Carlton

DOT will close 2-mile stretch of Parkway for winter

Posted 7 November 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, New York State DOT

CARLTON – The New York State Department of Transportation will close a 2-mile portion of the Lake Ontario State Parkway between Lakeside Beach State Park and Route 98 in the town of Carlton for the winter months effective Nov. 12.

The highway will be re-opened upon conclusion of the winter weather next spring. The same section was closed last winter.

Motorists will be directed to use Route 18 as a parallel detour route. Electronic message boards were placed this week to inform motorists of the upcoming closure.

Write-in effort for town clerk in Carlton

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2013 at 12:00 am

CARLTON – An article on Monday about the races for town offices in Orleans County neglected to mention the write-in effort by Lea Olles for Carlton town clerk.

Olles lost a Republican primary to incumbent Pam Rush.

To see the article from Monday, which has been updated, click here.

Brown’s 5K raised $2,566 for Hospice

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Brown’s Berry Patch and the Albion Rotary Club raised $2,566 for Hospice of Orleans with a 5-kilometer walk and run on Oct. 12. Margy Brown, center, presents a check to Hospice today. She is pictured with Rotary Club President Cindy Perry, left, and Marsha Rivers, director development and community relations for Hospice.

CARLTON – For 17 years the Brown family has organized a 5-kilometer run and walk through their orchards as a benefit for Hospice of Orleans County.

The race has now raised $31,190 for the agency, with the Oct. 12 race netting $2,566.

Margy Brown presented a check to Hospice Director of Development and Community Relations Marsha Rivers today during the Albion Rotary Club meeting. The Rotary Club provides some manpower during the race.

The Oct. 12 race was dedicated in memory of Judy Christopher, a Rotarian and volunteer at many of the Brown’s races.

“She was always a mentor,” Brown told the Rotary Club today. “I had a great deal of respect for her.”

The race T-shirt included an image of a phoenix as a tribute to Christopher, who owned Phoenix Fitness for about two decades in Albion.

One of ‘The Bridges’ is removed in Carlton

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Brad London – Ramsey Constructors of Lakeville removes the deck of a bridge today in Carlton.

CARLTON – The smallest of the three bridges over the Oak Orchard River in Point Breeze was removed today by Ramsey Constructors of Lakeville.

The bridge has been closed since December 2011 after an inspection found several deficiencies with the structure.

The bridge over the Oak Orchard River Road is part of an area known as “The Bridges.” Two other bigger bridges that are close by on Route 98 and Route 18 remain open. However, several Point Breeze business owners want a replacement for the smaller bridge to improve traffic flow for the area and provide an alternative in case one of the bigger state bridges is closed.

The state’s current funding formula, which prioritizes bridges with high traffic, makes it unlikely a new bridge will be constructed at the site anytime soon, county officials said.

“We do not feel that the bridge is eligible for any available funding programs at this time,” said Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer. “Plans are not currently in place to build a new bridge at the site.”

Unpaved road leads to fishing paradise

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 October 2013 at 12:00 am

CARLTON – There aren’t too many left these days: unpaved public roads. But there are some in Orleans County.

Clark Mills Road in Carlton has shunned asphalt. The winding road is on the west side of the Oak Orchard River, which happens to be one the Orleans County’s top tourist attractions.

Many places in their tourism epicenter would likely dress up such a road, insisting on fresh pavement and all kinds of amenities. But I hope Clark Mills stays unpaved. It adds to the rural charm.

I’d like to find more unpaved public roads in the county. If you know of any, please send me a note at tom@orleanshub.com.

Passenger injured at mud bog

Posted 12 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith

CARLTON – An Albion man was injured with a partially severed ear while he was a passenger during a mud bog event today.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. at Lake Alice Motor Sports, located at 1766 Waterport Rd.

Eric C. List, 49, of Bergen was operating a 1995 Jeep in the Lake Alice Mud Bogging Event. (Mud Bogging is a form of off-road motorsport in which the goal is to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle through a mud pit, which may be flat or hilly.)

Joel Barczak-Garcia, 23, of Albion was a rear-seat passenger in the Jeep. At some point, the vehicle travelled over a mud jump and down an embankment. Barczak-Garcia was not wearing a seat belt. His head struck a metal protrusion inside the vehicle resulting in the injury. He was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital by Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance.

