achievements

32-year-old rookie named Albion firefighter of the year

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

Jim Peruzzini joined AFD after firefighters responded to a call at his house

Photos by Tom Rivers – Albion Fire Chief Rocky Sidari, left, presents the “Firefighter of the Year” award to Jim Peruzzini, who joined the AFD last May.

ALBION – Jim Peruzzini and his wife Stephanie had just moved into a new home in Gaines with their twin daughters when the smoke alarm went off.

They called 911 and Albion firefighters showed up to check out the situation. Peruzzini was impressed by their response and willingness to help.

“I thought it was great that they would give up their time and come to my house and help someone out,” Peruzzini said.

Fire Chief Rocky Sidari and Assistant Chief Jeremy Graham encouraged Peruzzini to join the Fire Department. He thought about it before, but didn’t pursue it, assuming he was too busy to meet the training requirements and to respond to emergency calls.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Jim Peruzzini and his twin daughters watch a Mercy Flight helicopter from Batavia land by the Albion Elk’s Club just before a Sept. 11 memorial service.

But last May he made the commitment. He took an intense two-week firefighter boot camp and by July had enough training to be an interior firefighter. He is often one of the first firefighters at a scene.

“He has really taken off like a rocket,” Sidari said tonight when he named Peruzzini the department’s “Firefighter of the Year.”

Peruzzini, 32, works full-time at Adfors (formerly called Saint-Gobain) as a setup technician. He didn’t grow up in a firefighting family. He encouraged others in the community to consider volunteering with the fire department.

“I love it,” he said. I like the guys and there’s the thrill with every call that it could be something huge.”

His wife said Peruzzini is quick to head out the door when his pager goes off, unless he is caring for their children.

Sidari said a committed volunteer like Peruzzini is a great addition to the fire department.

“It’s huge to have someone step in like that,” he said.

Kevin Sheehan (left), Albion’s former deputy mayor, reads the oath of office for Albion Fire Department leaders, including from left: Chief Rocky Sidari, Deputy Chief Harry Papponetti and Assistant Chief Jeremy Graham.

Sidari and the fire department honored others during their annual banquet tonight at the Carlton Recreation Hall. The following received awards:

Chief’s Award: Dan Gleason. He is active with the fire police and responded to the second most calls for the department last year. Gleason also fixes the department’s computers, will make key fobs and handle other requests from Sidari.

“Anything I ask him to do, he will do it,” Sidari said.

Gleason is moving to North Carolina. “It’s going to a be a big loss for our department,” Sidari said.

Officer’s Award: Will Francis, the department’s first lieutenant. Francis led the department in calls, responding to 62 percent of more than 400 calls last year.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Will Francis of the Albion Fire Department keeps a steady stream of water on the smoking ruins of the Orleans Pallet warehouse last Oct. 19. Firefighters were on the scene for several days after the fire to douse any flare-ups.

“He’s gone above and beyond and exceeded all of my expectations,” Sidari said. “He’s there day or night.”

Drivers of the Year: Dale Banker and Ron Armstrong. They are reliable, especially during the late mornings and early afternoon when the department is often short-handed.

President’s Award: AFD President Lee Miesner honored two members of the Village Board who recently ended their terms. Both former Mayor Dean Theodorakos and Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheehan were advocates for the department in the village budget, Miesner said.

“They made sure the funding was there,” Miesner said. “Without our Village Board we’d have nothing.”

Medina resident has pushed preservation policies and action

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Heritage Hero: Chris Busch

Photos by Tom Rivers – Chris Busch is chairman of the Village of Medina’s Planning Board and Medina’s Tree Board. He also is vice chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group, which is working to restore the Bent’s Opera House, pictured behind him on Main Street.

MEDINA – In small-town Upstate New York, there aren’t too many downtown business districts like Medina’s these days. The buildings are well maintained with a high occupancy rate.

It feels like a Norman Rockwell painting, a step back in time with so many independent merchants and sense of history with buildings from the mid to late 1800s and the early 20^th Century.

Chris Busch sees the downtown’s historical integrity as a draw for the community. He has served nearly 20 years on the Village Planning Board and helped to craft zoning and design standards for the downtown. As chairman of the Planning Board, he also heads the village’s Historic and Architectural Review Board, which provides guidance to downtown building owners for signs, paint and other exterior work.

