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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 19 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Volume 2, Issue 12
The stunning view provided by Lake Ontario led to the formation of hamlets and cottage communities along the lakeshore and eventually caused the establishment of numerous hotels and summer resorts in Orleans County.
The wealthiest members of society used these locations as an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, resulting in the growth of lakefront property serving as a seasonal destination for the out-of-towners.
In 1860, land originally purchased by Asa Lee at Troutburg in Kendall was transferred to his daughter-in-law, Sarah J. Lee, who oversaw the construction of what would later become the Ontario House. This large, luxurious hotel was “first class in every respect” and catered to locals and visitors alike.
Situated on the west side of the Orleans/Monroe county line, the complex consisted of a house, dance hall, and barn. Standing just to the west of the main house, the dance hall served as a “picnic house” for excursionists who were visiting the area by way of boat.
The hall contained 13 large tables attached at one end to the wall with hinges, allowing the tables to be folded out of the way when not in use. This provided a large open floor for parties, dances, and other events. The hall had one kitchen with two large cook stoves to provide nourishment for the guests.
Nearby was a barn that housed stables for nearly 60 horses. Guests could stable their horse for $.25 per day or $.35 per day if the owner preferred to feed their horse grain in addition to hay. Two small sailboats and a number of rowboats were available for the pleasure of the visitors, allowing for short trips out onto the lake.
Mrs. Lee operated the Ontario House for nearly 27 years when she finally sold the property to William Sturges in 1887. At the time of the sale, the resort was regarded as the only successful temperance hotel in Western New York; the Ontario House remained successful despite the decision of the owner to refrain from selling alcohol. It remained a dry location even after the property changed hands.
A bowling alley was added to the property in the 1880s, at which time a guest could stay overnight at the house for $2.00 and special rates were offered for week-long stays at $5.00-$8.00 depending on the room.
As a seasonal resort, the ownership held large opening events in May to start the year and usually concluded in October with a large dance party. Hundreds of couples attended these events, paying $.25 for admission to the dance hall. The parties of course were dry events with no alcohol for guests.
In 1880, the Ontario House saw the rise of its first competitor when Charles T. Bush constructed the Bush House on the east side of the county line. This property later became known as the Cady House and still stands on that parcel as a decrepit structure along the lake.
The Ontario House continued its successful run under the ownership of Sturges until 1895 when it was transferred to Menzo Storer, then to J. Staub in 1917 before it was sold to an owner from Buffalo around 1921.
Although the buildings are no longer standing, this image taken sometime in the 1880s shows a crowd gathered along the porch of the Ontario House. The story of the Ontario House and other lakeside resorts are a testament to the splendor and beauty of Lake Ontario as a destination for residents and visitors alike.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Goal: be ready for Strawberry Festival race in June
Photo by Tom Rivers – Some of the leaders of the “Run for God” program include, front row, from left: Tom Smith, Sheila Lemcke and Brian Krieger. Other participants in back include Becki Keegan, Joe McPhatter, John Given and his son Zeke Given.
ALBION – In 2012, the Albion Free Methodist Church started a “Run for God” program that takes people from the couch to running a 5-kilometer race in 12 weeks.
Organizers of the first Run for God weren’t sure how many would take up the challenge, starting in cold March weather and concluding with the 5K race in June during the Albion Strawberry Festival. There was a strong response to “Run for God” with 40 people finishing the first race.
Altogether, 274 people have participated in Run for God (including a half marathon training program) in the first four years. A new Run for God starts tomorrow (Saturday) at 8:30 a.m. at the Free Methodist Church, corner of East State and Platt streets.
The group meets for a devotional or spiritual lesson, and then begins the journey to a 5K, alternating with short jogs and walks. The group will gradually increase the running times during the following weeks.
Tom Smith and Sheila Lemcke are leading the program again this year. Smith, the worship leader at the church, said he enjoys the camaraderie among the runners.
The participants go at different paces. Run for God is open to new and more experienced runners, and people can join at any time during the 12 weeks.
“There is no judgment,” Lemcke said. “Everyone is accepted at any level.”
There is no cost to be in the program, unless participants want to buy a T-shirt or a Run for God book. For more on Run for God, click here.
The program is now sponsored by the Free Methodist Church and the Albion Running Club. The late Wayne Burlison was a founder of the Running Club and pushed to start the Run for God program.
Burlison was 36 when he died from cancer nearly two years ago on March 26, 2014.
The Running Club is planning the second annual “Run for Wayne” in honor of Burlison on April 16 at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School, where Burlison was a music teacher.
The race starts at 12:01 p.m. The course is 3.17 miles. That distance was chosen to honor Burlison’s 3-month, 17-day fight with stage 4 colon cancer.
Burlison was a proponent of healthy living in the community. Through diet and exercise, he lost more than 150 pounds and ran a marathon and several half marathons.
For more information on “Run for Wayne,” click here.
Provided photos – These Medina students worked well under pressure in a competition at GCC on Thursday. The students are, from left: Leeland Tolliver, Alwyn Cayea and James Bieliski.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – A three-person team from Clifford Wise Middle School in Medina took home first place among 54 teams in the Design Challenge/Mystery Project at the GCC Tech Wars on Thursday.
Seventh graders James Bieliski, Alwyn Cayea and Leeland Tolliver had 40 minutes for the competition in which they had to design and construct a cantilever arm that could support a tennis ball at the end.
Their technology teachers, Edward Williams and Justin Mergenhagen, took 16 students total to the competition at Genesee Community College.
“We selected the students from our 7th grade class and based it on their ability to solve problems in the classroom, who we felt were our most critical thinkers and who had the best team work skills,” said Mr. Mergenhagen.
