By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Bidders and curiosity seekers gather outside the Orleans County Courthouse for the auction today at 3 p.m. for the former Crooked Door tavern. The property at 469 East State St. sold for $135,000.
ALBION – The owner of The Village House, a restaurant that opened 30 years ago on East Avenue in Albion, bought the former Crooked Door tavern today at an auction for $135,000.
Alex Mitrousis, The Village House owner, said his family wants to turn the Crooked Door into a sports bar with finger foods.
“We’re not in a rush,” he said about a timetable for the project.
Mitrousis said he has been in the restaurant business for 46 years, starting when he opened the Brockport Diner. He said they are intense businesses that need many employees. He has 40 workers at The Village House. A sports bar with a downsized menu will be a different experience than The Village House, and a viable business, Mitrousis said.
The Crooked Door, the former Club 469, opened in January 2011 following extensive renovations by Joe and Debbie Martillotta. They operated the business for more than three years, selling it in April 2014 to Susan Holmes. She closed the business in January 2015, nine months after acquiring the property at 469 East State St.
Key Bank held the mortgage, which was $427,740 in arrears. The sale today will go towards that debt.
Key Bank submitted the opening bid of $75,000. Then Steve Gramiak, owner of the Black North Inn and Mitrousis, were in a bidding battle until Gramiak opted not to go above $135,000. Gramiak said he saw the property as an investment that could be leased to someone wanting to run a restaurant with a bar.
The former Crooked Door Tavern closed in January 2015.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo courtesy of Ed Morgan – Donald Trump, left, poses for a photo with Ed Morgan, Orleans County Repbulican Party chairman, at a meeting in New York City in January 2014.
Ed Morgan, the chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party, has been picked as one of the delegates in the 27th Congressional District for the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Morgan has led the Orleans County GOP for the past decade. He serves as regional vice chairman of the NY Republican Party Committee. He is also the Murray town highway superintendent.
“It’s quite an honor,” Morgan said about serving as a delegate to the National Convention, which will be in Cleveland from July 18-21. The convention will host about 2,470 delegates.
Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee. Morgan was an early backer of Trump for president, and the Orleans County Republican Committee may have been the first county in New York to endorse Trump for president.
Not all Republicans are behind Trump, and Morgan said there could be a push for another candidate during the convention.
“It will be exciting,” he said. “I’m definitely for Trump, but I’m not convinced it will be a rubber stamp.”
Morgan also attended the 2012 Republican National Convention when Mitt Romney was nominated as the party’s candidate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2016 at 12:00 am
The Orleans County Conservative Party has decided to withhold endorsements from long-term local elected officials seeking re-election this year. The Conservative Party Committee says it will no longer endorse candidates who have served more than three terms in their elected positions.
The Committee decided not to endorse Joe Cardone, the county’s district attorney for more than two decades, in his candidacy for another four-year term.
Conservative Party leaders also aren’t endorsing Charlie Smith and Scott Schmidt for additional terms as coroner due to their long service in the positions.
“The Founders never intended for a person to go into elected public service and make a life-time career out of it,” said Paul Lauricella, Conservative Party vice chairman. “Our committee strongly believes that the problems we have in this country are the direct result of career politicians that never know when to leave and will never vote to fix this problem.”
The Conservative Party did make one endorsement during its meeting last week. It is backing Rocco L. Sidari for coroner. Sidari, a former Albion fire chief, has served as coroner for about a year. He is seeking his first four-year term.
The Orleans County Republican Party Committee has endorsed Cardone for DA, and Schmidt, Smith and Sidari for coroner. The election is in November.
In addition, the local Conservative Party isn’t backing state legislators who have served more than three terms. That includes Steve Hawley of Batavia, who has been the assemblyman for 10 years. He is seeking another two-year term in the post. He was interviewed by the local Conservative Party Committee, but Lauricella said the group decided not to endorse him.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Provided photos – Several speakers attended a rally in Albion on Saturday seeking to divide NY into two regions. Some of the speakers included, from left: Pastor Earl C. Wallace from Liberty Christian Fellowship in Halfmoon (eastern New York); Cathy Sapeta from New Yorkers United for Kids; John Bergener, Jr., Divide NYS Caucus, Inc.; Mattie Zarpentine of Holley representing New York Revolution; and Stephen Aldstadt, president of SCOPE (Shooters Committee on Political Education).
