By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A fire that started in the back porch of a house in the village was put out by Albion firefighters before it spread into the kitchen and the rest of the house.
Tim Seibert was just returning home a little after 3 this afternoon when he and his wife noticed the smoke and fire from the back of the house at 613 East State St.
Tim Seibert is at the back of house just before firefighters arrived at about 3:20 p.m. today.
Seibert suspects the propane tanks and grill were the cause of the fire. He emptied his driveway of vehicles and his wife and young son left the house while firefighters put out the fire.
Firefighters hurry to the scene to put out the fire.
Firefighters direct water on the fire while Frank Sidari, a friend of the Seibert family, watches.
Brad Driesel, a firefighter from Barre, removes some of the siding so firefighters can check for any hot spots.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The lift bridge on Main Street in Albion reopened Wednesday afternoon after being closed since March 25.
The state Department of Transportation hired L.C. Whitford in Wellsville to repair the cover plates on the bottom of the Main Street lift bridge. Besides working on the cover plates, L.C. Whitford fixed the floor beams and replaced some of the stringers on the bridge.
DOT inspectors will be out soon to check the bridge to see if the posted weight limit can be raised from the current 19 tons.
The bridge was originally built in 1911 and is one of 16 lift bridges on the canal, with seven of those in Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The county is moving forward with several infrastructure and capital projects, including the replacement of the roof on the Public Safety Building.
The County Legislature approved a bid on Wednesday to replace the roof at a cost not to exceed $476,820. The Public Safety Building has a large flat roof. It is prone to leaks and the project should not be delayed, said Legislator Bill Eick.
“It’s at the point where we have to do something and we will do it,” Eick said during Wednesday’s Legislature meeting.
The Legislature last October approved an $8 million bond to work on replacing bridges, culverts, roofs and other infrastructure work.
Most of that money, about $5 million, will go towards replacing six bridges from 2015 to 2017. The county is moving forward with some of the projects after getting little state and federal dollars for bridges. Another state and federal funding cycle doesn’t come up until 2017.
The bond will also provide funding for projects at the county buildings, including the roof replacement at the Public Safety Building. That contract was approved for Garland/DBS, a company from Cleveland, Ohio.
Legislators also approved spending $48,814 from the Capital Project Infrastructure Account on Wednesday for a natural gas emergency generator from Southworth-Milton CAT, Inc. in Boston, Ma.
The Legislature also approved engineering agreements for culvert and bridge projects. Labella Associates in Rochester will be paid up to $96,000 for engineering and design work for the Oak Orchard Road Bridge over Manning Muckland Creek in Barre, up to $80,000 for work on Waterport Carlton Road Bridge over Beardsly Creek in Carlton, and up to $40,000 for work on two culverts in Ridgeway on Knowlesville Road over an Oak Orchard River tributary.
The county also approved an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for replacing the Hulberton Road Bridge over the west branch of Sandy Creek in the Town of Murray. That project will be $1,338,900. The county share will be $66,945 with the state and federal governments paying the rest. This is one of the few bridge projects in the county with the federal and state contributions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
YATES – The Orleans County Planning Board supported a 196.85 foot high meteorological tower in Yates that will measure wind strength and consistency.
Apex Wind Energy wants the MET tower on a 65-acre lot at the southwest corner of Lakeshore and Marshall roads. The company would put the tower up on land owned by Donna Bane.
Apex needs final approval for the tower from the Yates Town Board. The Planning Board’s decision this evening is separate from Apex’s pursuit for a larger wind farm, a proposal for 60 to 68 turbines in Yates and Somerset.
A state siting board will have final say on that project. That seven-member board is supposed to include two representatives from the project area.
About 30 members from Save Ontario Shores, a citizen group that has formed to oppose the project, attended the County Planning Board meeting, but weren’t allowed to address the board.
Planners said they were only looking at the MET tower and the not the overall turbine project.
Apex will need a special use permit from the town for the tower, and that permit would allow the structure to stay for up to two years.
Apex said it is planning to hire Anemometry Specialists from Alta, Iowa, to put up the tower.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Crime Victim Rights’ Week, Motorcycle Awareness and Safety, Older Americans among several recognized
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday issued several formal proclamations to highlight citizens and programs in the county.
