news

Care Net has new leader for Greater Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Care Net Center of Greater Orleans provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and other resources to families in crisis. The organization, which is based in the former Lipton’s office building across from McDonalds in Albion, has a new director, Gloria Lear. The staff includes, from left: Tiffani Ford, client services manager; Jocelyn Wilson, office manager; Lear; and Mary Jane Jimenez, nurse.

ALBION – An organization, which has been serving women and families in crisis pregnancies since 1989, has a new leader.

Gloria Lear, a former director of volunteer services and physician liaison for Lakeside Memorial Hospital in Brockport, is now director of the Care Net Center of Greater Orleans. The organization is nearing its 25^th anniversary in Orleans County.

Care Net is based out of the former Lipton’s office building on Route 31 in Albion, across from McDonalds. Care Net provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, tests for sexually transmitted infections, and other resources for families, including peer support and material aid.

“We want to help people make healthier choices, and not judge them for any of their decisions,” Lear said at the center, 111 West Ave.

Care Net is solely funded by donations, and many churches support the group’s mission. Lear wants to expand Care Net’s support throughout the community.

“We want to expand out outreach beyond the churches,” she said. “My main goal is to make a difference in the community.”

Lear has a degree in business and is working on a bachelor’s degree in public health. The Albion residents has three children, ages 13, 17 and 20. She has been a volunteer dance instructor the past eight years for Gotta Dance by Miss Amy.

Lear is part of a Care Net team that includes four part-time staff, including a nurse, client services manager and office manager.

Care Net is planning its annual “Walk for Life” at 9 a.m. on Nov. 2 at Mount Albion Cemetery. Participants can secure sponsors for the walk. For more information, contact Care Net at 589-7505.

2 sentenced to weekends in jail, 5 years Probation

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Two Holley area residents were sentenced today to four months of weekends in jail, five years Probation and $2,000 fines.

Daniel Weatherbee, 32, of 16562 Route 31, Holley, was sentenced for his second charge of driving while intoxicated. He was arrested for DWI on May 11 after he was stopped on North Main Street in Holley. He was also charged with DWI on Jan. 25, 2011 in Hamlin.

Weatherbee’s Blood Alcohol Content was 0.18 when he was charged by Holley police on May 11. Weatherbee’s attorney Michael Ranzenhofer told the court that Weatherbee has a full-time job and a daughter.

“He is a young man who has made mistakes, but he has a future,” Ranzenhofer told County Court Judge James Punch during sentencing.

Punch also revoked Weatherbee’s license for a year and imposed a $325 court surcharge.

“You’re a mess,” Punch told the Holley resident. “You’ve allowed alcohol to steer you in the wrong direction for a lot of years.”

A Clarendon resident also was sentenced to weekends in jail and Probation. David T. Costrino, 51, was charged in February with one count of second-degree criminal possession of marijuana. State police led a raid at Costrino’s house at 15557 Brown School House Rd., and discovered he was growing marijuana.

Costrino in court apologized for the crime. He said the weekend sentence will allow him to continue working full-time so he can support his family.

“I’m very sorry your honor for what I’ve done,” Costrino said.

DA presents 20-year offer in prison for man who shot wife, burned house

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Kendall man who allegedly shot his wife following an argument and then burned down their home would face a maximum of 20 years in state prison, according to a plea offer presented in Orleans County Court today by District Attorney Joseph Cardone.

Dennis Buehler, 64, could face 25 years in state prison for second-degree attempted murder, plus additional time for third-degree arson. As part of the plea, he would face up to 20 years in prison.

Buehler and his attorney, Public Defender Sanford Church, will consider the plea offer. If Buehler accepts it, the offer would still need to be approved by County Court Judge James Punch.

Buehler allegedly shot his wife Linda with a shotgun on March 4. Mrs. Buehler then fled the house, which Buehler then allegedly set on fire. The Buehlers’ house at 923 Peter Smith Rd. was destroyed by the fire. In court today, Cardone said the insurance company is contesting paying the claim for the damages.

Punch said a separate hearing will likely be needed to determine restitution for Mrs. Buehler, who has filed for divorce.

She survived the gunshot wound to her shoulder. Cardone said she and other witnesses are prepared to testify should the case go to trial.

Buehler has been charged of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree arson.

