Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Public Relations Director Lisa Bors congratulates self-advocate Robert on Saturday during a graduation ceremony.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
ALBION — On Saturday, eight members of the Self-Advocacy All Stars graduated from SANYS U, the school of grassroots advocacy.
SANYS (Self-Advocacy Association of New York State) provide presentations and trainings to self-advocates, family members, support staff, and the community at large.
In 2011, it started SANYS U, a leadership course that teaches self-advocates and their supports about the history of self-advocacy, rights and responsibilities, and promotes ways of strengthening the grassroots and developing strong local and statewide leaders.
These self-advocates proudly showcase their diplomas.
This is the first year the Self-Advocacy All Stars, a self-advocacy group situated in Orleans County since 1986, has gone through SANYS U. For six weeks, Katherine, Deborah, Doreen, Cindy, Robert, Duane, Tyler and Michael learned about what being a self-advocate meant, the history of disability rights and self-advocacy, their individual rights and responsibilities, tips for a strong self-advocacy group, self-advocacy leadership skills, and current self-advocacy issues.
As part of SANYS U, self-advocates presented on topics including transportation difficulties in rural areas, and what agency departments and programs have to offer. Guest speakers included group founder Russell Johnson, Arc GLOW Board President Cheryl Englert, CEO Martin Miskell, Vice President of Self Direction and Community Services Jill Pegelow and Public Relations Director Lisa Bors.
Deborah sits with her daughter during the ceremony at the Trolley Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Advocacy Group Advisor Terry Kingdollar said the program was amazing.
“I’m so proud of everything they’ve learned. Knowledge is power,” the advisor said. Other self-advocates look forward to participating when SANYS U is offered in the future.
Self Advocacy All Stars is 16 members strong. They are one of three self-advocacy groups under the GLOW Trotters umbrella that includes Friends for the Future and Advocates Coming Together.
In the spring, Self Advocacy All Stars are looking forward to their talent show fundraiser in April and the third annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self Advocacy Day in May.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2023 at 1:29 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BATAVIA – Jesse Cudzilo, executive director of the YMCA in Orleans County, is presented with a business recognition award from Kelly Kiebala, director of the Job Development Agency in Orleans County.
The GLOW Workforce Development Board presented its awards to businesses, adults and youths on Friday during an annual meeting at the Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.
The Y was honored for its many years of offering job training to youths and adults through child care, recreation and camps, maintenance and custodian work, and interacting with the public at the front desk.
The Y allows its Pearl Street facility in Medina to be used for job fairs, and for Job Development staff to interview people for programs.
“They are certainly living up to the YMCA’s mission of giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity,” Kiebala said.
Cudzilo always finds a way to support a Job Development initiative, she said.
“The Y exists to serve the community,” Cudzilo said in accepting the award and partnering with other organizations. “If you can think of it and it can be done, we’ll do it.”
Other businesses recognized on Friday for supporting Job Development clients and programs include: Wrights Beverages Distributing in Batavia, The Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mount Morris, and Ken’s Carpet Center in Warsaw, Wyoming County.
Orleans County presented its adult participant recognition award to Shontea Lewis. She is shown accepting the award, which was presented by Pam Chatt, an employment & training counselor for the Orleans County Job Development Agency.
Lewis was praised for using job training funds to enroll in a phlebotomy certification program. She passed the exam to be a certified phlebotomy technician and is now working with CSL Plasma in Rochester.
Lewis, in accepting the award, thanked Chatt “for her assistance and advice to help me advance in life.”
Peter Anderson (left), senior employment specialist for Orleans County Job Development Agency, presents the youth recognition award to Malachi Mt. Pleasant, who earned his GED at age 16 and then completed an arc and flame welding program at Monroe Community College. He was at the top of his class and now works full-time as a welder at Empro-Niagara Inc. in Lockport.
The three other counties – Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston – also presented adult and youth recognition awards to people assisted by the Job Development Agency.