“We’ve been very successful promoting and implementing preservation because we’ve been able to do it in such a fashion that the community has been able to embrace it without angst and suspicion,” Busch said.

He praised Kay Revelas, former director of the Medina Chamber of Commerce, for rallying business owners to back preservation and a historic designation for the downtown a generation ago. Many in the community have championed the issue and the building owners have embraced it, Busch said.

“It’s taken the diligence of many people to protect the downtown business district,” he said. “It’s paying off because people very much enjoy the look and feel of downtown Medina with its history and heritage.”

Busch will be honored as a “Heritage Hero” on April 25 during a Civil War Encampment at GCC in Medina. He was picked for his leadership on the Planning Board and his many civic contributions, including the design of 11 interpretative panels in the downtown that will highlight Medina history. Those panels should be installed later this month or in early May.

Medina elementary students are part of an annual Arbor Day celebration. Students write poems and sing songs about trees. They also help plant them. Busch is chairman of the Tree Board. The National Arbor Day Foundation has given Medina a “Tree City Growth Award” and has designated the community a “Tree City USA” for its commitment to planting trees every year.

Busch works as a history teacher in Lockport. His heart is in Medina.

He served as village historian and later joined the Municipal Tree Board and has been its chairman for several years. Medina has been planting 50 to 100 trees most years in the past decade and that is helping to replenish an urban forest that was diminished by road projects, wind storms and disease.

“Medina was once known for beautiful residences and tree-lined streets,” he said. “Many years of neglect led to a severely depleted urban forest.”

The village’s commitment to planting trees has earned it awards from the National Arbor Day Foundation. It has recognized Medina with a “Tree City Growth Award” and has designated the community a “Tree City USA.”

Busch said the trees make neighborhoods more appealing visually and should make the homes more valuable and inviting for residents.

Chris Busch is pictured inside the Bent’s Opera House about a year ago during a tour as part of the Civil War Encampment in Medina. The opera house was constructed during the Civil War.

He has been a leader with the Orleans Renaissance Group, organizing the efforts to bring concerts into the community. He is vice chairman of the ORG, which is working to restore the Bent’s Opera House on Main Street. That Medina sandstone building was constructed during the Civil War.

The ORG wants to again have performances in the top floor of the site, with a restaurant on the second floor and the first floor available for businesses. Busch sees the site as an anchor for the downtown, drawing customers for other businesses nearby.

The “Heritage Hero” Committee also picked Busch for the award because of his efforts designing the 11 interpretive panels and helping to secure funding for the project.

The panels will be on Main Street with one on West Center Street by the Newell building, which was once a high-end shirt manufacturer.

A series of 11 interpretive panels that highlight Medina history and notable residents will be installed this spring in downtown Medina. Chris Busch designed the panels, including this one of the former U.S. President Grover Cleveland, who married a Medina girl, Frances Folsom.

Busch believes the panels will help locals and visitors better appreciate Medina’s rich heritage and history. He often sees people gawking at the downtown structures, aiming cameras at the buildings.

“It’s something that needed to be done to help people visualize it,” he said.

The panels will tell the stories of some of the people behind the downtown buildings and the community’s early days with a bustling Erie Canal, sandstone quarries and other industries.

“People will be surprised how much they will have an impact on tourist visitors,” Busch said. “These will without a doubt provide a reason for tourists to linger and learn.”

Albion man creates website for Polish community and leads

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

Heritage Hero: Matthew Ballard

Photos by Tom Rivers – Matt Ballard serves as co-director of the Cobblestone Society Museum. He is pictured in front of a church built in 1834.

ALBION – Matt Ballard has fond remembrances growing up on Brown Street and being a part of the St. Mary’s community. Ballard was an altar server and his family was very active in the Catholic parish.

The Catholic Diocese closed the church in 2007. Our Light of Victory has since acquired the church property and has Sunday services there. But it is no longer St. Mary’s. The big mural of Mary was painted over.

Ballard didn’t want to see the history of the parish lost. He created a web site in 2010, www.albionpolonia.com, that first catalogued the art inside the building – the stained-glass windows and murals.

