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GCC names top students, instructors for semester at Albion, Medina

Posted 6 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – Dr. David Voss, left, is pictured with Jim Simon, dean of the campus centers in Albion and Medina.

Press Release, GCC

The Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College are pleased to announce the Spring 2015 Students and Instructors of the Semester.

Each semester, one student and one instructor at each campus center are awarded the honor for outstanding academic or teaching performance.

Dr. David Voss has been selected as the instructor of the semester at the Medina Campus for the Spring 2015 semester. He teaches Chemistry at the Medina Campus, and also teaches at Medina High School and SUNY Buffalo’s Post Baccalaureate Program. David received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry at the University of Buffalo.

Dave feels most rewarded as a teacher when he watches a student realize that they can do something they thought they were not capable of doing. When asked what he likes about working at GCC, Dave replied, “It is a great place to continue your education – a place with a supportive staff and faculty fully invested in seeing their students succeed.”

His advice to new instructors is to love what you do and love your kids!

He was nominated by multiple students because he cares about his students and is always willing to work with them, even if it means coming in early or staying late. They also like that he always answers their questions to the best of his ability and that “his puns are so corny that they are funny.”

In his personal time, Dave enjoys sports and reading. He states the best book he ever read was “Napoleon’s Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed the World.” He also enjoys watching the television series “Mad Men.” He is married with four children, a dog and a cat.

Melissa Ostrom

Melissa Ostrom has been selected as the instructor of the semester at the Albion Campus Center. She teaches English Composition at the Albion Campus. Melissa has a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College and a Secondary English Education Certification from SUNY Fredonia. She currently works with teachers as a public school curriculum consultant and previously was an English teacher at Kendall High School.

Students appreciate Melissa’s positive attitude and her willingness to help students. The student who nominated her said, “She helped me understand the material and she is very bubbly. She does not seem to get annoyed at anything or anyone.”

She is married with two children and her hobbies include cooking, writing fiction and making pottery. Melissa’s advice to new instructors is “Be kind; this does not mean lenient or inordinately flexible but every student can benefit from an instructor’s kindness.”

Keith McKinney

Keith McKinney has been selected as the student of the semester at the Medina Campus. Keith is currently a General Studies major with plans to transfer to either UB or Brockport to obtain his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.

Prior to GCC, Keith served in the US Army as a Legacy Leader. While in the Army, Keith was honored with numerous military awards and decorations. Once he retired, he decided to attend GCC and become a history teacher.

When asked what he likes most about his college experience thus far, he commented that he thoroughly enjoys learning new ideas, differences in cultures and opinions, and the opportunity to openly discuss such subjects.

Keith is a very generous and giving person, as expressed by the instructor who nominated him as our student of the semester. Her comments are echoed by other faculty, students and staff.

Keith volunteers and participates in many activities everywhere he goes. Keith shared that the major influences in his life include his family, friends, as well his GCC instructors and staff. When asked if he had any advice for new college students, he said “Be open to new ideas and challenges.”

Keith’s long-term goal is to teach at GCC.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore has been selected as the student of the semester at the Albion Campus for the Spring 2015 semester. She is a full-time student majoring in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies.

Mandy is consistently on the President’s List and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She is graduating from GCC in May and will continue her education in the fall at SUNY Brockport where she will pursue a degree in Social Work.

Instructors who nominated Mandy noted her academic achievement and exceptional work ethic. One instructor stated, “She comes to class prepared, focused and ready to learn. She is a role model for fellow students.”

Mandy advises new students to make sure to schedule due dates in advance so you have plenty of time to study and complete assignments. Mandy interns with Susyn Tillman at “All About U” counseling and the Parenting Program through the Ministry of Concern.

Mandy lives in Lyndonville and enjoys spending time with her daughter and going for walks with her family.

Medina’s trees get a trimming

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Chris Busch, chairman of the Medina Tree Board, spent a good part of today trimming more than 100 trees in the village.

This tree, a hackberry on Gwinn Street, was planted three years ago and has doubled in size since then. Busch removed some of the lower branches so the tree wouldn’t obstruct pedestrians or have low-lying branches out into the road.

