ALBION – Boaters and their dog take a ride in the Erie Canal in Albion following The Who Dats concert on Thursday evening.
It is going to be a hot weekend outside. The Weather Channel has issued an “extreme heat alert” for Albion and Orleans County today with temperatures forecast to hit 93. Sunday is also forecast to top 90 with a high of 91, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Photos by Tom Rivers – Medina graduates, including salutatorian Zachary Harris (center), enjoy a light moment during commencement on Friday at Medina High School, when 120 students graduated as part of the Class of 2016.
MEDINA – The graduation program on Friday for 120 members of the Class of 2016 began with a moment of silence for Jeff Evoy, the district superintendent for nearly five years and father of two recent Medina grads.
Evoy died on Thursday at age 50 after fighting a recent serious illness. He had been hospitalized for nearly a month, but continued to check email and be in close contact with school leaders.
High School Principal Michael Cavanagh told the packed auditorium that Evoy “was our beloved superintendent who passed away unexpectedly.” Some people in the crowd gasped, and hadn’t heard the news before that moment.
The graduation program went on as usual with the the singing of the national anthem, the alma mater, and selections – “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye” and “The Halls of Ivy” – by the A’Cappella Choir.
Medina seniors Bradley McPherson, left, holds the U.S. flag and Stella Russo holds the school flag when the national anthem and Medina Alma Mater were sung by students and the crowd.
Salutatorian Zachary Harris delivered his speech, “What is Your Reason?” and was followed by Valedictorian Amanda Lunden’s “Reflect, Risk, Reward” message.
Mark Kruzynski, the former high school principal who is now the district’s business administrator, delivered the commencement address.
Kruzynski served as acting superintendent and joined Wendi Pencille, the Board of Education president, in presenting the diplomas to the graduates, degrees that were signed by Evoy.
Naomi Slingerland accepts her diploma from Board of Education President Wendi Pencille and Mark Kruzynski, acting superintendent.
Students and Medina staff said after the program that Evoy and his family were in their thoughts and prayers.
Amanda Lunden, the valedictorian, showed her diploma bearing Evoy’s signature. She was in the school marching band with Evoy’s two children, Sean and Kelsey, who have since graduated.
“He was supposed to be up there with us,” Lunden said after the program when graduates met with their families outside the high school. “We all pictured being on the stage shaking his hand.”
Lunden, in her speech, urged her classmates to be reflective and not take people for granted. She urged her classmates to not “settle” in life, and take chances in better serving their families, attaining more success in their careers, and serving their communities. The focus shouldn’t be on attaining wealth and awards, however.
“When they lay you in the grave are people going to stand around reciting the fancy titles you have or are they going to stand around giving testimonials about the things you did for them?” Lunden said in her speech. “Will they list your degrees and awards or will they tell about what a blessing you were to them?”
Charles Enderby is congratulated after receiving his diploma.
Zachary Harris, the salutatorian, shared about how he had great expectations for his senior year, playing soccer and being active in numerous school activities. Harris, however, broke his leg in a soccer game in October.
He was out of school for about 10 days. When he returned he was behind in his classes and struggled to get around the school. He learned to appreciate his friends more for helping him get to his classes. Teachers also stayed after school to help him catch up on his schoolwork. Physical therapists pushed him to recover from the injury.
Now, eight months after the injury, Harris said he is nearly fully recovered. He was able to do throwing events in track, attend the winter formal and recent prom. He said he is thankful for all of the assistance he received and urged his classmates to pursue service occupations. Regardless of their careers, Harris told his classmates they should give back to the community and look for ways to help others.
“Doing something, no matter how minor it may seem to us, is not minor to the person you are helping, and it could make a huge impact on that one person’s life,” harris said.
Asazi Harris accepts her diploma from Pencille and Kruzynski.
Zachary Harris and Amanda Lunden had their speeches written before Evoy’s death. They stuck to their prepared speeches. Harris said Evoy was student-focused.
“He would have wanted us to go on just as if he was here,” Harris said.
The teachers, administrators and staff didn’t let their mourning disrupt preparations for graduation. Chris Keller, a Board of Education member and friend of Evoy’s, praised the school professionals for carrying on despite their grief over a very popular superintendent.
Evoy’s wife, Maureen, sent message to school on Friday morning that her husband wouldn’t want graduation to be a sad occasion. She urged the Medina community to celebrate the students’ achievements.
That was difficult to do when so many were in mourning, Kruzynski said after commencement.
“This is just terrible, it is devastating,” he said about Evoy’s death. “We’re all in shock.”
