By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 24 October 2015 at 12:00 am
CARLTON – This image shows the old “Two Bridges Hotel” located in Carlton near the Oak Orchard River and Marsh Creek. Residents of the area may recognize this building as it stands today as “Narby’s Superette and Tackle.”
The hotel area of the structure was located on the west end. Two doors are located on the front end of the building, one marked “Bar Room” and the other marked “Hotel Entrance.” A sign outside of the main doorway shows that oysters were being offered in the dining room.
Along the west side of the building, “Two Bridges Hotel” is painted between the windows on the second floor and the name of the hotel is again depicted at the peak of the building on the front side. The two bridges that gave the area its name are shown; the covered bridge spanning the Oak Orchard River and the bridge crossing Marsh Creek.
Located on the east end was the general store and postmaster’s office. Prior to the advent of rural delivery, Carlton’s post office was located at this site. Further to the east was a stable for horses. These two pieces were later removed.
The earliest hotel on this site was a brick structure built prior to 1870. When that building burned, this structure replaced it. The hotel had a long list of proprietors starting with R. R. Tenant in its earliest years and later falling under the ownership of Whaley & Palmer, Wyland & King, George Gunther, George Root, Ashley Blake, Philip Podgers, Charles Conley, and Benjamin Bamber.
The store also had a lengthy list of owners who often doubled as postmaster during their tenure. Benjamin Fowler, who was likely the owner of the store when this photo was taken, and James Waldron were two of the earlier proprietors of the business before Ben Bamber took control.
The hotel was the center of community events during its heyday. Proprietors frequently held parties for New Year’s Eve, Washington’s Birthday, Independence Day, and other patriotic celebrations. The store was one of the few local spots where residents could purchase dry goods and other necessities such as medicines.
In 1937, the area ceased to exist as “Two Bridges” when the name was inadvertently changed to “The Bridges” with the addition of the Rt. 18 span over the Oak Orchard River. I suppose with the removal of the Oak Orchard River Road Bridge, we can once again call the area “Two Bridges.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The First United Methodist Church in Albion is having its annual bazaar today with lots of baked goods, fruit and other items for sale.
This photo shows three generations, with Leslee Lockwood, left, joined by her daughter Melanie Norton and Melanie’s daughter Callee in selling cookies, fudge and other treats.
For years the bazaar was at the United Methodist building at the corner of Platt and East State streets. But the church on April 5 moved its services and office to Christ Episcopal Church on Main Street. The United Methodist building needs significant roof repairs, which were unaffordable to the congregation.
Today is the first time the bazaar is at Christ Church. The event continues until 3 p.m.
Meredith Minier, left, looks over some of the produce sold by JoAnne Fisher, right. Minier is the church secretary.
Al Capurso sings and plays his guitar in the church’s fellowship hall.
Elli Lockwood, left, and Kim Pritt sell cookies, pies and other baked goods.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Matt Mundion and his giant igloo – The North Pole – was named grand champion in the Parade of Lights last year in Medina. It was the second striaght year Mundion won the top prize. He declined the $500 grand prize last year, and urged organizers to sweeten the prize ths year.
The Parade of Lights Committee is taking Mundion’s advice and doubling the grand prize to $1,000.
Parade Chairman Jim Hancock said he wants to reward the top float, and also encourage more businesses and organizations to be a part of Nov. 28 event, which will be the seventh Parade of Lights in Medina. The parade has been a big success, drawing several thousand people to downtown Medina and the parade route.
Some members of the Parade Committee hold the $1,000 ceremonial check. The group includes, from left: Dave Miller, Gail Miller, Trudi Schwert, Jim Hancock and Dave Schwert.
There have been about 30 to 35 participants in the parade each year.
“The only criteria is it must be covered in lights,” Hancock said. “I’ve been blown away by the creativity and what people can do.”
Mundion built the “North Pole” with a framework of wood and attached white fabric on the outside to give an igloo look. He used two of the deer from his 2013 float – Rudolph and Dasher – as part of the display. He also built a door in front so he could see to steer the igloo. He drove a four-wheeler underneath the igloo to travel the parade route.
