By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2014 at 12:00 am
CARLTON – The town has hired an Amherst firm to collect data on 2,400 properties as part of an effort to update the assessments.
GAR Associates Inc. will be paid $68,000 to visit every property in town. GAR won’t be going inside the houses and buildings, but the firm will be making note of swimming pools, additions, sheds, garages and property improvements, Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said today.
The town is working to update its assessment records so accurate and fair values can be designated for the properties. A year ago Carlton was engulfed in controversy when new values for properties were assigned. Residents packed the Town Hall to complain about some of the big increases.
Residents also complained some properties were under-assessed. The town’s records didn’t show all the structures and improvements at some properties with low assessments, town officials said.
The Town Board chose not to re-appoint its assessor and worked out an arrangement with Kendall to share its assessor, Gene Massey.
The board also voted to freeze the assessments at 2012 levels, rather than allow the big increases to take effect. The board voted again to keep the 2014 data at the 2012 numbers, unless there has been an building project at a property.
The Town Board will meet with GAR on April 4, and the firm will present its action plan for the coming months. Besides going door to door, the firm is planning two or three public meetings with residents, Ashbery said.
The updated property data plus the experience of Massey should ensure accurate assessments in the future, Ashbery said.
MEDINA – This 1890s Queen Anne style house was located on East Center Street in Medina.
For many years it was the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert J. Richards. He was for decades the leading professional photographer in Medina. A.J. Richards lived from 1868 to 1949.
In the early 1970s this house and one west of it were torn down for a super market, leaving the Richards’ house site for a parking lot.
The present business located there is an Ace Hardware. A Jubillee grocery store was at the site prior to the Ace Hardware.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – I’ve been wanting to get a picture of the little waterfalls by Community Action in Albion for many months. This one is hard to get at. But with a fresh dusting of snow on the ground, I decided I needed to make my move today.
At about 5:45 p.m., I descended the Sandy Creek embankment and laid eyes on the creek as it rushes through a culvert under East State Street.
It’s another nice spot in Orleans County. I don’t know the history behind the stone building. It looks like it’s from the mid-1800s. Maybe it was a mill long ago.
Sandy Creek passes under the Erie Canal not far from here and heads north.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Editorial
Town officials from Ridgeway and Shelby have come out strong in the past two weeks, blaming the village of Medina for doing a poor job of keeping residents apprised of a possible village dissolution.
The two towns have used taxpayer dollars to send out a mailer offering “facts” about the dissolution. This mailer went out right before the village election and helped elect two write-in candidates over incumbents who favored looking into dissolution.
The two towns have an ad on Orleans Hub, promoting “Cares and Concerns” hotline. Residents are encouraged to “record your questions and concerns about the proposed dissolution of the Village of Medina.”
They have two Facebook pages – “Medina Dissolution Facts”and “Dissolution Facts” – devoted to dissolution, offering to take all questions and provide answers that are not forthcoming from the village.
The towns have criticized the village for not being more public about the dissolution meetings and documents, but yet the hotline is a private line and the questions can only be seen by the towns. The Facebook pages only seem to allow public posts from the towns’ point of view. Medina Andrew Meier posted on the page but his comments were taken down. So was a story from Medina Journal-Register reporter Howard Balaban. He checked with the state, which said promised state aid for a dissolution was a sure thing, forever. That is about $650,000 in extra state aid annually to the community. The towns took down the link to Balaban’s article.
The towns owe it to the community to say who is running this page. Are the five members from each Town Board united in every comment? Or is one town official managing the site? Or is someone being paid to run the pages?
And why aren’t comments allowed to stay on the page, especially from the village mayor who is seeking to offer the village’s side of the story? The towns proclaim these sites are a forum, but they seem very one-sided, with the towns trying to control the information.
That is no way for a democracy to function, especially when people – according to the towns – are hungry for “facts” about the dissolution.
