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Rochester woman sentenced to 20 years for role in burglary that led to death of elderly Medina man

Posted 22 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Arlene Combs, 31, of Rochester, who was convicted of racketeering, was sentenced today to 240 months by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

“This case, which began with greed, ended in the murder of a senior citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “As this sentence demonstrates, law enforcement will be relentless in pursuing each and every person responsible for Mr. Marciniak’s death, regardless of role in that crime.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who handled the case, said that Combs and co-defendant Rico Vendetti hired three men, Donald Griffin, Albert Parsons, and Juan Javier, to travel from Rochester to the Medina home of 78-year-old Homer Marciniak to steal Marciniak’s valuable comic book collection in exchange for $1,000 each.

In executing their plan, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2010, Combs, along with Griffin, Parson, and Javier, drove from Rochester to Medina and cut Marciniak’s phone line.

In the early morning hours of the following day, July 5, 2010, the defendants returned to Marciniak’s home. Wearing ski masks and gloves, Griffin, Parsons, and Javier forcibly entered and during the course of the burglary, Marciniak, who had a serious heart condition, awoke and confronted the burglars.

Griffin struck Marciniak in the face and then, along with Javier, bound his hands with bed linens. Javier then verbally threatened Marciniak with a BB gun in hand. Parsons, Griffin, and Javier ultimately located the comic book collection along with several strong boxes containing cash, coins, and other valuables.

After Griffin, Parsons, and Javier fled the scene with Combs, Marciniak freed himself and was taken to Medina Memorial Hospital for treatment of his facial injuries. However, after Marciniak was treated and released, he suffered a heart attack, was re-admitted to the hospital, and died shortly thereafter. Medical experts concluded that the blow Griffin struck, as well as the emotional trauma caused by the burglary, directly contributed to Marciniak’s cardiac arrest and resulting death.

Griffin, Parsons, and Javier gave the comic books to Combs who, along with another codefendant, Terry Stewart, took the comic books to Vendetti later in the day on July 5. Once Vendetti learned that the burglary resulted in Marciniak’s death, Vendetti disposed of the comic books.

Law enforcement officials within the Rochester Police Department identified the defendants during the course of separate investigation in October 2010. The defendants were arrested soon thereafter. In February and March 2011, Combs attempted to persuade Javier to not communicate with law enforcement about the July 2010 burglary and subsequent death of Homer Marciniak.

The burglary grew out of an organized shoplifting ring that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise from retail stores such as Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, JoAnn Fabrics, Tops, and Wegmans. Vendetti, the former owner of Eastside Gold & Car Audio, formerly in Rochester, along with codefendant, Dayon Shaver, purchased the stolen merchandise for 25 cents on the dollar and then sold the stolen merchandise on eBay for about half of its retail value, primarily to out-of-state customers.

Also convicted in connection with this case:

Rico Vendetti was convicted of racketeering and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20, 2016.

Donald Griffin was convicted of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering: murder, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2016.

Albert Parsons was convicted of a violent crime in aid of racketeering: assault resulting in bodily injury, and is scheduled to be sentenced in May 2016.

Juan Javier, who was 17 at the time of the burglary, was prosecuted as an adult in Orleans County and sentenced to seven years in state prison.

Terry Stewart was convicted of racketeering and was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison.

Dayon Shaver was convicted of conspiring to traffic in stolen goods across state lines on March 21, 2016, and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

Brandon Meade was convicted of conspiring to traffic in stolen goods across state lines and was sentenced on January 21, 2016 to time-served after serving nine months in federal prison.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Craig Hanesworth, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Scott Hess, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn, the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jose Avila and officers from the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli. Special assistance was provided by Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone.

Lyndonville, Medina school districts recognized for shared services

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2016 at 12:00 am

National magazine for school districts highlights effort to preserve opportunities for students

Photo by Tom Rivers – Lyndonville and Medina students perform Guys and Dolls on March 13 in Lyndonville. Thomas Follman of Lyndonville portrays Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Abel Zavitz of Medina is Nathan Detroit, and Leif Isaacson of Lyndonville plays Benny Southstreet. The Lyndonville-Medina musicals, now in their fifth year of a combined program, have won numerous awards through the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s “Stars of Tomorrow” program. Follman was also an all-star linebacker for the Medina football team.