For more information on the parade and an entry form, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Fundraising target – $279,104.31 – reflects major routes and connections in community
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – United Way of Orleans County wants to emphasis community connections in the 2016 fund-raising campaign. The organization, to emphasize that theme, picked three major state routes – 279, 104 and 31 – in the county for the campaign goal.
On Thursday evening, honorary campaign chairman Charlie Nesbitt and United Way executive director Marsha Rivers unveiled the campaign goal during a reception at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. The $279,104.31 not only incorporates the major thoroughfares in the county, but those numbers could serve as donation targets for community members.
In the 2015 campaign, United Way also used “104” to motivate donors. That number represents a $2 donation 52 weeks a year. Rivers urged some donors to try to reach $279 in giving to the United Way for the year. Or perhaps first-time donors might want to begin supporting United Way at the $31 level.
The campaign raises funds for 19 partner agencies, as well as many more programs designated by donors.
Charlie Nesbitt, the honorary campaign chairman, addresses a group of agency leaders and United Way supporters during a campaign kickoff on Thursday evening.
“Thank you to the agencies for dedicating some part of your life to helping your neighbors,” Nesbitt, the former state assemblyman, said during the campaign kickoff.
The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern is one of the agencies that benefits from the United Way campaign. The United Way funding is used for the Just Friends mentoring program and also for crisis services, said Jacki Mowers-Sciarabba, the client advocate in Orleans County and Just Friends coordinator for the agency.
“With more money we could help more families keep the heat on during the winter,” she said. “These are senior citizens, children and families.”
The Cornell Cooperative Extension uses United Way funds for a “Choose Health” program, where a staff member teaches children about making good choices and healthy living. That can include reading labels on food packages and portion control while eating.
Jessica Downey, as assistant vice president at Claims Recovery Financial Services in Albion, is president of the United Way board. She said United Way has an impact throughout the county, supporting agencies that work with people of all ages.
“I love how close-knit the community is,” Downey said. “We’re loyal to each other and help each other out.”
The United Way board of directors is pictured at Thursday’s kickoff. The group includes, front row, from left: Jessica Downey, Assistant VP for CRFS; Executive Director Marsha Rivers; Melinda Maedl, Business Community Liaison for Iroquois Job Corps; Carol D’Agostino, Principal for Kendall Junior-Senior High School; and Virginia Kropf, Reporter for The Daily News.
Back row: Jackie Gardner, VP at Claims Recovery Financial Services; Patrick Weissend, Assistant VP & Branch Manager for Tompkins Bank of Castile in Medina; Bill Hungerford, President of Takeform Architectural Graphics; Jerome Pawlak, Owner of Pawlak’s Save-A-Lot; Jason Smith, Superintendent of Lyndonville Central School; and Dave Cook, Territory Manager for Innovative Solutions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Pete Rhim, an employee with Baxter International, is out volunteering with the Day of Caring today through the Orleans County United Way.
Rhim and volunteers set up a perimeter of plastic timber around the playground for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee on East State Street in Albion. They set a vapor barrier on the grass and were then going to put a layer of recycled tire mulch on top.
Jamal Smith, a student at the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Medina, carries weeds to the garbage while working on the landscaping at a residence for The Arc of Orleans County on Hamilton Street in Albion.
Jamal Smith, left, and fellow Job Corps student Kyawshwe Aye work on the landscaping at The Arc residence. They were getting the ground ready for a fresh layer of mulch.
They were volunteering as part of the Day of Caring today.
Christian Candelaria measures wood to 6 feet. Christian, a Job Corps student, helped build frames and display areas for the Cornell Cooperative Extension. The display areas will be used to show 4-H projects.
Job Corps carpentry students Selena Ortiz, right, and Estephanie Moreno put the frames on the new display boards inside the Trolley Building at the fairgrounds..
There were about 30 volunteers out in the Day of Caring today. They also worked on projects at Hospice of Orleans County in Albion and The Arc’s Stork Street residence in Medina.
Besides Job Corps and Baxter International, volunteers from Takeform Architectural Graphics in Medina, Orleans County Adult Learning Services and Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern worked on community projects.
