Press release, GCC
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Michele Bokman has been named May 2014 Employee of the Month. Michele has worked at GCC for nine years.
She is director of operations for the Albion and Medina Campus Centers and is also an adjunct instructor, having taught the Career and Education Planning course for the last six years.
In her role as director of operations, Michele oversees day-to-day activities at both of GCC’s Orleans County campus centers. She handles everything from facility needs to course planning.
“Her oversight of the day-to-day operations of both centers is extensive and involves every aspect of the operations,” GCC officials noted in naming her Employee of the Month. “Michele has a can-do attitude, and she sets a positive tone for staff and the students.”
Michele played an instrumental role in establishing the Orleans County Advisement Team. She also contributes to the college community through service on the joint advisory committee for the centers, the College Assessment Committee and on the All-advisor Committee.
Prior to GCC, Michele was the field support manager covering Albany and New York City for a large national property and casualty insurance company. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University in French Language and Culture and a Master’s in Liberal Studies from The College at Brockport.
She loves the “unique work environment” at GCC. “I have the privilege of working with a group of people who value teamwork, innovative thinking and challenge each other to be the best.”
Michele lives in Albion with her husband Brad and their four children: Natalie, Chelsea, Matt and Mitch. Outside the College she serves on the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension board. She loves international travel and hopes to experience as many cultures as she can. “Water activities, snow skiing and a great book make me happy!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Cameron Morgan – By Tom Rivers, editor
MEDINA – A Medina High School senior has been named a special mention to Business First’s 2014 All-Western New York Academic Team. That designation puts him in a group of the top 100 high school seniors in eight counties of Western New York.
Morgan is the fifth-ranked student in his class. He has been active in the school musicals, as drum major in the marching band and as Student Association president. He plans to attend either the University of Rochester or Columbia University to major in political science with a minor in human rights.
Business First said the Academic Team program is designed to spotlight students who pursue excellence both in and out of the classroom. The committee chose this year’s winners based on their records of academic achievement, school leadership and community involvement.
Photo by Tom Rivers – Cameron Morgan, Medina’s drum major, directs the 130-member band in the pouring rain on Sept. 21 during the Fall Festival of Bands.
State Sen. George D. Maziarz is pleased to announce that legislation he cosponsored to make New York State more relevant in presidential elections was approved in both chambers of the Legislature by overwhelming margins on Tuesday.
The “National Popular Vote” bill (S.3149-A/A.4422-A) would allow New York to enter into an interstate agreement through which all member states would award their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote.
“If enough states did this, we would change the landscape of how we choose a president,” Maziarz said. “Too often presidential candidates campaign in a handful of swing states and ignore all the others. This bill would make New York’s votes matter more than ever and it would make sure that presidential candidates pay attention to our state and ultimately are more accountable to our state.”
The legislation was previously approved by the Senate in 2011 and the Assembly in 2013, but Tuesday’s vote marks the first time both chambers have agreed to the measure in the same legislative session. As a result, the bill will be forwarded to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his signature into law or veto.
The interstate agreement would take effect when 270 electoral votes from member states can be accounted for, which is enough to decide the outcome of a presidential contest. If the measure is signed into law in New York, the tally to date among participating states would reach 165 electoral votes, or 61 percent of that goal.
“For too long New York has been irrelevant in choosing our president,” Maziarz added. “This agreement will change that by making sure the voice of the majority of our citizens is heard.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – The Purple Eagle Marching Band and drum major Brooke Chandler perform in the rain on Main Street last June during the Strawberry Festival.
ALBION – Near the end of a district-wide concert tonight, Albion music teachers announced the district for the seventh straight year has won a national award for its program.
The North American Music Merchants named Albion a “Best Communities for Music Education.” The NAMM organization gives out the award to recognize districts that make music a priority, especially in an era of tight school budgets and packed student schedules.
The music program is strong in all Albion school buildings. The high school puts on a full-scale musical and students also perform in several different instrumental and choral groups. In all, high school musicians perform numerous times during the school year.
The middle school puts on a full-scale musical, and its students perform with the marching and jazz bands. Elementary music teachers lead students in performances throughout the year.
NAMM said its Best Communities designation “recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep comprehensive music education as an integral part of the core curriculum.”
