news

Kendall residents and officials state opposition to Troutburg tax breaks

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata (back to crowd) stands and tells Jim Whipple, chief executive officer of the Orleans Economic Development Agency, that Cammarata opposes any property tax breaks for a residential project along the lake at a former Salvation Army Camp.

KENDALL – Town officials and residents maintained their opposition to $227,000 in tax breaks for a residential project at a former Salvation Army Camp along Lake Ontario.

The Wegman Group wants to develop a 400-cottage community to be called The Cottages at Troutburg. Construction has started on a few of the cottages. The developer has requested a 10-year tax plan that would shave $227,777 off the tax bill for the 126 acres and the existing structures. The new cottages are not part of the tax break plan.

“I’m not in favor of it,” Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata said during a public hearing this evening. “They should pay their taxes like everyone else.”

About 50 people attended a public hearing at the Kendall Junior-Senior High School this evening. The Orleans Economic Development Agency also had a hearing on Jan. 15 about the Troutburg proposal when residents criticized the tax abatement plan. The EDA board is scheduled to vote on the tax incentives on Feb. 14 at 8 a.m. at 121 North Main St., Albion.

There were 11 speakers at today’s public hearing and they all opposed the tax breaks. The plan would give the Wegman Group 100 percent off of the taxes for the first year on a $1.3 million assessment.

Each following year another 10 percent of the tax bill will be added until the full amount is billed after 10 years. The developer would get a $41,414 tax break the first year and would then pay $4,141 the second year with another $4,141 added until it’s at full value. The school district accounts for 54 percent of the tax bill, followed by the county at 32 percent, and the town at 14 percent.

The agreement would require the developers to pay $186,363 in taxes over 10 years on the land, with the new cottages boosting the tax base. If it’s fully built, the site could increase the tax base by about $30 million.

Town Councilman Bruce Newell would like to see the tax incentives only offered once the Wegman Group meets targets for the project, such as when the staff is hired for 13 jobs, or when there are 50 cottages, and then 50 more. With each benchmark met, the developer could get 5 percent off the taxes, Newell suggested.

He would prefer the company pay the full shot of taxes.

“It’s the principle,” he said after the hearing. “It’s corporate welfare. Why would you do that when you have the economic conditions that we have in Orleans County?”

Resident Kim Gillett said the Wegman Group should pay its fair share of taxes. She said the cottages and land already seems to be assessed at a discount, compared to the big tax bills for other homes along the lakefront. She said her tax bill for a 1,300-square-foot home along the lake is $6,000 a year.

“It’s outrageous that the Wegman Group would trade goodwill with the town, their civic responsibility, and the support of a generation of school children for a mere $41,000 per year,” Gillett said. “It’s even more disheartening that the EDA board seems to think this is a good deal for this community. Let the Wegman Group joyfully pay their fair share and be satisfied that they’ll get a lot for their money.”

Medina Winterguard takes third at Orchard Park

Posted 3 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Group has several performances in February and March

Provided photos – The Medina Winterguard members competed in Orchard Park on Saturday and finished in third place.

The Pony Guard includes fifth- and sixth-graders.

Press release
Medina Marching Band

MEDINA – The Medina Winterguard, which is part of the Medina Marching Band program, competed at Orchard Park on Saturday in the Scholastic A classification, and took third place (63.57) out of four in that class.

The Winterguard season began in November with auditions and practices. The Varsity Guard includes 25 students in grades 7 through 12. This year’s show is “Dance of the Dolls” with music selections by Shostakovich, Adele and the Hollywood String Orchestra.

Winterguard is under the direction of Jim Steele and Cheri Pritchard. The show was designed by Vincent Monacelli and Kristen Costa, choreographed by Costa and Matt Winans, and instructed by Diana Baker. Winans and Baker are both Medina graduates.

The Winterguard performance schedule is Feb. 15^th at Liverpool, Feb. 22 in Medina, March 1 at Lancaster, March 8 at Marcus Whitman, and March 22 at Holley, with the championships on March 29 at Brockport State College.

