rewards, including singles or a CD. If the full amount is not reached by the deadline, no money is taken. If the full amount is reached or exceeded, the pledges are taken and Wolford will deliver the rewards as they become available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2014 at 12:00 am
Mosque in Medina part of effort for humanitarian work
Photos by Tom Rivers- Sheriff Scott Hess was given a certificate of appreciation for his “outstanding public service” for 10 years as sheriff.
Dr. Asif Shah, a cardiologist for Medina Memorial Hospital, addresses the World Sufi Foundation on Saturday evening at its mosque on West Avenue in Medina. Shah was recognized for providing cardiology services in the community.
MEDINA – The Muslim community honored Sheriff Scott Hess and Dr. Asif Shah, a cardiologist at Medina Memorial Hospital, for their service to the community on Saturday.
The World Sufi Foundation held a big celebration after Ramadan, when Muslims go 30 days without eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. The community had a big feast on Saturday and wanted to recognize Hess and Shah.
Hess has been sheriff for about 10 years following a career with the Albion Police Department. Bilal Huzair, a member of the mosque, thanked Hess for his “outstanding public service.”
“He doesn’t just see black and white,” Huzair said. “He sees human beings.”
Hess proved a friend to the Muslim community in 2010 when shots were fired at their mosque on Fuller Road in Waterport. The Sheriff’s Department investigated the case and arrested five teen-agers.
Shah joined Medina Memorial Hospital about a year ago and has been providing cardiology services in Medina and also at Orleans Community Health’s urgent care site in Albion. He also has partnered with the World Sufi Foundation for some humanitarian work in the community, Huzair said.
Dolores Horvath, CEO of Medina Memorial, presented Shah with a certificate of appreciation for his work in the community.
Medina Mayor Andrew Meier was invited to the mosque for a celebration after Ramadan. Meier thanked the Muslim community for working to upgrade the building, a former mansion next to the Medina Historical Society, and also for their expanded community outreach efforts.
Leaders of the mosque also invited Medina Mayor Andrew Meier to the celebration Saturday. Huzair said Meier “is so helpful to everyone who knows him.”
Meier thanked the members of the mosque for working to restore the former mansion on West Avenue. The site had fallen into disrepair after being carved up for apartments.
Edmund Pitts built the mansion. He has the distinction of serving as a leader of both the Assembly and Senate.
The mosque on West Avenue is a former mansion and also a former Masonic Lodge.
The Masonic Lodge acquired the building in the 1920s and put on an addition that included the large meeting room and a fellowship hall in the basement. The Masons met in the building until the 1980s.
“Thank you for improving the building that threatened to become a white elephant,” Meier said.
He praised the mosque for also working to better the community through humanitarian efforts, including a food giveaway the first and third Saturdays from Huzair’s restaurant, the Old Mill Run Restaurant, near the corner of routes 31A and 63.
Harris Lieberman, left, and Metin Shahin greet each other in the mosque, where members have been working three years to improve the building, including bringing back the tin ceilings and hardwood floors in the upstairs.
The World Sufi Foundation also for nearly 20 years has run the Project Life program, which brings war orphans to rural Orleans County for a summer of respite, fun and education. Several other community members, including Christian churches, help with that program.
Project Life now has an office in Medina at the mosque next to the Ridgeway Town Hall. Huzair said the group is committed to international work, but also wants to step up its efforts in the local community.
It continues to have its mosque on Fuller Road in Waterport. That site is more of a retreat, while the Medina site is its focus for spiritual and community work.
“Medina is a wonderful city,” Huzair said. “We needed something more visible. This building is open to everyone. We welcome everybody who has a passion to do work for humanity.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Adam Eick, right, is pictured with his FFA advisor and teacher Todd Eick of Medina during last week’s Orleans County 4-H Fair. The two are cousins.
MEDINA – A conference in Iowa assembled 49 outstanding agriculture students from 26 states in a highly competitive program. One of those students, Adam Eick, is from Medina and looks forward to running his own farm someday.
He attended the New Century Farmer Program from July 14-18 in Johnston, Iowa, learning about the global marketplace, farm financing, demographic trends and risk management. Eick was able to network with other emerging farmers and experience some of the latest developments in agriculture technology.
“I see a bright future in the ag industry,” Eick said. “This conference solidified that because people have to eat.”
Eick, 19, is entering his sophomore year at Morrisville State College. He plays offensive lineman on the college’s football team.
Eick is from a dairy farming family. This summer he is a paid intern at Lamb Farms in Oakfield, working in the herd health program.
