LYNDONVILLE – Members of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603 announced the delegate and alternates for the 2020 Boys’ State program at Morrisville State College from June 28 to July 3.
Pictured from left include Steve Goodrich, Commander Post 1603; Hayden Arlington, 2020 delegate; Isaac Becker, alternate; Jacob Corser, alternate; and Joseph Hausler, Adjutant for Post 1603.
An alternate can go if the delegate is unable to, or if a delegate from another community has to back out of the week.
American Legion Boys’ State is a week-long program that immerses high school youth in citizenship and leadership training. They learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government. They also participate in physical fitness, teamwork and other activities, under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.
(Editor’s Note: This article initially stated the presentation was this evening. It is the following Monday, Feb. 24.)
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library director Catherine Cooper will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 on the life of Medina resident Dorothy Roberts Cox.
Several years ago, Cooper received a large notebook from Australian relatives of Cox, who discovered the notebook and felt it belonged in Cox’s home town.
Cox survived the 1918 flu epidemic and was in Wales in 1939 when World War II was declared. Cox was married to jeweler Harry Cox. She died in 1982.
Cooper is also the Ridgeway town historian. The public is invited to attend this program.
Photos by Darren McGee, Governor’s Office: Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives one of his daughters a ride on a snowmobile Sunday in the Adirondacks.
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday announced March 14-15 will be a free snowmobiling weekend for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers – a move that will further strengthen the winter tourism industry in the North Country and across New York. The Governor made the announcement before snowmobiling with his three daughters Cara, Mariah and Michaela at Saranac Lake.
“New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of some of the best snowmobiling trails in the nation, all with the backdrop of stunning natural beauty that has to be seen to believe,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this free snowmobiling weekend, we are encouraging visitors from far and wide to come to the North Country and points between, experience our great outdoor recreational activities for themselves and further strengthen New York’s booming tourism industry.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo promotes snowmobiling and tourism in the Adirondacks during a stop at the Hotel Saranac on Sunday.
During the promotional weekend, fees will be waived for visitors from out-of-state with properly registered and insured vehicles wishing to explore New York’s nearly 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails. I LOVE NEW YORK will promote the weekend by launching a digital and social media campaign targeting out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. To further support the community this season, the State has awarded $4.2 million in local grants for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming across New York.
The state’s snowmobiling community has a seasonal economic impact of $868 million according to a 2011 study by SUNY Potsdam. Winter tourism activities also support economic growth across the state, generating nearly $14.4 billion in direct visitor spending. The North Country attracted over 13 million visitors in 2018, up 21.6 percent since 2011, which has increased direct spending by more than 23 percent to $1.26 billion.
Participants in free snowmobiling weekend must operate a snowmobile with valid registration in their home state or Canadian Province, and must carry any applicable insurance as required by their home state or province. Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.
The I LOVE NEW YORK social media campaign will supplement the overall $4 million winter tourism campaign currently underway, which features snowmobiling and a wide array of winter activities in television, print and digital advertising, public relations and social media initiatives, and other promotional efforts.
There are $4.2 million in local grants to support the maintenance of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to safely enjoy, including $42,336 in Orleans County. The program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments will distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn will groom and maintain the trails.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 February 2020 at 10:19 am
MEDINA – Building a new church is a dream come true for the Rev. Vincent Iorio and his congregation.
Twenty-five years ago Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God purchased the former Medina High School building on Catherine Street, where they have held services ever since, welcomed the Orleans County Christian School and rented space to the Medina Area Association of Churches clothing depot.
About two years ago, the church began to plan for a new, modern edifice and they sold the high school to local businessman Roger Hungerford. Hungerford plans to turn the building into upscale apartments, but he has allowed the church to continue holding services there until they can move into their new church.
The Rev. Vincent Iorio, pastor of Cavalry Tabernacle Church, stands in the entryway of his new church which is being built on Maple Ridge Road. The church is now reaching out to the community for donations to finish the project by summer.
