news

Lakeside Karate students participate in fundraising tournament

Posted 14 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Contributed photos

Press Release, Lakeside Karate

HILTON, NY – Lakeside Karate students have a smashing outcome Sat., May 10, 2014, at the Sensei Jim Grafe Memorial Karate Tournament held in Hilton, N.Y. This Karate tournament donates a portion of its proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has done so since its inception over 12 years ago. The tournament honors the memory of Sensei Jim Grafe, who was an inspirational Karate Teacher who changed many karate students’ lives before his untimely passing in 2002.

The students of Lakeside Karate in Lyndonville practiced for many months to sharpen their martial arts skills for this competition and the hard work was rewarded. If you happen to see one of the students please congratulate them on their personal achievement.

Margaret Klotzbach placed First in Girls Novice Clicker Sparring and placed 2nd place in Girls Novice Kata.

Emma Maynard placed 2nd in Girls Novice Creative Board Breaking. Connor Bell placed First in Boys Novice Kata, Second in Boys Clicker Sparring and First in Boys Novice Creative Board Breaking.

Sensei George F. Kiefer tied for First Place in Advanced Men’s Power Brick Breaking.

For further information you can visit www.lakesidekarateny.com.

County switches to upgraded radio system on May 28

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION Two weeks from today Orleans County will transition to a new $7.1 million emergency communications system. The “cut-over” is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 28.

At that time, the county will switch from a 22-year-old analog system to a digital system. There will be better reception and coverage throughout the county, said Paul Wagner, the county’s emergency management director.

The project is adding three new transmission towers – at Route 31A by the Clarendon highway garage, in Albion on Countyhouse Road by the Emergency Management Office and in Shelby on Route 31A by the Medina water tank. That will improve coverage, especially at the outer edges of the county where there have been gaps and unreliability in reception.

Firefighters and police often voice complaints about drops in coverage at the eastern and western ends of the county.

The emergency communications system includes 1,100 radios for police, firefighters, Probation officers and other emergency responders. The project includes 390 new radios while the others are being reprogrammed for the new system.

The upgrade also includes emergency communications equipment at the dispatch center and a backup location. Wagner said the analog system will continue as a standby in case there are any glitches with the new system.

Gilbert Creek in Gaines/Carlton will be dedicated on May 24

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2014 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – A historical marker on Ridge Road, next to the Gaines Carlton Community Church, honors pioneer settler Elizabeth Gilbert.

GAINES – The federal government last month approved naming a creek that runs from Gaines to Carlton for a pioneer settler along Ridge Road.

Al Capurso has been working on the effort to name “Gilbert Creek” for more than a year, researching the issue and lining up the needed government support. He is planning a May 24 dedication of the creek at noon at the Gaines Carlton Community Church. There will be a reception with music and comments from local historians and dignitaries.

The creek begins from feeder sources south of Route 104 near Brown Road. It then marries Proctor Brook in Carlton, and then flows into the Oak Orchard River.

Early settlers liked to build log cabins close to a source of water. Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert and her family chose the north side of Ridge Road, building their home where there was a rise in the land.

The cabin is long gone, but a historical marker notes the pioneering efforts from Mrs. Gilbert, one of the first settlers on the Ridge between Monroe and Niagara counties. Her husband died in 1808, leaving her to raise the children, and tame the nearby wilderness.

Capurso wanted to name the creek and recognize the pioneering efforts of Mrs. Gilbert.

Capurso said it meets three standards for naming a creek: The feature is currently unnamed; The stream has an independent and distinct source of flow; and it is historically significant.

The Bureau of Geographic Names last month approved naming the waterway “Gilbert Creek.”

Capurso is working on a wooden sign that will match the one for Proctor Brook. Capurso said the Gilbert Creek sign will blend in with Cobblestone Society Museum, which includes eight historic structures near the routes 98 and 104 intersection.

E-cigarettes shouldn’t be viewed as ‘healthier’ nicotine

Posted 13 May 2014 at 12:00 am

By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for the Orleans County Health Department

You may have been hearing and seeing a lot about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or ‘vaping’ lately. There are so many mixed messages both in print, on television and through social media.

The manufacturers of e-cigarettes are marketing e-cigarettes as a “healthier” way to get nicotine. Unfortunately, they neglect to note that nicotine in any form is a poison.

E-cigarettes are a battery-powered nicotine delivery system using flavored vapor. They are designed to allow users to mimic the ritual of smoking a cigarette while inhaling nicotine.

