By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – An Albion man who was released from state prison in November after serving a sentence for third-degree burglary was arraigned on multiple charges Monday in Orleans County Court.
Henry Marling, 27, of Holley Road allegedly broke into Empire Trading on Bank Street on April 17 and stole items and damaged property, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Marling was arraigned on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of marijuana.
Marling has prior felony convictions.
“This defendant has a horrible criminal record,” Susan Howard, an assistant district attorney, told County Court Judge James Punch.
The judge set bail for Marling at $200,000.
In another case, an Albion woman was arraigned on additional charges following an arraignment on May 18 for offering a false instrument.
Elsie Biaselli, 71, of East State Street was arraigned on Monday for violating her probation and another charge of offering a false instrument.
Biaselli has a prior conviction of promoting prison contraband for allegedly smuggling illegal drugs in to inside Attica Correctional Facility, where her grandson was an inmate. Biaselli was sentenced to five years on probation in 2013.
She allegedly violated her probation by not disclosing she was a convicted felon on an application for a pistol permit. She was arraigned on May 18 for allegedly putting false information on her pistol permit application, a charge that carries a maximum of 4 years in state prison.
She was arraigned on a new charge of offering a false instrument by making a false statement for a welfare application, claiming a grandchild was a dependent who doesn’t live with her, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – This boater heads west on the Erie Canal in Albion this morning with the Gaines Basin Road bridge in the background. There wasn’t any rain when these photos were taken at about 9:45 a.m., but the sky got dark soon after with the threat of rain.
There is a chance for showers in Orleans County today with a high forecast for 75. It could be worse. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the Springville area at about 11 a.m.
For Orleans County, the Weather Service is forecasting a high of 72 on Tuesday with thunderstorms likely, followed by a high of 80 on Wednesday with a chance for thunderstorms. Thursday is forecast to be mostly sunny for a high of 78, followed by a high of 79 on Friday with a chance of thunderstorms.
The same boater pictured above passes along the canal just east of the Gaines Basin Road bridge in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Two people were sentenced to Orleans County Jail this afternoon by Judge James Punch.
Joshua J. Fisher, 25, of 4 North St., Albion, was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation for felony driving while intoxicated.
Fisher was stopped by police in Albion on Nov. 9 and allegedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.16 percent, twice the legal limit.
Fisher has been in the court system before and was terminated from the Drug Court. He said he has matured and will take probation seriously. His attorney Richard Roxin told Judge Punch that Fisher is enrolled in a treatment program with the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and is working hard to improve his life.
“Our goal here isn’t just to help you,” Punch told Fisher during sentencing. “I have to protect the public from you.”
As a term of probation, Fisher will need to use an interlock ignition device, which measures Blood Alcohol Content.
A Byron man was sentenced to four months of intermittent jail for an assault charge.
Gregory Vogt, 27, of Cook Road was charged with second-degree assault after allegedly striking a victim in the head with a bottle on Sept. 14 in the Town of Murray.
Punch told Vogt the attack was “excessive” and a “very serious crime.”
Vogt will serve his jail sentence from 6 p.m. Sundays to 6 p.m. Tuesdays for four months. He also will be on probation for five years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Lia Mills, a prominent pro-life activist, addresses 250 people during the 12th annual banquet for the Care Net Pregnancy and Family Center.
Mills, 18, is a university student in Canada. She rocketed to fame as a 12-year-old when her mother posted a 5-minute YouTube video of her daughter speaking against abortion (click here). That video now has over 2.6 million views.
Mills talked about that speech on Friday when she addressed the Care Net supporters at the White Birch Golf Course. Mills said her teacher urged her not to discuss abortion. But Mills felt strongly about the issue and she said she felt God prompting her to make the speech.
“When God asks me to do something, I say yes,” she said. “I’m ordinary but I serve an extraordinary God. God can and will use you. God wants you to be willing.”
Mills has become a sought after speaker against abortion. She said abortion doesn’t empower women. They are often coerced to have abortions by boyfriends, Mills said. There are underlying issues, such as poverty, that often compel women to abort, Mills said.
“If we want to be about choice and about empowering women, you need to alleviate those external factors,” Mills said.
She urged the group to be advocates for life, to be a voice for unborn children.