Trimming the tree also help funnel energy into the top of the tree, which will make it grow taller, faster, Busch said.

Besides the trees on Gwinn Street, Busch also trimmed trees in downtown Medina.

He estimated the village has planted about 600 trees in the past decade. Most of those have been on main arteries in the village. The Tree Board has years of work ahead as it looks to plant trees on more side streets, Busch said.

The National Arbor Day Foundation has awarded Medina “Tree City USA” designation for its commitment to community forestry.

Holley presents school budget to public

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 May 2015 at 12:00 am

$23.3 million spending plan holds line on taxes

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Central School District Board of Education held their annual meeting and budget hearing on Tuesday.

Sharon Zacher, assistant superintendent for business, presented the $23.3 million 2015-16 school budget, which does not increase taxes. The budget maintains current programs and services and shows a 7.06 percent budget-to-budget decrease from 2014-15.

The decrease in the 2015-16 budget was possible, “because of additional debt paid down in the 2014-15 school year,” Zacher said.

According to the district, the average tax rate will be approximately $22.44 per $1,000 of assessed value.

District residents will vote on the budget on May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School foyer.

Zacher said in order to vote, residents must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the Holley Central School District for at least 30 days before the vote and must have proper ID.

In addition to the budget, voters will decide on two additional propositions. The first would authorize the purchase of two full-sized school buses, one wheelchair bus and one 30-passenger school bus at a total cost not to exceed $355,000.

The second additional proposition authorizes the district to raise $108,072 to support the Community Free Library in Holley. Library Director Sandra Shaw attended the meeting and said the budget is a 2 percent increase over the last year’s budget and follows the tax cap.

“The majority of the money is for payroll,” Shaw said, noting she has five staff members.

Two candidates are running for three open seats on the Board of Education.

Jeff Martin, the school district attorney, said voters will be able to write-in a candidate’s name for the third vacant seat. Voters cannot vote for more than three candidates in total.

Anne Winkley and Mark Porter are current board members and are running for re-election. The third seat up for election is now occupied by John (Jack) Welch, who is not seeking re-election.

Winkley said she hopes to continue to provide students in the district with the best possible education, “and make sure our mission statement stays in place (while being financially) responsible to the community.”

Porter said he would like to continue to work with administrators, teachers, staff and students to ensure, “we have successful students coming out of Holley.” Porter has also stressed the need to be financially responsible to taxpayers students and staff.

Chamber elects new board members at annual meeting

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has added two new members to its board of directors and the organization is planning to raffle off a new 4-wheeler this year.

The Chamber had its annual meeting this morning. Brooke Pontillo, a senior account executive for Toshiba Business Solutions, remains president.

Linda Kludt from Kludt Farms in Kendall is the new vice president. Greg Piedmonte from Precision Packaging Products in Holley is the Chamber’s new treasurer.

Other new board members include Albion Town Councilman Jake Olles and Patrick Pollard from Hinspergers Poly Industries in Medina.

The Chamber will be selling tickets for the 4-wheeler at its office, 102 N. Main St., and also during the Orleans County 4-H Fair in July, the Metro 10 race in Albion on Aug. 22 and during the Chamber’s annual awards dinner on Sept. 18. The 4-wheeler is a 2015 Polaris Sportsman ETX ATV.

Several plead guilty to crimes in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Several people pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Monday, and they could face time in jail or prison.

Amanda L. Major, 24, of Medina admitted she had cocaine with the intent to sell it at her residence on Starr Street in Medina on Jan. 14. She pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a charge that carries a maximum of 2 ½ years in state prison.

As part of a plea deal, Major would avoid state prison and be sentenced to up to a year in county jail. If Judge James Punch decides on state prison for Major, she can reject the plea deal and go to trial.

Major, a first-time offender, will be sentenced on July 13.

In other cases in County Court:

Three people that were arraigned in March on fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance pleaded guilty to reduced charges and will enter Drug Court. If they can pass Drug Court – staying off drugs and not committing additional crimes – their felony charge will be dismissed and they will instead have a misdemeanor drug charge with no jail time.

