By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 December 2016 at 8:29 pm
Provided photos
ALBION – Girl Scouts from Albion and Kendall Troop 82127 completed their Bronze Award project, the highest award for junior level Girl Scouts, by hosting a Christmas Tea for the residents at the the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion on Saturday.
This photo shows, from left, front row: Abigail Merkley; second row: Sarah Thom, Sophia Albanese, Julia Fuller and Autumn Flugel; third row: Kaitys Allen, Sarah Mathes, Riannon Newbould, Abrielle Shuler and Julia Knight. Missing from picture: Liana Flugel.
There are 7 required steps to earn the award. They must earn a Girl Scout Journey badge, build their Girl Scout junior team based on each other’s strengths and talents, explore their community to come up with ideas for projects to help their community, brainstorm and decide as a team which idea best suits them and fills a need, make a plan for a take action project, put their plan in motion and, lastly, spread the word.
The Scouts met at the Martin-Linsin Residence to speak with Michelle Toenniessen about their idea and have their plan approved. From left include Julia Knight, Julia Fuller, Abrielle Shuler, Sophia Albanese and Riannon Newbould.
The Scouts set up with homemade cookies and desserts for Saturday’s Tea.
Singing carols! Left to right Kaitlyn Allen, Autumn Flugel, Julia Fuller, Julia Knight, Riannon Newbould, Abigail Merkley, Sarah Thom, Abrielle Shuler and Sarah Mathes with leaders Yvonne Newbould and Janelle Shuler.
The Scouts also stopped by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and thanked the staff, including Communications Director Allen Turner, for working to keep the community safe. From left include Kaitlyn Allen, Abigail Merkley, Autumn Flugel and Riannon Newbould.
Photos by Tom Rivers
Karl Driesel is pictured inside Orleans Millworks at a new 5,884-squarefoot building that opened in July at 1750 Kendall Rd.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 December 2016 at 9:45 am
KENDALL – From his boyhood days at his father’s lumber business in Albion, Karl Driesel has loved wood.
He enjoys taken a rough piece of lumber and turning it into railings, mouldings, hardwood floorings, and other useful purposes.
“You can turn it into something beautiful with the right materials,” Driesel said Monday at Orleans Millworks.
Driesel, 30, has had a woodworking business since 2009. He was working out of his home until committing to building a new 5,884-square-foot shop and showroom at 1750 Kendall Rd. Construction started in February, and Driesel moved his business to the site in July.
Driesel wanted the building to blend in with the town. The building is green and tan, and inside the showroom features many different types of wood species. Driesel works with about 20 different types of wood.
It is a prominent building on Kendall’s main road. Driesel works with customers mainly between Buffalo and Rochester, serving residential, commercial, and wholesale markets often working directly with homeowners and contractors.
The site in Kendall proved ideally located between the two major markets, and Driesel also wanted to be be close to his house and help his hometown.
Driesel graduated from Morrisville State College, earning degrees in wood products technology and business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
For three years he was teaching at Morrisville, making a 2 ½-hour trip two to three times a week. He taught in the wood science department and showed students how to make cabinets.
Driesel last year decided to focus solely on his own business. He purchased Medina Millworks from the Graber family – Jerome, Matthew, Stephen and Phillip. That acquisition has boosted Driesel’s business, expanding his customer base and giving him more access to modern woodworking equipment.
“There is zero waste from the manufacturing process,” Driesel said. “Wood shavings are marketed as livestock bedding, and wood scraps become firewood.”
Diesel gives Scouts from Barre a demonstration on woodworking.
Driesel has one full-time employee. They can manufacture any profile of moulding. If they have a sample of wood, Orleans Millworks can find a match from 1,800 profiles in the business’s library, Driesel said.
Most of the lumber he uses comes from the northeastern U.S., but some species come from as far as Maine and Oregon, he said.
Driesel was an active Boy Scout and earned his Eagle rank, one of seven in the Driesel family to earn that distinction. On Monday, he welcomed a group of Scouts from Barre to see the wood shop. He demonstrated how rough lumber is turned into smooth baseboards. (Driesel’s uncle Karl Driesel is one of the leaders of the Scout troop in West Barre.)