The top photo shows legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson reading a proclamation in honor of Crime Victim Rights’ Week, which is April 19-25. Terri Drennan, second from left, is the Crime Victim’s Services Coordinator for the county. Christi Waldron, left, works with Restore, providing services for sexual assault victims.
May is also “Foster Care Month.” Legislator Bill Eick, right, presents the proclamation to Jeannine Larkin, supervisor of the foster care program in the county. Holli Nenni, left, is the deputy commissioner of Department of Social Services.
Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Month will be observed in May. Legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson presented a proclamation to Chuck Persons, president of the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE of New York. There will be a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 1 p.m. on May 3 at the courthouse steps. Motoryclists will then go on a ride throughout the county.
Legislators also issued a proclamation for “Western New York Armed Forces Week” with a special appreciation for Gold Star Mothers. Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, presents the proclamation to David Kusmierczak, a veteran from Medina.
Legislators also declared May to be “Older Americans Month.” Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, is pictured with legislators Bill Eick, center, and Fred Miller.
The Legislature also issued a “Special Recognition” award to Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, who is retiring after this year. He has been an elected official in Niagara County for 30 years.
He supported the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance with the two counties working together to fight a plan changing the way Lake Ontario water levels are managed.
The two counties are also working together on a Broadband initiative to bring high-speed Internet to underserved areas in the two counties.
“We can share the problems and solve the problems,” Ross said. “I can’t see a better partnership than with Orleans County.”
Photo by Tom Rivers – Medina Memorial Hospital has been designated a Critical Access Hospital, which will boost the Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates.
MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital has received “Critical Access Hospital” designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which will boost the reimbursement rates for the hospital.
The Critical Access Hospital program is a reimbursement status that allows a certified hospital to receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare, and is intended to boost the financial strength of the hospitals, Medina officials said in a statement this afternoon.
The designation could lead to grant money for Medina Memorial through the Flex Program, which provides grants to states to implement a Critical Access Hospital program. This is a method for promoting strength and longevity, encouraging the development of rural health networks, assisting with quality improvement efforts, and improving rural emergency medical services, Medina Memorial/Orleans Community Health officials said in a news release today.
“Lower patient volumes, higher expenses and changes in reimbursement are affecting hospitals of all sizes across the region and country,” the hospital said in the statement. “Achieving Critical Access Hospital status is one of the significant strategic planning steps taken by Orleans Community Health to address these challenges and ensure the long-term success of the hospital.”
Critical Access Hospitals are certified under a different set of Medicare “Conditions of Participation,” a set of stringent health measures designed to regulate how hospitals and other medical establishments utilize Medicare aid, hospital leaders said.
Every health-care facility that receives reimbursement for Medicare related costs must adhere to the guidelines specified by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These rules make sure that all patients receive a minimum standard of health service, which is the right of every beneficiary.
The first step in achieving this status was for Medina Memorial to successfully complete an accreditation survey by Det Norske Veritas, an accrediting body that assures policies and practices are in place to meet patient safety and quality guidelines. Det Norske Veritas then sent the results of the survey to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which approved the Critical Access Hospital designation.
Other requirements for Critical Access Hospital status include a maximum of 25 acute care inpatient beds. For Critical Access Hospitals with swing bed agreements, any of its beds may be used for either inpatient acute care or swing bed services, Medina Memorial said.
The maximum inpatient stay is four days. Medina Memorial will continue serving the acute care needs of the community with 21 Medical/Surgical beds, four ICU beds, nine Acute Medical Rehabilitation beds and 30 Skilled Nursing Facility beds.
Critical Access Hospitals must also provide 24-hour/7 days a week emergency services, which Medina Memorial will continue to do, hospital leaders said.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – The Holley Central School District Board of Education has adopted a $23.3 million budget for the 2015-2016 school year.
Holley residents will vote on the budget, Board of Education candidates and other propositions on May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School Foyer.
The budget includes a 0 percent increase in the tax levy and overall spending is down 7.06 percent or $1.77 million from the 2014-15 budget while maintaining current services.
According to district budget information, $1.4 million was used from the Appropriated Fund Balance to balance the budget.