The site has expanded to include baptismal records, marriage licenses, and funerals of the Polish community. Ballard has photos of many of the weddings. He has a searchable database that helps people on a genealogical quest. He is up to 379 marriages and 736 funerals from the St. Mary’s community.

Courtesy of www.Albionpolonia.com – Albion Polonia started as an effort to catalog the art work inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albion, including this mural of Mary.

In recognition of his efforts, Ballard will receive a “Heritage Hero” award on April 25 during the Civil War Encampment at GCC in Medina. He is one of five winners. At 26, he is also the youngest.

“It’s a labor of love,” Ballard said about Albion Polonia. “It’s a way to give back to a community that has given so much to me.”

Ballard said the parish was close-knit and loving. His father Bob Ballard was a long-time trustee at St. Mary’s. The Ballard family was connected with many other families in the parish. The younger Ballard felt that love growing up.

“It’s that saying, ‘It takes a community to raise a child,’” Ballard said.

The Polish immigrants settled on the east side of the village on Brown and Caroline streets. They built a church in the early 1890s at the corner of Brown and Moore streets. Ballard thinks the Polish community has been underappreciated.

Many of those immigrants worked in the local sandstone quarries and helped shape the stone in prominent buildings in the region and state, Ballard said.

He receives feedback about the sent from people in the community and around the country. They have shared photos and some details from the Polish community, helping to enrich the site. Ballard welcomes more contributions.

Ballard has been involved in other historical initiatives. He is a board member of the Orleans County Genealogical Society. He served on the Albion Historic Preservation Commission and also on the board of directors for the Cobblestone Society Museum.

Courtesy of www.Albionpolonia.com – This historical photo shows St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a school next door.

In February he was named co-director of the Cobblestone Society Museum. The eight buildings near the intersection of routes 98 and 104 are a National Historic Landmark, the only site in the county with that designation from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Ballard praised the community that rallied to start the museum a half century ago, and their devotion in preserving the buildings and the artifacts inside.

“It’s amazing that we have something like that in our county that is so unique,” he said.

Matt Ballard said it is an honor to be a part of the Cobblestone Society Museum. He is co-director with Sarah Karas.

He commended Bill Lattin, in particular, for being such a devoted caretaker and champion of the historic site. Lattin served as museum director for 40 years.

Ballard works part-time as a library supervisor for Hilbert College in Hamburg. He shares the museum director duties with Sarah Karas.

The museum opens on Mother’s Day. Ballard said it’s an privilege to help promote a museum that includes structures dating back to the 1830s.

“It’s a continuation of the people who came before me,” he said. “A lot of well-respected people in the community spearheaded the museum and a lot of well-respected people in the community continue to believe it’s very important.”

Former newspaper publisher has spearheaded many heritage projects

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Heritage Hero: Bob Waters

File photo by Tom Rivers – Bob Waters, president of the Medina Sandstone Society, gives a rousing speech during the first Hall of Fame program on Dec. 12 at Medina City Hall. Six inaugural inductees were named to the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame that day.

(Editor’s Note: Genesee Community College is honoring its first class of five Heritage Heroes during the Civil War Encampment on April 25 in Medina. Orleans Hub will profile the honorees. Tom Rivers, the Orleans Hub editor, served on the committee that helped pick the winners.)

MEDINA – He made a living telling the stories of Medina and the Orleans County community. Bob Waters served as publisher of The Journal-Register in Medina.

Since leaving the business more than three decades ago, Waters has made telling – and preserving – the community’s heritage a priority.

He has written publications – he won’t call them books – about Medina’s sandstone past, the community’s boom years from 1900 to 1930, and a publication of penny post cards about Medina in 2012: “Greetings from Medina, New York.”

Waters loves the written word, but he has also provided leadership and some of the heavy lifting for community projects, perhaps most notably the reuse of the former Armory on Pearl Street.

Waters served on the Armory Action Committee that helped find a new purpose for the building after it was shut down by the state in 1977.

That 90,000-square-foot building was built in 1901. It was closed in 1977 by state officials. Waters and the Armory Action Committee met weekly and negotiated with the state to keep the utilities on, make needed repairs and eventually transfer the site to the community so it could be used as a YMCA. That organization now has more than a 1,000 members and it is investing about $400,000 in a capital improvement project.