Nathan L. Parsad, 24, of Williamson, was driving on Jan. 12 on Ridge Road in Gaines when he was in an accident. Parsad and two of his passengers – Caitlin E. Jones, 29, of Canandaigua and Eric L. Shirley, 28, of Canandaigua – all faced drug charges after police found drugs in the vehicle.

The three all told Judge Punch they knew there were drugs in the car and that they intended to use the drugs.

They pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth and seventh degrees. If they pass Drug Court, the fifth-degree charge will be dismissed.

An Albion teen admitted he entered a house on West Park Street without permission and stole from the owner on Aug. 18.

Corey Baerman, 18, faced a charge of second-degree burglary, which carries a maximum of 15 years in state prison. But in a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary which carries a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison if he is granted youthful offender status by Judge Punch.

If Baerman is not given youthful offender status, he would face a maximum of 2 to 7 years in state prison for attempted second-degree burglary. If the judge decides against youthful offender status for Baerman, he can reject the plea and go to trial.

Baerman said the house was unlocked when he went inside.

“Did you go into the house with the intent to steal something?” Punch asked Baerman.

“Yes, sir,” he answered.

Baerman will be sentenced on July 13.

A Holley woman admitted she violated her probation by driving a vehicle without a license, drinking alcohol, driving without an interlock ignition device, and missing several probation appointments.

Dana Hubler will be sentenced on June 1 and could face up to 4 years in state prison.

Courthouse is a focal point on Albion landscape

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Courthouse looms large and high in the sky on the Albion landscape.

This photo was taken this evening at dusk on Platt Street in the parking lot across from Dunkin’ Donuts.

I try to look for different angles and views of some of our more prominent buildings. I hadn’t taken a picture of the Courthouse from this spot before.

The courthouse was built in 1858 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hoag Library has $51K left in unpaid pledges

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Hoag Library is pictured this evening after the library on South Main Street closed after 8 p.m.

ALBION – Hoag Library has received most of the $1.3 million in pledges and gifts promised for a new library, but $51,000 remains in outstanding pledges, Library President Kevin Doherty said at the annual meeting on Monday.

Doherty was asked by some community members for that information. There were 502 people who made pledges or one-time gifts for the new 14,600-square-foot Hoag Library, which opened in July 2012.

The library had 195 people make pledges and 127 have been paid in full, Doherty said. Some people asked to stagger the payments over five years. Doherty said 20 donors are in arrears, having missed pledge payments.

Overall, about 96 percent of the pledges and gifts have been received. The $1.3 million in the capitol campaign exceeded the goal by about $300,000.

The library owes $1,742,000 on the mortgage for the building, and pays about $11,000 a month towards than loan, Doherty said.

The library board is considering wrapping the mortgage with the expense for a solar project for the roof of the building in a revised long-term, low-interest loan. A state grant is covering some of the costs for the solar project, and other incentives should reduce the library’s cost for that project, Doherty said. The solar project is still being finalized. The library is working with Arista Power on the solar initiative, which could be about $225,000.

The library presented its proposed $698,601 budget for 2015 during the annual meeting. Local property taxes would cover $680,411 of the budget, a 1.6 percent increase from the $669,860 in 2014. The library budget will be voted on May 19 from noon to 8 p.m. as part of the school budget vote at the elementary school.

The library typically elects trustees during the annual meeting. Dele Theodorakos opted against re-election. One community member, former library employee Grace Kent, submitted petitions signed by at least 25 people to be on the ballot. But Doherty said Kent withdrew from the election.

The board decided not to have the vacant position filled during the election because no one else submitted petitions.

Gerard Morrisey said the board should have allowed write-in ballots so the trustee could have been elected by residents and not filled by a board appointment. Doherty said the board intends to fill the position at its May 13 meeting.

Doherty said the board didn’t make provisions for a write-in ballot, and preferred the process of candidates submitting petitions to be on the ballot.

“The public should have a say,” Morrisey said.

