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4 vie for Clarendon highway superintendent in GOP Primary

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 31 August 2015 at 12:00 am

CLARENDON – Primary Day on Sept. 10 will see no less than four candidates vying for the Republican line for Clarendon highway superintendent.

Incumbent Larry Swanger is facing a challenge by Tracy Bruce Chalker, Frederick Seeman III, and Craig Nicosia.

Larry Swanger

Swanger is in his 26th year as highway superintendent.

“I thought about it and realized I’m not really ready for retirement,” Swanger said. He points out that he also serves as water superintendent.

“I’ve been here since day one for water,” he added.

Swanger says the town has created 10 water districts during his years in office and, “we’re working to get more water in. We’re always looking to do more.”

He still enjoys his job as highway/water superintendent, and said he will continue to work to improve the roads in the town despite the challenges.

“It’s hard with costs going up, there’s only so much money to do road repairs,” he said. “I’m always looking to find more revenue for the town. I enjoy being with the residents and taking care of the town.”

“I don’t think people realize how much responsibility there is to this job,” he continued, noting administrative duties of the post. “The majority of the time, I’m in the office … I would like to get out more.”

Tracy Bruce Chalker

Tracy Bruce Chalker has lived in Clarendon for 28 years and has 20 years of experience in highway construction trades including working as foreman and lead person on construction and repair of roads, bridges, water lines, and other municipal projects.

He is also a life member and 17-year active member of the Clarendon Fire Department. He has served as a sportsman’s education instructor for 16 years and served seven years on the Clarendon Planning Board.

“I’ve been involved in the community over the years,” Chalker said. “I like the community. I feel very experienced and knowledgeable.”

Chalker said his experience would benefit the town as it continues to grow. It’s time for a change in the leadership of the Highway Department, he said.

“The Superintendent has run for so many years unopposed,” Chalker said.

He asked voters to look at, “the knowledge and experience in the field behind the candidates running.”

If elected, Chalker said he would continue in the same direction the town is already going and will work to “get taxes in check as much as possible.”

Fred Seeman

Fred Seeman III is a former Kodak employee. He currently owns his own landscaping business and drives a school bus for the Holley Central School District.

He said his work at Kodak gave him experience with “taking care of budgets.” His other jobs have “touched on construction, excavating and building … I’m a jack-of-all-trades.”

Seeman said he believes Swanger has done a good job, but “It’s time for a change. It’s time to do things differently.”

If elected highway superintendent, Seeman said he would work to “change things up in the department … change the way we take care of snow plowing and road maintenance … see things with a fresh pair of eyes … be more open-ended, let people know they can come in and talk, that the door is open. If there is a problem, they can come on down.”

No matter the results of the voting on Primary Day, Seeman says he expects the November race to be close.

“There’s a lot of people out there who don’t have a party affiliation,” he said.

Craig Nicosia

Craig Nicosia has owned and operated his own business for 23 years and said his work involves construction and snow plowing.

“I have experience in commercial and residential snow plowing since 1988,” he said. “Everything I do, I would be doing the same thing in the Highway Department, but on a bigger scale.”

In the summer, Nicosia said he works construction jobs and road projects with his 10-wheeler dump truck.

“I reconstruct roads, do water mains, water lines,” he said. “I’ve done hook-ups, I’ve done a lot of blacktopping.”

“Everything I’ve done could be put to good use in Clarendon,” Nicosia said. “Running a business, I’m used to budgeting. Everything I do is seasonal.”

He explained he has to be prepared for gaps in his work in the spring and fall.

“I know what’s important to spend money on,” he said.

Swanger is doing a good job, Nicosia said. However, the challenger said he has ideas for ways to do things differently.

“I believe in teamwork,” he said, adding he’s not afraid to jump in a truck to help get the job done.

Nicosia said he would like the opportunity to serve his town and neighbors.

“I love living in the Town of Clarendon,” he said. “I have made this my home. I’ve made a lot of friends. I would love to serve the people I know.”

Polls will be open Sept. 10 from noon to 9 p.m. at the Clarendon Town Hall, 16385 Church St.

Steampunk bash proves ‘festival of bizarre proportions’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A member of the Pyromancy Fire Performance Troupein Buffalo performs with fire before a big crowd on saturday night at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery.

