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Youth Board honors students, adult advocates

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Bob Brice, center in blue shirt, is congratulated by many Holley Central School staff after he was honored for 20 years of volunteerism with the Holley Sports Boosters on Thursday during the Orleans County Youth Recognition Banquet. Brice won the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award, given to an adult volunteer who is a positive role model for youth.

MURRAY – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 20 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families. The youth were nominated for the awards presented Thursday during the 34th annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

Some examples of outstanding service by youth include:

Randy Eblacker of Albion created a garden walkway for Hospice as part of his Eagle Scout project; Kenzie Galletta of Kendall has volunteered numerous hours the past three years at PAWS Animal Shelter; Allyson Irwin of Albion has been a busy volunteer with the Albion Fire Department and the Masonic Lodge; Jessica Mandigo of Holley volunteers at the Special Olympics and delivers candy canes to a nursing home;

Cassandra Sargent of Medina helped coordinate the unified volleyball team that introduces students with disabilities to school sports; Ian Smith of Lyndonville and Natalie Mrzywka of Holley are both active in 4-H and with the 4-H Senior Council; Joseph Velez of Medina interned at the Orleans County YMCA in the summer day camp program.

The Orleans County Youth Board recognized 20 youth for outstanding service with their community, family and school. The group includes Amanda Blackburn of Lyndonville, Randal Eblacker of Albion, Evan Gaesser of Kendall, Kenzie Galletta of Kendall, Allyson Irwin of Albion, Dixon Keon of Albion, Jessica Mandigo of Holley, Natalie Mrzywka of Holley, Rose Pajek of Kendall, Cassandra Sargent of Medina, Damian Schoonmaker of Holley, Zachary Shaffer of Albion, Ian Smith of Lyndonville, Julia Smith of Kendall, Kyle Thaine of Albion, Andrea Toussaint of Medina, Joseph Velez of Medina, Baylee VerCruysse of Medina, Austen Vroman of Holley and Angela Weaver of Holley.

In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored two adults – one in a paid role and one a community volunteer – for their service to young people.

Bob Brice of Holley has been a dedicated volunteer with the Holley Sports Boosters the past 20 years, working in concessions and supporting the teams in many ways. His commitment started two decades ago when a Holley team needed a baseball coach. Brice stepped forward even tough he didn’t have a son on the team.

The Kodak retiree works as a teacher’s aide with the school. He praised the commitment of the Sports Boosters, who raise funds for the athletic programs, as well as scholarship and plaques for senior athletes.

“He truly loves the students, the athletes and Holley, New York,” school guidance counselor Samantha Zelent said in presenting Brice with the award at Hickory Ridge Ridge Golf Course and Country Club. “He exemplifies what a small community is all about.”

Brice has stayed active with the Boosters even after his youngest son, Robby, graduated in 2012.

“I just love doing it,” Brice said. “The kids should really be getting the award. They have given me a purpose.”

Gerry Golden, a caseworker with the Orleans County Department of Social Services, accepts the Helen R. Brinsmaid Award, given to a professional in a paid position whose work exceeds normal expectations. Chelsea Dillon, a program assistant with the Genesee-Orleans Youth Bureau, is at left.

Gerry Golden has worked 26 years as a caseworker with the Orleans County Department of Social Services. He has made a positive impact on many children, welcomed by many of those children and their parents as an extended part of their families.

“It is common for people to resent the caseworker who has come into their lives, but it is very rare for anyone to complain about Gerry,” the Youth Board said. “If a child calls with a crisis, Gerry will drop whatever he is doing to attend to their needs. He attends school meetings and extracurricular events and will travel hours to make sure a child can get home for a visit with their family.”

Golden initially wanted to pursue a career as a sports journalist. He was drawn to public service in his home county, where his mother Margaret Golden was a public health nurse and his father Bob Golden was Probation director.

Golden praised the kids and the families he works with for their success stories. He also urged others, including the youth receiving awards, to volunteer as mentors in the Just Friends program through the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern.

