By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 July 2019 at 6:02 pm
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green stands by the leader board at the conclusion of her final round at the Junior PGA championship this afternoon at Hartford, Connecticut.
An up and down even par final round of 70 today has earned Medina’s Melanie Green a tie for sixth place at the 44th Girls Junior PGA Championship held at Keney Park Golf Course at Hartford, Connecticut.
Three birdies offset three bogeys on the day for Green who finished with a four day total of 8 under par 272 six shots behind tourney champion Yuka Saso of the Philippines who finished with a 266.
Green did pull into second place just a shot off the lead at 9 under at the halfway point of today’s round after making birdies on the second and sixth holes which more than offset a bogey at No. 8.
However she could get no closer as the combination of bogeys at the 11th and 16th holes combined with a strong finishes by Saso (4 birdies on the back 9), runner-up Jensen Castle from W. Columbia, South Carolins (4 birdies) and third place finisher Amari Avery from Riverside, California (3 birdies, 1 eagle) prevented her from cracking the top five.
Saso finished with a winning total of 266, Castle 268 and Avery 269 as two players tied for fourth at 271 and Green finished tied with Megha Ganne from Holmdel, New Jersey for sixth place at 272.
Green also opened the tournament with an even par round of 70 but the vaulted into title contention with back-to-back four under par rounds of 66 on the second and third days of competition to go 8 under par.
Green, who successfully defended her Section VI and state high school championships this spring, qualified for the national championship by winning the Western New York Junior PGA title for the second year in a row.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2019 at 1:49 pm
Y also has received Wilson Foundation grants for Canal Club, Girl Strong programs
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County YMCA is in the former Medina Armory on Pearl Street.
MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA has been approved for a $51,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to transform the sidewalks by the Y with art.
The funding was announced on Wednesday by KaBOOM! and the Built to Play initiative, which are supported by the Wilson Foundation. The Play Everywhere Challenge awarded a total of $1 million for 22 projects across Western New York and Southeast Michigan.
The Y will hire artists to create 3-dimensional looking designs on the sidewalks with a military theme. Greg Reed, the Y director, would like to see designs to resemble obstacle courses at a boot camp, which could include a balance beam, tire run and pit jump.
There will be a public meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for the community to provide input on the sidewalk art.
Reed said about 30 children wait on the Y sidewalks for the school bus during the school year. The sidewalk art will give them and other in the community engaging designs for an obstacle course.
Some of the designs could also include hopscotch and other games.
He would also like some artwork on the crosswalks by the Y. He will be reaching out the village for a permit for the project, which he hopes will be completed in the fall.
Professional artists will create the designs and the community will be part of painting the designs.
This is the latest grant from the Wilson Foundation for the Y. The organization received a $25,000 grant to establish the Canal Club for year-round programming with the canal. That started with a kayaking program this summer that already includes two classes. The Y will also run a biking program in the spring and fall, and snowshoeing in the winter. The grant paid for equipment for those programs.
Last year, the foundation approved $20,000 annually over four years for a “Girls Strong” program with a focus on character development, strength training and nutrition.
ALBION – In the month of June, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department 911 Dispatch Center processed 2,544 police incidents, including 1,041 events for Sheriff’s Road Patrol, 216 for the New York State Police and 1,287 calls for the village police agencies of Lyndonville, Medina, Albion and Holley. There were 539 Fire/EMS related calls dispatched countywide with 400 of those calls emergency medical in nature and 3 drug overdoses.
Road patrol deputies handled 51 automobile accidents, including 15 with injury, and 32 car-deer collisions. Road patrol also made 106 service attempts and successfully served 55 subpoenas, civil or court papers.
The Sheriff’s Animal Control Division handled 148 incidents including 51 stray dogs, 6 animal bite complaints, 9 neighbor dog problems and several other miscellaneous animal calls. In addition, 14 animals were taken in to shelter on voluntary surrenders.
The Orleans County Jail processed in 115 inmates and handled 39 prisoner transports.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 July 2019 at 8:42 am
Gary Simboli on Tuesday was recognized with the Uplinger Award by Albion Lions Club President Ron Albertson in recognition of Simboli’s career leading school musicals and directing the high school chorus and choirs. Simboli and his students also perform at many community events. The Uplinger Award is given for distinguished community service.
ALBION – An Albion teacher who has directed nearly 70 musicals at the high school the past 35 years will be the headline performer in six shows this summer at the Cabaret at Studio B.
