By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2016 at 1:40 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The Kendall Jr./Sr. High School is nearing the completion of a major transformation. Contractors recently added large lettering on the front of the building and on Tuesday a large Kendall “K” was put inside the main entrance of the school.
The building looks far different, and, in my opinion, much improved from before.
This file photo shows how the school looked before a $25 million capital project, which included many improvements to the elementary school as well.
Carol D’Agostino is pictured inside the main entrance. She likes the new “K” which she said promotes pride in the school.
“It adds a lot of personality to this space,” she said. “The kids feels a sense of ownership with the school.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2016 at 1:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Hunter Winkley, a senior at Kendall, is interviewed by Tony Manno, owner of A & M Automotive and Transmission on Route 31 in Fancher. Manno was one of 26 community members who volunteered to interview seniors today during the annual interview day to help prep seniors for the job market.
Chad Miller, a senior interested in a career in law enforcement, is interviewed by Deputy Jeff Cole, an Orleans County deputy and a Kendall graduate.
Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor, interviewed one of the students, Richard Wolf, who is interested in a career in automotive journalism.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 1 November 2016 at 1:15 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Morton Union Cemetery is pictured in Kendall. John Farnharm is buried under the mountain ash tree at the center.
KENDALL – A recently published book by Brockport resident Bill Andrews ensures that a Civil War soldier buried at the Morton Union Cemetery in Kendall will never be forgotten.
Andrews transcribed six detailed diaries and extensive letters for the book, The Life of a Union Army Sharpshooter: The Diaries and Letters of JohnT. Farnham, which tell about Farnham’s experiences as a Union sharpshooter as well as his first-person accounts of battles, campaigns, life in camp, the home front and what he experienced emotionally and psychologically during the war.
“It is an in-depth portrait of this young man,” says Andrews, who is a Village of Brockport historian emeritus, professor emeritus of The College at Brockport, and currently serves as deputy mayor on the Brockport Village Board of Trustees.
Farnham lived in Brockport, just a few houses down the street from where Andrews now lives, and worked in the newspaper industry. He was shop foreman at the Brockport Republic before serving in the war. Farnham enlisted in 1862 at age 20, and was a voracious reader, subscribing to newspapers and magazines and reading books, as well as writing on a nearly daily basis both before, during and after the war.
This close-up picture shows Farnham’s gravestone at the Morton Union Cemetery.
“The amazing thing is that he wrote every day,” Andrews says. “Over 850 days, there are 848 entries. He wrote after battles, long marches, when he was hospitalized, he never failed.”
Andrews first learned about Farnham while researching another one of his books on Brockport history. He found nearly 200 letters written by local soldiers which were published in the Brockport Republic during the Civil War. Andrews says he planned a book based solely on the letters, but it didn’t work out the way he had hoped.
He Googled Farnham’s name and discovered the existence of the diaries, five of which were in the collection of the Witchita State University library. The sixth had been sold at auction for $23,900 due to the fact it was sold along with the blood-stained cuff of the shirt President Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated.
Farnham, an avid supporter of Lincoln, had acquired the cuff through a group of friends and fellow Lincoln supporters.
With much persistence, Andrews tracked down the diary’s owner, who agreed to send him a copy of the book for transcription.
Farnham was, by all accounts, a remarkable young man. He was very intelligent and open-minded and had many friends. He served in the 1st New York Sharpshooters and also worked as a clerk at the headquarters of the Iron Brigade and at the War Department in Washington, D.C.
Poor health resulted in him spending more than 100 days ill or in the hospital, but even there, Farnham worked as a library clerk and errand boy and nursed other patients. He was politically active, enjoyed attending concerts, plays and other events, and made friends with escaped slaves, teaching them to read and write and building them a school.
Following the war, Farnham returned to Brockport and continued working in the newspaper industry there as well as in Rochester and Elmira.
He died of tuberculosis only four years after the war while living in Hamlin. Farnham was 27 years old when he died and was buried in the Morton Union Cemetery in Kendall.
