Kendall

Kendall parents seek reduced speed limit in front of Jr./Sr. High School

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 16 June 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Kendall High School student Madison Rath, standing at far right, describes a traumatic motor vehicle accident she experienced recently in front of the Jr./Sr. High School to Board of Education members and school administrators. She said the speed limit needs to be lowered and the stretch of Route 18 should also become a no-passing zone.

KENDALL – A group of concerned parents and students told Kendall Board of Education members and administrators Wednesday evening that they want to see the speed limit lowered on Route 18/Roosevelt Highway in front of the Jr./Sr. High School.

The current speed limit is 50 miles per hour and parents who spoke said that is dangerously high. They noted a blind spot on the hill as drivers approach the school from the east and the lack of a flashing sign to warn motorists. There is a caution sign, parent Cherise Nesbitt-Oakley said, but it is partially hidden by tree and plant growth.

Madison Rath, a 16-year-old Kendall High School student, spoke to the Board regarding a motor vehicle accident in which she was involved six weeks ago in front of the school.

“Thankfully no one was seriously injured, but it was one of the most horrifying situations of my life,” Rath said. She noted that in addition to a speed limit of 50 miles per hour, the section of road in front of the school is also a passing zone.

“Why would you have a dangerous situation like that in front of a high school?” Rath questioned. “We are the newest of (new) drivers just wanting to get home after another long school day. What if someone was seriously hurt or even killed?”

Parents said they would like to see the speed limit reduced to 35 miles per hour, but noted 40 miles per hour may be the lowest the state will go. They said a school speed zone should be posted from Norway to Kendall roads. Route 18 is a state highway.

Board members and administrators were very supportive of the effort to lower the speed limit. School Board President Nadine Hanlon advised that residents send letters to the Orleans County Legislature as well as NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Senator Robert Ortt. She said the greater the number of letters, the more significant the impact on lawmakers.

“I don’t want there to be any more accidents,” Hanlon said, and added that she is always watching in her rearview mirror as she slows to pull into the school campus.

Superintendent Julie Christensen said she would make concerns known to local officials, but also advised that parents need to speak up.

“You are really the voices they will listen to,” she said.

Parents presented board members with a memorandum from Lovette French, who works in security at the Jr./Sr, High School. French noted that the accident involving Madison Rath was one of six observed personally in the area.

“A reduced speed limit during school hours would benefit the safety and well-being of our student body population,” French wrote.

Alicia Charland, a parent who lives just across the street from the campus, said visibility is poor in both directions and the road is busy. She said Kendall bus drivers are also, “worried about the danger,” in the area.

In other business, board members approved a partnership agreement between the Kendall Central School District and Orleans County YMCA regarding a before and after school program for students that will be housed at the Kendall Elementary School beginning in the fall. The program will begin at 6 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. in the evenings.

The Orleans YMCA is, “a great partner,” said Christensen, the district superintendent. “They are excited about bringing this service to us.”

Elementary Principal Sharon Smith said officials at the YMCA have told her the new partnership ensures that before and after school care will, “never be out of reach for anyone in Kendall Schools.”

Smith explained that the YMCA hopes to expand the program after a year’s time with support of the Universal Pre-K half day and perhaps an in-house summer program.

Kendall community gives solemn observance on Memorial Day

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 30 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The Memorial Day parade in Kendall makes its way north on Orleans-Monroe County Line Road on Monday evening.

KENDALL – Members of the Kendall community gathered Monday evening for a Memorial Day observance at the Morton Cemetery on Kenmor Rd. A parade down Orleans-Monroe County Line Road to Kenmore Road preceded the ceremonies.

Kendall Supervisor Tony Cammarata reminded those attending of the significance of the observance and of the soldiers who fought and died serving their country.

“It is their sacrifice which enables us to enjoy our freedoms,” he said.

Supervisor Cammarata also spoke of the American soldiers who fought and died overseas and are buried in American cemeteries in foreign countries, as well as the “83,000 warriors” who are Missing in Action and without graves.

Members of the Kendall Fire Department march Monday evening in the parade.

The United States flag is held by members of the Kendall Fire Department during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Morton Cemetery.

Congressman Chris Collins speaks during the Kendall Memorial Day ceremonies. Kendall Supervisor Tony Cammarata listens in the background. Collins urged those in attendance to “remember the sacrifices made by others so we can continue to be free.”