Gary Simboli will be performing a show featuring music from many of the musicals, as well as some funny anecdotes from leading the shows.
Six bus tours have already signed up for the matinee shows that are scheduled for July 24, Aug. 6, Aug. 7, Aug. 13, Aug. 27 and Aug. 29, with a 1:15 start time for the first five, and the time to be determined for the last show.
Simboli has accompanied many of his students and other musicians in the community. This time he will be the main attraction through his show, “Musicals and Mischief.”
“There will be stories and songs from specific shows,” Simboli said. “I hope they will find it funny.”
Amy Sidari, owner of the Cabaret at Studio B, said Simboli is a gifted performer in his own right. He has performed with Marcy Downey, who has a longstanding relationship with bus tour companies. She urged Simboli to develop his own show and vouched for him with the bus tour companies.
The first six groups will be coming from the Rochester area. There will be seats at the Cabaret for community members, too.
“Not only will these people love Gary, they will love Albion, too,” Sidari said. “I really see Albion on an upswing.”
She expects the people on the bus tours to visit the downtown, which has seen several new businesses open in the past two years.
Sidari opened the Cabaret at Studio B in her dance studio six years ago, with Marcy Downey the first performer on July 28, 2013. Sidari routinely sells out shows with a capacity of 80 seats.
She features local musicians, some top high school performers and increasingly out-of-town professionals such as jazz singer Erin Boheme (returning on Aug. 24-25) and Dakota Horvath, a jazz singer from Chicago (performing Oct. 19 in Albion).
Kailey Winans, 28, performed last week at the Cabaret at Studio B. Winans is an Albion native who now lives in New York City.
Albion native Kailey Winans kicked off the summer season at the Cabaret last Friday with her show, “Dare to Dare … Happily Ever After.”
Winans, 28, performs in New York City at the Don’t Tell Momma cabaret. Her full-time job is as a nursery school teacher at Rockefeller University.
She graduated from Albion in 2008 and credited Simboli for developing her passion for music.
“I’ve learned pretty much everything I have about being a performer from him,” she said. “He would do everything he could for his kids. He is very selfless.”
Simboli accompanied Winans during her show last week and sang a duet with her, “It’s Now or Never.”
Ace Caldwell, the father of Amy Sidari, works on improvements to new studio space at Gotta Dance by Miss Amy.
Sidari is working to upgrade a third studio room at 28 West Bank St., where she has had her dance studio for 22 years. That new room will be multipurpose for dance, a “green room” for the performers to get ready, and also can be space for pop-up shops.
Her grand plan is to renovate the top floor of her building for the cabaret, which would expand the seating from the current 80 to at least 125.
Simboli is planning to retire as a teacher in the three years. He would like to perform at the expanded cabaret and cook for people as part of the event space. The new cabaret would lend itself to bus tours, and would be a draw to downtown Albion.
The next show at the Cabaret is this evening and features Crandall, Wood and Main. The show calendar then includes Enoch Martin, a 2019 Albion graduate, on July 19. Kerri Lynn Slominski, a Kendall graduate, will do an operatic show on July 27.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include: Gary Skoog, Oak Orchard Health Board Chairman; Dr. Nancy Ciavarri, OOH Chief Medical Officer; Congressman Joseph Morelle; Mary Ann Pettibon, OOH CEO; Kathy Williams, OOH Board member; Dr. James Goetz, OOH Pediatrician; and Stacie Bridge, OOH Director of Operations.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
BROCKPORT – Congressman Joseph Morelle visited the Oak Orchard Health facility in Brockport last week. During the visit the Congressman listened to concerns regarding funding for health centers and the difficultly of recruiting providers to work in the rural communities that Oak Orchard Health serves.
The congressman was pleased and excited to hear about Oak Orchard Health’s new Behavioral Health collaboration with The College at Brockport and Brockport School District recognizing the need for early intervention for mental health issues in adolescents. He also learned about the Alternative Pain Management program at The Wellness Center at Oak Orchard Health in Albion, which is slated to open this fall.
Congressman Morelle spoke about the many initiatives that he is involved in at the national level while keeping his ties to Monroe County and the constituents that he serves by participating on local committees. He recognized Oak Orchard Health for its work and impact it has on the surrounding rural communities.