ALBION – Upstate New York is outnumbered in the State Legislature, and the dominating influence of downstate drives up costs for upstaters, and leads to social policies outside community norms for Upstate, speakers at a rally in Albion said on Saturday.
The Divide NYS Caucus, Inc. wants to create two autonomous regions with the New York region consisting of the counties Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester.
The rest of the state would be the New Amsterdam Region, consisting of the other 53 counties in the state, including Orleans.
John Bergener, Jr., one of the leaders of the Divide NYS Caucus, said the group is pushing for residents to support a Constitutional Convention in 2017. The goal isn’t to create two different states, but to divide the state into two autonomous regions. That effort would not require Congressional approval and can bypass the NY Legislature through a NYS Constitutional Convention, Bergener said.
John Bergener, Jr. speaks at Bullard Park about a push to divide the state into two autonomous regions.
Every 20 years, New York residents have an opportunity to vote on whether to hold a NYS Constitutional Convention. The convention would focus on the State Constitution only. The next opportunity for a convention vote will be November 2017.
Bergener and the Divide NYS Caucus said the state has very diverse population with the majority of the counties small to medium sized communities set in a rural and suburban climate. Those communities tend to be conservative with their values. The state also is home to New York City and the surrounding counties that are far more liberal than Upstate. The divergent regions make it difficult to govern the state.
New York Revolution formed soon after the state passed the SAFE Act in January 2013, a controversial gun control law. Zarpentine said the group is focused on fighting for Second Amendment rights, but sees other problems in the state encroaching on the rights and lifestyle of upstate residents.
“The SAFE Act got many of us involved,” Zarpentine said. “But this is much more than a Second Amendment issue.”
The downstate influence in the State Legislature and governor’s office has driven up costs for businesses and taxes for residents, making Upstate uncompetitive for many businesses and driving away people.
Mattie Zarpentine, a state coordinator of New York Revolution, speaks at the rally in Albion.
“Albany does not care how we feel, how we live and will just continue to push forward their agenda,” Zarpentine said. “How is upstate being served by a downstate governor and a downstate controlled legislature?”
Zarpentine said Albany politicians continue to be mired in scandal, with no end in sight. The governor and Legislature haven’t enacted ethics reform, she said. This month the former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos were both sentenced to prison for corruption.
Zarpentine, a Holley resident, said she was encouraged by the different groups that attended the rally in Albion. The groups are trying to build support for the Constitutional Convention.
It was a fairly small crowd at the Albion rally, which was held with rain, gusty weather and temperatures in the 50s. Zarpentine said she met people from Jamestown, Saratoga and other parts of the state. They are determined to have a state that preserves residents’ rights and works for solutions for attracting and keeping businesses and families.
“A small number of people can make change,” Zarpentine said.
Pastor Earl Wallace of Liberty Christian Fellowship spoke on the Biblical basis of the Bill of Rights. Wallace said the Founding Fathers were influenced by the Bible, especially the 10 Commandments, and historical documents such as the Magna Carta from 1215 that treat citizens according to Biblical principles.
Kathy Sapeta of New Yorkers United for Kids wants to repeal Common Core in schools.
Stephen Aldstadt, president of SCOPE, discussed the SAFE Act and NY regulations that make New York the highest taxed state in the country.
Zarpentine said the groups will make their feelings known to state legislators.
“Our representatives are not advocating for us to the full extent that they should be,” she said.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina in collaboration with the Orleans County Job Development Agency will host the premiere Medina Area Job Fair on Thursday, May 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Medina United Methodist Church (former Apple Grove), 11004 West Center Street Ext, in Medina.
The facility has plenty of space for parking in the adjacent lot, and transportation is also available through the Orleans Transit Service’s Dial-a-Ride by calling at least 24 hours in advance to 585-589-0707.
Participants include the newest addition to the Medina area, Pride Pak, along with many others such as ATB Staffing, Brunner, Child Care Resource & Referral (Community Action), Genesee Community College, Imagine Staffing, Iroquois Job Corps, Orchard Manor, Orleans County Adult Learning Services (OCALS), Orleans County Job Development’s Youth/Young Adult Employment Program, Orleans Transit Service, P-Raising Kids, Pathstone, Takeform, and more.
“We wanted to highlight the import of employment in the Medina area and the positive community we have here for living, working and playing, especially given the new businesses we are welcoming here such as Pride Pak along with the robust existing corporate base,” said Mayor Michael Sidari.
The Orleans County Job Development Agency is assisting with the event.