Iorio and his congregation began making plans for their new church and purchased 36 acres of land on Maple Ridge Road, between Tops and Salt Works Road. Construction began a year ago on the 10,400 square-foot building, where to date all utilities are in, and rooms are all framed and insulated.
Sale of the old high school provided funds to construct the church to its present state – 70 percent complete, the Rev. Iorio said.
“Now we are asking the community to help us,” the pastor said.
The Rev. Iorio said the church started fundraising five years ago. They have spent half a million to date, most of which came from the sale of the high school, but another $400,000 is needed.
The new church will seat 150 and have a sound booth, kitchen and fellowship hall, classrooms, a youth room, nursery and area for their Foodlink ministry.
The stage takes shape in the sanctuary of Calvary Tabernacle Church, which is being built on Maple Ridge Road.
“We are the largest Foodlink supplier in Orleans County,” the Rev. Iorio said. “In 2019, we served 1,488 families via our Food Pantry, and an additional 150 to 200 area families per week through the Mobile Food Pantry distribution, which takes place the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
The church also offers counseling services through their “Still Waters Counseling Center,” at no cost to clients. In 2018, 550 counseling sessions took place, assisting many local individuals, couples and families.
The Rev. Iorio invites the residents of Orleans and neighboring counties to come and see what they do every week.
“Please consider helping us complete the building so we can continue serving your neighbors right here in your own back yard,” the pastor said.
Everything is ready to go to finish the church, he said.
“We just need money and good weather,” he said.
He said any amount will be much appreciated. Donations may be mailed to Cavalry Tabernacle Church, P.O. Box 625, Medina.
Information about online giving and the church’s community outreach ministries is available at www.caltabag.org.
The Rev. Iorio stressed that his new church is being built by local contractors, such as Art Hill Excavating, Top Gun Construction, Heveron Electric, Superior Concrete, Albion Plumbing and Heating, Schuler Construction and NES Contracting.
He also added a thank you to the army of Calvary and community volunteers who contribute their time assisting with the food ministries, in particular. Anyone interested in volunteering can call the church office at (585) 798-3738.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2020 at 8:37 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Sarah Martin models a bridal gown from Blissett’s Specialty Shop on Sunday during a fashion show, featuring wedding gowns, prom and bridesmaid dresses, as well as tuxedos.
Medina: The Grove United Methodist Church hosted the second annual Blissett’s Specialty Shop Wedding & Prom Showcase. Besides the fashion show, the church hosted displays by many local businesses that offer services for weddings and proms.
Lindsay Fulwell models one of the bridal gowns. She walks through a circular arch provided by The Wed Shed of Lyndonville, one of the vendors at the show.
The bridal and prom showcase returned last year after a hiatus of about a generation. Jaye Sullivan, owner of Blissett’s, wanted to showcase the local businesses that provide high-quality services for formal events.
“Support your local businesses,” Sullivan said. “There is so much here that we offer.”
Darian Kinney models a formal gown in front of about 100 people during the fashion show at The Grove.
Kelsey Evoy models a wedding dress and Charlotte McGrath wears a dress for a flower girl during the fashion show.
Riki Lake models a formal gown on Sunday.
Alana Koneski wears a formal dress for the mother of the bride.
Jamie Fulwell models this wedding dress, with flowers by Creekside Floral.
Some of the models in the fashion show gather on the stage at the finale of the fashion show. Blissett’s provide the gowns while Ashlee’s Place provided the tuxedos. From left include Tyler Waldriff, Riki Lake, Kelsey Evoy, Darian Kinney, Jamie Fulwell, Lindsay Fulwell, Ellie Gross, Michelle Lewis, Sarah Martin and Tanner Waldriff.
Some of the vendors at the bridal and prom show on Sunday included: The Creative Studio in Medina, Case-Nic Cookies in Medina, Roots in Albion, Bent’s Opera House in Medina, Della’s Chocolates in Medina, Party Tents Plus in Medina, The Wed Shed in Lyndonville, The Gallagher in Medina, Creekside Floral in Medina, Brittany Ford Photography in Buffalo, Tupperware sold by Judy Szulis in Medina, LMR Entertainment in Medina, Village Spin in Medina, Blissett’s Speciality Shop in Medina and Zambistro Catering in Medina.
