KENDALL – A highly successful Course Option Night was held recently at Kendall Junior/Senior High School with more than 200 people attending the interactive display of courses offered at the school.
Jeannine Gallina from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department of Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES started the evening by highlighting the career opportunities available in the middle skills sector. After the presentation, everyone was encouraged to explore the hands-on exhibits.
Elementary students up to juniors in high school visited the display booths to find out more about current and new courses being offered. Nineteen staff members were on hand to provide students with information so they can make informed decisions about what courses to take next year. New course offerings connect NYS standards to students’ interests and include:
21st Century Computer Skills
Video Game Design
International Cooking
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Biology
Intro to Statistics
World History on Film
Woodworking
Robotics
Genocide
CEP 101- Career and Educational Planning
Overall, the evening was a great success, with students and parents in attendance saying that they felt the evening was helpful and informative. Principal Carol D’Agostino was pleased with the turnout at the event and comments from attendees.
“Course Option Night was a huge success,” she said. “Numerous parents and students expressed how much they appreciated the information that was demonstrated and presented. Students are really excited about our new electives and traditional courses.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 December 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall community gathered Wednesday evening to kick off the holiday season with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Community Park Gazebo.
The top photo shows Kendall fourth-graders performing “Jingle Bells” immediately following the lighting of the tree and gazebo.
Kendall students performed seasonal instrumental and choral music followed by a community sing-along. The tree lighting was preceded by “Supper with Santa” at the Elementary School cafeteria which included pizza and cookies. Those attending were asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Kendall Community Food Cupboard.
Kendall residents enjoy a choral performance by Kendall Elementary 4th, 5th and 6th graders during the annual Community Tree Lighting Wednesday evening. The
students sang “O Christmas Tree” and “Silent Night,” including one verse in German. The rain had stopped by the time of the festivities at 7 pm.
Enthusiastic youngsters get some pre-Christmas hugs from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their Elf during the Kendall Community Tree Lighting. Kendall Town Supervisor Tony Cammarata looks on.
Cammarata said the annual event brings together all facets of the community for a celebration including the school, Fire Department, Town Board, Lions Club (members decorated the Gazebo, the tree was provided by Tom Cole), Community Band and Garden Club.
“This is the true spirit of Christmas,” Cammarata said.
Following the tree lighting, a gathering was held at the Kendall Fire Hall with a holiday performance by the Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies and music by the Kendall Community Band.
Cookies and hot chocolate were provided. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a Christmas Elf attended with gifts for all the “little ones” in attendance.
The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies were decked out in their holiday finest to perform for the hometown crowd at the Fire Hall following the tree lighting.
The Kendall Community Band performed holiday music at the Fire Hall following the tree lighting ceremony.
Kendall Community Band members sported some holiday headgear for their concert under the direction of Lori Cyr.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – The Kendall Community Chorus, directed by Mary Campbell, performs “I Just Want to Sing in a Choir” during a concert Friday evening to benefit the Kendall Food Cupboard.
The Kendall Community Chorus presented “Celebrate Christmas with Musical Memories” at the David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium. The cost of admission was a donation of non-perishable food items or monetary gifts. Proceeds from a basket auction held during the concert also benefited the Food Cupboard.
“Popper” Eileen Young, center, makes a popping sound utilizing her finger and her cheek, for the song “My Boy Lollipop” which was part of the “60’s Partyline” medley sung by the Kendall Community Chorus.
Tenors and Basses in the Kendall Community Chorus were featured in the song, “For Tenors and Basses Only – Medley,” during the concert Friday evening.
Concert selections included popular favorites from the ’50’s and ’60’s with songs such as “Musical Memories,” and “60’s Partyline” – featuring the sopranos and altos.
The program also included holiday favorites such as “And the Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s “Messiah,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “The Holly and the Ivy,” and an arrangement of “Silver Bells” featuring the Morton Baptist Bell Ringers.
Robert Bissell sings “The Old Road” accompanied on piano by Mary Campbell.
Concert goers check out theme baskets before the concert. A basket auction was part of the evening’s festivities and also benefited the Kendall Food Cupboard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Orleans County’s dirt roads
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Orleans Hub likes to feature the dirt roads in Orleans County. There are actually quite a few of them.
Woodchuck Alley in Kendall is a winding path that links West Kendall and Center roads.
The road takes you through some colorful scenery in the fall.
It was a pleasant surprise to encounter Beechwood Cemetery on Woodchuck Alley. The cemetery was established in 1828 and has some of the grandest trees I’ve seen in our county.