Some may think e-cigarettes are safer than smoking a cigarette, however there are no clear studies to show this. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not currently approved e-cigarettes as an effective method to help smokers quit. Initial studies have shown that the actual amounts of nicotine and other additives do not always match the labeling.

The long-term health effects of using electronic cigarettes are unknown. Detailed laboratory tests do suggest these products contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals to which users could be exposed. E-cigarettes also release secondhand vapor (not smoke) that can be seen and smelled.

Producers of e-cigarettes add various additives including flavors that include candy or fruit flavors which may be enticing to children. The potential for this becoming a gateway for youth to become addicted to nicotine is great.

Because of the marketing the manufacturers are using many think this is a harmless alternative to regular cigarettes. This is not true. Any products designed to deliver more than a trace amounts of nicotine can lead to addiction.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there is a rapid rise in the increase of e-cigarette-related calls to poison centers. In September of 2010 there was generally one call per month about poisoning from e-cigarettes. In February 2014 the average is 215 calls per month to poison centers across the nation. The number of calls involving regular cigarettes did not show a similar increase during the same time period.

More than half of the calls to poison centers due to e-cigarettes involved young children under age 5 and about 42 percent of the poison calls involved people age 20 and older.

Liquid nicotine is a poison and can be very hazardous when swallowed (ingestion), inhalation or absorption through the skin or eyes.

New York State law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to youth less than 18 years of age. It is important to remember nicotine is a poison and to e-cigarettes and the cartridges with the nicotine liquid out of reach of children and handle them carefully.

If you think someone may have been poisoned by liquid nicotine, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, your health care provider or if the person is unconscious, 9-1-1 for medical assistance.

4 adults honored for service to youth

Posted 13 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

HOLLEY – Four adults who have shown a commitment to helping youths were honored last week during the Orleans County Youth Board 32nd Annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

The Helen R. Brinsmaid Memorial Youth Worker Award was presented to Alan Lee Dillenbeck and Merle “Skip” Draper. That award goes to adults in a paid position whose work exceeds normal expectations.

The Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award was presented to Elisa Casey-Robinson and Leanne Serrato for their volunteer service with youths.

Dillenbeck

Alan Lee Dillenbeck is the athletic director and dean of students at Lyndonville High School but contributes to the youth of the community in many ways.

Lee has dedicated both his working and personal life to the youth in the small Orleans County Village where he and his family of five reside. Over the past several years, Lee has run two volunteer programs for the children of Lyndonville.

From December to February, he runs a Youth Basketball Program where he provides coaching, mentorship, and guidance to residents ages six through twelve. Lee ensures that all children are treated equal as they focus on key skills, sportsmanship, and civility relative to basketball and athletics in general.

Lee also leads the Youth Soccer Program in the summer. From registration to scheduling, coaching and officiating, Lee provides skills-based instruction that emphasizes cooperation, teamwork, and grace in both defeat and victory. Lee’s time and expertise provide the students with a precious opportunity that would not otherwise exist.

Draper

Merle “Skip” Draper of Medina is employed as Corporate Business and Community Liaison for Iroquois Job Corp. He also serves them as a mentor. Skip is compassionate and has a true gift of influencing the students and guiding them to be amazing individuals.

His energy he puts toward advocating and working for the students of Job Corp is boundless and carries over to this private life. Skip takes every opportunity in his community to give a person a chance and works to make sure that “chance” is successful.

The students truly respect Skip and have a sense of trust in him. Skip also arranged for the painting class at the Iroquois Job Corp to come in and paint the town offices. He also brought the students in on occasion to show them different things going on in the town. He also has brought two or three youth to the Orleans County Fair for the Supervisor and Legislators Association picnic.

Skip is the one to get these students out into the world to show them what it is all about. Skip has a magnetic personality and kids just love him. He is a true role model for the youth today.

Casey-Robinson

Elisa Casey-Robinson of Kendall spends her spare time helping others. Although she has a busy life working and raising three children, she is one of the best Catechists. She keeps the children focused, has taught them faith, their prayers and introduced them to the Bible, the saints and the sacraments.

Elisa also bakes for the parish functions and leads a breakfast team and a coffee hour team. She collects food for the local pantry and is instrumental in obtaining turkeys and hams for the holiday baskets for the poor. At Christmas time, Elisa sets up an angel tree to make sure needy children get something for Christmas.

