Carlton

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.

Carlton Democrats pass on incumbent Republicans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 August 2013 at 12:00 am

CARLTON – Candidates for Carlton town offices met with Carlton Democrats last night, seeking the party’s support for the Nov. 5 election. But only one Republican, who currently isn’t a town official, received Democratic Party support.

Incumbent Town Clerk Pam Rush and her GOP challenger Lea Olles both asked Democrats to back them. But during a party caucus at the home of Aggie Recco, 37 Democrats didn’t reach a majority of support for the clerk candidates. In fact, there were more no votes than votes of support for the candidates, said Jeanne Crane, a Carlton Democrat and chairwoman of the Orleans County Democratic Party.

The Carlton Democrats also declined to support either Highway Superintendent David Krull or his challenger Paul Snook, Sr.

The Democrats did support one Republican, Bilal Huzair, for Town Board. Huzair is endorsed by the Conservative Party and also will be in a Republican Primary on Sept. 10 against incumbent Republicans Joyce Harris and Jim Shoemaker.

Democrats also backed a member of their own party, Doug Hart, for a Town Board seat.

Crane said the crowd of Democrats for the party caucus was the most she can recall.

She said the controversy over town-wide reassessments, which ignited an uproar from residents this spring, has many residents watching town government closely.

“Carlton this year is the hotbed,” she said.

The Republican candidates for town clerk, highway superintendent and Town Board will square off in a Primary on Sept. 10. The general election will be Nov. 5.

Hojack’s joins list of music venues in Orleans County

Contributed Story Posted 19 August 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Michael Karcz

CARLTON – The Orleans Hub has highlighted several local venues for live music in the county this summer. The list keeps growing. Ho-Jack’s Bar and Grill had a talent show and karaoke on Saturday.

Jackie Madejski and Gregg Albertson were among the musicians who performed at Ho-Jack’s on Route 98. The two sang several songs, including originals by Albertson.

Following their performance, the microphone was available for karaoke. Jackie’s father, Dr. Tom Madejski, took a turn and sang “Surfin’ Bird.”

How to spend $25K to boost fishery?

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 August 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – A committee weighing how to spend $25,000 to boost the fishing industry in Orleans County is considering putting the title of “Ultimate Fishing Town” on the Carlton town signs, including this one on Route 98.

CARLTON – When the Point Breeze community won the title of “Ultimate Fishing Town” in June, after two months of online voting, the prize brought lots of free publicity for the community. And it also netted cash to promote the fishery, $25,000 from the World Fishing Network.

The check is in a town of Carlton account, dedicated to promoting the area’s fishing resources. The question for a committee of fishing stakeholders is how to best use that money to entice more anglers and visitors to the community.

The committee met for the first time on Thursday. It wants plenty of signage in Carlton and Point Breeze, noting the community won the “Ultimate Fishing Town” in 2013. Some of those signs could be part of the existing Town of Carlton welcome signs on Route 98 and 18.

In the meantime, at least five businesses are working to buy banners that would be on their stores, noting Point Breeze as the “Ultimate Fishing Town.”

The committee also is considering a sportsfishing event that would partner with a veterans organization and a professional sports team. Veterans would be invited on a charter boat in that initiative.

Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle, is on the committee and welcomes ideas from the public. She spoke during Sunday’s awards celebration for the Orleans County Fishing Derby. There were 100 fishermen at the awards party, and Narburgh asked them to submit ideas for promoting the fishery.

I think the committee should use some of the money for a public art project, perhaps having some giant fiberglass fish at different locations at Point Breeze. I think they would be an attraction, and businesses would probably pay to have one on their property.

If we could get 10 of these at Point Breeze, as well as a few in Albion, Holley and Medina, we would have an added attraction that would complement all the salmon and trout.

I was in Olean in March and noticed all of the 4-foot-high fiberglass squirrels sprinkled around the city. I’ve included a picture of “Pop ARThur” from Olean’s public art project called Woodland in the City. I think a similar project in a fish theme would be a major catch for Point Breeze.

High school principal wins fishing derby with 35-pounder

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

Photos by Tom Rivers – Foster Miller holds the grand prize winning Chinook salmon – a 34-pound, 13-ounce fish – that netted the $4,000 top prize in the Orleans County Fishing Derby. Miller’s son Tyler, 11, finished third in the lake trout division with a 14-pound, 6-ounce fish.