You don’t see too many Medina sandstone structures in Kendall, but Beechwood has this chapel from 1898.
I was surprised to see the doors are missing from the building and there is lots of graffiti inside.
There probably isn’t much traffic on this road. This was the only vehicle I saw in about 20 minutes on Friday afternoon. Notice the monstrous tree to the right.
You’ll see recognizable last names in the cemetery, which is the final resting place for many Kendall pioneer residents. Many of them died young.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Caitlyn Bonifield, a Kendall High School senior, is interviewed by Tricia Neal as part of “Senior Interview Day” today, when about 60 Kendall seniors were interviewed by professionals. Bonifield is interested in pursuing a career as a paramedic.
The mock interviews are intended to give students real-life experience to prepare for either a college or job interview. Thirty people from a range of professions volunteered to interview the students.
Frank Billotti, who works in information technology with Excellus in Rochester, interviews student David Maslyn, who is considering a career in IT. Billotti interviewed five students who are interested in information technology for a profession.
Jessica Hofer was one of the students interviewed today in the school library.
(Editor’s Note: I was one of the interviewers today, and met students Sidney Lane and Alayna Vander Veer, who are interested in writing careers.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Members of the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force raided the Murray Superette on Route 104 this morning at about 7 a.m., following a 15-month investigation.
MURRAY Three brothers that run the Murray Superette have been charged following a 15-month investigation into a food stamp trafficking scheme and the sale of untaxed cigarettes.
The three Salamaca brothers – Alexander, Myron and Olec – were all arrested this morning and are in jail on $20,000 bail, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force.
Police executed search warrants at Murray Superette, a winery started by the family last year on Hindsburg Road and the residences of the brothers.
Sacco said the total fraud could reach into the “hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
The Task Force and the county welfare fraud unit through the Department of Social Services have been investigating the Murray Superette since July 2014.
Sacco said the store owners and some employees accepted customers’ food stamps for cash at 70 percent to the customer, and then allowed customers to purchase items not authorized by the food stamp program such as cigarettes (including untaxed cigarettes), alcohol, Lottery tickets, gasoline and other items.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 22 October 2015 at 12:00 am
District also approves buying produce from Partyka Farms
KENDALL – Board of Education Recognition Week is Oct. 26-30 and members of the Kendall BOE were honored at the board’s October meeting on Wednesday.
The five members of the board were presented with certificates recognizing their service. District Superintendent Julie Christensen said the district also had a gift for board members which they would receive in the near future and also read a proclamation from Governor Andrew Cuomo designating the last week in October as a time, “…acknowledging the commitment and contributions of members of local school boards.”
“They are volunteers, they receive no compensation,” Christensen said, noting Board of Education members work to support students and are rewarded by seeing students flourish. Their job involves “countless hours” of work.
“We appreciate your support,” Christensen told the board that includes President Nadine Hanlon, VP Chris Gerken, Charles Patt, Martin Goodenbery, and Chaley Swift.
In other business, board members awarded a bid to Partyka Farms in Kendall to provide fresh local vegetables and fruit to the school.
“We will be getting apples, cabbage and tomatoes from our local farmer,” Hanlon said.
Board members also approved a proposal for new elective courses which may be offered at the Jr./Sr. High School next year. Principal Carol D’Agostino said students were surveyed regarding what courses they would like to see offered and teacher input was also collected. She explained that good electives “energize the staff, and are courses students want to take.”
Potential new course offerings include robotics, world history on film, cooking around the world, fish and wildlife conservation biology, computer skills/keyboarding, statistics, AP physics and video game design.
During the visitors’ comments portion of the meeting, two members of the Kendall Sr. Class, who are also part of the school’s video game design club, spoke in favor of offering the game design elective.
Both Jake Richardson and Austin Clay told board members the elective should “be approved for a class.” Clay noted the course would fit well with the STEM curriculum. They told the board the game design club currently has 21 members.
Principal D’Agostino explained that decisions are still pending on exactly which courses will be offered. “Just because you approve them doesn’t mean they will run,” she said.
She noted there currently are staff members available to teach the courses. “We want to provide Kendall students with every opportunity,” D’Agostino said.
Christensen said the innovative electives would “help keep students here as well as prepare them for life after high school.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
KENDALL – Dark skies and cool temperatures didn’t prevent people from coming out today and enjoying festivities at the Kendall Community Scarecrow Festival Saturday.
Firefighting vehicles were moved outside the fire station to allow room for vendors to set up away from the cold and windy conditions outside. This year’s event included musical entertainment, wagon rides, a kid’s fun run, a K-9 Demo and St. Mark’s Farmer’s Market. The theme for this year’s annual contest was “Animals.”
