Becky Wolford wants to share inspirational songs

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.

To see her Kickstarter campaign, click here.

Wolford also suggested another way that the community can support her, saying, “Pray for me.”

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.”

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.

Press release, State Sen. George Maziarz

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.

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.

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.

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.

Matt Mooney is a busy man in WNY show business

Provided photos – Matt Mooney portrays Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” during performances from May 31 – June 15, 2013 at the Lancaster Opera House.

ALBION – After starring on the Albion stage in high school, Matt Mooney went to college and earned a degree in theater and liberal arts from Nazareth College in Rochester. Then he followed his dream to New York City and worked in theater for four years in The Big Apple.

He was in the original cast for “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” that performed Off Broadway and went on tour. He appeared in Sex in the City on HBO, the movie Glitter with Mariah Carey, and another film called Strangers with Candy.

He left the big lights of the big city and returned to Western New York in 2001. He has juggled a full-time job with a busy schedule in theater.

“My whole life I’ve wanted to act and sing,” Mooney said.

He has been particularly busy in the past year, starring in many prominent roles, including his current portrayal of Marius Pontmercy in “Les Miserables” at Lancaster Opera House. The show opened last weekend and runs until June 22.

Matt Mooney, right, stars as Marius Pontmercy in Les Miserables, which will be performed at the Lancaster Opera House until June 22.

Mooney, 39, plays several demanding roles in casts each year. Besides Marius, he has recently played Jesus in “Godspell,” Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” as well as roles in “The Plow and the Stars” about the Irish Revolution, “Plaid Tidings,” and “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson.”

Mooney was honored with Artie, an award for Buffalo theater performers, last week for his work in the singing ensemble of “Plaid Tidings.”

Photo by Michael Walline – Matt Mooney, front, was part of the musical ensemble from “Plaid Tidings” that was honored last week with an “Artie” Award in Buffalo. That musical was performed in December.

“This year I was really lucky,” he said about the many shows. “Buffalo has a very diverse community of professional actors and community theaters.”

By day, Mooney works for a bank. He was a personal banker and insurance agent for a decade for Evans Bank before being promoted to the bank’s marketing coordinator about 18 months ago.

It’s a breakneck pace, up for work early and rehearsing or performing late at night. Mooney said he is thankful to be so busy.

“I don’t like to say no to shows that I love,” he said. “I get to work with amazingly talented people.”

After “Les Miserables,” Mooney gets a breather from theater for about three months. He will be back on the stage in September with the cast of “Hello Again.”

“There is a lot of theater in Buffalo,” he said. “People outside of Buffalo might be surprised but you can be busy nonstop.”

Provided photo

BATAVIA – Alyssa Mahnke of Lyndonville was one of two $1,000 scholarship winners through the GCASA Foundation.

Alyssa and the other scholarship winner, Hannah Waiter of Alexander, were honored during GCASA annual membership meeting on Wednesday.

Pictured, from left, include: John Bennett, GCASA executive director; Kathleen Maerten, GCASA Foundation Board president; Hannah Waiter; Alyssa Mahnke;and Jason Smith, GCASA board member and superintendent of Lyndonville Central School.