Better yet, the towns should put out their plan for what would happen with a village dissolution. Town officials have been dismissive of the entire dissolution process, saying studies are a waste of money because the two towns don’t have to follow the Dissolution Committee’s recommended plan. Well, Shelby and Ridgeway Town Boards, what exactly is your plan?
Village residents very well could vote later this year to dissolve the village, and then it will be up to the towns to plow village streets and provide some services. The Dissolution Committee has tried to come up with an orderly dissolution plan for fire, police, water, sewer and other services. Ridgeway and Shelby have only said they don’t have to follow this plan.
The towns claim the public has been left in the dark about dissolution, but the meetings have been heavily covered in local media. The Center for Governmental Research has a trove of documents on its web site about the dissolution process so far.
The village and the Dissolution Committee are planning public hearings after a dissolution plan is voted on the Dissolution Committee. The towns are blaming the committee and village for not presenting a plan that has not yet fully taken shape.
The towns are trying to undermine the village’s elected leaders, to make them appear they are running a clandestine operation.
The towns for years have paid little attention to the village, despite village residents accounting for about half the population in the two towns.
Village residents pay a $16.45 village tax rate. If you have a $70,000 house, that is a crushing tax bill for about $1,150 in June. The village residents also get hit with a town tax bill in January. The Ridgeway rate is $3.10 per $1,000 and Shelby taxes village residents at a $3.42 rate.
Village residents also pay a $23.85 rate to the school district, a $10.11 rate to the county and a $1.30 rate to the library. The combined tax burden for village of Medina residents is the highest in the Finger Lakes region.
The Village Board is trying to do something about a tax burden that overwhelms many residents, the senior citizens on fixed incomes and families trying to live in Medina.
The Town Boards owe it to the community to weigh in with solutions and ideas for reducing that tax burden. That would make for a lively Facebook page.
New York State has selected a new high school equivalency test called Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) to replace the General Education Development (GED) as the primary pathway to a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma, effective Jan. 2, 2014.
The TASC will be aligned to the Common Core Standards over the next three years, increasing in difficulty each year.
“The TASC is very different from the GED exam that we have given since 2002,” said Susan Diemert, adult literacy coordinator for Orleans-Niagara BOCES. “It measures examinees’ levels of achievement relative to that of graduating high school seniors, and readiness for college and the workforce.”
The test was developed by CTB/McGraw-Hill and is now available on paper or online. The TASC is composed of five sections including math, reading, writing, science, and social studies.
“The GED exam was primarily a reading comprehension test – if the student had good reading and math skills, then he/she could probably pass the exam. The TASC now requires the individual to have knowledge of basic social studies and science content and advanced math skills,” Diemert said. “Adult students will now have to learn facts about government, historical documents, American history, and World history for social studies. The science section will require the student to have prior knowledge in the areas of biology, chemistry, and earth science.”
All five sections are different and will become increasingly more difficult through 2016.
Orleans-Niagara BOCES Adult Literacy program is one of 13 districts throughout the state to give the TASC online. We are the only district that has multiple sites, four in total throughout Niagara and Orleans counties.
“Students can take the exam online in one of our computer labs or on paper at scheduled times,” said Jessica Bush, chief examiner for the TASC. “Due to the more difficult nature of the test, we recommend that individuals take a Readiness Practice Test. The Readiness Practice Test is half the length of the actual test and determines the student’s ability to pass it.”
Orleans-Niagara BOCES is offering preparation classes at 14 different locations including Niagara Falls, Lockport, North Tonawanda, Sanborn, Albion, and Medina. A student may start class at any time. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available. Classes are free to any Niagara or Orleans resident.
“We do not recommend that anyone take the TASC without proper preparation,” added Diemert. “We have TASC preparation classes throughout Niagara and Orleans counties that specifically teach the skills needed to pass the test.”
Anyone who took the GED exam and failed any section of it prior to Jan. 1 can carry over the passing scores for two years and re-take failed areas. GED scores will expire on Dec. 31, 2015. The student can combine the passing GED scores with the new TASC scores to obtain a high school equivalency diploma.