CARLTON – Foster Miller looks forward to fishing season every summer. The 40-year-old Holley resident is often out in a boat with his son Tyler or Foster’s father Ron.

The family watches for fishing derbies and will join, hopeful of hooking a big prize. The Millers struck twice in the Orleans County Fishing Derby. Foster won the grand prize, $4,000, for catching the biggest fish among the 690 anglers who joined in the derby.

Foster caught a 34-pound, 13-ounce Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario near Hamlin Beach State Park. His father, Ron, of Ontario, Wayne County was in the boat with Foster. Ron started taking Foster fishing when he was a little kid. Foster landed his first salmon when he was 5.

He has passed down a love of fishing to his son Tyler, 11. Tyler caught the third biggest lake trout in the fishing derby, a 14-pound, 6-ounce fish that was also hooked just off Hamlin Beach. Tyler’s third place finish won him $200.

His father also won another $200, given to the Orleans County resident who catches the biggest fish during the derby.

Mr. Miller works as a principal in Mount Morris for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

The derby runs for about two weeks, and is sponsored by the Albion Rotary Club. Besides the $4,000 grand prize, the Rotary Club gives out $500 for first place, $300 for second, $200 for third, $100 for fourth and $50 for fifth place in four divisions: Chinook, rainbow trout, brown trout and lake trout. That adds up to $8,800 in total prize money.

Hunter Westcott, 10, of Hamlin won the lake trout division and $500 for catching this 18-pound, 4-ounce fish. He was all smiles holding the fish during an awards ceremony today at the Carlton Fire Company Recreation Hall.

The club expects to make about $4,500 in profit from the derby, which is used for various community projects.

The following won first prize in the different divisions: Jim Mazur, with a Chinook at 32 pounds, 13 ounces; Charles Davis with a brown trout at 15 pounds, 9 ounces; Gary Dubach with a rainbow trout/steelhead at 13 pounds, 13 ounces; and Hunter Westcott with a lake trout at 18 pounds, 4 ounces.

Derby officials and the 100 people who attended a awards ceremony at the Carlton Fire Company Recreation Hall observed a moment of silence for Judy Christopher, who was active in helping to run the derby for many years.

Christopher died on Aug. 3 after battling cancer for more than two decades. She was co-owner of Four C’s Marina and an active member of the Albion Rotary Club, which has been running the annual derby for about 30 years.

“She was an elegant woman who did a lot for the fishing industry and for this community,” said Ashley Ward, the derby chairman.

Ashley Ward, back left, gets ready to read the winning number during a raffle at today’s awards ceremony for the Orleans County Fishing Derby. Brad Shelp, lower right, helped pass out the prizes. About 100 fishermen attended the awards celebration in Carlton.

Woman hospitalized after crash in Carlton

Posted 18 August 2013 at 12:00 am

Driver needed to be extricated from wooded embankment

Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith

CARLTON – An Orleans County woman is hospitalized following a one-car crash Saturday night in the town of Carlton.

The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m., in the 1400 block of Oak Orchard River Road. Sandra M. Flanagan (sole occupant), of Kent, was operating a 2004 Ford Taurus westbound on Oak Orchard River Rd., when she failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle crossed the center line and ran off the south side of the roadway. The vehicle jumped a guard rail and rolled approximately 100 feet down a steep and heavily wooded embankment that leads to Oak Orchard River. The vehicle came to rest upside down against a tree.

Flanagan was trapped in the wreckage for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before being extricated by Carlton and Albion firefighters. Once removed from the vehicle, she was brought back up the embankment by Rope Rescue Teams from the Clarendon and Holley fire departments. Flanagan was then flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Mercy Flight helicopter. A crew from Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

While the incident remains under investigation, it appears that both alcohol and unsafe speed were contributing factors. Charge(s) against Flanagan are pending her recovery.

The incident was investigated by Deputy K.J. Colonna, assisted by Deputy J.W. Halstead and Sergeant G.T. Gunkler.

‘Old Hippies’ play at Point Breeze

Contributed Story Posted 14 August 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Michael Karcz

POINT BREEZE – The Old Hippies entertained on Tuesday night during the summer concert series at the Orleans County Marine Park. The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association organizes the series with support from Orleans County Tourism and the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The series concludes on Tuesday with a concert by the Sophisticats from 6 to 8:30 p.m.