These Medina students, Troy Alexander, left, and Tyler Ames, are joining the military. Ten Medina students are enlisted in the armed forces. They were all asked to stand and be recognized during graduation.
The district had been planning to have Kruzynski function as acting superintendent for graduation because Evoy was hospitalized. But Kruzynski said Evoy’s death was a surprise and a painful loss.
“It’s impossible to fill his shoes,” Kruzynski said.
During his speech to the class, Kruzynski urged them to find careers they enjoy so their jobs don’t feel like work.
Afterwards, Keller said serving as district superintendent was Evoy’s “dream job.” He loved leading the district where he lived, helping students raise their achievement. Keller said he was expecting Evoy to stay in the job for another decade.
Keller and Evoy worked across the hall from each other when Evoy was a middle school social studies teacher in Albion. Evoy was a passionate teacher, leading students in service projects, including a Vietnam War Memorial in front of the middle school. In 2004, he was finalist for New York State teacher of the year.
The 54-foot-long daisy chain is set in front of the stage for graduation. The daisy chain has been a Medina commencement tradition for nearly a century.
Jared Zinkievich, the last Medina student to receive his diploma on Friday night, takes a selfie with his classmates in back.
Medina juniors carry the daisy chain out of the auditorium at the conclusion of commencement on Friday.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Members of the Holley Central School Class of 2016 enter Holley Hawks Stadium Saturday morning for commencement ceremonies.
HOLLEY – Sunny, dry weather Saturday morning meant Holley Central School was able to hold its 2016 commencement ceremonies outside in the Holley Hawks Stadium.
“Having the ceremony outside is a good thing,” Middle School/High School Principal Susan Cory noted as the program began.
Holley Central Class of 2016 Salutatorian Xander Lee Apicella, gives his address to fellow graduates as School Board President Brenda Swanger and Middle/High School Principal Susan Cory look on. Apicella said it is likely the dreams his classmates have today will change in the future. “Pursue your goals with passion and determination,” he said. “Take every opportunity, even if they are not what they once were.”
In his valedictory address, Brady James Smith said he, his classmates and their teachers, “have become one, big family,” over the past four years. He advised his fellow graduates that sometimes what they might expect to happen in the future, doesn’t.
“Learn new things … expect the unexpected and adapt,” Smith said.
As Class of 2016 Vice President, Smith presented the class gift – a monetary donation to the school’s unified sports team that includes some students with disabilities. This year was the first time Holley took part in the program, fielding a basketball team.
“We would love to see them expand beyond basketball,” Smith said.
Commencement speaker, Holley teacher and wrestling coach John J. Grillo, spoke to graduates about how to make good choices after bad breaks and advised: saying “I love you” are the three greatest words you can say to each other.
Middle/High School physical education teacher and varsity wrestling coach John Grillo gave the commencement address. As a teacher at Holley for 30 years, Grillo said he has known the graduates since they were, “barely able to do jumping-jacks or say the alphabet.”
Grillo, who was picked by the seniors to be commencement speaker, said inspiration leads to motivation, which leads to dedication, success and fulfillment.
“Strive to go above and beyond,” Grillo told graduates. “Open your wings and fly to another level. Being a Holley Hawk has given you the wings.”
Principal Susan Cory said that of the 84 graduates, 61 will pursue higher education at colleges and trade schools, 12 are entering the workforce, six are joining the military, three are undecided, and one is seeking additional training through a vocational program.
Heather Anne Winkley receives her diploma from her mom, Anne Winkley, Holley Central School Board member.
Holley graduate Courtney Morgan Winkley receives a hug from her mother, School Board member Anne Winkley. Anne Winkley presented diplomas to twin daughters Courtney Morgan and Heather Anne.
Members of the Holley Central School Class of 2016 during commencement ceremonies Saturday morning.
Rhonda Parker
ALBION – An Albion woman who produced and directed her first film in 2014 – “Friends Don’t Let Friends – Date Friends” – is organizing a new film and arts festival at Genesee Community College in August.
Rhonda Parker won several awards in 2014 at a Buffalo film festival. She has met many directors, producers and actors in the Western New York film circle in the past three years since she took up directing and producing films while a student at GCC.
“I didn’t know there were so many actors and films in Western New York,” Parker said. “This festival will be a chance to bring the Rochester and Buffalo film communities together.”
Parker said the two communities each have their own film culture, with Buffalo tending to be more prolific in producing films while Rochester’s film community is more technical-focused.