Leonard Oakes held its annual Steampunk Festival and more than 1,200 people turned out, many in futuristic costumes with a Victorian theme.

The festival featured fire artists, belly dancers, a Frank Sinatra crooner, bands, hoop dancers, and a self-described “circus freak performer” who chewed glass and snapped a mouse trap on his tongue.

The event was a celebration of the release of the winery’s new steampunk hard cider.

Some of the costumed revelers chat at the winery on Route 104.

Maria Rola, a hoop dancer from Buffalo, is pictured with Arlowe Price, a self-described fourth-generation “circus freak performer” from Buffalo.

Price chewed broken glass, set a mouse trap on his tongue, and performed other outrageous stunts during the Steampunk Festival. He let people staple dollars on his skin and throw darts at his back.

Price was a little bloodied from some of his stunts. Here he set a mouse trap on his tongue.

Price has been a regular performer at the festival and has watched it grow from a few hundred people to more than 1,000.

“I brag about this event all summer,” Price said. “It’s a wildy growing festival. People enjoy the music and the Steampunk Cider.”

Many locals attended the event in futuristic costumes, including Albion residents Leanne Serrato, left, and Peggy Barringer.

This group includes Tammy Menz, left, her sister Lynne Menz and Terri Wood.

The band, Monkey Wrench Revolt from Cortland, performed on an outdoor stage at Leonard Oakes. The band includes, from left: Nate Francisco on mandolin, Ted Andrejko on bass, and Tom George on guitar.

Abel Zavitz, 16, of Medina sang two songs for the big crowd including “Come fly with me” by Frank Sinatra and “Everybody loves somebody” by Dean Martin.

A hoop dancer has a glowing hoop at the festival.

Members of Troupe Nisaa, a dance group based in Batavia, perform at the Steampunk Festival.

The fire artists from Pyromancy proved popular with the crowd.

Leonard Oakes promotes the event as “A Festival of Bizarre Proportions.”

Boy Scouts take flight in Young Eagles program

Contributed Story Posted 30 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo courtesy of Debbie Patt

BROCKPORT – Youngsters took to the skies in Brockport on Saturday at the Ledgedale Airport as part of the EAA Young Eagles program. Pictured include, from left: Elise Isler, Boy Scout John Patt, Pilot Norm Isler, Pilot Frances Englund, Boy Scout Colby Kerry and Boy Scout Cody Catlin.

The EAA Young Eagles Program was developed in 1992 to welcome young people into the world of aviation. Click here for more information and to find a Young Eagles pilot or coordinator.

Kendall Boy Scouts John Patt and Colby Kerry took advantage of the free flight to work on their Aviation Merit Badge for Boy Scouts. They also learned how to do a preflight check. Albion Boy Scout Cody Catlin has previously earned his Aviation Merit Badge, but was excited for the opportunity on Saturday.

Pilot Norm Isler stated that John was the 96th and Cody was his 97th Young Eagle that he has personally flown, and he is as excited as the boys and girls are when he sees the huge smiles on their faces.

Firefighters put out spreading brush blaze in Carlton

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2015 at 11:32 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – Justin Niederhofer, first lieutenant for the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company, was one of the first at the scene of a big brush fire in Carlton tonight that spread to a hedgerow.

Firefighters were dispatched to the field at 9:27 p.m. The field is 1939 Oak Orchard Rd., near the Ricci Meadows Golf Course.

Carlton firefighters brought a fire truck down a lane to the spot in the field. These firefighters ran a hose near the fire and they’re waiting for the water to kick in.

Carlton firefighter Tom Niehaus directs water on the fire.

Tom Niehaus, left, and Cheyenne Tackley manned the hose while knocking down the fire.

The firefighters make sure the smoky scene is under control without danger of moving down the hedgerow.

Volunteers are breathing life into former cobblestone school in Gaines

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – Bill Lattin, the retired Orleans County historian, was busy on Friday at the former cobblestone schoolhouse on Gaines Basin Road, painting the front windows.

The schoolhouse for District No. 2 was built in 1832 and served as a school until 1944. It fell into disrepair and has been targeted for improvements by the Orleans County Historical Association.

The building has settled over the years and window frames are a little crooked. That made it tricky for Lattin to fix the windows. Fred Miller at Family Hardware in Albion cut new glass for the windows, accommodating the leaning frames.