“The more opportunities we can facilitate by partnering with other agencies, both in the public and private sector, the better we are able to help both job seekers to find employment and businesses to develop a strong workforce, enhancing the economic vibrancy of Orleans County,” said Kelly Kiebala, director of Job Development.
Those seeking employment are invited to attend. They should bring a current resume and come dressed for success. Assistance with resume development, application completion and/or interview skills will be available on site by OC Job Development counselors.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Leah Pawlak introduces herself as the microphone was passed to each player on the Rotary team during opening ceremonies for the Albion Midget League, which started in 1956.
This year there are six teams in the league. They gathered at the Midget League Field behind the Town Hall on Clarendon Road. The season continues until mid-July. There are also six Futures teams with players ages 7 to 10.
The teams played today in gusty weather with temperatures in the low 50s.
Jason Conn, center left, passes the microphone to Jack Ludwick. They play on the Barre Cubs, which won the championship in 2015.
Dan Bartlett, head coach of Sandstone Park, greets his players. Bartlett has been coaching the team for about 15 years. They were runner-ups for the title last year.
St. Mary’s players are lined up, including Nick Radder, right, and Ethan Ashton, second from right. St. Mary’s is one of the original teams from when the league started 60 years ago.
Dave Nashburn, head coach of the Vets, holds the microphone for players during their introductions.
Carlton players, wearing new uniforms this year, say their names to the crowd. Bryan Catlin, center, has coached the team for many years.
Joe Sacco, a former Albion mayor, threw out the ceremonial first ptich to his grandson, Christopher Sacco of the Sandstone team. Sacco then sang the National Anthem.
The league will have its annual chicken barbecue at the Midget League Field on June 4 from noon until sold out.
Provided photo – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) joined veterans and their family members in Washington D.C. during last year’s Patriot Trip.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) has announced the 9th annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. will take place Sept. 15-18.
More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2015 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.
Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The trip can accommodate about 100 veterans and family members so those looking to sign up should do so as soon as possible.
“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran. Through the experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include: WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, Air Force Memorial, 911 Memorial at the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard, Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns – Vietnam Veterans.
Space is limited and signups are first come, first served, with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran. If you or a veteran want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip IX, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Michael Ryan, right, and Zack Baron work together this morning to put an American flag by the grave of a veteran buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Route 31 in Albion.
Scouts put more than 1,000 flags at the graves for veterans this morning, an annual service project for Boy and Girl Scouts in the Albion area. They have the flags out before Memorial Day.
Henry Symons, 8, and his sister Amelia, 4, look for veterans’ graves at Mount Albion Cemetery. Henry is in Pack 164.
Jessica Schleede and her mother Tina have been putting flags at veterans’ graves before Memorial Day for about 10 years. Jessica is a Girl Scout in Troop 82059.
Mike Beach and his son Oliver are pictured at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Oliver placed a flag at the grave for his great-grandfather, George Allard, who served in World War II. Oliver and his brother James Michael have put a flag at Allard’s grave the past six years.
Zack Baron carries an American flag while looking for veterans’ graves at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 14 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Volume 2, Issue 20
This image of Lt. Col. Henry Ludwig Achilles shows him garbed in his Union officer’s uniform taken sometime around 1862 at the studio of George Hopkins in Albion.
A New Hampshire native, Achilles established himself in Rochester as a young entrepreneur and man of religious conviction. As an established tinsmith, he was responsible for starting one of the first foundries in Rochester where he engaged in the manufacturing and sale of sheet metal and tin. His early successes in business allowed him to contribute to the purchase of property for the construction of the First Baptist Church of Rochester of which he was a superintendent in the early 1830s.
When the First Baptist Church split into two congregations due to the overwhelming growth of the group, he assisted in establishing the Second Baptist Church in Rochester and was selected as one of its first trustees. As a respected gentleman in the city, he served a short term as town clerk of Brighton and local fire inspector.
After the death of his second wife, Samantha Howe, Henry was married to Caroline Phipps of Albion in 1839. Up until that time, Caroline had worked carefully to establish herself as an exceptional educator and was responsible for operating the Phipps Union Seminary with her sisters.
Shortly after their marriage the newlyweds moved to Boston where they lived for nearly ten years, leaving Caroline’s sister Sophronia to care for the seminary.