New York State Senator Rob Ortt speaks Monday evening at the Morton Cemetery in Kendall. Senator Ortt, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, called Memorial Day a “solemn holiday.” He said the soldiers, “who don’t come back are the real heroes.” Members of the Kendall Town Board, including Supervisor Tony Cammarata are also pictured.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said Kendall is the final event he attends on Memorial Day. “Kendall is great,” he said, “this is America.” A veteran, Assemblyman Hawley reminded those in attendance about the annual Patriot Trip he organizes for local veterans, enabling them to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit, “the memorials erected to the veterans who paid the ultimate price.”

Members of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School chorus perform during the ceremonies Monday evening.

Kendall Town Council Members Barb Flow and Wayne Martin placed a wreath on the grave of a soldier in the Morton Cemetery.

Members of the Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Band also performed. Looking on in the background is Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller and Orleans County

Sheriff Randy Bower. Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson also attended the Memorial Day observance in Kendall.

Boy Scouts and veterans unfurled a large U.S. Flag and then re-folded it as an explanation of the meaning of each of the 13 folds was read.

Kendall 8th grader Jayden Pieniaszek played “Taps” to conclude Memorial Day ceremonies in Kendall.

Kendall community turns out in record numbers at annual memorial walk

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The annual Grace Lang/Amber Liese Walk Thursday afternoon was well-attended.

KENDALL – Despite threatening skies and a heavy downpour about 45 minutes into the event, students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members came out in record numbers Thursday afternoon for the annual Grace Lang/Amber Liese Memorial Walk at the Kendall High School Track.

The event is sponsored by the Kendall Sr. National Honor Society and benefits the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Teens Living with Cancer, Kendall Ambulance and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Members of Libby Jurs’ family pose together before hitting the track to walk.

This year’s walk was dedicated to Libby Jurs, a beloved former Kendall school nurse, who died of cancer in 2015. The Jurs Family participated in the Walk and said Libby had participated herself in past years.

“She is missed for sure buy a lot of people,” Libby’s husband, John said. “She touched a lot of people.”

“We appreciate all that has been done for our family by the Kendall Central School District,” Libby’s daughter, Jennifer said.

A sign alongside the track featured a photograph of Libby.

National Honor Society co-advisor Gretchen Rosales estimated participation this year at more than 100 people, which is more than usual.

“Libby had a huge impact on all of us,” Rosales said. “Today is a celebration of her life. We are excited to be able to honor her memory today.”

Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino said this year’s school yearbook will be dedicated to Libby during the school’s formal awards ceremony next Friday.

The Walk is named for Grace Lang, the Kendall school nurse who preceded Libby, who died of cancer of 1990, and Amber Liese, a Kendall student who died of cancer in 2010 just months after graduation.

Members of the Kendall Central School faculty, staff and administration pose on the track with the photo of Libby.

School budgets pass by big margins

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2016 at 12:00 am

The school budgets and propositions at all five school districts in Orleans County passed by big margins today.Medina and Lyndonville presented budgets that reduced taxes, while Albion and Kendall didn’t raise taxes. Holley will increase taxes by 1.99 percent.

In Albion, the results include:
School budget passed, 444-94;
Authorization to spend up to $460,000 for buses, 452-86;
Approval to collect $687,211 for Hoag Library, 385-153.
Choosing one of four candidates for a five-year term on the Board of Education. Steven LaLonde was elected with 310 votes. Other candidates included Dylan Hellems, 31 votes; Kevin Doherty, 114; and Anitrice Riley, 93.

In Holley, the results include:
School budget passed, 373-207;
Authorization for the purchase of schools buses, 368-213;
Approval to collect $116,061 for Community Free Library, 418-166.
Choosing two 3-year term seats on the School Board. Brenda Swanger, 423 votes, and John Heise, 370, were elected. Christine Klafehn received 266 votes.

In Kendall, the results include:
School budget passed, 282-90;
School Bus Replacement Capital Reserve Fund passed, 294-80;
Voters elected Charles Patt, 218 votes, to another five-year term on the Board of Education. He outpolled Debi Szczepanski, 163 votes.