“You have to go with the flow with these old things,” Lattin said.

The inside of the building has been largely cleared of debris and the floor swept.

Lattin said other buildings in worse shape have been saved in the county.

Gaines resident Al Capurso has been leading the reclamation effort at the former schoolhouse.

Capurso says many pioneer children in Orleans County were taught at the school, which was also used for countless town meetings.

Volunteers will be working to replace windows, repair holes in the flooring and plastering.

Capurso and the Historical Association also will erect a historical marker, highlighting the building’s use as a school from 1832 to 1944.

Capurso has photos of other cobblestone schools in the community that were torn down, including one at the corner of Riches Corner and Holley roads.

“We have lost some cobblestone school houses and we are determined not to lose this one,” he said.

Part of the front wall includes cobblestone masonry that has endured for nearly two centuries.

Capurso and the volunteers would like to have new storm windows on the building before winter, as well as a new roof and the historical marker.

Capurso would like to have the building up to code with a solid floor and electricity so it could again be used for community gatherings.

Bill Lattin points to his father’s initials, which Cary Lattin put in plaster in 1939.

Lattin said many of his relatives attended school in the building.

“My ancestors went here,” Lattin said. “I’m helping out of sentimentality.”

For more information on the project, and how to help, call Capurso at (585) 590-0763.

Albion native regarded as Bravest Man in Great Sioux War

By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 29 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Henry Moore Harrington

ALBION – The son of Shelby Harrington and Nancy Moore, Henry Moore Harrington, was born in Albion on April 30, 1849. His maternal uncle, Charles Henry Moore, was a well-respected entrepreneur and land speculator in Albion.

An astute and brilliant young man, Henry attended the Cleveland Institute at University Heights, Ohio, where he graduated as valedictorian of his class. It was with these high honors that Harrington was awarded with an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, an honor that he turned down in favor of a spot at the U.S. Military Academy in 1868.

Harrington’s time at West Point was completed in 1872, capped off by his marriage to Grace Berard, the daughter of a professor at the military academy. Shortly thereafter, Harrington was assigned as a lieutenant with the 7th U.S. Cavalry and stationed in the Carolinas for training during the winter and spring of 1872-1873. These training exercises were to prepare Harrington and the other men for service in the west.

Stationed at Ft. Lincoln and Ft. Rice in the Dakota Territory, Harrington was in service alongside George Armstrong Custer during the Yellowstone Expedition in 1873 and the Black Hills Expedition in 1874, the latter discovering gold in the hills of the Dakotas.

It was during the Great Sioux War of 1876 that Lt. Harrington would distinguish himself as one of the bravest men ever encountered by the Sioux Nation. On June 25, Custer divided his 7th Cavalry into three columns. Due to a shortage of officers, Harrington was assigned to Company C where he would serve alongside Capt. Thomas Custer, the younger brother of George.

Outnumbered upwards of 20 to 1, Custer’s men crossed the Little Big Horn River and led a charge against the northern end of the Native American village. Against insurmountable odds, the men made their advance on the village and were completely annihilated.

It was during Custer’s overly glorified “Last Stand” that Harrington was said to have escaped on his “unique, large sorrel.” Breaking through the encirclement of Native American warriors, he was pursued by seven men. Based on accounts of the engagement, remains believed to be those of Harrington were found nearly eight miles away from the battlefield.

Harrington’s remains were never found or identified following the battle. His wife searched for three years in the hopes of finding his remains but returned home empty-handed.

In 2006, forensic scientists with the Smithsonian Institute identified remains within the museum’s anthropological collection as those of Henry Moore Harrington. Dr. Robert Shufeldt had retrieved the skull in 1877 from a location some distance from the battlefield, leading to misidentification.

Harrington was 27 years old at the time of his death, leaving a wife and two children to mourn his passing. The family erected a cenotaph in his memory at Coldwater, Michigan.

2 more markers, for muck and cobblestone house, are repainted

Staff Reports Posted 29 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

ELBA – A historical marker on Route 98 about the Elba Mucklands was reinstalled with a fresh coat of paint on Thursday.

The muck is turning 100 years old this year. It started in 1915 when the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda swamps were drained. The muck continues to be highly productive agriculture soil.

Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon town historian, has cleaned up many of the local markers in need of fresh paint.

This marker is located by a big drainage ditch for the muck, just south of the Barre town line.