Funeral home will host first classic car show Sept. 29

Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, Hospice of Orleans

ALBION The Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home in Albion will use its historic property to host its first-ever classic car show on Sunday.

The funeral home can fit up to 100 cars at 12 Ingersoll St. The car show runs from 1 to 5 p.m. The show will be a benefit for Hospice of Orleans.

Funeral Director Rebekah Karls said she got the idea for this event from colleagues involved in “Hotrods for Hospice” in Rochester.

“We’ve got plenty of parking spaces right on our property,” Karls said, “and this is something different from a lot of the other benefits we have going on locally. Hospice is such an important part of our community. We wanted to find a way to support it.”

The auto show will feature food, music, a 50/50 raffle, and trophies for the classic and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles (best in show, best paint, fan favorite, etc.).

Also coming up, on Oct. 12, will be the Cross-Country 5k Race and Memory Walk, hosted by Brown’s Berry Patch at 14264 Roosevelt Highway in Waterport.

The race, which starts at 10 a.m., invites runners and walkers to enjoy the fall foliage during a brisk (or leisurely) stroll through the woods, orchards and fields of the Brown farm. The Rotary Club of Albion co-sponsors the event, which features a professionally sanctioned and timed 3.1-mile course, as well as a 1-mile fun walk option.

“This will be our 17th year of hosting this race and we consider it a privilege to help support our local Hospice,” said Margy Brown. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.”

Contact Hospice of Orleans at 585-589-0809 for more information about either event.

LED lights will shine on Albion Main Street at far less cost

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Brad Rouse, a village of Albion sewer plant worker, this morning changes the bulb and globe of a light just north of the Erie Canal.

ALBION – Albion is swapping out about 30 street lights on Main Street with energy-efficient LED lights. The new 30 to 50 watt lights will use about a tenth of the energy as the 400 watt incandescent lights while maintaining similar levels of brightness.

Village employees Brad Rouse and Jay Pahura have been working to replace the lights. They worked on a section north of the canal this morning.

An incandescent light is pictured at left and a new LED light is at right.

Rouse had the high work, using a bucket truck from the village of Medina to remove the old bulbs and light globes. Pahura removed the transformer, starter and diffuser from the old lights. The new lights don’t need those components.

The village expects the new lights will quickly pay for themselves with the energy savings.

The village of Albion is replacing the street lights on Main Street with energy-efficient LED lights.

Holley seeks vendors and participants for Parade of Lights

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Holley Deputy Mayor David Dill and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Mary Ellen Ridley are helping to plan a parade of lights on Dec. 7, as well as a memory bulb lighting for a Christmas tree that will be by the fountain in the Public Square.

HOLLEY – Village officials believe a popular new holiday tradition has begun, and Holley wants to build on the event, which includes a parade of lights and memory bulb lighting in the Public Square.

Holley since 1982 has lighted a Christmas tree in the Public Square not long after Thanksgiving. Residents can pay $5 to have a bulb dedicated in memory of a loved one. That person’s name will be announced during a tree lighting ceremony.

Two years ago Holley decided to expand the event, by having a parade of lights. There were five or six entries, mostly fire trucks, in the first year. Last year word spread about the parade and there were 45 entries.

The village now wants to extend the holiday celebration even more. This year’s event is planned for Dec. 7, beginning with a breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. at the Eastern Orleans Community Center.

There will be carolers in the Public Square for several hours, with student groups from Holley Central School and the Old Paths Bible Baptist Church. Vendors are also sought to sell refreshments and crafts.

“We want people to come into town to see our businesses,” said Deputy Mayor David Dill, one of the coordinators of the holiday celebration.

Holley started the parade of lights after seeing the success of the event in Medina. That community will host its fifth annual parade of lights on Nov. 30.

Holley urges parade participants to string lights on a flatbed truck, bicycle, car or even people to be part of the fun.

For more information, call the Village Office at (585) 638-6367, ext. 103.

Capstick rejects plea, sending case to trial

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2013 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A Medina resident who allegedly stole $20,000 in lottery tickets has rejected a plea deal that would have spared her from state prison. The case against Kim Capstick will now go to trial beginning Nov. 6 and Capstick could face 1 1/3 to 4 years if convicted.

