By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Firefighters from three companies are out today collecting money in a boot drive for Jon DeYoung, the deputy fire chief at Clarendon who is battling colon cancer for the second time.
DeYoung, 49, as been an active firefighter with the Clarendon Fire Company for 25 years. In the top photo, his son Jon DeYoung Jr. accepts money from a motorist in the boot drive at the intersection of routes 31 and 237.
Firefighters form Clarendon, Holley and the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray fire companies are out collecting funds for DeYoung, who is currently receiving treatments at the Cleveland Clinic.
DeYoung Jr. thanked the other firefighters in the East Battalion of Orleans County for rallying on behalf of his father.
“In the East Battalion we stick together,” DeYoung Jr. said.
His father has been a long-time leader for the Clarendon Fire Company, earning respect and admiration in the community, said Fire Chief Bob Freida.
“He’s an outstanding person who wouldn’t think twice about helping someone else in the community,” Freida said.
Holley firefighters had the idea for the boot drive today. In this picture Harris Reed, Holley’s assistant chief, accepts a donation.
Harris Reed, front, and Holley firefighter Jim Papponetti work together at this intersection on Route 31.
Update 4 p.m.: Holley Fire Department officials say the boot drive raised $2,710 for DeYoung and his family to help pay for costs not covered by insurance.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Former fruit grower has served many organizations
Bruce Krenning
ALBION – It started when he was about 30. Bruce Krenning joined the Lyndonville Board of Education. For the past four decades he has volunteered his time and talents, helping organizations meet challenges and prepare for the future.
After Lyndonville, Krenning joined the Albion Board of Education. He and his family moved from Lyndonville to Howlett Road in Albion so he could operate his own fruit and hog farm. His BOE colleagues picked him to serve as Albion’s president.
He was active with the Orleans County Farm Bureau and about a decade ago served as vice president of the state-wide organization with 30,000 members.
Community members also reached out to him to serve on the board for Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital. He is in his third year as chairman, helping the organization through a time of change.
“He has given us the leadership that we needed,” said Patricia Fox, a hospital board member for nine years. “He is a phenomenal person when it comes to running a board. He has led us through a very difficult time.”
The hospital, like many rural health care organizations, has struggled financially. Other small towns have seen their hospitals close or downsize.
File photos by Tom Rivers – Bruce Krenning, board chairman for Orleans Community Health, is pictured in June 2013 with Diane Bradley, regional clinical coordinator, and Mike Lieb, temporary CEO. Dolores Horvath would later be named OCH’s chief executive officer.
Orleans Community Health last year changed its chief executive officer, opened a new health care center in Albion and affiliated with Catholic Health in Buffalo, giving Medina access to specialists and other medical and surgical services.
“We’ve had some extremely difficult decisions to make,” Fox said. “Bruce is up for the challenge. He listens and he is thinking all the time. He draws us all in and we’re determined.”
The Chamber of Commerce is honoring Krenning tonight during its awards banquet for “Lifetime Achievement” for his service to the community.
Krenning, 71, grew up in Lyndonville and earned an economics degree from Cornell University. He and his wife Diane have four grown children and 12 grandchildren. Their son Adam is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for Albion Central School.
Krenning said he has been blessed with great mentors who encouraged him. He cited George Lamont of Albion, he gave Krenning a job when he was 21. Krenning also worked for Dennis Kirby and David Kast before starting Krenning Orchards in 1987.
He grew apples and peaches and also raised hogs. Francis Kirby and Pierson Root also were great mentors, Krenning said. Root, in particular, encouraged Krenning to become involved in Farm Bureau. Root told Krenning he had “a God-given talent to get along with people,” Krenning recalled.
“People respect him and trust him.
He is not afraid of an unpopular decision if it’s the right thing to do.”
Dean Norton, president of NY Farm Bureau
Krenning was elected to the state-wide board, representing several Western New York counties in the mid to late 1990s. That was back when the fruit sector didn’t have much of a voice on the state board. Krenning impressed Farm Bureau so much that they elected him vice president.
They did that after he was forced to exit farming. A Labor Day hail storm swept through the area in 1998, and decimated Krenning’s apple crop. Krenning and several other growers in Orleans County were forced out of business.
But Krenning wouldn’t give up on the agriculture industry. He saw the weakness of insurance programs for fruit growers. He teamed with Albion fruit grower Chris Watt and Larry Meyer, head of the Farm Service Agency in Orleans County, to craft a fruit insurance program that would become federal policy. Fruit growers now have protection should another hail storm wipe out their crop.