The marker was installed in 2002 as part of the 200th anniversary celebration for Genesee County. Here is how the marker looked before it was repainted.

Ierlan also repainted a marker for a cobblestone house on Ridge Road near the Cobblestone Museum.

Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard is pictured with the marker by the cobblestone house on Thursday.

Ierlan said residents are welcome to donate painting supplies or money for the marker facelifts.

She estimated it costs up to $30 to prime, paint and clear coat the markers. People could donate to the Clarendon Historical Society at the Clarendon Town Hall, 16385 Church St. or to the Cobblestone Museum on Ridge Road in Gaines.

People could also drop off Rustoleum #7727 royal blue quart or pint, #7747 sunburst yellow quart or pint, and a spray can of Rustoleum metal primer gray or white for the post. Ierlan also uses Rustoleum glossy black and a spray can of clear glossy.

Ierlan also painted this sign in the Brockville hamlet in Murray. It was reinstalled earlier this month.

Gallagher barn in Medina will become event site

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Jenna and Martin Bruning see location as popular spot for weddings and parties

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA One of the area’s most iconic barns has been a landmark on North Gravel Road for about 150 years.

The barn, with large painted letters WM J. GALLAGHER FARMS, will find new life as a events center for weddings, parties and other special events.

Jenna and Martin Bruning have been working to clean up the property, including the landscape and the building in recent months. They have two weddings booked for next year. They have a lot more work to do, but they see the site as a destination for the area.

The couple grew up on dairy farms. Jenna’s parents, Mike and Cyndi Van LieShout, own a dairy farm in Barre. Martin grew up on a dairy in Waterport. The couple was married in a barn at the Van Lieshhout farm.

“We were married in a barn and it was beautiful,” Mrs. Bruning said on Thursday during an open house at the site.

The barn will be repainted to match the original colors of white with green trim.

The Orleans County Planning Board recommended the Village of Medina approve the site plan and a special use permit for the Brunings to operate the business.

Planning Board member Joe Sidonio said the project is a way to bring a new use into a historic agrcultural property, while drawing more people to the community.

The property is in the village on the north side. The Brunings said the project has the potential “to provide a grand entrance into the village.”

Medina community members take a tour inside the Gallagher barn on Thursday.

The barn has a rustic look with a lot of space that the Brunings believe will be popular for weddings and other events.

The barn dates back to the Civil War era.

The Brunings plan to call the site “The Gallagher” and hope to have it available for events in June.

The property includes this stately brick house that the Brunings said would also be available for dinner parties and other events.

“The house is a monument of Medina and a gorgeous complement to the setting,” Mrs. Bruning said.

The Gallagher is close to the canal, and the Brunings expect visitors to The Gallagher will enjoy other spots in Medina.

The couple both have full-time jobs with Mr. Bruning working as a milk truck driver and Mrs. Bruning serving as a district manager for Aldi.

They have had help from friends and family with clearing brush, redoing masonry work, installing new support poles and tackling many other projects.

The Medina Historical Society has this portrait of William J. Gallagher, who was known as a local eccentric, a businessman who liked to portray a clown.

Mrs. Bruning said she has heard stories about Mr. Gallagher from community members.

Gallagher, former owner of the Gallagher property, is pictured hamming it up for the camera as a clown in the 1930s.

Gallagher appears to be missing his front teeth in the photo and his hair is wild. He has a wide grin and expressive eyes.

Chamber names annual business award winners

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Hinspergers declared ‘Business of the Year’

MEDINA – A Medina company that makes pool covers and other durable plastic products has been named Business of the Year for 2015 by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

Hinspergers Poly Industries employs about 60 people at 430 West Oak Orchard St. The Canada-based company opened a manufacturing site in Medina in 2002 and has steadily grown since then.

Hinspergers will be recognized during the Chamber’s annual awards banquet on Sept. 18 at Tillman’s Village Inn. The celebration goes from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

The chamber will also honor the following:

Small Business of the Year: Erie Way Tree Farm of Holley.

New Business of the Year: 810 Meadworks of Medina.

Agricultural Business of the Year: Circle R Fruit Farm in Kent.

Phoenix Award: a lily and a sparrow in Medina.

Community Service Award: Barb Flow of Kendall.

