Photos by Tom Rivers-The Rev. Eddie English, pastor of The Lord’s House in Waterport, and his wife Rose greet church attendees on Sunday following a church service.

WATERPORT – A congregation that started a decade ago remains committed and optimistic in serving God and helping the Orleans County community.

The Rev. Eddie English, pastor of The Lord’s House, is grateful for the church’s first 10 years, and the way many people have stepped forward to work with the church, particularly with renovations of a former United Methodist building in Waterport.

The Lord’s House started a decade ago when English and his wife Rose succeeded Ella Mae and Le Roy Hawkins, who ran the Faith Power Mission next to their home on Root Road in Barre.

English said he prayed about the church’s future, and felt led to bring The Lord’s House to storefront on East Bank Street in Albion. The Lord’s House opened in downtown Albion in 2007, with prayer meetings, Bible studies and Sunday church services.

Rose and Eddie English are pictured outside The Lord’s House at 2038 Eagle Harbor Rd. The church acquired the former United Methodist building in Waterport at an auction in 2011.

The Lord’s House was cramped on East Bank Street in Albion. Eddie English felt God leading the congregation to a bigger building, a former United Methodist site in Waterport, a church building that had been vacant for 20 years.

English attended the county’s tax auction, when properties with several years of back taxes are put up for sale. It was May 2011, and The Lord’s House bought the building for $500, plus $2,500 in back taxes.

The building was in disrepair, in need of major repairs. English was called a fool by some in the community. Some church members also were skeptical about moving to a building out on the country that needed so much work.

English, with help from church members and some local residents, worked diligently to make the building ready for worship services. They painted, upgraded electric and plumbing, and put in a new bathroom, an outside ramp, a new pulpit and other improvements.

Eddie English stands in the sanctuary of The Lord’s House in this photo taken looking out from the pulpit with an open Bible.

Eddie and Rose English believe the efforts to redeem a building that was left to rot is a metaphor for how God can transform any life, including people scorned by society.

“When people come here they will feel love,” English said. “Here it is God led. We hope people will see what is going on and that we’re progressing.”

There are about 30 regulars for Sunday services, but English said that sometimes grows to 60 when farmworkers, including many Jamaicans, are in the area working at fruit and vegetable farms. The church plans to take the Jamaicans up on their offer to help with building repairs, play in the worship band and help as ushers. English uses a church van to pick up many of the farmworkers and some other church attendees.

English said there is a lot of work remaining. He wants to create a fellowship hall in the basement and also a room for people to do homework, or check the Internet.

The building could use more fresh paint to improve the looks.

“People see a lot of work has been done,” English said. “We’re bringing back something that was dead. It was an eyesore.”

Willie Graham, an elder at The Lord’s House, speaks from the pulpit this past Sunday.

English felt called to the ministry about a decade ago. He had a full-time job as a head cook at the Margaret House, a child care center at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He had been a deacon for about 25 years at the Royal Church of God in Christ in Carlton, where his brothers-in-law, William Morrell Washington and Mark Washington, are leaders.

When they started the church, Mrs. English was working as a public relations executive for the RIT Inn and Conference Center. She now serves as administrator for The Lord’s House. The couple has been married for 38 years and has three grown children.

Their daughter Angela heads up the youth ministry, including a liturgical dance team that has performed in Tampa, Fla. at a conference for the Church of God in Christ denomination. The dancers regularly are part of the church service at The Lord’s House.

Olivia Peterson, 7, practices as part of the liturgical dance team following church on Sunday. Her grandfather is the church pastor.

English admits the church restoration hasn’t always been easy. He has sometimes doubted himself and the call to take on the project. When he feels low, he said God comes through. One time a stranger showed up and handed him $2,000 to help with a new furnace.

Other donations and help have arrived including a Henrietta church that gave The Lord’s House a pulpit, communion table, sliding doors and a refrigerator. English said the gifts, often unsolicited, strengthen his resolve and faith.

“I have learned so much as I have taken this journey,” he said Sunday. “Sometimes I didn’t know which way to turn and the burden became heavy. Every time I wanted to throw up my hands and quit, a still small voice told me, ‘I cleaned you up and now I want you to clean up this church.'”

Eddie English preaches on Sunday.

Some of the church members who were originally skeptical of the move to take on the Waterport church now praise English, and thank you for following that vision, and for being so committed.

“We had a small membership, and some people didn’t think we could do it,” English said. “People wanted to take a chance, but there was fear. By faith we’re trying to be a light in the community.