To obtain further information on anything related to high school equivalency or for a schedule of Readiness Practice Test sessions, please call Susan Diemert at Orleans-Niagara BOCES, 1-800-836-7510 or 731-4176 ext. 3003.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2014 at 12:00 am
ALBION – A Rochester man who was sentenced to 15 years in state prison on March 3 for robbing a bank in Albion was back in Orleans County Court today.
Jeremy Rothmund was arraigned for second-degree assault, a charge that could result in seven more years to his prison sentence.
While an inmate in the county jail, he allegedly injured a corrections officer on Oct. 16. Rothmund is represented by the public defender’s office. He entered a not guilty plea today.
Orleans County Court Judge James Punch arraigned Rothmund, who is now an inmate at the Elmira Correctional Facility. He is due back in county court April 7 for his next court appearance.
Rothmund, 30, admitted in previous court appearances he robbed the Bank of America on July 2. He said he was trying to feed a heroin addiction.
Photos by Megan Rosato, FFA Reporter – FFA President Sara Millspaugh, left, reads “Who Grew My Soup?” to an elementary classroom on Thursday, which was Ag Literacy Day. She was joined by FFA member Mackenzie Luft.
By Kellie O’Hearn, Albion FFA Vice President
ALBION – Ag Literacy Day was this past Thursday on March 20. Ag Literacy Day is celebrated every spring by educating members in the community about agriculture.
The Albion FFA made a point to celebrate the day by reading and educating every second grade classroom in the Albion Elementary School. Fourteen FFA members and FFA officers visited seven second grade classrooms.
The FFA members read “Who Grew My Soup?” a short story about Phineas Quinn who needed to know where all the vegetables in his soup came from. The story taught the second graders that in order for them to get all their fresh produce and food, there is an entire agriculture process involved.
The students then learned about the five food groups and why each is important. They colored cut-out hands with the five groups, as a reminder to eat a balanced diet and stay healthy. Students learned plenty about how agriculture works and the processes involved in getting their families not only fresh food but also other essential items.
This group of Albion FFA students spread the word on Ag Literacy Day, sharing the story, “Who Grew My Soup?”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – The Albion Free Methodist Church kicked off its third spring Run for God program this afternoon, a 12-week program that concludes with the June 14 Strawberry Festival 5-kilometer race. The group started from the church at the corner of Platt and East State Street and went on the Erie Canal Towpath, covering about 2 miles, alternating between walking and running. Pictured, the runners include Jeff Joslyn, right, and his friend Greg Staines.
The group is selling T-shirts for $25 in honor of Wayne Burlison, who helped start the running program through the church. Burlison, an Albion elementary music teacher, is in the hospital battling colon cancer.
Matt Reamer, a Run for God veteran runner, is back training for another 5k with the group. Reamer ran a half marathon with some of the group members in the fall 2012.
ALBION – They trained for a marathon together and became good friends. Brian Krieger and Wayne Burlison wanted to share their sport and faith with the Albion community.
Two years ago they started a Run for God program, which over 12 weeks gets someone ready for a 5-kilometer race. Krieger and Burlison are both members of the Albion Free Methodist Church.
They weren’t sure how many people would participate in the program two years ago. Besides walking and running, the program includes devotionals, tips on avoiding injuries and stretching advice. The group also takes prayer requests. The program culminates at the Albion Strawberry Festival race the second Saturday in June.
That first year, about 40 people in the program ran the race. Krieger and Burlison finished the race and ran back to encourage other runners in the homestretch of the 3.1 mile journey.
Last year about 80 people joined the effort in Run for God, with participants ranging in age from 6 to 82. Burlison wasn’t quite feeling up for running during the 12 weeks, but he joined the group on the course, riding his bike and offering encouragement.
Burlison is now in the hospital, fighting colon cancer. He works as the elementary band teacher at Albion. He became a running promoter in the community after he lost more than 150 pounds in 2008 through exercise and better nutrition.