Business Person of the Year: Lora Partyka of Kendall.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Waters of Medina.

The award program is open to the public. For more information, call the Chamber at (585) 589-7727.

Deer processing business in Gaines has Planning Board support

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2015 at 12:00 am

GAINES – A husband and wife in Gaines have the Orleans County Planning Board’s approval for a deer processing business at their home on East Bacon Road.

Douglas and Jennifer Ashbery are working to operate “Deer Done Right” from a new pole barn. They would take venison meat and turn it into hot dogs, sausage and other meat products.

County planners on Thursday recommended the Town of Gaines approve a special use permit for the business at 14444 East Bacon Rd., which is in a Residential/Agricultural District.

The Ashberys said they expect the business will be open from October through February.

In other action, the Planning Board:

Supported the site plan and special use permit for a pole barn and other improvements to an existing auto repair business in Murray.

George Berg, owner of George’s Fancher Road Service, is planning to add a 3-by-30 foot structure to the south side of his motor vehicle repair shop. He also is planning to add two overhead doors to the site at 3213 Fancher Rd., which is in a Residential/Agricultural District.

Backed the Town of Clarendon’s amendments to its zoning ordinance, including text requiring seasonal permits for trailers, travel campers and recreational vehicles. The current zoning doesn’t include those vehicles, which creates an opportunity for unlimited overnight occupancy, town officials said.

Clarendon wants to limit overnight occupancy in those vehicles to no more than 30 days a year.

Church will move out of old Medina HS to a new building

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – The Cavalry Tabernacle Church, which has owned the former Medina High School for the past 20 years, is looking to leave the site on 324 Catherine St. for a new building to be constructed on Maple Ridge Road.

The church would like to start construction on some of the site work this fall with the building to go up next year. Pastor Vince Iorio said the church would like to move in next fall, 2016. The congregation is still raising funds for the entire project.

Cavalry Tabernacle has the old school for sale for $150,000.

“We’re looking for buyers,” Iorio said after Thursday’s Orleans County Planning Board meeting.

The church wants to build a 9,306-square-foot building on Maple Ridge Road near Salt Works Road in the General Business District. The wood-framed structure would be on a 34-acre parcel. About 3 acres would be disturbed with the project, which would include a parking lot for 58 vehicles.

The church would have a stormwater retention pond on the property.

The Orleans County Planning Board voted for the project on Thursday and recommended Shelby officials OK the new construction. Shelby should require lighting for the project that would “minimize any ambient light pollution on neighboring residences,” county planners said.

Iorio said there are no immediate plans for much of the other vacant land owned by the church, but some of it could perhaps be used as ball fields in the future.

Veterans and their families invited to Patriot Trip

Posted 28 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, invites his constituents to attend his annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C.

Hawley, a veteran and son of a veteran, is hosting this trip for the eighth year as an opportunity to honor veterans and their family members and give them an opportunity to share stories and experience our country’s most famous war memorials.

After this year’s trip, which will take place Sept. 17-20, more than 1,000 veterans and their family members will have participated in the trips.

“This is one of my favorite events each year,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I continually push for recognition and honoring of our country’s heroes and their family members. This is an opportunity for veterans of all backgrounds to reminisce and share experiences while visiting some of our country’s greatest monuments. I have also invited Congressman Chris Gibson to join us, as he earned the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. His presence will make the experience even more special.”

Space is limited and sign up is first come, first served with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany veterans.

The approximate cost of the trip is $350, which includes a three-night stay, meals and admittance to memorials and historical sites. For more information about this year’s Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780, 585-813-1608 or email carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. To see photos from previous trips, click here.

Swan sale finally closed today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2015 at 12:00 am

United Way is first tenant in historic building since it was vacated by library

File photo by Tom Rivers – The sale of the former Swan Library at 4 North Main St. closed today.

ALBION – More than six months after the board of trustees at Hoag Library approved an offer for the former Swan Library, the sale finally closed today.

The Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association sold the former mansion to Chad Fabry of Structuresmart Home Inspection. Fabry bought the building for $53,000.

The library moved out of the building in June 2012 to move to a new site with about 2 ½ times the space and much more parking.

The Swan building was constructed in 1851. Fabry wants to make the 6,000-square-foot building available for professional offices.

He has secured the first tenant for the building: the United Way of Orleans County.