“When the National Guard left, the property could have gone down hill in a hurry,” Waters said. “Now the Y is just running with it.”

The building is one of the most iconic structures in the county. It resembles a fortress. In December it was part of the inaugural class of the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.

Waters is president of the group. He praised Sandstone Society members Jim Hancock, Dave Miller and John Slack for working to get the Hall of Fame established. The six inductees and other historical photos of quarrymen are displayed inside the meeting room at City Hall.

Photos courtesy of Dave Miller

Medina Savings and Loan celebrated its 125^th anniversary in June. As part of the celebration, the Medina Sandstone Society unveiled a sandstone plaque by the bank’s front door. Pictured, from left: Medina S & L President Tim Moriarty, Sandstone Society President Bob Waters, and Charles Slack, chairman of the board for the bank.

The Sandstone Society has given many sandstone signs to recent projects or institutions that have invested in the community.

The Society has established a community foundation that helps fund community projects, which could be restoration of stained glass windows or putting old newspapers and photos in microfiche or digital files, among the many preservation efforts.

Waters also speaks with students about local history and also leads tours of historical buildings and sites in the Medina area.

He sees an interest in local history – from high schoolers and young adults. He thinks Facebook has helped fuel a love for local heritage.

File photo by Tom Rivers

Bob Waters signs a copy of the organization’s latest publication, “Medina, My Home Town – Fond Memories,” during the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home and Garden Show last April.

The Sandstone Society’s latest publication, “Medina, My Home Town – Fond Memories,” includes reminisces from writers about Medina. Many of the anecdotes came from the Memories of Medina Facebook page, which has nearly 3,500 members.

“There has been a resurgence of interest in hometown history,” Waters said.

And he thinks that has helped spark a new wave of entrepreneurs who are investing in the downtown and the community.

“It used to be young people couldn’t wait to get out of here,” he said. “I’ve always been a small-towner. Maybe the small town is coming back.”

Rape crisis counselor honored for work with crime victims

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

Photos by Tom Rivers – Christi Waldron, a rape crisis counselor with RESTORE, addresses the crowd at a crime victims’ rights gathering Friday night at the Orleans County Courthouse. Waldron was presented with the 16th annual Milford Phinney Victim Advocate Award.

Orleans County First Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard, left, presents Christi Waldron with the Milford Phinney Victim Advocate Award. The late Phinney was an assistant DA.

RESTORE, which was previously called Rape Crisis Service, displayed T-shirts made by victims of sexual assault.

ALBION – Christi Waldron has earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault in Orleans County.

Waldron, a rape crisis counselor with RESTORE the past 2 1/2 years, often speaks on behalf of victims with the district’s attorney office, will help them get needed medical care and sometimes will just sit quietly by them during a court appearance.

“She brings a lot of energy and passion to her job,” said Susan Howard, the first assistant district attorney for Orleans County.

She presented Waldon with the Milford Phinney Victim Advocate Award during a crime victims’ rally on Friday evening at the Orleans County Courthouse.

Waldon works with rape and sexual assault victims in Orleans County and also in Brockport. She worked with 51 clients in 2013, including 16 children abused sexually, 12 adults abused sexually and four adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

Seventeen of the cases involved in criminal charges with seven resulting in convictions. Waldon said sexual assaults largely go unreported.

“We live in a culture that still blames victims of sexual violence,” Waldron said when she accepted her award. “A culture that says these acts are somehow a result of the victim not being careful enough, or too drunk, or dressed inappropriately. Rarely is the focus ever on the perpetrator.”

Waldron said some schools only educate girls about sexual violence. Men are affected by the crime as well.

“Sexual violence affects most everyone at some point in their lives,” she said. “This is everyone’s problem.”

She participated in 25 community education programs and connected with 1,300 people through outreach events in 2013. Cultural norms need to change to reduce sexual assaults, she said.

Waldron thanked other agencies and staff for working with crime victims. She said she is committed to her job and seeing a change in society.

“I do this in hopes that one day the culture will change and the myths about sexual violence and blaming will disappear,” she said. “But most importantly I do this for the victims who feel they don’t have a voice or any options when something like this happens.”