Jeremy Babcock, an Albion volunteer firefighter who is currently is the Executive Director of Housing at the Rochester Institute of Technology, was keynote speaker for the evening. Babcock, 39, oversees a staff of 24, the residential halls and 1,000 apartments. He deals with everything from keys, pest control, furniture, laundry facilities and many other issues.

Babcock, an Albion graduate, lives an active life despite being born with birth defects in both arms.

He urged the youth award-winners to have a humble attitude while working hard.

“That drive and determination has to come from within,” Babcock said. “Only you can truly motivate and push yourself. Only you can determine the path you want to take in life.”

GCC will raise tuition $25 per semester

Posted 13 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – Full-time Genesee Community College students will pay $1,975 tuition per semester during the 2016-17 year, under the budget approved by the GCC Board of Trustees Monday evening, up $25 from the current $1,950 tuition rate.

Trustees also approved the 2016-17 operating budget totaling $40.537 million, up 1.53 percent from the current year’s $39.927 million budget. The net increase in the budget, however, is much less. Nearly half of the increase simply reflects an accounting change that creates $275,000 in non-cash revenue and non-cash expense.

The 2016-2017 budget is a maintenance-of-effort budget, according to President James M. Sunser.

Staffing levels for 2016-2017 are nearly identical to current year staffing. The budget, however, provides for a student success position responsible for the organization and leadership of success coaching initiatives in the Student Success Center opening in the Fall 2017 semester.

Key non-classroom student services will be consolidated in the new center, and “success coaches” based in the center will guide students through their academic careers. College leaders believe that the success coaching initiative will help boost students’ academic success and career potential.

On the revenue side of the budget, GCC will receive $100 more in partially-restored New York State aid per full-time equivalent student. The increase is welcome, said Dr. Sunser, but state aid still lags behind historical levels.

GCC’s new Nanotechnology program, offered in collaboration with Erie Community College, will be in full swing next year. GCC also hopes to launch more educational programs geared toward the needs of the local agriculture industry.

The 2016-17 academic year will see the construction of two new buildings on the Batavia Campus. The 18,748 square foot Student Success Center will be located adjacent to the Conable Technology Building. The 56,614 square foot Richard C. Call Arena will be located at the northwest end of the parking lot. The arena will house the largest expanse of flexible, open floor space in the Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming County region.

GCC anticipates that both buildings will be completed in early summer 2017. As in recent years, the budget process was challenging, Dr. Sunser told trustees. But the College’s history of conservative spending, healthy enrollment, and relatively low inflation helped make a balanced budget possible for 2016-17.

The budget now goes to the Genesee County Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee, which will review the spending plan before presenting it to the full Legislature.

Dr. Sunser noted that declining numbers of high school graduates have led to enrollment declines among younger students at many colleges, while a robust economy has led many older students to remain in the workforce rather than seek retraining.

“Many community colleges across New York State and across the nation have experienced significant enrollment declines,” Dr. Sunser said. “At Genesee, we have experienced a slight dip in the number of students, but our enrollment remains very strong, and our financial position very stable.”

Dr. Sunser called the early part of the 21st Century “the era of the community college.” He reminded trustees that business, political and educational leaders are all praising community colleges.

“Business leaders know that we provide a very rigorous education and prepare students quite well for the local workforce,” he said. “On the national level, the last three presidents of the United States have spoken very positively and forcefully about the value and importance of a community college education. But most significantly, our own GCC students spread the word about the education we provide, and our 24,000 alumni are living examples of the value that GCC brings to our local communities.”

Apple trees are in bloom

Posted 13 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Orleans is NY’s second-leading county for apples

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.

These trees are on Zig-Zag Road in Albion.

Kendall man could face federal prosecution for child pornography

Staff Reports Posted 12 May 2016 at 12:00 am

David P. Perry Sr.

KENDALL – A Kendall man, who was arrested in March on multiple charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15, could now face federal charges for child pornography, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is reporting today.

David P. Perry Sr., 67, of Norway Road was arrested on March 9 with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, one count of criminal sexual act in the third degree, and one count of sexual abuse in the third degree.

