By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2019 at 1:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature last week presented a special recognition award to Tibbs Ahlberg for 34 years of service on the Orleans County Planning Board, including 16 years as vice chairman.
Ahlberg has resigned from the board because he has moved out of Gaines and Orleans County to live in Spencerport.
Ahlberg was joined at the presentation by his wife, Kathy, the retired clerk of the Legislature. Ahlberg was presented a certificate and plaque by James Bensley (second from left), director of the Planning Department, and County Legislator Ken DeRoller.
Bensley said Ahlberg has been a dedicated Planning Board member who was influential in projects in Gaines, especially with the town’s comprehensive plan for land use.
“That’s what makes successful communities,” Bensley said. “It’s when you have long-time volunteers like him.”
Ahlberg served in an at-large position from central Orleans. The County Legislature has to approve his successor for the board.
The Legislature also presented a special recognition award to Jack Welch, the county’s personnel and self insurance director. Legislator John DeFilipps presented the award to Welch for completing the course requirements of the County Government Institute sponsored by The County Government Institute, an educational partnership of New York State Association of Counties and Cornell University.
“The Orleans County Legislature appreciates your commitment to continuing great leadership, integrity and accountability to our employees and to all others that you serve,” the award states.
County Legislator Don Allport presented a proclamation to Sheriff Randy Bower acknowledging Sept. 16-22 as Sheriff’s Week.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2019 at 11:06 am
File photo: An upcoming project in Holley will replace deteriorating sidewalks, including this one on Geddes Street.
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will soon be seeking bids from contractors to replace sidewalks and water lines in the village, a combined project that is estimated to cost about $4.5 million.
The village is accepting bids until 1 p.m. on Oct. 24 for the sidewalks and waterlines.
The village has been approved for a $1,780,000 federal TAP grant (Transportation Alternatives Program) to construct curbs and sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The grant will allow the village to replace about one-third of the sidewalks in the village.
That includes sidewalk along Rt. 237 – both north and south of Rt. 31 to the village limits (from the water tower to the elementary school), as well as both sides of Geddes Street, both sides of Perry Street, both sides of Morgan Street and the west side of East Avenue.
The TAP grant is an 80/20 federal matching program. Some of the village’s 20 percent ($455,000) could come from in-kind services from the Department of Public Works.
Holley also has bonds lined up to help cover the local share of the sidewalks and also the water improvements, which is a 60-40 grant.
Holley was awarded nearly $1.3 million from the state for upgrades to the water system through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, as well as the Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program.
The waterline project includes 5,800 linear feet, just over a mile, and involves replacing 4- to 8-inch water mains with 8- to 12-inch water mains.
That project includes portions of South Main (from the water tower to Batavia Street), South Main from Jackson Street to West Albion Street, water service transfers only along North Main from West Albion Street to the high school, the northerly side of Geddes Street from Van Buren Street to Public Square, along with connections to existing waterlines at ends and side streets.
The village is also seeking bids for alternates and could do more waterline and sidewalk work. Alternate 1 includes a waterline on the westerly side of Park Place from East Albion Street to Perry Street. Alternate 2 includes a waterline on the southerly and westerly sides of East Union Street from North Main to Perry streets.
Alternate 3 includes sidewalk replacement on both sides of Park Place. Alternate 4 includes sidewalk replacement along both sides of East Union Street.
The projects are being bid together with one contractor to tackle both the waterlines and then the sidewalks.
Brian Sorochty, Holley mayor, said he expects the Village Board will award the bids for the contract in early November with construction starting soon after. The contractor has one year to get all of the work done.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 October 2019 at 8:22 am
ALBION – The Village Board voted Friday to pursue funding from the state’s “Charge Ready NY” program to add four charging ports for electric vehicles in the downtown.
The village is seeking state funding for one charging station with two ports at the Main Street parking lot, just north of the Presbyterian Church, and another charging station with two ports across from the Village Hall in the parking lot on East Bank Street.
The state is offering incentives up to $4,000 per port or $8,000 for a dual station. Albion will be seeking $16,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. NYSERDA set aside $5 million to encourage electric charging stations across the state. There is currently $1.5 million remaining in that fund. (Click here for more information.)
The Albion Betterment Committee has encouraged the village to add the charging stations. The ABC believes the stations will be a draw for the downtown for people with electric vehicles. The ABC expects to see the electric vehicles become more popular in the coming years.
The $16,000 allowed for the four ports is expected to cover the costs of the charging stations, wiring, meters, and charging units. The village will need to bid the project out.
There is an additional annual cost of $250 for each of the four ports for software costs or $1,000 annually.
The village needs to commit to keeping the charging stations for at least five years as part of the application, said Gary Katsanis, the deputy mayor.
Albion may also partner with National Grid in hosting events promoting charging stations. That could include “Ride and Drive” events where electric car manufacturers bring in vehicles for people to do test drives.