The church has Sunday School from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., followed by worship from 10:30 to about noon.

Eddie and Rose English are often at the church on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the evenings. They said they would welcome a chance to give residents a tour of the building on those days, or on a Sunday.

The church has a Facebook page (click here) with more information.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller, left, reads a “Special Recognition” Award that was presented last week to members of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, which donated $3,249 for a swing set at the County Marine Park.

The donation is part of an effort to relocate and upgrade the playground at the park. OONA members also put on a summer concert series at the park, and lead other efforts to promote the Point Breeze community.

The new playground equipment should be installed soon. “We’re waiting for the ground to firm up,” said Jim Bensley, the county’s director of planning and development. He also oversees the Marine Park on Route 98.

Orleans County Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, and Legislator John DeFilipps congratulate Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon for receiving a “Special Recognition” Award for repainting 15 historical markers in the county. Ierlan started by redoing all four in Clarendon, and now has given a facelift to many others in Orleans County, including one outside Orleans in Elba.

County legislators also issued a proclamation declaring May 1-7 as “Western New York Armed Forces Week.” Pictured, from left: Former Legislator Frank Berger who is active in veterans’ causes, Legislator Bill Eick, Legislator Fred Miller, and Earl Schmitt, director of the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Beef cattle are pictured on Tuesday as the sun sets on Route 98 in Carlton.

CARLTON – The Town of Carlton mailed out nearly 2,400 letters with property assessments to landowners in mid-March. This was the first town-wide reassessment in six years, and the data shows big increases in farmland.

Town Assessor Gene Massey said those landowners shouldn’t be alarmed because the taxable value will likely go down to small increases when ag exemptions are factored in. He bases assessments on comparable sales, and he said farmland has been selling for high prices. The last two sales in Carlton include farmland at nearly $8,000 an acre and another one at $6,500 per acre.

Carlton was mired in controversy when it attempted a town-wide reassessment three years ago. Residents were outraged when some properties saw big increases, and others didn’t. Residents questioned the fairness of the town’s assessing.

The Town Board voted to freeze assessments at 2012 levels and not use the 2013 numbers, unless there was new construction and other property improvements.

Carlton hired a consultant, GAR Associates Inc., to visit every property in town and make note of swimming pools, additions, sheds, garages and exterior property improvements. Carlton also appointed Gene Massey the new assessor. He also works as Kendall’s assessor.

Massey said the reassessments show small changes for old-style homes, ranches and most other houses.

Overall, the town’s tax base grew 7.3 percent or by $14,089,207 (from $192,067,296 in 2015 to $206,156,503).

However, he said farmland has nearly doubled in assessed value. Poorer quality farmland with clay was assessed at $1,000 an acre in Carlton and Kendall last year, but the new assessments push the value to $1,600 in Kendall and $1,800 in Carlton. Higher quality soil, such as sandy loam, jumped in assessed value from $1,400 an acre in Carlton to $2,600.

One Carlton farmer, Robert VanWuyckhuyse, said his ag land increased 77 percent, or by $89,000, with the latest assessment. That will make it difficult for Lee Farms, a beef operation on Sawyer Road, to stay in business, he said.

VanWuyckhuyse said he has hired an attorney to contest the big hike in his assessment.

Carlton Town Board members declined to discuss the assessments in public on Tuesday. Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said residents should first meet with Massey for his rationale on their assessments. If they contest the valuation, they can file a grievance and go before the Board of Assessment Review on May 25.

Ashbery said she has heard few complaints about the new assessments.

“I am very confident in Gene’s work,” she said about Massey after the meeting on Tuesday.

Photos by Tom Rivers – Barre firefighters Richard Barnard, right, and Amanda Dixon work to put out a brush fire last May 3 in Barre. The fire in a brush pile on Route 98 quickly spread to a nearby hedgerow and scorched about a quarter acre of land.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a burn ban beginning on Wednesday through May 14 for towns with fewer than 20,000 people.

Without snow cover, the state is at a high risk for wild fires in the coming weeks.

The DEC has advised that all open burning is prohibited in New York with several exceptions including the following:

Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.

Small cooking fires are allowed.

Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.

Only charcoal or clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.

Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.

For more on the open burning ban, click here.

Carlton firefighters Tom Niehaus, left, and Chyenne Tackley man the hose while knocking down a brush fire on Route 98 on Aug. 29 near the Ricci Meadows Golf Course.