Oak Orchard Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center non-profit organization that has five locations – Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport, Warsaw and Hornell as well as a mobile dental unit. OOH strives to improve community wellness and provide the best possible care to their patients.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 July 2019 at 5:05 pm
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green tees off at the 16th hole this afternoon at the Junior PGA championship being held at Hartford, Connecticut.
Continuing to soar up the leader board, Medina’s Melanie Green shot her second straight four under par round of 66 this afternoon to move up into fourth place at the 44th Girls Junior PGA Championship being held at the Keney Park Golf Course at Hartford, Connecticut.
Green, whose round today included an eagle, three birdies and only one bogey, now has a three day total of 8 under par 202 and is four shots off the pace heading into Friday’s final round.
“She is playing very well and we are so proud of her,” said her mother Melissa Green.
The tourney leader is Rose Zhang from Irvine, California who has a 12 under par total score of 198. She is followed by Yuka Saso from the Phillipines who is 11 under at 199 after making birdie on each of the last three holes and Jensen Castle from West Columbia, South Carolina who is 9 under and a 201 total after birdies on the last two holes.
Green shot a 33 on the front nine today with a birdie on the ninth hole. She matched that with another 33 on the back nine which included a birdie on the 10th hole an eagle on the 12th and a bogey on the 13th.
The tourney concludes with another 18 hole round on Friday.
Green, who successfully defended her Section VI and state high school championships this spring, qualified for the national championship by winning the Western New York Junior PGA title for the second year in a row.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2019 at 3:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Contractors are busy this summer with a capital project at the Lyndonville school district, including an expanded parking lot with a separate drop-off from the bus loop.
Lyndonville had a ground-breaking ceremony on Jan. 2 for the $10.7 million capital project. The work was approved by voters, 106-19, on Feb. 13, 2017.
Lyndonville has already completed two components of the project, with a section of a new roof put on in 2017 and new LED lights put in the gym.
This year contractors have been creating two classrooms above the library in the elementary section of the school. In addition to the two new classrooms, there will be mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.
The pavement has been pulled out in front of the school with a new surface coming later this summer.
Other work to be done includes:
• Air-conditioning in 95 percent of the school campus
• A revamped and upgraded kitchen, serving and dining area
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2019 at 2:26 pm
Provided photo: Jeff Qamoos, a high school math teacher at Lyndonville, is congratulated by Jason Smith, the district superintendent, when Qamoos was named Educator of the Year last month.
LYNDONVILLE – A Lyndonville math teacher who has utilized technology in the classroom and helped students connect coursework to real life has been named the district’s Educator of the Year.
Jeff Qamoos was recognized during last month’s Board of Education meeting.
“He is incredibly innovative,” said Dr. Aaron Slack, the middle-high school principal. “He utilizes coding and basic programming to illustrate algebraic concepts to students.”
Qamoos also leads robotics and STEM learning projects at school. He has been a leader in using computers in the classroom and helps other teachers with the digital conversion, Slack said.
Qamoos has a hands-on approach to working with students and helps them make practical connections with math, so it doesn’t just feel like abstract concepts, Slack said.
“He really engages leaners with math,” Slack said.
Qamoos uses Google Classroom and Khan Academy as online tools to engage and educate students, Slack said.
Qamoos currently is working for the district in a summer enrichment program for sixth through eighth grade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2019 at 11:22 am
ALBION – The Albion Village Board was asked on Wednesday to name the new amphitheater at Bullard Park in honor of Brennan Moody, an Albion High School senior who was killed in a car accident on June 18, 10 days before he was to graduate.
Moody, 17, was heavily involved in the school’s music program, performing with the band and chorus, and starring in the musicals.
Thom Jennings wrote a letter to the editor that was posted July 1 on the Orleans Hub. That letter has received lots of support in the community, with more than 3,000 people backing an online petition to name the amphitheater for Moody.
Jennings attended Wednesday’s Village Board with Jack Burris and Zack Burgess. They offered to help the board with making the amphitheater as a memorial for Moody. Jennings said they could help plan a dedication service that would be a celebration of Moody’s life.
Mayor Eileen Banker said she wants to first speak with Brennan’s parents, Erin and Rhiannon Moody, to see how they would feel about the amphitheater being named for their son.
“I want to make sure they are completely comfortable with whatever we decide to do,” she said.
Bullard Park will be under construction much of this summer with the new amphitheater, a splash park, a pavilion and utility building with bathrooms all being built.