Shelia VanAuken, an employment counselor at Livingston County Office of Workforce Development, presents an award Vitalii Tsykilov, who was able to flee war-torn Ukraine and settle in Livingston County with his wife and daughter in October 2022.
Tsykilov in the past year has learned English and earned a CDL-A to be licensed truck driver. He works as a regional driver for a commercial freight company.
He is grateful to the community for helping his family build a new life in the United States.
“I really appreciate the opportunity,” Tsykilov said. “Thank you everybody.”
The GLOW Workforce Investment Board in its annual report from 2022 said it served 2,413 customers in the four counties, among those include 1,852 on unemployment insurance and 121 veterans. The program assisted 301 businesses with listing job orders. Altogether, the GLOW organization helped with 2,402 new hires.
BATAVIA – It is with immense joy and pride that we announce GCC Professor of ESL and English, Kathleen Klaiber, is the recipient of this year’s New York State TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) College ESOL Professor of the Year Award.
Kathleen Klaiber has been honored as the College ESOL Professor of the Year. She has had a distinguished career marked by excellence along the way. Professor Klaiber is a two-time recipient of the SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Professor Klaiber exhibited exceptional resilience and innovation. Recognizing the diverse needs of students scattered across the globe in six different time zones, she devised the FLEXESOL Approach to Teaching in the High Flex Modality. This groundbreaking initiative showcased her dedication to ensuring a seamless educational experience for students worldwide.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Professor Klaiber stands out as an active and motivating professional within the NYSTESOL and academic communities. Her unwavering support has significantly enhanced communication and interactions among NYSTESOL members and practitioners.
The New York State TESOL (NYSTESOL) organization proudly advocates, advances, and enriches TESOL education and professionalism throughout the state. Comprising professionals committed to the education of English language learners at all levels, NYSTESOL focuses on classroom practices, research, program and curriculum development, employment, funding, and legislation.
Kathleen Kleiber’s recognition as the State TESOL College ESOL Professor of the Year reaffirms her commitment to excellence and innovation in TESOL education. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of language education in New York State and beyond.
MEDINA – Congratulations to the students from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.
Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES center, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.
The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives. The students need to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.
Congratulations go to:
• Layla Andrews (Early Childhood Education/Lockport CSD), Nicholas Armenia (Diesel Technology & Heavy Equipment/Royalton-Hartland CSD), Corliss Bacon (Cosmetology/Lockport CSD), Hady Beltran-Roblero (Security & Law Enforcement/Albion CSD), Petra Bish (Cosmetology/Barker CSD), Riley Bloomingdale (Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering/Royalton-Hartland CSD),
Provided photos: Dan Vanderwalker, rear, and son Todd of Middleport compete in the 90-Miler Adirondack Classic Canoe Race. The pair won the race, completing the distance in 15 hours, 36 minutes and 0 seconds. The race goes from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 October 2023 at 8:55 am
MIDDLEPORT – A Middleport family’s passion for canoeing has led to an impressive win of the 40th prestigious 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic race. Dan Vanderwalker and his son Todd are both avid canoeists who have participated multiple times in the 90-Miler.
Canoeing has been in Dan’s blood since he was 14 years old and went camping in the Adirondack Mountains with his dad. It is a passion now shared by son Todd, who also learned to love canoeing as a child visiting the mountains with his family.
Dan heard about the 90-miler Adirondack Canoe Classic race when it was started in 1983, and it was a challenge he couldn’t ignore. The race goes from Old Forge to Saranac Lake and encompasses three days. It is the first 90 miles of the 300-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Dan entered the first three years of the race, winning first place all three years. His partners were Kurt Knisley in the first and third years and Greg Denzel the second year. Dan also entered and won several other area races during that time.
A handful of the 260 canoes entered in this year’s 90-Miler Adirondack Classic Canoe Race cross Long Lake on day two of the race.
