This aerial map shows the former Bernzomatic facility on the east side of Medina.

MEDINA – A report about contamination at the former Bernzomatic site in Medina recommends cleanup of the property.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is reviewing the Remedial Investigation Report for the former Bernzomatic. The report was submitted by Irwin Industrial Tool Company, c/o Newell Brands Inc., which used to operate a manufacturing plant at the site.

The report lists the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface soils; metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater; Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in sub-slab vapor; and metals in sediment.

The DEC said the data indicates that past manufacturing operations at the site appear to have resulted in the release of VOCs, metals, and PAHs. All impacts are contained on-site with the greatest concentrations found in the former machining area, according to the DEC.

The DEC will complete its review, make any necessary revisions and, if appropriate, approve the investigation report, the agency said.

Irwin Industrial Tool may then develop a cleanup plan, called a “Remedial Work Plan.” This plan describes how contamination will be addressed, with the DEC and the state Department of Health overseeing the work. The DEC will present the draft cleanup plan to the public for its review and comment during a 45-day comment period.

The DEC will keep the public informed throughout the investigation and cleanup of the site, the agency said.

The site is located at 1 Bernzomatic Drive in the Village of Medina. The property includes two connected buildings, approximately 160,000 square feet in size, paved parking lots, and a man-made pond on the southwest corner of the site.

The western building consisted of assembly, packaging, and warehouse/storage. The eastern building was used for machining, parts washing, and materials storage. Industrial use at the site began in approximately 1915 and included canneries, food processing, machining and manufacturing. The site was recently purchased and the proposed reuse is for warehousing and manufacturing.

Photo from GCC: Dennis Austin receives his prize from Jessica Olin, director of the Alfred C. O’Connell Library at GCC.

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – Economics major at Genesee Community College, Dennis Austin, was announced as the winner of GCC’s Frederick Douglass Essay Contest.

Students were asked to prepare a 600-word essay addressing either a social injustice in today’s world or selecting anyone in the world to partner with to address a social injustice. In his essay, “Bridging the Gap: Ending Police Brutality,” Austin describes how the Slave Patrols enacted in 1704 and the Fugitive Slave Act passed by Congress in 1850, which both served to enforce slavery, have manifested the fears and prejudices underlying ongoing instances of police brutality against African-Americans today.

Austin discusses “early intervention and independent investigations” as critical components to resolving these centuries-old injustices. “I do believe that one day we will no longer be seen as pariahs by Law Enforcement in this country, but until that day arrives, I will work diligently in making sure that I and others, continue to confront and pushback against the systemic racism in our criminal justice system,” writes Austin. “This, like many other initiatives, is more than my life’s work. It is the continuation of a movement borne by Frederick Douglass, who fought to ensure that African-Americans could one day find themselves no longer chained.” Austin’s full essay is available on GCC’s Alfred C. O’Connell Library website by clicking here.

For his winning essay, Austin received a copy of “Frederick Douglass: A Life in Documents.” Austin plans to submit his essay for consideration in GCC’s 2019 Scholars Symposium in April.

The essay contest was held in conjunction with a larger Frederick Douglass Project at GCC which included guest lecturer and Douglass Scholar, David A. Anderson, Ph.D. from Nazareth College of Rochester, a traveling library exhibit from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and culminated with a live performance of Frederick Douglass by published author and impressionist, Nathan M. Richardson.

For his hard work and well-written essay, Austin has earned his place in GCC’s Recognition Matters series which highlights the accomplishments of the College’s faculty, staff and students. Officials at GCC have embraced this series as a way to acknowledge not only the achievement, but the high quality of the recognized individuals who demonstrate GCC’s “beyond expectations” brand.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Marsha Cook, left, receives an award as an outstanding 4-H leader from Kristina Gabalski, 4-H program leader. The meeting was held at the new Lures Restaurant & Bar at the Bald Eagle Marina on South Lakeland Beach Road.

KENDALL – The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County held its annual meeting on Tuesday night and honored many supporters of the agency.

John Curtin was named “Friend of the Extension” for donating 4.5 acres of woodlots by the fairgrounds near Wood Road. The Extension may use the wooded area for a nature trail, outdoor camping and perhaps other uses,” said Robert Batt, the Extension executive director.

Having the land creates many possibilities for the agency, Batt said.