The Pony Guard consists of 34 students in grades 5 and 6 and their show this year is “Roar” with music selection by Katy Perry. The show is designed, choreographed and instructed by Patti Page, also a Medina graduate. This group will perform at Medina’s home show on Feb. 22.

Pizza shops are ready for some football

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Super Bowl makes for hectic day at pizzerias

Photo by Tom Rivers – Brian Christiaansen, owner of the Mark’s Pizzeria in Albion, gets ready for the onslaught of orders later for the Super Bowl. Christiaansen also owns the Mark’s Pizzerias in Medina and Newfane.

ALBION – The biggest game of the year is also the busiest day for many local pizzerias. They have all of the employees working today, preparing pizza and chicken wings, with a fleet of drivers ready to make deliveries.

“It’s like cooking the Thanksgiving dinner for everybody,” said Ken Printup, owner of Uncle Sal’s Place in Albion.

With nearly two decades in business in Albion, Printup said he and his staff of 17 employees have the frantic pace of the Super Bowl down to a science, doing prep work and managing the kitchen to get the orders out for the game.

“The first few years we did half as much as we do now, but there was twice as much chaos,” he said. “We’ve got it down now.”

The Super Bowl is his biggest day, followed by Thanksgiving Eve and then Halloween, Printup said.

At Mark’s Pizzeria in Albion, employees and owner Brian Christiaansen started at 9 this morning, after a busy day on Saturday prepping for today. Christiaansen has his entire staff of 27 working in Albion today, including 14 delivery drivers. He also owns the Mark’s sites in Medina and Newfane.

“This is by far our busiest day,” he said. The action peaks between 4 and 7 p.m.

Dan Passalacqua, co-owner of Avanti Pizza in Albion and Medina, said Avanti is actually busiest on Halloween and Christmas Eve. But today will be huge.

“It’s all hands on deck,” he said. “It will have its challenges because everybody wants their pizza before game time. We’ll just keep going until the phone stops ringing.”

Denver QB looms large at Albion business

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – It’s a day away from the Super Bowl and one of the biggest stars of the game is hanging around Albion.

Peyton Manning, the Denver Broncos quarterback, is in Albion, greeting passersby. Lynn Bensley, owner of Xpress Fitness, is rooting for Manning and Broncos. She set up a display of Manning in the front window of her business at 116 North Main St.

Medina serves up wine, music and fun

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Schwenk’s Wine Cellars in Kent pours wine during today’s Wine About Winter, which sold out with 750 participants. Schwenk’s was in the basement of the Bent’s Opera House.

George Lama prepares to take a photo of a group that spent the afternoon at Wine About Winter in Medina. There were 26 locations offering samples of wine. The Medina Business Association planned the event.

The Medina Theatre hosted three bands for Wine About Winter, including the Moon Hunters. Evan Anstey of Middleport, left, leads the band in this song. He is joined by Dave Blumrick of Medina, center, and Zach Busch of Medina, right. Cort McKernan plays the drums.

Zach Busch, right, plays the guitar. He also sings and plays the trombone for the Moon Hunters. Other bands that performed today included The Capitals and the Mercury Blues Band.

Medina draws crowd with Wine About Winter

Posted 1 February 2014 at 12:00 am

750 sample wine from 26 locations in downtown

Photos by Sue Cook – John R. Smith pours Chocolate Obsession for a curious taster.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – Wine About Winter started out perfectly picturesque this afternoon as the snow fluttered down Main Street in Medina. The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone attending the event, either.

The wine-tasting event was a sell-out with 750 people going door to door at the 26 participating Medina businesses to sample wines from Orleans County and the Niagara region.

This group of women came out to experience the day together.

Della’s Chocolates was a popular spot and drew in consistent business. Owner Susan Fuller commented, “We’re having some newcomers and some repeat customers. It’s about fifty-fifty.”

Featured in Della’s was the Victorianbourg Wine Estate from Wilson, serving samples of a chocolate wine called Chocolate Obsession. John R. Smith, sales and event manager, said that the Medina Business Association paired him with Della’s and it couldn’t be a better day for both of them.