Provided photos: Medina’s varsity winterguard is shown during its competition on Saturday in Batavia. Medina finished in third place.
Courtesy of Medina Marching Band
BATAVIA – Medina’s winterguards competed for the third time this season on Saturday when they traveled to Batavia. The Batavia show consisted of 18 guard units from WNY and Canada competing in 7 different classes.
In the SA class, the Medina Varsity guard came in 3rd with 67.85, bested by Orchard Park in 1st with 69.32 and Batavia in 2nd with 68.65.
In the RA class, the Medina JV guard came in 3rd with a score of 67.48, topped by Orchard Park in 1st with 69.09 and Gates in 2nd with 68.01.
Winners in the other classes are Legacy in Novice class with 43.92; Venture Cadet with 61.31; Lancaster in A1 with 63.85; Luminosa in Senior class with 69.69; and Legacy in Independent A with 74.12.
The students continue practicing several times per week even through school breaks. Medina’s next competitions are Feb. 29 at Marcus Whitman, Lancaster on March 7, at home in Medina on March 14, followed by Jamestown on March 21. The championships are March 28 at the Gates-Chili school.
Medina’s JV winterguard came in third place at the Batavia event.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 February 2020 at 12:51 pm
Photo – Lyndonville’s Jon Slingerland and Basil Cousins and their Tiger teammates will wrap up the Genesee Region League season this week.
Lyndonville will close out the Genesee Region League boys basketball season with a pair of games against Division 2 foes early this coming week.
The Tigers will visit Wheatland-Chili on Monday in a make-up game at 3 p.m. and then host Notre Dame on Wednesday at 7 p.m..
In non league boys basketball contests, Albion will finish at I Prep on Wednesday and Roy-Hart will host Southwestern on Thursday.
The seeding meetings for both Section V and Section VI in boys and girls basketball will be next Saturday.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball: Lyndonville at Wheatland-Chili, 3 pm.; Holley at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Tuesday Girls Baksetball: Lyndonville at Notre Dame, Holley at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball: Albion at I Prep, 4:30 p.m.; Notre Dame at Lyndonville, Oakfield-Alabama at Holley, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: Alden at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; Kendall at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball: Southwestern at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Final N-O Standings Boys Basketball: Albion 9-3, Newfane 9-3, Medina 8-4, Wilson 7-5, Akron 5-7, Roy-Hart 4-8, Barker 0-12 Girls Basketball: Wilson 12-0, Newfane 9-3, Albion 7-5, Akron 6-6, Barker 4-8, Roy-hart 4-8, Medina 0-12
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2020 at 10:08 am
Some advice: ‘Stay off Facebook’ where the comments are often critical
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Leadership Orleans class on Thursday learned about local government. The class each month explores a different aspect of the county. During a discussion session at the County Administration Building the class heard from panelists, from left: Albion Mayor Eileen Banker (who is also chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley); Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson; Josh Veronica, director of Community Relations for State Sen. Rob Ortt; and John Belson, Lyndonville mayor.
ALBION – Local municipalities feel the pressure to maintain services and infrastructure for residents, while being sensitive to not raising taxes.
It’s a difficult task, not raising taxes when there is an outcry for better roads, sidewalks, suitable land for businesses and residential development and more services.
Lyndonville John Belson said the village keeps a small staff in providing services to the community. He urged more people to volunteer in the fire department and other local organizations.
The Leadership Orleans Class of 2020 heard from local government leaders on Thursday during a day focused on the legislative process. Officials at the village, town, county and state level met with the class of 27 members. This is the third year for Leadership Orleans.
Albion Mayor Eileen Banker said the towns and villages are sharing equipment and staff to try to keep costs down while maintaining services. Albion shares a police chief with Holley, and the Albion also manages Holley’s sewer plant.
The local towns, villages and county have long shared personnel and machinery, especially for paving projects.