Driesel’s father, the late Joe Driesel, also was an Eagle Scout. Karl keeps his father’s hammer in the shop “as a constant reminder that he is watching over always.” He also keeps a flag on the property in tribute to his father’s 23 years in the Army.
Driesel said he is committed long term to the business and appreciates the backing from the community.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, church, and community members who have worked tirelessly to help make this project a success, and the Town of Kendall for understanding my vision and for their unwavering support of local business,” he said.
Driesel does another demonstration for Scouts, showing how lumber is turned into smooth baseboard.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 8 December 2016 at 8:26 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Tony Cammarata, the Kendall town supervisor, is joined in the gazebo by Santa, two elves and Mrs. Claus (blocked from view) for the Kendall Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday evening.
The event continued at the Kendall Fire Hall with music from the Kendall Community Band, cocoa and cookies.
Preston Manners, a second grader at Kendall Elementary, has a chat with Santa during the Supper with Santa program at Kendall Elementary School. The supper was held prior to the Kendall Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and included pizza, a drink and a cookie in addition to the opportunity to speak with the man in red.
Four -year old Bryson Shuler enjoyed an opportunity to make his Christmas wishes known to Santa.
Vinnie Flow IV, 8 months old, was decked out in his First Christmas Santa garb on grandma’s lap during the Supper with Santa program. Grandma is Barb Flow, a member of the Kendall Town Board.
Members of the Kendall Elementary Choir sing carols following the lighting of the community tree at the gazebo in the Kendall Community Park.
The Orleans County Sheriff Department’s new canine, Otto, was in attendance at the Kendall tree lighting. He was accompanied by Deputy Jeff Cole and Cole’s two-year old son, Logan. Otto came from Holland in mid-October and was obtained by the Sheriff’s Department through Upstate Canine in Hamlin.
Sheriff Randy Bower said donations from the community made the acquisition of Otto possible. Otto is ready to serve the Department on tracking jobs.
Provided photo: Kendall Elementary students perform a dance during their production of “Aladdin Kids.”
Posted 30 November 2016 at 11:03 am
Chris Nettles (Aladdin) and Megan Gates (Jasmine) sing a song together.
Press Release, Kendall Central School
KENDALL – The week of Nov. 14 was full of music and dancing in the Kendall Elementary Auditorium as the Kendall Elementary Chorus put on their production of “Aladdin Kids” for their peers and families.
Three performances occurred that week, with students filling the roles of actors, dancers, chorus, stage hands, sound engineers and lighting crew.
The musical was based on the 1992 Disney film “Aladdin” and adapted for a student production on stage.
The Kendall production was directed by Kendall Elementary Music Teacher Jeremy Rath, and many Kendall faculty and staff members and parents helped create the sets, props and costumes.
The students were successful in entertaining their audiences all week. Congratulations to everyone involved on a job well done!
From left, Megan Gates (Jasmine), Seth Pray (Royal Guard), Johnathan Plucknette (Sultan), Jimmie Swift (Royal Guard), Louie Conte (Jafar) and Casey Gardner (Iago) act out a scene from “Aladdin Kids.”
From left, Jimmie Swift (Royal Guard), Casey Gardner (Iago), Louie Conte (Jafar) and Leigha Zugehoer (Genie) act out a scene from “Aladdin Kids.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Kendall Jr./Sr. High School recently received a significant change to its exterior, as well as many interior upgrades.
Posted 29 November 2016 at 10:35 pm
Press Release, Kendall Central School
KENDALL – Kendall Junior/Senior High School was named on the 2016 list of America’s Best High Schools as determined by U.S. News & World Report.
According to the publication’s website, the “2016 Best High Schools rankings awards the top 6,517 public high schools with gold, silver and bronze medals, indicating their level of college readiness.” Schools received these medals based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. All results were based on data from the 2013-14 school year.
Kendall received a bronze medal for student performance on state exams. Kendall students performed better than the state average on state reading and math proficiency tests, with Kendall’s disadvantaged students also performing better than the state average.