The top photo shows a cute “doggie” scarecrow entered by the U.S. Post Office in Kendall.
A Noah’s Ark fit well with this year’s “Animals” theme.
The entry by the Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies was flamboyant and full of bling.
This entry was made by a class of sixth graders at Kendall Elementary School.
“Some Pig” was another entry outside Kendall Elementary.
Some of the entries, like this one on the lawn of Kendall Elementary School lost the battle with windy conditions.
A serpentine entry slithers its way out of a tree.
The Kendall Ladies Auxiliary’s entry featured a high-flying, cow-jumping-over-the-moon scarecrow.
The “Cameron the Chameleon” entry was very colorful.
A “life-size” Clifford the Big Red Dog is made of straw bales.
The Kendall Lions Club chose to create a lion scarecrow.
Maya Tatar, Grace Robinson (in blue) and Grant Johnson enjoy activities and vendors inside the Kendall fire station during the annual Community Scarecrow Festival.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 September 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Members of the Wong family of Brockport – mom, Chelsea; dad, Bently, four-year old Caleb (in red) and two-year old Aaron – enjoy feeding the alpacas at Genna-rations Farm in Kendall on Saturday.
KENDALL – A perfect early autumn day brought many people out to enjoy the weather and the alpacas during the 8th Annual National Alpaca Farms Days being held this weekend.
Both Genna-rations Farm on West Kendall Road in Kendall and Stoney Meadows Alpacas on Glidden Road in Holley took part in the Alpaca Country Trail, which also includes SanGer-La Alpacas on Colby Street in Brockport and Northwoods Alpacas on North Lake Road in Bergen.
The event gives participants and opportunity to see, feel and feed alpacas and learn more about the breeding of the animals for their high-quality fiber. Participating farms offer demonstrations, fiber crafting and the opportunity to purchase alpaca products.
Theresa Jewell of Stoney Meadows Alpacas in Holley demonstrates weaving Saturday morning at her farm along the Alpaca Country Trail.
Theresa Jewell of Stoney Meadows Alpacas in Holley said the annual event is significant for local alpaca breeders and fiber producers.
“This is when local people … people in our county, our neighbors, get to see what we are doing,” she explains and says she really enjoys participating in the trail. Her farm includes a mix of fiber producing animals including Angora rabbits and goats and sheep in addition to alpacas.
Six-year old Anna Salcido of Hamlin enjoys the alpacas and the finger puppet she purchased at Genna-rations Farm in Kendall on Saturday. She and her mom were touring local alpaca farms along the Alpaca Country Trail, part of the 8th Annual National Alpaca Farm Days.
Crystal Zayac, 18, and her 7-year old brother, Joshua, of Albion enjoy meeting the Angora goats at Stoney Meadows Alpacas in Holley.
Alpacas and sheep graze in the pasture at Stoney Meadows Alpacas and Fiber Boutique in Holley. The alpaca trail event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors enjoy alpacas, refreshments and shopping at Genna-rations Farm, owned by John and Tacha Gennarino, in Kendall.
A week-and-a-half old baby alpaca, called a cria, enjoys the sunshine at Genna-rations Farm in Kendall on Saturday morning. The farm is taking part this weekend in the annual Alpaca Country Trail.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 17 September 2015 at 12:00 am
Kendall Central School’s Twitter page – Kendall Central School posted this photo on Twitter, showing a view from the commons back to the new cafeteria.
KENDALL – Kendall School District officials and Board of Education members say changes in both the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High Schools due to the ongoing Capital Improvement Project have boosted spirits and infused a positive energy into both students and teachers during the first week of the school year.
“The beauty of the building is just stunning,” Elementary School Principal Sharon Smith told Board of Education members on Wednesday during the BOE meeting. “Everybody who walks in is just stunned. There is a positive attitude amongst the kids, they were in awe.”
The Elementary School was not part of a community open house held just before the beginning of this school year, meaning those students got their first look at changes and improvements when the school year began. “The students have noticed,” Smith said.
The district says the new cafeteria is “a great place to eat. Sunny and inviting!”
Board President Nadine Hanlon thanked administrators and district officials for their work overseeing Phase One of the project, which is being completed.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank everybody,” Hanlon said. “It is just beautiful. I felt like my own house was being built.”
Board Vice President Chris Gerken said the project has been a source of pride for everyone in Kendall.
“The project affects the whole community,” he said, “It is nice that it is for the whole district.”
