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Shelby Volunteer Fire Company installs leaders for new year

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 January 2022 at 3:11 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Shelby Fire Company president Tim Petry, left, presents a plaque to David Moden after announcing he was the recipient of the President’s Award at the Shelby Fire Company banquet.

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company welcomed members and guests to their banquet Saturday night at the Shelby Fire Hall.

Tiffany Petry was recipient of the Chief’s Award by Jason Watts at the Shelby Fire Department’s banquet. They are holding a plaque which would have been given to last year’s recipient Rob Schaal, who was not at the banquet. Because of Covid, a banquet didn’t take place last year. Petry’s plaque had not yet been received.

Master of ceremonies Dale Watts introduced special guests, which included members of area fire companies, Orleans County Emergency Management Coordinator Dale Banker and his wife Eileen; Sheriff Chris Bourke and wife Suzanne; Andrew Pilecki, director of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York and his wife; State Senator Rob Ortt and his wife Meghan; Assemblyman Mike Norris; and town of Shelby officials.

Stefano Napolitano, Deputy State Fire Administrator, administered the oath of office to 2022 Shelby firefighters. Executive board officers are president, Tim Petry; vice president, John Palmer; treasurer, Kirk Myhill; secretary, Tiffany Petry; sergeant-at-arms, Dale Watts; chaplain, Karl Haist Jr.; assistant chaplain, Phil Keppler; and steward, Dawn Petry.

Trustees are Joe Kyle, three years; Gary Lamar, two years; and Andy Benz, one year.

Firematic officers are chief, Jason Watts; deputy chief, David Moden; assistant chief, Scott Petry; firematic captain, Zach Petry; firematic lieutenant, Crystal Luckman; and EMS captain, Tiffany Petry.

New officers of the Ladies Auxiliary were installed by Town Justice Dawn Keppler. They are president, Elaine Watts; vice president, Patricia Fuller; secretary, Robin Watts; treasurer, Lori Myhill; chaplain, Marion Fry; three-year trustee, Mary Herbert; two year trustee, Kali James; and one-year trustee, Delores Wolters.

Tim Petry led off the awards program by naming David Moden as recipient of his President’s Award.

“I could have chosen many people for this award, including Howard Watts and David Moden,” Petry said. “Many of them helped at our events, but the individual I chose has helped me and the entire fire company in many ways.”

Jason Watts named Tiffany Petry “Firefighter of the Year.” She received her own flashlight and will receive a wooden plaque with her name on it when it arrives.

Brian Napolitano, standing at right, administers the oath of office to 2022 officers of the Shelby Fire Company at their banquet Saturday night.

Watts commended many people who helped the fire company achieve its goals in 2021, including the major purchase of the department’s first ladder truck.

“I never through I would see that happen,” Watts said.

Those responsible included Jeff Lyons, Tiffany Petry and Gary Lamar. Other accomplishments were the purchase of an autopulse (CPR) device and replacing 1,800 feet of hose, purchase of eight sets of turnout gear with a grant from the Gary Sinese Foundation; acquiring grain bin rescue equipment and rope rescue equipment.

He said the fire department fell five short of reaching an unprecedented 300 calls for the year. He praised firefighters who completed various training courses and recognized Scott and Zach Petry for taking care of the apparatus. He said Crystal Luckman, a firematic lieutenant, kept them on track.

Dawn Keppler swears in new officers for the Shelby Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday night.

Because of Covid, a banquet was not held last year, but they would have recognized Rob Schaal as Fireman of the Year. His award was presented Saturday night, although he was not in attendance to receive it.

Pat Fuller, past president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said they are looking forward to 2022. She said the Auxiliary welcomed five new members during the year. She presented awards to Elaine Watts, vice president and purchasing agent; and Marion Fry, who worked on many committees.

Three outgoing officers were recognized – Jim Wade, trustee; Jeff Lyons, EMS captain; and Lee Hellert who passed away in 2021.