“It seems like a good project to bring attention to the downtown,” Katsanis said about the charging stations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 September 2019 at 5:32 pm
Either swans, eagles or hawks will be painted flying over canal
Courtesy of Hoag Library: This design by artist Stacey Kirby Steward shows swans flying over the Erie Canal.
This design features a hawk over the local landscape.
ALBION – Hoag Library wants to hear from the public on the best avian creature to feature in a mural in the main meeting room.
An anonymous donor is covering the cost to have artist Stacey Kirby Steward paint the mural. It will feature either swans, hawks or eagles flying over the Erie Canal.
Hoag Library welcomes the public to vote for a design. Voting must be done in person at the library until Monday, Oct. 7.
The mural will be above the kitchenette in the Curtis Meeting Room. This is the second art project at the library by Kirby Steward, an Albion native who lives in Spencerport. She designed the stained-glass window with swans.
Last year, she finished a 24-foot-long mural of Santa Claus in a sleigh over downtown Albion. She also painted murals inside the lyceum for the Catholic Church in Albion.
She has done several large-scale public art projects between Middleport and Greece, often with themes about the Erie Canal.
Once the voting results are tallied, the library’s board of trustees will consider the next steps in the process.
Kirby Steward also proposed a design with eagles up high over the local canal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 September 2019 at 3:52 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: Chris Collins speaks during the Orleans County Republican Rally in October 2018.
Chris Collins is out as the area’s congressman. He has submitted a letter of resignation from Congress today, with the letter going to Nancy Pelosi, House speaker, and also to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Collins is resigning a day before a change-of-plea hearing in an ongoing federal insider trading case.
Collins is accused of tipping off friends and family that the stock for Innate Immunotherapeutics, a pharmaceutical company, was about to take a steep dive. Collins was on Innate’s board and was a major investor in the Australian firm. He was indicted in August 2018.
He managed to hold off Nate McMurray, a Democrat, in a close re-election fight last November in the heavily Republican district. Collins was first elected to Congress in November 2012.
He leaves more than a year remaining on the current two-year term. Gov. Cuomo will decide whether there will be a special election or if the position will be unfilled for more than a year.
Collins was arrested along his son Cameron, and Stephen Zarsky, the father of Cameron’s fiancé. They were charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count each of making false statements to the FBI.
Collins has been stripped of his committee posts in the House since not long after the indictment. He remained active in the eight-county district in the past year, attending many Eagle Scout ceremonies, Republican rallies and picnics, and other community events.
Collins has been a strong advocate for Donald Trump and was the first member of Congress to endorse Trump’s candidacy.
Nate McMurray, who is running again for Congress, issued this statement:
“The real victims of Collins’ crimes are the people of his district that he repeatedly lied to about his guilt. Collins and Republican party insiders robbed his constituents of the representation they need on important issues like the rising cost of healthcare, the opioid epidemic, and the fight for good paying jobs. They all failed us, so I’m going to keep talking about the critical issues Western New Yorkers face every day, because that’s what public service should be about, working to make other people’s lives just a little bit better.”
State Sen. Rob Ortt also is running for Congress as a Republican. He issued this statement:
“It is vital that we continue to have a strong, conservative voice representing the residents of New York’s 27th Congressional District and elect a candidate who will defend President Trump’s agenda. I am the only candidate in this race who has proven that they are willing to do both. It is time that we send a battle-tested patriot to Washington who will stand up for our district, stand up to the Party of Impeachment, and push back against the radical socialists running our nation’s Democrat Party.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 September 2019 at 12:29 pm
MEDINA – The PLAY/GROUND art show at the former Medina High School attracted 4,100 people from Friday through Sunday, more than double the attendance during the event’s debut last year.
The immersive art experience included works by 34 artists, who encouraged people to interact with the pieces.
Talis Equity and the Hungerford family worked to put on the show with Resource: Art in Buffalo. The school is currently mostly vacant and will be turned into apartments. Right now Talis and the Hungerford family are working to redevelop Bent’s Opera House.
The preview party on Friday was sold out with 750 people, many coming by shuttle from the Hotel Henry in Buffalo.
“There is excitement in the air,” said Medina artist Tom Zangerle, who attended the show on Saturday afternoon. “This is just fantastic.”
In “Newton’s Clock,” artist Michael Bosworth used the elements of a pinball machine to create a series of interactive works.
Amanda Besl set up “Persphone,” an ethereal forgotten greenhouse at the bottom of the stairs. “Are the contents languishing within or bursting to escape their confines?” participants were asked.
In “Rolling Thunder,” by Tom Holt and Quincy Koczka, skateboarding ramps were painted and turned into artwork.
Sara Di Donato painted life-size images of girls from different eras for “If These Walls Could Talk.” The installation was in a bathroom. Di Donato, a painting and drawing professor at Brockport State College, wanted to show “the performance of girlhood in the present is a reverberating echo of the past, yet constantly fluid and changing.”