Today, the third Run for God kicked off and the participants were thinking of Burlison. This time Krieger has several people helping to run the program. One of Burlison’s friends, Bert Gallmon, had shirts designed that say, “Run for Wayne.” They are for sale for $25 and the proceeds go to the Burlison family. For more information on getting a shirt, contact Krieger by email at krieger44@verizon.net.
The church’s pastor, Randy LeBaron, also is running in the program this spring. He sees the camaraderie among the participants as one of the big draws. People can alternate running and walking at their own pace. Typically they form groups of similar-paced participants, and many get together for their two mid-week runs.
“This is a different kind of fellowship,” LeBaron said.
The church embraced the program in 2012 partly to support LeBaron, who had just lost his parents to illnesses. Eleven of the Run for God participants kept running after the Strawberry Festival race, and ran the Mighty Niagara half marathon in October 2012. LeBaron was one of the participants then.
“People want to live healthier and they enjoy the camaraderie,” he said.
LeBaron was thinking of Burlison often today, while about 30 people covered about 2 miles from the church to the Towpath and back. LeBaron was impressed with the turnout for the first day, given that it was only about 20 degrees out.
“This is something I can do to run with Wayne again,” LeBaron said.
The group meets at 2 p.m. every Sunday at the Free Methodist Church. Burris and Krieger welcomed everyone to come and try. They admitted it can be difficult at first, but it gets easier as the sessions go on and people build up their endurance.
Krieger shares a running tip and today he offered this quote from running guru George Sheehan: “Every one of us is an athlete. The only difference is that some of us are training and some are not.”
‘This is a departure from the mall culture’ – Lynne Brundage
Photos by Sue Cook – Lynne Brundage stands among the items in her shop. She said it would be impossible to describe all the items for sale in the store since there is a huge amount of variety.
By Sue Cook
MEDINA – A store that opened in August quickly outgrew that space in downtown Medina and expanded to its own store front last month.
ellen j goods was originally set up from August until December inside Rock Paper Salon, but Lynne Brundage knew the business needed to expand. Lynne and her husband JR rented a first-floor space at 433 Main Street in Medina. The store opened there on Feb. 1, the same day as Wine About Winter. ellen j goods celebrated its grand opening March 14-16.
The Brundage couple both buys and restores old, vintage items for the shop. They take items that are generally pre-1970 and repair and often repaint them.
“We have always had a passion for repurposing and redecorating. We love to give new life to something that people would normally discard,” Lynne said. “We select pieces that there’s a comfort in them. They’re not high-end antiques, but more like vintage-modern and remade items.
“We love your grandmother’s furniture,” joked JR.
The store interior was left purposely unfinished to create an urban style that complements the vintage pieces. “It feels right to let those layers of history show through,” Lynne said.
The couple chose to open their business in Medina with all the good reception they received during their initial opening inside Rock Paper.
“This area is having a renaissance,” said Lynne. “We’ve raised families here. I think it’s coming back full circle, too, back to small, hometown, independent, little businesses. We’ve had customers from Buffalo, Lancaster, Brockport, and more. We think this is an example for other communities.”
Lynne still works full time in Compliance and Incidence Management at a local agency. JR is an independent contractor. The couple hopes that their business will lead them into a sort-of retirement where they will be doing what the have always dreamed of in operating their own business.
Lynne stated that her husband has been a huge support in the process of opening her own business. “He’s brilliant,” she said. “He can do anything, and he gets it. He gets my vision. He also settles me down a lot since I have a lot of impulsiveness and creativity. He also makes my coffee every morning.”
ellen j goods is located at 433 Main Street in Medina. The sign out front was approved with its protruding element of a single white chair.
Lynne and JR both repurpose items, but despite their styles being similar, they are also very different. JR makes items that are more masculine and simple. Lynne is much more of a free creative. “I’m not afraid to decoupage an entire table,” she said.
