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Medina hospital plans Dangerous Person drill for May 18

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 May 2016 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health next Wednesday, May 18, will have a “Dangerous Person” drill at Medina Memorial Hospital, preparing staff and law enforcement in case a gunman or somebody else threatens the site.

Hospital officials have been preparing for the drill for several months. It follows an incident on Saturday when a 24-year-old man went to Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport at 5 a.m., demanding drugs. The man said he had guns and a bomb. He was later arrested and charged with first-degree robbery.

Police had the hospital and surrounding neighborhood on lockdown until 10 a.m. Saturday. The suspected guns and bomb were a fake, The Buffalo News reported today.

Wendy Jacobson, CEO and president of Orleans Community Health, said there has been an increase in “drug-seeking behavior” at hospitals, in general.

Medina Memorial and the Urgent Care site in Albion have both bolstered security. Medina Memorial wants staff and law enforcement to be prepared in case a dangerous person is on site.

A dangerous person could be someone seeking prescription narcotics, or perhaps a partner of a staff or patient with a restraining order.

The hospital in the past has been the site for large drills for hazardous materials and mass casualties, but never for a “dangerous person.”

“Unfortunately it is necessary,” Jacobson said about the emergency drill. “We’re well ahead of it.”

Medina residents and hospital visitors should expect a large police presence at the hospital on May 18 from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hospital’s leadership staff also will be in a four-hour training on May 17 with a certified instructor to prepare and respond to dangerous situations.

3 are deemed sex offenders in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 May 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Three people soon to be released from either prison or jail will be registered as sex offenders.Uriah Gentry, who could be released on June 19, has been serving an eight-year prison sentence for attempted criminal sexual act in the first degree. He is currently an inmate at the Gowanda Correctional Facility.

Gentry, 27, was convicted after he allegedly had sexual contact with a 6-year-old boy.

Gentry had a risk assessment hearing in Orleans County Court on Monday with Judge James Punch, who assigned Gentry as a Level 2 sex offender, which is a moderate risk of a repeat offense. His sentence includes 15 years of post-release supervision.

Two other men were assigned Level 1 sex offenders, the lowest risk of a repeat offense.

Christopher Bucci, 36, was sentenced to 1 ½ years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted rape in the second degree. Bucci of Batavia admitted he had sex with a 14-year-old girl on Dec. 28, 2013. He is currently an inmate at Mohawk Correctional Facility and could be released on June 13.

A Holley man serving a six-month sentence in the county jail also was assigned a Level 1 sex offender, the lowest designation. Anthony Roe was sentenced on March 14 to jail for second-degree attempted rape. Roe was 20 when he allegedly had sex with a 14-year-old girl in July.

Medina Band Boosters pick leaders for 2016-17

Staff Reports Posted 9 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo, Medina Marching Band

MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band Boosters picked leaders for the 2016-17 school year at the Boosters’ May 2 meeting. These individuals will serve the organization for the 2016-2017 year.

Sitting, from left: Kelly Allen/Treasurer; Trisha Laszewski/Past President; Mindy Kenward/President; Julie Granchelli/Vice President; Holly Roush/Secretary.

Standing: Doug Waild/Transportation; Amy Strickland/Chaperones; Diane Grosslinger/Uniforms; Ellen Eaton/Delegate; Karey McMullen/Delegate; Kelly Squire/Student Accounts; and Kathy Dreyfus/Publicity.

The Boosters will continue to hold meetings during the summer to begin organizing the fundraising events through the summer and fall. These meetings are held on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the band room. While these people are elected to head up the various committees, the Boosters welcome parents and friends to join the effort.

The band will be competing in the Seneca Falls Pageant on May 20-21, and the Gorham Pageant on June 3-4. The Band Banquet is June 11.

Medina teachers take part in Reclaim Our Schools Day

Posted 9 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina staff and students are pictured in front of the high school on May 4, when teachers across the United States staged walk-ins for Reclaim Our Schools Day. The walk-in was a demonstration of support for public education and the fight to make sure that every child gets the school they deserve.

Medina Central School District’s staff and some of their students walked into school together to show their support for their students and their schools. Teacher Joe Byrne said it was a great way to unite educators, parents, support staff, community members and students.

“As we entered our schools we want to show how we advocate for the public education that all children deserve,” Byrne said. “It was a positive experience and a great way for our staff to show solidarity.”

Medina Rotary provides Flat Stanley book to second graders

Staff Reports Posted 9 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Oak Orchard second graders with Medina Rotary

Provided photo

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club last week provided copies of the book “Flat Stanley” to second graders at Oak Orchard Elementary School. Medina teacher Tammy Vandegenachte (back, second from left) and her second grade class received books from Rotarians, including Edee Hoffmeister (back left) and President Bill Bixler (back, third from left). They joined students and Principal Dan Doctor in this photo. The Rotary Club also presented Flat Stanley, a Scholastic book, to other second graders.