Parker and her husband Mark created Beaver Alley Studios, a non-profit organization last year. Since their debut film they have produced “Lonely Bananas,” which will be screened during the Western New York F.A.M.E. (Film, Art and Music Event). That film will be shown at 6 p.m. on Aug. 14, capping the three-day festival that starts Aug. 12. The Parkers also have produced “Message in a Bottle.”
Parker and Beaver Alley Studios are planning FAME with the Genesee Community College Center for the Arts. In addition to screening films, the festival will feature music performances, art displays, a photography contest, educational workshops, vendors, networking and “edgy comedy.”
Parker said the festival has generated buzz in the two film communities.
“As film makers, FAME understands the burden of high festival fees and the frustration of low audience turn out,” she said in a news release. “The group keeps fees low and has created an event with mass appeal. The festival treats film makers, musicians and artists like celebrities with an audience Q&A or panel discussion and encourages active audience participation by allowing attendees to choose some of the awards.”
File photo – Rhonda Parker, center right, is pictured in November 2014 with some of the cast and crew of “Friends Don’t Let Friends – Date Friends.” The group includes, front row, from left: Amelia Favata (Della) and Rhonda Parker (writer/director). Back row: Mark Parker (Director of photography/editor), Eric Witkowski (Jeff), Erin Stamp (Gwen), Casey Litzenberger (Allison) and Adam S. Dixson (Kyle).
Parker earned her degree from GCC with a double major in paralegal studies and communications. She wants to promote the local film and artistic talent, particularly the women artists.
Aug. 12 will feature scary films, while Aug. 13 will showcase “Girl Power” with films by female writers/directors or strong female leads. Aug. 14 will feature family-friendly films and others produced in WNY.
The mid-August festival at GCC has already received nearly 300 film, music and photography entries from all over the world. The organization is also seeking workshop presenters, sponsors and vendors. Vendor tables cost $100 for three days, but are discounted to $75 if booked by June 30. Tickets for the event are available on a per-block or workshop basis all the way to full VIP all-access. For more information on the schedule, tickets and the festival, click here.
“We are very excited about hosting an event like no other,” Parker said. “Three days of regional and international films, performances from local singers and songwriters, art displays, educational workshops-and of course, the all-important networking giving all attendees the opportunity to explore, exchange and share ideas and inspiring artists to continue their work.”
Photo by Tom Rivers – A fisherman is pictured at Point Breeze in this photo from May 3, 2015.
Press Release, Gov. Cuomo’s Office
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today announced free fishing days in New York State, inviting residents and visitors to explore more of New York State by participating in the sport as part of the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative.
During these special days, including this weekend, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license in any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds, or its 70,000 miles of rivers and streams during this time.
“New York has some of the best fishing in the nation, and with our Free Fishing Days program, we’re making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to come out and experience all that our waters have to offer,” Cuomo said. “This is an excellent time to introduce friends and family to the many excellent places to fish in virtually every corner of this state.”
Based on the popularity of the June free fishing period, Cuomo has also designated November 11, 2016 (Veterans Day) and February 18-19, 2017 as free fishing days. Saltwater anglers may also fish in marine waters or for migratory marine fish species without enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry during free fishing days.
“Fishing is a proud tradition in New York State, and we’re thrilled to offer more free opportunities for residents and visitors alike to get out on our waters and enjoy angling throughout the calendar year,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Fishing in New York State not only provides recreational enjoyment but is a vital economic generator, supporting local economies statewide.”
New York’s sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.
Under the 2016-17 budget, Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative provides $3 million for State land access projects and $4 million for hunting and fishing infrastructure. The 2015-16 budget also created a new capital account, which, along with federal Pittman-Robertson funds, will be used to manage, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat and will improve and develop public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.
This year’s commitment builds on the previous $6 million in funding for 50 new projects to provide access to approximately 380,000 acres of existing State lands for recreation, including boat launches, bird-watching areas, trails and hunting blinds, and $8 million for upgrades and improvements to fish hatcheries statewide.
In addition to the Free Fishing Days program, the Governor’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative will now allow organizations and groups to conduct individual free fishing events. These events must meet Department’s guidelines designed to ensure that the events are educational in focus. Participants in these events do not need a license to fish and are not required to enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
Anglers are reminded that although a fishing license is not required during the free fishing day weekend, or free fishing events, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.
The free fishing events give people a chance to try the thrilling sport of fishing at no cost, and people are encouraged to support the sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license. To learn more, click here.
For a listing of all free fishing events, including those conducted during free fishing days, please visit the DEC website by clicking here.
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Marty Hobbs plays the guitar with The Who Dats during Thursday’s concert by the canal in Albion. A big crowd came out for the popular local band as part of Albion’s Thursday concert series.