Pat Fuller, center, past president of the Shelby Fire Company Ladies’ Auxiliary, recognized Elaine Watts, left, and Marion Fry for their dedication and service.

Two individuals were honored as Friends of the Fire Company. Kevin Bogan with Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home was recognized for supporting the fire company by paying for tickets for all their events. Erving Stauffer, who owns Lakeview Storage Sheds in Lyndonville, was recognized for always being ready to do any projects the fire company needs done and for giving them a break on the price of a shed they are raffling off. The drawing for the shed will be on Mother’s Day and tickets can be purchased from firefighters any Tuesday they are at the fire hall or by calling Petry at (585) 590-6713.

Two members received special recognition for 50 years as a firefighter. Joe Lewandowski, who was not in attendance, and Gary Lamar received a plaque and citations from Senator Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Mike Norris, Legislator Bill Eick on behalf of the Orleans County legislature, Steve Seitz on behalf of the town of Shelby and Andrew Pilecki from FASNY.

Lamar said he started as a firefighter in his teens at Lewiston II, then moved to Sanborn. When he moved to Medina, he attempted to join the Medina Fire Department, but they weren’t accepting call men at the time. When someone suggested he join Shelby, he said he didn’t even know where Shelby was.

Petry announced he had one more presentation for Lamar and called his family to the front of the room, where he was given a wooden flag bearing the insignia for Lewiston, Sanborn and Shelby.

Tim Petry, president of Shelby Fire Company, congratulates Gary Lamar for 50 years of membership in the fire company. Looking on is Fire Chief Jason Watts.

The family of Gary Lamar pose with him and the plaque he received for 50 years as a firefighter at the Shelby Fire Company banquet Saturday night. From left are daughter-in-law Olivia Lamar, son Mike Lamar(in back), grandsons Nicholas and Benjamin Lamar, wife Pam Lamar, Gary, daughter Melissa and fire company president Tim Petry.

Shelby town clerk’s office will be closed Dec. 22-Dec. 27

Posted 20 December 2021 at 3:03 pm

Press Release, Shelby Town Clerk Darlene Rich

SHELBY – Due to staffing issues because of Covid, the Town of Shelby Clerk’s Office will be closed on Wednesday (December 22) and Thursday (December 23).

There is a drop box by the front door that can be used for your convenience. We will also be closed for the Christmas holiday on Friday (December 24) and Monday (December 27).

The office will open on Tuesday, December 28. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Shelby Town Hall will reopen on Monday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2021 at 4:30 pm

SHELBY – The Town Hall including the court will reopen to the public on Monday after being closed since late Tuesday afternoon following a electrical fire and power outage.

Town Supervisor Jeff Smith said the town offices have been sanitized after the electricity was restored late Thursday.

“We would like to thank the Shelby Fire Company and National Grid for their quick response on Tuesday,” he said. “We were fortunate to get all workers safely out of the building.”

The main three-phase power feed to the building became compromised and the wires burned apart, Smith said.

“This is a very unusual occurrence, which leaves us very happy we did not have any injuries or a major fire,” he said.

He commended Modern Electric from Lockport, Highway Department Superintendent Dale Root and employees Rusty Hoffmeister and Jeremy Beatty for going “above and beyond to get power restored.”

Power restored, but Shelby Town Hall closed again Friday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2021 at 9:21 pm

SHELBY – The Shelby Town Hall will be closed for the third straight day on Friday. Power has been restored to site but a smoky smell needs to be cleared out, said Jeff Smith, the town supervisor.

The building has been closed to the public since Wednesday after an electrical fire on Tuesday afternoon. Smith said he expects the building will be open on Monday.

Community welcome for old-fashioned Christmas on Sunday at East Shelby church

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 December 2021 at 8:10 am

Provided photo: Erik Olsen, pastor of East Shelby Community Bible Church, leads the choir in singing Christmas carols at a previous Old Fashioned Christmas celebration at West Jackson corners, the miniature village created by the church on East Shelby Road.

EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Community Bible Church will again host its annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Sunday at the church at 5278 East Shelby Rd.

