achievements

Lyndonville teen will audition with ‘The Voice’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 December 2014 at 3:55 pm

Salma Huzair will also perform Saturday in Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers – Salma Huzair will travel to New York City to audition on Jan. 25 for “The Voice,” NBC’s vocal competition. She is pictured outside her family’s restaurant on Route 63 in Medina.

MEDINA – Salma Huzair has always enjoyed singing around her house, and in the Lyndonville school choir. People have told her she has a great voice.

But she started to really turn heads on Sept. 17. Her family owns the Old Mill Run Restaurant on Route 63 in Medina. Russ Peters was performing that day at the Old Mill. He took a break in his concert and during intermission karaoke singers had a chance at the microphone.

Salma sang “Skinny Love” by Birdy. John Wragg was in the crowd and he was wowed by Salma. Wragg has a recording studio in Middleport.

He welcomed Salma to the studio and they put some recordings of her on Facebook and YouTube. They sent links of those videos to “The Voice.” The television show welcomed her for an audition.

She will travel to New York City on Jan. 25 for the blind audition, when singers perform for four celebrity judges. The judges have their backs to the singers in the blind auditions. The judges decide if they want the singer on their team.

“I’m really excited but a little nervous,” Salma, a sophomore at Lyndonville, said on Tuesday at the Old Mill.

Salma Huzair works at the Old Mill Run Restaurant in the kitchen and as a waitress. Here she is making a Reuben sandwich.

She will perform in a concert on Saturday at the Medina Theatre. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be a fund-raiser for the trip to New York City, and also a chance to perform on stage for a live audience.

Wragg believes Salma could be a big star. She needs to build up her confidence, he said.

“Everyone knows how good she is except Salma,” Wragg said.

There is a suggested $3 donation to attend the concert and there will be raffles to help cover the travel and lodging costs for Salma. The band, The Blind Leading the Blind, will also perform from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.

“We’re here to support the local talent,” said Nicole Bellnier, manager at Medina Theatre.

Salma’s mother Alana Ross will join her daughter in New York City. She said Salma has had perfect pitch since was a little girl.

“She has a very delicate sounding voice, but she can be powerful when she wants to be,” Ross said.

Salma Huzair is pictured with her father Bilal and her mother Alana.

Salma sang her first solo in the fifth grade at an elementary school concert. She has been picked for many all-county musical festivals.

A soprano, she enjoys singing pop music. She admitted she is a little shy. But she is pushing herself. She had a concert at the Old Mill Run Restaurant on Dec. 13 and engaged with the crowd.

“Since her concert here she has really blossomed,” her mother said.

Salma’s parents opened the Old Mill Run about two years ago. Their daughter has preferred to stay in the background, working in the kitchen. But lately, she has been waitressing, working more with the public.

“She has really stepped out,” her mother said.

Salma said she is grateful for the chance to try out for “The Voice.”

“I really enjoy singing,” she said. “It just takes me away.”

Salma Huzair makes a Reuben sandwich at the Old Mill Run. She also has been waitressing more recently, connecting with customers.

County officials praise Lattin for dedicated career as historian

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin, center, was recognized today during the final Orleans County Legislature meeting of 2014. Lattin is retiring on Dec. 31.

Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, presented Lattin with a “Special Recognition Award” for his 36 years as county historian. Resident Al Capurso, right, presented Lattin with a model of a log cabin that Capurso made.

“Bill has been extraordinary,” Callard said. “He has gone above and beyond to promote our county history by teaching, lecturing to our community members and our visitors from near and far about the strong history and heritage we have here in our county.”

Lattin also served as curator of the Cobblestone Museum for nearly 40 years and was influential in many of the museum’s acquisitions. He also coordinated the relocation of several of the buildings at the museum complex near the corner of routes 98 and 104 in the Town of Gaines.

Outhouses, a print shop, blacksmith shop and Farmer’s Museum were all moved to the museum complex to be preserved.