The concert series started last Thursday and continues until Aug. 4. The bands play beginning at 6 p.m. by the fire hall. The Albion Fire Department has refreshments available during the concerts.
Aaron Robinson is the drummer for The Who Dats.
Lonnie Froman is the lead singer for the band, and he had people up dancing.
Upcoming concerts include:
June 30, Old Hippies; July 7, The Dady Brothers; July 14, The Lonely Ones; July 21, Triple Play Band; July 28, Don Newcomb Band; Aug. 4, The Legendary Jonesie & the Cruisers.
Jeff Evoy
MEDINA – The news of Jeff Evoy’s death shocked and saddened the community and many Medina students, teachers and community members turned to social media to praise Evoy’s service and genuine concern for students.
Evoy was the Medina school superintendent for nearly five years, leading the district to a dramatic improvement in test scores among students.
He started his education career at Albion and was a popular social studies teacher and baseball coach. He was finalist for the state’s Teacher of the Year in 2003. After Albion, he took a job in administration at Pembroke, leading the elementary school.
Orleans Hub posted a story about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday about Evoy’s death. Many people have since commented about Evoy’s commitment to students and staff.
Here are some of those comments:
“RIP Mr. Evoy. You were and always will be the best superintendent in my book. :(” – Hunter DeHollander
“Awesome history teacher, great school superintendent. He surely will be missed.” – Kellie Watson
“RIP to literally the nicest man I ever met. He stood up for me when I was getting picked on when he ran the YMCA summer program, he was my baseball coach and always believed in me even though I couldn’t hit the ball, and later on was the best superintendent Medina has had in a very long time. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t say hi and asked how I was doing while he worked in Medina. My thoughts go out to the Evoy family during this time, he was truly an inspirational man and he will be missed dearly.” – Matt Prawel
“Oh no! Such an amazing educator!” – Rachael Murray
“He was an amazing and inspiring teacher. I consider myself lucky to have had Mr. Evoy as my middle school social studies teacher. He’s one of the people who helped me develop a love of history which led me to become a social studies teacher myself.” – Ken Narburgh
Jeff Evoy is pictured with Medina teachers in March after the district was removed from the State Education Department’s list of “Focus” schools in need of improvement. Evoy praised the teachers, administrators, parents and students for all working hard to raise academic scores. This group is pictured in the middle school library and includes, from left: Becky Botsford, grades 6 and 7 band teacher; Kristen Phillips, librarian; Jeanette Sheliga, grade 4 and 5 band teacher; Principal Elaine Wendt; Superintendent of Schools Jeff Evoy; Denise Stappenbeck, director of curriculum and instruction; and Joette Oberther, library aide.
“I am at a loss for words and saddened by the news. Mr. Evoy was a kind, loving man. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.” – Tina Dennis
“An absolutely amazing and inspiring teacher and person. He will be greatly missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to his family.” – Lisa Marie
“So very sad. He truly loved this community and every student in it. His presence will be so missed.” – Shannon Gray Blount
“I am saddened to hear this news. He was one dynamic guy that made a difference in the students, educators, other employees and the community. My prayers are with his his family and all who cared about him.” – Brenda Sills
“I hope his wife and family know how much he was loved by students! Some of my very best memories of high school were in his class. He was one of kind and so caring. Many many thoughts and prayers to his family, his friends, colleagues, and the Albion, Pembroke and Medina school district families where he made such a huge impact. Rest easy Mr. Evoy.” – Laura Luft
“He was a kind man who inspired many to go into education to inspire future generations and/or to simply to do good wherever they could. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” – Angela Atwell
“I have no words for this loss of life. He was an incredible human being . One that we should hope to emulate. God bless his family.” – Jill Albertson
“It’s not fair! Very sad! I’m proud to have known him. He made such a difference in our education. He was also a great baseball coach for the kids. Love to the Evoy family. Graduation today will be tough. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.” – Dar Schepis
“Very sad to say the least. Jeff was a great man, husband, father, boss but best of all friend. Always supportive and encouraging ALL teachers and students to be better people. He was truly inspirational to many and especially me. His family is an extension of his character and guidance. Mom and kids are what we all wish for kind gentle and helpful without reservation or question. Their love for each other was and will be their strength. My heart as well as many are very heavy today. Jeff you will be missed by all.” – Jimmy Steele
Provided photo
MEDINA – Some Medina juniors have been out picking daisies for the annual Daisy Chain tradition at commencement. This photo shows three high school juniors – Krista Nellist, left, Toby Kiebala and Sarah Granchelli. They were picking daisies Thursday by the canal at Dr. Peter Igoe’s on West Center Street Extension.
