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About 1,000 turn out for breast cancer walk at Watt Farms

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The 10th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Watt Farms drew about 1,000 people this morning at the farm on Route 98.

In the top photo, Melinda Maedl, business and community liaison for the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Medina, waves and leads a group at the beginning of the walk.

Karen Watt, a breast cancer survivor, addresses the crowd before the walk. Gene Christopher is pictured in lower right. His wife Judy fought breast cancer. She died at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013.

Organizers of the walk set a $55,000 goal for today’s event. Watt said some of that money will go to advance cancer research. She said Orleans County is fortunate to be between major cancer research facilities in Buffalo and Rochester.

Karen Watt is pictured with two of her employees who are both breast cancer survivors. Melanie Vanacore, center, was diagnosed in July and Elizabeth “Perk” Banker was diagnosed five years ago. Watt is a 10-year survivor.

Watt said 70 Orleans County residents are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In the 10 years of the walk at the Watt Farms, about 700 people in the county have been diagnosed with breast cancer, Watt said.

About 1,000 people were out walking in the orchards at Watt Farms for the breast cancer walk this morning.

There were 23 students from the Iroquois Job Corps in Medina on the walk today. Students sold ribbons and competed in a dorm vs. dorm event to raise $350 for the cause.

Participants ventured past the pond in the orchard on the 5-kilometer route.

Members of the CSEA employee union in Orleans County are pictured before the walk. County employees raised about $1,000 for the walk. Pictured, in back from left include: Debbie Sherk, Paula Bensely, Linette Kropp, union president Cindy Troy, and Alexis Montes and Johanna Cuadra whose mother Diana Kephart works for the county.

The two girls in front, Gracelynn and Isabelle Perkins, are Troy’s granddaughters.

Robbi Hess of Albion, center, is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed 2 years, 3 months and 11 days ago. She had a mammogram just before her 50th birthday, and had surgery and radiation. She is pictured with her sister Cheryl Sipple of Medina, left, and cousin Pam Gray of Medina. The three raised $400 for today’s walk.

Hess volunteers as a mentor with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, connecting with women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She also is active on the Cancer Survivors Facebook page, arranging for people with cancer to receive cards in the mail.

Members of the Elba football and soccer teams gather for a picture before today’s walk at Watt Farms.

Junior FFA makes lots of scarecrows in Medina

Contributed Story Posted 26 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided photos
The Junior FFA in Medina made numerous scarecrows on Thursday when 70 FFA students participated in a scarecrow contest.

This is an annual event for the FFA near Halloween. In this photo, Junior FFA officers Alyssa Root, Kali Schrader, Corinne Hill, Kaela Grosslinger and Shelby Martin lead younger students in directions on how to create scarecrows. Then they get to spray paint the round bale as a team.

All the Wise Middle School teachers are asked to vote on their favorite scarecrow. The students learn teamwork and also have a great time working on the scarecrows, said Michele Crandall, Junior FFA advisor.

The Junior FFA continues to be a growing program. This is the first year the Junior FFA includes fifth-graders.

Shelby firefighter feted on 100th birthday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Firefighter Mark Watts congratulates Eddie Southcott for making a big difference in the community. Southcott was treated to a big party on his 100th birthday today at the Shelby Fire Hall.

Southcott is a World War II veteran and a long-time leader for the fire company. He was led to the fire hall in an antique car. He is currently staying at The Willows, an assisted care residential facility.

Southcott is all smiles after arriving for his surprise party.

Bob Bracey provides a steady arm for Southcott. Many community members turned out for the party today. Bracey is one of Southcott’s neighbors and also serves as a firefighter.

Ron Lasal grew up next to Southcott on South Gravel Road. Lasal made a point of stopping by and congratulating Southcott today.

“He was like a second father to me,” Lasal said. “He was great. I was over there all the time.”

Southcott is pictured in this photo when he served in World War II.

State Assembly members Steve Hawley and Jane Corwin were at the party and presented proclamations from the state, congratulating Southcott for his milestone birthday and his years of community service.

“Anytime you can recognize a veteran it is special,” Hawley said. “It’s a testament to the Greatest Generation. There are not a lot of veterans left from that time.”

The Shelby Town Board presented a proclamation to Southcott and declared it “Eddie Southcott Day.”

“It gives you an opportunity to honor a lifetime resident and a person who has contributed to others his whole life,” said Skip Draper, the Shelby town supervisor.

Southcott is a special person to Shelby firefighters. Many stop by The Willows to see him and take him out to dinner.