The Life of a Union Sharpshoooter: The Diaries and Letters of John T. Farnham is published by Casemate Publishers and is available locally at the Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport. The book includes photos, illustrations and explanatory notes by Andrews.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 October 2016 at 9:37 am
Some water fountains, classroom sinks test too high for lead
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Pictured include, from left, in front: Kendall Elementary Principal Sharon Smith, Board of Education Vice President Charles Patt, Board of Education member Lisa Levett, Board of Education President Nadine Hanlon, Board of Education member Martin Goodenbery and Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino. Next week is Board of Education Week and October is National Principals Month. (BOE member Chaley Swift is missing from photo.)
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Central School Board of Education and Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School principals were recognized during Wednesday evening’s regular meeting of the school board.
Superintendent Julie Christensen read proclamations declaring Oct. 24-28 Board of Education Week and October National Principals Month. Christensen presented BOE members with coupon books provided by the Kendall PTSA.
“We appreciate all your work,” she told board members. “We know we could not do the work without you.”
In her report, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino said recent assemblies featuring the Sweethearts and Heroes anti-bullying program were very successful. She said the event has led the school to make new efforts to prevent bullying behavior.
Every Friday video clips are shown about bullying and students receive a daily quote about, “how we should treat each other,” D’Agostino said.
She explained the school would be forming a “Mosaic Club” where students can meet to discuss and provide support to each other regarding issues such as domestic violence or sexual identity. D’Agostino said the club would be a “safe place for kids to come together to support each other and educate our school.”
Christensen reported that there are currently 388 students in the elementary school and 297 in the Jr./Sr. High School for a total of 685 students in the district, down from 718 a year ago. Elementary Principal Sharon Smith said her school had just registered five new students on Wednesday.
Christensen also reported on results from the second round of water tests for Kendall Schools. Initial tests showed lead levels above acceptable levels in newly renovated areas, but Christensen said those systems were flushed and now only one classroom sink in the Jr./Sr. Science wing retested above acceptable levels. All others tested well below the acceptable threshold. The affected sink will be posted as unacceptable for drinking, but is safe for hand washing, she said.
In the Kendall Elementary School, six outlets located in low-use classrooms/restrooms tested above the acceptable threshold for lead. Christensen said of those six, four are located in limited-use office areas. She said signs in those areas indicate sinks should only be used for hand washing and three affected water fountains will be shut off until they are replaced.
Finally, Board of Education members approved the agreement with Holley Central School to combine wrestling teams.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 19 October 2016 at 9:37 am
‘Kendall’s Finest’ display planned for Town Hall
File photo by Tom Rivers: This chapel at Beechwood Cemetery was built in 1898 with Medina sandstone. This photo was taken in the fall of 2015.
KENDALL – A donation by Partyka Farms will help the Town of Kendall improve its cemeteries.
Town Board members Tuesday evening passed a resolution which makes budget adjustments to accommodate the $350 donation which was raised from proceeds of dinners served by Partyka’s during Kendall Homegrown Days. The resolution splits the donation evenly between Greenwood and Beechwood cemeteries, with $175 allotted to each.
Town Council members discussed potential improvements projects with Highway Superintendent Warren Kruger. Kruger suggested sealing or painting the building at Greenwood Cemetery which is made of concrete blocks, and purchasing doors for the “chapel” building at Beechwood Cemetery.
Supervisor Tony Cammarata said the doors or wrought iron gates, would need to be durable and Town Clerk Amy Richardson said she would provide council members with input provided to the town by retired Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin regarding what materials would maintain architectural period integrity.
Councilperson Wayne Martin, Jr. reported on the progress of the “Kendall’s Finest” project. The town is working on a display of photos of current active duty military personnel from Kendall to be placed on a wall in the meeting room at the Town Hall. A wooden plaque with the words “Kendall’s Finest” will be stained, Martin said, and all branches of the military will be represented.
The town currently has several photos but Martin is hoping for more. “I know there are a lot of (local) young men and women in the service,” he said.
Council members discussed holding a special ceremony prior to Veterans Day in November to dedicate the wall, inviting the families of military personnel who are pictured.
“It is important to honor these men and women who sacrifice for us everyday,” Cammarata said.
Councilperson Barb Flow reported on Clothing Closet dates at the Concordia Lutheran Church. Children’s clothing for infants through age 18 will be available for free on select Tuesdays and Saturdays at the church located at 1769 Kendall Rd.
The dates and times are: Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to noon; Nov. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to noon; Dec. 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to noon.