Perry allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, Undersheriff Chris Bourke said.

Perry would allegedly make them undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.

The initial allegations resulted in a search warrant that was executed in January 2016. A computer and portable hard drive were submitted to the Western New York Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Buffalo N.Y. for analysis, Bourke said today.

Upon receiving the report and analysis from WNYRCFL, and consultation with Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone, Perry was arrested today and charged with 15 counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.

Perry was arraigned by Town of Murray Justice Ted Spada, who set bail at $250,000 cash/bond.

Approximately 15,000 images of suspected child pornography were found on Perry’s devices that were submitted for analysis. Many of the images found were children between the ages of 2 and 9 years of age, Bourke said.

In addition to the charges in Orleans County, Bourke said that Sheriff’s investigators and The Orleans County District Attorney’s office will be working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo for possible federal prosecution as well.

Investigator Shannon Brett was assisted in this investigation by Investigator Ken Strickland of the Sheriff’s Office.

Perry is scheduled to return to the Town Of Kendall Court on May 16 at 5:30 p.m.

YMCA, Fast Fitness team up for fitness challenge

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo

MEDINA – Fast Fitness and the Orleans County YMCA joined forces for a 12-week “Boot Camp Challenge” that was completed by 50 people. The challenge also raised $350 for the Y’s “Strong Communities” scholarship program to make the Y affordable for families.

The photo shows Kim Lockwood, left, owner of Fast Fitness with Mike Eaton and Shauna Parkinson of the Y.

Eaton had the idea for the Y and Fast Fitness to partner on the Boot Camp Challenge.

“The turnout for this challenge was very impressive,” Eaton said. “Bringing two gyms together and watching the progress made by everyone shows how much this community is committed. It was truly a joy to work with everyone and I look forward to more challenges.”

The Y and Fast Fitness plan to offer the challenge again in late summer or early fall, said Parkinson, the Y executive director.

“Enhancing the health and wellness of our community is our mission,” Parkinson said. “It was incredible the we were able to collaborate with Fast Fitness to provide an exceptional program, developed by Mike Eaton, that improved the lives of over 50 people.”

The Boot Camp Challenge was open to members and nonmembers of both facilities, and classes were held at both sites. Utilizing the resources of both the Y and Fast Fitness, Eaton developed a comprehensive and challenging program that engaged over 50 people, Parkinson said.

“A testament to Mike’s leadership and success as a fitness instructor, hundreds of pounds were lost and the quality of participants lives were improved through their participation in the program,” she said. “Both organizations benefited from the collaboration, Fast Fitness had several people participating in a program and getting exposure to new programs and services in the women’s-only facility. The same was true for the Y and a donation was given to the Y to benefit our scholarship assistance program.”

Jocelyn Beach won the challenge by losing the most weight.

“It was great for two organizations to come together to support the health and wellness of our community,” Lockwood said.

Assemblyman plans 4 Town Hall meetings Saturday in Orleans

Posted 12 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley

ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) announced the locations and times of his upcoming Town Hall meetings in Orleans County on Saturday.

“I am excited by the opportunity to listen to the questions and concerns of my constituents in Orleans County,” Hawley said. “Positive feedback and constructive criticism keep me motivated to fight for better public policy each day. I use the concerns and ideas of my constituents to shape my initiatives, legislative votes and the programs I fight for during budget negotiations.”

The schedule for Saturday includes:

Village of Medina/Town of Ridgeway, 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Medina Fire Hall, 600 Main St.
Town of Barre, 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Barre Fire Hall, 4709 Oak Orchard Rd.
Village of Albion/Town of Albion, 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Albion Fire Hall, 108 N. Platt St.
Village of Holley/Town of Murray, noon to 12:30 p.m., Holley Fire Hall, 7 Thomas St.

County tourism invites lodging providers to seminar May 19

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2016 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – Dollinger’s Motel in Albion is decorated with lights in this photo from December 2013. Dollinger’s is among the lodging businesses in Orleans County that collect a 4 percent tax, in addition to the sales tax, from their customers.