The students were given simple materials to complete their task: a bundle of cardboard strips that were 2 inches thick and 38 inches long and a roll of masking tape.
Alwyn came up with the design and Leeland and James improved upon the original idea.
The students work on their projects at GCC.
“They could not tape their design on the floor and their cantilever arm had to be above 38 inches high,” explained Mr. Mergenhagen. “If their ball fell below the 38 inch mark, they would be disqualified. The group that had the longest extended arm from the fulcrum, would be the winner. Our team got an extension arm of 19.5 inches.”
It was a nerve-wracking process for the young engineers. As soon as the teams were told that time was up, they had to bring their projects over to the testing station to be judged. While transporting their project it kept falling over and it took them a couple of minutes to fix the issue.
The judge measured the length of the support arm with the tennis ball sitting on the end of it. The students patiently waited and watched as each group got tested. They were convinced they would not win, but when they noticed all the other group projects were falling over and failing their test, the Medina students started to have hope.
“They were so excited when they found out they were the first place winners,” Mr. Mergenhagen said. “Mr. Williams and I were so proud of their performance and how well they worked together. These boys are excellent deep thinkers and have the ability to tackle tough problem-solving tasks under tight constraints. They concentrated, were focused and communicated well as a team. Hats off to them.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Town supervisor, village mayor say they will work together
John Belson
LYNDONVILLE – John Belson appreciates the strong support from the community in Tuesday’s village mayoral election, a victory that returns him to elected office only a few months after he narrowly lost a re-election bid for Yates town supervisor.
Belson will now lead the Lyndonville village government. He has lived in the village since 1997. The village is 1 square mile with 838 residents. The village sits within the Town of Yates.
The Yates town supervisor and Lyndonville mayor work out of neighboring buildings on Main Street. The town supervisor and mayor need to work together because the town contracts with the village for fire protection and water service.
Jim Simon, the man who defeated Belson in a write-in campaign for town supervisor last November, congratulated Belson on his victory.
Simon said Belson will be a “quick study” in knowing how village government works. Belson is already well-schooled on community issues, Simon said.
The new mayor, who takes office April 1, also is familiar with town government and the Yates perspective. That should make it easier for the town as it works with the village, Simon said.
Belson was elected on Tuesday, winning 92-19 over James Tuk, the current deputy mayor.
Belson said the village struggles with a shrinking tax base. It has limited options for growing the tax base, and has many tax exempt properties, with the school district, churches, and village and town facilities.
“We’re all pressed for money,” he said.
Belson would like to boost the downtown business district. He welcomes more people to be involved in the village government and community organizations. He said service organizations, fire departments, churches and even municipal boards need more interest and participation from the community.
“The younger generation needs to be more involved,” he said. “I would like to get more public participation and involvement.”
The village elections don’t allow for much of a transition to the new elected officials. They take office on April 1, about two weeks after the election. The town elections are in early November and the new officials take office on Jan. 1, nearly a two-month transition.
With the town, the newly elected officials also don’t set the budget. That is done by the old board. The Belson-led Town Board in 2015 created the budget for 2016 that is now managed by the Simon-led Town Board.
With the village, the budgets are due before May 1. That means Belson will have a month to work on the village budget that he will then have to manage for 2016-17. At the village level, the new officials start in one of the busiest months for those elected officials. At the town level, the officials start in January, which is often a slower month.
Belson said he is ready for the challenge after the strong support in the election.
“I got a lot of energy from the residents in the village,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2016 at 12:00 am
In Medina, about 3 percent of voters went to polls
Photo by Tom Rivers – It was pretty quiet on Tuesday at the Albion Village Hall for the village elections. Only 210 residents out of 2,692 eligible voters went to the polls.
It was just over a year ago when Medina village residents stood in long lines to vote about village dissolution, whether the village government would be dissolved.
The issue was intensely debated in Medina and the outlying towns. Hundreds of people turned out for public meetings. On Jan. 20, 2015, dissolution was rejected, 949-527. About half of the eligible voters came out that day in one of the biggest turnouts in recent memory for a village election.
Tuesday may have been the tiniest turnout ever for Medina. Only 87 voters out of about 3,000 cast a ballot. That’s about 3 percent of the village residents. Village-Clerk Treasurer Debbie Padoleski has been on the job for about three decades and doesn’t recall so few people ever going to the polls in Medina.
The three candidates were all unopposed. Mike Sidari is the new mayor and Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott were elected trustees. No one else passed petitions to get on the ballot.
A year ago, when only two candidates – Todd Bensley and Owen Toale – were on the ballot, 311 people voted. The race had some added drama with Jeremy Hogan, co-owner of O’Brien’s, running as a write-in. He received 98 votes, which was more than anyone on the ballot this past Tuesday.
Albion village elections more than a decade ago used to draw 800 to 1,000 voters, especially in a mayoral election. This was an off-election for the mayor’s post, but two trustee spots were up, with three candidates running.
Republicans only fielded one candidate, incumbent Gary Katsanis, and he lost to Democrats Peter Sidari and Mattea Navarra-Molisani. There were only 210 voters, or 7.8 percent of the 2,692 who were eligible to vote.
Lyndonville had the best turnout in terms of percentage. There were 125 voters on Tuesday, 26.7 percent of the 468 who were eligible. The election included two candidates running for mayor and three candidates for two trustee positions.
A year ago, Lyndonville had two trustees running unopposed. Only 15 people voted that day, so Tuesday was a much bigger turnout.
John Belson, the newly elected mayor, said the community needs more participation from residents, not only in local government but with service organizations, churches, fire departments and other important roles in the village and town.
In Albion, Trustee Stan Farone has been leading monthly “Energize Albion” meetings to try to engage the community in local issues.