“It’s good to honor somebody, especially someone like Eddie,” said Sidney Watts, a past president for the fire company. “None of our members have even come close to 100 years.”

Beggars Night draws big crowds to Medina and Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
Princesses, ghosts, clowns and other creatures walked downtown Albion and Medina on Friday for the annual Beggar’s Night events.

Merchants at both downtowns handed out candy. In the top photo, cousins Maria Bregy, a princess, and Anthony Love, a Power Ranger, walk up East Center Street by Rotary Park. About 700 children participated in Beggar’s Night in Medina.

Eric Kryzdorfer, 12, of Barker dresses as a clown for Beggar’s Night in Medina.

Medina Police Chief Jose Avila directs traffic while the costumed crowd crosses the street.

Dr. Clark Bryant is Batman, handing out treats for Beggar’s Night. Bryant and his wife Donna Bryant last month opened Tea & Couture Atelier at 547 Main St.

Cindy Robinson, owner of The English Rose Tea Shoppe, hands out treats to Brody Hazel (race car driver) and his little brother Bryson Hazel (tiger). They are pictured with their mother, Amy Johnson of Lyndonville. Several of the merchants were in costume for the annual event, where children are invited into the downtown for candy.

Cousins Carson Bader and Leah Pritchard pass out candy for their aunt Laura Gardner, owner of a lily and a sparrow in Medina.

Carrie Ribbeck of Avanti Pizza is dressed as Little Red Riding Hood while passing out candy.

The Albion Merchants Association also put on Beggar’s Night. Karen Appleman, a vendor with the Uptown Browsery, has a bowl of candy for Jack Finley, a robot, to choose from.

Ryan Smith is dressed as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland while his girlfriend Krysondra Esposito is Alice. They are outside Krantz Furniture and served apple cider and snacks to the kids in costume and their parents.

GOP candidate for governor says campaign ‘peaking at the right time’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Astorino says he will take aim at taxes, SAFE Act, Common Core

Photos by Tom Rivers – Rob Astorino, the Republican Party candidate for governor, addresses about 300 people Friday night during the Republican Party Fall Rally. He was joined at the head table by, pictured from left: Beverly Maziarz, her husband State Sen. George Maziarz, and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

HOLLEY – A crowd of 300 attended the Orleans County Republican Fall Rally on Friday night, and they were told to work hard to get out the vote on Nov. 4, especially for Rob Astorino, the candidate for governor against incumbent Andrew Cuomo.

“We are peaking at the right time,” Astorino told the Republicans in Orleans County. “This race will come down to Upstate New York. The dirty secret here is New York City is not going to vote this year. It’s going to be a very quiet election in New York City, which means every vote Upstate matters more than you know.”

Cuomo has a 21-point lead over Astorino, 54 to 33 percent, in a Siena poll released on Wednesday. (Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is eroding some Cuomo support with 9 points in the poll.)

Astorino said he has been narrowing the gap, and he expects Republicans and Conservatives to show up big for the election.

“The mighty will be cast down from their throne,” Astorino told the GOP crowd at Hickory Ridge Country Club. “That’s going to happen on Nov. 4.”

Astorino has been an underdog before. He is county executive of Westchester County, which has a big enrollment edge for Democrats. He overcame that to win in Westchester, and he said his broad support has helped him reduce county spending and promote job growth in Westchester County.

Astorino said he would push to reduce taxes, repeal the SAFE Act for gun control and also get rid of the Common Core in schools.

“This race is much closer than anybody knows,” Astorino said. “There is one person who knows how close it is besides me and that’s Andrew Cuomo. He has spent already $30 million in this race, $30 in pure negative, false ads. Have you seen the soup commercial? He wouldn’t have spent half of that if he didn’t have to. He knows what we know. New York City is going to be quiet. Upstate New York is going to be our country. It’s going to matter the suburbs, where I am from.”

Rob Astorino addresses the GOP crowd after being introduced by Ed Morgan, the Orleans County Republican Party chairman.

Astorino flew back home after addressing the crowd at Hickory Ridge. He said he will be up early Saturday to campaign in Long Island.

“If we win the suburbs, we win the race,” he said.

Ed Morgan, the Orleans County Republican Party chairman, praised Astorino for working so hard in the race. Morgan said the candidate has proven he can connect with voters from all parties and get things done in public office.

Orleans County Republicans outnumber registered Democrats by about a 2 to 1 ratio. Astorino said he will need a big effort at the polls from Republicans.