Two local school districts facing declining student enrollments and cuts in state funding five years ago decided to try some programs together.

Lyndonville would make its stellar musical program available to Medina students. Medina would open up its football team and state champion marching band to Lyndonville.

The shared services have expanded since then to boys soccer, cross country and track and field teams. A volleyball team was added last year.

The two districts also have run shared staff development including a joint summer leadership conference and staff development featuring national student engagement experts.

The Lyndonville and Medina cooperation has been recognized in a national educational magazine. “District Administration” this month highlighted Lyndonville and Medina as “Districts of Distinction.”

The magazine noted how both districts closed elementary schools due to enrollment drops, and efforts to run more efficient and cost-effective districts.

The shared services have preserved and expanded opportunities for students in both districts, District Administration said in highlighting the joint effort.

“We’re very happy with how it’s gone,” said Jason Smith, the Lyndonville Central School superintendent.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Steve Anderson, a Lyndonville student, is pictured during the 2014 season when he excelled on Medina’s boys soccer team. He was named a Niagara-Orleans all-star and helped the team capture the league title.

He said students from both districts have welcomed each other. The musicals, for instance, are staged in Lyndonville and include a big cast of 53 Lyndonville and Medina kids, with students from both schools in the lead roles.

The addition of Medina students allows Lyndonville to put on more challenging shows with bigger casts.

“There is a larger talent pool,” Smith said. “The Lyndonville kids really enjoy having the Medina students here.”

Lyndonville students have made Medina’s football and soccer teams stronger, perennial playoff participants since the shared services started.

“This was basically done to offer kids opportunities,” said Jeff Evoy, superintendent at Medina Central School. “We’re always focused on doing what’s best for kids. That’s how we operate.”

The shared services efforts were pushed by former interim superintendents Tom Cox in Lyndonville and Bruce Fraser in Medina. But Smith and Evoy have pushed the effort to new levels.

Those superintendents have known each other for more than 20 years, going back to when they were social studies teachers at Albion.

“There is a huge trust factor for us both,” Smith said. “This has been a really good partnership among the districts.”

Weather Service warns of freezing rain, sleet starting 5 p.m. Wednesday

Staff Reports Posted 22 March 2016 at 12:00 am

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory in Orleans County for freezing rain and sleet from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday.

The advisory also includes Wayne, Monroe, Niagara, Genesee and northern Erie counties.

The Weather Service says there will be an inch or less of snow on Wednesday and also on Thursday.

With temperatures in the low to mid-30s for parts of Wednesday and Thursday, the Weather Service warns that untreated roads, sidewalks and parking lots could be slippery.

Holley school officials, citing safety concerns, don’t want school to be polling site

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 March 2016 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – The April 19th New York Presidential Primary is causing some concern for Holley Central School Superintendent Robert D’Angelo.

That’s because the Holley Middle School/High School is the designated polling place for voters in the Town of Murray and D’Angelo asked members of the Holley Central School Board of Education on Monday evening to consider discussing the possibility of the eventual re-location of the polling place with Orleans County Board of Elections officials.

D’Angelo told board members he is a former U.S. history teacher who appreciates the importance of elections and making school buildings available to the community. “But my concern is the safety of the students,” he said.

D’Angelo has added a security officer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the building on April 19, but he worries, particularly as this year’s presidential campaign heats up on the national level, that the district, “cannot control who comes in those buildings.”

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Holley Fourth Grade teacher Lynn Vendetti, left, was presented with a Soaring to New Heights Award by Holley Elementary Principal Karri Schiavone during Monday evening’s School Board of Education meeting.

He said he has already scheduled a Superintendent’s Conference/Staff Development Day for the date of the November election, so that students will not be on campus that day.

“I think this election could bring out an enormous amount of people,” D’Angelo said of the upcoming presidential election in the fall. “We want to make sure people in our buildings are safe. We will do the best we can on April 19th, when they hold the primary.”