Provided photos – Student Mykaela Hill presents one of the pillows the class made to Dr. Supriya Mohile at UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute at Highland Hospital in Rochester.
Press Release, Wilmot Cancer Institute at University of Rochester Medical Center
ROCHESTER – During a reception today at Pluta Cancer Center, eighth-graders from Carl I. Bergerson Middle School in Albion presented 70 ponchos they made in their Family and Consumer Science class for women who are facing breast cancer.
The students today also presented 50 pillows to both the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and UR Medicine’s Highland Hospital.
Seventeen students from Albion Middle School presented – and modeled – ponchos for patients undergoing radiation therapy at Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Pluta Cancer Institute in Henrietta.
The ponchos are more comfortable than a hospital gown and help women feel more secure and cozy while undergoing radiation therapy that breast cancer patients often receive daily for five to seven weeks.
The pillows help provide underarm support where lymph nodes have been removed and also help increase comfort for patients in other ways.
Kimberly Toombs, the class’s teacher, gratefully received a poncho from Pluta and pillows from BCCR and Highland Hospital during her treatment, which began after she was diagnosed in 2014.
Judy Zeeman-Golden (left), social worker and poncho project organizer at Pluta Cancer Center, poses with Kimberly Toombs, family and consumer science teacher at Albion Middle School and breast cancer survivor.
Having sewing skills as a family and consumer science teacher, she wanted to give back to the projects that had helped her. This was music to the ears of Judy Zeeman-Golden, a social worker at Pluta who manages the Poncho Project.
“The Pluta Cancer Foundation buys the fabric for the ponchos but what’s hard is making sure I have enough sewers to keep the project going. Until Kim came along, I was constantly scratching my head,” Zeeman-Golden said. “Kim has been this gift from the poncho gods. She kept busy while recovering by making ponchos, then got her class involved. She knew how wonderful it was to have because she’d been given one.”
Toombs says getting her class involved in this project not only helps those affected by breast cancer but also provides a valuable service learning opportunity for the students.
“Service learning engages the students in that it allows them to become actively involved in projects,” Toombs said. “When they have the ability to make something that will help someone else, it becomes personal to them.”
The tag that will be attached to each poncho to inform the recipient who created them.
Richard “Dick” Heard is pictured in his pilot’s uniform when he enlisted during World War II.
Editor’s Note: Michelle Restivo of Albion is joining her grandfather, Richard “Dick” Heard, on the Honor Flight this weekend from Rochester to Washington, D.C. They leave Saturday morning. Heard, 91, is a life-long Albion resident who lives in his childhood home. Restivo is a kindergarten teacher in Batavia. She will share some of her experiences with the Honor Flight on the Orleans Hub.)
By Michelle Restivo
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
The first time I heard JFK’s quote from his inaugural address I was in a middle school social studies class, too busy making eyes at some cute boy across the room to really understand its significance. Admittedly, I’ve never really thought about the quote since. Until today.
This morning, as I scurried around my house making preparations for what is sure to be one of the most impactful weekends of my life, I happened to glance out the dining room window and see this:
A few years ago my husband (who is much cuter than that boy in social studies class, by the way) installed this light/flagpole in our yard. I’m not an overly outward patriotic person, but I’ve enjoyed the aesthetic touch it has added to our home.
Today, when I saw this familiar view, I decided to stop and give it more than just my usual fleeting look. Seeing the flag today, really looking at it, I immediately thought of, “what you can do for your country”. Specifically, what my grandpa, Richard (Dick) Heard, had done for my country. Because tomorrow, I’m accompanying him on Misson 45 of the Rochester Honor Flight for Veterans.
If you’ve never heard of the Honor Flight Organization, here is a brief overview. There are hubs of HFO in many cities throughout the country, and their goal is to fly every US veteran to Washington DC, to tour “their” memorials. After a simple application process, vets are assigned a fly date and a guardian for the trip.
Guardians are volunteers within the organization, or family members of the traveling Veteran. There is paperwork to fill out and a couple of phone interviews for medical and service history. Flight and tour arrangements are made by the organization, and an action packed itinerary is provided.