“You are ready to roar,” he said in his speech. “The silent majority is waking up in this state. Enough of the high taxes, enough of the terrible economy, enough of the absolute corruption coming out of Andrew Cuomo’s Office. We can fix that because we shouldn’t settle for that. This is New York and we should be the best at everything because we once were.”

Congressman Chris Collins also urged Republicans to reach out to their friends on Election Day. Collins said Cuomo has failed to inspire voters and is vulnerable.

“Voter turnout can turn this election,” Collins said. “I’ve said it before: No one likes Andrew Cuomo, not even his mom. Honest, that’s not even a joke. This is a nasty person.”

Republicans honor Maziarz, who is retiring from State Senate

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – George Maziarz receives a standing ovation during the Orleans County Republican Fall Rally on Friday at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Holley.

HOLLEY – For nearly two decades George Maziarz has been a ubiquitous presence in Orleans County, appearing at numerous fire department banquets, community parades, ribbon-cuttings and many other events.

Maziarz, a state senator since 1995, also worked hard for the county behind the scenes, advocating for residents and local officials, trying to bring state resources into the community.

“We’re going to miss him for lots and lots of reasons,” State Assemblyman Steve Hawley told about 300 Republicans at the fall rally. “He’s known as the hardest working senator in Albany.”

Maziarz is retiring from the State Senate and from nearly four decades of public service that started when he was appointed city clerk in North Tonawanda at age 25. The Niagara County resident said he won’t miss the frequent drives to Albany. He wants more time for his wife Beverly and their family.

Maziarz said he will remain a frequent presence in Orleans County, connecting with friends and helping to elect Republicans.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

The Republican Party dedicated its fall yearbook to Maziarz on Friday and announced a plaque will hang in his honor in the County Legislature chambers.

Maziarz was credited with helping advance many projects in the county, including the construction of the $90 million ethanol plant in Medina by Western New York Energy. Maziarz said he tried to direct more low-cost hydropower allocations to projects in the county.

He made special note of Camp Rainbow in the Town of Ridgeway. Maziarz and several state legislators secured state funds for the camp, which is owned and operated by The Arc of Orleans County.

“Camp Rainbow is a little piece of Heaven right here in Orleans County,” Maziarz said. “God’s work is being done there.”

The Republican Party is backing Rob Ortt, the North Tonawanda mayor, to succeed Maziarz in the Senate. Ortt is challenged by Johnny Destino, an attorney and member of the boards of education for Niagara Falls and the Orleans-Niagara BOCES.

Rob Ortt addresses Orleans County Republicans on Friday during the fall rally.

Ortt has been North Tonawanda’s mayor for nearly five years. He served in the National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan from March to December 2008. Prior to being elected mayor, he served as the city’s treasurer and then clerk-treasurer.

“He’s made the right decisions,” Maziarz said about Ortt. “That’s why I felt very comfortable stepping aside.”

Ortt told Repblicans he will work to repeal the SAFE Act, a controversial gun control measure passed in January 2013. He also said he would work to get rid of Common Core in schools.

The capitol needs more conservative voices from Upstate New York, Ortt said.

He told the group he would be an advocate for farmers, small business owners and Constitutional rights.

The group was also addressed by Rob Astorino, the candidate for governor, and Congressman Chris Collins. Collins, after a bitterly fought election win two years ago over Kathy Hochul, faces a little known challenger in Jim O’Donnell, a Buffalo police officer.

Jane Corwin of Clarence also spoke at the rally. Her district includes the Town of Shelby in Orleans County. She isn’t opposed this election.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia has served in the Assembly for nearly nine years. He touted his perfect pro-business voting record. Unshackle Upstate has given him a perfect 100 for each of the past six years. Hawley said he is the only candidate with that distinction over six years.

He faces a challenge on Nov. 4 from Libertarian Party candidate Mark Glogowski of Hamlin.

Bob Antonacci, the Onondaga County comptroller, is running for state comptroller against incumbent Tom DiNapoli. If elected Antonacci would be the first state comptroller who is a certified public accountant. He said he has the skills to watch over taxpayers’ money.

Several candidates for State Supreme Court also attended the fall rally, including Frederick Marshall, Paul Wojtaszek, Jeannette Ogden and Dennis Ward.

Albion school makes big effort for breast cancer walk today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion School District made a big effort to promote today’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Watt Farms in Albion.

Before the walk at 10 a.m., about 150 students and staff gathered next to the football stadium for a picture. The group is arranged in the shape of the breast cancer awareness ribbon.