Bruce Krenning, president of the board of directors for Orleans Community Health, attended the Treasure Island fund-raiser last November.
Dean Norton, president of the New York Farm Bureau, said Krenning was “monumental” in getting the NYFB to support the insurance protection and secure backing from the federal government.
“He took those lemons after the hail storm and used it as an educational experience to help the farming community,” Norton said. “People respect him and trust him. He is not afraid of an unpopular decision if it’s the right thing to do.”
Since he left farming, Krenning has worked as an insurance agent with the Southcott Agency in Albion. He serves farmers and homeowners. One farmer in Niagara County recently received a $900,000 check, money that kept the farmer in business.
“The Labor Day storm tested our faith and resolve,” Krenning’s wife Diane said during an interview at their home. “You can either give up or move forward. In some ways it feels predestined because Bruce has been able to help other farmers get crop insurance. It’s changed the lives of so many people since then.”
As an insurance agent, Krenning works with farmers running varied operations. He remains closely connected to the industry.
Norton, an Elba resident, often calls Krenning, looking for his opinion.
“He is one of those people I continue to talk to and pick his brain,” Norton said. “He has been a mentor to me.”
Krenning said the roles on the boards are often demanding, especially the latest effort to make sure the hospital and Orleans Community Health remain viable for years to come. He praised his fellow board members for their determination to healthcare in the county.
“I’ve been fortunate that people trusted me and with that trust I can build relationships and with those relationships you can get things done,” Krenning said.
Photos by Sue Cook – Nathan Olmstead takes papers from Cole Spierdowis to put into the truck.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
ALBION – After 30 years, Albion Boy Scout Troop 164 is ending their monthly paper collection.
Every third Saturday, the Boy Scouts would collect newspapers from businesses and citizens in the Save-A-Lot parking lot, then makie collection stops to get large quantities. A large 18-wheeler would come from Pennsylvania to take their paper and put it to use as insulation for houses and animal bedding.
“It started in 1984,” said Troop Leader Jonathan Doherty. “Troop 167 started it, then it was Troop 48, then Troop 60, now 164, but it ends today.”
Troop Leader Jonathan Doherty helps with carts while the boys load the trucks.
The collection has come to an end due to the busy schedule that the Boy Scouts have in their own lives. Many are unable to make time on Saturdays due to commitments to family activities, sports and other functions. The troop of about 40 ranges from age 10 to 18, though most of the scouts are 11 years old.
“We just can’t get help on Saturdays,” Doherty said. “We can only get a couple to help. It’s sad, but what can you do? We’re going to do two big fundraisers for the year, so that way there’s money for the activities.”
Troop Leader Karen Williams added, “It’s sad to see the paper drive go because it’s been going on over 30 years. It’s a sure sign of the electronic age and people’s lives getting busier where they just don’t have time to spread themselves out for volunteer work.”
From left: Nathan Olmstead, Cole Spierdowis and Sammy Williams load papers on the last day of the paper drive.
The troop is currently uncertain if they will continue their pop bottle collection. They are considering having an account at a local redemption center to allow the public to drop off bottles any time.
Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith
KENDALL – A Kendall man is dead, apparently after being accidentally pinned underneath the lawn tractor he was working on.
The incident occurred at a private residence in the 16900 block of Roosevelt Highway (State Route 18) and was reported to Orleans County 9-1-1 at about 4:20 p.m. Kendall Fire Department first responders found Stephen C. Ergott, 62, pinned under the machine and already deceased.
Upon investigation it appeared that Ergott had used the forklift on a larger tractor to lift the lawn tractor and suspend it off the ground so he could do maintenance on the under-side. At some point the lawn tractor apparently slipped off the forklift and fell to the ground, pinning Ergott underneath.
The on-scene investigation was conducted by Deputy R.M. Flaherty, assisted by Deputy J.J. Cole, Sergeant D.W. Covis, Investigator D.E. Foeller Jr., and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan. That investigation has since been joined by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office in Rochester.
Staff Reports Posted 19 September 2014 at 12:00 am
The Orleans County Democratic Committee is keeping its leadership team. The Democrats met on Wednesday and re-elected Jeanne Crane to serve as the party chairwoman.
Other leaders, all re-elected unanimously, include: Tracy Jennings, vice chairwoman; David Green, vice chairman; Agnes Recco, secretary; Sandra Walter, treasurer; and Janice Grabowski, elections commissioner.
The Democratic Committee is looking for members for town committees in Ridgeway, Yates and Murray.