Donations of children’s clothing is also accepted during those times. To make other arrangements call 585-734-3239.
Councilperson Flow also said The Kendall Community Band will be performing Nov. 22 at the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium to benefit the Kendall Food Cupboard. Those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Food Cupboard. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will include a mix of patriotic songs, show tunes and big band music.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Those attending a forum about the Kendall community broke into focused task groups to brainstorm ideas in the Jr./Sr. High School cafeteria. About 50 people attended the forum.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 October 2016 at 10:27 am
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall community want to get the word out that Kendall is a “great place to live and grow,” and residents as well as town, school district and county officials gathered at Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Wednesday evening to brainstorm ways to promote the community as a place to settle down and raise family.
School Board President Nadine Hanlon called the gathering, “a positive think tank” to develop ways to “bring people to the community.”
The evening began with county, town and school district officials enumerating resources, initiatives and benefits Kendall already has.
County Legislator Donald Allport discussed the benefits available at the county level including the shared Orleans/Genesee County Health Department, $8 million in infrastructure investments, the recycling/waste program and Lake Ontario State Parkway repaving.
Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata noted the town will continue to work on establishing new water districts, adding a new district each year. He discussed the town’s Innovation Committee which acts as a “market antenna” for the Town Board.
The Committee is currently addressing such issues as sidewalks and storm drains, Cammarata said.
“If you don’t create value, nobody’s going to come here,” Cammarata said. “We need to find out what is special about Kendall, have a residential focus, anticipate needs and develop a strategy. We need to imagine what it could be like and then challenge the status quo.”
Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata discusses current town initiatives during the community forum.
Kendall School Superintendent Julie Christensen listed current community organizations and seasonal highlights such as Homegrown Days and the Scarecrow Festival.
“We have so many great things going on,” Christensen said.
She discussed school data points including the 30 percent decrease in the school’s enrollment over the past ten years. Student performance is above state average on multiple measures. Christensen also said there are numerous school-community connections including the Lions Club and Leos, partnership with town activities, and school internships/shadow experience/senior interviews.
“There are a lot of school-community connections,” Christensen said. “That’s what makes us special here in Kendall.”
Those attending broke into six task groups – public relations/advertising, advocacy, recruitment, beautification enhancement, and community events – to come up with goals and strategies, as well as ways to achieve them.
Ideas formulated included a brochure for prospective residents, working with realtors to determine what homebuyers are looking for in a community, opening up public access to Lake Ontario, a Christmas decorating contest, a winter festival, historical museum, walking and hiking trails (perhaps linking the town with the Erie Canal) and public water throughout the town.
Christensen asked the groups to provide her with lists of their ideas. She said she will be working closely with Supervisor Cammarata and another meeting will be planned sometime early next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 October 2016 at 4:18 pm
Provided photo
KENDALL – Orleans County officials were joined by Kendall community leaders with a ribbon-cutting celebration last Wednesday for the Carton Road Bridge in Kendall.
Pictured, include, from left: John Papponetti, engineer with LaBella Associates; John DeFilipps, Orleans County legislator; Glen Spellan, chairman, Kendall Innovations Committee; Ken DeRoller, Orleans County legislator; Becky and Rod Hughson, Carton Road residents; Bill Eick, Orleans County legislator and chairman of the Highway Committee; Warren Kruger, Kendall highway superintendent; Bruce Newell, Kendall town councilman; Jerry Gray, Orleans County highway superintendent; Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent; Becky Charland, executive director of Orleans County Chamber of Commerce; and Chris Bayer, structural engineer with LaBella Associates.
County officials said the bridge project was ahead of schedule and under budget. Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport was the main contractor for $793,729. The new bridge replaces one from 1959. The project is part of an $8 million bond the county took out in 2014 for a series of infrastructure projects over three years.
Contractors are also close to finishing a bridge over Fish Creek on East Scott Road in Ridgeway. Union Concrete and Construction Corporation in West Seneca submitted the low bid for that project at $724,346. The new bridge will replace one from 1936.
KENDALL – Kendall students in grades 7-12 completed the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey (PNA) in 2015 for the Orleans County Drug Free Communities Coalition.
Every two years, the survey collects data on youth substance use, developmental risk and protective factors over time. A large section of the survey focuses on students’ use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and non-prescribed prescription drugs.