During commencement today at 7 p.m., 16 Medina juniors will carry a 54-foot-long chain of daisies into Medina High School Auditorium. It continues a nearly century-long tradition at Medina.
The Daisy Chain is a chance to honor the top 16 girls in the Junior Class. They are escorted by the top two boys in the class.
HOLLEY – There will be firefighters from 25 local departments Sunday at Precision Packaging Products in Holley, practicing search and rescues, firefighter mayday, and water supply relays.
The training drill will start at 8 a.m. and is expected to go until noon, said Harris Reed, deputy fire chief for the Holley Fire Company.
The drill will use water from village hydrants and there is a chance residents’ water could turn brownish, Reed said.
There will be nearly 20 pumper fire trucks at the scene to practice water relays. Water will be put in dump tanks at the scene. Reed said this is the first big training drill hosted by Holley in about a dozen years.
Firefighters will also utilize a KnoxBox, an indestructible spot that gives firefighters and emergency responders access to keys to get inside the building. Precision Packaging is the first Holley business to use a KnoxBox. Reed said Holley firefighters would like to see more businesses use KnoxBoxes.
Precision Packaging is located in Holley’s Business Park off Route 31, behind JP’s Farm Market.
File photos by Tom Rivers – John Robinson is pictured last June 30 on his third ride along the Erie Canal, going 363 miles from Buffalo to Albany. He is pictured with his wife Andrea. They are close to the Main Street lift bridge in Albion.
John Robinson and his friend Doug Hamlin are again riding the Erie Canal towpath to highlight inclusivity, showing that people with disabilities are capable of big feats.
Robinson and Hamlin also are using the trip from Buffalo to Albany to celebrate launch of New York Business Leadership Network, a coalition among businesses in New York State interested in both hiring and building supplier diversity of businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.
John Robinson meets with people with disabilities last June 30 when he stopped at The Arc of Orleans County.
Robinson and Hamlin will spend 12 days riding bicycles about 350 miles across upstate New York via the historic Erie Canalway Trail. The two men are partners in Glenmont-based Our Ability, a network of consulting, public speaking, recruitment and professional services that champions the inclusivity of people with disabilities in the workplace.
“Each year our journey aims to raise awareness of the ability inside all people with disabilities,” said Robinson. “Along the way, we will connect with athletes and other individuals with disabilities and promote inclusive tourism along the historic Erie Canal.”
Robinson was a congenital amputee without full arms and legs. He overcame countless obstacles to become a successful businessman, husband, father and inspirational speaker.
In 2011 he founded Our Ability (click here for more information) with Hamlin, a 28-year veteran of the software industry who is also disabled as the result of an accident in 1983. At Our Ability they help to mentor and inspire people with disabilities through positive video stories. In 2014, Robinson was one of 10 people nationally named a White House Champion of Change for Disability Employment.
The New York Business Leadership Network was formed by Our Ability in December of 2015 in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2014 executive order establishing the Employment First Commission to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in New York. The executive order calls for 100 businesses to commit to formal policies to hire people with disabilities as part of their diversity strategy.
“NYBLN’s dual goals are to inspire those individuals with disabilities to achieve their dreams through education and employment as well as to educate able-bodied individuals about the differences in ability around us,” Robinson said.
John Robinson, left, and his friend Doug Hamlin, right, ride adaptive use bicycles along West Bank Street in Albion in this photo from July 1, 2014.
This year’s canal trip begins in Buffalo’s Canal Side Park and concludes on July 8 at Jennings Landing in Albany. As the tour makes its way across New York, numerous advocacy groups and organizations supporting the rights of people with disabilities will join Robinson and Hamlin for parts of the trip.
Robinson was inspired to undertake the first Journey Along the Erie Canal by his wife, Andrea, and two children after receiving a three-wheeled, hand-operated cycle as a donation. His family helped him learn how to ride and then train for the statewide journey. Hamlin joined Robinson that first year and saw what the ride could symbolize. He will once again ride alongside Robinson on his own specialized hand cycle.
As in past years, Our Ability’s partners for the journey include New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID), New York State Canal Corporation, the Disability Education Forum of New York, Inc., the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and NYSARC, Inc.
“The New York State Canal Corporation is thrilled to partner with Our Ability for the fourth annual Journey Along the Erie Canal,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton. “John and Doug are an inspiration to us all. Their message of inclusion and support can be extended to all facets of life and across all borders. We are proud that once again the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail will serve as the background of such a worthy cause.”
