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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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 – 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 – 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.
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.
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.”