The Extension also named Brett Ross a “Friend of the Master gardeners.” Ross grows thousands of day lilies on East Shelby Road near the Millville hamlet in Shelby. He donates many varieties of day lilies to the Master Gardeners’ plant sale in September, said Katie Oakes, the Master Gardener coordinator. Ross and Curtin were unable to attend the annual meeting on Tuesday.

There are 15 master gardeners who led about 300 people in classes and workshops the past year. The master gardeners were also at numerous community events.

The 4-H program named an outstanding 4-H leader. Marsha Cook of Albion has been the leader of the Super Kids Club the past five years. She has been helping in 4-H for more than decade. Her son Brandon, 18, is aging out of 4-H but daughter Hollee, 7, will be involved for several more years.

“It’s good the kids,” Cook said about 4-H. “There’s more to life than textbook learning.”

She likes the hands-on projects through 4-H. Cook is an active fair volunteer, including in the weeks leading up to the fair helping to make sure the grounds are in tip-top shape, said Kristina Gabalski, the 4-H program coordinator.

“Marsha is always ready to step up and help wherever she might be needed in the 4-H program, including help with the annual holiday workshops in advance of the Holiday Fair,” Gabalski said.

Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, thanks supporters of the agency. He also led a trivia contest at the annual meeting.

Several 4-H leaders marked milestone anniversaries of service this year, including: Kayla Sucy and Marsha Cook for five years; Merri Mathes for 10 years; Barb Kurzowski for 20 years; and Sara Johnson for 30 years.

“Their guidance, care and dedication have helped shape so many young lives,” Gabalski said about the 4-H leaders. “There would be no way to provide 4-H programming to the youth of Orleans County without them.”

There are 454 youth, ages 5 to 19, enrolled in the 4-H program, with 89 leaders and volunteers.

The 4-H’ers had more than 3,000 exhibits at the Orleans County 4-H Fair, which was attended by over 24,500 people during the fourth week of July.

There are now three schools – Kendall, Medina and Lyndonville – with afterschool 4-H clubs.

The Extension also elected five people as members of the board of directors.

• Ben Flansburg is president and co-owner of BCA Ag Technologies, a precision farming company that specializes in GPS and precision control of agriculture equipment. He also is active with the Barre Volunteer Fire Company.

• Jose Iniguez is a fruit grower and co-owner of Fish Creek Orchards in Waterport.

• Christopher Oakes of Medina is the production manager for LynOaken Farms in Lyndonville.

• Joseph Sidonio of Holley is a Marine veteran and self-employed n the mining and quarrying industry. His daughter Amelia is active in the 4-H Rabbit Raisers and the Senior Council.

• Zach Welker of Medina breeds, shows and markets registered Holstein genetics in addition to helping as Sk Herefords, where his wife Alana is a partner. Welker is a co-leader and barn superintendent of the beef/dairy club, and a board member for the Animal Welfare/Market Auction Committee as well as the Fair Committee.

Three board members who are finishing their terms and leaving the board were commended for their service. They include Kathy Harling, Patrick Woolworth and Tim Kirby.

Agency pushes to get out final loans before March 31 deadline

New York State is closing the revolving loan funds administered by local development corporations, including one through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The economic development agencies throughout the state have until March 31 to approve funding through the accounts.

The Orleans EDA has approved many loans for small businesses the past 17 years since the fund was created. The state first approved $320,000 for the Orleans EDA to loan to small businesses in 2001.

Jim Whipple, the EDA chief executive officer, said the agency has a great record of repayment. The loans are offered at 75 percent of the lowest prime rate. They go to new small businesses that would typically have a hard time getting financing from a bank.

“We’re hoping the state comes up with another of doing these,” Whipple said today. “Ours has been very successful. It is very helpful to start-up businesses.”

The EDA would only makes loans available to business owners who completed a Microenterprise Assistance Program that offers advice and expertise for running a small business. About 500 people have completed MAP the past 20 years.

Three recent graduates have the local OK for loans through the revolving loan fund. That includes $35,000 for Heather Collella, who operates DC hauling; $40,000 to Richard T. Gallo Sr., who operates Gallo’s Hauling; and $15,000 for Bonnie Heck, owner of Herbalty Cottage in Medina.