ALBION – Lodging providers in Orleans County are invited to a May 19 seminar by county officials to discuss marketing strategies, network with other businesses, and learn about bed tax compliancy.

The county has about 25 lodging providers, which include motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges and vacation rentals.

The 4 percent occupancy tax generates about $35,000 for the county to promote tourism, dollars that are matched by the state in the I Love NY program.

The May 19 seminar will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the home of Gene Haines, 14361 Ontario St. That home, the former Barbary Coast, is next to the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze.

Lynne Menz, Orleans County tourism director, will lead the seminar, which will include County Attorney David Schubel and representatives from the Orleans County Legislature and Chamber of Commerce.

“This is not an enforcement tool,” Menz said about bed tax compliance. “It’s a learning tool.”

Menz is planning other seminars this year for tourism stakeholders, including travel businesses, event planners and museums.

Reservations for the May 19 event are required by May 17. To RSVP, email lynne@orleanscountytourism or call Menz at 585-261-3890.

Participants are welcome to bring brochures to exchange with other lodging providers.

Lyndonville school district cuts taxes

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2016 at 12:00 am

LYNDONVILLE – The school district is proposing a budget that will reduce taxes by 3.4 percent, continuing a downward trend in the tax burden.The district is proposing a budget that seeks a tax levy of $4,266,578, which is down from $4,416,578 in 2015-16. The previous year, 2014-15, the district’s tax levy was $4,666,578. Lyndonville has reduced the tax levy by $400,000 in two years, a drop of 8.6 percent.

The district’s $13,254,000 budget is nearly the same in expenditures as in 2015-16. The 2016-17 budget is $108 more than the $13,253,892 in 2015-16.

Lyndonville was able to reduce taxes partly due to a $260,000 increase in state aid. The district also reduced spending by $65,000 for utilities, $45,000 to BOCES, $40,000 in retirement contributions, $40,000 for a building condition survey, $40,000 for Social Security costs, and $25,000 less for unemployment.

District leaders have set aside $100,000 for capital projects, including an estimated $65,000 to $75,000 to remove an underground diesel tank and install above-ground unit, and an estimated $25,000 to $35,000 for LED stage lighting.

Voting on the budget will be Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Auditorium forum.

Other propositions include:

Three incumbents on the Board of Education are all running unopposed for three-year terms. They include Harold Suhr, Terry Stinson and Rick Mufford.

$91,589 for Yates Community Library (up from $90,653).

Establish 2016 Transportation Reserve Fund to fund bus and vehicle purchases, not to exceed $720,000 over 8 years.

Authorization to purchase one 66-passenger school bus at a maximum estimated cost of $110,000.

School officials say the bus proposition and Transportation Reserve Fund will not have an impact on the tax levy.

Albion has made big cuts in staff as enrollment shrinks over past decade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – The school district has eliminated 87 positions in the past 13 years, at a time when the student enrollment has shrunk 29 percent or by nearly 750 students.

The district had 2,574 students in 2003-04, but next year’s enrollment is projected to fall to 1,834, a 38-student drop from the current school year. The total number of full-time equivalent positions has fallen in 13 years from 349 to a proposed 262 in the 2016-17 budget, a 25 percent reduction. The district doesn’t plan to cut any teaching positions but will eliminate a full-time clerical job as part of the proposed 2016-17 budget.

As enrollment has steadily dropped, the district has pared back staff. That has allowed the district to either cut or hold the line on taxes in nine of the last 10 years, school leaders said Tuesday during a budget hearing.

The proposed $33,890,990 school budget keeps taxes at the same amount, $8,355,939, as the 2015-16 budget.

The district’s rate of reducing staff, 25 percent, doesn’t quite match the reduction in student enrollment, at 29 percent in the past 13 years. Shawn Liddle, the district’s assistant superintendent for business, said teachers and staff have more “extra things” from the State Education Department.

Liddle noted Albion has the lowest per pupil cost at $18,479 of any district in Orleans, where the average is $22,918. The state per pupil cost for 2016-17 is $25,962. Albion is one of 57 districts spending less than $19,000 in the state, out of 669 districts, Liddle said.