And she urged the group to be bold in their faith and be open to where God may be leading them.
Mills also addressed students at the Orleans County Christian School in Medina on Friday morning and Saturday evening was part of a youth rally at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God in Medina.
The Care Net Pregnancy and Family Center of Greater Orleans provides free ultra-sounds, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection testing and resources to families in crisis. The center is located in Albion at 111 West Ave., across from McDonalds.
Students at annual banquet are honored for 2014-15 season
Provided photo – This photo shows the leader of the Medina Mustang Band for 2015-16. The group includes Drum Major – Amanda Lunden; Assistant Drum Majors – Andrea Toussaint & Tristan Sanders; Flute Section Leader – Andrea Toussaint; Clarinets – Alex Peters; Saxophones – Madison Holland; Mellophones – Kristian Snyder; Trumpets – Abby Griffin & Kyla Leno; Trombones/Baritones – Corey Strickland; Tuba – Ryan Webber; Front End Ensemble – Megan Furness; Band Managers – Naomi Slingerland, Tyler Soha, Jadiel Flores-Medina, Nick Schaefer and Victoria Schicker; Attendance Officer – Jadiel Flores-Medina; Uniform Manager – Meghan Allen; Secretary/Librarian – Kyla Leno & Meghan Allen; Percussion – Tristan Sanders; Colorguard Managers – Grace Fuller, Leann Schneider, Shianne Sullinger; Colorguard Captains – Brittanie Goodin & Alexis Neuman.
Press Release, Medina Mustang Band
MEDINA – The 44th annual Medina Mustang Band Banquet and Awards Ceremony was held Friday at the Sacred Heart Club. It was an evening of awards and reflection on the many accomplishments in the 2014-2015 year.
Co-directors Jim Steele and Cheri Pritchard emceed the event. The Booster organization was credited for their continued dedication and commitment to this organization. Outgoing officers were recognized and thanked for their help as well as the incoming officers.
The “Harry Dinkle Award” was established to recognize someone who is not a Booster officer but who volunteers a great deal of personal time and effort to the band and the Boosters. This year Mike Dreyfus was granted this award for the second year in a row. He was also the co-drum major for the Memorial Day parade based on votes from the community.
Instructional staff were recognized: Twirler instructor Roxanne Morgan; Drill & marching & instrument instructor Jeanette Sheliga; Assistant Band Director & Pit Instructor Katie Toub; Percussion Instructors Jeff Pask & TJ Gray; Color Guard Instructor Diana Baker; Visual Design & Colorguard Instructors Vinnie Monacelli & Kristen Costa. Other staff not in attendance were Music Arranger Jerry Kelsey; Music Arranger Joe Organisciak; and Percussion Instructors Joe Guadagnino and Brian King.
The NYS Field Band Conference Scholarship was given to Chris Keller with the Mustang Band Service Scholarship given to Krista Nellist, and the Orleans County Music Educators Association scholarship awarded to Emma Baldwin.
The Mustang Band marches down Main Street during the Memorial Day parade.
Medina also sent approximately 22 students in the elementary level, 32 students in the middle level and 35 students from the high school to the NYSSMA Solo Festival and overall they achieved scores ranging from Good, Outstanding, Excellent, A and A+.
Outstanding Band Member Awards were given in three categories: Outstanding Rookie went to Miranda Zelazny, Trenton Crews, Jada Draper and Avery Vanderwerf. Most Improved went to Nick Schaefer, Kali Schrader, Noah Pencille and Kaela Grosslinger. Most Valuable went to Abigail Griffin, Madison Holland, Derek Donley and Krystal Kerstetter.
Band Director awards were given by Jim Steele to Brielle Lederhouse and Kyrah Baes. Cheri Pritchard gave awards to Jenna Moore and Karina Bellan.
The Alfred Hartway Drum Major Award was started in 1968 in honor of a man who was a bus driver and always involved with the band. This year’s recipients were Chris Keller, Derek Donley and Brian Bogan.
The band performs during the Memorial Day parade on Main Street near the railroad tracks.
The Joseph C. McCain award was started in 1967 and given to a junior and senior to recognize their dedication and commitment to the band and who reflects the ideals of its founder. This year’s recipients are Tyler Soha and Kyle Herman.