“The two liquor stores in Medina carry our wines,” he said. “They’re a pleasure to work with. This event is giving us good reception.”

Jerod Thurber, right, gave samples of Leonard Oakes’ Traminette, a dry wine. The winery wanted to offer a different flavor compared to the many sweet, semi-sweet, and semi-dry wines brought by other wineries.

Jerod Thurber of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina also holds a place on the Medina Business Association. He said that even though the event is a great reminder for locals about Leonard Oakes, it is much more beneficial to Medina merchants.

“It’s a way of spotlighting businesses,” he said.

Wine About Winter brings people back to downtown Medina who may not have been there in a while.

“It’s like a family reunion,” Thurber said.

Paul Schwenk, owner of Schwenk Wine Cellars in Kent, loves the attention that it provides for the area, even outside of Medina.

“There are a lot of people who don’t know where Albion is,” he said. “There’s also a lot of people who don’t know where Kent is.”

RG Lama Studios was in the basement of the Bent’s Opera House taking pictures of groups that wanted to capture the fun from the day using props such as giant sunglasses, blow-up guitars, and crazy hats.

“We are getting a mix of people who don’t know us, and this is a great way to spread word about our services,” Renee Lama said.

It was smiles all around for this group of happy wine samplers.

The businesses had to obtain a one-day liquor license for the event to allow a winery into their store. All of the wines are available for purchase at Main Liquor. Dianne Burns, store manager, said this is the busiest festival Main Liquor participates in each year.

“People look forward to it each year,” she said. “It gives you a chance to see what each store has to offer.”

Rock Paper Salon owner Yvonne Flores made a similar remark.

“This is an opportunity for anyone who would like to come in to who would feel awkward without making a hair appointment, or just aren’t comfortable walking into unfamiliar shops,” she said.

The Medina Business Association sold t-shirts to also commemorate the event.

Sebastian Bonk, employee of Just What The Doctor Ordered, said it was a great day for people discovering the shop, which has a small unassuming entrance, but inside is a large store with many upscale items to offer, including chic hats and beautiful furniture.

“This helps to spark business,” Bonk said. “It gets the energy up. It’s a great flow of people who give that great energy.”

The snowy start didn’t stop a large line from waiting in the cold for their event glasses.

Assembly Republicans offer alternative to Common Core

Posted 1 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assembly co-sponsors this week introduced the APPLE Plan.

Press release
Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) rolled out the Assembly Minority conference’s APPLE Plan to reform Common Core. The APPLE Plan, which stands for Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Learning Excellence, was created over the course of five months with the input of parents, students and teachers at 11 forums across New York.

“The Common Core mandates are a massive overreach of government power because they were implemented without the input of parents, students, and teachers or legislative approval,” Hawley said. “The APPLE Plan is our effort to rein in the Common Core mandates and restore sanity to our classrooms.”

The APPLE Plan includes:

Stopping the rushed implementation of the Common Core State Standards;

Providing funding for professional development;

Eliminating the Gap Elimination Adjustment;

Reducing the over-reliance on student testing;

Reasserting that an IEP is the supreme document for the education of a child with special needs; and

Requiring that parents must consent to any disclosure of student information to a third party.

“There is considerable anger about Common Core, so the people who are responsible for its implementation in our state need to take a hard look at our plan, and I’ll be making sure they do,” Hawley said.

Orleans trims high unemployment rate

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2014 at 12:00 am

County has fallen from 10.9% to 8.4% in year

The latest unemployment news from the state Department of Labor shows a marked improvement in the unemployment rate in Orleans County, compared to a year earlier. However, Orleans still ranks among the counties with the highest jobless rates in the state.

Orleans County had a 10.9 percent unemployment rate in December 2012. That fell to 8.5 percent in November 2013, and then to 8.4 percent last month.

The counties with the four highest rates include Bronx, 10.6 percent; Hamilton, 9.1 percent; Jefferson, 9.1 percent; and Lewis, 8.9 percent.

The following have the lowest unemployment rates: Tompkins County, 4.1 percent; Nassau, 4.8 percent, Putnam, 4.8 percent; and Rockland, 4.9 percent.