Of the 267 Kendall students who participated in the survey, 27 percent responded that they had used any of these substances in the last 30 days. This is the lowest rate of usage since Kendall began taking the survey in 2007. Kendall students have the lowest rate of substance use in Orleans County, according to the survey.
Students were also asked if they perceived themselves at risk of drinking regularly, smoking cigarettes or marijuana and taking non-prescription drugs. Overall responses showed a slight increase since the 2013 survey, but there was a 32 percent decrease in the students’ risk of smoking marijuana since 2007.
The survey questioned students on their perception of their parent’s disapproval if they used any of the four substances. Over 93 percent of students responded in each substance category that their parents would disapprove of them using, which has been one of the highest rates recorded.
This result shows a strong influence on the decrease in substance abuse among Kendall students. This data shows that parents are sending the message that these are not acceptable behaviors and students are receiving the message, even if they aren’t always acting on it. Kendall’s responses to this question rank higher than any of the other schools surveyed in Orleans County.
Students were also asked how high they perceived their peers’ disapproval if they regularly used any of the four substances. There was an overall increase in peer disapproval since 2013. This data demonstrates that peer disapproval also plays a part in discouraging students from adopting these risky behaviors.
Students were also asked about use of tobacco products in all forms, including e-cigarettes. The majority of Kendall students have not even tried them once and are living in non-smoking households. However, students perceive the risk of using e-cigarettes is low, which is something that needs to be monitored going forward.
The PNA Survey is designed to measure the need for preventative services among youth in the areas of substance abuse, delinquency, antisocial behavior and violence. The questions ask youth about the factors that place them at risk for substance use and other risky behaviors, along with the factors that offer them protection from these behaviors.
Students are questioned about their use of the four substances and participation in various antisocial behaviors. The survey is funded by Orleans County Drug Free Communities Coalition, and four of the five school districts in Orleans County participate. Students are surveyed in the fall during the school day.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 2 October 2016 at 10:35 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Passing showers didn’t keep people from enjoying the annual Scarecrow Festival in Kendall on Saturday. Events included live music, wagon rides, pumpkin decorating and scarecrow making.
This year’s theme was “Your Favorite Holiday.” This entry on the front lawn of Kendall Elementary School pays tribute to St. Patrick’s Day. It was entered by Mrs. Pettrone’s 6th Grade Class.
This scarecrow scene featured an “Easter Egg Hunt” with seasonal painted mini pumpkins standing in for eggs.
This entry featured a clever fusion of late in the year holidays: Halloween and Christmas with Old St. Nicktober.
An appropriate entry for a Presidential Election year, an Abraham Lincoln scarecrow celebrating President’s Day.
The Christmas Elf on a Shelf entry by the Kludt/D’Agostino families took second place and a $50 prize.
First Place Winner went to Charlie Brown’s Christmas by the Robinson/Miller families, featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and an almost exact replica of Chuck’s pathetic Christmas tree.
A more somber entry paid tribute to Memorial Day and those who have given their lives for their country.
The Kendall Lions entry had a Valentines theme.
Yes, there is a child in there: 7-year old Adriana Schiavone of Kendall took advantage of Tim Bourke’s Balloon Workshop to fashion a remarkable costume.
The HooDoo Daddies performed at the Gazebo….
Not to be outdone by the scarecrows, pumpkins decorated during the festival line up for judging.
The Third Place winner – “Skeleclaus” was entered by Mrs. Bower’s 6th Grade class at Kendall Elementary School
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Kendall residents and town officials have signs out promoting Saturday’s Scarecrow Festival.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 29 September 2016 at 2:08 pm
KENDALL – New faces are popping up along Kendall Road (Rt. 237) in Kendall in advance of this year’s Scarecrow Festival which will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Town Board member Barb Flow said this year features the theme – “Your Favorite Holiday.” “It’s one of the highlights of the town year,” Flow said during her report at the recent Town Board meeting.
Events this year include live music in the gazebo and a performance by the HooDoo Daddies Band. Those attending can vote for their favorite scarecrow or build their own scarecrow. There is a scarecrow scavenger hunt and a strolling magician from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Photo by Tom Rivers: This scarecrow is outside the Kendall Elementary School.