Attendance Awards were given to students who have perfect attendance in the fall or in the spring or both. Service awards were given to students who had between 6 to 12 seasons of participation in the program. Graduating seniors were presented their medallions.
The Junior Prologue was given by Andrea Toussaint and the Senior Epilogue by Chris Keller. A slide show of the year’s events was prepared by Mike Dreyfus with the assistance of Greg Nellist, Joe Granchelli and many parents who submitted pictures.
The Fall Field Show for 2015 is “Illusions.” This is a magic show on a football field. The music is more difficult and therefore the first practice is June 23rd. There are 133 students signed up for the fall season, which is the largest in the past three years. Band Camp will be Aug. 10-14.
One of prison escapees convicted of murder in Niagara County
DANNEMORA – New York State is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of two convicted murderers, including one from Niagara County.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the reward during a press conference this afternoon for the two men who escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora. That prison is in the north country, just south of the Canadian border.
Richard Matt
One of the escapees, Richard Matt, was convicted of murder in Niagara County. Matt, 48, is described as a white male, 6′ tall, 210 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. He has tattoos including “Mexico Forever” on his back, a heart on his chest and left shoulder, and a Marine Corps insignia on his right shoulder.
Matt is serving a sentence of 25 years to life following his conviction in Niagara County for three counts of murder, three counts of kidnapping, and two counts of robbery after he kidnapped a male victim and caused his death by beating him on Dec. 3, 1997. Matt was transferred to Clinton Correctional on July 10, 2008.
David Sweat, 34, is the other convicted murderer on the loose. He is described by state police as a white male, 5’11” tall, 165 pounds, brown hair and green eyes. He has tattoos on his left bicep and his right fingers.
Sweat is serving a sentence of life without parole following his conviction in Broome County for one count of first-degree murder after he caused the death of a Broome County Sheriff’s deputy on July 4, 2002. Sweat was transferred to Clinton Correctional on Oct. 30, 2003.
David Sweat
State Police said they were called on Saturday at 5:45 a.m. by officials at the Clinton Correctional Facility. The prison said two inmates were unaccounted for during a 5:30 a.m. bed check.
Both men are considered to be a danger to the public, State Police said.
“If located DO NOT approach them,” State Police said in a news release. “Contact 911 or the New York State Police immediately at (518) 563-3761.”
The governor said more than 250 law enforcement and corrections officials are actively searching for the inmates.
“Today we are asking for the help of the public as we continue our search to arrest these two individuals,” Cuomo said. “They are convicted murderers and our first order of business is to ensure they don’t inflict any more pain on the community. We are urging anybody who sees them or knows anything that may assist our investigation to contact the State Police as soon as possible. With the public’s help, we will return these men to where they belong – behind bars.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The big parade in Holley on Saturday gave elected officials and those seeking public office a chance to promote their candidacies and connect with the public.
In the top photo, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and his community liaison Barry Flansburg pause for a moment on the parade route along Route 31 in downtown Holley.
Randy Bower, left, had a large contingent of supporters wearing red during the parade, helping him in his campaign for Orleans County sheriff. Holley is Bower’s hometown.
Village trustees Skip Carpenter, left, and Brian Sorochty ride together in a golf cart in Holley’s pararde. They are both up for election on June 16 with Sondra Knight also on the ballot. Holley will elect two of the three candidates to two-year terms.
Sondra Knight, right, walks the parade route, trying to build support for her campaign for the Village Board.
Holley Mayor John Kenney, left, and Village Trustee Kevin Lynch ride together in the parade. They were both elected to two-year terms last June and won’t be on the ballot for the June 16 village election.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Protestors are out at Courthouse Square today trying to raise awareness of an impending court action that could make a mosque in Waterport no longer available to the World Sufi Foundation.
The local Muslim community has used the mosque on a dirt road in Carlton for 37 years. Many people have been married at the site on Fuller Road over the years. The mosque continues to be used for services and prayers, said Bilal Huzair, deputy director for the World Sufi Foundation.
He said a former wife of one of the mosque’s ministers has filed a lawsuit, seeking possession of the building. The issue has been argued before James Punch, acting State Supreme Court justice, and his decision is expected soon, Huzair said.
“This is not an individual’s property,” he said about the mosque. “We’re being held back from practicing our faith.”