Two other passengers in the Jeep, Michelle Gallo, 39, and Jennifer Haines, 26, were not injured, nor was List.

The incident was investigated by Deputy J.J. Cole.

Carlton and Kendall will share assessor

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Gene Massey is picked to fill vacancy in Carlton

CARLTON – The Town Board hired a new assessor on Tuesday, and didn’t need to go to far to find a new official who will establish valuations for properties in town.

Gene Massey has worked for the town of Kendall as assessor for nearly six years. He will continue as Kendall’s full-time assessor. He actually started in Carlton on Oct. 1.

Carlton sought a replacement for Karen Adams, who wasn’t reappointed in June. Residents were in an uproar this spring when new assessments came out with big increases for some properties, and no increases or drops for others.

The Town Board ultimately voted to freeze the assessments at the 2012 levels. The board is seeking a firm to help with data collection for the properties in the town. Carlton needs an accurate database that shows the square footage of all buildings, as well as other property improvements, Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said.

Proposals are due to the town by Nov. 12 and Ashbery said the Town Board expects to pick a firm at its Dec. 10 meeting. The accurate data plus the experience of Massey should ensure accurate assessments in the future, Ashbery said this afternoon.

Carlton agreed to pay Massey a $30,000 salary, and will also contribute $3,000 to Kendall towards Massey’s health insurance costs.

“He is very familiar with residential, lakefront and agricultural properties,” Ashbery said about Massey.

The two towns are working on a 10-year contract for shared assessing services. Once the two towns are at 100 percent equalization rates, they should be eligible for state funding with a Coordinated Assessment Program. Kendall is at 100 percent, but Carlton isn’t because of the decision to use 2012 levels. The towns typically do new re-evaluations every three years. The soonest they are both at 100 percent may be 2016.

Dan Gaesser, the Kendall town supervisor, said Kendall benefits by having Carlton pay $3,000 towards the assessor’s health insurance. The deal also keeps Massey working for Kendall.

“We’re able to retain the services of an assessor who’s been here since 2008,” Gaesser said.

Kendall officials are reviewing the 10-year agreement between the two towns. Gaesser said he expects the Kendall Town Board will approve it either later this month or in November.

“It’s a real good agreement for the two towns,” he said.

Ashbery praised Dawn Allen, the director of the Real Property Tax Services for Orleans County, for her assistance to Carlton during the transition in recent months.

Are massive stone pillars remnants from Ho-Jack era?

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Stone pillars next to the Oak Orchard River, in front of the Waterport Dam, were used to hold up something, either a bridge or the trestle for the railroad.

A beer can looks tiny compared to one of the stone pillars near the Waterport Dam.

CARLTON – My trip Sunday evening by the Waterport Dam was full of wonder, and not just because of the 30-pound Chinook salmon that were being caught.

The area by the dam includes a row of massive stone pillars. They held up something big back in the day. I’ve heard about the old Waterport trestle that was removed about 20 years ago. I assumed the trestle must have stood on these stone pillars.

But I saw an old postcard of Waterport online today and it appears the trestle wasn’t next to the dam. I think there was a bridge there and these pillars were used to support that span that crossed the Oak Orchard River. (I don’t have permission to use the image or I’d post it on Orleans Hub.)

If anyone has historic photos or more information about the trestle and the old bridge by the dam, please send them to me at tom@orleanshub.com or drop them off at the Pennysaver and we’ll scan them in. The address is 170 North Main Street.

The town of Carlton web site gives some background on the “Ho-Jack” Line, which opened in 1876 and carried freight until 1978. (Click here to see that write-up.)

The Waterport Dam was built between 1917 and 1919 and the hydroelectric power station opened in 1920. It continues to be in use today.

Anglers go fishing for the King

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

Riyan Westbrook, 23, of Medina holds a Chinook salmon he hooked and reeled in tonight near the Waterport Dam. His friend, Adrian Jackson of Medina, netted the fish. The two landed three good-size fish. See above.

Chris Vogt of Albion wades into the Oak Orchard River and fishes not too far from the Archer’s Club. Vogt had a spot by himself. He said a morning rain may have scared off some of the crowd. Vogt also is a charter boat captain, running a boat he calls U Betcha. He caught a Chinook earlier in the day.