Callard praised Lattin for his “extreme professionalism” and efforts on many fronts in preserving local history.

Capurso said Lattin is a long-time friend. The historian also worked with former Albion Mayor Donna Rodden, Capurso’s late mother in law, to have several sites in Albion – Mount Albion Cemetery, the Courthouse Square and Downtown Albion – listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Capurso worked for a month to create a model of pioneer log cabin for Lattin.

“It’s a drop in the bucket for what Bill has given of himself for the county and historic preservation,” Capurso said. “He doesn’t seek recognition. That’s not what drives him.”

The Legislature expects to appoint a new historian in early 2015.

Albion woman wins GCC enrollment contest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 December 2014 at 12:00 am

Sandra Baxter returned to college after Worthington Cylinders left Medina

Provided Photo – Sandra Baxter (third from left) is pictured with Enrollment Management committee members, from left, Cherie Chatt, Dr. Virginia Taylor, and Judie Littlejohn.

BATAVIA – In an effort to encourage students to enroll for Spring 2015 semester, Genesee Community College offered those who registered by Dec. 12 a chance to win an iPad mini.

Sandra Baxter of Albion needed no incentive. She had registered back in October, the first chance she could. In a case of “the early bird gets the worm,” Sandra won the drawing. She came to the Batavia campus on Thursday to collect her prize.

“I felt like Santa Claus calling her,” said Dr. Virginia Taylor, vice president for Student and Enrollment Services. Sandra was surprised to have won. “I couldn’t believe it. I usually don’t win things.”

She’s thrilled to try the mini, as are her children. She is the mother of 7 and 11 year olds and stepmother to one, age 21, who graduated from GCC last spring.

That’s the same semester Sandra returned to college at age 40. When her job in distribution at Worthington Cylinders (BernzOmatic) was relocated to Wisconsin, she decided it was time.

“I said that’s my sign that I need to go back to school full time and start a new career.”

She is studying to be a medical administrative assistant and hopes to graduate in 2016. Sandra has taken classes at the Batavia campus and online.

“I figured it would be hard,” she acknowledged since she hadn’t taken a class since her first foray into college after high school. “But I haven’t had any real trouble. I really like it. Everybody’s been great. Even the other students have been really helpful with the technology.”

She was most nervous about taking the online class, but managed with minimal trouble.

“It’s a lot of asking questions, but I’m getting the hang of it,” she said.

Sandra was chosen from 14,857 class registrations submitted between the time enrollment opened in October and Dec. 12, 2014. Assistant Dean for Records and Advisement Terry Reding put all the names in a database randomly and assigned them a number. He then asked members of the Enrollment Management committee to select a digit from a specified range, which, when compiled into one number produced the winner – 3,843.

“Our contest may be over, but there are still opportunities to register for spring classes,” said Dr. Taylor. “Many fill quickly, that’s why we encourage students to enroll early. But there are some classes available. We encourage people to check out all the opportunities. A new year is a great time to make a fresh start!”

Kludt wins NY corn title

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 December 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – This photo shows corn waiting to be harvested in early September along Zig-Zag Road in Albion.

KENDALL – Matt Kludt and Kludt Farms have won the New York crown for biggest corn yield.

Kludt’s per-acre yield of 281.5 bushels won the non-irrigated, no-till/strip-till category. Two nearby farms finished second and third with R.L. Jeffres & Sons, Inc. in Wyoming at a 269.2 yield and RY Properties in Pavilion at 264.9.

The National Corn Growers Association announced the state and national awards today. One farm – Randy Dowdy of growbigcorn.com in Valdosta, GA – topped 500 bushels for the first time in the contest’s 50-year history. Seven farms topped 400 bushels in the national contest, all with entries from irrigated fields.