All of this is free of charge to the vet. Guardians pay a nominal fee to attend. Most, if not all, members of the HFO are volunteers and many are US veterans themselves. The trip appears to run like a well-oiled machine, right down to a welcome home party when arriving back at the originating airport.
I learned about HFO one day a couple of years ago, when I was gleefully shopping at Greece Ridge Mall. There was a table set up with veterans passing out hats to their military brothers and sisters. I wandered over to see if I could make a donation in my grandpa’s honor, and take a hat to him. Being that he is a connoisseur of hats and a US veteran, I knew he would just love this one.
The men behind the table wouldn’t accept my donation, and said they were there that day to spread awareness of the Honor Flight Organization. So, in addition to the snazzy hat, I also left with a brochure about HFO, but didn’t really think much of it. My grandpa has always downplayed his time in the service, so I didn’t really think he would be interested in the program. Downplayed his service?! I know, it’s ludicrous.
But whenever I or my kids have asked him about it, he has poo-pooed it, saying he never left the States. He further says that he didn’t endure what so many other guys did overseas, and that they are the real heroes.
Richard Heard, 91, heads to Washington, D.C. this weekend on the Honor Flight.
Grandpa Dick enlisted in the service in December of 1942, during WWII. He entered pilot training and completed flight school. However, by the time he finished, there were no open spots left for pilots. He was moved to radar mechanic and attended radio school. In February of 1943, he was called to active service from reserve status. He was stationed in no less than six states throughout his time serving, sometimes returning to a state more than once.
Grandpa tells stories of freezing in Oklahoma, and of “blowing off time” after night shifts in Boca Raton, Florida. When troops were sent over to Europe to replace those who had been fighting for some time, Grandpa had acquired too much time enlisted and therefore was not allowed to be deployed. Instead, they sent him back to Texas to be a B29 mechanic. Grandpa returned home from his service in February, 1946.
We’ve just recently convinced my grandpa that his time in the service, albeit stateside, was honorable. He’s started using the VA for his medical needs, among other things.
Last February, I decided maybe I could bring up the idea to him about applying for a spot on an Honor Flight. I still had that brochure from the mall and I looked up additional information online. I was so thrilled when Grandpa expressed interest and even agreed to apply. And now, tomorrow, his time has come!
I asked Grandpa if he’d ever been to Washington, DC before, and he says he was there once, just passing through. I am so excited to be able to travel with him and see his reaction to the many military memorials in our nation’s capital. I’m especially stoked to visit the World War II memorial with him – the memorial that was erected in his honor. I’m sure it will incite feelings and create memories like no other I’ve ever experienced.
I’ve recently discovered that I have a similar sense of awe and wonder for the elderly, as I do for young children. Perhaps in another life, I would have been a social worker for seniors, instead of the kindergarten teacher I am today. I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with so many people from an older generation.
Joining us on the Honor Flight are 53 other US veterans, including 13 other WWII veterans, and one amazing vet who served in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. I can’t wait to hear my grandpa share stories of the “old days” with these men and women.
I know I might hear some war stories mixed in as well, and that scares me a little. I can’t imagine life during wartime. I’m afraid I might hear of people who didn’t return home from the war. Of people who went missing, were imprisoned, were injured or lost their lives. I’m afraid I’ll be forced to face the fact that I have taken for granted that flag that flies in my yard, by seeing these people who served to protect that flag and our country; all that it was and would be.
My grandpa spent almost 4 years away from his family, putting his life on hold, during a tumultuous time in history. He didn’t ask what his country could do for him; he asked what he could do for his country.
What can I do for my country? What can my kids do? Tomorrow, I can pay tribute to and honor those who fought for my freedom. I can actually thank some of them, in person. My kids can take time and learn about the history of our great country, really learn about it, not just sit through a social studies class or two, barely conscious.
They can seek out older generations to talk to about their experiences during different times in their lives, and gain an understanding of what it means to have the freedom that they do today, as American citizens.