The amphitheater is behind the playground and faces a softball field on the west side of the park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2019 at 10:38 am
LYNDONVILLE – The school district this morning appointed Sharon Smith, the Kendall Elementary School principal, to serve as Lyndonville’s director of instruction and student services.
Smith was approved in a four-year contract that begins Aug. 12. She fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Anne Marie Holland, who was the district’s director of special programs, pupil personnel services, student support services and staff development.
The position has been modified with a bigger focus on curriculum, said Jason Smith, the district superintendent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2019 at 10:15 am
2 board members who supported Dillenbeck say they will help new AD, James Zeliff
Photos by Tom Rivers: A supporter for Lee Dillenbeck, Lyndonville’s athletic director the past 18 years, displays a sign in favor of him continuing in the role this morning outside the school. The Board of Education voted 5-2 to appoint James Zeliff to the role.
LYNDONVILLE – The board of education in a 5-2 vote this morning appointed James Zeliff to be the district’s new athletic director.
The appointment follows an uproar in the community with many people, including teachers and coaches, wanting Lee Dillenbeck to continue in the position. Dillenbeck was the athletic director for 18 years.
Zeliff will continue in his role as dean of students for the district. His part-time role as AD comes with a $3,000 stipend. He also is allowed two periods a day to work in the position.
“I think Jimmy is a wonderful person,” said board member Vern Fonda. “I think he can do the job. But if the recommendation is not for Lee, I can’t support it.”
Fonda and Steve Vann both didn’t vote for Zeliff, stating their support for Dillenbeck to stay in the position.
However, Fonda and Vann said they will back Zeliff now that he has been appointed and will try to help him succeed in the position.
Many of the Lyndonville coaches stated at a board meeting on July 1 they wanted Dillenbeck to stay. Fonda urged them to keep coaching and work with the Lyndonville student athletes.
“Let’s please not microscope and micromanage him,” Fonda said about Zeliff. “He’s going to need all the help we can give him.”
Zeliff has a Master of Science in Education, with a major in Physical Education and a major track of Athletic Administration from Brockport College. Additionally, he has coached volleyball, football, wrestling and track at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels in Lyndonville and other districts. Zeliff has previous management/leadership experience at the Iroquois Job Corps.
About 75 people attended the meeting today that started at 7 a.m. in the school library. Many were angry when the vote passed for Zeliff, with Dillenbeck ousted from the position.
Residents wanted to hear reasons from board members for why Dillenbeck wasn’t reappointed, despite Jason Smith, the district superintendent, twice stated his support for Dillenbeck at a June 10 meeting and then on July 1.
About 75 people attended the 7 a.m. meeting in the school library.
Smith has interviewed Zeliff and the superintendent recommended him to the board before today’s meeting.
“Mr. Zeliff demonstrates the commitment, passion, knowledge and enthusiasm to be successful at this position,” Smith said in a statement. “We look forward to working with him moving forward in providing our students with exceptional and well-rounded athletic experiences, including both shared and district-based programs.”
Audience members continued to press for answers on why Dillenbeck didn’t have the support of the board.
Sue Hrovat, a board member who backed Zeliff, said Dillenbeck didn’t show enough backing for merged sports programs with Medina.
That drew an angry response from the crowd, with many saying Dillenbeck has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining that partnership with Medina.
Hrovat said Lyndonville has a declining student population and the merged programs with Medina is the best option for Lyndonville to maintain programs.
There was a push by some community to no longer have a merged boys varsity soccer with Medina. The board ultimately decided to keep the merged program and is now doing four-year commitments instead of looking at the shared sports each year with Medina.
“We are losing people in droves,” Hrovat said. “We need a vision for the future. I respect Lee. He is a good man. He did not buy into the merger.”
Vern Fonda, a DEC conservation officer, speaks by video conference this morning. He wanted Dillenbeck to stay as athletic director but said he would support James Zeliff in the position. Board of Education members Kristin Nicholson and Harold Suhr voted for Zeliff.
Board President Ted Lewis several times had to insist on order from the crowd this morning, which shouted angry responses.
Vann, one of the two board members who favored keeping Dillenbeck, faulted the board for how it communicating its displeasure with Dillenbeck. Vann said Dillenbeck was meeting the expectations set out by the superintendent and board for the athletic program.
But Vann said the majority of the board believes Zeliff is a better candidate for the position.
“I don’t feel that way,” Vann said in support of Dillenbeck.