The event, from noon to 5 p.m., will feature old-time Christmas traditions and activities at the church and in the miniature village of West Jackson Corners.

There will be crafts for children, swags for mom, cookies for dad and dancing for everyone’s entertainment. The Band of Renown will present a Christmas concert at noon, and the choir will sing in the village and in the church.

Visitors are invited to see the new barn and the extra-large manger scene. There will be an opportunity to make a candle, catch a ride on the drawn wagon, make a swag to take home, string popcorn and visit Mrs. Claus upstairs in the parsonage.

Santa will arrive at 4 p.m.

The pastor and congregation invite everyone to come to West Jackson Corners on Sunday and celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way.

There is no charge to attend this celebration which takes visitors back to a bygone era.

Christmas Bird Count will be Dec. 28 at Oak Orchard Swamp

Photos courtesy of Celeste Morien: A Tufted Titmouse was spotted at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Posted 7 December 2021 at 4:08 pm

Press Release, Celeste Morien, count compiler for Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count

SHELBY – It’s close to that time again for the Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count.

The count began in December 1968. The National Audubon Society has been sponsoring Christmas Bird Counts for 121 years and the Friends of Iroquois NWR, Inc. provide support for this local count.

Count compiler and Medina resident Celeste Morien would like the public to be alert for counters with spotting scopes and binoculars who will be out and about Dec. 28 on local roads, searching for birds in fields and at bird feeders.

Filling bird feeders now and keeping them stocked ahead of the count helps fulfill the count objective of counting all wild birds seen and heard within the circle! Our Oak Orchard Swamp count is centered at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge on the Orleans and Genesee County line at Route 63. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle, which includes more than the refuge and state wildlife areas, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally—all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.

According to the Audubon website, “Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas “Side Hunt.” They would choose sides and go afield with their guns—whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won.

Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.

So began the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America.

From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 each year tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the effort. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

The data collected by observers over the past century allow Audubon researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, it provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years.

The long term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well.

If your home is within the circle and you are at home on count day, you can report the birds that visit your feeders. To do so, please contact celeste.morien@gmail.com.

Please consider donating to the Christmas Count here since the Audubon Society no longer collects fees from each participant. Click here for more information.

For past results of any Christmas Bird Count, the National Audubon Society website is an excellent resource. Click here for more information.

A Song Sparrow blends in with the surroundings at the wildlife refuge. Last year there were 20,843 birds counted in 73 species.

American Legion donates to Warrior House

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 December 2021 at 8:42 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post in Medina made a donation to the Warrior House on Saturday. Here, Dave Morien presents a check to Warrior House owner Pete Zeliff as Jim Wells, left, and Legion commander Glen Whitmore at right look on.

MEDINA – The Butts-Clark American Legion Post on Saturday gave out the last donation from its raffle held throughout the spring and summer.

The first of the profits given out over a month ago was $2,500 to the winner of the raffle. The remaining $1,000 was divided between the Legion to help with expenses and the Warrior House on Salt Works Road, a retreat for veterans.

Legion members Jim Wells, Dave Morien and Commander Glen Whitmore presented Warrior House owner Pete Zeliff with a check for $500 on Saturday morning.

“We had hoped for a larger amount, but everything helps,” Whitmore said.

Zeliff said every donation is appreciated, especially as the Warrior House didn’t do any fundraising last year due to Covid.

“We are blessed with people like this who step up to support us and keep us going,” Zeliff said.

The Warrior House is an unused farmhouse on Zeliff’s property on Salt Works Road, which he has donated as a weekend retreat for veterans, who spend weekends there while enjoying hunting excursions. All expenses are paid, including food, for the veterans.

Firefighters raise $800 for Knights-Kaderli through apparel sale

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 November 2021 at 8:38 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Kaderli, left, accepts a check for $800 for the Knights-Kaderi Fund from East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor. Taylor solicited donations across the county selling sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts with emergency responder logos on.

EAST SHELBY – When the Knights-Kaderli walk-run was approaching, East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor wanted to do something to help.

