By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 November 2014 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Batavia man with a heroin addiction was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison today.
Jason Lang, 33, of Liberty Street in Batavia pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree during an August court appearance. He faced a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison. Orleans County Court Judge James Punch gave Lang 1 to 3 years.
Lang admitted to stealing two coffee machines and a blender from the Albion store on Nov. 20, 2013. Because he was banned from Wal-Mart, he was charged with burglary.
His attorney, Nathan Pace, said Lang was a law-abiding citizen with only a misdemeanor until he became addicted to heroin in 2012. Since then he has been arrested 19 times.
“Obviously for the future of his life he has to get this dealt with,” Pace said about the heroin addiction.
Lang faces additional charges in Genesee County. Judge Punch didn’t give him the maximum sentence because he said Lang is not a second felony offender.
The judge urged Lang to battle the drug addiction.
“You have to get a backbone and fight this or else you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail,” Punch said.
In other cases:
Freddie Taylor, 45, of Mount Read Boulevard in Rochester was sentenced to 1 ½ years in state prison, with a chance for attending the Willard Drug Treatment Center in Romulus. That center is a specialized state prison in Seneca County that treats drug-addicted convicts.
Taylor pleaded guilty to criminal possession of controlled substance in the fifth degree. He was arrested on April 1 on several drug charges. He admitted he had cocaine in Albion on Feb. 3.
Taylor has been receiving mental health and drug addiction services.
“You’ve been in a lot of programs but nothing has really worked to keep you from this stuff,” Punch said. “I hope you can get this straightened out because I think you have some potential.”
An Albion man pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and could be sentenced to up to a year in the county jail on March 2.
James J. Bartosik, 46, of Albion was charged with felony DWI on Sept. 12 in the village. He has a prior DWI.
A high wind warning is in effect from 1 to 4 p.m. this afternoon for Orleans and other counties, including Niagara, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming and northern Erie.
The National Weather Service says there will be southwest winds from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph.
“Winds of this magnitude could bring down some trees and power lines, resulting in scattered power outages,” the Weather Service said.
The melting snow in the Buffalo area has saturated the ground, making easier for trees to topple, the Weather Service said.
A power outage in areas with heavy snow melts could result in flooded basements because sump pumps wouldn’t otherwise work unless there is an emergency generator power supply.
LYNDONVILLE – The sun came out at about 4 p.m. after a rain and a giant double rainbow soon followed.
Several Orleans Hub readers sent us photos of the rainbow, including the top photo by Jason Smith, Lyndonville Central School superintendent. That picture shows the flag pole by the school district.
Smith also took this photo of the rainbow stretched high over the community, including the church steeples.
Ralph Smith was by the Lake Ontario shoreline in Yates when he took this picture of the double rainbow at about 4:10 p.m.
Dena Bradshaw-Scribner sent in this photo of the rainbow, arcing over the DPW garage in Lyndonville.
Village Clerk Teri Woodworth sent in this photo taken outside the Village Hall.
George Snell was out in the country in Waterport and took this photo of a rainbow over a fruit orchard.
MEDINA – Julie Fenton, center, is again hosting her Between the Vines Home Show. She has organized the event for 17 years, including the past 10 years on Porter Road.
She is pictured with helpers, her son Lawson Fenton and Ally Uberty, in the new cash-out center added this year. There are more than 40 vendors at this year’s show and each one also arranges to work a day at the show.
Julie Fenton’s garage on Porter Road is transformed each year for the Between the Vines Home Show. The event continues today from noon to 4 p.m. Fenton also added Monday to the schedule from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Due to the snowstorm keeping some of her regular out-of-area customers away (some from as far away as Pennsylvania), Fenton said she is staying open the additional day.
Holiday decor items are for sale at Between the Vines.
Abigail Wilkinson, front, is pictured with her mom Jennifer Wilkinson (who is also a vendor) in back from Attica. They are joined by Laura Witkowski and baby Ryan of Batavia and Kimberly Fasano of Elba.
Lots of holiday decor is available at the show.
When these ladies came through the door of the cash-out area, they said, “It’s like coming off a ride at Disney” because there were many more items for sale to look through. “It just goes on and on,” they laughed. Pictured are Stacey Pollack, left, and Kim Miller from Newfane.
You can even purchase reindeer antlers (handmade , of course!).
After December 25, we hope!
Between the Vines is also supporting “Boxes for Troops.” Donations of personal items or cash towards shipping the boxes are being accepted at the home show. All donations are entered into a drawing for a light up wooden reindeer. Names and addresses of soldiers are requested. Please message Julie on her Facebook page (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Holley site gets new life with extensive renovations
Photos by Tom Rivers – This building used to have a wooden exterior when it was Tagg’s Tavern. The wood was removed to reveal cast iron columns in front. Dan and Monica Seeler needed to rebuild walls, paint them and make numerous other improvements for one of the most prominent buildings in Holley. The site will have an awning when it is expected to open as a restaurant and bar in the spring.