Kari Achatz made “Betwixt,” patterned passageways and shadows. She wanted participants “to be seen and unseen at the same moment.”
“Into the Void” was a popular installation, with many people posting images of the space on social media. William Quintana and Christa Trautman made a set of six telescoping, brightly colored boxes to replace the traditional four walls. “The bright hues are meant to entice users to explore the space further and immerse themselves in the unknown well of color.”
People check out “Medina Green,” by artist Nate Hodge of Brockport, in a former locker room in the school.
The art show included a Medina artist, Kathryn Granchelli. She created a Zen garden-like installation. She filled the room with sand and paper-clay sculptures. She said the exhibit was inspired by her travels in the deserts. She runs a nanny referral agency for families in New York City, Los Angeles and abroad. She is also is an accomplished artist.
Granchelli welcomed the chance to be part of PLAY/GROUND in her hometown.
“I really think it’s great for Medina to experience something outside the norm,” she said.
Ani Hoover created the “Shade Garden” in a stairwell. She made the display out of plastic bags, thrifted lampshades and lighting hardware. She sought to take neglected materials and transform them into “an unconventional oasis of light and shadow.”
Julian Montague expanded on the murals in the hallways he started last year.
People check out “Safe Space,” created with cardboard and white plaster by Rich Tomasello with help from 150 students at Kenmore, Town of Tonawanda and Starpoint schools. The installation addresses the anxieties of growing up in American schools where lockdrown drills are commonplace.
Marquis Burton and Tara Sasiadek’s “Wave and Shore” installation was popular. The artists encouraged participants to pause and take in fresh sensations.
Carina and the Six String Preacher perform in the auditorium at the school on Saturday afternoon. Musicians performed in the space over the weekend.
Provided photo: Medina school officials celebrate receiving funds for a new scholarship. Pictured from left include: Ed Grabowski, attorney for the estate of Mariann R. Holcomb; Arlene Pawlaczyk, Board of Education president; and Mark Kruzynski, superintendent of Medina Central School.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina High School will begin to give out a new scholarship this year in honor of a former teacher.
Ed Grabowski, attorney for the estate of Mariann R. Holcomb, presented a check at the Medina Central School District’s Board of Education meeting on Sept. 26 in the amount of $35,274.86. The new scholarship will be given in Mrs. Holcomb’s name.
Mariann R. Davies-Holcomb, a former business teacher at Medina High School, passed away on January 17, 2018. Mrs. Holcomb taught Keyboarding, Business Communications, Personal Typing, Business Math, Office Practice, Recordkeeping, Introduction to Occupations, Business Law and Business Dynamics from 1974 until her retirement in 1997.
As part of her estate, she left money to fund a scholarship to be awarded annually to a deserving Medina business student who is graduating and going to college.
The Medina Central School District is honored and appreciative of this generous gift.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 September 2019 at 10:57 am
Meeting on Oct. 17 about project that will close bridge in 2022-2023 for major repairs
Photo by Tom Rivers: Cyclists are pictured on July 8 by the Main Street lift bridge as part of the annual Cycle the Erie Canal trip.
ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge in Albion is slated for $15 million in repairs and construction work beginning in 2022, with the project keeping the bridge closed for 18 months until 2023.
The state Department of Transportation will discuss the project during a public information meeting on Oct. 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
The bridge was originally built in 1914. It typically closes a few days each year for short-term repairs. It is one of 16 lift bridges on the Erie Canal, and one of seven in Orleans County.
The DOT said the work includes installing high-strength galvanized steel to replace the steel floor system and select truss members.
Updates will also be made to the mechanical and electrical components of the lifting mechanisms. The lift tower will also be rehabilitated.
In addition, the bridge railing and guide rail on the bridge approaches will be improved and bridge will be repainted.
The DOT will have the project done the same time contractors work on the lift bridge on Route 19 in Brockport.
“Due to the unique work required, there are cost savings associated with combining lift bridge rehabilitations,” the DOT said in an advisory.
The DOT anticipates the design for the Albion bridge will be completed in June 2021, with construction expected in 2022 and 2023.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 September 2019 at 10:22 am
The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will recognize veterans who served during periods not previously considered “wartime.”
According to information provided by Jon Pera of Holley, a member of Jewell Buckman American Legion Post 529 and Orleans County Commander, the Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act (LEGION Act), opens the doors for millions of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they had previously not been eligible.
“I feel this is a long time coming, but well worth the wait,” Pera said. “We have two veterans in our post now who were ineligible for the American Legion before this change. The Legion has not changed its constitution or bylaws to warrant this. We were and still are a ‘war time veterans’ organization.’ These veterans made a commitment to put their life on the line for our country and way of life, just as we all did. A fact which not many know is, we lost 1,600 active duty personnel who, at the time, were ineligible for the American Legion. With the legislature acknowledging that we have been at war since Dec. 7, 1941, those vets will finally receive their just recognition.”