Todd won his first race in 2019 with daughter FaithAnn. There was no race in 2020. He raced with his dad in 2021, winning first place. In 2022, father and son started the race, but Dan became ill and couldn’t finish. Todd had worked too hard to quit, so FaithAnn jumped in the canoe and finished with her dad. Although that disqualified them from winning, they did finish the race.
Dan and Todd’s win this year is the closest in the race’s history, a mere nine seconds.
A record 260 canoeists competed this year in the race which travels over 16 lakes, three rivers and a number of ponds. Canoeists are entered in 10 classes, based on the dimension of their canoe and ages. Dan, 69, and Todd, 42, compete in the C2 Masters, the class for those 40 and older.
Participants come from all over the Northeast, Canada and some from foreign countries. Last year, Dan said there were two teams from Norway.
Todd’s wife Alicia and children FaithAnn and David accompany them and follow their route the entire way. Although there are campgrounds for the two nights on the race, the Vanderwalkers stay in their camper. Alicia and the kids meet Dan and Todd at every portage (there are nine of them), and give them watermelon and energy gel and swap their bladder of energy drink in the canoe for a fresh one.
Dan and Todd Vanderwalker (tan canoe at rear) paddle through a marshy area in Brown’s Tract near the end of day one of the historic canoe race.
In one river, Alicia even waded knee-deep into the water to pass Todd an energy drink as they paddled by. Dan and Todd have long tubes which come from the bladder container of the drink through their jackets so they can get fluids by just bending their heads.
Even Dan and Todd are amazed at their impressive win. They finished in 15 hours, 36 minutes, and 0 seconds – 9 seconds in front of the second-place team and about a half hour before the third-place finishers.
Dan said he knew it was going to be close.
“One-quarter mile from the finish, Todd started picking up the pace,” Dan said. “His long arms mean longer strokes.”
“A win by nine seconds over three days is basically nine strokes of the paddle,” Todd said.
Their canoe is a P-2 stock boat made of Kevlar, the same material bullet-proof vests are made of. They do wax it for maximum speed, but the secret is just to maintain an even pace, like a marathon, so you don’t burn out, Todd said.
Dan and Todd practice several times a week all summer on the canal, putting in at the canoe launch between Middleport and Medina.
Todd and Alicia have long been active with Boy Scout Troop 28 in Medina, where Alicia is chaplain and Todd is an adult leader and canoe merit badge counselor.
Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Pictured from left to right: Doug Dunn, general manager for Casella Waste Management and Michael Stehman, Western Region vice president for Casella Waste Management, winner of Business Partner of the Year award; Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW CEO; Cheryl Englert, Arc GLOW Board of Directors president; Chuck Keenan, Board of Directors secretary and winner of Volunteer of the Year award; and Mary Lou Touhey, owner of Case-Nic Cookies in Medina and winner of the Friend of Arc GLOW award.
Posted 21 September 2023 at 5:44 pm
Press Release, Arc GLOW
BATAVIA — Friends, families and community members gathered at the Batavia Downs Wednesday evening to celebrate Arc GLOW’s 1st annual Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting since their merger in 2021.
Over 250 people came, including Erik Geizer, chief executive officer for The Arc of New York; Merle “Skip” Draper, from state Sen. Rob Ortt’s office; Greg Torrey, from state Sen. George Borrello’s office; Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes; and John Deleo, Genesee County legislator.
There was an art display from Elba Day Habilitation, and the centerpieces which people could take home were provided by the staff and individuals at the Washington St. Day Habilitation in Albion with the help of Pam Lamar, a retired Orleans County Day Habilitation coordinator. After dinner, Julie Johnston sang “Let it Go” from Frozen to a roaring standing ovation.
After speeches from local officials, the awards presentation began.
Pictured top row, left to right: Michael Cuttitta, Supported Employment Person of the Year; Robert Greer of Albion, Self-Advocate of the Year; Matthew Willson, Residential Person of the Year. Bottom row, from left to right: Larry Anderson, Pre-Vocational Person of the Year; Aaries Fitzsimmons, Community Services and Self-Direction Person of the Year; and Dusty Sanford, Day Habilitation Person of the Year.