I now know what I can do for my country, and it may not seem like much. But it’s something, and a start. The view outside of my dining room window is the same every day, but after tomorrow, it will mean something completely different. For that and so much more, I’m thankful.
For more information about HFO, click here. The public is invited to attend the Welcome Home Celebration for Honor Flight Mission 45 on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Greater Rochester International Airport.
Southwest Flight #2840 arrives at approximately 11:20 a.m. The celebration emcee is Adam Chodak, WROC-TV 8 news anchor, and the keynote speaker is Brian Mitchell, Commander, Monroe County American Legion. Color guard is the ROTC Cadets, and music will be provided by Prime Time Brass. The Patriot Guard Riders will also be in attendance.
Provided photos – Warren Kruger (operating backhoe) works with Jim Blackburn (left) and Jim’s father Gary Blackburn in upgrading the pavilion at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Press Release, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension
KNOWLESVILLE – For many, the Curtis Pavilion along the creek at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds includes memories of friends, family, and smells of chicken dinners cooked over an open flame during the annual county fair.
The Thursday evening fair tradition is a homecoming event for many, and fairgrounds Property Committee members, Gary Blackburn and Vince Flow III and the father-son team of Warren and Stephen Kruger, have worked throughout the year to preserve the pavilion that was built in 1973 for future generations.
They received support from Oak Orchard Concrete of Medina, which donated the concrete to stabilize the poles. The Town of Kendall also provided use of a backhoe to the fairgrounds for excavating the soil surrounding the poles.
The team coordinated their schedule to ensure they did not interrupt events at the fairgrounds and would meet in the late afternoon and work through the evening hours.
Work on the main structure is nearing completion and there are plans to continue with stage improvements next year. Warren, Stephen, and Oak Orchard Concrete will be presented with the Friend of Extension award at Extension’s annual meeting on Dec. 1 in recognition of their efforts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2015 at 8:00 am
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society today inducted four new members into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame, including St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina.
St. John’s is the oldest building made of sandstone in Medina. Construction started in 1832 and was completed in 1838. The stone was quarried from the banks of the Erie Canal.
Other members of the third class to be inducted in the Hall of Fame include St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Holley, Martin Manor in Buffalo, and the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo.
The Sandstone Society started the Hall of Fame in 2013 and now has inducted 14 sites. The plaques, all designed and donated by Takeform Architectural Graphics in Medina, have in the main meeting room at City Hall.
I’ll have more on today’s program posted either later tonight or tomorrow morning. Here are the other new inductees:
The St. Mary’s Parish in Holley dedicated its new Catholic church in 1905. The church has been meticulously kept the past 110 years. This year happens to be the 150th anniversary of the St. Mary’s Parish. The sandstone church replaced a wooden structure.
The Martin Manor residence is the first privately owned home to make the Sandstone Hall of Fame. This 8,000-square-foot mansion was built in circa 1900 at 395 Linwood Ave., Buffalo. The site fell into disrepair, but in the past 26 years has been restored by Peter Martin and his wife, Margaret Paroski. The couple raised their three children in the home.
The Connecticut Street Armory is a massive structure at 280,362 square feet. It was built from 1896 to 1899 to house the 74th Regiment of the New York National Guard. When it was built, it was the largest Armory in the United States. It continues to be used by Army and National Guard units.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Two people were out walking today at Mount Albion Cemetery. Many of the leaves have changed colors and come down, but there is still a lot of green on the trees.
The leaves on the trees by the Civil War section have turned yellow, orange and red. It is a moving sight, with the flags on the graves of the Civil War soldiers.
Here is another look at the Civil War section, backed up a little bit to show the flag pole.
Mount Albion is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has many ornamental graves and statues.
This is looking at the same statue, this time with the focus on the leaves in front.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 October 2015 at 12:00 am
District also approves buying produce from Partyka Farms
KENDALL – Board of Education Recognition Week is Oct. 26-30 and members of the Kendall BOE were honored at the board’s October meeting on Wednesday.
