Keith Palmer

ELBA – The Elba Central School has picked Keith Palmer, an Albion resident and a principal at Pembroke High School, to serve as its next district superintendent.

Palmer, a former school administrator at Kendall, is set to start at Elba on July 1.

“I look forward to working with the Elba Board, faculty, students and community to develop strong relationships as we work together to deliver the district’s vision and mission,” Palmer said. “Our first priority is the education of our students as we focus on curriculum and instruction. This will enhance our students’ academic achievement as we work together to meet the district’s academic and financial goals.”

Palmer is currently the principal of the Pembroke Central High School, where he has served since 2003. Previously, he was assistant principal at the Kendall High School, a position he held for 12 years.

Palmer began his career in 1987 as a math and computer science teacher at North Warren Central School in the Adirondacks. He also taught at the Washington Correctional Facility located in Comstock for two summers in both 1988 and 1990.

Palmer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Houghton College, and a master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. He holds three New York State Certifications – a NYS School District Administrator, a NYS School Administrator and Supervisor Certificate and a NYS School Business Administrator Certificate.

Palmer’s career encompasses a variety of leadership accomplishments including developing Professional Learning Communities to build school/family communication and maintaining effective relations with union leadership.

“The Board is confident in selecting Mr. Palmer to lead Elba Central Schools,” said Tony Zambito, president of the Board of Education at Elba Central School. “His professional background, along with a deep understanding of many aspects of educational leadership, makes him an excellent fit for the staff and students of the district. The search process narrowed the field to three excellent candidates. The board values all of the participation and input from stakeholders and community members and is committed and proud of this decision.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The lush plants, benches and birds are a peaceful attraction at the Martin-Linsin Residence, which serves terminally ill patients at 14080 Route 31 West.

The garden by the residence for Hospice of Orleans is now more accessible for residents and their families after a Boy Scout added a crusher-run path for his Eagle Scout project.

Randy Eblacker worked on the project last August through October. It is seeing lots of use now that the warm weather months have arrived.

Eblacker is in a Boy Scout troop in Albion where Dr. Tom Madejski has been a long-time volunteer. Eblacker was looking for an Eagle Scout project in the community, and Madejski suggested the project at Hospice.

“The sidewalk will let residents in wheelchairs go out and enjoy the really nice garden that they have,” Eblacker said.

Eblacker, a junior at Albion, said he has enjoyed his time in Scouts, attending camp-outs and learning skills, especially CPR and life-guarding.

The key to becoming an Eagle Scout is persistence, Eblacker said.

“It’s sticking with Scouting,” he said. “It’s a lot of merit badges. It’s a lot of work.”

It’s also a lot of fun. He has enjoyed the many trips with Scouts, especially a journey to Gettysburg.

Eblacker plans to help the troop next year as a junior assistant scoutmaster. He also plays varsity baseball and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today without Scouts,” Eblacker said. “There are a lot of opportunities in Scouts and it’s it made me active in my community.”

Photos by Tom Rivers – Mike Woodward, a member of the Self Advocate All Stars at The Arc of Orleans County, is pictured on the group’s float during Saturday’s parade in Holley. The All Stars won a first place award in the parade.

ALBION – They have marched in parades, washed cars, presented at County Legislature meetings and made other efforts to reach out to the community.

The Self Advocate All Stars in Orleans County have been recognized for their efforts by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. The western region of that association held a conference on Friday and honored the All Stars as the “Self Advocacy Group of the Year.”

“They have seen how active our group is,” said Jonathan Doherty, one of leaders of the All Stars. “We give back to the community.”

The group formed in 2006. One of its early goals was to rail against official government use of the “R-word.” The County Legislature in May 2010 passed a formal resolution, telling local, state and federal governments to no longer use the word “retarded” in describing people with developmental disabilities.

The R-word is a “vicious slang” that is insulting and hurtful to people with developmental disabilities and their families, legislators said in their resolution five years ago.

Jonathan Doherty walks in Saturday’s parade in Holley with the Self Advocate All Stars. He is holding the plaque for the award the group won the previous day in Niagara Falls.

Vickie Randall works for The Arc of Orleans County and serves as an advisor to the All Stars. She said the group raises its own money for trips and for attendance at regional conferences.

The All Stars have stayed passionate about participating in parades and being active in the community, Randall said.

“It’s very important for them to say to the community, ‘We’re here and we want to be a part of you,'” Randall said. “They have strived really hard to get the word out that they are capable and willing to be active in the community.”

The All Stars visit local nursing homes, cemeteries and are working on adopting a highway to clean the roadsides of trash.

For more on the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, click here.