He noted Holley is the only public school building in Orleans County that is used as a polling place, and added after the board meeting, it may be one of very few, if any, in the region.

School Board President Brenda Swanger and other members of the board noted the meeting room/court room at the Murray Town Hall has benches that are locked in place and cannot be moved to accommodate voting. She said she has spoken with Sheriff Randy Bower and Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni and will meet with officials at the Board of Elections. Swanger said she will report back to the Board of Education in April.

D’Angelo and Swanger noted it is probably too late to change the polling place this year, but hope that the site can be moved in the future.

Also at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Holley fourth grade teacher Lynn Vendetti was presented with a Soaring to New Heights Award.

Vendetti was nominated by one of her students recently for a “Golden Apple Award” presented by Channel 8 News in Rochester.

Vendetti has worked closely to help the student who has been struggling with attendance issues to improve this year.

Schiavone said the award was “so well-deserved.”

“It’s not just me,” Vendetti said in accepting the award, “I work with a great team and the parents have been so supportive.”

Barre honors firefighters at annual banquet

Staff Reports Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

BARRE – The Barre Volunteer Fire Company held its annual banquet and awards program on Saturday at the East Shelby Fire Hall.

The Barre Fire Company presented many awards, including the EMS Person of the Year to Amanda Dixon, left. She is pictured with James Neal, second from left; Jerry Bentley and Patrick Lamka, the EMS captain.

Mark Farone was named Firefighter of the Year.

Chris Flansburg won the Chief’s Award. Both Farone and Flansburg are dedicated volunteers for the Barre Fire Company.

Terry Bentley, right, accepts the President’s Award from Karl Driesel.

Womens Auxiliary officers include from left: Mora Curtis, Betty Hazel, Stephanie Spencer and Stephanie Corke.

Officers for 2016 include from left: Susan Driesel, Fire Police Captain; Nic Elliot, 4th Lieutenant; Ben Flansburg, Captain; Bert Mathes, 1st Lieutenant; James Neal, Assistant Chief; Chris Flansburg, 2nd Lieutenant; Doug Bentley, Mechanic; Jerry Bentley, Chief; Brian Bentley, Assistant Mechanic; and Patrick Lamka, EMS Captain. (Not pictured: John Egloff is 3rd Lieutenant.)

The banquet on Saturday included a special presentation recognizing four generations of the Bentley family for their volunteer service to the fire company. Family members have given 158 years of service to the Barre Fire Company, including 93 years in a leadership position.

The Fire Company marks its 55th year this year. Gerald Bentley, who passed away in 1996, was a charter member. His son Douglas Bentley joined in April 1972 and was chief in 1987-88 and has been mechanic since 1995.

The third generation of Bentleys started when Tom Bentley and Jerry Bentley both joined in March 1989. Tom has been assistant mechanic, lieutenant, assistant chief and chief from 2005-2010. Jerry has been lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and chief from 1997 to 2004 and since 2015.

Terry Bentley joinedin August 1995 and has served as vice president, president, EMS captain and is currently secretary.

The fourth generation of Bentleys also has joined the Barre Volunteer Fire Company. Brian Bentley became a member in March 2012. He is the assistant mechanic for 2016. Kara Bentley joined in November 2015.

Medina FFA opens class doors for Animal Appreciation Day

Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Members of the Medina Central School’s FFA Chapter hosted their annual Animal Appreciation Day at the High School last week.

Students from all three of the district’s schools had a chance to tour the FFA classroom and see about 20 different species that Todd Eick’s class houses in the classroom and on the school’s miniature farm, which includes everything from llamas, pigs, rabbits and ducks to mice. Members also brought in their own pets.

“This tradition has been going on longer since I have been here,” said Mr. Eick, the high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “It’s a great opportunity for the members to show off what they have learned and educated others and for students to see what the FFA has to offer.”

Austin Cox is pictured with the new ducklings.

There was a steady stream of visitors after the classroom door’s opened at 9 a.m. on Friday and the FFA members took turns talking to the visitors about small animal and pet care. The FFA members allowed the other students to interact with the animals.