Elisa and her husband also coach their children’s sport teams. The greatest volunteers are the ones who do it just for the love of others and they do it quietly, not looking for praise and recognition. The town of Kendall is blessed to have a person like Elisa. The best volunteers teach others, which is what her mom did for her and what she is doing for her children.

Serrato

Leanne Serrato of Albion gives a new meaning to the word volunteer. She devotes her time and energy to the participants at the Holley Youth Center when she is there. She is energetic and enthusiastic in everything she does which is replicated by the children.

Leanne spends time with each individual child to get to know them and once she determines their needs, she does her best to accommodate them. She works hard to resolve issues the children may be having.

Leanne is always researching the newest trends in nutrition and health to ensure she is providing the children with the tools to live healthy lifestyles. She also provides tutoring services to the youth as needed because she believes education is important regardless of age.

The children at the Youth Center love when Leanne is there, as she treats each child as if they were her own. She find ways to get the children interested in the activities she has planned out for them and also encourages the children to participate in volunteer projects.

Leanne is reliable and always picks up extra volunteer hours to ensure the Youth Center can stay open in the absence of an employee. Leanne also participates in many community projects herself, such as creating the float for the holiday parade, volunteering at the children’s carnival in Albion and raising awareness for breast cancer at the walk at Watt’s Farm. Leanne is a wonderful person and truly cares about each child in the community.

New location, same big turnout for blood drive

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – About 100 people have already committed to giving blood today at the American Red Cross blood drive. That is the typical big turn out for the blood drives in Albion.

In the photo above, Albion Town Justice Gary Moore gives a “Double Red” donation at the Elks Club. Red Cross officials were a little worried that shifting the blood drive location from the American Legion on Main Street to the Elks Club on West State Street would result in fewer donations.

But that doesn’t appear to be the case today. Donors said they like the new location with its air-conditioning and cleaner feel.

Red Cross volunteers Jean Smith, left, and Anita McCarthy welcome donors and sign them in. The blood drive continues until 7 p.m. today. Walk-ins are welcome.

The American Red Cross moved the collection site to the Elks Club because the Legion is being purchased by Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which will turn the site into the Main Street Store, a thrift shop currently in the downtown.

Moore has been giving blood regularly for about four to five years because he said the blood “helps people.”

In this photo, Penny Brown of Albion gives blood. She is assisted by donor specialist Laura Domrzalski.

Red Cross officials said the Albion community has many long-time dedicated donors such as Brown.

Beth Schmidt has been giving about every two months for the past decade.

“I don’t have a lot money so I give blood,” said Schmidt, a former Red Cross board member.

Sue West of Waterport has been giving regularly for 40 years, starting when she worked at Kodak.

“It’s an easy thing to do and it makes you feel good,” she said.

FFA plants apple trees at land lab

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion FFA planted 560 apple trees this afternoon, with some help from three local farmers. Sarah Millspaugh, the FFA president, is seated in the planter.

The trees cover about a half-acre of a 5-acre “land lab” that started two years ago along Clarendon Road. After using the land for corn, the FFA decided to diversify.

Sara Millspaugh is seated in the planter. Other members of the crew, clockwise from Millspaugh, include Megan Rosato, Vivian Rivers, Adam Kirby, Adam Krenning, Steve Nesbitt and Jayne Bannister.

They planted Honeycrisp and Fuji trees that were donated by Nesbitt Fruit Farms.

The trees are spaced about 2 1/2 feet apart. They will be in a high density spindle system. It will take about four years before they bear a mature crop.

FFA alumnus Adam Kirby disked the field earlier in the day, ot break up clumps of dirt and to get more air in the ground. Steve Nesbitt worked with the students to make sure the trees were planted at a 90-degree angle and the dirt was tamped down.

FFA Advisor Adam Krenning, left, and Albion apple grower Steve Nesbitt discuss tree planting strategy at a field by Clarendon Road. Barry Flansburg is behind the steering wheel.

Barry Flansburg drove the tractor and FFA advisor Adam Krenning also worked with the crew of students that included Sara Millspaugh, Megan Rosato, Jayne Bannister and Vivian Rivers.

Most of the land lab will continue to be used for corn. Some of the ground will be devoted to pumpkins.

The trees were spaced 2 1/2 apart. They should bear a full crop of apples in about four years.

Gun groups join effort to register voters

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Two groups that are proponents of Second Amendment rights are working together to register gun owners as voters and get them out to the polls.