She contacted all the fire departments in Orleans County and asked their permission to put their logo on wearing apparel.

The started advertising them for sale, and little more than a month later, she had collected $800.

On Tuesday morning, Taylor presented an $800 check to Mary Zelazny, daughter of Sue Kaderli, one of the cancer victims for whom the fund is named. The fund assists Orleans County families who are battling cancer.

“I didn’t know how it would pan out, and I’m glad it ended up great,” Taylor said.

She handed Zelazny the check, each of them wearing their hooded sweatshirt.

“Donations like this really help big time,” Zelazny said. “We really appreciate this. Firefighters really look out for people in their community.”

Taylor said many people who aren’t firefighters supported the cause by buying apparel, and for that she was grateful.

Arby’s in Batavia donates $14,500 to Warrior House in West Shelby

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Members of the Knights of Columbus in Medina on Sunday morning presented a check from Arby’s in Batavia to Pete Zeliff and his family, representing the Warrior House in West Shelby. The check, for $14,500, was a result of a promotion in October run by Arby’s franchise holder, Bill Meland. Kneeling are Dave Bellucci and Jim Mirand. Standing, from left, are Zach Baldwin, Skip Draper, Howie Gardner, Bob Fox, Archie Washak and the Zeliff Family, Pete, Gatlin, Sue and Ethan.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 November 2021 at 8:00 am

Bill Meland, owner of Arby’s in Batavia, holds a check for $14,500 which he donated to the Warrior House.

MEDINA – A Batavia businessman with roots in Lyndonville has made a generous donation to the Warrior House on Salt Works Road.

Bill Meland, owner of the Arby’s franchise in Batavia, has golfed on a four-man team for the Knights of Columbus in Medina for several years. Meland is no stranger to the Medina area, so when he learned of the Knights’ support of the Warrior House on Salt Works Road, he stepped up to help.

During the month of October, Meland agreed to donate 10 percent of his restaurant’s proceeds to the Warrior House. On Sunday morning, the Knights’ members presented a check for $14,500 on behalf of Arby’s to Pete Zeliff and his family.

Zeliff donated a farmhouse on land he had purchased to be used as a retreat for veterans. He outfitted the rooms with six cots and collaborated with Operation Injured Soldier to bring veterans to the location for four hunting weekends a year – two deer (one bow and arrow and one firearm), a goose and a turkey hunt. Pete’s mother Kathy comes and cooks meals for the veterans.

The Knights became involved with the Warrior House as a result of their golf tournament. They had established a scholarship fund years ago, but it had become well-funded, said golf chairman Dave Bellucci. Several years ago, they had been asked to sponsor a veteran on Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s patriotic trip to Washington, D.C., and they thought that was a good cause.

“However, we realized that would help only one veteran, and we wondered if there wasn’t something we could do to help more veterans,” Bellucci said.

They learned of the Warrior House and chose to donate the profit from their golf tournament for the veterans. While playing golf, Meland learned what the Knights were doing and wondered what he could do to help.

Pete Zeliff, right, who donated a farmhouse on his property as a retreat for veterans, looks at a check for $14,500, just presented to him for the Warrior House by Archie Washak of Medina Knights of Columbus on behalf of Arby’s in Batavia.

Zeliff said this is the largest single donation the Warrior House has received since it has been in existence.

“Meland is a very generous man,” he said.

Zeliff said the money will be used to fund new programs they are developing for the veterans next year.

Any veteran is welcome to apply to take part in a hunting weekend at the Warrior House. They can find information on the Warrior House website.

In the past, veterans have come from Florida, Louisiana and all across New York, with several from Watertown, Zeliff said. The Warrior House also offers to pay for travel expenses, if needed.

The last hunt of 2021 will be Dec. 4 and 5.

Shelby Town Board will meet today to set public hearing

Posted 26 October 2021 at 9:43 am

Town of Shelby public notice

SHELBY – A special meeting of the Shelby Town Board will be held on Tue., Oct. 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the Town of Shelby, 4062 Salt Works Rd. Medina, NY 14103.