“That’s a terrific anchor tenant,” he said today. “We’re super excited about the building. We’re excited about populating it with quality tenants.”

The $53,000 price included another $64 for the monthly garbage fee over the past four months ($16 a month).

The library agreed to pay $2,203 in closing costs, with the more costly items a survey for $600, legal fees for $500, $450 to redate the abstract, $300 to Farm Credit East for a release fee, and $212 for deed stamps.

Library President Kevin Doherty said the net proceeds of the sale, $50,861, will be used to pay down the mortgage debt owed to Farm Credit.

Fabry lives in Holley. He said he sees lots of potential in Albion, especially with the historic downtown buildings and many fine stately homes.

“It’s a beautiful town with a lot of beautiful architecture,” he said.

County approves deal to collect TVs and other “e-waste”

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 August 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Orleans County residents will soon have three drop-off sites for televisions and other “e-waste.”

Garbage crews stopped picking up the televisions on Jan. 1, and residents instead have been discarding many of the TVs into ditches and along country roads.

Legislature Chairman David Callard said about 500 have been picked up by highway crews this year.

The Legislature on Wednesday approved a deal with Sunnking Incorporated of Brockport to pick up and dispose of cathode ray tube televisions, monitors, computers, peripheral devices and other household electronics.

The company will be paid $14,782 annually for the service, effective Aug. 26.

“This is a plan in the interim while the state gets its act together,” said Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer.

Residents will be able to drop the household electronics at the Murray Town Hall, Orleans County Highway Department in Albion, and Shelby Town Hall.

The state on Jan. 1 began banning curbside disposal of older TVs with cathode-ray technology. Many residents have upgraded from those televisions, switching to popular flat screens. Many of the older TVs have been dumped in ditches along rural roads.

Manufacturers were supposed to take back older TVs, but the state capped the amount of discarded material companies have to accept each year. Manufacturers have been hitting that cap midway through the year.

“The issue is exacerbated by the fact that electronics currently sold today are much lighter than the obsolete CRT devices that make up about 70 percent of the weight of e-scrap generated, which are cost intensive to responsibly manage,” according to a resolution passed by the County Legislature and other local municipalities.

“As a result, many local governments across the state have grappled with the burden to fund or cease e-scrap collection, which has been particularly difficult in rural communities that do not benefit from retail collectors or economies of scale,” according to the resolution.

The County Legislature and other local municipalities are asking Gov. Cuomo, the State Legislature and State Department of Environmental Conservation to work towards a long-term solution for electronic waste recycling for both urban and rural areas.

“We’re excited to get this under control,” Callard said on Wednesday, when the county announced the plan. “It’s a commendable program.”

Kendall’s new recreation director looks to grow program

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Newly appointed Kendall Recreation Director Michelle Werth is ready to get to work in her office at the Town Hall.

KENDALL – Kendall’s new recreation director is well prepared for the job.

Kendall native Michelle Werth graduated from Kendall High School in 1994 after growing up playing rec. sports. She has coached teams, served as a recreation commissioner since 2010, and she has three young boys currently involved in the Kendall recreation program.

“I have now transitioned into this role,” she says of her new position.

Her children, ages 9, 6 and 4, “all play soccer, baseball and basketball.”

Werth took over the position Aug. 1 with the retirement of long-time director, Barb Flow.

“I’m nervous and excited about taking this on,” she says, and adds that she is happy Flow is nearby for guidance and advice.

“Barb has been great,” she says. “I can call her anytime.”

Flow is still a presence at the Town Hall. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Town Board, effective Aug. 1.

The Kendall recreation year just came to a close and Werth says this is a great time to start fresh. She says she has several ideas for the department including looking into programming for kids that goes beyond sports, “perhaps a Lego camp or a kids craft night,” she says.

She would also like to see youth who participate in the recreational sports program reach out and become involved in service projects to engage them further in their community.

The entire Rec. Department should have a greater presence in the community, Werth explains. She envisions the department serving as a place where people who work on events like Home Grown Days and the Scarecrow Festival can come and work together.

She would also like to see more girls become involved in sports programs.

Additionally, Werth says she would like to have recreation commissioners more involved in programming including both sports and community programs, with certain commissioners focusing on the area of their expertise.

A greater presence online is also a priority and Werth says she is looking at recreation departments in nearby communities to “see what other towns do.”