Orleans County Court Judge James Punch asked Capstick several times in court today if she wanted to go to trial and face the possibility of time in state prison. She was offered a plea deal that would have resulted in no more than six months in county jail plus five years of probation.

Capstick and her attorney Thomas Burns declined the plea offer.

Capstick worked at Curvin’s News and Smoke Shop in Medina from February 2011 to June 2012 when the alleged thefts occurred. She has been charged with one count of third-degree grand larceny.

Medina stable raises nearly $3k for Roswell

Contributed Story Posted 22 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo courtesy of Marlene Seielstad

GASPORT – A group of 13 riders from the Fuller & Company stable in Medina raised $2,868 during Saturday’s “Saddle Up for Roswell” at the Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center in Gasport.

Fuller & Company raised the most money of any stable, and rider Emma Ambrose of Medina earned top honors for raising $1,105 individually for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

The Fuller riders include, from left: Kelsie Johnstone, Emily DelSignore, Kelsey Evoy, Lyndsay Nadeau, Linda Fuller, Meghan Fuller, Lisa Kenny, Emma Ambrose, Elisabeth Oliver, Kaitlin Zwifka, Andrea Toussaint, Makaila Cardone, Clara Stillwell, Sean Evoy and Riley Seielstad.

Medina man writes about earning black belt, at 56

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2013 at 12:00 am

“It’s never too late to try something.” – Carl Tuohey

Photo by Tom Rivers – Carl “Cal” Tuohey of Medina signed copies of his book, “Black Belt, Gray Hair,” on Saturday at Bindings Bookstore in Albion.

MEDINA – Carl “Cal” Tuohey was 52 when he was looking for a fun and physical activity to do with his son Jackson, 6.

Five years ago a friend suggested they try Tae Kwon-do. Tuohey was willing, and he started at the beginner level with his son and a class that mostly consisted of children.

Tuohey, a systems analysis for a Niagara Falls company, enjoyed the twice-a-week sessions. He even started writing a column in the monthly newsletter for Kwandrans Tae Kwon-do, where he was a student.

Tuohey urged people to be physically active, and to not let age keep them on the sidelines. Over four years he climbed the ranks, earning 12 belt titles, which was culminated when he earned a black belt a year ago at age 56.

“It’s never too late to try something,” Tuohey said Saturday during a book-signing at Bindings Bookstore in Albion.

Tuohey has written a book about his journey to a black belt. In “Gray Hair, Black Belt,” he talks about signing up for Tae Kwon-do at 52, when he weighed nearly 250 pounds.

He praised the supportive atmosphere at Kwandrans, where he said students and instructors are like a second family.

He became a regular contributor to the newsletter, writing about 45 articles. He shared tips about stretching and exercises, while also trying to motivate people to stick with the program and work towards the next belt.

He compiled those articles, plus other thoughts, in his 155-page book that is available at Bindings in Albion and the Book Shoppe in Medina.

These days he still tries to stay active, although he said a bum knee forced him to scale back from Tae Kwon-do. His son went on to earn a yellow belt. These days the father and son spend more time together with Scouting events.

Tuohey remains a big advocate for Tae Kwon-do and physical fitness, especially after age 50.

“I never thought I’d be a black belt,” he said. “But I kept with it.”

Marching bands show mettle in Medina downpour

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Ashley Webb, a drum major for Le Roy, leads the band in its performance of “Ashes to Ashes” at Vets Park tonight in Medina.

Bands performed for three hours at Vets Park before judges stopped the Fall Festival of Bands

Photos by Tom Rivers

Madeline Bilicki, a member of the Medina Color Guard, is dressed as a gymnast for the band’s performance of “The Pursuit of Gold,” a tribute to Americans in the Olympics.

Cameron Morgan, Medina’s drum major, directs the 130-member band in the pouring rain. Medina was the last band to perform before judges stopped the Fall Festival of Bands due to the weather.

Melissa Oosterling, a five-year member of the Color Guard in Medina, didn’t let the rain slow her down.

Members of the pit for the Medina Mustangs keep playing despite an onslaught of rain.

A good-size crowd turned out to watch the Fall Festival of Bands. The event was scheduled to include 12 bands over about four hours, but the final hour was cut as the rain became more intense.

Final tune-up for Festival of Bands

Staff Reports Posted 21 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman

MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band performs during half-time of last night’s football game at Medina.