“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations, including drought. This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

Longtime board member for Community Action honored

Staff Reports Posted 18 December 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided Photo

ALBION – Mike Paduchak was honored for more than 40 years of service on the board of directors for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Paduchak served as the board chairman for several years in the 1980s. Monday was his last meeting as a member of the board. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley stopped by the meeting at Hoag Library to present a citation, expressing appreciation for Paduchak’s service.

A World War II veteran, Paduchak also served as Kendall town supervisor and was a member of the former Orleans County Board of Supervisors.

His daughter, Nadine Hanlon, also serves on the board for Community Action.

Albion student wins county oratorical contest

Staff Reports Posted 17 December 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided Photo

ALBION – Meredith Patterson of Albion won the Orleans County American Legion Oratorical Contest on Saturday. She is pictured with Steve Goodrich, left, of Lyndonville who is the county Legion commander. Brandon Nunnery, right, of the Lyndonville Post serves as chairman of the oratorical contest.

Patterson won the 77th American Legion Orleans County Oratorical Competition. She competed against students from the other school districts in the county.

Participants delivered an 8- to 10-minute speech without notes about the Constitution.

Patterson will now advance to a regional competition in January.

Orleans County Farm Bureau honored at annual meeting

Staff Reports Posted 16 December 2014 at 12:00 am

ROCHESTER Orleans County Farm Bureau was presented with four Silver Key Awards at the annual meeting for the New York Farm Bureau on Dec. 9-11 in Rochester.

The Silver Key Awards are presented to county Farm Bureau organizations that have exhibited excellence in a variety of categories relating to effectiveness in policy implementation, promoting agriculture in the public and in classrooms, leadership development, and membership building.

The Orleans County Farm Bureau awards was recognized for excellence in the following categories: Membership, Agricultural Education & Promotion, Leadership Development, and Policy Development & Implementation on the local level.

While at the State Annual Meeting, farmer members also took part in the grassroots process of laying the groundwork for the year ahead. More than 100 delegates from across New York proposed, discussed and voted on resolutions that set NYFB’s public policy agenda for 2015.

Orleans County Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community. The county is part of New York Farm Bureau, the largest agricultural advocacy group in New York State, known to members and the public as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.”

Albion Police honored by AAA

Staff Reports Posted 16 December 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – The Albion Police Department has been awarded the 2014 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. The award is given to police 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 motorists.

Throughout 2014 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,” said Roland Nenni, Albion police chief. “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 fourth 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,” Nenni said. “Throughout the holiday season we will continue our efforts by adding more patrols and details and we urge motorist to make responsible decisions.”

Cooperative Extension honors friends

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 December 2014 at 12:00 am

First ‘Legacy Awards’ presented to duo who make chicken barbecue a success

Photos by Tom Rivers – Barb Lehning of Holley has volunteered with the chicken barbecue at the 4-H Fair for 30 years, helping serve 1,250 meals at the events. She was presented with a Legacy Award on Tuesday. Kim Hazel, left, was credited by Lehning for helping to organize the big meal.

KNOWLESVILLE – Joan Roberts and Barb Lehning say preparing and serving 1,250 chicken dinners at the fair is a lot of fun.

But it’s also a lot of work, Cornell Cooperative Extension officials said, and they wanted to recognize the two ladies for their years of commitment to making the chicken barbecue dinner such a success.

Both Roberts and Lehning on Tuesday were presented with the first “Legacy Awards” by the Extension. The awards recognize people for many years of service and commitment to the Extension.

Joan Roberts of Medina has helped prepare the meals for 60 years. She received a Legacy Award for her efforts to support the Extension. She is pictured next to Extension board chairman Ed Neal.

Roberts of Medina volunteered for 60 years in preparing the chicken barbecues. Her husband Orren has been right there with her at the fair. Their four kids were in 4-H, and one son built the racks used to cook the chickens for an Eagle Scout project.

“It’s been a part of our life,” Roberts said.