The Supported Employment Person of the Year award honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.
This year it was given to Michael Cuttitta.
“Mike worked in the work center at Hilltop for over 12 years before moving on to Arc GLOW’s supported employment program. He takes pride in his work and is focused. He always gets his job done with quality and efficiency,” said Kellie Kennedy, vice president of Day and Employment Services with Arc GLOW. “Last summer in July, Mike took a chance and decided to try out a contracted work opportunity at Bristol ID Technologies in Lima. This chance transitioned into a permanent placement with Bristol ID this past fall.”
Day Habilitation Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities. With her constant jokes and contagious smile, Dusty Sanford was given this award.
“Dusty loves attending the Elba Day Habilitation, and when she returns home she tells her house staff that she wants to return to day habilitation — even if she has to walk,” Kennedy said.
Pre-Vocational Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including: new job skills, completing quality work and showing attention to the task of learning. A worker at Orleans Enterprises and a participant at the HUB in Batavia, Larry Anderson was chosen for this award.
“He is dedicated to learning about the world of work, including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning,” Kennedy said. “Larry represents the best of what the pre-vocational program has to offer. He takes advantage of what the program offers and the experiences in the community.”
Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year honors a person with a disability served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. The awardee shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement, and with her outstanding participation and contribution to her community, Aaries Fitzsimmons was given this award.
“Many would agree that Aaries is community. With the support of her self-directed staff, Andrea, Aaries finds unique ways to give back to others one smile at a time,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Self Direction and Community Services. “The biggest impact in her volunteerism has been with the Batavia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The staff and veterans always look forward to her seasonal handcrafted kindness and conversation.”
Aside from the VA, Aaries volunteers at Godfrey’s Pond, her church, and bakes for various fundraisers.
The Self-Advocate of the Year honors a person with a disability served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others. A member of the Self-Advocacy All Star group for years, Robert “Bobby” Greer of Albion was chosen for this award.
“He is very knowledgeable about advocacy and teaching new members what self-advocacy is all about,” Pegelow said. “Bobby participated in the in the Self-Advocacy Talent Show Fundraiser and attended the Self Advocates of New York State Conference in Niagara Falls. Bobby also volunteered at the Orleans County Fair Arc GLOW booth. He served on the agency incident review committee, he was engaged and provided great feedback.”
Pegelow said Greer is a great self-advocate, demonstrating the very essence of what staff are charged with doing and what Arc GLOW’s services are supposed to accomplish.
KidStart Employee of the Year honors an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assisting in all areas of their growth and education. With her exceptional support to children, Holly Green was chosen for this award.
“As the Head Start family advocate, she is often the first face families see and remains a pillar of support throughout their enrollment. Holly shows the same dedication and support to all of KidStart’s staff by stepping in when needed and assisting with KidStart’s many programs and events,” said Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children Services.
Green started in 1992 as an intern through college, and helped to set up the very first Head Start classroom in Dansville. She was hired as a substitute for the classroom and did the building cleaning for a period of time. Eventually she applied for a position as a teacher’s assistant in Head Start.
Green took a break to go on maternity leave for her second child, and when another position became available, she returned full-time in September 2001 as the Head Start family advocate.
Green also works part-time as a direct support professional.
Residential Person of the Year honors a person with a disability supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills. A resident of Turtle Rock IRA in Lakeville, Matthew Willson received this award.
“Matt has certainly come a long way in the time he has lived with us. He has grown in his independence, he’s learned life skills, made friends, and he enjoys being helpful,” said Deb Tuckerman, vice president of Residential Services. “Matt participates in the WOW program, and he and his habilitation staff have attended many events and fairs around the community.”