Vets Park in Medina today will host the Fall Festival of Bands. Twelve bands will compete and UB will perform in exhibition. The gates open at 4:30 and the show starts at 5:30 with the National Anthem and introductions. Medina performs at 8:15. Medina’s show is called “The Pursuit of Gold,” with the band celebrating some of the most famous Olympic moments for the U.S.

Sandstone Society will unveil Hall of Fame nominees on Oct. 10

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Medina Sandstone Society has been scouring New York looking at structures made of Medina sandstone. This picture shows the First Presbyterian Church in Albion.

MEDINA – They have been crisscrossing the region – and beyond – taking tours of prominent buildings made of Medina sandstone.

Jim Hancock, Dave Miller and John Slack are members of the Medina Sandstone Society. They also have been tasked by the group to work on developing a Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.

Community members have suggested buildings for the inaugural list, and the trio of sandstone enthusiasts has gone exploring to see the sites.

Hancock said the trips have been fun, and validated his belief that Medina sandstone sites are exceptional, withstanding years of harsh upstate New York winters and scorching summers.

“It is absolutely astounding when you discover the thousands of great buildings of Medina sandstone that still exist in excellent condition,” Miller said.

The Hall of Fame Committee will present the list of nominees on Oct. 10 during a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at Medina Theatre, a sandstone building on Main Street.

That list will likely be pared down to five to seven sites in the first HOF class. The inaugural class will be voted on by the Sandstone Society board of directors.

Hancock and Miller said the first class will likely be announced in November. Photos and descriptions of the sites will go in a temporary home for the Hall of Fame. That site has not been disclosed.

A permanent home also hasn’t been picked, but Hancock favors the mostly vacant Bent’s Opera House on Main Street. The Orleans Renaissance Group is working to restore the site.

The Sandstone Society on Oct. 10 will announce the list of HOF nominees on the Medina Theatre’s large screen. The Oct. 10 event will also serve as a “thank you” to patrons who have supported Sandstone Society projects in 2013.

Hancock expects the Hall of Fame will become an annual tradition, with a new class inducted every year. He said there are numerous sites that are worthy of induction.

“It’s going to be tough to narrow them down,” Hancock said about the first class of inductees. “If they don’t make it into the Hall this year, there’s always next year.”

Medina library readies for extensive renovations

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2013 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – In 1966, Medina opened a new public library on West Avenue, the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

The inside of the 11,000-square-foot building hasn’t changed much since then. But the place will be radically changed with a five-week construction project from Sept. 28 to Nov. 1.

Lee-Whedon is paying Sicoli Construction Services of Niagara Falls $272,000 for a number of improvements. The library will be closed for five weeks while it is remodeled and receives upgraded lighting and heating.

“We’ll have a rejuvenated facility,” said Catherine Cooper, library director. “It will bring us into the 21^st Century.”

The following improvements are planned:

A complete makeover of the interior including ceiling tiles, paint and carpeting. New colors, fabrics and textures will provide a pleasant and welcoming environment. Lighting fixtures will also be upgraded.

The Children’s area will be reconfigured to provide improved space for group activities. A new Teen Center will include a study area and improved technology access.

Computer capable study areas are planned. High-speed Internet access points with upgraded computer technology will assure improved speed, ease of use, and security.

The shelves and display areas will be reconfigured for increased accessibility and efficiency. All public sections of the building will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.

Several mechanical issues will be addressed including improved exterior lighting, electronic controls for the heating and ventilation systems and upgrades to the electrical services.

The library’s collection will be moved into storage pods in the parking lot during the construction project. Lee-Whedon users are urged to visit any of the NIOGA libraries during the five weeks, including libraries in Albion, Middleport, Lyndonville and Holley.

Lee-Whedon recently put on a new roof on the building, a $224,000 project. The state paid half of those costs. Cooper said Lee-Whedon is applying to the state’s library construction fund to cover half of the interior project.

Dunkin’ plan goes before County on Thursday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Agenda includes helicopter landing pad in Medina and addition for RS Automation in Albion

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board will review the site plan for a new Dunkin’ Donuts on Thursday, one of the last hurdles for the company to knock down a warehouse and build a new site on Main Street in Albion.

If county planners approve the project, Dunkin’ still needs a final vote from the Village of Albion Planning Board. That vote is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Village Hall on East Bank Street.