The Medina Rotary Club uses fundraisers throughout the year to support community projects, including scholarships.

Theater group brings murder mystery to Albion for Mother’s Day

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Lake Plains Players welcomes audience participation

Lake Plains Players rehearse Killing Sarah

Provided photo/Lance Anderson – A 10-person cast from the Lake Plains Players will perform Killing Sarah, a murder mystery, at The Cabaret at Studio B on Sunday at 2 p.m.

ALBION – The Lake Plains Players will spend part of Mother’s Day performing a murder mystery show at the Cabaret at Studio B in Albion.

“It’s just what mom wants: a murder mystery,” joked Andy Spragge, director of the show.

The Lake Plains Players, a local community theater group, is trying its first non-musical that includes audience participation. The crowd will have a chance to help solve a murder in the play called “Killing Sarah.”

In the show, the CEO of EastRich Enterprises has died, and four contenders for CEO plot to either woo Sarah, the CEO’s sole surviving heir, or have her killed.

Spragge has been in theater for more than 30 years, performing in many shows with the Players. He is returning to directing after a five-year break.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I really love the process.”

The cast performed the show Friday as part of a dinner theater at Becker Farms in Gasport. The 2 p.m. show Sunday includes desserts and drinks at the Cabaret, 28 West Bank St., Albion.

The audience are all shareholders in EastRich Enterprises. They will vote for the company’s new leader. Another character in the show will die.

“The audience helps figure out the mystery,” Spragge said. “The audience is integral to it because they are part of the company.”

The show has lots unpredictability due to the uncertainty with audience responses.

“There is a lot of improvisation that goes on,” Spragge said. “There will be some unpredictability.”

Tickets for Sunday’s show are available at the door.

Albion, Lyndonville-Medina musicals recognized at Stars of Tomorrow

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Albion’s Joseph named Outstanding Musical

Photos by Tom Rivers

Zach Shaffer plays the Pharaoh in Albion’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which Thursday was honored as an “Outstanding Musical” in the Stars of Tomorrow program, featuring the top performers in high school musicals in the Rochester region.

Albion won many other awards in the B Division, which includes many suburban schools. The combined Lyndonville-Medina musical, which also competes in the B Division, also was recognized with several awards.

Joseph Madejski plays one of Joseph’s brothers in Albion’s spring musical, which swept the major awards in the Stars of Tomorrow program.

In addition to Outstanding Musical, Albion won for Outstanding Dance Ensemble, Outstanding Acting Ensemble, Outstanding Production Crew, Outstanding Student Orchestra, and Outstanding Singing Ensemble.

Albion performers also won individual awards. Kyle Thaine plays Joseph, center, and was honored with an award for Outstanding Leading Actor.

Angela Tarricone, left, and Cheyenna Eagle, right, both were narrators and each received awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Additional individual recognitions went to Jillian Doyle, Elijah VanEpps and Stephen Williams.

Salma Huzair of Lyndonville plays Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls. She was recognized as Outstanding Lead Actress. Salma also was picked as one of the 32 top performers in Rochester and will perform on May 26 in Rochester for the chance to represent the Rochester area in New York City at a national competition. For more on that competition, which includes fan voting, visit www.rochesterfirst.com/stars-of-tomorrow-2016.

Thomas Follman won a Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of “Nicely-Nicely Johnson” in Guys & Dolls.

Other Lyndonville-Medina students recognized include Isabella Carrasquillo and Brian Cunningham as Future Stars, Madison Holland and Jenna Doran with Special Recognition, and Tip of the Hat awards to Sierra Blanar, Aubrey Lewis and Brian Cunningham.

Lyndonville used to compete in the D Division for the smallest schools, but was moved to the B Division, with much bigger schools, since a merger of the musical program with Medina.

Crowd turns out for art show at Cobblestone Museum

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

GAINES – The Cobblestone Museum hosted its first art show in about three decades on Friday and 75 people attended to view work by local artists.

Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, pictured, organized the show. She is pictured next to some of her paintings that are displayed in the Proctor Room in the lower level of the Cobblestone Universalist Church, which was built in 1834.

Martillotta-Muscarella ran Marti’s on Main, an art gallery at her home on North Main Street in Albion, for seven years. She held opening receptions the first Fridays each month. Martillotta-Muscarella is shifting the shows to the Cobblestone Museum, where she said there is more room to display work and for people to gather in a place that is also open to the public.

She said Friday’s show brought out her faithful attendees and also many new people to First Fridays. She is planning more art shows at the museum each month through October.