Josh Raymond plays the scarecrow in the high school’s musical production of “The Wiz,” which will be performed Friday and Saturday in the middle school auditorium.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Albion man arraigned in county court for burglary
ALBION – A Rochester man stopped with cocaine and a switch-blade knife in Clarendon in August pleaded guilty in county court and could be sentenced to 2 ½ years in state prison.
Juan Gonzalez, 36, of North Union Street was stopped by state police in Clarendon on Aug. 16. Gonzalez had cocaine in the vehicle, which he said he intended to trade for a gun. He also had a switch-blade knife which is illegal.
He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth, which carries a maximum sentence of 2 ½ years. He also pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, which carries a maximum sentence of a year in prison. That sentence could run at the same time as the CPCS charge.
Orleans County Court Judge James Punch will sentence Gonzalez at 2 p.m. on June 16.
In another case in county court on Monday, a 19-year-old Albion man was arraigned for an August burglary at Robinson’s Redemption Center in Albion.
Hayden K. Ettinger of East Academy Street was arraigned on charges of third-degree burglary and petit larceny. He was sent to jail on $1,500 bail.
Ettinger also has been charged with an October burglary in Oakfield on Lockport Road. In that case he was charged with third-degree burglary and unlawful possession of marijuana.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Company says it will create up to 35 jobs
Photo by Tom Rivers – Brunner International is planning a 48,000-square-foot addition to its complex at the corner of Route 31 and Bates Road in Medina.
(Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub previously reported on this expansion project. Today the Orleans Economic Development Agency issued a press release about the expansion.)
Press release
Orleans Economic Development Agency
MEDINA – The Orleans Economic Development Agency announced today, in conjunction with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, that they are working on a local incentives package and permitting to meet the rapid expansion needs of Brunner International.
The $10 million expansion project will add up to 35 new jobs, retain 363 local positions and include construction of a new 48,000-square foot building at Brunner’s Bates Road site.
The new structure will be connected by a breezeway to one of the company’s existing buildings. Brunner currently produces components for heavy-duty trucks and trailers. Fast-tracking the expanded operations plan is critical for Brunner to begin building and shipping products by early 2015 to meet their contractual obligations.
Brunner qualified for up to $750,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from the state in return for its proposed investment and additional job creation commitments.
“As a premier employer in Orleans County, Brunner International is a significant contributor to the local economy and it is a reflection on the region that this company has chosen to remain in Medina,” Cuomo said. “Creating jobs and growing the Upstate economy continues to be one of our administration’s top priorities. This investment strengthens the manufacturing industry in Western New York, while also securing hundreds of jobs in the region.”
The Orleans County EDA mounted an aggressive campaign to secure the expansion project for Orleans County, amidst strong interest from economic development agencies in other states. Ultimately, Brunner determined that the project would happen at the Medina facility after evaluating multiple sites out of state that would also accommodate Brunner’s strategic partners.
“We were successful in securing the Brunner International expansion in Medina due to outstanding collaboration with Empire State Development, the New York Power Authority and the Department of Environmental Conservation,” said Jim Whipple, Orleans County EDA chief executive officer.
Brunner enjoys an exceptional reputation globally, which Brunner Vice President Brad MacDonald attributes to “the talent and work ethic of Brunner’s employees and the integrity they bring to the operation.”
Provided photo – Brunner International uses automated technology for some of the manufacturing work in Medina.
He added, “We had more confidence in the strength of the talent base in Western New York, so the expansion of our Medina operations is the right choice for Brunner. Local and state officials additionally reinforced that the full scope of the expansion could be more effectively achieved in Orleans County versus other parts of the country.”
While there are still ongoing permitting matters being worked through, Whipple added, “The Town of Ridgeway and The Army Corp of Engineers have also been invaluable partners with the shared goal of working to move the permitting process forward. They understand the need to move expeditiously and made a strong commitment to accommodate Brunner’s enterprising site development time line.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “A strong partnership between government and private industry is what led to the expansion of Brunner International in Medina. New York State’s record of successful manufacturing and technical innovation are two reasons why Brunner, as well as many other thriving businesses, are making the decision to expand their footprint in our state.”
“I salute Brunner’s leadership for making the decision to invest, expand, and create jobs at their current facility,” said State Sen. George Maziarz. “This is a great example of how low-cost, locally produced hydropower can spur investment and strengthen our local economy.”