Sharon Zacher, district assistant superintendent for business, says the reduction in the budget was possible without cuts because the district, “… chose to pay down additional debt,” in 2014-15. She says putting the budget together is, “challenging every year,” but the district is pleased with this year’s results.
In a letter to residents from the Board of Education, members state, “At this time, we are in the best shape we have ever been in. Soon we will begin Phase III of our Capital Project. Our district is financially sound and our physical plant and grounds are in very good condition.”
The Board of Education annual meeting, including a public hearing on the budget, will be 6 p.m. on May 5 in the Board Room located in the District Office.
Assemblyman says Assembly majority holding other key legislation in committee
Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said the Assembly Majority Codes Committee killed two bills that would have repealed the unconstitutional SAFE Act.
Despite an impressive showing from pro-Second Amendment sportsmen, members of the Assembly Majority killed two bills sponsored by Hawley, A.2651 and A.3350, that would have repealed the NY SAFE Act, which was passed controversially in 2013, Hawley said.
The SAFE Act continues to violate New Yorkers’ Second Amendment rights, Hawley said, and was irresponsibly jammed though the Legislature in the middle of the night as a political stunt by Gov. Cuomo.
“I have, and always will be, a supporter of the Second Amendment,” Hawley said. “Any legislation that takes away a law-abiding citizen’s ability to possess firearms is an unconstitutional act of government tyranny. I am from a rural district in Western New York and my experience with gun owners has been exemplary.
“Most gun owners are responsible hunters or firearm enthusiasts, and to prohibit them from adequately protecting themselves or their families is indefensible and governmentally oppressive. New Yorkers, in no way wanted this bill to become law, that is why it was rushed through the process in the middle of the night using a message of necessity. A truly fair and transparent government would allow this bill to come to the floor for a vote, but apparently that is not how New York functions.”
Hawley also criticized Assembly Majority members of the Governmental Operations Committee for voting to reject Assembly Bill 520 rather than sending it to the floor for a vote. This legislation, championed by Assembly Minority Leader Brain M. Kolb (R-Canandaigua), would establish lifetime mandatory supervision requirements and prohibit good behavior sentence reductions for those convicted of certain violent crimes.
Hawley said this law is necessary to protect New York’s women from violent predators who have a high propensity to commit serious crimes even after completing their prison sentences.
“It is a mistake for this legislation to be held in committee,” Hawley said. “Unfortunately, there have been numerous tragic cases where women have been victimized because their assailants were released from prison unsupervised. Each day that this legislation sits dormant we run the risk of another sister, mother, wife or daughter becoming a victim of a violent crime. That is a risk we should not be willing to take. It is disgraceful that members of the Assembly Majority do not have the same regard for the safety of women as I do.”
Hawley also blamed Assembly Majority members for keeping legislation on higher education in the committee rather than bringing it to the floor for a vote. In 2009, Hawley introduced Assembly Bill 3093, which seeks to provide free college tuition and expenses for dependent family members of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Assembly Majority has never allowed this bill to leave committee and come before the entire house for a vote.
“I am discouraged by today’s committee vote,” Hawley said. “As a veteran, I know the personal and financial struggles of children who lose their parents in the line of duty. This legislation would lift some of the financial burden that comes with attending college and allow military families more freedom in pursuing their educational aspirations. We owe it to those who have paid the ultimate price to assist their loved ones in any way we can. It is disappointing that Assembly Majority members do not feel the same urgency to support those who sacrificed their lives for us.”
Press Release, Sheriff Scott Hess
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will once again sponsor a Household Pharmaceuticals Collection Event on Saturday.
Sheriff Scott Hess and Jail Superintendent Scott Wilson are pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office will again participate in this semi-annual undertaking, which will takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Orleans County Public Safety Building, 13925 State Route 31, Albion
Holley Fire Department, 7 Thomas St., Holley
Medina Fire Department, 600 Main St., Medina
This is a collaborative effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.
This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and drug paraphernalia for safe and proper disposal. Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.
Similar collection events held in the past have been touted by all involved as having been very successful.
Special thanks to the Holley and Medina fire departments for providing space in their facilities for this event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Department of Environmental Conservation officials were at the Oak Orchard River today to deliver Steelhead and Chinook Salmon from the Altmar Hatchery. The fish will spend the next month in pens by Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina.