The state DOL report shows a growing private sector job count, up 109,900 from December 2012 to December 2013. The state’s unemployment rate was 7.1 percent in December 2013, which was down from 7.4 percent in November.

The unemployment rates for other rural GLOW counties include 6.1 percent for both Genesee and Livingston, and 7.3 percent for Wyoming.

Village leaders need to let Albany know about funding disparity

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Editorial

They showed up in force in Albany on Monday, in what has become known as the annual “Tin Cup Brigade.” Leaders of cities with big problems: shrinking tax bases and populations, and rising costs for pensions, employee benefits and mounting infrastructure needs. The mayors of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Yonkers and New York City all demanded more help from the state.

“Let’s make this the year that the state steps up to the plate when it comes to investing in public safety at the community level,” Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said at a joint legislative hearing about the state budget. “Let’s make this the year when we start to make our cities strong and truly livable again.”

The mayors painted a picture of despair – deteriorating neighborhoods and loss of businesses and residents – while also sharing hope that the cities would be stronger with more state funding.

They were hammering at the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities, a program that provides $715 million in state money to cities, villages and towns. The cities already get the lion’s share of that money – far more in per capita dollars than the towns and villages. (Click here for an Orleans Hub article on Monday detailing the disparity.)

‘The main problem for these villages is a state government big on lectures and mandates, with no money to back it up.’

Most small cities get between $100 and $200 per person. In villages of similar size, the per capita aid from the state generally ranges from $5 to $10. Big cities get even more per capita. Buffalo, the second biggest city after New York City, gets $617 per person.

Orleans Hub wrote about this glaring inequity on Monday. That was also the day the Assembly and Senate held the joint hearing in Albany about local government.

I’ve tried to find out why the cities’ per capita aid is so much more than villages, despite their comparable services and comparable problems. I still haven’t got any good answers.

But I think the main reason may be the mayors of the cities aren’t afraid to ask for the money. They go to Albany and demand it.

The same hearing on Monday didn’t include a mayor from a village. (Click here to see the list of speakers.) The city leaders also were on the radio and television, trying to make their case for more money. I don’t think the state legislators realize how unfair the state aid sharing is, and I don’t think they know the depth of distress in the villages. No village voice is heard in Albany, advocating for these places.

The big cities are led by professional politicians making six-figure incomes with huge staffs to draft speeches and line up media appearances. The villages have mayors who typically are working other full-time jobs. These mayors make less than $10,000 a year. They don’t have assistants. They drive themselves and don’t have security.

The state legislators should insist on hearing from some of the mayors from these upstate villages.

Warren, the Rochester mayor, noted that her city gets less per capita than others, including Buffalo. However, at more than $400 per person, Rochester gets far more per capita than the $6.41 for village of Albion residents.

I agree with this statement from Warren: “Let’s make this the year that we work together to come up with a needs-based AIM aid formula that provides equitable assistance to all.” That should apply to the villages as well as the cities, Mrs. Mayor.

Orleans Hub’s editorial on Monday detailed the unfairness in state aid per capita for cities versus villages. Small cities get far more than villages, despite functioning in largely the same ways. However, the cities get about 20-to-1 more in aid per capita.

Take the city of Salamanca, population 5,815. It gets $928,131 in state aid or $159.61 per person. The village of Albion, population 6,056, gets a measly $38,811 or $6.41 per person. The village of Medina and its 6,065 residents get $45,523 or $7.51 per person.

I’ve had trouble sleeping since discovering the state-sponsored discrimination against the village people over the weekend. I’m so angry and outraged about it, knowing that fair treatment from the state would have prevented some of the devastation in these upstate villages.

The state has been shafting these communities, leading to their demise. If the villages, many with full-time police and myriad of other services, were on par with cities like Salamanca, we would have much different places. They would be much healthier places with smaller tax rates, updated infrastructure and higher property values. It wouldn’t feel like these places are falling apart.

‘Fair treatment from the state would have prevented some of the devastation in these upstate villages.’