Other activities include pumpkin decorating and alpacas. New this year will be the Lions Club Vision Screening and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting an “Operation Safe Child” service, which produces cards for parents and guardians with fingerprints and a photograph of their child. The cards assist law enforcement in the case of a child’s disappearance.
Additionally, Tim Bourke will be holding a one-hour balloon workshop in the bus garage beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Kids Fun Run begins at 11 a.m. and the St. Mark’s Farmers Market will be held at the Fire Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Masonic Lodge will also be holding their chicken barbecue.
Flow encouraged everyone to attend. “It’s a huge event for the town,” she said.
The festival is held rain or shine.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Kendall Scarecrow Festival has become a big event for the community.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 September 2016 at 5:37 pm
David Perry Sr. also faces charges for child pornography
ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge James Punch set Nov. 1 for jury selection for a trial against a Kendall man faces numerous charges for crimes against children.
Jury selection will start at 1 p.m. on Nov. 1 with the trial to continue the next day.
David P. Perry Sr.
David P. Perry, 67, of Norway Road was arrested on March 9 for multiple charges related to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of five girls ranging in age from 13 to 15. In May, Perry was arrested and charged with 15 counts of possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.
Approximately 15,000 images of suspected child pornography were found on Perry’s devices that were submitted for analysis. Many of the images found were children between the ages of 2 and 9 years of age, Undersheriff Chris Bourke said when Perry was charged in May.
David P. Perry Sr., 67, of Norway Road allegedly forced juvenile victims to smoke marijuana and drink alcoholic wine and vodka over several months in 2015. At times, the victims would reportedly consume these substances to the point of becoming impaired and intoxicated, Bourke said.
He was charged with sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child because Perry would allegedly make five girls undress, then he would perform various criminal sexual acts and sexual abuse, according to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. It is also alleged that Perry would force the victims to pose for pictures while undressed or partially dressed.
The judge set the trial date after District Attorney Joe Cardone told Punch that a plea deal couldn’t be reached. Cardone said he wants Perry to serve a sentence for both sexual abuse crimes and the child pornogrpahy, with the sentences added together, rather than a concurrent sentence where Perry would only serve a sentence for the most severe crime.
“He wanted a better deal,” Perry’s attorney David Morabito told Judge Punch in court this afternoon.
Cardone said he isn’t offering a better deal for Perry, given his serious charges.
The Kendall resident blurted out in court that he “really hasn’t been offered one,” referring to a plea deal.
Punch chided Perry for his comment, telling him he should let Morabito, the attorney, speak on his behalf.
Morabito said he wanted a Huntley hearing to determine if some evidence could be suppressed. Punch set that hearing for 10 a.m. on Oct. 7.
The judge also moved back a civil trial set for early November so the trial could get started against Perry.
“When you have young witnesses that takes priority,” Punch said.
Perry remains in the Orleans County Jail on $500,000 bail.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2016 at 6:59 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – It’s Homecoming in Kendall and students celebrated the special week with a parade on Friday evening. This year, classes had to create floats in a biome theme. The top photo shows the junior class with their rainforest-themed float. They are headed down Route 237 near the Kendall Elementary School.
These junior high students join the parade with their float which was in a savanna theme.
Sarah Pieniaszek, a senior, is in a boat on top of the seniors’ float which is in an underwater theme.
These two seniors, Kacey Menge (left) and Lizzie Rath, carry goldfish on the parade route. Rath is dressed as a mermaid.
The senior float makes its way down Route 237 before heading to the junior-senior high school, where there were games and a carnival for the community, as well as an alumni soccer game.
Sophomores, including Anna Oakley (left), created a float with an alpine theme.
The freshmen made a Cowboys and Indians float. Kendall’s Homecoming continues today.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 September 2016 at 9:15 am
Kendall no longer in Urban/Suburban program with Rochester
KENDALL – Kendall and Holley school leaders are working to combine their junior varsity and varsity wrestling teams.
The Holley Board of Education gave its approval during their regular meeting Monday evening, and Kendall Central Superintendent Julie Christensen says Kendall BOE members gave tacit approval during their regular meeting Sept. 14.
Christensen said she expects the board to vote on the combined team during their October meeting. She explained that many districts are no longer offering the sport, and Holley and Kendall forming a combined team will mean that Kendall students who would like to wrestle will have the opportunity.