He was the only student from New York picked for the New Century program. Todd Eick, Adam’s teacher and FFA advisor at Medina, gave Adam a strong endrosement for the program.
“It was a great opportunity for Adam,” said Mr. Eick, who is Adam’s cousin. “He is a young man with a bright future. It’s been nice watching him grow up from a little boy to the young man he is becoming.”
Adam said he may move out West after college to work and perhaps own his own farm.
“There’s something about the Midwest that gets me excited about agriculture,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Elissa Smith is AVID coordinator at LCS
Provided photo – Elissa Smith, the AVID coordinator for Lyndonville, won an essay contest and delivered a speech before about 2,500 education professionals during a conference in Philadelphia on July 16.
LYNDONVILLE – The coordinator of a college prep program at Lyndonville was picked as the teacher to address 2,500 education professionals during a recent conference in Philadelphia.
Elissa Smith, a Spanish and public speaking teacher at Lyndonville, also is coordinator of the district’s AVID program, which helps students plan for college. The program is targeted to students who could be first-generation college students and begins with students in elementary school.
Smith submitted an essay from a teacher’s perspective and it was selected to be shared during the education conference. Thirteen other Lyndonville teachers attended the conference.
In her speech, Smith compares her job as an AVID elective coach and coordinator to that of a cartographer or mapmaker.
“I must help map the multiple paths to student success,” Smith writes in her essay. “I must carefully mark out the roadblocks and snares along the way, but I am not the navigator. I can only inspire my students to start moving toward their goals, to help them use their struggles as catalysts as they venture on toward their dreams. I need to share information with them to help them know what tools to pack for the adventure and provide them with support when they need a break or need encouragement as they change direction on the journey.”
Smith said it was an “unbelievable” honor to share her speech at the conference. The district just graduated its first class of students in the AVID program. Four of the top 10 students were in AVID.
The district this school year will extend the program to kindergarten, working with potential first-generation college students to avoid pitfalls and attain academic success and rigor throughout their school experience.
“It’s a teacher’s duty to help students along the way,” Smith said.
In her speech at the conference, Smith said many of the AVID students have overcome obstacles to succeed in the classroom.
“Our first AVID class is comprised of students who have nearly every excuse possible not to pick up that map and start the difficult journey to bigger dreams,” Smith said. “You know these students – those who have lost parents, immigrated here from a war-torn nation, those who are hungry, those with families torn apart by addictions – and I know you cheer for them just as proudly as I do. As they get ready to leave us, to move on to the next phase of life, may we be sure that they feel the pride of a community behind them.”
For a link to her speech at the conference, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Barre girl follows her 3 sisters in winning title
Photos by Tom Rivers – Jenny McKenna, back left, shows a goat while next to Elizabeth Storm during the Grand Master Showman Competition on Friday. Tammi Kron serves as one of the judges.
KNOWLESVILLE – Jenny McKenna captured won the Orleans County 4-H Fair’s most prestigious titles on Friday, winning the Grand Master Showman.
The competition takes the top showman in nine different animal breeds and has them compete for the grand master showman, showing nine different types of animals. Jenny, 19, won in her final year as a 4-H’er.
“It’s a great way to end my 4-H career,” she said. “It’s been a lot of hard work and determination.”
Jenny McKenna shows a dairy cow during Friday’s event. She showed eight other animal breeds in the grueling three-hour competition.
Her three sisters – Caton, Kerri and Betsey – have all won the title. Jenny just completed her first year of college at Roberts Wesleyan. She is transferring to Cornell University to major in animal science with a minor in agricultural business.
After the grand master event, McKenna quickly changed clothes to compete in the grease pole competition. She was part of the Iron Fists team that included her mother, Iva.
Tammi Kron of Alden was one of the judges for the Grand Master Showman. She said McKenna stayed positive in the show ring and could answer her questions about each of the animal breeds.
“She had a lot of show ring presence,” Kron said.
Jayne Bannister, 16, of Point Breeze was the reserve champion. She is shown working with a goat during the Gand Master Showman Competition. Jayne has won the title before.
Melanie Klossner sets up a llama before judge Jim Lasel of Albion during the Grand Master Showman Competition.
Nicole Mrzywka answers a question from judge Tammi Kron while Nicole’s sister Natalie, left, waits her turn.
McKenna qualified by winning the dairy cattle showman title. Other master showmen include Elizabeth Storm, representing Horses – English; Kiley Stadmiller, Horses – Western; Claudia Drechsel, sheep; Natalie Mrzywka, meat goats; Nicole Mrzywka, dairy goats; Rylie Lear, swine; Melanie Klossner, llama; and Jayne Bannister, beef cattle. Last year’s grand master showman, Janie Schutz, also was invited back for the competition on Friday.