The fish are about 2 inches long and will double in size before they are released from the pens. The month in the Oak Orchard will allow the fish to imprint on the river, increasing the chances they will return to spawn when they are mature.
Andy Domachowske, a fish culturist for the DEC, empties the truck of the Chinook Salmon.
The DEC released 106,560 Chinook in five pens at the Oak Orchard River, plus another 4,960 Chinook by the two bridges at Captain’s Cove. Another 9,920 steelhead were delivered for two pens in the Oak.
Leigha Townsend, left, and James Boccacci guide the fish into the pens. Leah’s parents, Tracy and Chas Townsend, are charter boat captains. Boccacci is a volunteer.
Keeping the fish in the pens and releasing bigger fish in about a month increases their chances of survival. They are less likely to be eaten by bigger fish in the lake and river.
Bob Songin, a charter boat captain pictured in back left, led the pen-rearing project since its inception about 15 years ago. He has handed over the duties to a group of five volunteers – Mike Lavender, Bob Stevens, James Cond, Chris Efing and Ian Scroger.
The volunteers will feed the fish five times a day over the next month.
Leigha Townsend and another volunteer direct the fish into a pen in the Oak Orchard River today.
James Cond said the pen-rearing project has made a big difference in the fall fishery. Many of the 20-pound-plus Chinook are in the Oak Orchard to spawn. Their presence attracts anglers from all over the country for the fall fishery.
Without the pen-rearing, Cond doubts the county would have such a vibrant fall fishery. Those fish would likely head back to the Salmon River near Oswego where the fish were initially raised.
“Since we’ve stocked, we notice more of the fish come back to the river,” said Cond, a charter boat captain.
He praised Songin for leading the effort for so many years.
“He’s put a lot of time and energy into it,” Cond said.
Cond (pictured on dock) said the group of volunteers is ready to step up and tend to the fish for the next month.
“We got to give back to the lake,” he said. “A lot of guys will just take, take and take.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – The Board of Education approved a $34,802,870 budget on Tuesday evening that won’t increase taxes.
The budget goes before district residents for a vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 19 at the District Office board room next to Medina High School.
The budget maintains existing programming and will increase enrichment offerings in the elementary and middle school. Board of Education President Chris Keller said the district has worked in recent years to restore some of the cuts made about five years ago.
Keller said the district is in solid financial shape for the coming years, as long as the state doesn’t chop education funding like it did about five years ago, forcing Medina and many other districts to cut staff and programs.
The Medina budget will keep the tax levy at $8,863,394, the same as in 2014-15. Total expenses will be up 0.94 percent or by $324,876 to $34,802,870.
However, the budget includes vehicles purchases, which used to be a separate proposition. Taking those out of the regular budget would show a $25,124 decrease compared to the 2014-15 budget, said David Boyle, the district’s interim business administrator.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Medina Board of Education President Chris Keller, left, and District Superintendent Jeff Evoy lead the BOE meeting on Tuesday at Wise Middle School Library.
MEDINA – The school district had 21 percent of eligible students opt out of standardized tests last week for grades 3 through 8, which was a big increase from the 2 percent that refused the test the previous year.
Board of Education President Chris Keller said there has been “a lot of healthy discussion” in the community and state-wide about the ELA and math tests and the opt out movement. Some districts in Erie County had more than half of their students refuse the tests.
Keller thanked the Medina parents and students that declined to opt out last week. (The math tests start today and continue until Friday.)
Keller teaches English at Albion and voiced his concern that tests, for 90 minutes daily over three days in a week, are too lengthy and disruptive to the school day. He said the testing could be concentrated to two days instead of three.
The tests then continue to take teachers out of their classroom in the days after the exams because the teachers have to grade them.
“I have a lot of severe concerns about the test,” Keller said.
He didn’t detail those issues because he said he is grading some of them for Albion and he signed a nondisclosure agreement. But he did say that many educational experts view the tests “as developmentally inappropriate.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature want to see more of a teacher’s evaluation be tied to student scores on the Common Core tests. Currently, 20 percent of a teacher’s score is linked to the test results. Cuomo wants to push that to 50 percent of a teacher’s evaluation.