JR has always been very impressed with his wife’s fearless style. “Our house always tends to be ahead of the publications. She knows what trends are before or as they are happening.”
The store name is even a play on words. It is a combination of the couple’s first initials. L and J, when said in a quick flow, turns into ellen j. Lynne put the word “goods” on the end and the store name was born. She opted to keep the name lowercase to add uniqueness and felt that it was adorable that way.
The shop space is full of antiques that have been left untouched, while other pieces have been given a modern facelift or have been paired with stylish accessories.
Lynne is currently working with Kelsie Withey and Michael Gaughn who are opening a new marketing company in the Newell building above the Shirt Factory. Lynne will provide interior decorating for the space using pieces from her store.
“We each want to do something different,” said Gaughn. “She has what we’re looking for in both directions.”
Gaughn will be setting his office up in a way that is reminiscent of a late 1920s to 1940s detective noir.
“I want something bohemian and lofty. I want it cozier, like Greenwich Village,” Withey said.
“It’s going to be fun and interesting,” Lynne said of the project, as she showed them pieces that would appropriate for each office space.
Lynne said the store also provides custom work besides just premade items available in the shop. She also plans to hold classes once her space is fully prepared for it. The classes will offer opportunities for people to learn easy things that Lynne insists anyone can do. She would like to start with a basic furniture makeover.
The store is currently open four days a week. The hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. To learn more, visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Now that the harsh winter is finally over, work has begun at a site that is targeted to be home for a new Dunkin’ Donuts in Albion. This photo was taken from Platt Street, looking west.
The Environmental Construction Group of Albion is first working on asbestos at the warehouse. Demolition should start next week and is expected to take two to three weeks, said Ron Vendetti, the village code enforcement officer.
When the site is clear, Dunkin’ can start work on a 2,000-square-foot store at 153 South Main St., between Tim Hortons and the railroad tracks. The new store would have 30 seats inside, 46 parking spaces, a 230-square-foot freezer next to the building, and a drive-through lane that could accommodate 10 vehicles.
The property will have exits on both Main and Platt streets. JFJ Holdings of North Andover, Mass., is the developer for the project.
Vendetti said the company has not yet applied for a building permit. He expects construction to start in April or May, with the store opening in late summer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BROCKPORT – Sister Diana Dolce of Rochester, right, was the keynote speaker during Friday’s banquet for the Care Net Pregnancy and Family Center, which is based in Albion. She is greeted by State Sen. George Maziarz and his wife Beverly.
Maziarz in 2007 sponsored Dolce as “Woman of Distinction.” She was honored in the state capitol.
Dolce founded Hope Hall in the Town of Gates in 1994 to provide an opportunity for “at-risk” children to become successful lifelong learners. Serving grades 2 through 9, Hope Hall offers a non-threatening, creative atmosphere built on core values and beliefs, including integrity, respect and compassion. Dolce serves as the school’s principal.
Denise Burris of Albion, right, picks up a painting she won in an auction at the banquet. Care Net staff Joceyln Wilson, left, and Sharon Sugar handle the sales for the silent auction.
About 300 people attended the Care Net banquet at Brockport State College. The center is based in Albion in the former Lipton’s office at 111 West Ave., across from McDonalds. The center offers pregnancy testing, fetal development information, limited ultrasounds and testing for the sexually transmitted infections chlamydia and gonorrhea.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Janet Husung greets people at a scholarship benefit today in honor of her daughter Lisa. The community contributed 120 baskets of gifts that were auctioned off to raise money for a scholarship that will be given out annually at the Medina, Albion and Roy-Hart school districts.
MEDINA – A big crowd from Medina, Albion and the Roy-Hart communities turned out today for a benefit to establish a memorial scholarship for Lisa Husung.
Lisa’s family and friends worked to raise $12,000 for the scholarship, with $200 awarded annually to a graduating senior at Medina, Albion and Roy-Hart school districts. Lisa’s mother Janet believes they met their goal.