“We do a lot of shared services,” said Banker, who is also chief of staff for Assemblyman Steve Hawley. “It’s the only way we can do what we do.”
She said the village is operating with a much smaller staff now than a generation ago. For example, Banker said the DPW is down from 26-27 employees to only nine.
Lyndonville Mayor John Belson said the local villages have aging infrastructure. Lyndonville has some waterlines that are nearly a century old and would cost $750,000 to replace. The village also should paint its water tower and that will cost $800,000. The sewer plant also needs $1 million in upgrades.
Lyndonville only has about 800 village residents or 380 homeowners to spread out those costs.
“It’s a balancing act to try to pay the bills,” Belson said. “We see the residents. They are our neighbors. We don’t want to raise the taxes.”
Belson said Lyndonville runs a bare-bones government with three highway workers, a full-time clerk, a part-time clerk and a part-time zoning officer. There is no where to cut and still provide basic services to residents, he said.
When Lyndonville is in a pinch, neighboring municipalities will help. The village recently had a watermain break on Main Street. Highway and DPW workers from the Town of Shelby and Village of Medina helped Lyndonville to fix the leak.
Belson said volunteers, especially as firefighters, have been critical in the community. But he worries those ranks are being depleted.
“I’m concerned over the shortage of firefighters and EMTs,” he said. “Get involved because we need you.”
The local municipalities often struggle to fill other positions on the planning and zoning boards. Belson said there are many ways for residents to serve their communities.
The Leadership Orleans Class listens to the panelists discuss local government. The class will have different focus in the following months, including an adventure leadership day in March, community health in April, education in May, business and culture in June, tourism and recreation in July, agribusiness in August, economic and workforce development in September, simulated society in October, volunteerism in November, and a closing retreat and graduation in December.
The local elected officials said the part-time jobs as mayor, town supervisor or county legislator are demanding, and don’t bring much appreciation from the public.
Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, said she appreciates the occasional hard-written letter or card from a resident thanking the Legislature for working on an issue. She gets many complaints in her email inbox.
“Once in a while we get an attaboy and that makes all the difference,” she said.
Johnson said the county legislators put together a county budget full of state-mandated programs. Very little in the county budget is outside state control. That is frustrating, especially as the county tries to stay within a state tax cap of about 2 percent, while trying to be responsive to needs in the community.
Johnson said the county has been able to move forward on upgrades to bridges and culverts, county facilities, and increased tourism promotion. She is excited about news last week the state will dredge two harbors in Orleans County – Johnson Creek and Oak Orchard, both in Carlton. Johnson said she will continue to push for county-wide high-speed internet.
“Broadband, we haven’t given up,” Johnson told the Leadership Orleans class. “It’s been a six-year war to get all of Orleans County covered.”
Banker said the role of mayor is an often thankless job. While few people attend Village Board meetings, many will comment harshly about Albion on Facebook.
“Stay off of Facebook is my husband’s advice,” Banker said.
Like Belson, she urged more people to give back to the community and be part of the solution.
Belson said a local elected official needs “a strong backbone” because there will be criticism. He prefers to get out on the community and hear directly from residents and try to stave off rumors.
Dean Bellack, a Leadership Orleans class member this year, said the local governments should be looking to consolidate. He supported the “One Medina” effort to dissolve the village and reduce some of the local layers of government. Medina residents rejected dissolution by a 949 to 527 vote on Jan. 20, 2015. It hasn’t been brought up again.
Banker and Belson said it’s difficult for municipalities to give up control. While they share services, a bigger consolidation can be unnerving over the uncertainty in services.
In a recent law enforcement study in the county one option was eliminating the village police departments and having the Sheriff’s Office patrol the villages. That would have offered cost savings in providing law enforcement countywide. But none of the villages supported that option, and it died. It would have raised county taxes but reduced the tax burden in the villages.
Banker was vocal in wanting to keep the Albion Police Department. She received numerous calls from residents in support of keeping the Albion PD.
Belson said any consolidation will be a struggle, whether with school districts or the local town-village level.