District Student Services Coordinator Nick Picardo, who works in both the Jr./Sr. High School and the Elementary School, said the results of the project have been “breath-taking.”
“I can’t even put it into words,” he said. “I commend the Board of Education. Kendall is a way better place today than it was in June. The buildings are something to brag about.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 17 September 2015 at 12:00 am
KENDALL – Three students from the City of Rochester are part of the Kendall student body in 2015-16, the first year Kendall is participating in Urban-Suburban Program.
District Superintendent Julie Christensen reported to the Board of Education on Wednesday that the three Rochester students are in first, third and seventh grades.
“They are beautiful little girls,” Christensen said.
She noted they are on the bus for a little while, being the last stop on a route that also stops in Hilton and Brockport before reaching Kendall.
The Kendall Board of Education embraced the program to help boost student enrollment. The district also expects to receive abut $12,000 in aid for each student in the program.
Christensen reported that currently there are 719 students attending school in the district. That’s down from 727 last year at this time.
Kendall also is offering enrollment to non-resident staff children, with a charge for tuition.
District Student Services Coordinator Nick Picardo has a daughter in first grade at Kendall. The family lives in the Hilton school district.
Picardo told the Board of Education he is very happy to have her attending Kendall, where she has received a warm welcome. He noted that when asked which school she would rather attend she responded, “I would rather be in Kendall.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 4 September 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Kendall students, parents, staff, teachers, administrators and community members enjoyed their Sports Boosters’ Chicken Barbecue in the brand new cafeteria.
KENDALL – Expressions such as “I love it,” “It’s beautiful” and “It’s so different,” could be heard throughout Kendall Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday evening as the community toured the major capital improvements at the school.
“Everyone is really excited,” Principal Carol D’Agostino said. “Everyone thinks it is so bright and new.”
She noted that the open house to kick off the school year was truly a community gathering with the Sports Boosters’ Chicken Barbecue, informational displays/booths set up by GCASA, WEMOCO, Kendall Music Boosters and the Kendal PTSA, which sold root beer floats for $1. Entertainment was provided by Kendall band and chorus students.
Members of the Rice family enjoy their chicken barbecue in the new cafeteria at Kendall Jr./Sr. High School during an open house Thursday evening. Sitting along the left side are Tim, Olivia, Abby and Chuck Connor. On the right are Michelle and Katie. Michelle Rice was impressed with the renovations. “It’s very nice, we love it,” she said. One of her daughters begins seventh grade at the school this year and another will graduate in 2016. “We couldn’t believe all the nice improvements,” she added.
The school campus has received extensive renovations, plus a new cafeteria in the Jr./Sr. High School, all part of a $25 million capital project.
“People are walking in and saying ‘Wow,'” Kendall Superintendent Julie Christensen said. “They say it is beautiful and amazing. People who went to school here are shocked at the transformation. The kids are beaming.”
Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Librarian Sara Baglioni stands in the newly renovated, re-decorated and tech savy library. Upgrades include a smart board and wired tables for laptops and other electronic devices. New upholstered seating offers space to relax, read and study. Baglioni says she got her first glimpse on Tuesday. “I was completely taken aback with the change and how wonderful it is,” she said.
The project includes new roofs for both the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School buildings, as well as energy efficient improvements, heating and ventilation work, and updated security measures. Both sites also have improvements to parking lots and sidewalks.
“I haven’t been here in 16 years,” former Kendall student Kate Czeh said. “I’m getting lost. It’s so different. It’s beautiful. I don’t even recognize it as Kendall.”
Debbie Nowak, a member of the custodial staff for 20 years, said it is the biggest construction project to take place in the time she has worked at Kendall.
“It’s been a lot of work, it’s been non-stop cleaning,” she noted and added that the project still isn’t complete. “It will be a another year before it’s done.”
Students also had the opportunity to set up their lockers in preparation for the first day of school.
Kendall 8th grader Ashlyn Fowler found all the changes a bit disorienting, “I think I’m gonna get lost,” she said while preparing for the start of the school year. Her mom, Jennifer, who went to Kendall, is pleased with the changes. “It’s different,” she said. “I love it with all the Kendall blue and white.”
The open house was well-attended and community groups set up information tables. Those attending enjoyed cookies and lemonade.
KENDALL – A Holley woman is facing charges for driving while intoxicated, Aggravated DWI, Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content at .08 percent or higher, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Leandra’s Law, following a 2-car crash this afternoon in the Town of Kendall.
The incident occurred at about 3:15 p.m. at the intersection of West Kendall Road and Roosevelt Highway (Route 18).