Direct Support Professional Person (DSP) of the Year honors a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. The DSP would provide excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates individuals to take their active role in the community. With 19 years at Arc GLOW, Amy Beiswenger has been chosen as DSP of the Year.
A DSP at Senior Open Road Day Habilitation in Mt. Morris, Beiswenger always provides activities in a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community.
John Prospero, vice president of transportation and master of ceremonies, said, “Amy is the definition of an excellent DSP — she is someone whose dedication, advocacy, compassion, competence, person-centered approaches and collaboration results in improved quality of life, health and wellness, and/or opportunities for all that we serve. Amy makes this role look simple with her kind, no day is a bad day attitude. Amy used our services at ARC GLOW to bridge into the direct support professional world.”
Employee of the Year recognizes an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence. Kristie Rada, nurse supervisor, the award recipient, is committed to Arc GLOW’s mission and values.
“She has demonstrated the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence. Kristie always goes above and beyond for this agency and for the individuals Arc GLOW serves,” Prospero said. “Her dedication, knowledge, professionalism and commitment are only exceeded by her compassion, grace and caring heart.
“One of her peers said, ‘I have never seen any nurse as devoted to both the health care agency and individuals that are cared for — she is such an asset to this organization.’”
The Friend of Arc GLOW Award is for a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision, and everyone at Arc GLOW knows of the Touhey family and Case-Nic Cookies.
“The Tuohey family is the true definition of a community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision,” Prospero said.
The Touhey family always can be found volunteering at Arc events or organizing fundraisers to benefit Arc GLOWs programs and other communities. Mary Lou Touhey constantly provides cookies for Arc GLOW’s fundraisers and events, and Nicole Touhey heads her own fundraisers. Her Have a Heart Campaign raised over $2,300 this year that benefited many programs within the agency.
(Left) Vice President of Day and Employment Services Kellie Kennedy with Amy Beiswenger, winner of Direct Support Professional Person of the Year award. (Right) Vice President of Children Services Stephanie Metz with Holly Green, winner of KidStart Employee of the Year award.
The Business Partner of the Year is for a business who supports Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment. Casella Waste Management received this year’s award.
Martin Miskell, CEO, said over 40 years ago, the Arc of Genesee opened its trash recycling center to fill a need for the City of Batavia to help create jobs and produce a positive revenue stream for the organization. However, business models change and recycling was no longer providing the number of jobs it had in the past.
Selling the business was an easy financial decision, but a difficult one emotionally, but after months of negotiations the decision was made to sell the business to Casella Waste Management.
Casella kept everyone who had a job, the transfer station open and operated by Arc GLOW’s work crew with a job coach, and free trash pick-up at all of Arc GLOW’s Batavia locations in perpetuity and a large discount at other locations served by Casella. Casella also gave Arc GLOW their lease at Apollo Drive in Batavia for their transportation department, which still has three and a half years on it for free.
“Casella is the true definition of a partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service and providing work opportunities for employment,” Miskell said.
Finally, Volunteer of the Year honors a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision. This year, it goes to Chuck Keenan, who serves on Arc GLOW’s Board of Directors as its secretary; is the chairperson of the Compliance Committee; and sits on the Vocational Committee, the Incident Review Committee and Community Services. He also volunteers his time on various boards within his community such as the Developmental Disability sub-committee for Livingston County Community Services Board and for the Town of Groveland.
“Chuck wants to see Arc GLOW become a world class agency in our field. As a result, he is very interactive with all of his committees/boards. He takes his role seriously,” said Cheryl Englert, Board of Directors president.
At the annual meeting, Cheryl Englert was re-elected board president, John Huber was elected vice-president, Charles Keenan was re-elected secretary, Eric Parker was re-elected treasurer and Ken Barchet was elected assistant treasurer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2023 at 9:25 pm
Art Hill Excavating named Business of the Year
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jennifer Hill-Young is shown with her father Art Hill during a celebration on Nov. 11, 2017 at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. They threw a party to celebration 40 years of Art Hill Excavating. Mr. Hill passed away on Jan. 26 at age 78 after suffering a fall in Florida. His daughter continues to run the business.