The five members of the board were presented with certificates recognizing their service. District Superintendent Julie Christensen said the district also had a gift for board members which they would receive in the near future and also read a proclamation from Governor Andrew Cuomo designating the last week in October as a time, “…acknowledging the commitment and contributions of members of local school boards.”
“They are volunteers, they receive no compensation,” Christensen said, noting Board of Education members work to support students and are rewarded by seeing students flourish. Their job involves “countless hours” of work.
“We appreciate your support,” Christensen told the board that includes President Nadine Hanlon, VP Chris Gerken, Charles Patt, Martin Goodenbery, and Chaley Swift.
In other business, board members awarded a bid to Partyka Farms in Kendall to provide fresh local vegetables and fruit to the school.
“We will be getting apples, cabbage and tomatoes from our local farmer,” Hanlon said.
Board members also approved a proposal for new elective courses which may be offered at the Jr./Sr. High School next year. Principal Carol D’Agostino said students were surveyed regarding what courses they would like to see offered and teacher input was also collected. She explained that good electives “energize the staff, and are courses students want to take.”
Potential new course offerings include robotics, world history on film, cooking around the world, fish and wildlife conservation biology, computer skills/keyboarding, statistics, AP physics and video game design.
During the visitors’ comments portion of the meeting, two members of the Kendall Sr. Class, who are also part of the school’s video game design club, spoke in favor of offering the game design elective.
Both Jake Richardson and Austin Clay told board members the elective should “be approved for a class.” Clay noted the course would fit well with the STEM curriculum. They told the board the game design club currently has 21 members.
Principal D’Agostino explained that decisions are still pending on exactly which courses will be offered. “Just because you approve them doesn’t mean they will run,” she said.
She noted there currently are staff members available to teach the courses. “We want to provide Kendall students with every opportunity,” D’Agostino said.
Christensen said the innovative electives would “help keep students here as well as prepare them for life after high school.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – A row of trees with changing leaves runs along Brown Schoolhouse Road, a dirt road in Clarendon, on Tuesday.
Today is forecast for a high of 60 with showers likely, followed by a high of 61 with more rain likely on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Friday will be sunny with a high of 48, followed by a high of 59 on a mostly cloudy Saturday, and a high of 56 on Sunday with a chance of showers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital had many health professionals available to take questions and provide information during a health fair on Tuesday at the hospital.
This group provides physical, speech and occupational therapy. The group includes, front row, from left: Brenda Zimmerman, occupational therapist; and Nancy Fallon, director of rehab and a speech therapist/language pathologist.
Back row: Sheryl Bates, physical therapist; Cory Lewis, physical therapist; and Caroline Lewandowski, speech therapist.
Two staff members for the Urgent Care site in Albion, which now has Netflix available in rooms while patients wait for the doctor, talk about services for the site.
Nikki Helsdon, seated with an episode on House playing on her laptop, is the registration supervisor for the Urgent Care site. Joanna Miller, in back, is director of the Albion health care site, which opened in November 2012 by Orleans Community Health, parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital.
Nick Callara of Medina took questions at a pharmacy station. Callara is a pharmacy intern at the hospital and a senior at St. John Fisher College.
The health fair also included a chance for a massage from either Katie Crooks or Gary Condoluci.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Arc of Orleans County celebrated the opening of the “Snack Shack” today with a ribbon-cutting at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex at 243 South Main St.
The Snack Shack had a quiet opening last month, with people served by The Arc selling snacks, baked goods, soda, coffee, ice cream, fruit and candy. The site has added breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Robert Gallagher mans the cashier and accepts money from Darlene Golson after she bought a beverage and a snack.
Karen Appleman, an Arc employee, is pictured in back left. Arc staff provide some oversight and assistance for the Snack Shack, but the goal is to have the site be run by people served by The Arc, giving them work experience and job training so they could transition to other employment in the community, said Melissa Cotter, employment services coordinator for The Arc.
She estmated 5 to 10 people served by the Arc would work regularly at the site, which is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. this month and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning in November.
Robert Greer makes his coffee at the Snack Shack. He is president of the Self-Advocacy All-Stars at The Arc.