The group also will be seeking candidates for next year’s town and county elections.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Todd Sargent, a Village of Albion Department of Public Works employee, runs a roller over new asphalt that was down this morning on Depot Street in the village.
Village of Albion and Orleans County highway crews were out today paving Depot Street. This street was added to the village inventory last November. It runs along a railroad depot, north of the railroad tracks between West Academy and North Clinton streets.
Greg Rosato of the County Highway Department fills the county’s paver with road material.
Staff Reports Posted 19 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided photos
The seventh annual Patriot Trip, which includes about 100 people, reached the nation’s capitol today and many local veterans and their friends and family toured war memorials.
In the top photo, the group is pictured in front of the Vietnam War Memorial. The trip is arranged by State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, and his staff.
Hawley is pictured at the National Museum of Marine Corps with Rose Schlegel, left, Robert Ballard, Dorothy and Ed Morgan of Murray, and Hawley’s chief of staff, Eileen Banker of Albion.
Vietnam veterans Deborah Longer, left, and Linda Andersen are pictured at Women’s Vietnam Memorial with Hawley.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Don Nagle, a World War II veteran, are pictured with a TBM Avenger 39 plane. Nagle was an air crewman responsible for radio-radar. He helped pilot with bomb bays and tracked torpedoes to let pilot know when to drop bombs.
U.S. Rep. Chris Collins joined the group at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Ed and Lesley Carney tour the American History Museum. The trip continues until Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Former bait shop owner in Gaines says SAFE Act deserves public support
Photos by Tom Rivers – Al Capurso and his wife Christine have two signs in their front yard on Route 279 in Gaines that show their support for the state’s gun control legislation known as the SAFE Act.
GAINES – About a week ago Al Capurso put up two lawn signs, both in support of the SAFE Act.
That might not seem newsworthy, but Capurso might be the first Orleans County resident to make such a public declaration of support for the state’s controversial gun control law. Capurso sees many “Repeal the Safe Act” signs, and he knows all of the elected town, village and county boards in Orleans have passed formal resolutions, calling for the law’s repeal.
Many of the law’s opponents see it as an attack on the Second Amendment’s Right to Bear Arms. Capurso doesn’t see it that way.
“I don’t believe the framers of the Constitution foresaw a citizens’ arms race where they have to get bigger and faster guns to feel safe,” Capurso said today. “A citizens’ arms race is not the Second Amendment.”
Capurso, a long-time sportsman who owned a bait shop for more than 20 years, said the anti-Safe Act voices don’t acknowledge the good with the law, mainly a restriction against magazines with more than 10 bullets. (The law, passed in January 2013, first limited it to seven bullets, but was overruled in a court challenge to a 10-bullet limit.)
Capurso also worked in the mental health field, retiring as an intensive case manager at the Orleans County Mental Health Department. He supports background checks and the pistol permit process. He supports the 10-bullet limit so madmen can’t fire off numerous rounds before reloading.
“Extremist” vices have dominated the SAFE Act discussion locally, Capurso said. He would like to see the public consider other viewpoints, and respect people with differing views.
Paul McQuillen of Buffalo is the Western New York coordinator of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. He sent Capurso one of the signs in support of the SAFE Act. Capurso hand-painted the other one, which says “Keep S.A.F.E.”
McQuillen says a “silent majority” supports the SAFE Act and efforts to rein in gun violence. He gives out many of the organization’s signs, although he said they are often stolen from front lawns.
He pointed to a Sienna College poll in March that showed the majority of the state by a 2 to 1 ratio backs the SAFE Act. In New York City, the law has about 75 percent of the public’s support. In Upstate New York, a slight majority opposes the law, according the poll.
Capurso would like to see the public, including local elected officials, offer constructive criticism of the law, looking for ways to make it better rather than roundly rejecting it.
“There needs to be another side of this story told besides the extremist point of view,” Capurso said. “I’m not seeing a voice of moderation out there. The pendulum is swinging so far to the extreme. They’re afraid the government might come get their guns and that’s nonsense. They’re afraid the bogeyman will come get them.”
Capurso also took issue with the anti-Safe Act message that proclaims those supporters as “true patriots.” Capurso considers himself a “patriot” who supports the Second Amendment and “common sense” gun laws.
“I respect people’s rights to have signs in their yard,” he said. “I would defend that to that hilt. But I don’t have to agree with them. That’s what being an American is about: You have the right to speak out.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – A fire this morning on Phipps Road ruined most of a home, forcing a family with five young children to seek temporary shelter.
ALBION – A family with five children lost most of their possessions after their home was badly damaged in a fire today at 13576 Phipps Rd.