In Lyndonvile, the budget passed with more than 90 percent approval, 132-11.
Other propositions all passed including:
$91,589 for Yates Community Library, 121-22;
Establish 2016 Transportation Reserve Fund to fund bus and vehicle purchases, not to exceed $720,000 over 8 years, 125-15;
Authorization to purchase one 66-passenger school bus at a maximum estimated cost of $110,000, 124-16;
Three incumbents on the Board of Education – Harold Suhr, Terry Stinson and Rick Mufford – all were re-elected to three-year terms. Mufford received 123 votes, with 118 for Stinson and 116 for Suhr.

In Medina, the budget passed 522-59.
Six people ran for three three-year terms on the Board of Education. Incumbent Board President Wendi Pencille was the top vote-getter with 425, followed by Lori Draper with 384 and Brenda Lindsay with 369. Those three were elected. Other candidates include Timothy Dunham, 181; Virginia Nicholson, 165; and retired Medina school administrator Alberta Suozzi, 160.

Voters decide fate of school budgets, propositions today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The walkway to the Albion Middle School is pictured Monday evening while the trees are in bloom in front a Vietnam Memorial.

Voters will go the polls today at the five school districts in Orleans County to decide whether to pass budgets, propositions and elect members to the Board of Education.

Here is a snapshot of each school district:

ALBION – The proposed $33,890,990 school budget keeps taxes at the same amount, $8,355,939, as the 2015-16 budget. The district’s tax rate for the current school year, $16.06 per $1,000 of assessed property, is the lowest of all districts in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara and Monroe counties. The Albion rate is estimated to fall to $15.87 in 2016-17, school officials said.

Other propositions include:

Authorization to spend up to $460,000 for buses;

Approval to collect $687,211 for Hoag Library, which is up 1 percent from the $680,411 for 2015-16.
Choosing one of four candidates for a five-year term on the Board of Education. The candidates include Dylan Hellems, Steven LaLonde, Kevin Doherty and Anitrice Riley.

Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the elementary school, conference room A.

HOLLEY – The proposed $24.4 million budget for 2016-17 includes a 1.99 percent increase in the tax levy. The budget is 4.73 percent higher than the current year budget. The nearly 5 percent budget-to-budget increase is due to the district’s share of the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Capital Project, school officials said.

The proposed budget maintains current staffing and programs, and brings the average tax rate to approximately $22.81 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Besides the budget, voters will decide the following: Proposition 2 for the purchase of schools buses – two full-sized and two 30-passenger school buses not to exceed $339,000; Proposition 3 is the budget for the Community Free Library in Holley of $116,061.

Additionally, three candidates are running for two 3-year term seats on the School Board. John Heise and Brenda Swanger are running for re-election, and Christine Klafehn is also running for an open seat.

Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the foyer of the Holley Middle School/High School.

KENDALL – The proposed budget increases spending from $15,065,842 to $17,392,234, predominantly due to the debt incurred with the recent capital improvement project. The budget-to-budget increase, however, is completely offset by an increase in state aid from $9,884,890 to $11,855,939, school officials said.

The proposed tax levy remains unchanged in the 2016/17 budget, and the tax rate will be $17.39/$1,000 assessed value for a Kendall resident.

One seat on the School Board of Education is up for election this year. Incumbent Charles Patt is seeking another term. Debra Szczepanski is also seeking a term on the Board. The five-year term will run through June 30, 2021.

Voting is from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Kendall Elementary School Gymnasium.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district is proposing a budget that will reduce taxes by 3.4 percent, continuing a downward trend in the tax burden.

The district is proposing a budget that seeks a tax levy of $4,266,578, which is down from $4,416,578 in 2015-16. The previous year, 2014-15, the district’s tax levy was $4,666,578. Lyndonville has reduced the tax levy by $400,000 in two years, a drop of 8.6 percent.

The district’s $13,254,000 budget is nearly the same in expenditures as in 2015-16. The 2016-17 budget is $108 more than the $13,253,892 in 2015-16.

Other propositions include:

$91,589 for Yates Community Library (up from $90,653).
Establish 2016 Transportation Reserve Fund to fund bus and vehicle purchases, not to exceed $720,000 over 8 years.

Authorization to purchase one 66-passenger school bus at a maximum estimated cost of $110,000. School officials say the bus proposition and Transportation Reserve Fund will not have an impact on the tax levy.

Three incumbents on the Board of Education are all running unopposed for three-year terms. They include Harold Suhr, Terry Stinson and Rick Mufford.

Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Auditorium forum.

MEDINA – The school district’s budget for 2016-17 reduces taxes for the fourth straight year. The $35,825,184 budget is up about $1 million from the $34,802,870 in 2015-16.

The state has boosted aid by nearly $900,000 and Medina is tapping some of its reserve funds to lower taxes in 2016-17, school officials said.

The new state budget boosts aid to Medina from $23,769,997 to $24,860,152. That increase is a big factor in Medina’s ability to cut taxes by 1.3 percent, from $8,774,760 to $8,660,915.

The budget keeps all existing programs and also boosts the gifted and talented offerings.

There are six people running for three three-year terms, including incumbents Lori Draper and Wendi Pencille. Retired Medina school administrator Alberta Suozzi also is running for the board along with Timothy Dunham, Virginia Nicholson and Brenda Lindsay. (Draper and Pencille are seeking re-election and John McCarthy opted against seeking another term.)

Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the District Office.

Kendall Fire Department accepts $1K donation

Staff Reports Posted 11 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Eric Maxon and Mike Roth of Kendall Fire Department

Provided photo

KENDALL – Eric Maxon (left), Kendall Fire Department treasurer, accepts a $1,000 check from Mike Roth, owner of Allstate Roth Agencies on West Main Street in Batavia.

The Kendall Fire Department received the $1,000 grant from the Allstate Helping Hands Foundation. It is a grant that Allstate Insurance gives out to organizations that are helped by their employees.

Roth lives in Kendall with his wife Linda and is a honorary member of the Kendall Fire Department. Roth helps sell ride tickets at the annual carnival, which this year will be July 7-9.

The grant will be put into the Kendall Fire Department ambulance fund for supplies needed for the operation.

County approves bids to replace bridges in Kendall, Ridgeway

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2016 at 10:00 am

ALBION – Orleans County officials have approved bids to replace deteriorated bridges on Carton Road in Kendall and over Fish Creek on East Scott Road in Ridgeway.

The County Legislature last week approved the low bid from Union Concrete and Construction Corporation in West Seneca to replace the East Scott Road Bridge for $724,346. The new bridge will replace one from 1936.

The Legislature also accepted the low bid from Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport to replace the Carton Road Bridge for $793,729. It will replace a bridge from 1959.

The work will be paid for as part of an $8 million bond the county took out in 2014 for a series of infrastructure projects over three years.

Construction on the two bridges is scheduled to start at the end of this month.

Kendall Scout earns his Eagle

Staff Reports Posted 3 May 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided Photo

KENDALL – Damian Morfin Howes was awarded his Eagle Scout rank during a celebration on Sunday.

Damian is from Troop 94.

For his Eagle project, he built four large flower boxes.

Two boxes were placed in the front of Kendall United Methodist Church. The second two were placed on the side of the church barn under the barn quilt.

The flower boxes allow the congregation of the church to plant flowers on both sides of the church’s front entrance, thus enhancing the front of the church.

The boxes on the side of the barn allow for the planting of flowers and easier upkeep for the church property.

This was Damian’s way to give back to the church community that has supported him.

Holley school district supports plans to redevelop old high school

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 28 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Kendall and Holley also will meet to discuss shared services

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The old Holley High School has been vacant for more than two decades.

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Board of Education were updated during their regular meeting Tuesday evening regarding the status of the old Holley High School building in the village.

School district attorney Jeff Martin informed board members about recent efforts by Home Leasing, LLC of Rochester to acquire the building, which was constructed in the 1931 and was last used by the district in 1975. Home Leasing wants to turn it into senior housing with 26-30 units.

Martin explained that a major obstacle – sorting out title issues – may be overcome with recent news that, “Orleans County will get involved.”

The county will likely foreclose on the property, Martin explained, and that would facilitate cleaning up title issues.

“It would be a benefit to the whole community,” Martin said of the possible development of the building.

The old Holley High School does contain asbestos, Martin noted. It has sat unused since the early 1990s when Lift Tech Systems, which had owned and utilized the building, declared bankruptcy. The owner of the property died suddenly following that, Martin said. The building has been off the tax rolls for several years.

Martin said he attended a meeting in March regarding the school and was asked to see if school board members were receptive to moving forward with the possible development. He explained that a 15-year PILOT agreement may be offered to developers, which would mean that tax revenue would again be generated from the site.