In 1848 the seminary finally passed through the hands of the Phipps family when it was sold to Rev. Frederick Janes. Almost immediately after the sale was finalized, enrollment dropped from 100 students to less than 40. A frustrated board was poised to force Janes from his position and pleaded for Henry and Caroline to return.
With great reluctance, the couple retook control of the seminary in 1849 and made quick work of restoring the institution’s reputation. The following year was marked by a spike in enrollment, which led to the construction of a wood-frame addition on the north end of the building.
During his time as head of the institution, Henry was active in local affairs. When Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to enter military service on behalf of the Union Army on April 15, 1861, Achilles and other men initiated a gathering at the Court House on April 18th. The group immediately took to organizing two companies of men, the first placed under the charge of David Hardie and the second under the charge of Henry Achilles, Jr. When the ladies of Albion had prepared a donation of two beautiful flags, Henry Achilles Sr. was asked to make the presentation to both units, the second under the command of his son.
Achilles enlisted in the service himself on January 6, 1862 and was placed with the 105th New York Infantry as a lieutenant-colonel. Just as David Hardie would do, Henry resigned his position in April of 1862 and returned to Albion to encourage other young men to join the Union cause.
Following the war, Henry and Caroline again decided to transfer the care of the seminary to a stranger, selling the building to Rev. G. A. Starkweather in July of 1866 for $20,000; totaling just over $325,000 today. Unfortunately the school suffered a similar fate as the first sale and the reputation of the institution was again ruined by its new owner.
Again the board pleaded for Henry to retake control of the seminary, to which he utterly refused. It was thanks to the encouragement of his wife that the seminary was yet again brought under the control of the Achilles family and provided an opportunity to thrive.
Henry died in 1881 from an abscess and was interred with his first two wives at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester; Caroline was buried with her family at Mt. Albion.
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse and Kristine Voos, Genesee-Orleans Public Health Education Team
Ticks can spread disease. Not all ticks can cause disease and not all bites will make you sick, but as these diseases become more common it’s important to learn how to prevent a bite, how to remove a tick and what to do if you think you could have a tick-borne disease.
“The warm winter and recent temperature increase have set the stage for a flourishing tick population, providing an update on Lyme disease, the most common tick related illness in our area, seems prudent,” states Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Lyme disease is also the most common disease spread by ticks in New York but there are other serious diseases they spread including Anaplasmosis, Erhichioisis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
There are many different species of ticks but locally the most common is the Deer Tick. The Deer Tick is a vector for several diseases (Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) and received the name because of its habit of living and feeding on white-tailed deer, however ticks acquire Lyme disease by feeding on infected mice and other small rodents.
“Although Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties have had less than 5 reported cases of Lyme disease annually since 2013, ticks are here locally and you can’t tell which are infected by disease or not,” stated Paul Pettit, Genesee and Orleans Public Health Director.
Ticks may be found in many types of settings such as woodlands, tree stumps, lawns and gardens, around stone walls, nature trails, outdoor summer camps, and playing fields. Ticks do not jump or fly, they attach to their host when a human or animal makes contact with something that a tick is on, like tall grass, shrubs, or an animal. The risk of human infection with Lyme is greatest in late spring and summer, but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
“The high concentration of ticks in NYS counties including Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, and Albany leads me to believe the threat of tick-borne diseases will continue and likely increase locally in the future, this is why it is important to become aware and prepare now,” said Pettit.
Lyme can only be transmitted after being bit by an infected tick- seeing an attached tick or a tick bite does not necessarily mean Lyme has been transmitted. It generally takes between three days to one month after a tick bite for Lyme disease symptoms to develop.
In 60-80 percent of Lyme cases a “bulls-eye” circular rash or solid red patch develops at or near the site of the tick bite first and steadily gets larger or spreads out. You can also get several patches of rash on your body. Early on in the disease (days to weeks post-tick bite) you may develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, joint pain and/or swelling, fatigue, or facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), sometimes these can be very mild.
As Lyme disease progresses more severe symptoms like arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling may develop months-to-years post tick bite in 60% of persons who are not given antibiotic treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that getting Lyme disease once does not provide protection against getting Lyme in the future, if you are bitten again at a different time you can get Lyme disease again. If you develop any of these symptoms you should call your doctor right away to inquire about getting tested and treated.
To prevent tick-borne illness exposure while outdoors you and your family can do the following:
Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently while outdoors.
Use insect repellent with 20-30% DEET.
Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Avoid dense woods and busy areas.
Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.