Ben DeGeorge and his father Joe purchased the Arnold Gregory site in December from Ray Lissow. Ben DeGeorge asked The Arc to consider running a snack shop in the spot near the front entrance of the facility.
DeGeorge added furniture for people to hang out and relax. He said about 250 people are in the building each day.
The site is used by The Arc for Rainbow Preschool, and offices for the agency’s family services and community living staff. Other doctors and professional staff also use space at Arnold Gregory, a former hospital.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Candidates asked about adding school resource officers, body cams, and boosting diversity among officers
Photos by Tom Rivers – Steven Aldstadt, president of SCOPE in New York, serves as moderator of a candidate forum on Wednesday evening for the three people running for sheriff, including from left in back: Tom Drennan, Don Organisciak, and Randy Bower.
ALBION – In a candidate forum organized by the New York Revolution and the Orleans County chapter of SCOPE, two groups staunchly opposed to the SAFE Act, the first question for three candidates for sheriff didn’t waste any time on the controversial gun control law.
Candidates Randy Bower, Don Organisciak and Tom Drennan were all asked if they would enforce the SAFE Act.
Bower and Drennan said they wouldn’t. Organisciak said he would.
Most of the law, passed by the State Legislature in January 2013 after a mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, was just upheld by a federal court.
Drennan, the chief deputy for the Sheriff’s Office, said the law “needs to be repealed.” He told 200 people at the candidate forum that he wouldn’t push officers to enforce that law if he is sheriff.
“We won’t be knocking on anybody’s door, checking their guns and ammunition,” he said.
Bower, a public safety dispatcher who won the Republican primary over Drennan last month, noted that every Orleans County town and village board, as well as the county Legislature, opposed the SAFE Act and have called on its repeal.
“As sheriff I work for the people,” Bower said at the forum at the Elk’s Club. “If you don’t want it enforced, I won’t enforce it. The sheriff works for you, the people.”
Don Organisciak speaks during a sheriff candidate forum.
Organisciak, a retired Medina police officer and investigator, said he would be obligated to enforce the SAFE Act as sheriff. He is endorsed by the Democratic Party.
“It’s a big issue,” he said about the SAFE Act. “The SAFE Act is a law and I have to enforce the law as sheriff.”
The candidates were asked numerous questions in the forum that lasted about 80 minutes. They were also allowed to make opening and closing statements.
Bower said he would push for a drug treatment program in the county jail, and more community policing, especially in the rural areas. He wants the Sheriff’s Office to have a stronger relationship with local school districts. Ideally, he said two officers would be assigned to work in each school district.
“We spend a lot of money protecting everything else but our children,” Bower said. “We need to be in our schools.”
Randy Bower answers a question during the candidate forum.
After a 30-year career in Medina, Organisciak worked two years as a school resource officer in Lyndonville. The school district had several bomb threats before Organisciak was brought in and he said those issues went away by the end of his two years.
He also developed a rapport with students, and that helped solve other crimes. He would favor a school resource officer in each district. Only Medina has an officer now in the schools with the school district paying towards an officer’s salary from the Medina Police Department.
Organisciak said the county should pay for a school resource officer for Kendall because that district doesn’t have a village police force. The other communities might work out paying for an officer through the school district or the village police department, he said.
Drennan said he meets regularly with the school superintendents and there is talk about the schools making an office available for officers, who could also stay for lunch and get to know students.
Organisciak said he is running for sheriff to give residents a choice in the election, and to also put his 30-plus years of experience to work for the county. He would make professionalism his main mission for the Sheriff’s Office, making training and proper equipment a priority for the officers and staff.
“I want to bring back the professionalism,” he said.
Tom Drennan, a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has worked his way up through the ranks, including the past nine years as chief deputy.
Drennan lost a close Republican primary by 21 votes. He remains a candidate through the Reform and Independence parties.
He said he has the experience and commitment to take the Sheriff’s Office to a higher level of professionalism. He wants to make the Sheriff’s Office an accredited agency through the state. That would establish procedures and standardization for deputies and staff, Drennan said.