This photo shows the back side of the building.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Martin said, and noted the Orleans Economic Development Agency would likely be involved due to the expense of renovations. He said much time still needs to go into developers acquiring the property and renovation work. “It could take a couple of years,” Martin said.

School Board members expressed their approval of the process moving forward.

In other business, Superintendent Robert D’Angelo reported that he had recently been contacted by Kendall Central School Superintendent Julie Christensen, who requested a joint meeting of both boards, superintendents, high school principals and business officials be held sometime this summer. The meeting would be to, “discuss shared services across the board… it would not be restricted to athletics,” D’Angelo said.

The districts agreed this spring to field a combined baseball team, and D’Angelo noted that agreement is working well. He said Tuesday evening football and wrestling have been mentioned as other sports where the districts could form a merged team.

Currently, Kendall does not have a football team.

He said both districts/school boards sitting down at one table will be, “a positive thing for both of us. I look forward to meeting with Kendall during the summer. There are so many things we can do for students in the classroom if we join forces. They are just a hop, skip and a jump away. It’s definitely an advancement for us and them.”

“It would benefit both districts,” school board vice-president Robin Silvis said.

“In the long term I see us sharing a lot of different things,” board member John Heise said.

Additionally, Superintendent D’Angelo said Holley is meeting on Friday with its counterparts in the Pembroke Central School District to talk about football.

“I will not let the distance interfere with our kids having a good program,” he said.

Kendall Lions clean up roadsides

Staff Reports Posted 24 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos, Helen Unterborn

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions had about 45 volunteers on Saturday for the annual Kendall Community Environmental Cleanup Day. This photo shows Lion President Tom Minigiello and his wife Candy Minigiello, who is also a member of the Lions Club.

Lions, Leos, Scouts and community members joined forces to clean up about 80 percent of the roadsides in the Town of Kendall. The Lions provided safety vests to participants as well as refreshments following. The Lions Club thanks the Town of Kendall Highway Department for its support in the cleanup.

A group of community members gather at the town highway department and await their road assignments.

Members of the Leos Club at Kendall Central School – Brook Andrus, Evan Gaesser and Julia Smith – pick up garbage from by the road.

Volunteers filled many trash bags with roadside debris.

On Friday, Earth day, the Lions were happy to participate in the Fourth Grade Foresters Program. The Lions Club provided and handed out trees to each 4th grade student at Kendall Elementary. Lion Phil D’Agostino presented a tree to his grandson Louis Conte.

Kendall school district won’t increase taxes in new budget

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 April 2016 at 12:00 am

KENDALL – Members of the Kendall School Board of Education have adopted the proposed 2016-17 budget which doesn’t increase the tax rate.

The proposed budget increases spending from $15,065,842 to $17,392,234, predominantly due to the debt incurred with the recent capital improvement project, said Julie Christensen, the district superintendent.

The budget-to-budget increase, however, is completely offset by an increase in state aid from $9,884,890 to $11,855,939, Christensen explained, the majority of which is an increase in building aid.

“Our expense based state aid figures increased for BOCES cost, but decreased for transportation and high cost aid,” she said. “These aid dollars are determined solely by usage that fluctuates from year to year. For example, we purchased more technology from BOCES hence the increase in that aid line.”

The new state budget ends the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), restoring funds to school districts from the recession in 2009-10.

“This is the amount New York State deducted from the legislated school state aid figures to pay their bills for the state,” Christensen said.

Additionally, the district will actualize $25,104 in revenues from the PILOT from The Cottages at Troutburg.

“Our current programs and services, dependent on student enrollment and interest, will remain intact,” Christensen said. “We are offering many new high school course electives based on student interest.”

The proposed tax levy remains unchanged in the 2016/17 budget and Christensen says Kendall has held the levy stable for many years.

This year, maintaining the zero levy was facilitated by the Board of Education seeking to apply the one-time return of GEA funds to the levy, she said.

The tax rate will be $17.39/$1,000 assessed value for a Kendall resident.

The 2016/17 proposed Budget Presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4 at the David J. Doyle Junior/Senior High School at 7 p.m. in the Commons. District residents are invited to attend, ask questions regarding the 2016/17 proposed budget, and meet school board candidates.

The annual budget vote/school board election is set for May 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Kendall Elementary School Gymnasium.