National Commander Brett P. Reistad said in a press release, “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing millions of honorable, but previously inelibible, veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans’ organization in the country.”
The gaps in the war eras were largely during the Cold War, a time when threats to the United States national security were real, especially to the men and women serving in uniform, the press release added. Overall, about 1,600 U.S. service members were killed or wounded in hostile operations during periods that were not previously recognized as time of war by the federal government.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing to do and it is long overdue,” Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”
Reistad pointed out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated, but can still be used. He recommends prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write “LEGION Act” in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications, if they fall outside the previous war eras.
The larger pool of veterans now eligible for the American Legion will also open the door for their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary.
Anyone with questions on eligibility in the American Legion may contact Pera at (585) 755-8658 or Post 529 at (585) 638-8869.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 September 2019 at 8:35 am
Several upcoming vaccination clinics planned in Orleans
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cindy Perry meets with Paul Pettit, director of the Orleans County Health Department to discuss their corroboration with Healthy Orleans Network to provide flu shots to everyone. A campaign called “Say Boo to Flu” is being sponsored by Orleans Community Health, Orleans County YMCA, Orleans County Health Department, Oak Orchard Health, Rotary and Middleport Family Health Center.
No one in the field of health in Orleans County can forget the tragic death of 4-year-old Leon Sidari on Christmas Day in 2017 from the flu.
Leon was the son of Albion natives Dr. Laura Sidari and her husband Dr. Tony Sidari. Leon’s memory is being honored by a special program called “Say Boo to Flu” to ensure everyone has a flu shot.
Say Boo to Flu is being sponsored by Orleans Community Health in partnership with Orleans County YMCA, Orleans County Health Department, Oak Orchard Health, Rotary and Middleport Family Health Center, each of whom will host a flu clinic, beginning Oct. 9.
Last year, Orleans Community Health had one site and more than 60 people showed up, said Cindy Perry, director of education, outreach and marketing at Community Partners.
“This year, we are offering flu shots in every town with a school district,” Perry said.
Participating agencies are part of the Healthy Orleans Network, and include Orleans Community Health, Orleans County Health Department, Oak Orchard Health, Albion School, Orleans YMCA, Orleans County Mental Health, Community Action, Lyndonville Library, Hoag Library, Lee Whedon Library, GCASA, Orleans County Office for the Aging, County Legislator Lynne Johnson, Orleans Community Health’s Albion Health Center and Economic Development. Their goals are to improve the status of the community’s health, promote access to quality health care service and eliminate health care disparities.
Flu shots will be administered by Orleans County Health Department from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Holley Elementary School; from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Lyndonville Elementary School; and from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Kendall Elementary School. Individuals of all ages will be given a flu shot.
On Oct. 14, shots will be given to all ages from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Orleans Community Health’s Albion walk-in clinic.
For the first time, Middleport Family Health Center is participating and will give shots to ages 3 and older from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Oak Orchard Health, 301 West Ave., in Albion.
The final flu clinic will be Nov. 5 at Hoag Library, where Orleans County Health Department will give shots from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is encouraged to “Vote and Vax.”
“I’m excited we’ve got more participants and more sites,” Perry said. “With different days and different times, we hope to make it easy as we can for people to get their flu shots.”
She said there are so many inaccuracies being spread about flu shots, and information will be provided at all sites. There will also be games for kids with small prizes, such as free band-aids, snacks and stickers.
Perry said Leon’s parents are very supportive of the initiative. Leon loved snowmen, she said, which is why snowmen were the theme for last year’s Breakfast with Santa at the hospital.
She also said they are excited about the name for the program, which was a suggestion of Jessica Capurso, who works with Perry.
“One little girl whose mom had our flyer on her refrigerator got so excited about saying ‘Say boo to the flu,’” Perry said.
Pettit said the collaboration of these local agencies really shows a willingness to come together to address health issues of their community. The benefits of collaboration include reducing or eliminating duplication of services, sharing important data and creating grant funding opportunities.
“The general philosophy is we don’t need to be competitors and we need each other,” he said. “Having every agency come together shows a desire to protect our citizens.”
Those with insurance should bring their insurance card to the clinic.
Leon Sidari and his parents were living in San Antonio in 2017. Leon was very healthy and started showing flu symptoms on Dec. 23. Within 48 hours he died despite the efforts of a medical team at the hospital. Leon had been vaccinated for the flu in prior years and was due for a flu shot soon after Christmas. He died from the strain of the virus called H3N2.
His parents are both medical doctors. They both earned licenses as medical doctors with Laura working as a psychiatrist and Tony as a rheumatologist. They are both in the Air Force.
They have become very outspoken in urging people to get flu vaccinations.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 September 2019 at 7:45 am
Antique trucks and cars will also be featured on Saturday
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The late Lee Roberts looks at one wall of the antique tractors in his collection, taken at his house in 2006. A toy show Saturday at Medina High School is being held in Roberts’ honor. Roberts, a Medina graduate, had an extensive collection of farm toys.