“It’s a tough sell,” he said. “Nobody wants to lose their territory.”
Josh Veronica, director of community relations for State Sen. Rob Ortt, also addressed the group. He said Ortt’s office is fielding many calls from residents and elected officials, concerned about the new bail reform laws that went into effect on Jan. 1.
Belson, the Lyndonville mayor, thanked Ortt for securing $100,000 in state assistance for repairs to the Lyndonville dam last year.
This group of panelists includes from left: Shelby Town Highway Superintendent Dale Root, Murray Town Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan (discussing his role as a commissioner for the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire District) and Murray Town Clerk Cindy Oliver.
In another panel discussion, the class heard from Murray Highway Superintendent Ed Morgan, who spoke about his role as a fire commissioner the past 32 years for the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire District. Murray Town Clerk Cindy Oliver and Dale Root, Shelby highway superintendent, also spoke on that panel.
Morgan said he worries on the declining numbers of volunteer firefighters and EMTs. He can see the communities needing to turn to paid or a partially paid crew in the future.
Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church also addressed the class on Thursday morning. At lunch, the group heard from Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone, Assistant Public Defender Dominic Saraceno and County Attorney Katherine Bogan.
The class then went on site visits to the Orleans County Administration Building, the Orleans County Public Safety Building, Holley gardens (former Holley High School) and Holley sewer treatment plant, Albion sewer plant, Orleans County Department of Public Works, and Town of Gaines Justice Court.
Pinky from Happy Days had many presidential qualities
With the upcoming Presidents’ Day and elections, I got thinking about My Pinky Tuscadero for President T-Shirt.
If you don’t know who she is then you are in serious need of a history lesson. Pinky Tuscadero came into our homes in 1976 as the object of Fonzie’s affection on Happy Days. For you doubters, stay with me on this one. She was a red-headed stunner with her pink scarf, little pale pink boots, white shorty shorts, cone bra and front tie crop shirt, working her signature finger snaps. She knew how to use her good looks for a 1950’s character. Her beauty, charm and boldness were no match for Fonzie.
There were many reasons her potential Presidency was a missed opportunity. When Fonzie lost his demolition derby partner, no one was brave enough to step in. Pinky suggested herself. Fonzie called her “silly.” He argued that a woman would not be appropriate, using the Presidency and Vice Presidency as examples of how power teams consisted of two men.
She held steadfast in her pursuit of being his partner and Fonzie eventually conceded. Pinky would be the first woman driver in the derby. She proved to be, as she put it, “born ready” for tough challenges. In her pursuit she was loyal, determined, and thrived in a team environment. She purposely took a hit meant for Fonzie to advance the team. When her car was broad sided by the competitors, the Malachi brothers, she was fearless as she crawled out onto the hood of the car during the demolition in a last ditch effort to fix her car. Yes, she fixed cars in that pink scarf!
Pinky was cool under pressure. She ended up getting hurt on the roof of that car, but excepted defeat graciously and offered Fonzie her pink scarf for good luck to bring the win home for the team. And he did. At the hospital the Malachi brothers extended an olive branch because they revered her, respected her, and admired her not just for her beauty but for her ability to be a “Boss Lady.”
You have to respect someone who will seize an opportunity like Pinky did to prove herself. It was her beauty that opened the door for her, but her confidence, brains and toughness that earned her the trust of her peers. As exhibited, Pinky embodied many noble Presidential traits.
In the end, Pinky rode off on her pink motorcycle with her crew the “Pinkettes” because she was a businesswoman. I really appreciate the way she looked after her “Pinkettes” paying them in pink checks :).
Google Season 4 episodes 1-3 of Happy Days to see Pinky pop wheelies and sign off with the phase “Think Pink.” As the Malachi brothers said to Fonzie, “May the sun never set upon you and your thumbs ride high.” Click on the link below to see Pinky’s photo in My Post.
View My Blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com Like and Share Your Comments on what fun TV character inspires you. Happy Perks to Everyone!