Hoag Library in no rush to replace interim director

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Betty Sue Miller, interim director at Hoag Library, is pictured during a February meeting of the Board of Trustees.

ALBION – In her four months on the job as interim director at Hoag Library, Betty Sue Miller has been tasked with reorganizing some of the library’s layout, removing valuables and other items from the former Swan Library, and rebuilding some strained relationships among library staff and patrons.

Miller has met those objectives, Library President Kevin Doherty said. Two staff members, Cheryl Mowatt and Dee Robinson, both voiced support for Miller at Monday’s annual meeting for the library.

“Betty Sue Miller is just what the doctor ordered,” said Mowatt, a reference librarian at Hoag.

Miller, an Albion resident, was hired as interim director in January after the board parted ways with the previous director. Miller was hired with the intention it would be a short-term assignment, providing time for the board to prepare for another search.

But Doherty said Miller, a retired teacher and school library director in Holley, has done so well that the board isn’t pushing for her replacement.

“We are in no rush to start a search process,” Doherty said. “She is the right person at the right time.”

It’s been a busy four months with library staff and volunteers cleaning out the former Swan Library. That building is being sold to Chad Fabry of Holley for $53,000. A final closing date hasn’t been scheduled yet as lawyers work on the closing documents.

Some of the furniture pieces, paintings and other prized artifacts from Swan have either been moved to the Hoag or long-term storage.

Miller and staff also reorganized the adult section in the Hoag Library to better utilize space, and a future reorganization of the children’s library is being planned.

Miller also is working with the state on a NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) grant for solar panels on the roof of the new library and she worked on a $2,500 grant through the Orleans County Youth Bureau for the library’s summer reading program.

She has added to the collection of library books and other materials and begun weeding the collection based on circulation reports.

“It’s been a fabulous four months and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.

Deputy Sheriff’s Association endorses Randy Bower for sheriff

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Randy Bower has received another key endorsement in his campaign to be Orleans County’s next sheriff.

Bower today was endorsed by the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The 23-member group “overwhelmingly supported” Bower to succeed Scott Hess as sheriff, said Erin Fuller, the association president. Hess is retiring Dec. 31.

Bower, a dispatcher for the county for more than 20 years, is vying with Chief Deputy Tom Drennan to be sheriff. The Orleans County Conservative Party endorsed Bower on Monday to be sheriff.

“The membership feels Randy would do a superior job,” said Deputy Fuller. “He has a plan for how he wants the department to progress.”

Bower works closely with deputies and other emergency services personnel in his job as dispatcher, Fuller said.

“Certainly Tom Drennan as chief deputy is qualified enough,” Fuller said. “But the membership endorsed Randy for a multitude of reasons. Randy being who he is we know he will do a great job.”

Both Drennan and Bower have spent months courting Republican leaders. The Republican Party Committee meets 7 p.m. Thursday at Tillman’s Village Inn to make its endorsement.

Hawley doesn’t support police lights and sirens for Cuomo’s top staff

Posted 5 May 2015 at 12:00 am

Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) commented on the new emergency regulation that will allow Gov. Cuomo and the upper echelon of his administration to use police lights and sirens on their personal vehicles.

Hawley said this new privilege has the potential for abuse and creates an elitist mentality where high-ranking officials in the governor’s administration are given too much power to circumvent the law even on their off hours.

“It is unnecessary for the governor and his top aides to be awarded the ability to sidestep basic traffic requirements and speed limits even when off duty,” Hawley said. “I can’t imagine too many situations where the commissioner of environmental conservation or secretary to Gov. Cuomo would be ‘involved in emergency operations.’ There is definitely a high potential for abuse because ’emergency operations’ could be used in a variety of contexts.”

Many top state officials, including Gov. Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, already travel with state police protection but the new regulation would allow police lights and sirens to be installed on their personal vehicles.

“I am concerned that such disregard for traffic laws will put other drivers and bystanders in danger,” Hawley said. “This is another example of how the governor’s office thinks the law does not apply to them and will expand executive power without properly vetting and debating it first.”