The Holley Falls Bar and Grill is awaiting cosmetic work inside. Otherwise, the extensive remodeling is mostly complete. The restaurant will have room to seat 60 people with another 20 spots in the bar.
HOLLEY – Dan and Monica Seeler have been asked if they are crazy for taking on perhaps the most ambitious renovation and transformation project in Holley’s recent history.
The couple moved from Hamlin to Holley seven years ago. They see a lot of potential in Holley, a close-knit small town with a collection of historic commercial and public buildings around the Public Square.
The former Tagg’s Tavern had been vacant for several years when the Seelers bought it four years ago. They envisioned the Holley Falls Bar and Grill in the tavern, with high-end apartments upstairs and in a neighboring site, a former barbershop. (The Holley Falls are located down Frisbee Terrace, a short walk from the restaurant.)
The restaurant gives a view of the Public Square, including a former church that is now a residential site. “We have given it new life,” Dan Seeler said about the building.
It would take a major transformation to pull off the transformation. The Seelers have three of the apartments ready with two more to go. The bar and grill is down to the cosmetics. That business should open in the spring.
The Seelers have won the respect from many in the community for their commitment to excellence, and for what people see as a draw to the community, a business that could pull in customers for other merchants.
“It will be an asset to the village,” said Jonathan Ross, owner of Jonathan’s Pastry at 23 Public Square, two storefronts down from the Seelers. “It will build up the value of Holley.”
Dan Seeler stands in one of the apartments above the Holley Falls Bar and Grill. There are three apartments, ranging from 900 to 1,100 square feet, above the restaurant.
Ross said the village has benefitted from another recent major remodel: the Save-A-Lot in the former Jubilee. The Seelers’ project adds to that movement in the business district.
“It’s all about the traffic flow,” Ross said about the business district. “(The new restaurant) should bring other people from outside Holley.”
The Seelers have been working on the transformation at Tagg’s for three years. It hasn’t been easy. They were approved for $130,000 in matching grant through the NY Main Street program. They won’t get that money until the project is done.
They actually were approved for two grants with $80,000 towards the former Tagg’s and $50,000 for the extensive remodeling of the former barbershop building. They needed to wait for state approvals before doing most of the work.
The Seelers put up this new building, which includes their office, two apartments and the kitchen for the restaurant. The previous structure collapsed following the brutal winter.
Last winter’s punishing cold proved the final blow for the barbershop building. When the Seelers prepared to work on the site early this summer, the building collapsed.
They removed the debris and have built a new structure. However, instead of $50,000 in grant money for the project they will only get $17,000 because the historic building is gone. They had intended to just do interior renovations of the building, not construct a new site.
The Seelers were out $33,000 in grant funds and also had to spend more on the project with a new building. Mr. Seeler was sad to see the old structure go. He prides himself in bringing back sites that have been long neglected. But the building proved too far gone.
Dan Seeler heads into one of the new apartments above the future Holley Falls Bar and Grill. The entrance to the apartments is in an elevated courtyard.
Tagg’s was nearly at the point of no return, he said.
“This building was on its last legs,” he said.
He has repaired masonry walls, replaced floors and strengthened the structure. When he took off the wooden exterior, he discovered the orginal cast iron columns for the façade. They have been spiffed up and now are proudly part of the building’s look.
Seeler, 57, has worked in the commercial construction business for 40 years. A carpenter by trade, he has led the renovation effort at the Tagg’s site with help from his two sons, Jesse and Sean. Mrs. Seeler will run the steak and seafood restaurant.
The Seelers have worked on four other projects in the community in addition to the Tagg’s transformation.
“We like the small-town atmosphere here,” Seeler said. “We could have a mini Brockport here.”
The Seelers are grateful to be in the home stretch of the project. Three of the apartments should be available next month. Seeler created a courtyard for the three upper apartments. Tagg’s and the barbershop building used to have roofs that touched. But Seeler left some room between the roofs, allowing for the courtyard up high as well as the entrances to the apartments.
The interior of the Seeler apartments features lots of woodwork and existing light.
Seeler put in many windows to utilize natural light. The apartments give a birds eye view of the Public Square. Seeler has been spending his Saturday mornings giving tours of the apartments and restaurant space to interested community members. He loves their reaction to the apartments.
“Everybody I talk to has the hubbubs about it,” Seeler said. “People are excited.”