Lisa, 23, was close to earning a master’s degree at the University of Buffalo to become certified to teach reading and English as a Second Language. Her life was cut short on Jan. 2 when she died from complications from Lupus.
Lisa’s parents, Janet and Carl, thanked the community for the turnout and support for the scholarship.
“It’s phenomenal to see everyone having a good time, celebrating her life,” said Mr. Husung, a high school reading teacher at Roy-Hart. Growing up, Lisa helped her father with the AYSO soccer program both in Medina and Roy-Hart.
Lisa Husung’s brother Greg, center, joins a group on the dance floor at Medina Theatre.
Businesses and other community members donated 120 baskets that were raffled off at Medina Theatre, which was also available rent-free for the benefit. Mrs. Husung is a kindergarten teacher at Albion. Fellow teacher Patrick Holman performed a magic show and another teacher Jeff Radder volunteered to be the DJ for the benefit.
Another family friend, Dave Viterna, rocked on the stage. About 200 T-shirts were sold that said “Love for Lisa.” The shirts were designed by Lisa’s sister Sharon. The shirts were the color purple for Lupus and included the symbol for Lupus, a butterfly.
“She was so sweet and very loving,” said JoAnn Gerbig of Cazenovia. She made a 160-mile trip to be at the benefit with her husband Ben. Mrs. Gerbig was Lisa’s babysitter about two decades ago.
“When we heard about this event there was no question we’d be here,” Mrs. Gerbig said at the Medina Theatre, where more than 300 people gathered to dance, bid on baskets and celebrate Lisa’s life.
Lisa attended school at Albion until the fourth grade. She graduated eighth in her class at Medina in 2008. She was an honor student despite early struggles learning to read.
The scholarship at Albion and Medina will go to a graduating senior who needed academic intervention services, or who is an ESL speaker or a refugee. In Roy-Hart the scholarship will go to a student pursuing the teaching profession.
Albion teacher Jeff Radder volunteered as DJ at the benefit today. He had Lisa as a student in 1999-2000, his first year as a fourth-grade teacher in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – There were 23 teams at Medina today, showcasing their creativity and problem solving during a regional Odyssey of the Mind Tournament.
In the photo above, students on the Roy-Hart Middle School Team are interviewed by judges and asked to explain different pieces in their presentation about “The Not So Haunted House.” The students needed to have four special effects and a surprise ending as part of the 8-minute presentation.
The Roy-Hart team members shown include from left: Jenna Klino (with the green hair), Aaron Bacon, Jeffrey Lovewell and Will Rickard.
This was the 33rd annual Odyssey of the Mind regional competition. Medina has hosted the event the past six years.
Teams participated at elementary, middle and high school levels. The following schools sent teams: Medina, DeSales Catholic in Lockport, Niagara Wheatfield, Lockport, Roy-Hart, West Seneca and Lancaster.
The winning teams advance to the state competition on April 12 in Binghamton.
Medina High School’s team gets ready to compete in the “The Not So Haunted House,” one of five problems teams attempted to solve on the day. Medina’s team includes, from left: Aeddon Cayea, Sarah Granchelli, Madeline Winters, Nick Bogan, Kristian Snyder and Martha Gardner.
Medina High School’s team gets ready to compete in the “The Not So Haunted House,” one of five problems teams attempted to solve on the day. Medina’s team includes, from left: Aeddon Cayea, Sarah Granchelli, Madeline Winters, Nick Bogan, Kristian Snyder and Martha Gardner.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Bruce Landis
ALBION – It may not feel or look like it, but spring is here. Bruce Landis has evidence: some snow drop flowers. He took this picture by his photo studio on Ridge Road in Albion on Thursday, the first official day of spring.
Spring is off to a cold start with flurries and temperatures barely above freezing. On Sunday, the temperatures will again plummet to a winter-like high of 20. On Monday, the National Weather Service says it will only reach a high of 23.