In this evaluation, disadvantaged students were defined as black, Hispanic and low-income. With a total enrollment of 366 students, 12 percent of Kendall students were classified as minorities and 39 percent of all students were classified as economically disadvantaged (eligible for free or reduced-price meals).
Based on state test results, 78 percent of Kendall students were proficient in math and 94 percent were proficient in English. Seventy-seven percent of disadvantaged students were proficient on these exams compared to 83 percent of non-disadvantaged students who were also proficient on these exams.
Kendall graduation rates met or exceeded the national standard. The graduation rate at Kendall was 92 percent. U.S. News & World Report calculated a “College Readiness Index,” based on Kendall students’ participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. Twenty-three percent of Kendall students participated in an AP course, with most students taking, on average, one AP exam.
For more information on Kendall’s ranking on the U.S. News & World Report list, visit www.usnews.com.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 23 November 2016 at 9:03 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Community Band performed a benefit concert Tuesday evening in support of the Kendall Food Cupboard. The concert was held in the auditorium of the Jr./Sr. High School.
This photo shows the trumpet section with lead by Dave Warren. They played the “The Toy Trumpet,” by Raymond Scott and Robert Longfield.
The concert was free, but those attending were asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Cupboard.
“We appreciate you coming out,” band director Lori Cyr told the audience. “We’ve been playing together for about four years. We play at local events and nursing homes. We would like to grow in the future.”
Tuesday evening’s program included a mix of patriotic, swing and Broadway music. Cyr said pieces such as “The Blue and the Gray” and “Armed Forces Salute” were chosen to honor veterans.
Those attending Tuesday’s concert brought non-perishable food items to be donated to the Kendall Food Cupboard.
The concert was held at the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School. Concert goers had a chance to see the newly renovated entry/atrium which is now finished. It features an illuminated Kendall schools “K.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 17 November 2016 at 8:15 am
KENDALL – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday joined growing effort to have the speed limit reduced in front of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School.
Legislator Ken DeRoller, R-Kendall, spoke to members of the Kendall Board of Education on Wednesday evening after the Legislature’s session earlier that day.
“It’s a major safety concern,” DeRoller told the Board of Education.
He said he and Legislator John DeFillipps, R-Clarendon, received a petition with 358 signatures from Kendall residents, seeking a speed limit reduction by the school.
“The Orleans County Legislature supports a safer road with a reduced speed limit and a double line,” DeRoller said.
The Legislature passed a resolution asking the state Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit from the current 50 miles per hour on Route 18 in front of the school.
The Legislature also asked the DOT to eliminate the passing zone in the area and have double solid line striping on Route 18 from Route 237 to Norway Road.
“We are in the fight with you to get these changes,” DeRoller said.
Kendall Town Board members on Tuesday evening approved a resolution in support of the change. DeRoller said he hoped the Kendal Lions Club and the LEO Club at the high school would also write letters in support of the lower speed limit.
Board President Nadine Hanlon said Assemblyman Steve Hawley is “on board to get the speed limit reduced.” She said Hawley has already approached the New York State DOT, which is opening a former study done on the site.
“We will continue to pursue the issue,” Hanlon said. “We appreciate the letters.”
School leaders plan to meet with DeRoller and Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata to compile all letters in support of the change. The package will then be sent to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, state lawmakers, and the DOT commissioner.
In other business, the Board of Education approved the creation of an Elementary School Honor Society. Elementary principal Sharon Smith said the Kendall Elementary Student Council has been gathering information to determine criteria for membership.
“They think (inductees) have to be all 100’s,” Smith said of the students, who want to set the bar high for membership, but she noted tongue-n-cheek, “We are trying to temper them a little.”
Smith said it is likely sixth-graders will be the first inducted, perhaps during ceremonies in February. Fifth-graders would be inducted at the end of the school year and then inductions would be held in a regular cycle.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 16 November 2016 at 1:43 pm
Board favors reducing speed limit by school
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Town Board unanimously adopted the 2017 budget which includes $1.4 million in total appropriations including water and street light districts.