The district’s tax rate for the current school year, $16.06 per $1,000 of assessed property, is the lowest of all districts in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and Monroe counties. The Albion rate is estimated to fall to $15.87 in 2016-17, Liddle said.

District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. at the elementary school, conference room A.

Other propositions on the May ballot will include:

Authorization to spend up to $460,000 for buses;

Approval to collect $687,211 for Hoag Library. That is up 1 percent from the $680,411 for 2015-16.

Choosing one of four candidates for a five-year term on the Board of Education. The candidates include Dylan Hellems, Steven LaLonde, Kevin Doherty and Anitrice Riley.

Veterans’ Memorial almost ready for dedication at Hillside Cemetery

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

CLARENDON – Jacob Crandall is working on a new Veterans’ Memorial at Hillside Cemetery for his Eagle Scout project. This photo shows Jacob’s father, John (left), and Jacob’s uncle Tom Crandall, a mason.

They are pictured with a memorial that includes five granite etched stones (for the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard), and a pentagon-shaped concrete base. The memorial also will include a 25-foot flagpole.

John Crandall is pictured with his sons Jacob (center) and Jeremy. The memorial will be dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, after the Memorial Day parade through Holley to the Hillside Cemetery.

The cemetery’s chapel will be open that day for tours from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Many military items will be on display at the chapel.

No injuries when Arc van hits underpass

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – An Arc of Orleans County van hit the underpass on Butts Road at about 10:40 a.m. today. The handicapped accessible van was damaged after trying to pass under the bridge with a 7-foot, 2-inch clearance.

The van had several passengers with developmental disabilities. No one was injured in the incident. Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies, the Albion Fire Department and COVA all responded to the scene.

Murray town leaders hear more concerns over water districts

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

MURRAY – Town resident Joe Sidonio continued to ask town board members to come up with a plan for sustainability of the town’s water districts during the board’s regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Sidonio spoke during public comment at the end of the meeting and presented Town Supervisor John Morriss with documents including copies of the petition signed by residents for the establishment of the town’s Water District #10 extension, and the engineer’s report, which Sidonio said states how the water district is to operate – with tax money covering the bond repayment, and operations and maintenance funded by sale of water to users.

“That’s not happening,” he said. “It is unfair to people…. the long term sustainability (of the town’s water districts) is questionable. It cannot sustain itself on water rates.”

Sidonio also provided a profitability chart which he said shows that even with mark up on water and an over levy, the town is still losing money. His figures show a total operating loss on the sale of water from 2013-2016 of $370,637.

Morriss noted that some of the town’s water districts are “healthier than others,” and pointed to Water District #1 where the possibility of raising the rates will likely need to be considered to cover operating and maintenance costs, he said.

Sidonio told the Orleans Hub that he feels the supervisor is admitting that the town is over taxing residents on the water districts by stating there are significant problems with long term sustainability.

“Over taxing residents on water districts who are not connected is unjust,” Sidonio said. “They are paying for the operations and maintenance for a system they don’t benefit from.”

Morriss said he has been in contact with Rural Development, which provides funding for municipal water districts, and he said officials there said they feel the numbers are not out of line.

“If you guys were out of line, you would not get money,” Morriss said he was told by Rural Development.

Morriss noted Rural Development is continuing its look at Murray water district finances.

“Your points are well-made,” town attorney Jeff Martin told Sidonio and other residents who attended the meeting. “There should be further consideration of concerns you are raising.”

Martin explained there can be a certain amount flux in bond replacement units per district – which sometimes decrease or increase in number over time, depending on factors such as development. He said it can make a significant difference is smaller districts if the loss of one unit occurs.

“If what I’m hearing is correct, we are not charging enough for water,” board member Paul Hendel said. He suggested checking neighboring municipalities for their water rates.

Morriss said another possibility for increasing revenue might be imposing a rental charge on water meters.

“It’s clearly a long-range issue,” Sidonio told the board. “I would like to see the board address that and be thinking about how to address shortcomings financially.”