Lisa and Christopher McGuire lived at the house with their five children as well as Mrs. McGuire’s aunt. No one was hurt in the fire, but they lost nearly all of their material belongings, said the couple’s niece, Chelsea Christopher.
The Red Cross is providing temporary shelter for the family at Dollinger’s Motel. Christopher is seeking clothing donations, as well as diapers, wipes and food. People are welcome to contact her at 585-590-1246 by text or through her Facebook page if they want to help.
The fire started in a stove and spread through the house, with flames reaching the second floor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A visitor at the office for Orleans Hub and the Lake Country Pennysaver created a stir today. Many of the long-time employees at 170 North Main St. can’t recall a tree frog (if that’s what this is) camping out on the wall of the building.
It’s been an interesting year with wildlife on the move with the all of the Snowy Owl sightings in the winter and the two black bears spotted this summer in the county. Now you may find a tree frog nestled at your workplace.
Update 8:54 p.m.
A reader sent a message to say this frog is either a gray tree frog or a Cope’s gray tree frog. The only way to tell for sure is to listen to the frog’s call. The Cope’s gray tree frog has a faster-paced and slightly higher-pitched call than the gray tree frog.
Staff Reports Posted 18 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Brandon Blount-Carpenter
CARLTON – Brandon Blount-Carpenter, a local wildlife photographer, has been intrigued by gray tree frogs the past couple years. He has pictures of them in different colors, including the light green one in the top photo and the gray one below.
“If you handle one it will literally change color right in front of you,” he said. “When they are excited they turn that bright green color.”
Blount-Carpenter sent in these photos after seeing the one on the Orleans Hub of a frog camping out along an office wall outside at the offices for Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver at 170 North Main St.
Blount-Carpenter took the top photo in the spring 2012, with the second photo taken this past spring. Both were taking outside by his house in Carlton.
This picture was taken last September.
Blount-Carpenter also has rescued some gray tree frog tadpoles and put them in garden ponds.
“On warmer nights in the spring summer and fall, you can hear them singing. It’s like a chorus out here at night.”
Staff Reports Posted 18 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided photos
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley is leading 100 veterans and their family members on the seventh annual Patriot Trip. The group had a busy day of travel, but did stop in Gettysburg.
Veterans, including John Hucknall of Albion, sitting in center, visit Little Round Top at Gettysburg. These rocky hills are the site of an unsuccessful assault by the Confederate troops against the Union on July 2, 1863.
This bronze statue shows Gen. Kemble Warren, the Union general who fought off the Confederates during the Battle of Gettysburg. He is known as the “Hero of Little Round Top.”
The Patriot Trip is heading to the nation’s capitol to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for the laying of the wreath ceremony for Korean veterans, the Pentagon, and a Sept. 11 Memorial. The group will also meet with Hawley’s son Cooper, an attorney with the Republican National Committee.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2014 at 12:00 am
SUNY Fredonia – A lecture hall in the new Science Complex at Fredonia State College will be named the Kelly Family Auditorium after a gift to the project from Medina native, Dr. Jeffery Kelly.
MEDINA – A Medina High School graduate who has become a prominent organic chemistry researcher is helping his alma mater, Fredonia State College, build a new science complex.
Dr. Jeffery Kelly graduated from Fredonia in 1982. He then earned his doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina in 1986.
He heads The Kelly Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute, one of the world’s largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. The SRI employs about 3,000 people in La Jolla, Calif. and Jupiter, Fla. Kelly works out of the campus in La Jolla.
Kelly also owns two pharmaceutical companies, said his mother, Janice Kelly-Mack of Medina.
“He’s done very well,” she said. “He’s worked very hard.”
Dr. Jeffery Kelly
Kelly returns to Fredonia and Medina three or four times a year to visit family and friends and to attend Fredonia board meetings. He is on the college’s board of directors.
He will attend the Oct. 17 ribbon-cutting for the new 92,000-square-foot science complex, a $60 million project. Kelly donated to have the 120-seat auditorium named for his family. The Kelly Family Auditorium is among many rooms in the new science center that won support from alumni and friends of the college in Chautauqua County.
The Kelly Laboratory discovered the first regulatory agency-approved drug that slows the progression of a human amyloid disease, and has made other breakthroughs.
Kelly was recognized with a Fredonia Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award in 2000. He has won numerous awards for his research, including in 2012 when he was the winner of the Murray Goodman Memorial Prize for Biopolymers and the Ralph F. Hirschmann Award in Peptide Chemistry from the American Chemical Society.