Wayne Hale of Medina has been appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve as a member of the New York State Canal Recreationway Commission.
Hale has worked as Director of the Orleans County Planning and Development Department since 1986, Tourism Project Director for Orleans County’s I Love NY Program since 1992, and Manager of the Orleans County Marine Park since 1998.
“Wayne is a consummate professional who is widely respected across the state for his experience and wisdom relating to tourism and planning matters,” said State Sen. George Maziarz. “He will be a great Orleans County voice and I was proud to recommend him for appointment to this important panel.”
The Canal Recreationway Commission maintains and revises the Canal Recreationway Plan and makes recommendations to the Thruway Authority, Canal Corporation, and state leaders concerning the future of the canal system.
“I’m deeply gratified that Sen. Maziarz considered me for nomination as a Commission member,” Hale said. “This is a capstone event in my 31-year career at the Orleans County Planning Department. We’ve lead sizable efforts in planning, development and promotion of the Erie Canal, locally and regionally, and my appointment brings the prospect of applying that experience to a new and greater challenge.”
Passionate as he is about canal and tourism matters, Hale has been active with the Genesee/Finger Lakes Region Erie Canal Corridor Plan, Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway, the New York State Heritage Areas Advisory Council, Western New York Canal Coalition, Canal New York Marketing and Business Alliance, and several other groups.
Hale’s term as Canal Recreationway Commission member expires on March 23, 2017. For more information about the commission, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2014 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – Chuck Nesbitt details the Orleans County budget during a public hearing last December at the County Courthouse.
Press release
Orleans County Legislature and the International City/County Management Association
WASHINGTON, D.C. Chuck Nesbitt, chief administrative officer for Orleans County, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.
Nesbitt is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program and one of only 20 in New York State.
ICMA’s mission is to create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide and increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization’s nearly 9,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students, and other local government employees.
“Chuck’s ICMA credential is well-deserved and certainly earned,” said David Callard, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature. “He is a valued partner to me, the Orleans County Legislature and the many department heads he leads. Chuck possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of the needs and challenges of local government and he is steadfast in his commitment to doing what’s best for the county and its taxpayers.”
Nesbitt has been the county’s CAO since 2005. Prior to that, he served as an economic development specialist with Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development agency.
He also serves as the President of the New York State Association of County Administrators and Managers, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance for the New York State Association of Counties and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Healthcare Alliance of Western New York.
To receive the ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; pass a detailed examination and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.
Provided photos – Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard volunteer to organize the costumes and props for Holley’s theater program.
Press release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Each month, the Holley Board of Education honors people who have donated their time and abilities to benefit Holley schools. At last month’s Board of Education meeting, the board honored three people with Soaring to New Heights Awards.
The first award was presented to Holley residents Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard for the time they spent organizing the high school’s theater props and costumes. Thanks to their efforts, theater resources are now arranged, stored and ready for use next year.
The second Soaring to New Heights Award was presented to high school sophomore Cameron Benage for the work he provides to the district in running the lights and sound system in the Middle School/High School auditorium. Cameron provides this service as a volunteer and he offers his time and skill for events that take place during the day and at night.
Cameron Benage was recognized for his efforts running the lights and sound system at the Holley Middle/High School.
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club awarded three scholarships for $2,000 total to three graduates at Albion High School. Rotarians Bonnie Malakie, left, and Club President Cindy Perry, right, are pictured with the scholarship winners, from left: Arianna Smith, Abigail Squicciarini and Bradlee Driesel.
Squicciarini received the A. B. “Dick” Eddy Rotary “Service above Self” Scholarship. This scholarship for $1,250 is awarded in memory of Dick Eddy, a community leader, businessman, and Rotarian, who committed his life to the principle of service above self. The award goes to a senior who has demonstrated a personal commitment to community service and leadership, and displays high potential for future accomplishment.
Smith received the Edward B. Archbald Memorial Scholarship for $500. Archbald was a farmer, philanthropist, outdoorsman and a 70-year member of Rotary. This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior pursuing a college education who shares a love for sports, recreational activities, community service and work experience.
Driesel received the Rotary Career Advancement Prize for $250. The award goes to a graduating senior entering a field that doesn’t require a traditional college education, such as a technical field, agriculture, law enforcement, or business. Key factors in selecting the recipient include community service, school activities, and work experience. Driesel wants to become a full-time firefighter.
HOLLEY – Four members of the Holley Class of 2014 were each awarded $500 scholarships by the Holley Rotary Club. The scholarship winners attended Monday’s Rotary Club meeting to meet the Rotarians.