About 50 protestors began walking along Main Street by the courthouse at about 10 a.m. They plan to be there until 4 p.m. today.
“We want to make sure our freedom of the Constitution is upheld,” Huzair said. “Our focus is on preserving our rights.”
Huzair said some of the protestors weren’t part of the World Sufi Foundation, but were supportive of the group’s effort to raise awareness of the case.
“We want to make sure this doesn’t happen to another church,” Huzair said.
Huzair said the lawsuit should worry all of those concerned about faith and liberty. He said the lawsuit contends the site on Fuller Road and also a community-run medical office are not religious properties and should be seized to settle a private lawsuit that does not directly involve the community.
“This is an abuse of the legal process,” Huzair said. “The court should have dismissed this outrageous claim immediately. Instead they have left us hanging for months not knowing if our place of worship would be sold out from under us.”
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 7 June 2015 at 12:00 am
SHELBY – This photograph taken in June of 1907 shows the interior of Nelson N. King’s Blacksmith Shop located at Shelby Center. A native of Newfane, King started his blacksmithing career in Orleans County working with Maxim “Peter” Pilon at Carlton Station.
In July of 1900, Pilon sold his shop and all of the associated tools to King who assumed control of the business shortly after. On June 27, 1903 King married Lillian Ryan at Shelby and started to rent the Bailey Blacksmith Shop at Shelby Center in late October of 1904.
Nelson King is bent over with the horse’s hind leg positioned between his own legs preparing the hoof for shoeing. On the left, Pierson “Syke” Neal is shown working a horseshoe on the anvil while Adra Wormuth, a local farmer, observes.
Blacksmiths wore aprons to cover their clothing, protecting them from sparks created by the pounding of heated metal. The only man in the photograph not wearing an apron is Wormuth, which suggests that he brought the horse to the shop for shoeing.
This shop is particularly unusual given the amount of light inside of the room. Blacksmith shops were often dark, allowing the smith to observe the changing colors of the metal. Different colors represented different temperatures and depending on the intended final product, a combination of specific temperatures and tools were required.
Scattered across the floor are a number of this tools including tongs and sledgehammers. Hanging on the wall next to the door is a rake used for working the fire in the forge, which was likely off to the left of Neal’s anvil.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – A costumed dalmatian dog waves to the crowd as part of a float for Wiley’s Ark Animal Care in Holley during this morning’s parade in Holley.
The annual Murray Holley June Fest is today in Holley and included the hour-long parade in the village, with a route from the VFW through the Public Square and to the Holley Canal Park.
Holley Scouts make their way through Public Square.
Members of the Holley youth baseball team smile for the crowd and toss some candy.
Members of Primetime Brass in Rochester, one of six marching bands in the parade, give an energetic performance in the parade.
Primetime Brass and the Public Square are reflected in this instrument.
Bill Billotti, owner of Holley Collectibles, watches the parade from his storefront.
The Ghost Riders fill downtown Holley with music.
The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies proved popular with the crowd.
The clock tower of the former United Methodist Church in the Public Square offered a nice viewing station for the parade.
Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drums and Bugle Corps brings a powerful presence to the parade.
The Hamburg Kingsmen Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps march down Route 31 in the Public Square.
Clarendon Fire Company and other local fire departments join the parade processional.
There will be a free 7 p.m. drum corps concert today at the Holley Woodlands Soccer Field, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos By Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Murray Holley June Fest concluded with a loud and colorful fireworks show at the Holley soccer field tonight.
The fireworks capped a perfect day for the festival, with beautiful weather for people to enjoy a full schedule of events from the morning to the night, said David Dill, festival chairman.
He said today’s festival was the best in the event’s history.
These photos show a light pole at the soccer field and part of the bleachers.
This young observer gets a picture of the fireworks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – A pack of runners, including Tristan Bridges in blue, takes off at the beginning of the 5-kilometer race in Holley this morning.
Bridges of Brockport was first in the 30-39 age group with a time of 18:52.
The 19th annual Jim Ferris Memorial Race drew about 100 runners to Holley this morning for the race in honor of a Holley native who was a top runner in the Rochester region. Mr. Ferris died in 1994.
Jane Ferris, Ferris’s daughter, handed out medals during an awards program. She thanked the Holley community for continuing the race.