Those loans were approved by the County Legislature last week and need state approval for a final OK.

The County Legislature last week agreed to have the county administer the fund’s repayments and income in the future.

Whipple said additional loans may be approved before March 31.

He is optimistic the program will return through the Orleans EDA.

“We’re going to be out of the loan business, but we will be back,” Whipple said. “I guarantee it.”

Community choir, going 20 years strong in Middleport, has Christmas concert on Friday

MIDDLEPORT – Ric Jones thinks he has the best of both worlds.

He gets to work in his chosen field of music publishing. And he gets to do it in his home town.

Jones is a 1990 graduate of Medina High School, where his love of music was nourished as a member of the school choruses, band and as drum major of the Mustang Marching Band.

He attended Ithaca College, receiving master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music.

Provided photo: Ric Jones of Medina is director of the Middleport Community Choir, Genesee Chorale and Brighton Symphony Orchestra.

“I was looking at teaching music, but was always intrigued by the field of music publishing,” Jones said. “I am very fortunate it is now my day job.”

Jones married the former Karen D’Amico of Albion/Medina, who teaches high school English at Medina High School. They have three boys, all of whom are musically inclined. The oldest, Nicholas, is already pursuing a music career as a sound technician in New York City. Ryder and Rivers both play trumpet in the band and are in chorus.

Jones has written music for more than 200 composers around the world.

“The age of the internet has helped further businesses like mine,” he said.

He has also written works for Daniel Baldwin, a highly recognized composer in the world of collegiate music, and Gary Gazlay of Florida, who has won numerous awards as a band composer.

His career also includes being named director of the Genesee Chorale in Batavia and the Brighton Symphony Orchestra. He is also organist at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medina and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville.

In 2003, another opportunity was opened to Jones when he joined the Middleport Community Choir as a singer.

“I had been looking for a place to sing, and was a member for one season, when their director Mark Christensen decided to step down,” Jones said. “They asked me if I would become director.”

Until that time, the choir focused solely on sacred songs, but Jones would soon change that.

They still do sacred music, but have expanded to do Broadway tunes, cantatas and old favorites.

They are also developed a relationship with a bell choir from Germany, with whom they exchange visits every several years.

Their members come from Medina, Lyndonville, Middleport, Gasport and Akron. Legislator Bill Eick and his wife Pat of Medina are among the choir’s original members.

Jones said community choirs are becoming more and more rare, although there are still a few in the Lockport and Buffalo areas.

“Like community bands and orchestras, there was a time in our country’s history that every community had one,” Jones said. “It speaks well of our area that the Middleport Community Choir has been around for almost 20 years.”

A highlight of the choir’s year is always their Christmas concert, “Hail Redemption’s Happy Dawn,” scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday at the Middleport United Methodist Church. The choir’s accompanist is Debby Clark, who also directs the Middleport Beltones Bell Choir. The bell choir will ring several songs and join with the vocal choir to do “Peace, Peace” and “Christmas Bells.”

The concert is a mix of sacred and secular songs, which will include “O Holy Night” and “See Amid the Winter’s Snow.” One which is sure to please, according to Jones, is “Nutcracker Jingles, which incorporates melodies from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.”

The concert is free. A freewill offering will be accepted. The church is located at Park Avenue and South Vernon Street in Middleport.

ALBION – The Village of Albion is replacing about 2,500 water meters that will give an accurate account of use by village water customers.

The new water meters replace ones that are about 20 years old. Many of those older meters lose their precision as the years go by, leading to water use measurements that aren’t accurate, village officials said.

Albion borrowed $300,000 to buy the new meters, with the money to be paid back by water customers through the water fund.

“We want to ensure to the people that we’re giving them the best product possible,” said Marty Zwifka of the Department of Public Works. “We want to ensure people are getting what they pay for.”

Zwifka has replaced just over half of the meters. It takes about 15 minutes for him to swap out the old ones with a new Zenner meter which has an automatic Internet reader.

The DPW gets a daily report from the meters and any big uses are highlighted. That can help alert the DPW and a village water customer if there is a leak.

The village had more than one water meter manufacturer before. The new meters are all standardized.

The village is saving about $140,000 by having Zwifka, an in-house employee, replace the meters, rather than contracting out the service.

Zwifka replaced a few meters in late 2017, and has been doing about 15 a day since March.