Most Holley residents remember the site as a notorious bar and rooming house. Now, Seeler believes the site has a urban apartment feel with a bar and grill that will be a major positive for Holley and Orleans County.
“I’ve tried to use my knowledge from the years and years of building with this project,” Seeler said. “We’ve given it new life.”
Seeler has two more apartments under construction, including this one which will be 1,300 square feet on the second floor. “It has a great view and a personality of its own.”
The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that the Thruway (I-90) from exit 46 (near Rochester) to exit 61 (Ripley – Pennsylvania state line) is open for all motorists.
All exits, entrances and service areas are open. Motorists should proceed with caution when leaving the roadway, and heed any local road closures or restrictions.
I-190 (Niagara Thruway) is open with access to all exits.
Motorists are reminded to proceed with caution as snow removal operations continue.
Passenger vehicles removed from the Thruway have been transported to several safe and secure locations. View a list of vehicle information (make, model, license plate, location) by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Self Advocates in Arc were featured in March
ALBION – They were pictured in a group, holding T-shirts that say, “SELF ADVOCATE All Stars.” The group planned to raise their profile this year, marching in parades and doing car washes.
Orleans Hub featured the Self Advocates on March 13, 2014. That photo was entered by The Arc of Orleans County in a state-wide contest and it won third place.
NYSARC, Inc., the state-wide association of member ARC organizations, recognizes news organizations each year for articles and photos about people with disabilities.
Jonathan Doherty, the Self Advocate’s fund-raising chairman, arranged for the Orleans Hub to come take the photo last March. He was one of the founding members of the Advocates in 2006, when the group launched a mission to eliminate the “R-word.”
Darlene Golson, community relations manager for The Arc, is pictured with Tom Rivers, editor of Orleans Hub.
The Self Advocates were able to convince county legislators to take a stand in May 2010. The Legislature passed an official county 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 four years ago.
The honor from NYSARC is the first journalism award won by Orleans Hub since we started on April 2, 2013. We won the Entrepreneurial Excellence award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce in 2013.
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Firefighters cut a hole in the roof at 34 Orchard St. and were able to put out a fire in the attic.
It took about 20 minutes for firefighters to get the fire under control, said Kevin Dann, deputy chief for the Holley Fire Department. The initial call went out at 11:50 p.m. on Friday.
Shari Brooks lives at the house with her husband and daughter, and their dog. Everyone got out of the house.
Clarendon, Holley, Hamlin, Fancher-Hulberton-Murray, and Morton all responded to the fire, which is under investigation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – A giant snowman stands along Route 31 next to the Presbyterian Church in Holley. The snowman creators made the best of the few inches of snow that fell in recent days and today’s slight warmup above freezing.
It could reach 51 on Sunday and 62 on Monday, meaning the snowman won’t be around too long.
Sherry Marciszewski of Kendall Road in Kendall sent us this photo of the sunrise this morning.
“After all of the terrible weather our neighbors have had to endure this past week, and all of the prayers that have gone out to them, when I looked out my front window and saw this sunrise I knew we were heard,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
Charlie Nesbitt, a member of the church and event chairman, welcomes a big crowd to the event featuring Mike Randall.
ALBION – About 300 people attended a solo performance starring Mike Randall, the Buffalo weatherman, tonight at the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.
Randall portrayed Charles Dickens in telling his classic story, “A Christmas Carol.” Randall was impressive in the performance, mixing many different voices to tell the story.
Randall has performed the Dickens’ show about 100 times since 2007. He also portrays Mark Twain and has done that show about 2,000 times. Before he started a career in television, Randall worked as an actor.
He became intrigued about Dickens, who was a Twain contemporary, in his research about Twain. Randall read about Dickens and his American Reading Tour from 1867-1868, which included a stop in Buffalo. Dickens drew big crowds to his events.
Dickens didn’t merely read the stories. He acted out the parts, Randall said.
“Charles Dickens was like a rock star,” Randall said after the performance in Albion tonight.
The performance served as a fund-raiser for the church, benefitting its youth programs and other outreach efforts.
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans is pleased to announce that Nyla Gaylord has joined the team as Director of Development and Community Relations.
An Orleans County native, Gaylord has extensive experience in grant writing, fundraising, program development and not-for-profit leadership. She graduated from Holley High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Writing from Houghton College in Houghton. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport.
After a number of years working for organizations that provide services to people with disabilities, she returned to school and completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disability Studies at Syracuse University.
Gaylord has been an active member of the Orleans County community. She was a foster parent for many years and is currently a member of the Clarendon Historical Society, assisting with grant writing efforts.
After commuting to jobs in Rochester for more than 30 years, Gaylord is delighted to be working locally for such an important cause.