Dunkin’ wants to begin demolition in October and have the shell of the new building up soon after. The company is eyeing a January opening for the new store.

County planners will review the site plan at 7 p.m. in Conference Room C of the County Administration Building, 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.

Dunkin’ wants to remove a warehouse between Tim Hortons and the railroad tracks. The store would be 2,000 square feet with 46 parking spaces. There would be a drive-through and driveways on both Main and Platt streets.

The property is at 153 South Main St. in the General Commercial District.

The Orleans County Planning Board will consider two other projects at its Sept. 26 meeting, including site plan review for a helicopter land pad and access drive on Ohio Street in Medina. That will be near Medina Memorial Hospital in the Single-Family District and Medical Services Overlay District.

Planners will also weigh in on the site plan for a detached storage building in the town of Albion at 4015 Oak Orchard Rd. The building in the Light Industrial District will be next to RS Automation, which is owned by Rick Stacey.

Albion pastor explores longevity in Christian life in new book

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Pastor also is working on new ‘Jobs for Life’ ministry for Orleans County

Photo by Tom Rivers – Tim Lindsay has led Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion since the church started in 1987, first meeting in the former Firemen’s Recreation Building on West State Street. In 1991, the church moved to 560 East Ave., where Lindsay is pictured.

ALBION – Tim Lindsay was turning 50 and celebrating 20 years as a pastor in Albion in the fall of 2007. As he reflected on his ministry, he did the math and realized he had preached about 1,000 sermons in Albion.

He thought about enduring principles he learned in those 20 years and preached about them in a sermon series he called “1,000 Sundays.” Members of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion gave Lindsay good feedback about the sermons.

Lindsay’s 20 years have now turned into nearly 26 years of commitment to the Albion community. He often preaches about the importance of “finishing the race,” of staying faithful to God.

Lindsay has had a few years to think about the “1,000 Sundays.” He was encouraged to expand on those principles and write about longevity in Christian life and ministry. He spent a year working on a manuscript.

The result is a 219-page book with 19 chapters. In “1,000 Sundays and Counting ” the pastor writes about his Albion church and some of the life principles he has learned. The book came out last month and is available locally at Bindings Bookstore in Albion.

“It’s not a how-to manual,” Lindsay said. “It’s a book about character.”

Lindsay grew up in Hilton. He and his wife Laurie have five grown children and five grandchildren. They were attending Golden Heights Christian Center in Brockport when that church decided to plant a new church in Albion. Lindsay was asked to lead the effort.

The Christian Center Church of Orleans County held its first service on Oct. 25, 1987 at Albion Firemen’s Recreation Building. The church was there for four years before buying a building a 560 East Ave. The church later changed its name to Harvest Christian Fellowship.

It has been influential in establishing the Orleans County Christian School and the Care Net Center of Greater Orleans, which provides free pregnancy tests and ultra-sounds, as well as support in a crisis pregnancy.

Lindsay also serves as chaplain in the Orleans County Jail and has served as a missionary to Africa. He just returned from Ghana and Togo. He distributed 200 copies of his books to Christian leaders in the countries.

Some of the principles in the book include:

Let God use the difficult circumstances of your life to form the character of Christ in you.

Leave a godly legacy for future generations.

Keep your heart tender and sensitive to Jesus even in the midst of trials.

Live for something bigger than yourself.

Find and maintain healthy relationships in the body of Christ.

Fulfill God’s vision and purpose for your life.

Lindsay is working to launch another ministry in the community, “Hands for Hope.” That initiative will partner with local businesses to connect residents to jobs that match their skill levels. Hands for Hope will run “Jobs for Life,” an eight-week job training program.

Hands for Hope includes representatives from several local churches. They want to connect residents with mentors, “who can help people when there are bumps in the road.”

Hands for Hope is aimed at unemployed and underemployed residents. Lindsay said 400 sites in the country are running the Bible-based program right now.

The churches and mentors will stress soft job skills, such as showing up to work on time, keeping a good attitude and conflict resolution skills.

“It boils down to character,” said Lindsay, who will be site leader for the project.

He believes good jobs can help lift many people out of generational poverty.

“This can help them get out of that cycle,” Lindsay said.

He welcomes businesses, churches, mentors and other participants for the program, which is expected to launch in January.