“We keep a careful eye on the animals to make sure they are not getting too stressed out,” Mr. Eick said. “If they are, the FFA members will remove them for a while until they settle down.”

Austin Cox has been in the FFA for three years.

“I think it is the greatest thing to be able to interact with all the animals,” Austin said. “Where would we be without agriculture?”

Abigail Maines, the Medina FFA president, introduced students to Willow.

Members Kali Schrader and Laura Washak have also been with the FFA for three years. “I really like taking care of the animals,” Laura said as she showed up Kieta the rabbit to visitors.

Kali, who is the FFA historian, said she got involved with the organization because her family does a lot with agriculture. “I love working with the animals. I want to go to school to be a veterinarian when I graduate.”

“This is such a great educational opportunity for everyone,” said Mr. Eick. “Everyone has a great time. We are very appreciative of our administration and everything they have allowed us to do in this class.”

Alaina Boyce is happy to show off Toots.

Farmers, small business owners speak out against $15 minimum wage

Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Darrel Oakes from LynOaken Farms in Lyndonville and Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina makes his appeal to state lawmakers to oppose the $15 minimum wage.

Press Release, NY Farm Bureau

BATAVIA – Small business owners and local farmers joined together today at The Days Inn in Batavia to ask state lawmakers to oppose the $15 minimum wage.

The April 1 budget deadline is just days away, and the coalition remains united in its efforts to defeat what will be a tough blow to local employers.

The consequences of a 67 percent wage hike are far reaching. The small businesses shared their personal stories of what this will mean to each of them, including the decisions that will have to be made to compensate for the major increase in labor costs. A reduction in the number of employees and an increase in automation are on the table should this proposal pass in Albany.

The impacts will be felt statewide. A recent report conducted by the former director of the Congressional Budget Office, found that at least 200,000 jobs will be lost across the state. A separate independent analysis by Farm Credit East estimates a $15 minimum wage in New York State would cost farmers between $387 and $622 million in 2021 at the peak of the wage rollout and nearly 2,000 farms would no longer be profitable.

Because of the statewide ramifications, today’s event coincided with more than a dozen others happening in communities across New York. It is a final push to make the compelling point to lawmakers that there are serious consequences, from job loss to higher consumer prices, should New York pass a $15 minimum wage. The small business owners asked their local lawmakers to vote no on $15.

“Businesses will be forced to raise prices to compensate. As a farmer, I cannot do this. I am a price taker not a price maker. This will make me uncompetitive with surrounding states, like Michigan and Pennsylvania, whose labor costs will be half what they are in New York. This will put some farms out of business or force them to move to a different state which will hurt our economy,” said Pat McCormick, a dairy farmer from Java Center and member of the NYFB board of directors.

Old Hippies will return in July for canal concerts

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – The Old Hippies became The Traveling Towpath Troubadours for a concert series at canal towns last July. The group, led by Bill McDonald, will be back July 8-11. They are pictured during a concert last summer at Medina’s Canal Basin.

The Traveling Towpath Troubadours will be back this summer for a series of concerts along the Erie Canal.

Bill McDonald of Batavia spearheaded the concert series last summer, traveling with his band mates from the Old Hippies. They played music atop a boat, visiting Middleport, Medina, Albion and Holley for concerts.

“It was a lot of fun,” said McDonald, who has enjoyed a musical career over 50 years, playing with the Ghost Riders, Old Hippies and other bands. “We were very happy.”

Bill McDonald and his wife Kay play in Medina last July.

This year the Troubadours will start the series in Lockport on July 8, and then head east. They are trying to piggyback on other events in the canal communities, including farmers’ markets, and arts and fitness programs.

After Lockport on July 8 for an evening concert, they will perform in Middleport on July 9. They will play in Medina on July 10 when hundreds of cyclists will be in town for the Cycling the Erie Canal event. The Troubadours will also play in Albion in the evening on July 10. They will conclude the series on July 11 in Holley.