A 2005 Chrysler Suburban was traveling north on West Kendall Road. The driver failed to yield right-of-way at the stop sign and made a wide right turn into the path of a 2015 Chevrolet pick-up truck travelling west on Route 18. Collision between the two vehicles subsequently occurred.
The driver of the Chrysler is identified as Kristen E. Richardson, 45, of Holley. There were two 13-year-old children in her vehicle. One child was Richardson’s, and the other was the child of a friend. Neither Richardson nor her passengers were injured.
The driver of the Chevy truck is identified as Gregory A. Fitch, 52, of Olcott in Niagara County. Fitch’s children, ages 15 and 19, were passengers in his vehicle. Neither Fitch nor his passengers were injured.
Following the arrest process, Richardson was released to the custody of her husband. She will appear in Town of Kendall Court on Sept. 14.
The incident investigation and arrest was conducted by Deputy A.L. Jenks, with assistance from Deputy B.M. Larkin.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 September 2015 at 12:00 am
Assemblyman seeks study for future of road, perhaps opening up northern lanes for development
File photos by Tom Rivers – The Lake Ontario State Parkway runs along the lakeshore from Carlton into Rochester.
KENDALL – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) is trying to press the state Department of Transportation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to improve the condition of the Lake Ontario State Parkway.
The recreational route has increasingly been the source for complaints by motorists and elected officials in lakeshore communities due to the deteriorating condition.
Hawley said he recently sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo urging him to address the condition of the Lake Ontario State Parkway that runs along the shorelines of Lake Ontario in Orleans and Monroe counties.
“I have received hundreds of letters and emails regarding this issue,” Hawley said in his letter to the governor. “I know that local residents have had to put up with deteriorating conditions for far too long, and I know from personal experience the dangers that drivers and passengers are subjected to when traveling the Parkway.”
The bridges over Oak Orchard River were built for the Lake Ontario State Parkway, which ends abruptly 2 miles west of the river.
Hawley, in a news release this afternoon, said his letter further detailed the need to sustain New York’s Great Lakes waterfront as a world-class tourist destination and how popular the Parkway is for businesses and tourists. He also made recommendations as to how to save the state money on infrastructure repair costs during the harsh winter months.
“I am asking if we could do a study to eliminate the northern two lanes and make the southern two lanes a two-lane roadway during the winter months to save taxpayer money,” Hawley wrote. “The northern lanes could be given back to municipalities to be sold to those who want to build homes along the shoreline, enticing more people to live in New York State.”
Orleans Hub has editorialized about the Parkway, in particular the prospect of making it a two-lane road and opening up sections of the Parkway for development.
The Parkway is currently classified as parkland by the state and would need to go through a process of alienation to be developed or turned over to the local municipalities, an action that needs state Legislature approval.
Click here to see an editorial titled, “Open up Parkway to boost tax base, population.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 August 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Newly appointed Kendall Recreation Director Michelle Werth is ready to get to work in her office at the Town Hall.
KENDALL – Kendall’s new recreation director is well prepared for the job.
Kendall native Michelle Werth graduated from Kendall High School in 1994 after growing up playing rec. sports. She has coached teams, served as a recreation commissioner since 2010, and she has three young boys currently involved in the Kendall recreation program.
“I have now transitioned into this role,” she says of her new position.
Her children, ages 9, 6 and 4, “all play soccer, baseball and basketball.”
Werth took over the position Aug. 1 with the retirement of long-time director, Barb Flow.
“I’m nervous and excited about taking this on,” she says, and adds that she is happy Flow is nearby for guidance and advice.
“Barb has been great,” she says. “I can call her anytime.”
Flow is still a presence at the Town Hall. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Town Board, effective Aug. 1.
The Kendall recreation year just came to a close and Werth says this is a great time to start fresh. She says she has several ideas for the department including looking into programming for kids that goes beyond sports, “perhaps a Lego camp or a kids craft night,” she says.
She would also like to see youth who participate in the recreational sports program reach out and become involved in service projects to engage them further in their community.
The entire Rec. Department should have a greater presence in the community, Werth explains. She envisions the department serving as a place where people who work on events like Home Grown Days and the Scarecrow Festival can come and work together.
She would also like to see more girls become involved in sports programs.
Additionally, Werth says she would like to have recreation commissioners more involved in programming including both sports and community programs, with certain commissioners focusing on the area of their expertise.
A greater presence online is also a priority and Werth says she is looking at recreation departments in nearby communities to “see what other towns do.”