The 2017 tax rate is $4.60 per $1,000 of assessed property, up from $4.46 in the 2016 budget. The 2017 budget includes a total of $50,273 in appropriated fund balance and $845,116.52 to be raised by tax.
“We remain under the tax cap, that has been our goal,” Supervisor Tony Cammarata said following the board meeting on Tuesday night.
He noted the town’s tax rate has remained flat over the past 10 years, but, “We needed to ensure that we could provide services without cutting back.”
He said putting the budget together was a task. “There were a lot of challenges… to achieve what we had to do, we had to be innovative and creative,” Cammarata said.
He believes the town is moving in a positive direction.
“We are pleased with the progress the town is making,” he said. So far this year Kendall has issued nearly ten certificates of occupancy for new family homes and businesses, he said.
“Kendall is a sleeping giant,” Cammarata said. “It is a wonderful town with people who are outstanding, with a terrific school district.”
In other business, council members approved a resolution in support of the reduction of the speed limit in front of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School on Rt. 18/Roosevelt Highway from 50 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour during school hours. Parents and the Kendall School Board of Education have been working to have the speed limit reduced.
Council members agreed the speed limit is creating dangerous conditions outside the school.
“I think it is very needed,” Councilperson Barb Flow said of the proposed change.
Councilperson Bruce Newell reported that a recommendation has been made regarding a consultant for the Lake Ontario State Parkway Transportation Alternatives Feasibility Study, which will determine how the most poorly maintained section of the roadway would be best used. Newell has been part of a selection committee to recommend a consulting firm.
The study will determine if the 12.7-mile section in Orleans County should be repurposed, decommissioned or reduced to less than four lanes.
Newell noted at peak times, the section of the Parkway sees 1,000 vehicles per day. That compares to 1,500-2,800 for Rt. 18 and 3,500-4,500 for Rt. 104.
“You can understand why the DOT has a hard time justifying maintenance” for the Parkway section, Newell said.
He also had figures on traffic volume going back to 1980. He said during the peak years between 1991-1993, the section of the Parkway in eastern Orleans County saw 2,250-2,500 vehicles per day. He said the drop in usage is, “probably partly due to the (current road) conditions as well as less traffic for people working at Kodak and Xerox.”
The Orleans County Planning Department has said that once the study gets underway it could take 12-15 months to complete and the public will have the opportunity to participate.
The Orleans County Planning Department and the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) are overseeing the study.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2016 at 10:29 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Kevin Bush, regional director for the state Department of Transportation, addresses more than 100 people at a meeting Monday evening on future paving plans for the Lake Ontario State Parkway. The meeting with State Sen. Robert Ortt and Bush was organized by the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association. They met in the home of Gene Haines, which is located near the Parkway by Lake Ontario.
CARLTON – Some improvements are coming to the Lake Ontario State Parkway, a recreational route from Carlton to Rochester.
The Parkway is in need to maintenance, making for a bumpy ride, especially in the Hamlin area, local officials said during a meeting Monday about the future of Parkway paving.
The state has money set aside to improve the Parkway in 2017-18. Most of the $14 million is for upgrading the Parkway in Monroe County.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Kevin Bush, the regional director for the DOT. “This should cover the worst section.”
The Parkway paving includes $8.97 million to pave the parkway from Route 19 east to Payne Beach in 2017, and then $5.2 million to pave the Parkway from Route 19 in Hamlin to Route 237 in Kendall in 2018.
The Department of Transportation’s 5-year plan, which runs until 2020, doesn’t include paving for the Parkway west of 237 in Kendall, Bush told about 100 people on Monday evening during a meeting about the Parkway.
The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association, which has been pressing for Parkway improvements for several years, organized the meeting with Bush and State Sen. Robert Ortt.
Provided photo by Landmark Society of WNY – Credit Richard Margolis: The Lake Ontario State Parkway runs near the lakeshore in Orleans and Monroe counties and has been in need of paving and repair in recent years.
The big crowd at the home of Gene Haines impressed Ortt. He said the turnout shows the Parkway is an important issue for local residents.
“When you’re talking about tourism and bringing people to our community, no one wants to travel on a road when your car will bottom out,” Ortt said.