CARLTON – Chyenne Tackley accepts the Chief’s Award from Andrew Niederhofer, fire chief of the Carlton Volunteer Volunteer Company, on Saturday during an annual banquet that also included recognition of the fire company’s 75th anniversary.

Tackley serves as the fire company’s chief mechanic. He fixes many of the fire trucks and keeps other equipment working. He also organizes the equipment and keeps it inspected.

“He is a real asset,” Niederhofer said.

Dwayne Tinkous, left, receives the President’s Award. He is pictured with Andrew Niederhofer, fire chief.

Tinkous was praised for helping the fire company secure about $100,000 in grants for a new hurst tool, and equipment to fight brush fires. He also helped organize the 75th annual banquet on Saturday.

The Carlton Fire Company officially formed on Oct. 21, 1940 in Waterport by founding members George Banker, Norman Barry and Lyman Clark.

“During the fire company’s 75-year career, it has saved countless lives, protected the general welfare of the community, and strengthened the bond between Orleans County residents through numerous fundraisers, local events and charitable endeavors,” according to a proclamation from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

James E. Keller, center, was recognized for 50 years of service to the fire company. He is pictured with his grandson Thomas Niehous, left, and son-in-law Dale Niehous.

Glenn Woolston also was recognized as a 50-year member. He is pictured with his grandson, Ryan Woolston, who is a second lieutenant with the fire company.

Howard Watts, right, from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company presented a plaque in honor of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company’s 75 years. Kevin Dann, in back, is the Holley fire chief and he also presented a plaque in honor of Carlton’s milestone anniversary.

Jon DeYoung, the Clarendon fire chief, presents a plaque to Niederhofer in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Carlton Volunteer Fire Company.

Richard Brackenbury, left, and Ben Diltz, right, were recognized with jackets for responding to the most calls in 2015. They both responded to 151 calls, or 57.9 percent of the 261 total. They are pictured with 1st Assistant Chief Dwayne Tinkous and Fire Chief Andrew Niederhofer.

The fire company also recognized Les Tabor for selling the most chicken barbecue tickets. Tabor sold about 250 tickets. He has led the fire company in chicken barbecue ticket sales for the past 35 years.

Kurt Van Wycke also was recognized for selling the most gun raffle tickets with 109. Dale Niehous was close in second place with 98 tickets sold.

Niederhofer said the gun raffle raises about $11,000 for the fire company, and other fundraisers bring the total to about $20,000. That’s money the fire company doesn’t have to seek in additional property taxes, Niederhofer said.

Niederhofer also recognized four firefighters for 25 years of service, including Gary Van Wycke, left, and David Bertsch. Don Cooper and Greg Juhrs also have 25 years of service.

The banquet included a memorial display of helmets worn by past firefighters.

Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – Firefighters were called to a chimney fire at about 1 p.m. today at 1988 Kent Rd. The home is owned by Mike Dugan.

Firefighters from Carlton and Kendall are on the roof of the house. They unclogged the chimney.

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – Fred Cardella of Gates wears a Santa hat while teeing off today during a round of golf at the Ricci Meadows Golf Course in Carlton at 1939 Oak Orchard Rd.

Cardella joined three of his friends in golfing on a 60-degree day. He said it was the first time he ever golfed in December.

“It’s so great,” he said about the chance to hit the golf ball on a warm day just before Christmas.

Ken Rhodes of Carlton (pictured at the first hole) is a regular at Ricci Meadows. He invited his friends to come out and golf.

Ricci Meadows will also be open tomorrow when the temperatures are forecast for a high of 63. On Christmas it will be a high of 47 degrees.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a wind advisory for Thursday from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. Winds could gust up to 50 miles per hour.

The golfing friends include from left: Ken Rhodes, Fred Cardella, Kevin Hart and Mark Hull.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Pam Rush is retiring on Dec. 31 after 31 years as Carlton town clerk. There will be a retirement party at the Town Hall on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

CARLTON – When Pam Rush started as Carlton town clerk 31 years ago, there weren’t any computers in the Town Hall. She entered records by hand.

The job was a lot simpler. She collected taxes, and gave dog, hunting and marriage licenses.

The job became more complex, mainly as the state imposed different systems for keeping track of licenses.

The town services would grow, with the town-wide water district increasing from 300 customers three decades ago to 1,500 now. Carlton would add a town park behind the Firemen’s Recreation Hall on Route 98.

The Town Hall was expanded in 1987, and last year it was remodeled.

