‘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.

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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.

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Press Release, Kendall Central School

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Provided photo, Kendall Central School

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.

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Provided Photo, Kendall Lions Club

KENDALL – Phil D’Agostino, a member of the Kendall Lions Club, presents the Citizen of the Year award to his wife, Carol, during a Lions Club meeting on Sept. 15.

Carol D’Agostino is principal of the Kendall Junior/Senior High School. In addition to going above and beyond in her duties as principal, Mrs. D’Agostino actively represents the Kendall community on several Orleans County boards and committees, including the Orleans County United Way and the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

She is very active in the Kendall community as a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, the Lawn Chair Ladies and the Kendall  Innovations Advisory Committee.

The Kendall Lions are grateful for her work and proud to recognize her as the club’s Citizen of the Year.

Provided photo: Orleans County has replaced a bridge from 1959 on Carton Road in Kendall.

KENDALL – After several months of work, the new Carton Road bridge is open in Kendall.

Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport replaced the bridge for $793,729. It replaces a bridge 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.

The Orleans County Highway Department and the County Legislature will have an official bridge opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sept. 28.