Some of the group is pictured walking on East Bacon Road as part of the 5-kilometer course at the farm. Students and staff raised about $6,000 for the American Cancer Society. Nancy Moore, a teacher’s aide, and Jennifer Blanchard, a teacher, pushed the cause throughout the district.

Two teachers have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and several others also were diagnosed with cancer in recent years.

“We’ve had so many people affected by cancer and other tragedies,” Moore said this morning.

Big turnout for benefit to help 2 children who need service dogs

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A big crowd has turned out for a spaghetti dinner today to raise money for two service dogs for Albion children. In the top photo, Ryan Orr, 8, holds a button with a picture of Kenai, the service dog that will help detect unpredictable seizures for his brother Tyler, who has juvenile diabetes.

Ruth Miller, lower right, fills to-go containers with salad. She is next to Angel Smith, a veterinary technician with Country Lane Veterinary in Barre.

The dinner started at 4:30 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Albion. Organizers have enough food for 600 meals. There are also 80 gift baskets that were donated.

Kristin Ferris is pictured with her daughter Abby, 6, who has epilepsy. The family has a black lab named Molly, which is being trained as a seizure response dog.

Molly will be trained to observe Abby for seizures. If Abby is having one, the dog will be trained to go paw at one of her parents.

“We are very grateful to the community for their support,” Kristin said.

Iva McKenna checks on the meatballs and sauce with Tony Cassidy. McKenna and her family own Country Lane Veterinary Services. They organized the benefit today.

“When you hear kids are having a hard time you want to help out,” she said. “Kids and dogs is a perfect match for us. It’s awesome that animals can do things that machines can’t.”

Jennifer Orr is pictured with her son Ryan. The family is trying to raise money for an alert dog for Tyler, 9. He is feeling sick today and stayed home. Jennifer’s friend Denise Bedford of Lockport is selling raffle tickets.

The Orrs are selling bracelets, pins and buttons. They marveled at the long line when the dinner started.

“The support is overwhelming and very humbling,” Jennifer said. “Everything is huge from this tiny town.”

Shelby will honor 100-year-old firefighter on Saturday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2014 at 12:00 am

SHELBY – The Medina community and the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company will honor Ed Southcott on Saturday for his 100th birthday.

There will be a processional of antique cars and a fire truck from The Willows, where Southcott is a resident, to the Shelby firehall on Route 63. The community is encouraged to be out on Main Street at about 4 p.m. on Saturday when Southcott and his family head to the fire hall.

“He’s a local guy who’s super nice,” said Tom Fuller, who is chairman of the celebration party for Southcott.

Southcott is a former chief of the fire company. He has been a member for more than six decades. He also is a World War II veteran who flew bomber planes.

Saturday’s celebration will include proclamations from the U.S. Senate, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Shelby Town Board, Orleans County Legislature and State Legislature.

Outdoors show finds plenty of footage at Oak Orchard River

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Rush Outdoors, a TV series on hunting and fishing, filmed at the Oak Orchard River today on what was a perfect day for footage. Temperatures were in the mid-50s, leaves gently fell from trees, and fishermen were catching big fish left and right.

Tim Andrus of Kent is host of Rush Outdoors, which appears on seven networks in New York, northern Pennsylvania and southern Ontario. Andrus is pictured doing a segment for the show. Brian Kirby is the cameraman.

Kirby and Andrus marveled at the action on the river today. Anglers in one five-minute span landed a steelhead, a brown trout and a Chinook salmon.

Orleans County is a sponsor for the show and a 30-second commercial is featured during shows. The county is also listed on the Rush Outdoors web site (Click here).

Andrus and Kirby were at the Oak today filming an episode for season four of the show. It will air next year. When Rush Outdoors started, Orleans County was one of the first sponsors of the show. Mike Waterhouse, the county’s sportsfishing promotion coordinator, said it has proven a good partnership and helped to raise the profile for the county’s fishery.

“Since I grew up here, I was adamant we needed to promote Orleans County,” Andrus said. “We have such a great fishery here.”

Today’s weather will make for great TV. Andrus and the crew also filmed a show this summer when charter boat captains took Vietnam War veterans out on the lake. The weather that day was horrible, with rain and fog.

Rush Outdoors promotes the Great Outdoors in New York, with a focus on hunting and fishing. Andrus juggles being host of the show with his job as a corrections officer at the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion.

The show sometimes will leave New York for hunting trips. Andrus last week was in Wyoming for a show on mule deer. He also hosted shows this year in Manitoba and North Dakota.

Carlos Ferley of West Virginia poses with a steelhead he caught today at the Oak Orchard River.