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners. They will be honored on Oct. 19 at the White Birch Country Club in Lyndonville. It will be the Chamber’s 25th annual awards dinner.
The winners for 2023 include:
• Business of the Year – Art Hill Excavating
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Mark Tillman
• Phoenix Award – The Webber Hotel
• New Business of the Year – The Grove 1848 Bistro & Bar
• Community Service Award – Mary Lou Tuohey
• Agricultural Business of the Year – Orleans Poverty Hill Farms
• Businessperson of the Year – Dan Klips
• Small Business of the Year – Sourced Market & Eatery
• Hidden Gem – The Downtown Browsery
For more information on the Chamber of Commerce, click here.
Provided photos – top row, from left: Daniel Connolly, Cindy Hurt, Carmen Montgomery and John Watson. Bottom row: Anita Muzzi, Dianne Hosmer, Kathy Haseley and Ashley Austin.
Posted 13 September 2023 at 3:20 pm
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its employees of the year for the 2022-2023 school year. Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.
Daniel Connolly is the Administrator of the Year. Dan is the Director of Facilities and has worked at O/N BOCES for seven years. Connolly said his favorite part of his job is that every day is different.
“I kind of like the chaos and the challenge that every day brings. I think it keeps me young and active,” he said. “I really am lucky that I work with so many great people. I was shocked when I was named the administrator of the year. It was a real honor.”
Cindy Hurt is the Clerical Person of the Year. She has worked at BOCES for 42 years at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. She is the secretary to the District Superintendent and the District Clerk.
“I am blessed to work with a lot of great people and I am grateful for being recognized as an employee of the year,” she said.
Carmen Montgomery is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked as an Adult Literacy teacher for five years.
“I felt very humbled to receive this honor, because we have so many absolutely amazing teachers in the Adult Literacy unit,” Montgomery said. “My favorite part of my job is seeing our students succeed, and being part of a team that is truly dedicated to making that happen.”
John Watson is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. He has been a custodian worker at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center since August 2019.
“My favorite thing about my job is working on different tasks and learning new things,” he said. “I was totally surprised to receive this award. I was not expecting it. I am very happy to be working with a great group of people.”
Anita Muzzi is the Staff Specialist of the Year. She has been a part of the Public Relations Department for almost nine years.
“My favorite part of my job is interacting with the component districts that I cover,” Muzzi said. “Going into a classroom, where students are working on projects, or a school where an event is taking place and seeing the students engaged in what they are learning is second to none. I really love going to the district buildings around the holiday times, especially when Santa Claus makes a visit! Additionally, I find seeing the connection between students and local charities/organizations at all grade levels throughout the year heartwarming.”
She said she was surprised and honored at being named Staff Specialist of the year. “Getting an award for something you love doing every day is priceless!”
Dianne Hosmer was named the Substitute of the Year. Dianne worked as a teacher aide at the Niagara Academy for many years. Luckily for Orleans/Niagara BOCES she still continues to work in the capacity of a substitute.
Kathy Haseley is the Teacher Aide of the Year. She has worked at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center for 25 years.
“My favorite part of my job is of course the students! I feel very fortunate as I have been able to be involved in many of our programs over the years. It is fun to see the students learn their trade and become excited about their accomplishments,” Haseley said. “The staff at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center are the best! All these wonderful people make coming to work easy! I feel very honored to receive this award and I was certainly surprised. It made my day!”
Ashley Austin is the Teacher of the Year. Ashley has worked as a special education teacher for almost six years at the North Tonawanda Learning Center.
“My favorite part of my job are the students and seeing their successes and helping them succeed,” Austin said. “I love that ‘aha look’ on a student’s face when something finally clicks or they do good.”
She said she was shocked and surprised when she was announced opening day as the teacher of the year.