Village water customers who haven’t changed meters yet are encouraged to call the Village Office at (585) 589-9176 and schedule an appointment with the village clerk’s office.

Photos courtesy of GCC: Derek Maxfield, left, is General Ulysses S. Grant and Tracy Ford is General William Tecumseh Sherman in a 45-minute theatrical “conversation” between the two Civil War generals for the Union. They will present “Now we stand by each other always”  at 7 p.m. today at GCC in Batavia.

BATAVIA – Two Genesee Community College professors will portray Civil War generals this evening, sharing a conversation between the two leaders of the Union Army near the end of the Civil War.

Derek Maxfield will portray General Ulysses S. Grant and Tracy Ford will be the more charismatic General William Tecumseh Sherman. They will perform at 7 p.m. at GCC in Batavia in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Maxfield has worked as a history professor the past 10 years at GCC. He wrote the script in the 45-minute presentation.

“We are both looking for new ways to reach out and educate,” Maxfield said.

Ford, an Albion resident, is in his 19^th year of teaching English at GCC. Maxfield and Ford have both been part of living history events at GCC, portraying famous people from the past.

The presentation as the two generals is based on historic resources and references. Together, they recount the important meeting and conversation held at City Point, Va. in March 1865 when the two Union generals discuss the campaigns in Georgia and the Carolinas and consider how to close out the Civil War.

“It’s really an experiment and a new way of teaching,” Maxfield said about the event.

Grant is a calm and reserved personality, while Sherman is the opposite.

“It really is the Tracy Ford show in many ways,” Maxfield said.

He reached out to his colleague about portraying Sherman because Maxfield said Ford resembles the general and has an engaging personality.

Ford said one biographer has compared Sherman to Daffy Duck. Ford welcomed the chance to bring out Sherman’s character.

Derek Maxfield, left, and Tracy Ford said they are looking for ways to engage students in understanding history.

“You read about a character in a book and it’s a very two-dimensional thing,” Ford said. “Sherman is quite vigorous, chain smoking cigars and pounding bourbon. It gives you a human face.”

Ford will have an unlit cigar during the presentation and a liter of unsweetened tea.

The two professors debuted the show at the Clarendon museum during the Orleans County Heritage Festival in September. They also performed in Hornell at a historical society. They have upcoming performances in Brockport in early 2019.

In 2020, they will be in Lancaster, Ohio for the 200^th anniversary celebration of William Tecumseh Sherman. He was born on February 8, 1820.

Ford praised Maxfield for creating the script and pushing for the production.

“He is the brains and I’m the frenetic energy,” Ford said. “It has been a lot of fun. This is another way to do it and spread it out into the community.”

In observance of the National Day of Mourning for former President George H.W. Bush, all Post Offices will be closed today.

The U.S. Postal Service also won’t be doing residential or business deliveries. The collection of mail from collection boxes will be limited.

Post Offices will deliver Priority Express Mail and some packages.

Regular Post Office hours and delivery will resume on Thursday.

Most federal agencies are also closed today.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Barre has a water tank that serves water users in Barre and Albion.

ALBION – Orleans County and many of the local municipalities will work together with a consultant on a study of the water infrastructure in the county and the possibility of creating a regional water system.

The County Legislature last week approved spending $125,000 for the Wendel firm to complete a water efficiency study. The county expects to receive about $75,000 in state funding for the project, with the county paying $30,000 and other municipalities kicking in $20,000.

“The county wants to maximize the water resources in the county,” Chuck Nesbitt, the county chief administrative officer, told local municipal leaders during a recent meeting about the study.

The study will take an inventory of all the water infrastructure in the county, as well as the personnel devoted to maintaining water lines and running water plants.

The study may show the need for new transmission lines to move water to spots in the county that would be ideal for economic development.

County and municipal officials expect the study will show potential cost savings and efficiencies that will reduce costs and increase capacity. There may be opportunities for sharing services with water meter reading, water billing, and potentially water distribution system repairs.

During meetings with village and town officials, county leaders said this isn’t a precursor to a takeover of the village and town water systems. They would each keep their own infrastructure. One scenario could have a water superintendent overseeing the systems in more than one jurisdiction and a water department focused on fixing leaks and maintaining the system.