“Running was my father’s passion,” she said. “It’s an honor to keep his memory alive after 21 years.”
Kenny Goodfellow, 25, of Rochester was the top overall winner with a time of 16:25. He is pictured on the Erie Canal near the 2-mile mark.
Kristina Martin of Holley was the second fastest woman with a time of 18:57.
Tom Dutton, 69, of Livonia finished the course in 23:17, the fastest time for men 40 and older.
A group of runners travel down the towath by the Erie Canal as part of the race this morning.
Chris Wilber of Brockport and Albion native Trisha Byler of Rochester race near the end of the course. Wilber, 24, was fourth fastest man in 18:27 and Byler was the fastest woman with a time of 18:31.
Timothy Skrypnik of Holley prepares to cross the finish line. He completed the course in 25:23.
Samuel Glushefski, 8, and his brother Jesse Glushefski, 19, finish the race together in a time of 24:57. The brothers are from Clarence and attend the Old Paths Bible Baptist Church in Clarendon, where several members ran the race today and volunteered at a water stop.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2015 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – Don Organisciak worked 30 years as a police officer for Medina, with 16 years as a patrolman, then a year as a sergeant and the final 13 years as the Medina Police Department’s first full-time criminal investigator.
Organisciak retired in June 2008 and would work two more years as the school resource officer for Lyndonville Central School.
He misses police work and welcomes the chance to return to law enforcement. On Wednesday he was backed by the Democratic Party as its candidate for sheriff.
“I wouldn’t reinvent the wheel,” he said about the job as sheriff. “I’m a cop’s cop. If you don’t have happy employees they won’t want to work for you.”
Organisciak currently is a part-time school bus driver in Medina. He has lived in Medina all of his life. He and his wife Jacalyn have two grown sons.
Organisciak said his top goals would be good response times for officers called for complaints and emergencies, and a department with strong morale.
“The first thing is to protect the residents of Orleans County,” he said. “With the staff I’d have an open-door policy.”
There is now a three-way battle to be the next sheriff to succeed Scott Hess, who is retiring on Dec. 31. The Republican Party endorsed Tom Drennan, chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Department, and the Conservative Party backed Randy Bower, a dispatcher for the Sheriff’s Department.
Republicans holds a 2-1 edge in enrollment over Democrats in Orleans County and that makes it difficult for a Democrat to win a county-wide election.
However, political observers note that Drennan and Bower could split the Republican vote, and Organisciak could pull out a narrow win in November with a big turnout from Democrats as well as votes for Organisciak from other residents.
Organisciak said he believes he has the experience to do the job and be a strong leader for the department. The job is largely administrative, but Organisciak said he wouldn’t limit himself to working at a desk.
“I’d be a working sheriff,” he said. “I wouldn’t ask my men to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. From my time as criminal investigator, I’m used to being called out at night.”
Organisciak said he knows many of the officers in the Sheriff’s Department, State Police and even FBI from his time as criminal investigator.
“I have a good rapport with the other law enforcement agencies,” he said.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 5 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Water rates, public infrastructure, vacant homes among issues in June 16 village election
HOLLEY – Village residents head to the polls on June 16 to elect two members to the Village Board. Three candidates are running for the two trustee spots. Newcomer Sondra Knight and incumbents Stanley “Skip” Carpenter and Brian Sorochty will be on the ballot.
Carpenter is a lifelong resident and has many years of service to the Holley community. He served four years in the US Air Force and one year in the Army Reserves. He also was a Holley police officer and Holley’s Postmaster for 19 years.
He served three terms as Holley mayor and several terms as a trustee.
Skip Carpenter
“I am running for the position of trustee because our village faces numerous issues,” Carpenter said. “It is both challenging and rewarding to be part of a team that strives to make decisions based on the best interest of all residents.”
Carpenter notes a number of current important issues facing the village, which include the formation of an LDC.
“After many years, the village board finally formed a Land Development Corporation which means at long last we will acquire the ‘Diaz houses’ from the EPA,” he said. “These properties can now be sold and added to our tax rolls.”
He said the Village Board must come up with ideas to solve, “the financial problems we face without taxing the village out of existence.”