Friday’s event at the courthouse culminated Crime Victims’ Rights Week in the county.

Howard said the week is empowering for those who work in the criminal justice system.

“We gather to give ourselves energy to get through the difficult things we have to deal with,” Howard told the group.

Holley, NYCOM honor long-time Planning Board member

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Ted Broekhuizen is retiring from the board after 25 years

Photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Ted Broekhuizen says he has lived a charmed life in Holley.

Broekhuizen, 82, has lived in his childhood home on North Main Street his entire adult life. He worked 40 years as an engineer, including 30 years with Bausch and Lomb.

Broekhuizen has stayed involved in his hometown as a member of the Presbyterian Church and also by serving on the Village Planning Board.

He stepped down from that board after 25 years on Dec. 31. He also represented the village on the Orleans County Planning Board.

Mayor John Kenney, left, presented Broekhuizen with an award for his service during Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Broekhuizen also was presented with a certificate from the New York Conference of Mayors for his long-term commitment on the Planning Board.

He is pictured accepting the award with his with of 58 years, Rhoda. She worked as an elementary teacher in Holley for 30 years.

Broekhuizen said he met many of Holley’s entrepreneurs and other residents through the Planning Board.

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and had many great experiences,” he said.

Hawley named Arc’s ‘Best Friend’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Agency honors businesses and workers at banquet

File photo by Tom Rivers – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley addressed supporters of The Arc of Orleans County in June when quad-amputee John Robinson visited as part of his bike ride across the Erie Canal. Hawley was named winner of the Arc’s “Best Friend Award” on Friday.

Press release, Arc of Orleans

HOLLEY – The Arc of Orleans County named Steve Hawley the winner of the agency’s “Best Friend” award on Friday during its annual awards banquet.

Hawley, the area’s state assemblyman, fought to restore state funding for the agency after the governor’s budget proposed a 6 percent or $308,000 cut.

He has been a supporter for The Arc personally as a sponsor of the Arc’s annual golf tournament, and Hawley attends numerous Arc events. His father, R. Stephen Hawley, won the “Best Friend” award when he was assemblyman in 1982.

The Arc honored businesses and Arc consumers during the banquet on Friday. The following received awards:

Della’s Chocolates in Medina, Business Partnership Award

This honor is presented to a business that works in partnership with The Arc’s Vocational Services department to assist people with disabilities in achieving their work related goals.

Della’s owner Susan Fuller did not hesitate when asked to take part in the ETP program, and was more than willing to give Jen Haberger a chance to prove her abilities. Sue was patient and understanding as she trained Jen on many different job tasks and later made her a full-time employee.

Stanton Signs of Medina, Heritage Award

The Heritage Award was developed to honor a business or organization that consistently assists The Arc, and the people we serve, in achieving our mission.

Stanton Signs co-owners Greg and Barbara Stanton have partnered with The Arc for many years.

They have a provided their services to support the many fund-raising activities the Agency holds. They designed the shirt logo for the annual 5K for many years. They also update the corporate banner and the golf signs for our annual Golf Tournament, often on a moment’s notice. They most recently worked with Eagle Scout Matt Prawel to create and install a beautiful new sign at the entrance of Camp Rainbow.

Duane Smith, Orleans Enterprises Worker of the Year

Duane Smith began at Orleans Enterprises in 1988. He starts his day by giving staff a smile, a handshake, and a “You’re cute.” He has worked on a variety of piece-rated tasks. He is well liked by his co-workers and staff and is a great asset to Orleans Enterprises.

Brian McAvoy, Orleans Enterprises Worker of the Year

Brian McAvoy has been named the Orleans Enterprises Worker of the year due to his outstanding dedication to the workshop.

Brian comes in to work each day and displays a positive attitude and willingness to try any job that is put in front of him. His great work ethic, excellent attendance record, and optimistic outlook are qualities and values are qualities that other workers aspire to achieve.

Kurt Hoffman, Community Service Award

With a winning smile, a willing spirit and positive attitude Kurt touches many through hours of service each week. Born with Down syndrome, a heart defect, speech, physical, and visual impairments, Kurt has overcome many obstacles. Kurt works 15 hours each week performing various tasks and services for local organizations. He regularly vacuums at Della’s Chocolate, St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medina.