MEDINA – The late Lee Roberts was a busy local farmer, but he also made time to play.
Roberts, whose memory will be honored by the Medina FFA with a toy show on Saturday at Medina High School, was also an avid collector of farm toys and tractors. A room in his house was devoted entirely to his collection.
Saturday’s event, planned by Medina FFA adviser Todd Eick, will include vendors, displays and more.
The day will begin with a pancake breakfast in the high school cafeteria from 7 to 11 a.m. The cost of $5 will include admission to the toy show, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Without breakfast, admission to the toy show is $3.
Other events of the day include a free antique truck and tractor show in the high school parking lot, along with a Medina Canal Village Farm Market sample tent from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tickets will be available for a basket raffle and drawing for a John Deere Fire Truck pedal car provided by the Medina FFA and FFA Alumni. Tickets on the pedal car are $5 and anyone who buys a ticket and brings the stub to the toy show will received $1 off admission. The pedal car is brand new and comes with the original box and a custom made display case. Drawings will take place at 2 p.m.
Also free will be a National Alpaca Days tour at FFA’s model farm on the southwest corner of the school grounds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2019 at 10:03 pm
Big crowd turns out for dedication ceremony at Community Park
KENDALL – The Kendall community dedicated the new war memorial at the community park today, a project that was spearheaded by four Boy Scouts.
The four scouts – Jayden Pieniaszek, Noah Rath, Brian Shaw and Ryan Barrett – join local veterans for a group photo this afternoon at the new Kendall War Memorial, which the Scouts worked on together for their Eagle Scout community service project.
The Scouts first presented the plan to the Kendall Board of Education about a year ago. The plan quickly gained momentum in the community and was complete within in a year of that initial meeting.
Patriot Guard Riders salute while the American flag is raised by the memorial wall.
The 39-foot-long brick wall features granite plaques highlighting the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror. Alternating the granite plaques are concrete medallions representing the five branches of the military.
Three flag poles stand tall behind the brick wall. The center American flag pole is 35 feet high, with two 30-foot flag poles representing the State of New York and Orleans County standing on either side. The memorial is respectfully lit from dusk to dawn.
Black granite engraved bricks border the memorial sidewalk in honor of veterans who are currently serving, who have served, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, or in appreciation of all veterans. Those bricks were sold for $100 each.
The centerpiece of the memorial is a black granite stone that previously stood in front of the Kendall Town Hall and was dedicated to Kendall residents who have served.
Scouts and community members stand and salute while the Honor Guard carries the American flag near the beginning of the dedication ceremony for the war memorial today. About 500 people attended the dedication.
Barb Flow, a member of the Kendall Town Board, takes a photo of three of the bricks along the walkway. Her family bought memorial bricks for her late father, Albert Haseley who served in World War II; her son, Sgt. Vincent Flow IV of the Army, who was deployed in 2008 to Afghanistan; and her late father-in-law, Vincent James Flow Jr., who served in World War II.
Flow said she likes how the brick line the edge of the walkway so people shouldn’t be stepping on the names of the soldiers.
The Honor Guard walks down the walkway, which is lined with bricks. The soldiers include from left: Malcolm Misere, Brian Kizer and Luke Rath. Luke is the older brother of Noah Rath, one of the scout’s who spearheaded the project.
The Scouts thank the community for supporting the project. The Scouts include, from left: Jayden Pieniaszek, Noah Rath, Brian Shaw and Ryan Barrett.
Today was a big day for Boy Scout Troop 94. The troop worked with the Town of Kendall, local businesses and other community members to create the Kendall War Memorial, a 4-phase Eagle Project honoring the armed forces of the United States.
The memorial is part of the Kendall Community Park on Kendall Road, across from the Kendall Elementary School.
The war memorial project is a joint effort by four Boy Scouts: Ryan Barrett, Jayden Pieniazek, Noah Rath and Brian Shaw, each working to become an Eagle Scout. Barrett, a freshman at Nazareth College, has earned Scout’s highest rank while the three others are getting close.
State Sen. Robert Ortt joins Kendall Scoutmaster Ken Spohr in a salute while the flags were raised.
A marker on the brick wall commemorates the efforts of the four Boy Scouts.
Ryan Barrett led the first phase, which included putting in the foundation for the wall, a stone memorial and three flag poles. Two of the poles are 30 feet high and one for the American flag is 35 feet.
Jayden Pieniaszek led the second phase which includes construction of the brick wall, which is 39 feet long, 3 ½ feet wide and 4 feet tall.
Noah Rath headed up phase three which includes the medallions for each five branches of military. Rath also had the electricity set up so the memorial and sidewalk can be lighted up at night.