Haas Foundation honors Bill Rakonczay at conference in Arkansas
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Bill Rakonczay
MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering teacher Bill Rakonczay has been named the first-ever Haas Educator of the Year by the Gene Haas Foundation.
Rakonczay has taught at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) for more than 30 years. He received the honor at the annual Haas Conference in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
The July conference features content for machinists, CNC instructors and other advanced manufacturing professionals.
Rakonczay was shocked when his name was called at the conference for the award.
“It was such an honor to receive this award and I am humbled to be the first educator to receive this,” he said. “It means a lot to me personally and to my program. I am very thankful for the faith and support that the Gene Haas Foundation has put in me and to the contributions they have made to increase the opportunities for my students in the skilled manufacturing industry. I am very proud to be partnered with them.”
Rakonczay’s program recently was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Haas Foundation to upgrade his classroom into a state-of-the-art facility. His school year was capped off when his student, Anthony Cercone, take a gold medal at the National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta in 3 Axis CNC programming.
“You will never find a teacher who is more dedicated and committed to his craft, his students, his school, his community and Haas Automation,” former OCTEC Principal Michael Mann said about Rakonczay. “Bill eats, sleeps and drinks anything and everything Haas CNC Milling. We are very proud of the premier program he has single-handedly built over three decades. You will not find a better ambassador for Haas and CNC milling anywhere on the planet.”
His current principal, Nicole Goyette, had this to say about Rakonczay.
“In my over two decades in education I have not encountered an instructor more dedicated to his program and his students,” Goyette said. “His passion for the trade empowers his students and is unmatched. He is always striving to improve his instructional practice, as well as opportunities for his students. He works very closely with his industry advisory board to ensure the students are workplace ready with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.”
Goyette said Rakonczay seeks out opportunities for his students to engage with industry leaders such as Autodesk, Fusion 360, Titans of CNC Machining, Haas F1 Team and NASA’s HUNCH program.
“Bill knows that at the heart of teaching is the relationships you have with your students,” she said. “His instruction does not end at 2:30 when the students leave. He follows their home school extracurricular activities and makes sure to post on his classroom Facebook page all of their announcements and accomplishments. He will not let students fail or back off of their responsibilities here at OCTEC or at their home school. He is invested in their future, period.”
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by its founder and owner Gene Haas, to support the community and the needs of the best CNC training programs in the world. Its goal is to expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.
A National Guard soldier from Medina has been promoted to sergeant.
Joshua Klotzbach is assigned to the Company B, 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion. He received his promotion on July 28, Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
These promotions recognize the best qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
Army National Guard citizen soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k). For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced students from Orleans County who have been named to President’s List. Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
The following are on the President’s List:
Kiera Dent of Lyndonville
Alanna Holman of Medina
Willy Sanchez-Cabrera of Medina
Melanee London of Medina
Corey Saj of Medina
Devin Hogan of Medina
Alexandria Strong of Medina
Hannah Coolbaugh of Albion
Reuben Rivers of Albion
Kelsie Stahl of Albion
Rowan Ford of Albion
Zoe Seniuk of Albion
Jocelyn Bedard of Albion
Laura Ellsmore of Holley
Tatum Gagne of Holley
Olivia Miller of Holley
Madelyn St. John of Holley
Melania Towner of Holley
Sara Kingdollar of Holley
Brendi Nunnenkamp of Holley
Isabella Zasa of Knowlesville
These students from Orleans County were named to the Provost’s List at GCC. Students honored on the Provost’s List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
MIDDLEPORT – A huge congratulations to Royalton-Hartland High School’s Agriculture Program and its teacher Matthew Sweeney. Mr. Sweeney was notified that his class had received the 2023 New York State Outstanding Agriculture Secondary Program award.
“This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of the students,” Sweeney said. “We are so appreciative of the support that we receive from the Royalton-Hartland Central School District administration, our Board of Education and the community!”