Joe Barchet, Self-Advocate of the Year

Joe Barchet is an active member of the Self Advocate All Stars. More importantly he is a true Self Advocate for his rights, wants, and needs, and those around him. One of Joe’s goals was to live on his own in the community. When Joe was in his early 20’s, he moved from his parents home to the original “co-ed” IRA, with 24/7 supervision. Joe then moved to another home where he had more independence and “supported” supervision and then into a supportive apartment on his own.

Joe is also a hard worker, working in the past at Orleans Enterprises and then with the mobile cleaning crew. Joe worked at Associated Brands for several years before being accepted into the internship program through Supported Employment that connected him with Fisher’s News Stand, Medina YMCA, and Albion Redemption Center. He has worked hard to advance himself to his current position of regular employee at Albion Redemption Center.

Cecelia Robison, Mobile Crew Worker of the Year

Cecelia Robison has been with The Arc of Orleans County Supported Employment Program since 1984. She works on the Medina Mobile Crew. Cece knows what is expected of her and always strives to do her job to the best of her ability and will assist her supervisor and co-workers when needed.

Jennifer Haberger, Community Worker of the Year

Jennifer Haberger worked diligently with the Job Developer on work skills that she would need to be successful in the community. Jen was placed at Della’s Chocolate, where she started out by learning to package the candy.

Sue Fuller, the owner of Della’s has been a wonderful employer, and this has been a great asset towards Jen’s success. Jen was placed there on a trial basis with hopes that she would be able to become a permanent employee. Jen worked hard to achieve this. Her productivity was great and she was always willing to learn new job duties.

Sandy Marchesoni, Enclave Worker of the Year

Sandy Marchesoni has worked at the Ford Gum enclave since June 2011. Sandy has a firm grasp of what is expected of her at work and is always willing to do any job tasks assigned to her. Sandy will assist her co-workers when needed and is an asset to new staff when they cover the enclave. She also helps out at Orleans Enterprises when they are in need of extra help. Sandy is a role model when it comes to having excellent attendance as well as her exceptional work ethic.

Medina inducts 34 into Honor Society

Posted 8 April 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo courtesy of Chris Busch – Newly inducted 2014 members of the Medina High School Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society stand with outgoing senior members Thursday evening following induction ceremonies in the Frederick E. Snyder Auditorium at MHS. The society welcomed 34 new members.

By Chris Busch

MEDINA – The Medina High School Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society held their annual ceremony for the induction of new members Thursday evening. The ceremony was held in Frederick E. Snyder Auditorium at MHS. In all, 34 new members were inducted in front of proud family members, teachers and administration.

A keynote address was delivered by James Simon, Associate Dean of Genesee Community College for the Medina and Albion campus centers. The new Honor Society members were introduced by MHS Administrators Mark Kruzynski and Michael Cavanagh.

In the 1920’s, the Arista Club was an exclusive scholarship club at Medina High School. Members were selected based on grade point average, and formal recommendations. When Medina decided to chart its own chapter of the National Honor Society in 1964, Medina administration decided to honor the spirit and traditions of the existing club, and the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society was born.

2014 students invited for membership include Bailey Allen, Emma Ambrose, Briana Bellan, Bryce Bellan, Madeline Bilicki, Anna Blount, Nicole Blount, Brian Bogan, Julia Brien, Austin Brown, Samuel Busch, Victoria Carter, Matthew Cochrane, Laura Dunham, Aaron Feltz, Jason Hellwig, Adam Hoot, Christopher Keller, Jenna Kickbush, Chantelle Kidney, Rubi Luna Mondragon, Alexandra Markle, Amanda McCauley, Krista Nellist, Alexander O’Keefe, Austin Owens, Maxwell Owens, Nathan Pace, Jacob Roeseler, Brittany Schultz, Samuel Simms, Regan Stacey, Tessa White and Addison Zavitz.

Medina High School National Honor Society faculty advisor is Mrs. Karen Jones.

Medina’s Cameron Morgan is honored by Business First

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Cameron Morgan – By Tom Rivers, editor

MEDINA – A Medina High School senior has been named a special mention to Business First’s 2014 All-Western New York Academic Team. That designation puts him in a group of the top 100 high school seniors in eight counties of Western New York.