Lehning was asked about 30 years ago to help organize the serving team. She remembers when the event peaked at 1,600 dinners. The 1,250 meals at more recent fairs keeps the serving line busy.

“It’s a fun day,” she said. “I like working with all of the people.”

Roberts and Lehning both said much of the event’s success goes to Kim Hazel, an administrative assistant at the Extension who helps organize the big dinner.

“We could not imagine a fair without the chicken barbecue or the chicken barbecue without Joan and Barb,” said Ed Neal, the Extension board president. “They have been a wonderful team who has built a legacy of community service and fellowship for future generations.”

Provided photo – Cornell Cooperative Extension officials presented the “Friend of Extension” to Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers, center. He is pictured with Jennifer Wagester, the executive director, and Ed Neal, chairman of the board.

The Extension also recognized Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub, with the “Friend of the Extension” award. Jennifer Wagester, the Extension executive director, said the agency tends to be the best-kept secret in Orleans County.

But the Orleans Hub has changed that by telling the Extension story.

“In photos, Tom has shown our community the smiles of our 4-H youth and the excitement of the county fair,” Wagester told about 75 people during the Extension annual meeting. “In words, he has shared our success stories and our financial challenges.”

The agency also recognized Alice and Merri Mathes as 4-H club leaders of the year and presented the Friend of the Master Gardeners award to Eileen Sorochty for tending the gardens at the Cobblestone Museum and for taking the Master Gardener course.

The following were elected to the Extension board of directors: Erin Anheier of Clarendon, Vincent Flow of Kendall, Kathy Harling of Albion, Pete Toenniessen of Albion and Michael Zelazny of Medina.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Jayne Bannister, the Niagara-Orleans dairy princess, addresses the crowd at the Trolley Building at the 4-H Fairgrounds. She also served milk punch at the Extension annual meeting.

Albion native tapped for key White House post

Staff Reports Posted 25 November 2014 at 12:00 am

An Albion native has been picked for a key post in the White House, Rep. Louise Slaughter announced.

Don Sisson, 35, has worked for Slaughter the past 10 years. Slaughter is the ranking member of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives. Sisson has worked for the Rules Committee since 2004 for both the Democratic and Republican sides, and most recently served as the committee’s Democratic deputy staff director.

In his new job he will be Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs.

Sisson hails from Albion. After graduating from SUNY Brockport, which is located in Congresswoman Slaughter’s congressional district, Sisson worked as a clerk for the Rules Committee and moved up in the ranks to chief clerk, director of legislative operations, legislative director, and now the deputy staff director.

He has been responsible for overseeing all the functions of the Rules Committee, including managing committee meetings for Democrats, coordinating vote recommendations for the congresswoman, and serving as the Democratic Floor Director.

“As someone who could always be counted on as a friend, as someone with extraordinarily gifted intelligence, as being able to work his way through the most dangerous Gordian knot, Don Sisson is a man for all seasons,” Rep. Slaughter said on the House Floor. “I wish him the very best of everything, but say to you without a doubt that the loss for our side, for our office, for our friends, is profound. But nonetheless, he’s going to go. I just want the White House to understand what a jewel they are getting.”

Orleans Hub wins photo award from NYSARC

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 November 2014 at 12:00 am

Self Advocates in Arc were featured in March

ALBION – They were pictured in a group, holding T-shirts that say, “SELF ADVOCATE All Stars.” The group planned to raise their profile this year, marching in parades and doing car washes.

Orleans Hub featured the Self Advocates on March 13, 2014. That photo was entered by The Arc of Orleans County in a state-wide contest and it won third place.

NYSARC, Inc., the state-wide association of member ARC organizations, recognizes news organizations each year for articles and photos about people with disabilities.

Jonathan Doherty, the Self Advocate’s fund-raising chairman, arranged for the Orleans Hub to come take the photo last March. He was one of the founding members of the Advocates in 2006, when the group launched a mission to eliminate the “R-word.”