Vann offered that Zeliff “is a great guy” and Vann will now give him his “full support.”
Fonda said the board didn’t follow the “correct path” for picking a new athletic director. Fonda said if there was unhappiness with Dillenbeck, the board should have given him a chance to address it. Fonda said the district also should have planned for a mentor to help Zeliff adjust to the new role with the district.
Fonda also urged the community to now rally around Zeliff in the position.
“Jimmy is enthusiastic. He is selfless,” Fonda said. “I feel terrible for Jimmy now. He is going to be under a magnifying glass. It is not fair to him.”
Lewis, the board president, issued a statement in support of Zeliff as athletic director.
“We are excited to work with James to continue expanding athletic opportunities for Lyndonville students including supporting our merged programs,” Lewis said. “We have confidence that James will help improve athletic performance of our teams and help to further develop our coaches.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2019 at 6:04 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Marcus Coville, left, accepts a citation from Village Trustee Peter Sidari on Wednesday in honor of Coville’s father, the late Steven Coville, who volunteered for 40 years at Sandstone Park, where Sidari played Little League baseball. Last month, the field was named in honor of Coville.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board presented a ctation on Wednesday in honor of the late Steven Coville Sr., who volunteered for 40 years at Sandstone Park as a coach and groundskeeper.
The park is not owned by the village. A non-profit corporation oversees the baseball field on East State Street. Coville coached the team for 22 years and then served as groundskeeper and ran the concession stand.
Coville passed away at age 76 on Jan. 17. He loved helping the Little League team on East State Street.
The park’s leaders on June 22 named the field in honor of Steven Coville. A new sign with his name and picture was unveiled at the backstop for the field.
Sandstone Park is one of the original teams from when the Albion Midget League started in 1956.
Coville led the team from 1979 to 2001. He would also mow the expansive lawn and work on the field at Sandstone. He ran the concessions to raise money for the team to buy baseballs and other equipment.
“He impacted hundreds of youths,” Sidari said on Wednesday in presenting the citation to Coville’s son.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2019 at 4:29 pm
ALBION – Three members of the high school clay target shooting team in Albion will be competing in the national competition on Saturday in Michigan.
Patrick Brien, Alex Rustay and Shane Hastings will be among 1,800 participants in the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in Mason, Michigan.
They will compete in the individuals competition on Saturday. To advance to the finals on Sunday, they need to shoot at least 94 out of 100 targets on Saturday, said Jeff Atwell, one of the Albion coaches.
At the state competition, Brien hit 94 out of 100 and Rustay shot 96 out of 100. Those two just graduated from Albion, which fielded a clay shooting team for the first time this spring. That team finished ninth in the state out of 65 teams in the state competition.
“I think it will grow in popularity,” Atwell said about the program. “It’s a good program overall. It teaches them safety and responsibility.”
Holley also has a team and had six qualify for nationals – Brad Kingdollar, Ethan Waldron, Noah St. John, Evan Press, Jake Silpoch and Kyle Surowy.
The team isn’t making the trip to Michigan this year but expects to be back in 2020, said Troy Kingdollar, one of the coaches.
Press Release, Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments want your kids to be lead free this summer! As many of us know, lead is a metal that can harm children and adults when it gets into their bodies.
Lead can be found in dust, air, water, soil, and in some products used in and around our homes. Although anyone can develop lead poisoning, unborn babies and children under the age of 6 are at greatest risk for health problems due to lead poisoning. Children with high lead levels in their blood can develop learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity and impaired hearing, as well as damage to other vital organs within the body, such as the kidneys and stomach. Below are some tips on how to be lead-aware this summer to keep our kids healthy and strong!
When beginning renovations and repairs around the home
If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties, explains why renovating older homes can cause lead poisoning if not completed properly.
“Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create unsafe lead dust and chips,” she said. “The most common way to get lead in the body is from dust. The key to protecting yourself and your family during a renovation, repair or painting job is to use lead-safe work practices including containing dust inside the work area, using dust-minimizing work methods, and conducting a careful cleanup.”
Safe work practices that Balduf encouraged include:
• Remove all furnishings and rugs before beginning your project. The work area should be sealed with plastic and taped down to keep the lead dust in. Cover air vents and turn off heaters and air conditioning systems during renovation and remodeling.
• When beginning the renovation it is important to have the proper protective equipment on hand. It is best to wear a properly fitted respirator with special lead HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, as well as coveralls, goggles and gloves.