“I’m very committed to rallying community support to ensure that Hospice of Orleans continues to be an independent local organization, not part of a large health system,” she said. “Hospice services were there for my loved ones to help them reclaim control over their life and remain surrounded by family, friends and community as they faced an incurable illness. I look forward to helping ensure that Hospice services continue to be available locally for anyone who requests them.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Author will visit area in March to talk about book
LYNDONVILLE – The new book for the community reading project has been announced, and readers can expect to face many contemporary issues in the novel.
“The Tale for Three Counties” announced on Thursday the 13th book in the community reading effort will be “We Are Called To Rise,” by Laura McBride. The story focuses on an immigrant boy whose family struggles to assimilate. A woman wrestles with an imploding marriage and troubled son. A wounded soldier recovers from an injury.
These are some of the themes and characters in the book, which is available at local libraries and bookstores. The libraries will host discussion groups beginning in January in preparation for McBride’s visit from March 26-28.
She will visit locations in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties, including Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina on March 27.
“It’s very current and addresses contemporary topics,” said Catherine Cooper, Lee-Whedon director and a member of the Tail committee. “It’s very heartfelt and very warm.”
Yates Community Library hosted a book unveiling program on Thursday, when the latest Tale was announced.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – These transmission lines cut across a frozen landscape in Barre in this photo taken at about 5:15 p.m. today on Oak Orchard Road in Barre.
After a several days in the cold with temperatures in the 20s, the area will get a warm up on Saturday with a high forecast at 41 degrees by the National Weather Service. The Weather Service is forecasting a high of 51 on Sunday and 62 on Monday.
The warm weather will likely result in flooding in parts of Western New York that were pummeled with several feet of snow this week.
This barn stands out along Oak Orchard Road in Barre.
This picture was taken on Thursday around 5 p.m. during squalls in Carlton along Route 279.
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess, center, recognized two members of his staff today for 20 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jim Halstead, left, joined the Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 11, 1994, under then Sheriff David Green. Some of Jim’s career highlights include being a DARE Instructor for many years, a member of the Sheriff’s Marine Unit and a boating safety instructor, a member of the SCUBA team, and a member of the Motorcycle Unit. Jim has announced his plans to retire next month.
Investigator Corey Black, right, was sworn into the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy on Nov. 28, 1994, also under Sheriff Green. Black was promoted to sergeant in March 1999 and promoted to investigator in February 2000.
Corey is the senior member of the Criminal Investigation Division and has been involved in numerous high-profile investigations during his career. In addition to his duties as an investigator, he is also a Police Instructor, Range Officer, SWAT Leader, and he is a member of the New York Tactical Officers Association.
Halstead and Black each received a congratulatory letter this afternoon from the sheriff and a Certificate of Achievement for “20 Years of Dedicated & Faithful Service to the Sheriff’s Office & the County of Orleans.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided photo – The Community Free Library uses two buildings in the Public Square in the Village of Holley. The library wants to replace the roofs on both buildings.
HOLLEY – The Community Free Library is working to replace roofs on two historic buildings in the downtown, a project that is estimated to cost $40,000.
The library has $25,000 set aside for the project at 86 Public Square. It is trying to raise the funds for the remainder. Both roofs have been leaking, said Sandra Shaw, library director.
The library put out bids for the project and its board of directors will meet Monday to pick a contractor for the project, she said.
Holley Elementary School students are trying to help the library meet the $15,000 shortfall for the project. The Student Council created coin collectors to place in local businesses for the project.
Provided photo – Elementary Student Council members are pictured with coin collectors to be placed in local businesses. The group includes, from left: Rachael Howard, Allyson Skehan, Makayla Famoly, Skyla Milazzo, Elise Quincey and Storm Boyce.
Provided photo – The ‘Raise the Roof’ containers are in several Holley businesses.
Larry Dabney, a retired Holley teacher, also serves on the library board. He helped the students create the containers. His grandson, Thomas Dobri, is also on the Student Council.
Shaw said she appreciates the efforts from the students and the community support.
“I think it’s wonderful,” she said this morning. “We have a great community here.”
The containers have been placed in the following locations: Community Free Library, Village of Holley offices, Dr. Schiavone’s practice, First Niagara, Sam’s Diner, Heath & Martin, Nationwide office, Dr. Thompson’s office, Kurtz’s Car Care, Wiley’s Ark Animal Care, Save-A-Lot, Holley Pharmacy, and the Holley Post Office. Donations can be made at the library and collection containers can also be found at Holley Elementary.
Shaw said she is pursuing grants and other funding for the project. She had hoped the county budget would include an increase for libraries, but the proposed budget again calls for $10,000 to be shared by the four public libraries in the county.