Organisciak also said he would support accreditation because it would make the Sheriff’s Office more efficient and reduce insurance costs. Bower said he wasn’t convinced about the accreditation because he doesn’t want the state dictating how the Sheriff’s Office is run.
Both Drennan and Bower have said who would serve as their undersheriff. Bower named Chris Bourke, a lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office with three decades of experience. Drennan on Monday announced Brett Sobieraski, a sergeant with the Rochester Police Department and a Kent resident, would serve in the role if Drennan is elected.
Organisciak said he is interviewing people for undersheriff and may make an annoucement next week. His choice as undersheriff will have law enforcement experience, he said.
Organisciak and Drennan said the election is for the sheriff.
“You’re not voting for the undersheriff,” Organisciak said. “You need to lead by example.You’re the sheriff.”
Mattie Zarpentine, a leader of New York Revolution, said the group wants to help educate voters about the candidates and encourage people to vote on Nov. 3.
Drennan reluctantly named an undersheriff because he said the issue was becoming a distraction. Sobieraski has a 27-year career in law enforcement, starting with the Lockport Police Departmentand then the past 23 years with the Rochester Police Department, including the past 15 as a supervising sergeant with the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Sobieraski also has been a training officer, and Drennan said the Sheriff’s Office has several new deputies who would benefit from training and mentoring from Sobieraski.
Drennan said he would be an active leader for the Sheriff’s Office, and would be capable of helping with investigations and other issues.
“This whole race should be about the sheriff,” Drennan said. “The sheriff can’t rely on the undersheriff doing the work for him.”
Bower said Bourke is well known among residents, business owners and highway workers. Bourke is accessible and would be a leader with community policing, Bower said.
Bower said he is striving to build a team in the Sheriff’s Office that would serve the community from law enforcement, emergency communications, the jail, animal control, and the civil division.
The candidates were asked about turnover in the Sheriff’s Office, with some deputies leaving to work for other departments.
Organisciak said the Sheriff’s Department used to be the top destination for law enforcement in the county, but that started to change about 15 to 20 years ago. Some deputies left the Sheriff’s Department to work for either the Albion or Medina Police Departments. Others left to work in neighboring counties.
Organisciak said the county needs to be committed to training and the proper equipment to keep deputies.
“I would bring professionalism, integrity and loyalty back so it is a place men and women want to come to work,” he said.
Don Organisciak answers a question in the debate. Mattie Zarpentine, front left, and Steve Aldstadt are in the front table with a crowd of about 200 behind them.
Drennan said the county hasn’t been as competiive with pay, not only with surrounding counties but also with Albion and Medina police. That gap has narrowed in recent years, he said. The Sheriff’s Office should at least be able to match the pay of the local village police departments, he said.
However, some nearby counties pay a third more to double the pay offered by the county.
“We’ve made some adjustments with pay,” Drennan said. “We’ll never meet Monroe, Niagara or even Genesee, but we have to at least pay what the villages do.”
Bower said boosting morale for the employees will be a top priority.
“We will make it a place where the men and women really want to work,” he said.
The candidates were also asked about increasing diversity among deputies and staff, and the possibility of the Sheriff’s Office taking over all local law enforcement or perhaps more shared services with the village police departments.
The candidates all said they favor a diverse staff. Drennan said there are several deputies who are women. He would welcome officers who are black, and urged them to take the Civil Service exam and apply.
The county is pursuing a grant that would study shared services among existing police departments and the Sheriff’s Office, with the possibility of dissolving the village police and having the Sheriff’s Office expand its work.
Bower and Organisciak said they worry the village residents would get less service in such a scenario. They would only back it with village approval.
Drennan said the Sheriff’s Office could handle the added work with more deputies and staff. He said the Sheriff’s Office would have to add police substations outside Albion in such a scenario, which he said might make the most sense for the county’s policing services.
The three canddiates all said they were open to body cameras on officers because they cameras can help prove cases or make cases stronger when evidence is presented to the district attorney. The cameras also would raise the level of professionalism.
“It’s a good tool to help officers get up to another level,” Organisciak said.
All three candidates also said they would work to uphold the Constitution and would bring a strong work ethic to the job.