Morgan is the fifth-ranked student in his class. He has been active in the school musicals, as drum major in the marching band and as Student Association president. He plans to attend either the University of Rochester or Columbia University to major in political science with a minor in human rights.

Business First said the Academic Team program is designed to spotlight students who pursue excellence both in and out of the classroom. The committee chose this year’s winners based on their records of academic achievement, school leadership and community involvement.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Cameron Morgan, Medina’s drum major, directs the 130-member band in the pouring rain on Sept. 21 during the Fall Festival of Bands.

Albion woman honored by GCC

Posted 27 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Michele Bokman

Press release, GCC
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Michele Bokman has been named May 2014 Employee of the Month. Michele has worked at GCC for nine years.

She is director of operations for the Albion and Medina Campus Centers and is also an adjunct instructor, having taught the Career and Education Planning course for the last six years.

In her role as director of operations, Michele oversees day-to-day activities at both of GCC’s Orleans County campus centers. She handles everything from facility needs to course planning.

“Her oversight of the day-to-day operations of both centers is extensive and involves every aspect of the operations,” GCC officials noted in naming her Employee of the Month. “Michele has a can-do attitude, and she sets a positive tone for staff and the students.”

Michele played an instrumental role in establishing the Orleans County Advisement Team. She also contributes to the college community through service on the joint advisory committee for the centers, the College Assessment Committee and on the All-advisor Committee.

Prior to GCC, Michele was the field support manager covering Albany and New York City for a large national property and casualty insurance company. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University in French Language and Culture and a Master’s in Liberal Studies from The College at Brockport.

She loves the “unique work environment” at GCC. “I have the privilege of working with a group of people who value teamwork, innovative thinking and challenge each other to be the best.”

Michele lives in Albion with her husband Brad and their four children: Natalie, Chelsea, Matt and Mitch. Outside the College she serves on the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension board. She loves international travel and hopes to experience as many cultures as she can. “Water activities, snow skiing and a great book make me happy!”

Lyndonville student picked among top 100 for WNY

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Abigail Feldman

LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville student has been named to a list of the top 100 high school seniors in the eight-county Western New York region.

Business First of Buffalo announced Abigail Feldman will receive Special Mention honors for the 2014 All-Western New York Academic Team. An eight-member selection committee put Feldman on the list.

Business First’s Academic Team puts the spotlight students who pursue excellence both in and out of the classroom.

Feldman in January won the Distinguished Woman of New York during a competition at SUNY Albany. She advances to the national competition in June in Mobile, Ala.

Albion student named to All-WNY Academic Team

Posted 10 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Jonathan Trembley

Press release, Albion Central School

ALBION – A Charles D’Amico High School senior has been named to Business First’s 2014 All-Western New York Academic Team.

Jonathan Trembley (Second Team) has qualified for this year’s list of the 100 most outstanding high-school seniors in the eight-county region. Winners were chosen for their records of academic excellence, school leadership and community involvement. The top 25 were named to the First Team, 25 runners-up to the Second Team, and another 50 to the Special Mention list.

“This is a highly competitive award,” said Jack Connors, president and publisher of Business First. “Think of it this way: We have about 20,000 high-school seniors in Western New York this year, and we’ve picked only 100 for the Academic Team. That puts them in the upper one-half of one percent. They’re the best and brightest students anywhere in this region.”

Schools throughout the eight-county area were asked to nominate their smartest and most accomplished students for consideration by an eight-member committee, which included six admissions directors at area colleges and two Business First editors. A total of 122 schools responded with 419 nominees. (Each school was limited to four candidates.)

The complete list of 100 honorees, along with their photos and profiles, will be published in Business First’s 2014-2015 Guide to Western New York Schools, which will hit newsstands on June 13.

Holley senior named to All-WNY Academic Team

Posted 4 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Shelby Kunker

Press release
Holley Central School

HOLLEY – Holley High School senior Shelby Kunker received Special Mention on this year’s Business First list of the 100 most outstanding high school seniors in the eight-county region.

Students were selected for this honor based on their records of academic excellence, school leadership and community involvement. The top 25 were named to the First Team, 25 runners-up to the Second Team, and another 50 to the Special Mention list.