Water rates are another issue of concern. “We must reach out to a water authority entity and investigate the option of joining in order to reduce rates,” Carpenter said. “In my opinion our current rate of $6.10/1,000 gallons is unacceptable.”
Infrastructure is also a concern.
“We need to address the antiquated structures that are not visible to us as we go about our daily lives,” he said. “We must remember that some of these structures are decades old and are in need of repair and replacement.”
If re-elected, Carpenter says he would work for “… cheaper water rates, tax rate controls, improved sidewalks and roadways, continued beautification of the Canal Park and a plan to attract businesses to our Industrial Park.”
Carpenter said the best part of living in Holley is the small community atmosphere in a rural setting and having family and friends that live there also.
“I would appreciate the peoples’ vote for trustee and promise to keep the best interest of the Village of Holley first and foremost in my decision making if you decide to re-elect me,” Carpenter said.
Brian Sorochty
Brian Sorochty, who also serves as Holley’s deputy mayor, has eight years of experience on the Village Planning Board and has served the last two years on the Village Board, which he says provides him with a, “unique, valuable set of skills to bring to this position.”
He has lived in Holley most of his life and he and his wife are raising their family in the village. “We love being a part of this community,” he says. “I have been in my current profession, which is consulting engineering for civil, land development and natural gas engineering projects, for 25 years. This experience has taught me much about managing people, developing relationships, and operating a successful business.”
Sorochty said he is running for re-election because there is much more he would like to accomplish.
“I feel with my professional experience combined with the experience I have gained over the last two years in being a very active member of the board, that I can continue to be an integral part of affecting the changes that are needed in this community,” he said.
Issues of concern for the village include balancing the ever-increasing cost to operational efforts and a shrinking tax base with the continued need to maintain the expected level of services in the village and low taxes for village residents.
“More specifically, we have an aging infrastructure, particularly with respect to the water system and our sidewalks which will require planning and substantial funds to make the necessary improvements/repairs,” Sorochty said. “We also have an increasing need for our village Police Department which needs to be staffed and funded properly in order to be effective. We also have approximately 23 vacant homes, including eight that were affected by the Diaz incident from many years ago which are not on the tax rolls.”
If re-elected, Sorochty says he will continue to work with the recently created Village of Holley LDC to address vacant properties in the village and get them back on the market so they will eventually be occupied by families again. He would also like to “…work with our LDC and Village Board members to encourage developers to examine the re-use of the old Holley High School property,” he said.
Additionally, Sorochty said the water system and its rules and rates need to be analyzed and a long term plan devised to reduce water rates and have the ability to make the necessary improvements for the future needs and quality of public water.
He said he would “continue to work with the mayor, board and village staff to develop and manage a solid budget as well as develop a long term plan to address issues like our water and sidewalk infrastructure, the needs of our Police Department, and the general organizational structure of the village. Lastly, continue to pursue grants to assist with the above-mentioned goals and further the improvements to our community like what we have seen recently in the Village Square.”
Sorochty said the village is a beautiful and historic place to raise a family. “The services that are offered for your tax dollar and the people here make it a great place to live. We have great amenities here such as the canal, the Falls, and an abundance of trails which are great for hiking or biking,” he said.
Sorochty also notes that much as been accomplished during his two years on the board, accomplishments which he says were a true team effort amongst the board, village staff and supervisors, the Fire District, and the neighboring communities such as Albion, Murray and Clarendon.
“We have all worked together in a cooperative and collaborative way to make these
positive changes. Keeping this momentum going is what my main priority will be should I be re-elected this June,” he said.
Sondra Knight
Political newcomer Sondra Knight is running to “give people another choice. There is limited transparency in local government,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know they can be involved and do have a choice.”
Knight has two children, ages three and seven. She and her husband have lived in Holley for about one year. Knight grew up in Hamlin and graduated from Brockport Central High School.
She is very involved in volunteer activities locally, including the Cub Scouts in Holley, work at her church, especially with the pre-school class, and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. She is also starting to work in prison ministry.
“My biggest job is my kids, but I enjoy volunteer work and find it fulfilling,” Knight said. “I love helping people and working with little kids.”
Knight says she became interested in running for the Village Board after talking to people about what is going on in the village. She says a neighbor told her that two trustee seats are up for election this year.