The Shooters Committee on Political Education has been around for about four decades while the New York Revolution just turned a year old. The two are joining forces for the NYS Second Amendment Coalition, an initiative that seeks to unseat Gov. Andrew Cuomo as governor and support other candidates who “support and defend the Constitution of the United States, including the Second Amendment.”

The two groups say gun owners often don’t register to vote because of a perception that the state is dominated by downstate residents.

“We could have a big impact but only 20 percent of registered gun owners vote,” said Mattie Zarpentine, WNY coordinator for NY Revolution.

There are about 6 million gun owners in the state and they outnumber the registered voters in New York City, which has about 4.8 million eligible voters, she said Monday evening during a meeting at the Vets Club in Albion.

The new Second Amendment Coalition has set a goal to sign up 50,000 people in a voter pledge where they register to vote, go to the polls on Nov. 4 and support candidates who oppose the SAFE Act and support the Second Amendment. The new coalition begins the voter pledge by saying it is the duty of Americans “to take responsibility for the future of my country and my state.”

Two state-wide SCOPE leaders were in Albion on Monday at the Vets Club meeting. Stephen Alstadt is president of SCOPE and Harold “Budd” Schroeder is SCOPE’s board chairman.

SCOPE is planning a July 12 event in Albion at St. Mary’s Athletic Club on Moore Street. Conservative talk show host Bob Lonsberry is scheduled to attend the rally. He will be joined by State Sen. George Maziarz, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone, County Legislator Don Allport, NYR leader Gia Arnold (a State Senate candidate against Maziarz) and other SCOPE officials.

“It will be our Constitutional and voter registration rally,” said Don Irvine, the vice president of SCOPE in Orleans County.

For more information on the new coalition, visit www.scopeny.org.

19 youths honored for service to community

Posted 13 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

HOLLEY – The Orleans County Youth Bureau recognized 19 Orleans County youths last week at the 32^nd annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

The honorees were nominated by community members. The youths have all committed themselves to helping with community causes.

The following were honored during the banquet at Hickory Ridge Country Club:

Fauzia Aujan, 20, Lyndonville High School

Fauzia is a volunteer for Project Life in Waterport and spends countless hours working with youth that are facing similar situations to the one she encountered as a young girl. She helps teach English, makes pottery with children and chaperones field trips. Fauzia is a great role model for the students showing that it is possible to preserve and achieve in the face of difficulties. Fauzia is a conscientious, caring young lady with unbelievable perseverance.

Parent(s): Idris Salih and Stella Gresham-Salih

Nominator: Jeff Kingsbury, School Counselor

Jayne Bannister, 16, Albion High School & Orleans-Niagara BOCES

Jayne raised money for Roswell Cancer Park Institute by agreeing to shave off her long hair in return for donations. Jayne did this with her sister because their father was recently treated for cancer at Roswell and they wanted to give back to the organization that took good care of him. Jayne had hoped to raise $1,000 but was able to surpass that goal and raise $3,250! Jayne is an outstanding young woman.

Parent(s): Roger and Christine Bannister

Nominator: Kara Kirk, Orleans-Niagara BOCES Counselor

Justin Behrend-Jones, 16, Kendall High School

Justin is a junior member at the Kendall Volunteer Fire Department. For the second year, Justin has been recognized for making the most calls during the calendar year. He has training every Tuesday night for at least two hours to acquire fire prevention knowledge and skills. Justin is always the first to volunteer to help fellow students at Skills USA Night event which is a fundraising project for students to compete in their respective career areas against all other students in the state.

Parent(s): Vangie Behrend and Douglas Jones Sr.

Nominator: Daniel Boyler, Monroe 2 Orleans Teacher

Bradlee Driesel, 17, Albion High School

Bradlee is a regular volunteer with the Barre Fire Company where he has participated in responding to fires and with the emergency medical services. Bradlee also helps the department with controlled burns and regularly volunteers to help with the parades, taking the trucks to schools, and he is very active with the Boy Scouts. Bradlee is very proud of his work with the fire department.

Parent(s): Karl and Susan Driesel

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Lydia Erakare, 18, Albion High School

Lydia has been heavily involved in her community and in her school. She has been the president of her class for four years and is an active member in various clubs at school. Lydia has served as a Peer Mentor for several years and assists with the Special Olympics. She has been active in churches, Vacation Bible School and Sunday School Programs where she uses her musical and acting talent to assist with services. She is also a volunteer with the Albion Main Street Alliance, and helps with fundraisers and organizing kid events.