The purpose of this special  meeting will be to schedule a public hearing for Tue.,  Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. (with the town board meeting following immediately after) for Local Law No. 2 of 2021 to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites as authorized under Cannabis Law Article 4.

Shelby firefighters given grain rescue tube system from Farm Bureau

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2021 at 9:01 am

Provided photos

SHELBY – A group of 14 firefighters from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company recently put into service a new grain rescue tube system with an auger that was donated by New York Farm Bureau.

Firefighters trained with the new rescue system in a grain bin at Todd Roberts’ farm on Salt Works Road.

This photo shows Crystal Luckman being “rescued” after sinking into the grain.

Fire companies in Orleans unite in T-shirt fundraiser for Knights-Kaderli Fund

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 October 2021 at 7:00 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Debbie Taylor, fire chief of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, poses with a poster showing the design of a tee shirt she has created to pay tribute to the fire companies with EMS departments in Orleans County. The proceeds from which will benefit the Knights-Kaderli Fund which assists people in Orleans County fighting cancer.

EAST SHELBY – A walk-run to benefit the Knights-Kaderli Fund has been an annual event at the East Shelby Fire Hall for many years, and this year when the date for the walk approached, East Shelby fire chief Debbie Taylor started brainstorming what she could do to help.

“Knights-Kaderli helped my in-laws, who have since passed, and my sister-in-law, who beat breast cancer,” Taylor said. “Our fire company just got done participating in a fundraiser with battalions from the west and one from the east to help Make-a-Wish, and that gave me the idea to incorporate firefighters into something to help Knights-Kaderli.”

Taylor got in touch with a guy who works at D&T Graphics in Lockport to see he could help her. Then she contacted all the fire departments to make sure it was alright to put their names on a tee shirt.

Albion, Carlton, East Shelby, Lyndonville, Medina, Shelby, Barre, Clarendon, Kendall, Ridgeway, Murray Joint Fire District and COVA EMS all agreed.

The design chosen is a skull with a firefighter’s hat, firefighters’ axes, a pink ribbon for cancer and the names of the fire companies and COVA.

The design is available on long- or short-sleeved tee shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. A face mask is also available.

The deadline is Oct. 31 and orders must be placed online at orleanscounty2021.itemorder.com. Orders will be shipped to the customer’s house. Taylor is working with fire company members to save money on their shipping.

“This shows support for Orleans County firefighters and helps Knights-Kaderli,” Taylor said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Taylor, who is Orleans County’s first female fire chief, will complete her first year in office on Jan. 1. She already plans to run again for the office.

“It’s been a good year,” she said.

Jacobs commends Iroquois Job Corps for prepping students for careers in construction

Posted 10 September 2021 at 11:20 am

Provided photos: Congressman Chris Jacobs toured the Iroquois Job Corps on Thursday. He commended students for preparing for careers in trades and healthcare.

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

SHELBY – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) toured the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby on Thursday.

“Our region, and much of the country, faces an aging workforce in trades and a lack of younger, qualified individuals to carry the torch. That is why the work the Iroquois Job Corps is doing is so critical,” Jacobs said. “This center, and ones like it around the country, are giving young adults hands-on training in various trades that have immediate career potential following their graduation. In addition, they are providing young adults in high-risk situations with a second chance and the opportunities and resources to succeed.”

Jacobs’ visit included a tour of the carpentry, medical care, electrical, masonry, and educational facilities at the Iroquois Job Corps campus in Medina. In addition, Jacobs met with instructors and students from the various programs to learn about the work they are doing and the opportunities available.

“I commend the leadership team and the instructors at the Iroquois Job Corps Center for the incredible work they are doing and the impressive education they are providing. This center is integral to maintaining our region’s strong workforce and economic prosperity,” Jacobs said. “I urge any young adult considering a career in the trades to reach out to the center to learn more about the opportunities available.”

Jacobs saw up close how students are skilled with tools.