Additional prevention tips for homeowners to create a tick-free zone in your backyard to keep you, your family and pets safe from tick exposure:
Keep grass mowed, along with clearing tall grasses and brush.
Remove brush and leave around stonewalls and wood piles.
Keep wood piles and bird feeders away from your home.
Keep family dogs and cats out of wooded areas to reduce ticks brought into your home.
Place swing sets, sand boxes, decks and patios in a sunny spot away from yard edges and trees.
Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment.
What you can do if you find a tick attached to you, a family member, or a pet:
You should use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the ticks by its mouth parts, as close to the surface of the skin as you can. Carefully pull the tick straight up without twisting. Do not touch the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick (may increase your risk of infection). Clean your hands and the areas on your skin where the tick was. Watch the site of the bite for rash (3-30 days after bite). Removing a tick within 36 hours of attachment to the skin can lower the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
To learn more about ticks, Lyme disease and other diseases ticks can spread visit the New York State Department of Health, click here.
Photos by Tom Rivers – These tulips are pictured outside Tillman’s Village Inn on Thursday. Today the temperature will drop as a cold front moves across the region.
The National Weather Service is warning about gusty winds that will begin around 2 p.m. and continue until about 8 p.m. today.
The gusty winds will develop this afternoon behind a cold front crossing the region. The peak wind gusts will reach 35 to 40 miles per hour in many locations, the Weather Service said.
“Loose outdoor objects should be firmly secured,” the Weather Service said in a statement. “Large tents and other temporary structures being used for outdoor graduation ceremonies this weekend may be impacted by the gusty winds.”
Today is forecast for a high of 57 but the temperature will drop after noon to a low of 36. Sunday is forecast for a high of 45 and a low of 34.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Republican Party has endorsed Joe Cardone for another four-year term as district attorney.
Cardone of Medina has served more than two decades as the county’s top prosecutor.
“He’s done a great job,” said Ed Morgan, the county’s GOP chairman.
There are only four positions on the ballot in county elections this year. Besides Cardone, three coroners are up for election. The GOP Committee endorsed the incumbents: Charlie Smith of Ridgeway, Scott Schmidt of Medina and Rocky Sidari of Albion.
Schmidt is the current president of the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners. Smith and Sidari are both active firefighters.
Photos by Tom Rivers – These blossoms are out in an orchard on Route 279 in Gaines. New York is the second-leading apple producing state in the country, behind only Washington. Orleans is also the second-leading apple producer in New York, trailing only Wayne County.
Press Release, NY Apple Association
Fishers – Here’s a New York sign that spring has arrived: apple trees are now in bloom across the state, the state’s apple growers’ association reports.
Temperatures have warmed enough statewide to coax blossoms from their winter sleep, turning orchards into seas of pink buds that are opening into white flowers. While blossoms are already peaking in the Hudson Valley, they are just starting to break open in western New York, and will soon follow around Lake Champlain.
“I love saying this every year: Grab your cameras and take a drive this weekend. More than 11 million apple trees across the state are in bloom right now, and they are gorgeous,” said New York Apple Association President Jim Allen. “The whole show will be over before Memorial Day.”
This year’s bloom is now on track with the perennial schedule, despite a false start due to a brief warming in early April. For the most part, concerns then about potential frost damage have largely receded as bloom has progressed – though it is still too early in a long growing season to prognosticate about the state’s 2016 harvest size, Allen noted.
The state’s apple trees generally don’t mind the cold temperatures and snow associated with New York winters. In fact, apple trees actually need a certain number of “chilling hours” before they can bloom, notes Allen. Apple buds progress from winter’s dormant brown, woody tips to green tips, to bright pink clusters as the buds start to open, to full white flowers.
Apple harvest dates vary by variety and growing region. New York state growers will start harvest in August for some early-season varieties and in the southernmost growing areas, and be largely finished by October for late-season varieties and in northern growing areas.
Allen said some of the 2015 crop remains available.
“The 2015 New York state apple crop will sell out well before harvest starts this fall, so apple fans who haven’t had their fill yet will want to stock up now,” said NYAA’s Allen. “Most of that fruit is being stored in high-tech controlled atmosphere storerooms that maintain the apples’ just-picked flavor.”
These trees are on Route 279 in Gaines, just south of Ridge Road.
An architectural rendering shows the new events arena under construction at GCC.
Press Release, GCC
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College’s Board of Trustees formally dedicated the new Event Center, to be located on GCC’s Batavia campus, in honor of longtime College supporter Richard C. Call, who passed away in August 2014.