Parent(s): Jan-Mikael Erakare and Maarit Vaga

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Michael Hinkley, 17, Medina High School

Michael is a dependable member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Department and has been recognized by the fire company as one of the top ten firefighters for responding to emergency calls. He has completed his Firefighter 1 Course while maintaining his school responsibilities and working construction for Barden homes periodically. Michael has also completed his coursework for his Certified First Responder Certificate which allows him to take part in EMS calls. He also is very helpful at home! Michael is a mature and hardworking young man.

Parent(s): Megan and Steve Wolter

Nominator: Mrs. Bronwyn Green, Fellow Fire Company Member

Aaron Ierlan, 18, Holley Central School

Aaron is one who graciously dedicates his time to his peers and to his teammates. Aaron takes on leadership within his wresting team by informing them of cancellations, make up dates and other general information. Aaron is always encouraging and motivating his younger teammates. He volunteers at the Holey Youth Wrestling Club and has also helped to raise money for food banks in Holley. Aaron also joined the Clarendon Fire Company after he turned 14 and works at many fundraising functions associated with the fire company.

Parent(s): Fredrick Seeman and Melissa Ierlan

Nominator: John J. Grillo, Teacher/Coach

Emily Klimack, 16, Holley Central School

Emily has been volunteering for her church for over a year where she mentors younger children and is a role model for peers. She spends Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings helping with a program that reaches out to children from difficult home situations. At school, Emily has volunteered to keep score at wrestling matches and maintains good relationships with her teachers and counselor. Emily is a positive influence at school. Emily also plays a big role at home by helping her mother and brother.

Parent(s): Donna Tadeo

Nominator: Darlene Moore, Associate at Church

Allison Knapp, 18, Kendall High School

Allison has been a peer mentor for several years and volunteers her time to several young students that are struggling. She has an amazing ability to the younger students and is always willing to go above and beyond. Allison is a great role model for others. She is a part of the Leo’s Club, National Honor Society, band, tennis, volleyball, track and softball. She also works at Browns Berry Patch and volunteers at the community kitchen at the Christ Church in Albion.

Parent(s): Christopher and Dawn Knapp

Nominator: Mirkam Bauer, Counselor

Kourtni Mietlicki, 18, Albion High School

Kourtni is committed to excelling in school and in her community. She is in the top ten of her class and hopes to one day become a history teacher. Kourtni is regularly helping with cheerleading camps and volunteers with her cheerleading squad teammates at school activities. She is also an assistant coach for t-ball and has also helped with the annual Ghost Walk. In addition, Kourti volunteered her time helping at a triathlon to raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital.

Parent(s): Aaron and Christine Robinson

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Daniel Mofardin, 18, Lyndonville High School

Daniel is deeply involved in his community church and it is through this involvement that he contributes to the larger community where he participates in a lot of community service. Beyond his involvement in faith based community service, he has also involved in Lakeside Karate for the past nine years where he has earned his brown belt black stripe. He has volunteered hours doing demos highlighting the benefits of karate. Daniel has achieved the delicate balance of strong academics, extracurricular involvement, and community service.

Parent(s): Gracijano and Tatiana Mofardin

Nominator: Jeff Kingsbury, School Counselor

Gaje Papponetti, 15, Holley Central School

Gaje has taken on the responsibility by volunteering his time and his technical expertise to write a program that allow for more information to be shared daily through the TV monitor in the main foyer at school. This program now shows the time, class period, weather, and the daily announcements. Pictures of various activities throughout the school year are also displayed on the TV Monitor. Gaje has patiently instructed the administrators on how to utilize the program and to update the information. Gaje’s commitment is greatly appreciated.

Parent(s): James Papponetti and Cheryl Servais

Nominator: Susan Cory, Principal

Elizabeth Pearson, 18, Kendall High School

Elizabeth is very involved in her church and her school community. She is a member of her church council, youth group, ski club, marching band and concert band. Elizabeth is also a Girl Scout and is completing her Gold Award. At church, Elizabeth participates on her church softball team, works at Vacation Bible School and helps her Pastor with youth groups. Elizabeth is an ideal student when it comes to volunteering her time to help with clubs, organizations, and her community.