Truly,
Debbie Burgoon London
Your Sassy Small Town Missus from Albion
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2020 at 10:42 pm
Theo Irwin, Medina grad, wants to bring back more boxing events to Medina
Photos by Tom Rivers: Caleb Rivera is declared the winner in a bout against John Rondon. It was one of 11 sanctioned boxing matches by USA Boxing today at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina.
MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA hosted 11 boxing bouts today, which were sanctioned by USA Boxing. These are believed to the first sanctioned boxing matches in Medina since the 1950s.
Medina native Theo Irwin, 26, served as promoter of the event. He also runs a boxing gym in Rochester and had five of his fighters in the ring today.
Irwin started boxing when he was 6 and fought in 29 sanctioned matches. He has been a boxing coach the past three years. This Tuesday he will begin leading a non-contact boxing class at the YMCA in Medina on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. That class is open to people of all ages.
Ellison Rivera, in red, lands a punch against Cameron Overton.
About 200 people attended the boxing matches today, which was considered a good crowd, especially at a new venue. Irwin would like to have Medina host boxing again in the future, at least once annually. He said the local Y is ideally located between Rochester and Buffalo.
Irwin runs a construction business, framing houses during the day. He is at the gym almost every day at the Montgomery Neighborhood Center on Cady Street in Rochester.
Theo Irwin coached five of the boxers today. He wears a green robe in honor of his Irish heritage. He also served as promoter of the event today in Medina. He would like to make Medina a regular site for boxing matches in the Niagara Region. He said Medina is ideally located between Rochester and Buffalo. The Niagara District of USA Boxing extends from Syracuse to Jamestown.
Sharee Smith, right, eyes his opponent, Javon Taylor of Lockport.
Sharee Smith, 15, has been training with Irwin the past three months. Today’s was Smith’s fourth fight. He lost in a technical knockout to Lockport’s Javon Taylor, who was making his debut in a sanctioned boxing match.
After the bout Sharee said he was eager to get back in the ring. The 150-pound fighter wasn’t discouraged by the defeat.
He said boxing is a great way “to blow off steam.” He also plays football. He likes training with Irwin, one of seven or eight regulars in the gym.
“He’s positive,” Sharee said. “He’s a good role model.”
Boxing takes discipline, and self motivation.
Sharee knows the biggest key for a boxer: “You got to have heart and lot of people don’t have it,” he said.
Theo Irwin, right, checks on his boxer, 15-year-old Sharee Smith. Sharee took some tough punches in the first round. Irwin gave him positive feedback, and encouraged him to move around more in the ring.
Shares Smith and Javon Taylor battle in the ring. Jimmie Phelps is the referee. Taylor would win the bout in the third round in a technical knockout.
Theo Irwin checks on Sharee Smith after the second round. The boxers fought for two minutes and then had a one-minute break in between rounds.
Irwin’s father Mark was active with USA Boxing for about 20 years, including seven years as the chief official. Irwin, a former Medina village trustee, also boxed in his early 20s.
“It’s conditioning and discipline,” he said about the sport. “A lot of it is mental toughness because a lot of the training is solitary. You have to be disciplined. A non-disciplined isn’t going to last long.”
About 200 people watched the boxing today at the YMCA in Medina. This photo shows Javon Taylor of Lockport vs. Sharee Smith of Rochester. Jimmie Phelps is the referee.
Joe Taylor, 35, of Lockport trained two of the boxers who fought today, including his son, Javon, 14. Javon won in his debut.
Joe Taylor is a top-ranked kick boxer. He competes for the world title on March 21 at the King of the Cage United States Cruiserweight Championship. The match will be the main event at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Fall. His father, the late Johnnie Taylor of Medina and Lockport, was a professional boxer who fought at Madison Square Garden.
Taylor takes time to train kids who want to try boxing. He said the sport demands focus and discipline, and that can be transformative to the teens.
“It makes kids want to do the right thing and not the wrong thing,” he said. “The kids love it.”