“Politics has gotten involved in education in New York and it has gutted education,” Keller said at Tuesday’s board meeting. “We have a problem right now in that kids can’t read very well, and it’s not just Albion and Medina. It’s state-wide.”
Keller said the state in recent years has put too much emphasis on testing. Rather than recognize that mistake, the state is “doubling down on testing,” Keller said.
Keller prefers the Scholastic testing materials over Pearson, a business that sells education products and services. Scholastic tests are taken on a computer and teachers have immediate access to the results and can respond to students who are struggling, Keller said.
Teachers won’t know the results of the Pearson exams, given last week and this week, for individual students until August or September.
“At that point the students have moved on to the next grade,” Keller said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
ALBION – CRFS isn’t laying off employees and its principal owner, Jodi Gaines, isn’t selling out her control of the business.
Gaines said the company is looking to grow and diversify in Albion, and she has welcomed new investors so the company is in a better position to expand.
“We’re here and we’re committed to Albion and the Orleans County community,” she said. “We have a long-term lease and we’re excited about our future.”
She made the comments today amidst concern and rumors in the community that the company was leaving the area and that she had relinquished some of her ownership stake.
Gaines said neither is true. She hasn’t sold any of her stake in the company.
“We’ve brought in additional investors to help us because there are a lot of tremendous opportunities for CRFS,” she said. “We’re looking to make additional investments in our technology and we are planning to expand service offerings.”
She also said the company will remain committed to several local causes, including the United Way and other charitable efforts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
County Legislature honors first responders, dispatchers in March 21 shoot-out
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Deputy James DeFilipps (right), who was wounded in a March 21 shoot-out in Clarendon, made a public appearance today at the Orleans County Legislature, joining other law enforcement officers, first responders and dispatchers in accepting “Special Recognition” awards from the Legislature.
DeFilipps is pictured with deputies Brian Larkin, left, and Kevin Colonna.
DeFilipps was shot twice in the abdomen. A bullet proof vest blocked the bullets, but DeFilipps sustained deep bruising in his torso. He is recovering from those injuries.
He was shot twice by James Ellis, 44, of Wyoming County. Ellis allegedly pulled a handgun on an ex-girlfriend in Shelby on March 21. Ellis was then chased by law enforcement before crashing his vehicle into a telephone pole on Route 31A in Clarendon.
DeFilipps was working the east end of the county and responded to the scene in Clarendon. Police say Ellis open fired on responding officers, including DeFilipps. After DeFilipps was shot twice, he fired at Ellis, killing him.
Evidence from the incident will be presented to a grand jury to review the actions by DeFilipps and law enforcement. DeFilipps declined to speak extensively about the incident until the grand jury is done reviewing the case.
He said he looks forward to offering “a huge thank to the community” for its support.
The Legislature honored police, firefighters and dispatchers involved the incident, including from left: Deputy Kevin Colonna, State Police Trooper Kevin Bentley, Deputy Brian Larkin, State Police Trooper Scott Gregson, Holley Police Officer Guy Burke, County Legislator Lynne Johnson, Deputy James DeFilipps, County Legislator Ken DeRoller, Albion Police Sergeant William Scribner, Orleans County Dispatcher Julie Vendetti, Dispatcher Michael Schultz, and Jon DeYoung, fire chief for the Clarendon Fire Company.
Orleans County Sheriff Deputy Josh Narburgh also was recognized, but he was not present at the meeting today.
The “Special Recognition Award” stated the following: “At a moments notice, First Responders risk their own safety in the execution of their duties to protect others. Courageous men and women are the first to arrive and assist at an emergency scene and are our first line of defense against all public safety threats.
“On the 22nd of April 2015, we do hereby recognize your devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to our fellow citizens, specifically in the early morning hours of March 21, 2015. Orleans County is fortunate to have such excellent and distinguished Responders who are ready to quickly react and assist in times of emergency and crisis.”
The certificates were signed by all seven county legislators: David Callard, Lynne Johnson, John DeFilipps, Don Allport, Bill Eick, Fred Miller and Ken DeRoller.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2015 at 12:00 am
Heritage Hero: Holly Ricci-Canham
Photo by Tom Rivers – Holly Ricci-Canham is pictured with two books she has written, including “Carlton and Point Breeze” with Avis Townsend and “Legendary Locals of Orleans County.” She is working on a new book about local farms.