“It’s not the kind of job where you just walk in off the street,” Rush said. “It’s a million-dollar business we run here.”

Rush will retire Dec. 31. She has agreed to stay on as a part-time deputy clerk to help with the transition to a new clerk. Karen Narburgh is the current deputy and is expected to be appointed as town clerk by the Town Board.

Rush said she will stay on for a few months in a part-time role, especially during the busy tax season, to assist the new town clerk.

That is another example of Rush’s dedication to the town, said Gayle Ashbery, the town supervisor the past 10 years.

“I could not have been town supervisor without her,” Ashbery said about Rush. “Not only has she been a good friend, but she is a rock. First and foremost, she’s always had the taxpayers and the town in her best interest.”

Rush grew up in Batavia and married Brian Rush of Carlton. She was working as a bank teller at the former Albion Federal Savings & Loan when she was encouraged to pursue the job as town clerk.

“I have enjoyed all of it,” Rush said about the position. “I’ve loved dealing with the people.”

She and her husband have three grown children and grandchildren. Mr. Rush retired last year after a career working in the Village of Albion’s water treatment plant. The couple wants more time to travel to see their family.

“Life is too short not to,” she said.

Photos by Tom Rivers – This lakeside cottage owned by Fred Nesbitt at Oak Orchard on the Lake could open in the spring as a bed and breakfast.

CARLTON – Dan Conlon has watched Oak Orchard on the Lake change in the past half century, with the original smaller cottages from about a century ago renovated to become, in many cases, year-round residences.

“This is a beautiful community, but it’s all getting new,” Conlon said about Oak Orchard on the Lake.

Conlon, 58, lives in one of the cottages off Archbald Road. His home happens to be next to one of the biggest of the original cottages at Oak Orchard on the Lake.

Dan Conlon and Fred Nesbitt say the cottage offers striking panoramic views of the lake. They have some renovations to do before the cottage will be opened to the public. They say they will upgrade the site without taking away from its historic charm.

The Hart family of Albion had a big cottage built by the lake in the 1880s. The same family owned a large mansion in Albion, the Hart Hotel in Medina and an island in the Thousand Islands with an 80-room summer “cottage.”

After Hart died in 1892, Hart Island was acquired by George C. Boldt, who dismantled Hart’s cottage and built a mammoth castle, which today attracts thousands of visitors annually.

The cottage at Oak Orchard isn’t a castle, but it is a special spot, perhaps the only one like it on the southshore of Lake Ontario, Conlon said.

Dan Conlon looks out from the top porch at the former Hart cottage that may be called “The Lodge” when it opens as a bed and breakfast.

The Hart cottage has retained many of its original characteristics with hardwood floors and stone fire places. Conlon and the cottage’s owner, Fred Nesbitt, want to make some modifications – upgraded plumbing and electric – so the site could be used as a bed and breakfast. There are six bedrooms in the cottage.

The site has a breath-taking view of Lake Ontario. There once were a row of poplar trees by the shore. Conlon said the trees were used as a marker for boaters to let them know they were near the Oak Orchard Harbor.

While the neighbors have lost their poplar trees, four of them remain on Nesbitt’s property. They offer shade, and provide some protection for the backyard from erosion.

“I get chills down my spine with the sunsets,” Conlon said about the spot. “I think everyone should enjoy this.”

Nesbitt and Conlon are pushing to have the site opened as a B & B in the spring. They want to cater to fishermen, and people visiting families in the area. They also said it would be a nice retreat center for church groups.

They also think the site should be included on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We’re losing so much in Orleans County and this deserves to be recognized,” Conlon said.

Conlon and Nesbitt gave a tour of the property last week to Erin Anheier of Clarendon. She has helped put together the National Register applications for several sites in Holley and Clarendon.

Fred Nesbitt, left, and Dan Conlon give Erin Anheier a tour of the former Hart cottage.

Anheier noted that many cottages and homes were modernized beginning in the 1950s.

Conlon and Nesbitt credited one of the cottage’s recent former owners, Gordie Gardner, for keeping the site’s rustic features while also protecting it from decay.

Nesbitt is a retired fruit farmer in Albion. Conlon was a service manager for a car dealership. Conlon will continue to live next door and he said he will prepare breakfast for the guests.

“We both like old things and we like people,” Nesbitt said.

Conlon is eager to open the cedar-shingled cottage to guests.

“This is the last one of the lakefront like this so let’s show it off,” he said.