Kendall Lions celebrate 10th anniversary of Leo Club at school

Posted 10 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos courtesy of Kendall Lions Club – Kendall Lions Club President Tom Minigiello, Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow and Lion Terry Bliss are pictured after Morrow was presented with a Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award.

Press Release, Kendall Lions Club

KENDALL – The Kendall Lions Club welcomed over 90 Lions, Leos and their families on Saturday in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Leo Club at Kendall Central School.

The Lions hosted the dinner at the Kendall Fire Hall. During the program, Lion Terry Bliss shared with those attending the history of Leo Clubs in the Lion organization as well as how the Leo Club was formed in Kendall 10 years ago.

Lion Mike Cusimano shared the impact the service of the Kendall Lions Club and the Leo Club has had on our community. He encouraged the Leos to continue this commitment to service as they go forward in life. He also encouraged the families to consider joining the Lions in their service to our community.

Leo Advisor Mrs. Marlene Morrow, back left, and KCS High School Principal Mrs. Carol D’Agostino are at the head table in the celebration of the Leo Club at Kendall.

Lion Julie Christensen, the school district superintendent, spoke on behalf of the school district. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino shared the impact on the high school and shared with the families the commitment, support and guidance demonstrated by Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow. The Leo Club presented a slide show showing the many ways they have served their school and community over the past 10 years.

The evening ended with a presentation by the District Governor Tim Crawford to the club. Lion Terry Bliss awarded a Robet J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow. This award is awarded by clubs to individuals who embody the ideals, ethics and objects of International Lionism. It is the highest award available in Lions Multiple District 20 of which the Kendall Lions are a part. Ms. Morrow demonstrates these qualities as she guides and supports the Leos and students at Kendall Central School.

Leo Officers – Nancy Wright, Julia Smith, Rose Pajek and Destiny LaPlant – are pictured with Lion President Tom Minigiello and Leo Advisor Marlene Morrow. Following their presentation the Lions presented the Leos with a monetary gift to help them continue their work.

Garden creations benefit Donate Life

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 7 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – This terrarium created by Lori Laine of Kent features a tiny kitty cat in her own fairy garden.

KENDALL – Kendall Garden Club members had an opportunity to complete a fun project while benefitting the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network during their meeting at the Kendall Town Hall on Wednesday evening.

Lori Laine of Kent lead the workshop. She described how she became involved in the craft of creating miniature fairy gardens nestled in clear glass terrariums and teacups.

“We are transplanting new life and growth,” she explained, just as her husband received the gift of new life after receiving a liver transplant in 2014. “Life can change with organ donation.”

Laine now creates and sells the little indoor gardens and teaches classes in the craft. Proceeds go to the Donate Life organization.

Members of the Kendall Garden Club work on teacup fairy gardens during their April meeting Wednesday evening. Lori Laine can be seen standing at the bottom right of the photo. She is speaking with garden club member and Town Councilperson Barb Flow.

Laine led members of the Kendall Garden Club through the process of transplanting tiny houseplants into their new, diminutive containers. Laine said she buys “sad plants” at discount department stores, takes them home, divides them, and establishes the divisions in egg cartons. The process helps to keep the plants small, Laine said.

Participants embellished their creations with moss, tiny stone pathways, and miniature accessories and figurines.

Laine provided blue and green marbles to add some sparkle to the gardens. “Those are the colors of Donate Life,” she said.

Lori Laine also had several of her terrariums on display featuring her houseplant “transplants.”

Lori Laine provided several varieties of houseplants from which participants could choose. She recommended pruning them to keep them small.

Participants also chose from neatly organized miniature accessories for their teacup gardens.

A teacup garden made by Kendall Garden Club member Barb Flow.

Kendall student code of conduct may include cyber-bulling, social media

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 24 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Seniors could lose driving privileges if failing a class

KENDALL – Board of Education members held a public hearing Wednesday evening on proposed changes to the district’s code of conduct.

Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino went over revisions and additions suggested by a committee. Many proposed changes are in regards to personal electronic devices/technology and ways to help motivate seniors to remain in good standing in order to graduate.

D’Agostino said additions include very specific wording regarding cyber bullying as being inappropriate behavior and using, “language as clear as possible for appropriate behavior regarding the use of social media.” Additionally, there is language prohibiting, “the sharing of inappropriate photos,” and “selling, using or distributing inappropriate or obscene materials.”