Provided photo – Holley Ricci-Canham, back row third from left, is pictured with people on an orphan train re-enactment in April 2004. The group includes, front row: Danielle Ricci, Elizabeth Furmanski and Charlie Ricci. Back row: Cathie Bary, Holly Ricci-Canham and Holly’s mother “Mike” Ricci.
Holley Ricci-Canham is pictured in the Local History Room at the Hoag Library, where she spends a lot of time looking through local records and newspapers.
Provided photo – These orphans, headed to Father Baker’s Home in Lackawanna, are pictured in an undated photo.
Editor’s note: Ricci-Canham also wants to include pictures of children on toy pedal tractors in her upcoming farm book. This picture shows her as a girl on a pedal tractor. For more information about sharing a childhood photo, email Ricci-Canham at HollisCan@aol.com.
CARLTON – It’s a story that moved Holly Ricci-Canham, and sent her searching through Census records and old newspapers for more information.
Thousands of children from 1853 to 1929 were part of the “orphan train” movement. Their parents may have died, been incarcerated or institutionalized. The children boarded trains and typically headed west, with many welcomed to a home for children in Lackawanna run by Father Nelson Baker. Many others found new homes in farming communities, which were perceived as being “healthy” for the children.
Ricci-Canham was so moved by the story that she organized an orphan train re-enactment in Medina in April 2004. About 500 rode the train, including five original riders on an Orphan Train. Many of the riders have been successful in tracking down their family history.
“We wanted to educate the public about genealogy,” said Ricci-Canham, president of the Orleans County Genealogy Society. “If they could trace their genealogy, any of us can.”
That effort would ramp up Ricci-Canham’s interest and leadership in the local genealogical efforts and also in chronicling local history.
She co-wrote “Carlton and Point Breeze” with Avis Townsend in 2006, a book that is a photographic history of the community.
Ricci-Canham also wrote “Legendary Locals of Orleans County” in 2012, highlighting prominent residents who excelled in civic affairs, business, agriculture, sports, politics and the arts. “We have a lot to crow about,” she said.
Ricci-Canham is interviewing local farmers for a new book about farm families in the county. She has completed 100 oral history interviews as part of that effort.
“The farmers and their families want to tell their stories and share their pictures,” she said. “This book has taken on a life of its own.”
Her book projects are used as fund-raisers for the Orleans County Genealogical Society.
Ricci-Canham has been named one of four “Heritage Heroes” in Orleans County and the group of honorees will be recognized at 7 p.m. Friday as part of the Civil War Encampment at the Medina GCC Campus Center.
Ricci-Canham grew up on a farm in Kenyonville run by her parents, Pete and “Mike” Ricci. They would relocate the fruit and vegetable farm to West Avenue in Albion. Her upbringing on the farm made her what to tell the stories of local “Mom and Pop” farms. She is working to have the book out in the fall during harvest season.
“I’m incurably sentimental and so are all of the people I’ve interviewed,” she said.
Ricci-Canham was nominated for the Heritage Hero award by Matthew Ballard, an award-winner last year and the Orleans County historian.
Ballard said Canham’s efforts with genealogy, helping so many people trace their ancestry, has eased that pressure from local historians. She is president of the Genealogical Society which has 200 members.
“There is no greater puzzle on earth than genealogy,” she said. “We might all be related. The fun is knowing how.”
Ballard also said Ricci-Canham has been an active member of the Daghters of the American Revolution and did most of the work in getting the DAR House on North Main Street listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
“The building is often referred to as the Patriot House, a name established by her,” Ballard said in his nomination letter for Ricci-Canham.
Ricci-Canham continues to travel around the state giving lectures to school children and other groups about the Orphan Train movement. She often brings along costumes and will draft kids into role playing.
Ballard said Ricci-Canham has made many meaningful contributions to preserving local history and honoring many residents who have contributed to the county.
“There are very few people amongst our ranks who can claim such numerous and significant contributions to the betterment of the community and protection of its culture and heritage,” Ballard said. “Without her energy, passion and selfless dedication, I doubt that any of this, that I have mentioned, could come to fruition.”