They’re hard to see through the fog, but there are about a dozen fishermen standing in the Oak Orchard River across from the Archer’s Club.

Greg Crawford of the town of Alabama and his 11-year-old son Trevor bait their lines while fishing in the Oak Orchard River late this afternoon. They caught a couple Chinooks today.

Tom Harper of Point Breeze fishes near the Waterport Dam this evening. Harper had just arrived. His son Anthony caught a big brown trout earlier in the day. You can see the waterfall in back by the dam.

The Waterport Dam is a fishing hotspot this time of the year, when salmon and trout make their annual fall runs.

Fishing Network promotes Point Breeze

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2013 at 12:00 am

POINT BREEZE – One of the benefits of Point Breeze landing the title as “Ultimate Fishing Town” is all of the free advertising on the World Fishing Network, which runs an annual online contest to declare the top fishing community in the country.

The World Fishing Network has produced a clip about Point Breeze and its fishing prowess. The network interviewed Mike Waterhouse, the county’s sportsfishing coordinator, and Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle.

The segment shows local waterways and some of our historic sites and impressive architecture, including the Orleans County Courthouse. (Click here to see the video.)

WFN crew members were in Point Breeze on June 26 to present a trophy to Carlton town officials and a $25,000 check to promote the fishery. Several businesses have already displayed big banners, declaring Point Breeze as the “Ultimate Fishing Town.”

Chamber’s New Business of the Year: Ho-Jacks Bar and Grill

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Conrad family opened Ho-Jack’s Bar and Grill last Nov. 1 at 1750 Oak Orchard Rd., Carlton. Pictured, from left: Francesca Papalia, Tony Conrad, Danielle Conrad, Jo Jo Allport (age 4), Matthew Lilly and Dan Conrad.

CARLTON – Three years ago, Dan Conrad was downsized after 26 years of work at Kodak. After being laid off, Conrad earned a degree in business and looked for an opportunity that would involve his family while also keeping him in Orleans County. Conrad saw potential for a restaurant that had an unstable history. The former Carlton Grill had been opened several times, only to shut down not long after.

Conrad was warned by friends that the site didn’t have a good track record. But he thought he could assemble a team to make it work.

Last Nov. 1 the Conrad family opened Ho-Jack’s Bar and Grill at 1750 Oak Orchard Rd. The venture has gone so well that Ho-Jack’s is expanding its parking lot.

Conrad’s son Tony is the head chef. He is looking to add sub sandwiches and bakery to the location, perhaps by next year.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s rewarding,” Dan Conrad said. “People walk out and say the food is great.” The Chamber of Commerce named Ho-Jack’s the 2013 “Business of the Year.” The Conrads have 15 employees. The business has brought stability to the site, and created a destination on Route 98 between Point Breeze and Albion. Conrad, a Rochester native, enjoys local history. He wanted the restaurant to play up the community’s railroad heritage. The interior has several railroad images, as well as photos of cobblestone structures, fishermen and other local scenes. Ho-Jack’s buys many of its ingredients – fruits and vegetables – from local farms. Tony, 25, graduated from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and worked at several local restaurants. He and the kitchen staff prepare mainstays, such as seafood, barbecue, hamburgers and fresh cut French fries. Tony favors his pork delmonico – pork smothered with bourbon glazed peaches. He adds other touches, “hamburgers with a gourmet spin,” his father said.

Dan’s wife Brenda works at Ho-Jack’s, making the desserts. Their daughter Danielle is a bartender. Tony’s wife Crystal is the assistant manager. Other family members also work at the site.

“It’s been a total team effort,” Conrad said. “We have a lot of good help here.”

Medina woman, 28, dies in Carlton crash

Posted 14 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith

CARLTON – A Medina woman is dead and four other people are hospitalized tonight following a two-car crash in the Town of Carlton.

Ashley D. Morehouse, 28, was pronounced dead after the car accident at about 7:10 p.m. at the intersection of Oak Orchard River Road and Waterport Road (State Route 279).

Morehouse was operating a 2000 Pontiac 4-door sedan and travelling west on Oak Orchard River Rd., when she failed to stop for the stop sign at Waterport Road. Morehouse’s car entered the intersection and was struck by a northbound 2003 Pontiac Suburban operated by Lorrie D. Kuhns, 53, of Batavia. Upon impact, both vehicles ended up off the roadway on the northwest corner of the intersection.