Many of those familiar with upstate villages will recall grander, more prosperous days. I often hear people reminisce about Albion as “the place to be.” Yes, we have lost major industries, and the loss of well-paying jobs has hurt these communities.

But the state’s feeble aid has been a dagger in the heart. It’s year after year of neglect and indifference. And the governor has the gall to lecture these places that he rarely sets foot in about controlling expenses and reducing layers of government.

The main problem for these villages is a state government big on lectures and mandates, with no money to back it up.

The Elks Club used to meet in downtown Albion a century ago

Posted 31 January 2014 at 12:00 am

By Bill Lattin, Orleans County Historian

The Albion Lodge No. 1006, B.P.O. Elks, was organized on Jan. 29, 1906. The organization’s club rooms and lodge were located on the third floor of what is now the Five Star Bank building on Main Street in downtown Albion.

This series of five interior pictures shows the Elks Lodge in 1910. The top photo shows the lodge room.

The Elks Club now meets at 428 West State St., the former recreation hall for the fire department.

The room with the billiards tables

The card room

The mission parlor

The reception room

Protestors again target ‘Squirrel Slam’ in Holley

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2014 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – A “Squirrel Slam” fund-raiser that drew national attention, and a record number of participants last year, will continue this year with the event scheduled for Feb. 22.

This is the eighth year the Holley Fire Department has planned the fund-raiser. The first six years there was no controversy. Last year, the Friends of Animals organization made stopping the event a mission, sending letters to the editor and press releases to the media.

The group showed up in Holley to protest the event, and worked with state legislators to draft legislation to ban animal-killing contests, bills that haven’t passed the Legislature.

“This is the second year FoAis challenging the Holley Fire Department to cancel the violent, regressive ‘Squirrel Slam,’” said Edita Birnkrant, FoA’s NY Director. “Our experiences protesting the event last year showed a sickening, gun-worshipping culture of adults, teenagers and children who celebrated the violence of mass animal killingcheering on the hunters as they waved fistfuls of dead squirrels in our faces and in the air, even plastered them on their cars, before they entered the fire house to weigh the corpses and win cash and gun prizes.”

Orleans Hub has reached out to Fire Department officials for about two weeks for comments about the Squirrel Slam, but hasn’t received a return call or text message. The department doesn’t highlight the fund-raiser on its web site.

The Daily News of Batavia reports today that the department doesn’t want to comment on the event this year. For more information, visit thedailynewsonline.com.

Friends of Animals will press state legislators to support bills introduced in the Assembly and Senate that would ban wildlife-killing contests.

“Coyotes, squirrels and crows are frequently targeted in New York State in killing contests,” Birnkrant said. “The need to pass pending legislation to ban wildlife-killing contests in New York couldn’t be more urgent.”

In the Holley competition contestants pay an entry fee and then go hunting for squirrels. Hunters as young as 12 can win prizes for biggest squirrels shot.

Animal rights activists protested last year and urged Holley to cancel the event. The Village Board and Fire Department let it continue and participation surged from the usual 250 to about 700. Outside police were brought in to help manage the protest.

2nd Troutburg hearing scheduled for Monday in Kendall

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 January 2014 at 12:00 am

EDA is proposing $227,777 tax break plan for project

KENDALL – Residents on Monday can chime in on a proposed $227,777 tax abatement plan over 10 years for the Cottages at Troutburg.

A hearing on Jan. 15 on the proposal drew about 75 people to a packed Town Hall. The hearing on Monday has been moved to the more spacious auditorium at the Kendall Junior/Senior High School, 16687 Roosevelt Highway. The hearing begins at 7 p.m.

The tax plan would save The Wegman Group $227,777 in taxes with the bulk of the savings in the beginning of the arrangement. That will help the developers with their cash flow during the capital-intensive early stages of the project, said Jim Whipple, chief executive officer of the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The tax abatement deal only applies to the land and the existing structures. The new seasonal homes will boost the Kendall tax base and are not subject to the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes).

Whipple said during the Jan. 15 hearing the projected 400 cottages could boost the community’s tax base by $30 million when the project is done.