Combining wrestling teams is one of several ways the two districts are currently sharing services, Christensen said. Other areas include transportation runs for students with disabilities who have placements in other districts, including schools outside Orleans County.
Holley and Kendall are also exploring shared extracurricular clubs such as 4-H and robotics.
“Some could be hosted by Kendall, some by Holley,” she said.
Sharing services is a way of “sharing the wealth” of the two districts, allowing both Holley and Kendall to “expand opportunities” for their students while still maintaining their own district identities, Christensen explained.
• Community Forum planned Oct. 5
Superintendent Christensen says community members are invited to attend a community forum Oct. 5 hosted by the Board of Education at 7 p.m. in the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria.
The Board is seeking input from residents regarding strategies and methods to promote Kendall. Topics such as the importance of broadband Internet will likely be discussed, Christensen said. She explained that suggestions for enhancing the quality of life in Kendall will help both the school district and the community to encourage people to consider making Kendall their home and school.
• Urban/Suburban withdrawal
Superintendent Christensen also explained the Kendall School District was notified in late summer that the 15-mile transportation limit would be upheld and therefore not provide transportation to Kendall for students in the Urban/Suburban Inter-district transfer program.
“We looked to relay options with our neighboring districts, but the drop off and pick up times would result in students missing too much instructional time,” Superintendent Christensen said. Additionally, “A midway pick up posed some safety issues for students,” she said.
Kendall joined the Urban/Suburban program just last year and two students who live in the Rochester City School District participated.
“We really enjoyed our students and wish them well in their new school districts,” Christensen said. “We hope that the transportation issue will be resolved in the future.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 21 September 2016 at 9:31 am
Residents urged to support petition lowering speed limit by school
KENDALL – Town Board members on Tuesday evening enacted a moratorium on industrial solar energy generation facilities by adopting Local Law 1 of 2016.
The moratorium of 180 days is meant to give the Town Board time to enact a local law regulating construction of industrial solar facilities.
It does not pertain to residential installations on or around homes, Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata noted.
Councilman Bruce Newell reported that the Kendall planning and zoning boards have begun work on a code for large-scale solar projects in the town. The Town Board adopted Local Law 1 of 2016 after adding wording that development of solar energy facility regulations be referred to the Town Planning Board. The town continues to look into the NYS Affordable Solar Program for Community Distributed Solar.
Newell said he had hoped to have some numbers to report for Tuesday’s meeting, but continues to pull information together.
In other business, Supervisor Cammarata encouraged all town residents to sign a petition calling for a reduction of the 50-mile per hour speed limit on Roosevelt Highway (Route 18) outside the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School.
A group of concerned parents and community members is working to have the state lower the speed to as low as 20 miles per hour in the school zone during school hours.
“We as a community should be asking the Department of Transportation to assist us with this request,” Cammarata said.
He noted that Holley and Albion have reduced speeds outside their schools which are located on busy roads, and that the conditions outside the Jr./Sr. High School in Kendall are dangerous.
“We don’t want any more accidents,” Cammarata said. “Safety is a predominant issue. I would ask all residents to sign the petition.”
The town supervisor also reported that with Key Bank’s decision to close the First Niagara branch in the Village of Holley, the Town of Kendall will begin looking at other financial institutions to meet banking needs.
“We will have to travel farther for deposits, Brockport or Albion,” Cammarata explained. “It’s a hardship for us and an added expense … if we get a better program with a different financial institution than Key Bank, then we will make that change.”
Cammarata said the Town Board will make its decision by the time of the annual reorganizational meeting in January.
KENDALL – Kendall students and staff wore blue today to show their appreciation for local law enforcement officers. Students also signed a card for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and State Police, thanking them for their service in the Kendall community. This picture shows Deputy Jeff Cole, left, shaking a student’s hand, while State Trooper Belson is thanked by student Jeremy Browe.
Students Sienna Friedman, left, and Justin Ryan are pictured with Deputy Cole.
The school district served cake to the officers, the student body, and staff. Kendall school leaders also gave a tour of the building, which was recently renovated, to the officers. Many of the students personally said thank you to the officers and shook their hands. The two officers also ate a school lunch with the students.
School Board President Nadine Hanlon called the gathering, “a positive think tank” to develop ways to “bring people to the community.”