In other business, Town Board members heard a continued complaint from a resident regarding parking around the Holley Central School District during special events, which often spills out onto Lynch Road, causing a safety hazard.

The resident questioned liability issues and suggested the town might want to put up no parking signs along the roadway. Town attorney Jeff Martin said he would bring the issue to the attention of school district officials during the next Board of Education meeting May 17.

Town Clerk Cindy Oliver requested during her report, that the Murray Town Board – possibly in conjunction with the Clarendon Town Board – host a town hall meeting for veterans to make them aware of the many services provided through the Orleans County Veterans Services Agency.

Oliver said the agency director, Earl Schmidt, spoke recently to Orleans County town clerks regarding the services that are available to veterans.

“I was shocked by all they provide,” Oliver said, and noted the town hall meeting would be a way to “get the word out” to local veterans. “I don’t know if they realize help is available,” she said.

No date has yet been set, but town board members agreed to move ahead with plans. Council member Paul Hendel enthusiastically supported the idea. He said he volunteers in the winter driving vans for the agency.

“It’s heart-warming to help those who have given so much,” Hendel said.

Albion High Schooler among candidates for Board of Education

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Dylan Hellems said he would be a voice for students

Photo by Tom Rivers – Dylan Hellems speaks about his candidacy for the Board of Education during a forum Tuesday at the LGI room at the high school. Hellems is one of four candidates for one open seat on the Board of Education.

ALBION – The election on Tuesday for the Albion Board of Education includes four candidates seeking one open seat, a five-year term on a nine-member board.

One of the candidates is a high school senior. Dylan Hellems, 18, said he would bring a student’s insight to the BOE, as well as a passion to make a difference in the community.

Hellems will be on the ballot with three other candidates: Steven LaLonde, Kevin Doherty and Anitrice Riley.

Albion had a high school senior win a BOE election in the late 1990s, when Dan Bellor was elected to a five-year term.

In Buffalo, Austin Harig last week nearly defeated Carl Paladino, a multi-millionaire and Republican gubernatorial nominee in 2010. Harig, 18, lost to Paladino by 132 votes for a seat on the Buffalo School Board.

Hellems thanked the other Albion candidates for their community service during a forum on Tuesday, when school officials discussed the district’s proposed budget and other propositions that go before voters on Tuesday.

Hellems said he has had a good experience at Albion Central School, with a week-long trip to Washington, DC as the highlight.

He went to the nation’s capitol with the Close-Up program at Albion High School in late February-early March. That trip fueled a desire to be involved politically. On the Close-Up trip, Helllems met two Albion graduates who work full-time in D.C.

Don Sisson works in the White House as a special assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. He also worked 10 years for Rep. Louise Slaughter of Rochester.

Sarah Brown Dirkes is the director of External Relations at American Farm Bureau Federation.

Hellems was impressed to see two people from a small town having an impact in DC.

“I want to make a difference,” he said after a public hearing Tuesday on the school budget. “I want to pursue politics and this will be a great place to start.”

Hellems will major in general studies this fall when he starts at Genesee Community College.

Hellems said he is pursuing the volunteer position on the Board of Education to inspire more high school students and recent grads to be involved in local government.

In terms of specific issues, he said he doesn’t support banning books at the school because some topics may be considered too controversial. He also said he would like to see the district work towards a turf field that would require less maintenance and also could be a draw for athletic events.

Hellems will face three long-time district residents, incuding former Board of Education member Kevin Doherty, who is currently president of the Hoag Library Board of Trustees. Doherty runs his own communications company, and is a past superintnedent of the buildings and grounds depaetment at the school district. His six grown children are Albion graduates.

“We clearly have a good school district and what we’re looking to do as they say in 4-H is make it better,” Doherty said.

Steven LaLonde has a doctoral degree in statistics, measurement and evaluation from Syracuse Univeristy. He is a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. He and his late wife, Kathy, raised three children who graduated from Albion.

LaLonde said he wants to give back to the district that provided a quality education for his children. He said he tends to bring people together to develop common ground in working on issues.