Sweeney is also the recipient of the 2023 District 9 Golden Owl Award for his devotion to positively impact the lives of students and the program has also received a USDA Farm to School Grant which gets local food in the school’s cafeteria. Roy-Hart is looking to hire another agriculture teacher at the middle school level.
The recognition is the highest honor bestowed to Middle/Secondary Agricultural Programs from the New York Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) at its award banquet on June 21. “The award is given to a school whose Ag program gives students the skills necessary to be successful in their future career paths,” stated the NYAAE.
The program was brought back to the district in 2016 and more than 700 students have actively taken part in it. The program includes hands-on learning covering agricultural science, food science and advanced agriculture science. Students are very actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and have competed in several competitions.
Roy-Hart’s agriculture program is now also a regional finalist for Region 6 for the National Association of Agriculture Educators Outstanding Program. Regions 6 includes over a dozen states in the Northeast United States. The winner will be announced in August.
SUNY Oswego recently recognized several Orleans County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and Deans’ List for the spring 2023 semester.
President’s List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Trevor G. Luthart of Medina, a business administration, is on the President’s List.
Deans’ List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the Deans’ List include:
Hayden S. Arlington, Lyndonville, history
Brandon X. Boyce, Medina, psychology, human development
Madison Jacob, Kendall, online business administration
Raymond G. Paull, Medina, zoology, global and international studies
SUNY Oswego is a 162-year-old institution in the State University of New York system. The university enrolls more than 7,000 students in more than 170 academic programs across its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.
ROCHESTER – Two residents from Orleans County have graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology, joining about 4,800 others who earned degrees in 2022-2023 academic year.
The following local residents received degrees:
• Ricky Daniels of Albion received a degree in chemical engineering (BS).
• Alex Lane of Holley received a degree in computing security (BS).
RIT is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,700 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
Provided photos: These students celebrate their success in learning English in a program based at the World Life Institute.
Posted 2 July 2023 at 5:14 pm
Press Release, World Life Institute
WATERPORT – Students from Brazil, Indonesia, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico last week received certificates for their improvement in English at the World Life Institute Education Center on Stillwater Road. There were about 45 students, family members, and friends who attended the evening ceremony.
Dr. Michael Weyrauch, director of Continuing Education O/N BOCES, congratulates agricultural students at the World Life Institute Education Center in Waterport.
Orleans/Niagara BOCES offers English and Civics programs in collaboration with the World Life Institute in Waterport. Dr. Michael Weyrauch, director of Adult Continuing Education of O/N BOCES, congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue taking on new challenges. On hand were ON BOCES Literacy Specialist Susan Diemert and ON BOCES board members Tom Klotzbach and Wayne Wadhams.
Daniel Payan Payan of Plummer Farms Lyndonville shows his certificate of recognition.
There were displays of student work inside the school, including examples of their written work and art projects. PowerPoint presentations were on view in the computer lab. The evening began with a catered meal provided by Mariachi D’Oro restaurant and live music provided by Michael Pavone of Brockport.
Many of the new students work at Intergrow in Albion and other agricultural facilities in Albion, Lyndonville and Waterport.
Julia Stewart-Bittle of Geneseo, right, explains the value of art education while students learn English. Linda Redfield, one of the program’s teachers, is at left.
Julia Stewart-Bittle of Geneseo, representing the CAMPS program of the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, described the value of art activities as part of the learning experience for these students throughout the ON BOCES program period, from July 2022 to June 2023. Thanks to the New York State Council on the Arts funding which provides this art education as well as featuring student artwork in exhibits in several venues.
Lorienda Smith was honored as a volunteer teaching and preparing students for the United States citizenship exam.
Alan Nunez of Plummer Farms addresses the audience in English.
One student, Alan Nunez of Plummer Farms in Lyndonville, spoke to the crowd in English expressing his gratitude and English achievements he experienced in the adult program since February 2023.
Nunez also succeeded in getting his New York State driver’s license with the assistance of instructors in the evening program.