State Sen. Robert Ortt, right, addresses a crowd that includes State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, second from left.
There has been shrinking dollars for paving and infrastructure projects in recent years, and Ortt said that has prompted the DOT to focus the funds on higher-use bridges and roads. That has left the Parkway with little to no maintenance funds in recent years.
The paving the next two years brings overdue investment in the Parkway, Ortt said. He is hopeful the federal government under new President Donald Trump will direct more money for infrastructure, with some of those funds addressing the Parkway west of Kendall.
“It’s your money,” Ortt said. “We’re trying to bring some of it back to improve in an important road in your community.”
The DOT also needs some leeway in prioritizing projects by use. The Parkway is low traffic, and sees less vehicles as it falls into more disrepair. Orit said it is a “downward spiral” because worsening roads get even less traffic, making them less likely to get funds for repaving.
Orleans County and the Genesee Transportation Council expect to soon start a study on the long-term future of the Parkway.
The study will look at several alternatives for the Parkway’s future, including if the west- or eastbound lanes were closed to traffic, the closed lanes could perhaps be opened as a recreational route for walkers, cyclists or snowmobilers.
Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of Western New York, noted how the Landmark Society recently named the Parkway to its annual “Five to Revive,” a list of sites in need of investment.
The remaining west- or eastbound lanes would stay open to traffic with steady maintenance from the state, as a possible alternative.
The study will take an inventory of the transportation assets on the Parkway and forecast the remaining useful life of the bridges, pavement, etc., and an anticipated maintenance schedule.
The Landmark Society of Western New York also recently listed the Parkway on its list of “Five to Revive.” Wayne Goodman, executive director for the Landmark Society, said the annual list of Five to Revive tends to draw interest and often investment in neglected assets in the region.
Goodman said on Monday he favors the study to assess the assets on the Parkway and some alternatives for its future use.
“There’s a lot of unanswered questions about the Parkway and a scarcity of resources,” Goodman said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2016 at 8:33 pm
Photo courtesy of Helen Unterborn: Wallace Higgins, a former Kendall resident, shared his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman during a talk with the Kendall Lions Club. This photo is from June 2015.
GENESEO – Wallace Higgins, a Kendall native, was one of five Tuskegee Airmen from Western New York honored today with a Congressional Gold Medal.
The medals were presented during a Veterans Day ceremony at the National Warplane Museum.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The medals were presented about 70 years after the Airmen completed their historic World War II mission.
“At a time in our history where African-Americans faced tremendous prejudice, the Tuskegee Airmen remained true to their convictions and answered the call of duty, serving our nation honorably,” said Congressman Chris Collins, who presented the medals. “These brave men undoubtedly laid the foundation for change, so future generations can serve in our armed forces, no matter their race or ethnicity. It was a true honor to join these men and their families on Veterans Day to recognize their service and the service of all of our veterans.”
Higgins grew up in Kendall. Born on November 11, 1925 on a small farm in Kendall, a son of Alice and Daniel Higgins.
During a presentation to the Kendall Lions Club last year, he talked about encountering racial segregation and discrimination for the first time after entering the service and training in Pre-Flight at the Tuskegee Institute. He also discussed his post-war education at NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He went on to become an Associate Professor at Alfred, retiring in 1985.
Higgins, who turned 91 today, has been a member of Alfred Lions Club for 50 years and spent decades in community service. In May last year he was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame in Albany.
As soon as he turned 18 years old, Higgins enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. Having already been attending Civil Air Patrol classes in Rochester during his senior year of high school, he already had interest in pursuing aviation.
After initially reporting to Fort Dix, New Jersey, Higgins was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training and aptitude testing. As a result of his skin color and proficiencies, Wally was selected to be part of the Tuskegee Airmen experiment in Alabama, where he trained in Pre-Flight and Primary Flight training, including solo runs in the P-17 Stearman.
Following 11 months at Tuskegee, a downturn in the war in Europe resulted in less pilot training and Higgins was transferred to the 1909th Engineers Aviation Battalion. A sergeant in charge of an all-black, 30-man platoon, Mr. Higgins served in Saipan and Okinawa building roads, airfields and ammunition storage buildings.