Anitrice Riley is a 1993 graduate of Albion. She works as a senior tax servicing specialist. One of her three children has graduated from Albion, and she has two others in the district.

Riley said she wants to see the district work harder to reach students not involved in sports and extracurricular programs.

“Let’s make sure every child has the best access to education,” she said. “Some kids are losing their way.”

Voting on Tuesday will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the elementary school, conference room A.

Kendall Fire Department accepts $1K donation

Staff Reports Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Eric Maxon and Mike Roth of Kendall Fire Department

Provided photo

KENDALL – Eric Maxon (left), Kendall Fire Department treasurer, accepts a $1,000 check from Mike Roth, owner of Allstate Roth Agencies on West Main Street in Batavia.

The Kendall Fire Department received the $1,000 grant from the Allstate Helping Hands Foundation. It is a grant that Allstate Insurance gives out to organizations that are helped by their employees.

Roth lives in Kendall with his wife Linda and is a honorary member of the Kendall Fire Department. Roth helps sell ride tickets at the annual carnival, which this year will be July 7-9.

The grant will be put into the Kendall Fire Department ambulance fund for supplies needed for the operation.

Brockport college president recognized as NY Woman of Distinction

Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – State Senator Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) on Tuesday recognized The College at Brockport President Heidi Macpherson as one of the New York State Senate’s “Women of Distinction” during a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Press Release, State Sen. Robert Ortt

ALBANY – Heidi Macpherson, president of The College at Brockport, was recognized in Albany on Tuesday as one of 59 distinguished women in the state.

The State Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program celebrates outstanding women from all walks of life throughout New York State whose contributions have enriched the quality of life in our communities.

“There are remarkable women in our midst whose lives, work or special accomplishments contribute to making our communities better, making our families stronger and serve as special examples to others. President Macpherson is one of those women,” said Senator Ortt. “The Senate’s Women of Distinction program provides a special opportunity to honor these women for their achievements and to thank them for the pride they bring to our communities.”

“I’m honored that Senator Ortt selected me as the ‘Woman of Distinction’ for his district, as enhancing our community is such an important part of what we are trying to accomplish,” said President Macpherson. “In the short time I’ve been at Brockport, Senator Ortt has proven to be a friend to the College and a strong supporter of public higher education.”

Dr. Heidi Macpherson was formally installed on April 29 as the seventh president at The College at Brockport. She is the first female president in the college’s history, which dates back to 1835. Ortt first met President Macpherson last summer, shortly after she took over leadership of the college in July 2015.

President Macpherson has more than 20 years of experience in higher education as an English professor, a writer and administrator in both the United States and England. Prior to her current position, Macpherson served as the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The Minnesota native spent 22 years of her life in the United Kingdom, where she developed a love for international education and launched her career in higher education. Pres. Macpherson began her academic career at the University of Central Lancashire in England in 1995. While there, she took on the roles of program leader, head of the division of English, head of the Department of Humanities and professor. In 2007, she was appointed Dean of Humanities at De Montfort University in Leicester, England and subsequently held two different Pro Vice-Chancellor positions there. As Pro Vice-Chancellor at De Montfort, Macpherson wrote the university’s Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

Additionally, President Macpherson plays a vital role in her community – on a regional, national and international level. She’s an active member of Rotary International. In her previous role, she volunteered with the YWCA and Bethany Lutheran Homes. She’s a member of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee, and the Rochester Regional Community Advisory Council for Rochester Regional Health. In June, Macpherson will be recognized as the Honorary Chairwoman of the New York State Special Olympics, which will be held in Brockport.

“President Macpherson is someone who is not only committed to the academic community at The College at Brockport, but also to her community at home and abroad,” said Senator Ortt. “Her leadership, experience, and role in society are many of the reasons why I chose to recognize her as a woman of distinction in the Senate. She truly embodies the word ‘distinction.'”

President Macpherson calls the Village of Brockport home, where she lives with her husband, Dr. Allan Macpherson, and her Springer Spaniel, Tilly.

The “Women of Distinction” celebration was started in 1998. Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the world of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries, or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.