Currently each town has a highway superintendent who also functions as the water superintendent. Many of those superintendents are nearing retirement and may not be easy to replace, especially with the licenses needed to serve as water chief.

Gerald Summe, executive vice president of Wendel, met with the Albion Village Board on Oct. 10 and urged the board to participate in the study. The board approved contributing $2,000 to the cost.

“Manpower and skill sets is probably one of the biggest challenges you’re seeing,” Gerald Summe, executive vice president of Wendel, told local officials during a recent meeting.

Creating a regional water system in the county would improve the chances for state and federal funding to maintain and upgrade water treatment plants, and also the transmission lines, Summe told the local officials.

“If you work together you put yourself in a better position to get grants,” he said.

The Village of Albion is currently the main water provider in central Orleans with its water plant in Carlton, using water from Lake Ontario. Albion provides about 1.7 million gallons of water daily for 15,000 customers.

The Village of Lyndonville has a smaller water plant with about 2,200 customers and 400,000 gallons daily. Holley uses water from a well, and is supplemented by the Monroe County Water Authority. The MCWA is the primary supplier in eastern Orleans, with Albion serving a portion of Murray.

The Niagara County Water District is the water supplier for the Village of Medina and most of Shelby and Ridgeway.

The 10 towns have a series of water districts all with varying debt service rates. If the municipalities went to regional system, the debt would stay with each district. There could, however, be more customers to spread out the costs for upgrades to a local water treatment plant and for running new transmission lines to get water where it needs to go.

One scenario could have a single administrator of the water system, while the towns and villages share staff for maintaining the water systems.

Summe said there are significant grants available to help upgrade the water systems in Orleans County. But the first step is doing a study to provide an “economic justification” for the funding.

The Albion Village Board voted to contribute $2,000 to the study. Board members said they would welcome more grants to help upgrade its water plant.

Wendel said it’s likely the state will contribute about $47,500 in a grant through the Local Government Efficiency Program and $25,000 through the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

ALBION – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists about new weight restrictions on the bridge carrying Presbyterian Road over the Erie Canal in the Town of Albion, Orleans County.

The structure, which was previously posted for 14 tons, will be temporarily posted for a 10-ton weight restriction.

NYSDOT bridge maintenance crews are in the process of scheduling a project for next summer to strengthen the bridge and bring it back to a minimum posting of 14 tons.

ALBION – The Board of Education and the Village of Albion are working on the contract for a school resource officer who is expected to start in early 2019 at the school district.

The officer would be a member of the Albion Police Department and would work full-time at the district during the school year. The officer would be available during the summer for road patrols and other duties outside the school district.

The Board of Education on Monday approved paying $81,250 annually towards the officer. That will be pro-rated depending on the start date this school year.

The Board of Education and Village Board need to sign an agreement and then the position can be posted. An interview committee will include representatives from the school – administrators and teachers – and the Albion police command staff.

The Board of Education was unanimous in giving the village a commitment of $81,250 towards the officer. That vote will now allow the Police Department to begin the search process.

“I look forward to a positive working relationship,” said Margy Brown, the Board of Education president. “It’s good for the district.”

Albion was the first school in Orleans County to have an school resource officer about 15 years ago.

“Great benefits were seen during the program and it was lost due to funding,” Police Chief Roland Nenni said today. “To have the program back will mean that the partnership and all the benefits that came with it will be once again be achieved.”

Nenni doesn’t have a solid start date for the school resource officer.

“It will all depend on the signing of the agreement and scheduling of the interviews,” he said.

Tax exemptions will continue for 10 years on buildings critical to farming and horticulture

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

File photo from December 2013: A barn is the background and cattails are in the foreground in this photo taken from near Transit Road in the mucklands.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the extension of the state’s Real Property Tax Law exemption on farm buildings, which will provide continued tax relief for New York farmers and growers.

The Real Property Tax Law exempts agricultural producers from paying real property tax on buildings that are essential to the production of agricultural or horticultural products, such as temporary greenhouses, dairy barns and exercise arenas for horse-boarding operations.

“New York’s agricultural industry is a major sector of our economy, and it’s critical that we continue to support local farmers and growers,” Governor Cuomo said. “This tax exemption will help New York’s hard-working agricultural producers invest in their farms and grow their businesses, and as a result increase competitiveness and productivity for years to come.”