Brian Shaw coordinated phase four which includes final grading and planting of cedar trees behind the memorial, which provides a buffer for the neighbors and also enhances the site. Shaw also led the work for the plaques on the memorial for the different wars where Kendall soldiers served.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, speaks during the dedication ceremony. He paid for the flag pole that carries the New York State flag. He did that in memory of his father, the late R. Stephen Hawley who served in World War II.
The Kendall Lions Club and the VFW Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina also paid for flag poles. The VFW paid for the pole in honor of Duke Sevenski.
Assemblyman Hawley praised the teamwork by the Scouts in creating the memorial.
Hawley said he has led 12 Patriot Trips to take local veterans and their families to memorial in Washington, D.C. and the Gettysburg. About 1,500 people have attended those trips, which were originally the idea of the Mike Paduchak, a Kendall resident and WWII veteran.
Now local residents can come to the new Kendall War Memorial to reflect on the service of veterans.
Lori Cyr leads the Kendall Community Band, which played several patriotic songs for the dedication.
The Kendall High School group, Vocal Effect, also performed and sang, “Anthem.”
The four Scouts remove the cover on a bench by the memorial. The bench includes a quote by Joseph Campbell: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
The Scouts raise an American flag and a flag of Prisons of War and soldiers Missing In Action. About 20 members of the Patriot Guard Riders attended the dedication. They salute while the flags are raised.
Wilma Lemcke, a Kendall graduate, leads the group in singing, “God Bless America.”
Tony Cammarata, the Kendall town supervisor, said the war memorial is a great addition for the community.
“This memorial is dedicated to service members from all walks of life,” Cammarata said. “But they shared several fundamental qualities. They possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity — all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one’s self.”
“This remarkable memorial would not be possible without these four Eagle Scouts. Because of them we can, from today and going forward, have a lasting tribute to all those who have served. From the soldiers that shivered and starved through the winter at Valley Forge to the doughboys crouched in the muddy trenches of France to the platoon who patrolled the hazy jungles of Vietnam and the young man or woman patrolling the mountains of Afghanistan, we remember and never forget them.”
Cammarata thanked the Scouts for their vision with the project and seeing it to completion.
“Our gathering today is the beginning of one small spark that ignites a flame of pride, for the people of Kendall and across our great country.”
Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson presented certificates of commendation to the scouts.
She quoted the late U.S. President Gerald Ford, who an Eagle Scout. “The three great principles which Scouting provides – self-discipline, teamwork, and moral and patriotic values – are the basic building blocks of leadership,” Ford said. “I applaud the Scouting program for continuing to emphasize them.”
Joette Knapp, retired Kendall town historian, checks the memorial bricks, which include one in honor of her late husband, Yorke Knapp, who served in World War II.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 September 2019 at 9:38 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart will host Medina/Lyndonville Wednesday in a key battle for the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer lead. Here Medina/Lyndonville’s AJ Seefeldt and Roy-Hart’s Clayton Keyes battle for control of the ball during the two teams earlier season meeting at Vets Park.
First place atop the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer standings will be on the line as Medina/Lyndonville visits Roy-Hart at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gasport to highlight the upcoming week’s area high school sports schedule.
Medina/Lyndonville is currently at 6-1 and Roy-Hart 5-1 in the tight N-O title chase with Newfane close behind at 5-2. The Rams handed the Mustangs their only league loss to date by a 3-1 margin in their earlier meeting at Vets Park.
In a key N-O girls soccer game, front-running Akron (6-1) will visit Wilson (5-2) on Tuesday.
In N-O field hockey, Roy-Hart (4-2) visits Medina (3-3-1) at 7 p.m. Tuesday as the Lady Rams look to stay in the title chase.
In Genesee Region League boys soccer, Holley (4-2-1) visits rival Kendall (3-2-2) at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
On the gridiron, Albion (3-0, 4-0) will host Olean (1-0, 2-2) at 7 p.m. Friday for Homecoming as the Purple Eagles look to lockup the B3 Division title.
Also at 7 p.m. Friday, Medina/Lyndonville/Barker (1-2, 1-3) will host front-running Maritime/Health sciences (2-0, 3-0) in a B3 Division contest.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Soccer: Albion at Wheatland-Chili, Kendall at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Notre Dame at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Lyndonville/Medina, 7 p.m. Field Hockey: Roy-Hart at Kenmore, 6:30 p.m. Volleyball: Notre Dame at Albion, Akron at Wilson, 6:30 p.m. Golf: Akron at Barker, Roy-Hart at Medina, 4 p.m.
Tuesday Girls Soccer: Albion at Newfane, Akron at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; Barker at Roy-Hart, Byron-Bergen at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Newfane at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Kenmore at Wilson, 5 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina ,7 p.m. Volleyball: Kenmore at Notre Dame, Holley at Alexander, Pembroke at Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m. Cross-Country: Kendall at Avon, Holley at Cal-Mum, 4:30 p.m.; Newfane at Barker, Albion at Wilson, Akron at Medina, 5 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Soccer: Akron at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; Medina/Lyndonville at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Albion, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, Attica at Holley, 6:30 p.m. Volleyball: Albion at Akron, Wilson at Roy-Hart, Medina at Newfane, 6 p.m.