After the matches ended, Theo Irwin takes apart the ring, which was originally used at the former Boston Garden and now is owned by a gym in Rochester.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2020 at 6:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion firefighters, including Fire Chief Harry Papponetti (front left), clean up broken glass and debris from the road at about 3 p.m. today after a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of West Countyhouse Road and Gaines Basin Road.
One person was injured in the accident and was taken by COVA Ambulance to Unity Hospital in Rochester. No other information is available.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 February 2020 at 11:22 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Local businessman George Bidleman, who has been elected president of United Way of Orleans County, discusses his plans for the organization. He is at Orleans Ford in Medina, one of several car dealerships in which he is involved.
MEDINA – George Bidleman is all business when it comes to his new position as president of the board of United Way of Orleans County.
Bidleman has long been a supporter of the local charity, and was a member of the board about 15 years ago. He sees a bright future for the organization, which funds a dozen agencies, organizations or programs in Orleans County.
These organizations include Hospice, ARC of Genesee/Orleans’ Camp Rainbow, the ARC’s Meals on Wheels, 4-H, Community Action, GLOW YMCA, 2-1-1 WNY, GCASA, Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, Christ Church Community Kitchen, Boy Scouts and Genesee/Orleans Ministry of Concern.
Those funded by United Way of Orleans County represent all walks of life – from youth to senior citizens; from those in end-of-life situations to those suffering from addiction; to those needing help with literacy to those receiving other assistance.
Bidleman gave credit to United Way’s Allocation Committee, which he says makes sure money donated goes to the right agencies to help the right people.
“The main reason I support United Way is because it is local,” Bidleman said. “All your money donated stays in the county, unless the donor specifies otherwise.”
His goal as president of the board is to create better awareness and increase local giving.
Bidleman praised United Way’s new director Dean Bellack.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Bidleman said.
After retiring from his company in the summer of 2019, Bellack was asked to join the board. He stepped right in and volunteered to take on the duties of executive director after Kaitlyn Delamarter announced she was leaving to take another position.
Bidleman is a successful businessman with an interest in several dealerships, including Orleans Ford in Medina, Bidleman Chevrolet in Albion and Molye Chevrolet in Honeoye Falls. He said he believes in giving back.
“I want to try and build on previous United Way campaigns,” he said.
He called the United Way board a “very diligent” one. The board members support local community events and projects; they moved their office to a very reasonable space in CRFS’ building; and Bellack offered to work at a minimal salary to keep costs low.
Bidleman wants the public to start looking for several thermometers which he plans to place at strategic locations around the area to keep people informed of the progress of our campaign.
He also urges local companies to consider holding a workplace campaign, if they haven’t already done so.
“I just want to remind everyone, United Way of Orleans County is the only place you can put your money where it all stays local,” Bidleman said.
He reminds donors it is very easy to donate by clicking on United Way’s website, or by simply sending a check to United Way of Orleans County, 231 East Ave., Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2020 at 8:50 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Ron Ayrault of Holley dances with his great-granddaughters – Kamryn and Kendall Peruzzini, and Emma Ayrault – during the 22nd annual Father-Daughter Dance on Friday at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion. About 250 people attended the event, which was organized by Harvest Christian Fellowship.
This group of girls has fun at the dance.
Brennan Blowers of Batavia dances with his daughter, Eleanora
The Rev. Tim Lindsay, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, dances with his granddaughter, Alexis Eckerd.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 15 February 2020 at 8:05 am
Isaac Hawkins survived inhumane conditions at Andersonville
The Battle of Olustee, Chromolithograph by Kurz & Allison
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 6, No. 7
February 20th marks the 156th anniversary of the Battle of Olustee, the only major battle fought in Florida during the American Civil War. The story of Isaac Hawkins represents a significant tale in the progression of the involvement of black soldiers in the Union Army during the Civil War.
The son of Richard and Caroline Hawkins, Isaac was born at Medina in 1843. As indicated by early census records, Richard was a grocer who was enumerated immediately before John Ryan, the pioneer stone mason who opened the first commercial sandstone quarry in Medina. An 1842 deed shows that Hawkins purchased a parcel of land from David Evans for the sum of $200 at the point where West Street crossed over the Erie Canal (lot 41). This lot would have sat near the current intersection of Glenwood and Ryan streets.