Darlene Golson, community relations manager for The Arc, is pictured with Tom Rivers, editor of Orleans Hub.

The Self Advocates were able to convince county legislators to take a stand in May 2010. The Legislature passed an official county resolution, telling local, state and federal governments to no longer use the word “retarded” in describing people with developmental disabilities. The R-word is a “vicious slang” that is insulting and hurtful to people with developmental disabilities and their families, legislators said in their resolution four years ago.

The honor from NYSARC is the first journalism award won by Orleans Hub since we started on April 2, 2013. We won the Entrepreneurial Excellence award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce in 2013.

4 Lego teams from Orleans test smarts at qualifier

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

CHURCHVILLE – They built Lego robots that threw a ball into a net, moved Lego people, and completed several other tasks in a 2 ½ minute round.

(In the top photo Brian Shaw of Kendall lines up the Lego robot for the MiRiFiCi team, which means “Awesomeness” in Latin.)

MiRiFiCi and three other teams from the Orleans County 4-H program competed in a qualifying event at the Churchville-Chili today, with one of the teams advancing to a regional completion on Dec. 7 at the University of Rochester.

Prehistoric Robots was the only team from Orleans to advance to the UR event. In today’s competition at the Churchville-Chili, 17 teams competed with six advancing to the UR. Will Gregoire from Prehistoric Robots also won a “Hero Award” for exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship.

Prehistoric Robots members in photo include from left: Elaina Reese of Medina, Anna Reese of Medina, Sharbell Simon of Lyndonville, Michael Reese of Medina and JohnPaul Simon of Lyndonville. They lined up the robot, pressed the desired program and put on the attachments.

Zachary Neal of Albion is a member of the KOWZ (Kids Only Work Zone). The team needed to research a project, present their findings to judges, and also design a robot and have it complete tasks on a board. Zachary’s family owns a dairy farm in Albion.

His hat has buttons from other teams in the FIRST Lego League. For its project, KOWZ researched and developed a keyboard that can make it easier for people to learn how to type.

The Red Folders team takes a turn in the robot challenge. Tsali Garland-Standing, with head down, is shown working on the robot. Garland-Standing is from Spencerport. Deegan Bragg, in glasses, is from Medina.

There are about 40 kids in the Orleans 4-H Legos program. Most are from Orleans County, but a few are from outside the county borders. The Red Folders won a “Hero Award” for sportsmanship and enthusiasm during the competition.

Mike Beach, one of the mentors for MiRiFiCi, gives the team a pep talk before they send their robot out to complete challenges. The team’s outfits mimic the character from the Monopoly game. Beach’s son, James Michael, is on the team.

Jacob Velesko of Middleport has a hat adorned with buttons from other FLL teams.He is a member of the Red Folders.

The Hippie Pandas, a team from a Girl Scout troop in Churchville, was today’s overall champion. The Hippie Pandas also designed the best robot. They advanced to the national event last year.

Marlene Seielstad of Albion won a “Special Recognition Award,” the only one given to a mentor today for her dedication to the program as a volunteer. She and her husband Erik have served as coordinators and mentors of the FLL program in Orleans County since it started in 2012 with one team. Last year it jumped tp three teams and now there are four.

Benjamin Williams of Albion, a member of the KOWZ team, assembles a Lego model during a drill in today’s competition.

The Prehistoric Robots team advanced to the First Lego League championships on Dec. 7 at the University of Rochester. The team also moved on the the UR competition in 2013. The team includes, from left: Anna Reese, Jacques Gregoire, Michael Reese (in back), Elaina Reese, Nathaniel Scott-Avery, Lucas Wilkins, JohnPaul Simon, Sharbell Simon and Will Gregoire.

Local FFA students shine at National Convention

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.

Medina honors new class of distinguished alumni

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.

Sheriff honors long-time volunteer with jail ministry team

Staff Reports Posted 30 October 2014 at 12:00 am

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).