Thursday Girls Soccer: Wilson at Albion, Akron at Barker, Roy-Hart at Newfane, Wheatland-Chili vs. Lyndonville/Medina at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.; Pembroke at Kendall, 6:30 p.m. Field Hockey: Wilson at Barker, Medina at Newfane, Akron at Kenmore, Buffalo Seminary at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m. Volleyball: Newfane at Albion, 6 p.m.; Holley at Kendall, Lyndonville at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. Golf: N-O All-League Tournament at Willowbrook
Friday Football: Olean at Albion, 7 p.m.; Maritime/Health Sciences at Medina/Lyndonville/Barker, 7:30 p.m. Boys Soccer: Holley at Kendall, 6:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Oakfield-Alabama/Elba at Holley, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball: Medina at Roy-Hart ,6 p.m.; Kendall at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Football: Holley at CG Finney, 4 p.m. Boys Soccer: O’Hara vs. Medina/Lyndonville at Lyndonville, 12 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Albion ,5 p.m. Girls Soccer: Wilson vs. Lyndonville/Medina at Lyndonville, 10 a.m.; Roy-Hart at Albion, 7 p.m. Volleyball: Kendall at Cal-Mum, 11:30 a.m.; Attica at Lyndonville, 2:30 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 September 2019 at 9:04 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Olivia Miller, an Albion High School student, portrays the wife of C. Royce Sawyer, a 30-year member of the Dye Hose Company (Albion Fire Department).
As fire chief, he worked to have the entire company motorized. Albion was the 2nd department in the state to become motorized, after New York City. He was also the county treasurer and was commissioned during World War I, and served as the finance officer of Camp Sheridan in Alabama.
Albion High School students portrayed 16 people at the cemetery in 11th annual Ghost Walk. After heavy rain in late afternoon, the downpour stopped just in time for the Ghost Walk. There were 56 students involved in the event, with others serving as guides, in the tech crew, and with singing along the route.
The event is coordinated by Susan Starkweather Miller, and teacher Gary Simboli and Mike Thaine. Many of the attendees have attended all of the Ghost Walks at the cemetery.
Ashleigh Mowatt portrays Mary Signor, wife of Isaac Signor, who served as district attorney and judge in Orleans County. He also wrote the book, Landmarks of Orleans County, which remains an importance resource for historians. He helped establish the Swan Library and taught immigrant quarry workers to read and write. Albion Central School continues to give out an annual Signor Prize to recognize students for their rhetorical work.
Jeffrey Brown is David Jones of Kendall, who developed the very popular “Delusion” mouse trap, which topped 2 million sales in 1878. Jeffrey is holding a Delusion mouse trap on loan by retired County Historian Bill Lattin.
Zoe Cusson is the wife of Sidney Eddy who was in the ambulance corps during World War I. He was stationed in France and was an ambulance driver, putting himself and his Model T in danger as he transported the wounded from the front lines to hospital.
Emily Mergler portrays Anna Dann Mason who was Susan B. Anthony’s housekeeper and personal secretary. Mergler is wearing the sash, “Votes for Women,” that was popular with suffragettes.
Mason was married in Anthony’s parlor and the famous women’s rights leader was her maid of honor. Mason’s husband, Gilbert Mason, lived in Albion. Mason was a new person to be featured on the Ghost Walk.
Other new characters included George Bullard (played by Ryan Krenning), a former NYS Assemblyman who donated 24 acres of land to the Village of Albion it what is known as Bullard Park; and Hank Porter (portrayed by McKenzie Olmstead), an Albion graduate, worked for Walt Disney and created illustrations for the full length film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
Porter also updated the image of Donald Duck, was responsible for the “Disney” design, and sketched numerous emblems and insignias for all military branches to be used on war planes, tanks, and ships. It built comradery and identity with the troops.
Molly Wadhams portrays Emma Hunt who was working as a housekeeper when she was murdered in 1894 by William Lake, a farmhand who confessed to the crime. He was the seventh person to executed by the electric chair at Auburn State Prison. Zachary Kilner portrayed Sheriff John Rice, who put together a posse to apprehend Lake, who was on the lam.
Olivia Morrison plays Sarah Harling, who took in Robert Capstick, a down and out Civil War soldier. He gave her his prized possession, a George Washington button, for taking him in and nursing him back to health when he was so destitute. Harling holds the actual button, which was on loan from Bill Lattin, the retired county historian.
Emma Tower is Alice Wilson who was killed by her husband in 1887, who was having an affair with a much younger woman. George Wilson was the only man executed in Orleans County. He was hanged outside the courthouse in 1888.