Morehouse was pronounced dead at the scene by Orleans County Coroner Scott Schmidt. A front-seat passenger in her car is identified as Gary L. Weese, 40, of Batavia. He was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Mercy Flight helicopter. Morehouse’s 4-year-old son, identified as Dominic Amrhein of Medina, was transported by Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance to Strong. The child was a rear seat passenger in an approved child safety seat.

Lorrie Kuhns and her husband (front-seat passenger) Thomas S. Kuhns, 61, of Batavia were both transported by Medina FD ambulance to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

Carlton and Albion firefighters responded to this incident. While it remains under investigation, it appears that sun glare may have been a contributing factor.

The on-scene investigation was conducted by Deputy M.J. Emens, assisted by Deputy J.J. Cole, Deputy K.J. Colonna, Lieutenant R.E. Perry, Investigator C.L. Black, and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan.

Project Life welcomes first Afghan war orphans in 7 years

Posted 3 September 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, Project Life

WATERPORT – For the first time in seven years Project Life is welcoming the arrival of two war orphans from Afghanistan.

The children from Jalalabad will spend two months in Orleans County for Project Life’s annual War Orphans Rehabilitation Program. The young Afghan boys will join other orphans from around the world for rest and recovery in the peace of the western New York countryside.

“We are delighted and so grateful that we were able to get these Afghan orphans here,” said Linda Redfield, program director for Project Life. “The security situation in Afghanistan has been very difficult for years now, but with amazing help from local friends there and our elected representatives here we have now succeeded in restarting our Afghan program.”

Project Life is an all-volunteer, locally based program that brings small groups of orphans here every summer from international war zones. The children are hosted by local families and benefit from daily English instruction, art therapy, physical recreation, and lots of field trips in the area. They also receive free medical and dental care donated by local health professionals and medical facilities.

At the end of the program the orphans return to their extended families in their home countries.

“After two months of peace and relaxation with caring American volunteers, the orphans go back happier, healthier and much more hopeful about their future,” Redfield said. “They have family at home who love them – but they also have lifelong friends here.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer and Congressman Chris Collins, through their local offices, offered invaluable assistance to Project Life and played a vital role in making it possible for the two Afghan war orphans to join this year’s program.

Waterport church rocks open mic

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

WATERPORT – Nicole Washington of Albion leads a group in singing “Let It Rise” during the first open mic at The Lord’s House on Route 279 in Waterport tonight. Washington’s 16-year-old daughter, Olivia, plays the keyboards in back.

Several singers took turns performing Christian-themed songs in the church, which opened in October last year in a former United Methodist building.

Washington and her husband David are co-owners of Godpazz. They would like to do more Christian-based open mic events at other venues in the area.

“People think church is just ‘Amazing Grace,’ but there is a lot more,” said Mr. Washington, a record producer. “We’re trying to unify the neighborhood.”

At the open mic events, he welcomes contemporary gospel, jazz, hip hop and country, which can all be done while spreading a Christian message.

Darneisha Thomas, 17, of Batavia brought many at the church to tears with her performance of “You Care For Me.”

Washington’s brother-in-law Eddie English is pastor of The Lord’s House. English and his congregation have continued to work on the building, which had been left vacant for many years. The sanctuary has been repainted, there are new chairs, lights, a chandelier, a ramp leading to the church and other improvements.

The congregation has doubled in size from about 25 when it was meeting in Albion a year ago to about 50 for Sunday services now.

The church wants to do more open mic events in the future, said Rose English, who works alongside her husband in the ministry.

She praised the singers who participated in the debut event tonight. One of the singers, Aretha Jackson of Batavia, sang a moving rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.” Jackson is blind and received a standing ovation.

Aretha Jackson sings “Jesus Loves Me.”

‘Ultimate’ fishing banners at Point Breeze

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 August 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

POINT BREEZE – Several businesses at Point Breeze are now proclaiming the community’s status as “The Ultimate Fishing Town.”

I noticed this banner on Narby’s Superette and Tackle today. Other sites have the banners. The businesses paid for them and aren’t part of the $25,000 the community won to promote the fishery.

Point Breeze won the title in an online contest through the World Fishing Network.

To read more about the Ultimate Fishing Town award, click here.