The Real Property Tax Law exemption was extended for the next 10 years and applies to newly constructed and re-constructed agricultural buildings through January 1, 2029. Since it was last renewed in 2008, the exemption for farm structures is estimated to have saved New York farmers more than $112.8 million.

The exemption has helped support the growth of New York’s agricultural industry by allowing farmers and growers to use the money saved to invest in their operations, purchase new equipment and modernize facilities, which increases the farms’ competitiveness and profitability.

Agricultural buildings have been exempt from state taxation for decades, but the law granting the exemption was set to expire on New Year’s Day 2019. The new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Magee and Senator Patty Ritchie, amends New York State’s Real Property Tax Law to extend the tax break and ensure it will remain in effect for the next decade.

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “This law, which keeps new farm buildings off the tax rolls for 10 years, is essential to encourage new farm investment, and it will make it more economical to grow family farm businesses. The tax savings is especially important in today’s tough agricultural economy.”

The law prohibits tax increases based on the value of construction or improvement of structures that are used for essential agricultural operations. That includes the cultivation, harvest and storage of commodities; the feeding, breeding and management of livestock; and housing for farm employees. Housing for immediate family members is not covered by the exemption unless the family members are non-owners and critical to the commercial operation of the farm.

A complete list of rules regarding the exemption can be found by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Oak Orchard Health

HORNELL – Oak Orchard Health is opening a new medical office in Hornell at 7309 Seneca Road North. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul joined Oak Orchard Health leaders in cutting the ribbon for the new center, which opens to the public on Dec. 10

Hochul was joined by State Assemblyman Philip Palmesano; Rose Duhan, President & CEO of Community Health Care Association of NY; Oak Orchard Health CEO Mary Ann Pettibon; and OOH Board members including Karen Watt, the board chairwoman.

This new location will house both primary and pediatric medical care along with dental care for the whole family under one roof.  Currently, those OOH services are provided at separate locations.

Lt. Governor Hochul delivered the opening remarks and discussed the great need for the high-quality health care that Oak Orchard provides in this area.

“It is so hard to get high-quality health care for people in rural areas,” Hochul said. “This is a game-changer for the over 21,000 patients you serve.”

Oak Orchard has sites in Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport and Warsaw, as well as a mobile dental unit.

“Oak Orchard’s mission is to cultivate health and wellness by providing engaged and innovative medical, dental and vision care for our community,” said Pettibon, Oak Orchard CEO. “Being in this new state-of-the-art facility will help us to fulfill that mission here in Hornell.”

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he will deliver his 3rd inaugural address on January 1, 2019 on Ellis Island, the historic gateway for over 12 million immigrants coming to the United States. Opened in 1892, Ellis Island served as the largest and most active immigration station in the nation.

“In these stormy times, Ellis Island is an enduring symbol of who we are as a nation,” Governor Cuomo said. “This historic gateway to America reminds us of the core values that built our state and our country, and it will serve as a fitting location to launch a new term fighting for New Yorkers and for the soul of this nation. New York has always been a beacon of hope and opportunity, and today more than ever we are called upon to lead the way forward and set a progressive example for the rest of the country to follow.”

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The chain gang was presented a “Friend of Education” award on Monday at the Albion Board of Education meeting. Pictured from left includes Adam Krenning, head football coach; chain gang members Scott Kaniecki and Garrett Knaak; and Margy Brown, Board of Education president. Missing from photo: chain gang members Jeff Denson and Gary Westlund.

The chain gang volunteers at Albion football games. Two members are on each sideline holding sticks that are separated by the 10-yard chain. One person holds the down marker at the line of scrimmage.

The four chain gang members have nearly 50 years of service, with Westlund accounting for 27 seasons. They are there regardless of weather.

Krenning said the chain gang members are among the many volunteers who contribute to the football program.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” Krenning said.

The Board of Education also recognized two middle school students on Monday.

Kelsey Froman received the Leadership Award. She recently starred in the middle school musical of Pinkalicious and played on the modified soccer team. She also is on the high honor roll.

“She is a person of high effort and high character,” said Brad Pritchard, the school principal. “She is an amazing role model for all of our students at Albion Central School.”

Makayla Klatt was presented with the Character Award. Pritchard said she has a strong work ethic and shows grit and the growth mindset.