Additions to the code of conduct also include a senior lounge area located in the commons which could be utilized by seniors in good standing as well as what D’Agostino called a “big change” in eligibility for Senior Class Top Ten recognition.

Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, students would be required to earn four math or four science credits to be eligible for the Top Ten.

The proposed addition which received the most attention from board members was in regards to driving privileges. Seniors would have to be passing their classes or staying after school for extra help in subjects they are failing, or their driving privileges would be revoked.

“It seems like punishment,” D’Agostino said, “but I see it as motivation.”

She said she wants seniors to have freedom, but she also wants to see them graduate. The possibility of having driving privileges revoked would help them to be responsible.

“We are providing more opportunities for them to get help,” she said of students who are failing classes.

School Board Vice President Christopher Gerken said he agreed with what D’Agostino was trying to do, but, “I don’t know where we stand if this is challenged. It gets complicated.”

Gerken expressed concerns over students who participate in off-campus programs and must drive themselves.

“We need niches to help motivate kids to behave in an age-appropriate manner,” D’Agostino responded.

Kendall Senior Coralee Freitag, who attended the meeting for Student of the Month recognition, told board members during the public hearing she felt such a code would be unfair to students who are participating in programs that take them off-campus and require that they drive themselves.

“If you want to make students more motivated, this is not a good way to do it,” Freitag said.

Her parents, however, who also attended the meeting, disagreed. They told board members they thought the possibility of losing driving privileges was a good motivator and might work to “wake up parents,” if their child is failing a class. They said the district will provide opportunities to help students regain driving privileges if they are lost.

School Board President Nadine Hanlon noted there were no students on the committee which worked on the code changes. D’Agostino explained that the teacher who chaired the committee invited students to be a part, but those students had a conflict with the committee meeting time. She said the students were able to review proposed changes before they were presented to the board.

The code of conduct revisions were not on the Wednesday agenda for board action.

In other business, Superintendent Julie Christensen said during her report that tests for lead in the district’s water supply will likely be conducted in April.

Recent concerns over the issue in area schools is prompting the testing which will be done through Genesee Valley BOCES/Monroe County Water Authority, Christensen said.

Board members also approved an inter-municipal cooperation agreement with the Holley Central School District regarding varsity baseball. School officials said four Kendall students tried out for the Holley team and two made the squad.

Holley, Kendall faculty volleyball game raised $1,440 for food kitchens

Posted 23 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – Kendall faculty participants in the March 3 volleyball match icnlude, front row, from left: Tige Noni, Lovette French, Martin Goodenbery, Louise Reger and Kelly Picardo. Middle row: Bethanie Mason, Kelly Smith, Nicole Pettrone, Jessica Glanton and Jessica Hutton. Back row: Marty Christensen, Jack Keenan, Chris Proukou, Melisa Rath, Julia Robinson, Michael Yaskulski and student Madison Rath.

Courtesy of Holley and Kendall school districts

HOLLEY – The Holley Faculty Team competed against the Kendall Faculty Team in volleyball at the recent “Cause for the County” game at Holley Middle School/High School on March 3.

Holley won 3 games out of 4. This is the fourth time Holley has competed against Kendall in a sporting event. Ticket proceeds were divided between the Kendall Food Cupboard and Holley Loaf and Ladle. Each food cupboard netted $720. The annual game has raised over $5,000 for the local food cupboards in the last four years.

Holley faculty participants include, front row, from left: Jenn Morgan, Kellie Marciano, Janelle Baker, Renee Wolf, Kelly Frost, Kristen Pelkey, Sara Missell and Kate Connor. Back row: Sal DeLuca, Jason Cole, Jeff Shannon, Chris Grasta, Nick D’Amuro, Bill Silpoch, Jeremy DeFazio and Chad Cummings.

As part of the pre-game entertainment, brothers Ashley and Andrew Grillo wrestled against each other. This was a rematch of their 2014 half-time wrestling match during the annual faculty game, with younger brother, Andrew, a Holley physical education teacher, beating his oldest brother, Ashley, an assistant principal at Holley Elementary School, once again. Middle brother Adam Grillo served as referee of the match, while father John Grillo, Holley varsity wrestling coach, supervised.

From left, Andrew Grillo takes on his brother, Ashley, in a pre-game wrestling match.