Parent(s): Terry and Vern Pearson

Nominator: Lindsay Hammer, School Counselor

Kelsey Schmitt, 17, Albion High School

Kelsey is a driven student who has always looked to better herself while being actively involved in her school and community. She has been a team captain for the school’s soccer and softball teams and has also been active in the FFA while assisting in organizing the 2013 State Convention. Kelsey also volunteers after school as a math tutor for sixth graders. Outside of school, Kelsey has completed countless hours of community service working at the local community kitchen and assisting with soccer and softball camps.

Parent(s): Kurt and Cathy Schmitt

Nominator: Eric Christiansen, Guidance Chairperson

Emily Skehan, 18, Holley Central School

Emily has been involved with activities and volunteer work since a young age. Currently, Emily works at the school store assisting other students with skill development and social interactions. She is a red blood donor, Girl Scout, and volunteers with the Big Brother/Big Sister Program along with scorekeeping for JV and Varsity Girls Basketball teams. During the Holiday season, Emily assists with Holley’s Christmas Drive for needy families. Emily’s work ethic is extraordinary and rare.

Parent(s): Roderick and Beth Skehan

Nominator: Kristina Mack, School Counselor and Coach

Joseph Velez, 15, Medina High School

Joseph is extremely active in wrestling and has spent many hours working diligently with the younger students in our intermediate/elementary school assisting in helping them to develop skills in the area of wrestling. He has amazing work ethic which has helped him to move forward in the classroom and be a positive role model for his peers.

Parent(s): Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Velez

Nominator: Sarah Ha, School Counselor

Caelan Welch, 17, Kendall High School

Caelan is extremely involved in the school community. He participates in Masterminds, Model U.N., student council, Leo’s Club, and Spanish Club. Caelan is also a Varsity Athlete and has earned a sectional title in Cross Country and has participated in tennis and track and field. He is also the President of National Honor Society and Leo’s Club, the secretary of Student Council, and the treasurer of band. Caelan is a peer mentor and a member of the Youth Board and Youth Court.

Parent(s): Brian and Luci Welch

Nominator: Lindsay Hammer, School Counselor

Olivia Welch, 17, Kendall High School

Olivia is extremely involved with the school community. She participates in the Science Olympiad, Leo’s Club, the volleyball and softball teams, along with being the treasure for her class for four years and a member of the National Honor Society. Olivia is also a peer mentor and volunteers her time to help young students. She is always the first one to sign up to help out at events and goes above and beyond. Olivia also is a Girl Scout and is completing her Gold Award.

Parent(s): Brian and Luci Welch

Nominator: Lindsay Hammer, School Counselor

Alexa Wolf, 17, Kendall High School

Alexa is a very dedicated member of her community. In her free time, she is an active member of her church and selflessly donates her time to help younger children. She also works with them as a positive role model, serving as a church-school teacher. Alexa is an active member in band and has given her time to play at local nursing homes and has also visited elementary school students to encourage them to play a musical instrument. Alexa works at the school blood drives and also participates in the annual Spring Walk which benefits local organizations.

Parent(s): Richard and Angela Marie Wolf

Nominator: Gretchen Rosales, Teacher

Murder trial again postponed

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2014 at 1:25 pm

Miller’s lawyer granted more time to review evidence

ALBION – A murder trial that was scheduled to start this morning after two delays has again been postponed.

Robert King, the defense lawyer for Frederick Miller, filed a motion to review evidence that District Attorney Joe Cardone recently sought to add to the prosecution’s case. Cardone filed an amended indictment and King requested time to explore the evidence and alleged proof.

Orleans County Court Judge James Punch opted this morning to delay the trial so King would have time to file a motion about the amended indictment. He has until next month to do so. There may or may not be hearings set then before the judge sets another trial date.

“These cases are extremely issue-ridden,” Cardone said at about 1 p.m.

Miller, 62, of Carlton faces 25 years to life in prison if he is convicted of killing his girlfriend Rachel Miller on March 4, 2013. Mr. Miller allegedly bludgeoned and stabbed Rachel Miller several times. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

The trial was first delayed when Miller switched attorneys from the public defender to Robert King of Rochester. It was delayed again when King in March filed paperwork for a psychiatric defense, claiming Miller subjected to emotional abuse by his live-in girlfriend.

But King withdrew that defense when Miller refused to meet with a psychiatrist. Orleans County Court Judge James Punch on April 28 said he was forced to preclude expert psychiatric testimony because Miller is refusing to cooperate.