McDonald is putting together the series and welcomes community organizations to help promote the series and have other activities going on for the canal concerts.

“We feel civic pride in it,” he said about the concerts. “We had a lot of fun last year and we want to help promote the canal.”

McDonald will be joined by his wife Kay and other members of the Old Hippies band, including Vinny Pastore and Jim Catino.

A grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is covering some of the cost of the effort, including renting a packet boat for the trip. The concerts will be free to the public. Some of the municipalities also are contributing to the concerts.

For more on the Troubadours, click here. To see a YouTube video from last July’s concert series, visit youtube.com.

Kendall man, 67, arrested for sexual abuse against teen girls

Staff Reports Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

David P. Perry Sr.

KENDALL – A Kendall man has been arrested on multiple charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15, Orleans County Undersheriff Chris Bourke said this afternoon.

David P. Perry Sr., 67, of Norway Road allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, Bourke said.

Perry would allegedly make them undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Perry’s Norway Road home in January. Electronic media evidence was recovered and submitted to the Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Buffalo for analysis.

Perry on March 9 was charged by Investigator Shannon Brett with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, one count of criminal sexual act in the third degree and one count of sexual abuse in the third degree.

Perry was arraigned before Kendall Town Justice Deborah Drennan. Bail was set at $5,000. Perry is scheduled to return to Kendall Court on April 4 at 6 p.m. Additional charges are pending, Burke said.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information on this case to contact Investigator Brett at 585-590-4158 or 585-590-4143.

3 arraigned in county court for felonies in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch arraigned three people for felonies today. All are currently in jail and entered not guilty pleas.

Michael A. Parkinson, 31, of Holley faces multiple charges. He is accused of manufacturing methamphetamine. The resident of 1 Thomas St., Apt. G, (Holley Hotel) was charged along with three other people on Feb. 4 after a search warrant was executed by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force and other law enforcement agencies.

Parkinson was arraigned today for unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the third degree, one count of criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Parkinson has prior felonies, Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard said. His attorney said Parkinson had a small role in the alleged crimes.

During sentencing Parkinson was reprimanded by Judge Punch for laughing.

“I don’t know if this is funny to you,” Punch said. “It sure isn’t to me.”

The judge set bail at $75,000.

In other arraignments:

A Rochester man who was charged on Halloween with driving a stolen 2010 Mercedes-Benz in Albion was arraigned for criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree.

Xavier A. Lowry, 24, of 104 Hobart St. was the sole occupant of the vehicle and taken into custody on Oct. 31. Albion police were alerted to the stolen vehicle when the plate reader system in an Albion patrol vehicle detected the stolen car on North Main Street. The vehicle was found to have been stolen from the City of Rochester several days before.

Lowry has a prior youthful offender disposition, a failure to appear in court and several bench warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Judge Punch set bail at $50,000.

A Rochester man suspected in the sale and distribution of crack cocaine from Rochester to the Village of Albion was arraigned for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third and fifth degrees.

Steven L. Carter, 23, of 185 Mount Hope Blvd. was arrested on Jan. 15 after being stopped on Clarendon Street by the Albion Police Department.

Carter has no prior criminal record except for a youthful offender disposition.

The judge set bail at $10,000.

Pullman holds wine-tasting to help church with restoration project

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2016 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Ryan Brodesser, right, of Clarendon and Thad Maxwell of Hamlin play music on Saturday night at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church for the third annual “Pullman Pours” wine-tasting event.

Several local wineries and food vendors were part of the event, which aims to raise money for the church’s restoration efforts, including a new roof and foundation repairs.

Pullman Memorial this year is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the congregation’s formation. Pullman Memorial was officially chartered in August 1891.

Railroad magnate George Pullman, who grew up Albion, challenged the new congregation to raise $5,000 towards a new building and he would cover the remaining cost.

The local community met the $5,000 challenge and Pullman spared no expense in the building, including more than 40 Tiffany stained-glass windows. The church opened in January 1895.

Pullman Memorial would like to have several renovation and restoration projects done by 2020, the 125th anniversary of the church building.

For more on the “Pullman125project,” click here.