Chase Froman portrays Charles Howard, who opened a Santa Claus School in 1937 and ran it until his death in 1966. Howard also opened Christmas Park which included many attractions and a toy shop. He was the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa and a consultant on the movie, Miracle on 34th Street.
Gina Fox plays the mother of Charles Nelson Brown, a professional baseball player who suffered from severe depression. Fox, in her role as Brown’s mother, regrets her son took his own life in 1910.
Myleigh Miller portrayed Virginia Sheret, and told the story of brothers James, Andrew and Eugene Sheret as their Company F broke through the Hindenberg Line. Two of her brothers paid the ultimate price for their efforts. The Legion Post in Albion is named for them.
Sophia Zambito highlighted the Barnum brothers – Eugene and William – and their service in WWII. She portrayed their gold star mother, Florence.
Casey Starkweather portrayed Emma Ingersoll who donated the water fountain and bench to Mount Albion Cemetery.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 September 2019 at 1:15 pm
MEDINA – In 2016, the Orleans Renaissance Group reached out to famed Irish tenor Ronan Tynan to see if he would be interested in performing at St. Mary’s Church in Medina.
He was not only interested then, and performed to a sold-out audience at St. Mary’s Church, but reached out to ORG again about returning this year.
“He genuinely enjoyed his experience in Medina,” said Chris Busch, president of ORG. “Of course we said ‘yes’ to his return. Since we saw him last, he sang at the bedside and funeral of President George H.W. Bush.”
Tynan will again appear at St. Mary’s Church at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
Ronan Tynan performed to a sold-out crowd of 650 at St. Mary’s on Sept. 17, 2016.
In a telephone interview this week, Tynan said he was impressed with Medina and looking forward to his return.
“It is a quaint town,” he said.
Tynan is no stranger to Western New York, he said. He used to sing for the Buffalo Sabres when Tom Golisano was owner.
Although he has sung for presidents at their funeral and inauguration; decorated veterans; at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall and the Washington National Cathedral; and across the National Mall and for popes at the Vatican, Tynan still prides himself on singing music which appeals to audiences of all ages.
His previous appearance at St. Mary’s Church was one of the most incredible events Busch said he has ever witnessed, certainly in Medina.
“He has an amazing presence,” Busch said. “Never have I seen an audience so thrilled and so moved.”
Tynan credits his amazing life to having wonderful parents.
“They always supported and encouraged me,” he said.
Born on a farm in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Tynan was born with lower leg deformities. Despite this, his parents never let his disability stand in his way. He attended an all-boys school and vigorously competed in athletic activities. A motorcycle accident at the age of 21 resulted in both his legs being amputated below the knee. Out of this tragedy came triumph, as Tynan went on to compete as a double amputee and win 18 gold medals and set 14 world records in the Paralympics Games from 1981 to 1984.
Then, Tynan decided to study medicine and became a medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports medicine. By the time he pondered singing, his life was already one of incredible accomplishment. He was 30 years old in 1993 and in his fifth year of medical school when he began to study voice.
By 1998 he had established himself as an award-winning tenor and joined Irish tenors Anthony Kearns and Finbar Wright. They went on to legendary fame across the globe. He left the group after six years and began his now legendary solo career.
In addition to thrilling sold-out audiences with his incredible voice, Tynan is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the United States.
“We have amassed a very credible track record with serious artists over the years, including some world-class artists, such as Anonymous 4 and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra,” Busch said. “We’ve also hosted the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, Genesee Chorale (whose director is Ric Jones of Medina), Fredonia Trombone Choir, BPO Brass, Greycliffe String Quartet and Buffalo Tango Orkestra. We’re quite proud of the talent we’ve brought to Medina, and apparently, Dr. Tynan felt we were credible, as well.”
The 2016 concert by Tynan was an idea of Timothy Cooper, local funeral director, whose Irish family heritage and love of Ireland are well known in Medina.
“Tim travels there often, and once wondered aloud to me if ORG thought Tynan might entertain at an event here,” Busch said. “So we reached out and he accepted. Tim was thrilled when he learned the great tenor had said yes, and generously helped sponsor the event.”
“I always remember my parents talking about Bill McGrath, a Medina native who became a great tenor,” Cooper said. “It left an impression. It’s not often you have talent like that in Medina. Ronan’s is an amazing story, how he became disabled yet went on to become a doctor.”
Busch said Tynan would be a hit anywhere he performs.
“But think about it – to have one of the world’s great tenors perform in the soaring beauty of St. Mary’s Church, an old Irish parish,” Busch said. “How could an event such as that be anything else but an epic, world-class event. To have our small town and parish host a voice, not once, but twice, which has performed for popes and presidents is quite remarkable and an endorsement to our little village. Not since the heyday of Bent’s Opera House has talent of such international renown come to Medina.
Tickets are available online at www.medinaalive.com, or at the door if not sold out.