Albion band remembers ‘Mr. B’

Contributed Story Posted 12 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided photo

ALBION – The Albion Marching Band made its season debut on Saturday at the Lilac Festival in Rochester. The band is wearing decals in memory of Wayne Burlison, the assistant marching band director who died from colon cancer at age 36 on March 26.

Burlison taught elementary music at Albion for 12 years and also was involved with the marching band, jazz ensemble and pit orchestra.

This year the band’s show is “Love.” Burlison arrnaged the first number in the band’s routine set to “Somebody to Love” by Queen.

Saturday’s parade wasn’t a competition. It was a 3-mile parade that is a good experience to start the season, said Mike Thaine, the band director.

“It’s a huge crowd for the whole length of the parade,” he said.

The band has about 80 students. Thaine said they performed with heavy hearts on Saturday for Burlison, but also with excitement in wanting to honor him.

Lyndonville drops interim title from elementary principal

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Kathleen Stewart brings administrative experience to job

Photo by Tom Rivers – Kathleen Stewart in November started as interim principal at Lyndonville Elementary School. The Board of Education hired her on a permanent basis last month.

LYNDONVILLE – When the elementary school principal left for a new job in November, the Board of Education brought in veteran school administrator Kathleen Stewart to fill the position on an interim basis.

Her predecessor, Patrick Whipple, was hired by the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership to serve as Director of School Improvement. GVEP works with 22 component school districts in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties.

Stewart has proven a good fit for Lyndonville. Last month the Board of Education voted to drop the interim title and make her job permanent.

Jason Smith, the district superintendent, worked with Stewart previously at Elba Central School, another small school district. She was the director of curriculum and instruction for seven years before that position was eliminated in budget crunch about two years ago.

“Mrs. Stewart has demonstrated a commitment to Lyndonville, our students and our programs since her arrival here in November,” Smith said.

A selection team reviewed Stewart and favored her leadership style and experiences, Smith said.

Stewart has worked as a school administrator for about 20 years, starting in Dunkirk and then North Tonawanda before going to Elba.

The job of a principal has changed with more requirements for teacher evaluations and standardized tests. But Stewart said the core mission of the position remains.

“A big part of the job is making sure you have the best teacher in front of the kids,” she said.

She worked with Smith to secure a new state grant that will bring in resources to help students struggling academically. The grant funds professional development for Lyndonville staff to brainstorm intervention strategies for students.

Stewart also has worked with parents to revive the Parent-Teacher Association. After being idle for a year, the PTA now has more than 40 members.

“The more parent involvement, the better the student success,” Stewart said. “They will work with teachers with before- and after-school activities and fund-raising. They build a stronger sense of community.”

The elementary school has about 625 students in grades Pre-k through 6. Stewart has worked in larger districts. She prefers a smaller school.

“You get to know the kids and staff a lot easier,” she said.

She marvels at the school setting by Johnson Creek.

“It’s a beautiful campus with the pine trees and the water,” she said.

Quarrymen use steam engine to haul stone from Medina

Posted 12 May 2014 at 12:00 am

By Bill Lattin
Orleans County Historian

MEDINA – In this late 19^th Century photo we see a number of men who worked at the McCormick Medina Sandstone Quarry.

Notice the steam tractor is hauling a thick slab of stone. This quarry was located by the canal at the Bates Road bridge which shows partly in the right hand background.

Hundreds of boat loads of stone were shipped from here each season when the Medina Sandstone industry was at its peak.

New look for building that will become Mexican restaurant

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
Miguel Jimenez and his family spent Mother’s Day in Albion painting 33 North Main St. Jimenez is working to turn the site into “ El Gallo” – Spanish for “The Rooster.”

He hopes to open the Mexican restaurant soon. He also will have a food truck to take to events and other nearby locations.

The building has been mostly vacant for about two decades and has needed extensive renovations. Besides new paint, the building will also have an awning.

Miller murder trial begins today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A murder trial that has twice been delayed will finally begin today with jury selection.

Frederick Miller, 62, faces 25 years to life in prison if he is convicted of killing his girlfriend Rachel Miller on March 4, 2013. Mr. Miller allegedly bludgeoned and stabbed Rachel Miller several times. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

The Millers allegedly had a fight on March 4 at a home they shared on Oak Orchard River Road. Rachel Miller was 53 when she died as a result of blunt force trauma combined with multiple stab wounds, according to an autopsy.

Jury selection begins at 10 a.m. today in the county courthouse.