“This is a highly competitive award,” said Jack Connors, president and publisher of Business First. “Think of it this way: We have about 20,000 high school seniors in Western New York this year, and we’ve picked only 100 for the Academic Team. That puts them in the upper one-half of one percent. They’re the best and brightest students anywhere in this region.”

Schools throughout the eight-county area were asked to nominate their most accomplished students for consideration by an eight-member committee, which included six admissions directors at area colleges and two Business First editors. A total of 122 schools responded with 419 nominees. (Each school was limited to four candidates.)

The complete list of 100 honorees – along with their photos and profiles – will be published in the Business First 2014-2015 Guide to Western New York Schools, which will hit newsstands on June 13.

Scouts give Albion den mother highest volunteer honor

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Karen Williams receives ‘Silver Beaver’ Award

Photos by Tom Rivers – Karen Williams receives a snow globe from Colburn Spierdowis and other Webelos II Scouts tonight when the group moved up to Boy Scouts. Williams has been the group’s den mother. She was honored by the Iroquois Trail Council last month with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor for a volunteer in Boy Scouts.

ALBION – An Albion woman who has been a Cub Scout den mother for eight years and coordinated district events for hundreds of Scouts has been honored with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition given to an adult volunteer in Boy Scouts of America.

Karen Williams received the award last month from the Iroquois Trail Council. Williams has three sons in the Scouting program, including Gary, 17; Steven, 15; and Samuel, 11.

“It’s an important program for boys,” Williams said tonight after the Blue and Gold banquet at the lyceum. “It teaches them respect and responsibility. It teaches them to be a part of the community.”

Williams has been a den mother for Pack 164 in Albion. Her son Samuel crossed over to Boy Scouts tonight with four others in Webelos II. Williams will also transition to being a volunteer with the older Scouts. Her son Steven is assistant patrol leader with Troop 164.

Samuel Williams is welcomed into the Boy Scouts by Freeman Lattin, right. Samuel’s mother Karen is standing beside him.

Williams, a dental assistant for Dr. Warren Waldo in Fairport, also received a snow globe from the Webelos at the banquet.

Besides her son Samuel, the other Scouts to cross over and join Boy Scouts include Aaliah Knickerbocker, Nathan Olmstead, Colburn Spierdowis, and Jacob Thom.

Jess Markel, a district executive, told the Scouting community at the Blue and Gold banquet about Williams receiving the Silver Beaver award. He praised her for being so active with the Albion scouts, and also stepping up as a volunteer, running a day camp for eight years and the Spook-A-Ree, programs attended by hundreds of scouts from several counties.

Area native joins national Farm Bureau as external relations director

Posted 26 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Sarah Brown grew up on fruit farm in Carlton

Sarah Brown

Press release, American Farm Bureau Federation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – An area native who grew up on a fruit farm has been picked as the external relations director for the American Farm Bureau Federation, based in the nation’s capital.

Sarah Brown will work as external relations director in Farm Bureau’s Industry Affairs Department. As external relations director, Brown will play an important part in increasing the organization’s role as the “Voice of Agriculture” for the industry.

She also will focus on expanding Farm Bureau’s influence by building alliances and coalitions with key industry partners to increase engagement with AFBF, according to Dan Durheim, executive director, Industry Affairs.

“Sarah has extensive experience in marketing and communications strategy, client relationship management, and sales and service optimization,” Durheim said. “AFBF will greatly benefit from Sarah’s experience and insights gained from working with clients, companies and organizations both inside and outside of agriculture.”

Brown comes to AFBF from Weber Associates, where she was a senior consultant charged with managing client relationships. Prior to that, she was assistant director of admissions at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences in New York. She also worked as sales and marketing manager at Intergrow Greenhouses in the town of Gaines.

Her family owns Brown’s Berry Patch and Orchard Dale Fruit Company. That family farm dates back to 1804.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in applied economics and management from Cornell’s CALS.

“AFBF is pleased to have Sarah play a key role in strengthening our stakeholder outreach efforts,” said Durheim. “The strategic outreach skills she brings to this position will benefit America’s farm and ranch families as we continue to realign our organizational resources behind implementing our grassroots policies.”