President James M. Sunser had announced at the April 28, 2016 groundbreaking ceremony for the Event Center and the Student Success Center the trustees’ intention to name the 45,000 square foot structure the Richard C. Call Arena.
Trustee Maureen J. Marshall introduced the resolution to name the building in honor of Call, which trustees quickly approved to resounding applause.
Mr. Call was an advocate of the new Event Center and Creating Our Future Together, the fund raising campaign sponsored by the GCC Foundation in support of the Event Center and the new Student Success Center. Call was a member of the GCC Foundation Board from 2001 until his death in 2014. He was a strong proponent of volunteerism and philanthropy, and was one of the earliest supporters of the Conable Technology Building in the late 1990s.
Over many decades, Call and his brother, Robert, built Call Farms into a highly innovative and nationally-known agricultural enterprise. Call’s brother and the children of the two families continue to operate the farm. Not surprisingly, Call encouraged other agricultural leaders across the region to get behind the Creating Our Future Together campaign and make the Event Center possible.
Call was also a strong supporter of many community causes, and had a special interest in youth. In addition to his local volunteer commitments, he was well-known across the U.S. for his leadership in agricultural organizations. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University.
Call usually worked quietly, and never sought recognition for his efforts, said Brian M. Daviau, president of the GCC Foundation.
“Dick listened much more than he spoke during Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings, but I learned over the years that he worked very hard on GCC Foundation business behind the scenes before and after every meeting,” Mr. Daviau said. “He was so deeply committed to the mission of Genesee Community College, and he did everything possible to build our programs and facilities, and provide for the needs of generations to come.”
GCC President James M. Sunser said that Mr. Call epitomized the ideals of generosity and citizenship.
“Dick believed that individuals could always make a difference, and should make a difference,” Dr. Sunser said. “He was an outstanding leader in his industry, and an outstanding community leader. He believed that service to others helps make our communities and our nation great. He was and is a role model for every one of us.”
The Richard C. Call Arena will be completed in early summer 2017. It will house a variety of athletic, business and regional events, and contain the largest expanse of open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region. The Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center are being funded through a combination of New York State and Genesee County appropriations, as well as contributions from more than 500 local residents and business organizations.
Provided photo – Members of the Middleport Community Choir rehearse this week for their upcoming concerts in Orleans County.
MEDINA – The Middleport Community Choir and The Middleport Belltones have two upcoming performances in Orleans County.
The choir will present “Down By The Riverside”on Sunday, May 15, and Friday, May 20. The May 15 performance will be at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina. The May 20 performance will be at 7 p.m. in at Gaines-Carlton Community Church located at 14585 Ridge Rd. in Albion.
“I really wanted to perform a concert that would be fun for the choir and audience,” said Ric Jones, director of the community choir. “This performance is sure to get everyone’s toes tapping. It is full of recognizable spirituals and gospel songs.”
Besides the Middleport Community Choir, the concert will also feature The Middleport Belltones, under the direction of Debby Clark. The performance will also feature numerous soloists from the choir, a drummer, and a bassist.
A free will offering will be taken during the performance. For more information about these performances, please contact Jones, the musical director, at (716) 523-0846.
Jones is the owner of Imagine Music Publishing. In addition to being the musical director of the Middleport Community Choir, he also serves as musical director of the Brighton Symphony Orchestra and The Genesee Chorale. He is also the organist at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville.
Photo by Tom Rivers – Ric Jones, director of the Middleport Community Choir, is shown here on Dec. 7, 2014, leading the Genesee Chorale in a concert at the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.
The Middleport Belltones is directed by Debby Clark, who has been an organist for over 35 years. During that tenure, she has accompanied and directed numerous cantatas. Under Clark’s direction, the Middleport Belltones have travelled to Germany in 2002, 2008, and 2015.
Clark currently enjoys being a substitute organist for several churches. In addition, she has been an office facilitator for a financial advising firm for over 17 years.
The Middleport Community Choirs are “a community of churches that sings from the heart.” They are two choirs: the vocal choir (The Middleport Community Choir), and the hand bell choir (The Middleport Bell Tones).
The Middleport Community Choir is a voluntary organization made up of approximately 40 active members from Middleport, Medina, Gasport, Lockport, Akron, and Lyndonville. Their performance repertoire consists of a variety of mediums, including sacred, secular, Broadway, and contemporary choral works.