R.J. Bannan was among the attendees of Friday’s art show. He is looking at work by Connie Mosher. Other featured artists include Tony Barry, Tom Zangerle, Pat Greene and Suzanne Wells. Al Capurso and his band, Of the Bear, also played during the opening reception on Friday.

The museum opens for the season on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. with free admission for mothers.

Senior citizens who are busy volunteers recognized for service

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Wayne Litchfield greets Betty Jennings of Albion during a luncheon on Friday when Litchfield when honored for his volunteer service. Jennings said Litchfield is “an extra-special person.”

KNOWLESVILLE – Since retiring about three years ago as an Orleans County dispatcher, a job he was devoted to for 28 years, Wayne Litchfield has poured himself into numerous community causes, volunteering as a mentor in the Just Friends program, a master gardener, visitor and friend to Hospice patients, sound technician at church, coordinator for emergency preparedness, board member for non-profits and many other efforts.

Litchfield, a Medina resident, said the roles have enriched his life. He was honored on Friday during an Office for the Aging luncheon attended by 200 people.

Litchfield urged the group of seniors to stay busy.

“Volunteering is a great opportunity to serve and help other residents in the county,” Litchfield said. “That’s the main reason I do it. You can bring joy, compassion and care to so many people.”

Litchfield has developed a reputation in the community as “The Flower Ambassador” because he sends flowers to many people. Last Christmas, he dressed as the Gingerbread Man and visited patients at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence.

“I have to figure out a new character for this Christmas,” Litchfield said, smiling.

He is quick to offer hugs and prayers to people. He serves meals at the Community Kitchen in Albion on many Friday evenings and also helps many people with their computer problems.

“It is impossible to quantify Wayne Litchfield’s impact on Orleans County,” according to his nomination for the award. “A voice of calm in crisis for nearly three decades as an emergency dispatcher; a heart of gold to those in need – in need of a hot meal, a listening ear, or an ‘IT guy.'”

Orleans County Office for the Aging recognizes two seniors each year who are active volunteers. They are then invited to Albany where they are honored at the State Capitol. That recognition program will be Tuesday and also includes Geary Shenck of Clarendon.

Shenck was unable to attend Friday’s program at the Trolley Building at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Shenck is retired as the Orleans County animal control officer. He has also been a long-time farmer and served as Clarendon town supervisor for 10 years. He continues to write a “Tid Bits” monthly column in the Clarendon Gazette.

He has been active with Community Action for 27 years, and the Holley Community Center for a decade. He also served on the Office for the Aging Advisory Council and helped start the St. Vincent De Paul Center more than a half century ago. He has volunteered for many years, picking up and delivering household items for families in need.

Shenck, in written comments, urged others to give of their time.

“Don’t be afraid to volunteer!” he said. “There is always something you can do to help. Volunteering gives you a good feeling in the heart. With a good team and support system, volunteering can be the most rewarding thing you can do.”

Senior citizens and students enjoy annual breakfast at Holley Elementary

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The Holley Central High School Concert Choir performs during a breakfast for senior citizens on Thursday.

HOLLEY – More than 100 senior citizens enjoyed breakfast and music with students at the Holley Elementary School on Thursday morning.

District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo said this is the 11th annual Senior Citizen Breakfast and it is one of his favorite events of the year.

“We started it to honor the individuals who do so much for our district,” D’Angelo said. “It warms my heart to do this.”

He noted the event is also an opportunity to provide community members with good information – the school nursing staff was on hand to provide free blood pressure checks, and the Orleans County Office for the Aging also attended.

Holley High School students present long-stem red roses to those attending the annual Senior Citizen Breakfast.

The annual Senior Citizen Breakfast drew a large crowd on Thursday morning.

D’Angelo invited those attending to stroll through the gardens, which are just coming into bloom on campus, visit the Family Fitness Center and, “feel free to enjoy the building, this building belongs to you.”

A breakfast buffet was served and Holley High School students and members of the Student Council assisted with the event. They poured coffee and made sure anyone needing extra help received it.

Holley Central Food Service Director Vicki Scroger worked to coordinate the menu, table settings – which included centerpieces of fresh flowers, and place settings with place mats featuring colorful student drawings.

This is one of many colorful place mats made for the breakfast by Holley Elementary students.

The Kindergarten Class at Holley gave an enthusiastic and energetic performance for senior citizens.

Members of the High School Concert Choir, the 5th and 6th Grade Elementary Chorus and the Kindergarten class performed musical selections.

Clarendon Town Supervisor Richard Moy said he attends the event every year and enjoys the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors.

“It’s great,” he said. “There’s a lot of people from Clarendon. You get to see a lot of people you haven’t seen at other times of the year.”

D’Angelo agreed, telling those in attendance that, “as a community, it is important that we get together. We look forward to seeing you next year.”