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley stated, “The expansion of the Brunner facility is great news for the Medina community. This means more jobs in the area for families who have been struggling through the recession. This plant has already been a positive for Medina and Orleans County, and now it will be an even greater asset. I look forward to seeing this expansion through to completion.”
“Brunner International is a long-admired corporate citizen,” Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli said. “They understand one of our greatest assets is the work ethic of the people in Orleans County and we appreciate their on-going commitment to this region.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos courtesy Sheriff’s Department – Cliff worked with law enforcement in drug detections, apprehensions and public relations.
ALBION – For nine years Cliff tracked down criminals, located illegal drugs and was a popular presence with children and the public.
Cliff was a German shepherd that worked with the Sheriff’s Department from 2002 until retiring in 2011. The dog had been declining in health in recent months and died on March 7.
“Other departments would comment on what a great dog he was,” said Lt. Chris Bourke, the dog’s permanent handler. “He was so good for drug detection, for public relations and for other searching. He enjoyed the whole game.”
The 15-year-old was acquired from Czechoslovakia in 2002 and assigned to Bourke. Cliff was a criminal apprehension dog and his specialty was narcotic drug detection, said Sheriff Scott Hess.
Lt. Chris Bourke, the Sheriff’s Department’s canine handler, is pictured with Cliff.
The dog participated in hundreds of illegal narcotics investigations, executions of search warrants and arrests. Cliff and Bourke provided assistance to numerous federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies throughout western New York and the Province of Ontario, Canada.
“He was a great representative for the department,” Bourke said this afternoon. “He was so stable and clear-headed.”
Following retirement, Cliff continued to reside with Bourke, who now works with a canine named Cim.
“She’s another dog with a great personality,” Bourke said. “We always want a dog that can represent the department.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Nola Goodrich-Kresse, public health educator for the Orleans County Health Department, talks about the sugar content in popular beverages. Goodrich-Kresse said the sugar in soda and energy drinks adds hundreds of calories.
ALBION – Genesee Community College is promoting health at all ages of life during a wellness fair today at the Albion campus on Route 31.
There are 14 vendors at the fair, which was organized by a student-run Wellness Coalition at the college.
“In America we are becoming an obese country,” said student Kassy Sutton of Holley, a member of the Wellness Coalition. “There are alternatives for kids to watching TV and playing video games.”
Danny Anderson, program manager for the Orleans County YMCA, discusses the benefits of exercise and the opportunities at the Y.
Today’s wellness fair runs until 2:30 p.m. It is the biggest project for the Wellness Coalition, but the group has had a healthy snack bake sale with sugar substitutes. It is looking into other activities to promote exercise and healthy living.
“We want people to think about what kind of life do you want to have?” said student Melissa Qualey of Holley, a member of the Wellness Coalition.
A person in good mental, physical and emotional health can be more active and engaged in the community, at work and with their families, she said.
GCC professor Pam Lusk is advisor for the Wellness Coalition. The group organized its first health fair in 2012. It plans to make it a regular event every two years.
Diana Fulcomer, community specialist for GCASA, speaks with GCC students at a health fair today.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2014 at 12:00 am
CARLTON – The town has hired an Amherst firm to collect data on 2,400 properties as part of an effort to update the assessments.
GAR Associates Inc. will be paid $68,000 to visit every property in town. GAR won’t be going inside the houses and buildings, but the firm will be making note of swimming pools, additions, sheds, garages and property improvements, Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said today.
The town is working to update its assessment records so accurate and fair values can be designated for the properties. A year ago Carlton was engulfed in controversy when new values for properties were assigned. Residents packed the Town Hall to complain about some of the big increases.
Residents also complained some properties were under-assessed. The town’s records didn’t show all the structures and improvements at some properties with low assessments, town officials said.
The Town Board chose not to re-appoint its assessor and worked out an arrangement with Kendall to share its assessor, Gene Massey.
The board also voted to freeze the assessments at 2012 levels, rather than allow the big increases to take effect. The board voted again to keep the 2014 data at the 2012 numbers, unless there has been an building project at a property.
The Town Board will meet with GAR on April 4, and the firm will present its action plan for the coming months. Besides going door to door, the firm is planning two or three public meetings with residents, Ashbery said.
The updated property data plus the experience of Massey should ensure accurate assessments in the future, Ashbery said.