Temps will cool over Spring Break with chance for snow

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

BARRE – A row of trees is pictured at sunset on Saturday night on East Barre Road in Barre.

The high temperatures locally will be above freezing throughout this week, according to the National Weather Service. However the lows on some days will go below 32 degrees and it could snow.

The Weather Service is forecasting a high of 37 today and a low of 23 tonight, followed by a high of 37 on Monday and a low of 26. Tuesday is forecast for a high of 44 and low of 34, followed by a high of 45 on Wednesday and a low of 36. Thursday could reach 51 and drop to 35. There is a chance for rain and snow Monday through Thursday, according to the Weather Service.

The Weather Service says the high on Friday will be 43 with a low of 33.

GCC names speaker for 48th annual commencement

Posted 20 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Joshua Fredenburg

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the commencement speaker for the May 22 graduation, the college’s 48th annual commencement program.

Joshua Fredenburg is a nationally acclaimed speaker, commentator, leadership /diversity consultant, relationship expert and author of five books.

The May 22 graduation begins at 1 p.m. and will feature a dynamic speaker who is known for inspirational messages that often lead to life changing and transformational results.

Fredenburg is the president and founder of the Circle of Change Leadership Conference, an award winning annual leadership development program for college students. The program provides emerging leaders with the skills, resources and access to learn from more than 70 executives from Fortune 500 companies such as Pepsi, Columbia Pictures, Hewlett Packard, CNN, UPS, MTV, Mattel, Starbucks, Verizon Wireless, NBC Universal, IBM and Warner Brothers.

In addition, Fredenburg is a member from the California State University Board of Directors, received an award from the Young Professionals Urban League of Los Angeles, and has been featured on numerous local and national talk shows.

In other matters, the Board of Trustees:

Approved the curriculum changes to the college’s Liberal Arts and Science Humanities and Social Science Associate in Arts degree. While continuing to review GCC’s academic programs under the SUNY seamless transfer initiative, Dr. Kathleen Schiefen, provost/executive vice president for Academic Affairs reported that GCC’s Humanities and Social Sciences program now includes six concentrations in History, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, English and Economics to better enable students who are transferring for a baccalaureate degree in these areas of specialty.

Received the donation of 300 sewing patterns to be used by GCC’s Fashion Design students in their efforts to create garments for both classroom projects and the College’s annual Fashion Show. The donation was made by Jennifer Newell, GCC’s dean of students, and is valued at approximately $6,000.

Heard Richard Ensman, director of Development and External Affairs report on the ongoing efforts of the college’s 50th Anniversary Steering Committee, which is being co-chaired by Board of Trustee Chair Diane D. Torcello and Rick Dudkowski, professor of Business and Fashion Merchandising Management.

Organized into four subcommittees, the group is excited to be planning special events and opportunities over the next 20 months that will commemorate significant points in the college’s history. Among the events being planned are: a college community Founding Day scheduled April 15 to recognize the day SUNY acknowledged the wishes of area leaders to create GCC; the Groundbreaking and Anniversary Kickoff Celebration on April 28 at 4 p.m.; development of a new Anniversary webpage featuring the online scrapbook and events calendar; and special anniversary components added to annual events including but not limited to Homecoming, the Fashion Show, Discover the Stars, Encore and the Wolcott Jay Humphrey Symposium for Leadership.

Chamber sells furniture, other items as it closes office

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce sold many desks, tables, chairs and other possessions on Saturday. The Chamber is closing its office at 102 North Main St., Suite 1.

Samantha Roskowski, executive director for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, will work out of her home and remotely in other spots in the community. Roskowski, right, is pictured with Brooke Pontillo, president of the Chamber.

The organization announced last month it would be closing the office. Pontillo and Roskowski said there was little foot traffic to the site, and it made more sense to close it. That way Roskowski isn’t tied to the office and can better network in the community and promote businesses. The Chamber also will save money, allowing it to do more for Chamber members, Roskowski said.

Saturday was unusual at the Chamber site: There were a lot of visitors looking over items. Many of the furniture pieces were acquired by the county for the tourism office at the County Administration Building.