On March 17, 1947 “Wally” was Honorably Discharged as a Staff Sergeant with Squadron F, 3505th Army Air Force. For his service, Higgins earned the WW-II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and New York State Medal for Merit. He was also recently presented with a Congressional Gold Medal due to his Civil Air Patrol involvement during the war.
Upon returning from the war, Higgins was accepted to the College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramic design in 1952. While a student there, he met and married Norma Miller about 65 years ago and never left Alfred. They raised four children.
In 2015, Higgins was recognized by Congressman Tom Reed with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his service. When Wallace heard that his fellow Airmen were identified, he wanted to attend this program today to participate in the Veterans Day ceremony.
Other Tuskegee Airmen honored today include Herbert Thorpe, a Brooklyn native, who earned B-25 Pilot’s Wings in October 1945 at Tuskegee. He was one the first black pilots in United States history.
The families of three other Tuskegee Airmen accepted the medals on behalf of the late Richard Thorpe who died in 1945 (His brother Herbert Thorpe accepted the medal on his behalf today), Robert M. Johnson (killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944) and Leland H. Pennington of Rochester who died on April 21, 1945 on a flight mission.
“We are excited to be a part of this significant event, especially on Veterans Day,” said Austin Wadsworth, President of the National Warplane Museum. “Honoring these Tuskegee Airmen today is just one of the ways we are able to continue our mission—to recognize all United States military personnel for their selfless service and sacrifice. I’d also like to thank Congressman Collins for joining us today to present these well-deserved medals to the Airmen and their families.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Steve and Scott Partyka, and their father Jeff are looking to expand the customer base for their dry roasted pumpkin seeds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2016 at 4:46 pm
KENDALL – It started as a bit of an experiment. Jeff Partyka was at a presentation by Cornell University more than a decade ago and a researcher talked about pumpkins that produced hull-less seeds (those without a shell).
Partyka was guardedly intrigued. The owner of a fruit and vegetable farm with a market on Countyline Road said farms need to diversify, and look for many sources of revenue. A drought could hit like this year or prices could crash, imperiling a farm if it relies too much on one crop.
Partyka and his sons, Steve and Scott, planted some of the pumpkins. The seeds, after they were dry roasted, were popular with customers. The seeds are a healthy snack, high in iron and low in cholesterol.
“This is something that we have been playing around with for a while,” Partyka said today at the farm in Kendall. “It’s something different. It’s a niche that not a lot of other people are doing.”
The pumpkin seeds have jumped in popularity in the last three years, with Partyka selling them at Wegmans, and many other farm markets and natural food stores in the region.
Partyka sells the seeds, which are grown without shells, at the Partyka Farm Market, 1420 County Line Rd., Kendall. The seeds are available at Wegmans, and many other farm markets and natural food stores in the region.
The Partykas have equipment that pulls the pumpkins apart in the field and extracts the seeds, which are then washed, dried and roasted.
The Partykas see a bigger market for the product and the federal government announced on Thursday the farm was approved for a grant to help with marketing.
U.S. senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer announced a $170,465 matching grant for Partyka Farms. It was one of 14 grants, totaling $2,279,655, allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grant program. The money goes to help farmers create new products and improve their marketing strategy to raise brand awareness and increase sales.
“Ensuring that agriculture is able to flourish – and the unique needs of New York agriculture are considered in federal programs – has always been a top priority of mine,” Schumer said in a news release. “This direct USDA assistance will allow these businesses in New York State to generate increased economic revenue by bringing new products to market and expanding their operations. Helping our local companies grow their business will be a win-win for our agriculture industry, New York consumers, and the entire regional economies.”
The Partykas have to match the grant. They are looking at developing new bags for the pumpkin seeds and expanding their marketing efforts.
“We need our farmers and local producers to thrive if we’re going to have a strong and growing economy in New York,” said Gillibrand, the first NY senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. “This investment will help our producers receive the resources needed to bring their products to market and continue to help drive economic growth across the state.”
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.