“This is a property tax creating opportunity for the county and town that you don’t normally have,” Whipple said at that meeting.

The agreement calls on The Wegman Group to pay $186,363 in taxes over 10 years on the land, a 126-acre former Salvation Army camp along Lake Ontario.

The property did not generate any taxes for about a half century. The Wegman Group bought the site for $1.5 million and has been paying taxes on about a $1.7 million assessment the past two years.

The plan would give the developers 100 percent off of the taxes on a $1.3 million assessment the first year. Each following year another 10 percent of the tax bill will be added until the full amount is billed after 10 years.

Workers at the vinegar plant pause for a photo about a century ago

Posted 30 January 2014 at 12:00 am

By Bill Lattin
Orleans County Historian

ALBION – All of these men worked at the Albion Vinegar Works when this picture was taken around 1920.

This plant was located off Fruit Street next to the railroad. Note the bins of apples behind the men.

Pictured, front row, from left: J. Crane, unidentified, L. Daniels, L. Noreck, G. Luczak and J. Rice.

Second row: first three are unidentified, then Cuddy, unidentified, J. Rice, Gomanski, and unidentified.

Third row: S. Telga, J. Ciesielski, F. Bloom, P. Bruski and unidentified.

Top row: Marks, Rice, J. Sadowski, unidentified, “Brave” Holliday, unidentified, and man with dog.

Albion native will return for spring concert

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Susan Fancher

ALBION The Eastman at Albion Concert Series announces two spring performances, and one will include Albion native Susan Fancher, who has her doctorate in musical arts and has performed internationally with her saxophone.

Fancher will fill the First Presbyterian Church (29 East State St.) with “Sax Appeal” at 3 p.m. on April 6. Joining Fancher for the concert will be fellow saxophonist Chien-Kwan Lin and his wife, Pi-Lin Ni, playing piano.

Fancher earned her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degrees, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Northwestern University.

A much sought after performer of new music, she has inspired and premiered dozens of new works for saxophone. She has performed in hundreds of international concerts as a solist and as a member of chamber music ensembles.

Mitzie Collins

The spring Eastman series will kick off with a 3 p.m. concert on March 9 by Mitzie Collins. A “Return to Ireland” will be an Irish/Celtic themed concert at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 106 South Main St.

Collins, a perennial favorite for the Albion audience, will be accompanied by the Harmonious Harps Ensemble, as well as “Irish tenor” Casey Costello.

The series is presented by the Albion Community in partnership with Eastman Community School of Music, all concert proceeds benefit Albion High School Alumni Foundation Scholarships.

For more information about tickets, click here.

Holley basketball will raise money for Children’s Hospital at Strong

Posted 30 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – Please join the Holley Girls Basketball teams on Friday 5:30 to 9 p.m. (JV game starts at 5:30 p.m. and varsity will begin around 7:15 p.m.) at the Holley High School Gymnasium for the Second Annual Fight Against Cancer Fundraiser and Basketball Game.

All of the money raised will go directly to the More Than a Game Foundation at the Golisano’s Children’s Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The More Than a Game Foundation helps support children and their families who are battling cancer.

Last year, Holley raised $2,700 with from 30 gift baskets, a grand prize raffle, a 50/50 drawing and the half-court shooting contest.

This year, Holley will be holding a Chinese auction for gift baskets. We will also be having a 50/50 raffle, raffling off two grand prizes and having another half court shooting contest.

The grand prizes include apair of Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins tickets, a restaurant gift card and an authentic Ryan Miller Jersey. The Holley Teachers Association and teacher Julie Wantuck donated the Grand Prize of thetwo Sabres tickets and the Ryan Miller jersey for the fundraiser. The second grand prize is an Ultimate Rochester Sports Fan Basket (which includes four tickets to each of the Rochester Rhinos, RazorSharks, Lancers, Knighthawks and WNY Flash games).

The event Friday is being coordinated by Assistant Principal Dan Courtney; Justin Tese, varsity girls basketball coach; Kristina Mack, JV girls basketball coach; and Mark Thomas, girls modified basketball coach.