• Consider using special paints called encapsulants that seal the lead paint to the surface so it will not chip off.
• Use low dust practices by spraying water on surfaces before sanding or scraping.
• Vacuum any lead dust with a HEPA vacuum. Floors should be wet mopped with a removable mop head and then HEPA vacuumed. When finished, the mop head should be disposed or washed separately.
• Keep all non-workers, especially children, pregnant women, and pets outside of the work area until cleanup is completed.
• After the project site has been completely cleaned, throw away your protective gear or wash it separately.
When playing outside
Soil around homes built before 1978 may contain paint chips or lead dust from old paint that has cracked, blistered or peeled from areas on the outside of the home. Homes located near busy roads can also have elevated lead in the soil due to leaded gasoline fumes. Lead contaminated soil may get stuck under fingernails or on toys that children put in their mouths. Contaminated soil can also enter homes from shoes exposed to lead contaminated soil. When children spend time outside, it is important to:
• Wash child’s hands after outdoor play and before outdoor meals/snacks.
• Avoid playing in bare soil.
• Avoid playing under porches.
• Move play areas away from old buildings and roads.
• Fill a new sandbox with clean sand.
• Wash toys that have been outdoors.
Gardeners should also be aware of lead contaminated soil, especially when growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. Plants usually do not absorb lead, but lead particles can settle on produce and herbs grown in lead contaminated soil. After gardening, always wash your hands and face. Thoroughly wash any produce before storing and eating. If possible, plant gardens away from roads and old buildings. You may also plant produce in pots or raised beds using new soil and compost.
Healthy foods to prevent lead poisoning
A well-balanced diet is very important for preventing lead poisoning. Avoid meals that are high in fats and oils because they can help the body absorb lead. Children with empty stomachs absorb more lead than children with full stomachs. Serve foods that are a good source of calcium, iron and vitamin C. These foods can help your child’s body absorb less lead.
• Calcium keeps your bones strong and the lead out. Calcium-rich foods include: Milk and milk products, such as yogurt and cheese; Green leafy vegetables, including kale and turnip, mustard and collard greens; Calcium-fortified foods, such as orange juice, soy milk and tofu; and canned salmon and sardines.
• Iron also blocks lead from being absorbed. Iron-rich foods include: Lean red meats; iron-fortified cereal, bread and pasta; dried fruit, such as raisins and prunes; and beans and lentils.
• Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron better, but also may help with getting rid of lead. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit; other fruits such as kiwi, strawberries and melon; tomatoes; potatoes and peppers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2019 at 1:06 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: This plaque at Hoag Library in Albion shows Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife, Courtenay. The couple has given $800,000 to the public library in Albion.
ALBION – Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife Courtenay have donated another $100,000 to the Hoag Library, bringing their total contributions to $800,000.
A check for $100,000 arrived at the library on July 5, addressed to Kevin Doherty, the board president. Doherty then drove the check to Warsaw to the library’s bank, Steuben Trust Company.
“It’s stunning,” Doherty said today about the donations from the Hoags. “Their original gift was stunning. The fact that they continue to do it is unbelievably generous.”
The Hoags initially gave $25,000 in the capital campaign for the new library. They gave another $225,000, bringing it to $250,000 for the naming rights to the building that opened in July 2012.
In July 2015, they sent another $100,000 check and then another $100,000 arrived on April 14, 2017. Last year they sent a check for $250,000.
The Hoags have never requested a photo opportunity or press release.
Their latest donation was noted in the agenda for this evening’s board meeting for the library.
The library has used continued donations to reduce the mortgage for the building. The mortgage started at $2.1 million and is now down to about $390,000 with the latest donation from the Hoags. That has drastically sped up the timetable for paying off the mortgage.
The Hoag Library opened in July 2012 on South Main Street in Albion.
Maurice Hoag has strong personal ties to the Albion area where he graduated from Albion High School in 1961 as valedictorian, as well as class president. He continued his education at Cornell where he earned a degree in chemical engineering and met his wife, Courtenay.
The couple currently lives in the Baltimore area. Maurice has maintained a relationship with Albion and Cornell classmates from the Albion area. The Hoags return to Albion yearly in August for an annual class picnic.
The couple also pays for generous scholarships for Albion college students pursuing engineering. They are funding two $12,500 scholarships that were approved last month for Class of 2019 graduates Zachary Moore and Jessy Cruz.