It is likely that Isaac was born on this site, working for his father as a young man before the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1863, the twenty-year-old Hawkins enlisted at Medina and was placed with the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the unit once under the command of Robert Gould Shaw. Shaw was killed at Ft. Wagner on July 18, 1863, months before Hawkins enlisted with the Union Army. However, Isaac was with the regiment for approximately two months when the unit engaged Confederate troops in Baker County, Florida at the Battle of Olustee on February 20, 1864 (the only major battle fought in Florida).
Isaac survived the battle, which claimed the lives of over 200 Union troops, but was captured and sent to Andersonville as a prisoner. The camp became infamous for its poor and inhumane treatment of white prisoners, who were given bread made from ground corn cobs, maggot-filled meat, and rotten vegetables. Blankets were scarce, tents were often non-existent, and men were forced to defecate in areas that contaminated drinking water.
One can imagine that the treatment of African American prisoners was far worse. In his pension documents, Hawkins noted that he received 250 lashes for forging a pass; he was stripped naked, forced to lie across a log, and whipped from head to foot. He was shackled and returned to work in the graveyard, where he was threatened with similar treatment if he stopped working for even a few moments. Following the war, this particular event was referenced by two witnesses in the trial of Henry Wirz. This testimony and the testimony of other prisoners resulted in Wirz’s sentence to death by hanging.
In addition to the whipping he received while at Andersonville, it was recorded that he had suffered a sabre wound to his arm and a gunshot wound to his arm and foot; the latter injury mangled his foot and required the use of a cane for the remainder of his life. His brother, Charles R. Hawkins, also enlisted in the Union Army in November of 1864 at the age of sixteen and removed to New Jersey following the war where he worked as a barber. His brother Walter relocated to Pennsylvania and worked the same profession. As for Isaac, he later removed to Washington, D.C. where he died on August 25, 1902; he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 February 2020 at 6:18 pm
The Orleans Economic Development Agency is eyeing a prevailing wage proposal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo with concern.
The governor wants prevailing wage to apply to private projects that cost $5 million or more, if the construction costs for those projects total 30 percent or more in public incentives.
The governor pushed for a prevailing wage component last year for some private projects that receive public funding, but the effort didn’t get through the State Legislature.
The governor has modified the proposal this year, setting a $5 million minimum for the projects. The governor is exempted projects that are affordable housing, rehabilitation of historic buildings and brownfield redevelopments.
The governor also wants to create an 11-member Public Subsidy Board with members appointed by the governor.
The Orleans EDA board of directors met this morning. Agency attorney Kevin Zanner expects the governor’s proposal isn’t final and will draw plenty of attention from legislators.
Unshackle Upstate and Associated Builders and Contractors are urging state legislators to reject the governor’s proposal.
“Expanding the state’s prevailing wage onto private projects would be a fatal blow to the Upstate economy,” said Michael Kracker, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “This costly mandate drives up construction costs, limits job growth and hurts efforts to revitalize the Upstate economy. Even worse, the Executive Budget proposal irresponsibly favors New York City development – imposing greater negative impact on areas outside the five boroughs, including Upstate New York.”
Unshackle Upstate also is worried about the proposal to create a Public Subsidy Board because the unelected group will have the power to alter minimum threshold percentages and minimum public funding thresholds. These and additional measures will ultimately give the Public Subsidy Board the power to modify the expanded mandate without legislative approval, Kracker said.
Brian Sampson, President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Empire State Chapter, spoke against the prevailing wage expansion during a joint legislative hearing on economic development in Albany.
“The proposal to create yet another arbitrary board that has lawmaking power is unacceptable and will lead to widespread unpredictability,” Sampson said. “We have consistently pointed out that the various flawed proposals to expand prevailing will dramatically increase construction costs and result in less construction and fewer jobs in particular for minority owners and workers alike. We need real solutions and predictability, not political gamesmanship.”