Roskowski said the Chamber may revisit having an office again someday. If it goes that route she would prefer to share space with another organization.

The Chamber is planning one of its biggest events, the Home and Garden Show on April 16-17 at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville. It will include a wine-tasting on April 16.

For more on the Chamber, click here.

Mr. Kendall Pageant is an evening of fun for a good cause

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 19 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Evan Gaesser (left) took second place honors and Creagan Maclaren (right) was selected Mr. Kendall 2016 Friday evening at Kendall Central School.

KENDALL – Kendall High School Senior Creagan Maclaren was crowned “Mr. Kendall 2016” during the 3rd Annual Mr. Kendall Pageant Friday evening at Kendall Jr./Sr. High School.His “bio” in the program stated: “Cregan’s favorite activities in school (include) wrestling, golfing, and being an absolute lady killer.”

“I’m glad to finally take the crown,” Creagan said as he paraded around the stage following his victory. He wore his lion costume from the “Individual Talents” portion of the pageant. “Last year I got so close,” he said.

Contestants perform a group dance number at the opening of the Mr. Kendall Pageant Friday evening. They danced to the song, “It’s Raining Men.” The pageant was “crashed” by two female students – Student Council Event Coordinators Maddie Rath and Kacey Menge. Both were disqualified at the end of the competition for “not being males.”

Mr. Kendall Pageant contestants strut their stuff Friday evening during the workout wear competition.

Creagan was the only participant this year who also participated in 2015. Senior Evan Gaesser came in second place. Other participants were seniors Brandon Lewis and David Maslyn, and juniors Brandon Miller, Bobby Wilson and Kenny Price.

The tongue-in-cheek event is organized and hosted by members of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High Student Council and provides an opportunity for upperclassmen to “strut their stuff, show off their talents, and support a good cause,” the program states.

Mr. Kendall contestant Kenny Price (left) performs his “Teacher Impersonation” of instrumental music teacher Ashlea Strouse with the help of a fellow student.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Grace Lang/Amber Liese Memorial Walk in May. In recent years, the walk has benefited Teens Living With Cancer, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, and the Kendall Ambulance. Grace Lang was a school nurse and Amber Liese, a Kendall graduate, died of cancer in 2010.

Participants competed in several areas: formal wear, a group dance number, teacher impersonation (an audience favorite), workout wear, strongest/smartest, sleep wear, interviews and individual talents.

Mr. Kendall contestants Creagan Maclaren (left) and Kenny Price (right) listen intently to a question during the “strongest/smartest” portion of the pageant.

The talent portion was won by Kenny Price; workout wear by Brandon Lewis; teacher impression by David Maslyn; sleep wear by Brandon Miller and interview by Ryan Barrett – who wasn’t an actual contestant, but who gave contestants their questions during the interview and managed to change his costume between each contestant.

Guest judges were former Student Council members Matt Schuth and Marisa Hanlon, former “famous teacher” Kris Stumpf, and Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino.

Audience members were able to participate in the competition through social media. Student Council members Sarah Pieniaszek and Lexi Payton manned the Twitter booth and reported on tweets during the evening.

Contestant Brandon Miller – sporting his sleep wear – is questioned by Student Council Member Ryan Barrett during the personal interviews. Barrett changed costumes incredibly quickly between contestants.

Ryan Barrett wore a “Dorothy” ensemble to question Mr. Kendall contestant Bobby Wilson who was asked what his campaign slogan would be if he ran for president. Wilson responded: “Sponge Bob is awesome 24.”

Evan Gaesser, who took second place, performs “Artistic Stylings” during the talent portion of the Mr. Kendall Pageant. His “artwork” was a “Vote for Evan” poster which he presented to the judges.

Contestant Brandon Lewis performed “magical” for the talent portion. He made several items “disappear” by putting them in his pockets, throwing them away or tossing them off-stage.

Former Mr. Kendall contestants in attendance took the stage momentarily during judging. On the far right are brothers Mark and Adam Washington – the winners of the first two Mr. Kendall Pageants.