She says issues of importance are the village Police Department and emergency services. “Having a police department is very beneficial,” she said.
Knight and her husband lost an infant to SIDS – a loss she says makes her appreciate police and emergency services.
“Knowing you have somebody right here is so important,” she explained.
She is also concerned about abandoned buildings and homes in the village as well as taxes.
“We have to make sure hard-earned tax money is spent appropriately,” Knight said.
The village has so much potential, she noted.
“I drive through and there is not too much to do. We have a beautiful waterfall and park. I have a strong, genuine care for the village and the people who live here.”
Knight said she likes living in Holley because of the “old-fashioned, small town feel,” which she would like to preserve. She also says she appreciates her friendly neighbors.
“A a trustee, I would be able to talk to people and see what ideas the people have and come to a suitable common solution,” Knight said. “I would be a voice for the people. The village belongs to everybody who lives here.”
Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. on June 16 at the Village Clerk’s Office, 72 Public Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 June 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mandi Covis, a senior at Albion High School, stands by a display she made highlighting her internship experience with Hospice of Orleans.
Covis did administrative work for Hospice and also spent serving at the residence for terminally ill patients. She impressed Hospice staff so much she was offered a summer job.
“She was a tremendous asset,” said Nyla Gaylord, Hospice’s director of development. “She is tremendously creative. She is a quick study and very bright.”
Covis is one of 25 Albion seniors who did internships since January, working with local businesses and organizations. This morning there was a reception in the high school cafeteria, highlighting the students and their intern experiences.
Covis is considering a career in nursing or health services administration. She will attend Kent State in the fall. She said the health field is strong with a good chance for landing a job after she graduates.
Lorena Martinez did an internship with the Eagles Pride Daycare at the Albion Middle School. She will attend Genesee Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in early childhood development.
“Every time I walk in they smile,” she said about the preschoolers.
She worked with Eagles Pride staff to encourage the children to use words.
“You have to be really patient,” she said about working with the preschoolers. “They’re still young and learning.”
Elizabeth Bentley, right, interned at the Medina Veterinary Clinic. She is pictured with Patty Welker, a member of the Veterinary Clinic. Bentley observed surgeries and helped with tasks at the vet clinic on Route 63.
Bentley wants to be a large animal vet. She has worked the past five years feeding calves at the Van Lieshout Farm in Barre. She is attending Alfred University this fall with a pre-vet major in biology.
Xochitl Rosario interned with first grade teacher Kelly Wadhams. The experience confirmed Rosario’s goal to become an elementary school teacher.
“It was really helpful,” Rosario said. “It showed me what to expect in this career.”
She helped students with their reading, and did many arts and crafts projects with them, helping them to learn. She spent two to three hours in the classroom most school days, often reading to the students.
“I want to be there for them,” she said about her goal to become a teacher. “I love them a lot.”
She plans to attend GCC for her associate’s degree and then transfer to Brockport State College.
Susan Starkweather Miller serves as the internship coordinator. She said few rural schools have such a program, connecting students to work experiences in the community.
“We’re fortunate so many businesses and organizations are willing to work with our students and provide meaningful work experiences for them,” she said.
The following students did internships: Jayne Bannister, Nita Bela, Elizabeth Bentley, Adryan Cheeseboro, Madyson Coville, Amanda Covis, Isabella Cox, Dominic DiCureia, Nicholas Ettinger, Laura Flanagan, Lorena Martinez, Sara Maxon, Elena Mergler, Sarah Metzler, Gary Moore, Justice Nauden, Charlene Olick, Carol Pritchard, Xochitl Rosario, Megan Rosato, Jacia Schick, Morgan Seielstad, Emily Shabazz, David Stilwell and Jordan Tucker.
The following served as internship sites: Albion Central School, Albion Police Department, Country Lane Veterinary Services, CRFS’s information technology department, Dance Reflections with Miss Heather, Fuller & Company, GCASA, Hospice of Orleans County, Le Roy Physical Therapy, Medina High School FFA, Medina Veterinary Clinic, Orleans Community Health’s physical therapy department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Pathstone, Phoenix Fitness, Rosenkranz Pharmacy, Saint-Gobain Adfors, Village of Albion Water Treatment Plant and YMCA Eagle’s Pride Daycare.