Pictured in the photo, from left, include: Claudia Passarell, Jeff Martin (Rotary Club’s President Elect), Nicole Blackburn, Teresa Nicoletti, John Pedley (Club President) and Nicole Mauro.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Cameron Morgan earns a full ride to UR
Photos by Tom Rivers – Cameron Morgan was born without a left arm. He didn’t let that prevent him from playing percussion in the marching band and serving as the group’s drum major this year.
MEDINA – About a year ago the announcement was made at the Medina Marching Band’s annual banquet: Cameron Morgan would serve as drum major in 2013-14.
Morgan was a percussionist in the band, playing the marimba. He pulled that off despite only having one arm. And now he would be drum major, setting the pace for the band in parades and competitions.
Morgan, 17, didn’t miss a beat in the role. He was named best drum major of all the schools at the Gorham Pageant of Bands.
Jeff Evoy, the Medina Central School superintendent, recalled Morgan’s speech to the band about a year ago, after he was named drum major. Evoy said it was one of the best addresses he has ever heard, a call to take pride in the marching band, the school and the community.
“It was all about having high expectations for success,” Evoy recalled.
The Medina Marching Band had won the previous four state championships. But Morgan said the group of 130 musicians could do better. The band extended its streak to five straight state championships this school year.
“The band program is truly an incredible thing,” Morgan said during an interview this week. “Every band member is invaluable. There is no bench in the band program. There is no one waiting to replace you. You are a crucial part of something much bigger.”
Cameron Morgan leads the band last September during a rainstorm at Vets Park.
Morgan will graduate tonight ranked fifth in his class. He has a full ride at the University of Rochester where he will be a renaissance and global scholar. He wants to try out for the Eastman School of Music to play marimba. He developed a technique where he can hold three mallets at once in his right hand.
“The U of R provides a wealth of opportunities outside the classroom as well as inside,” he said.
Morgan plans to be involved in the Model United Nations, the Debate Team and student government. He said he may pursue a career as a lawyer, in public policy or another role in the government.
He was born on the Fourth of July in 1996, missing his left arm. Morgan doesn’t bemoan that fate.
“It’s forced me to work harder,” he said. “I don’t consider it a disability. It’s all I have ever known.”
“I’ve learned that people are different and there’s nothing strange or awkward about that.” – Cameron Morgan
He gets some stares at the band competitions, and he knows some people are curious. He tried youth sports, but never liked it much and not because he was missing an arm.
“I’m a little too laid back,” he said. “When I played soccer, I wasn’t too aggressive.”
He felt at home with the marching band, joining as a seventh grader. It can be overwhelming that first year, meeting the demands of the program, learning the music and marching formations.
Photo by Sue Cook – Cameron Morgan, right, plays the Baker in a combined Lyndonville-Medina musical production of “Into the Woods.” He was joined on stage in March by the Witch (Heather Mufford) and the Baker’s wife (Rebekah Hoffee).
“The band program sets a high bar for excellence,” Morgan said. “The band program shows kids that their potential is limitless if they set their minds to it. It’s very demanding but it’s invaluable and absolutely worth the effort and stress. Through my experiences with band and music, it made me realize I have as much potential as anyone else.”
Morgan’s birth defect likely made him more sensitive to others, he said. If he sees someone in a wheelchair, he looks them in the eyes and doesn’t fixate on the chair.
“I’ve learned that people are different and there’s nothing strange or awkward about that,” he said.
Evoy said Morgan has been a role model in the school.
“Cameron is a true leader,” the school superintendent said. “He’s a caring young man. I’m extremely proud of him and we expect great things from him.”
Morgan said he would like to reach out to children and others with disabilities to show them they can still achieve – with lots of hard work.
“Much more than the circumstances is your perception of the circumstances,” Morgan said. “I feel I’ve been very fortunate.”
Click above to see a video of Cameron Morgan playing the marimba.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club honored two people last night as Paul Harris Fellows, the highest award given out by Rotary.
Cindy Perry and Gary Simboli were both recognized and the club will give $1,000 in each of their names to the Rotary Foundation to fight polio and do other humanitarian projects in the world.
Perry is the director of health education, wellness and outreach for Orleans Community Health. She served as the Rotary Club president the past year. Last night was her final meeting as president. Bill Diehl will take the reins from July 1 to June 30, 2015.
Simboli was recognized for his success as a teacher in Albion and his efforts to bring the music program out into the community. Simboli directs the high school musicals and plays, and is a vocal instructor.
He started as a special education teacher and developed the music program at Camp Rainbow for The Arc of Orleans County.
