By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 10 November 2018 at 7:59 am
Albion, which is home to a women’s prison, has been ‘rehabilitating’ women for more than a century
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 4, No. 44
This photograph, from a collection donated to the Department of History from Ruth Webster Howard, shows the rear side of the Administrative Building at the Western House of Refuge in Albion. The structure sat at the west end of the main walk and served as the residence for the superintendent, assistant superintendent, marshal, parole officer, purchasing agent, and housekeeper, and housed offices for the institution.
The Western House of Refuge opened on December 8, 1893, but did not “receive” any inmates until January of 1894. This institution represented a rather interesting period in the U.S. penal system, where women between the ages of 16 and 30 were sent for “rehabilitation.” Those guilty of crimes ranging from petit larceny to public intoxication, prostitution, or “waywardness” found themselves committed to the institution for a period of three to five years. During that time they received instruction in the domestic sciences – cooking, housekeeping, sewing, laundry, etc.
In 1923, the institution’s name was changed to the Albion State Training School and became the female equivalent of the Institution for Mentally Defective Males located at Napanoch. Although the name was changed to the Institution for Mentally Defective Females around 1931, the harsh name carried an undesirable connotation and the name reverted back to the Albion State Training School shortly after. The first head of the institution, Dr. Gordon F. Willey, made quick work of bringing “defectives” from Bedford Hills in Westchester County while sending “normals” downstate.
On October 1, 1932, Dr. George C. Stevens, a psychiatrist who worked at the Gowanda State Hospital relocated to Albion and took charge as superintendent. The Annual Report from 1933 shows a total increase in the number of inmates from 132 in 1932 to 168 in 1933. During that time, 34 women were committed for crimes ranging from “endangering the morals of a minor” and incest to forgery, intoxication, burglary, larceny, and vagrancy. Of those committed in 1933, all the women were first time offenders between the ages of 16 and 61; 14 were married, 15 single, two widowed, and three divorced. The majority of those committed held a common school education, while two could neither read nor write.
The tenure of Dr. Stevens was a tumultuous one, hindered by conflicts with employees and struggles with the School’s Board of Visitors. Upon his arrival to Albion, a report identified a large number of significant repairs and needed improvements. Although the Commissioner of Correction agreed with the assessment of the facilities, with an estimated cost of $1.5 million, members of the community felt that the requested funding was excessive. In addition to building improvements, Stevens requested funding to hire a social worker, a psychologist, an assistant physician, a physical director, a first assistant matron, a cook, and a laborer despite relatively stagnant rates of incarceration.
Aside from the excessive expenses, Stevens failed to win over the support of the community when he suspended Dr. Eli Efron, the assistant superintendent, and Edward Van Vleet, the farm superintendent. Although Stevens claimed that both men were discharged as the result of insubordination, rumors swirled throughout the community, some claiming that Stevens had evicted the Efron and Van Vleet families from their residences at the Training School without food or shelter.
No individual was more outraged at Stevens’ behavior than Marc Wheeler Cole, Sr. of Albion. A one-time New York State Assemblyman whose political career was cut short by his failure to adhere to party politics, Cole was vocal in his distaste for the unprofessional behavior of the superintendent. “This community is shocked and unanimously indignant at the hasty, unjust, and tyrannical action of the superintendent of the Albion State Training school in the unwarranted suspension of employees at an order from him calling for eviction of the assistant superintendent from his home and causing him, with a wife and two children, to seek shelter in the community,” Cole sent in a telegram, “…We demand, therefore, the immediate removal of all authority from the present superintendent pending further investigation.”
Although Stevens claimed that the discharged employees in question were “blocking his program from the start,” he found little sympathy from residents. Cole rallied his “troops,” forming an Albion Citizens’ Committee to pursue Stevens’ resignation while focusing on the waste and excess of the superintendent’s administration. To make matters worse, Marc Wheeler Cole, Jr., lodged a complaint against Stevens for illegal voting in the November 7th election. Stevens, an immigrant from England, had just secured his naturalization papers in September and failed to wait the required 90 days before voting.
Following an intense and spiteful battle, Stevens formally resigned his position on February 15, 1934; he was replaced by Dr. Walter B. Martin, a psychiatrist at Attica Prison. The administration building, one of the structures targeted for the massive capital project upon Stevens’ appointment, was rebuilt at a cost of $298,950 shortly after.
Photo from Cornell University: Christy Hoepting, right, accepts an award for “Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension/Outreach” from Kathyrn Boor, dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
A senior extension associate who has worked on the muck and with Western New York vegetable growers for 17 years has been recognized by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Christy Hoepting of Albion on Monday was presented an award for “Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension/Outreach.” Kathryn Boor, the dean of Cornell’s CALS, praised Hoepting for developing a highly innovative and responsive program.
Hoepting is part of a five-person team in the Cornell Vegetable Program. The team covers 13 counties along Lake Ontario in Western New York. She specializes in the management of onions and cool-weather crops such as cabbage and broccoli. Her highly productive and responsive approach emphasizes applied research and innovation.
Over 17 years with the program, Hoepting has earned a great level of trust with growers and recognition as a regional and national onion expert, Boor said.
“Christy’s work epitomizes the Land Grant mission of CALS — to tackle the challenges of our time through purpose-driven science,” Boor said. “Thank you, Christy, for supporting this enduring commitment.”
Hoepting currently chairs a multi-state committee to address the management of onion pests and diseases. Her research scouting program has resulted in a 50-74 percent reduction in insecticide sprays.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Christy Hoepting is shown on the muck with growers, discussing research projects on the fertile farmland.
Hoepting has conducted hundreds of on-farm research trials in plant pathology, entomology, weed science, cultural practices and crop nutrition, presented at scores of stakeholder and scientific meetings, and published many articles and research papers.
She scouts farm fields relentlessly, tracking the movements of insects and disease pests. She meets with grower on the muck on Tuesday mornings during the growing season for “Donut Hour,” where she and the farmers share what they are seeing in the fields.
“We’re part of a team working together to make sure the vegetable industry in Western New York is viable and sustainable,” Hoepting said about the joint effort among farmers and researchers.
The job changes every year, with vigilance required to protect the local crops.
“Agriculture is never dull,” she said. “The weather is such an unpredictable planner all the time. We never get the same weather two years in a row.”
She is based out of Knowlesville with the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Extension in Orleans has been very supportive of her research projects, and also provides some space in a barn so she can dry onions.
She also works with onion growers in Potter, Sodus and Oswego and even makes trips to Orange County.
Her focus is on-farm applied research.
“We’re finding answers on the farm,” she said. “That’s my way of helping the growers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2018 at 5:28 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – Members of the Billies barbershop quartet got a surprise last Sunday when Amy Sidari, owner of Gotta Dance by Miss Amy and the Cabaret at Studio B, unveiled an 8-foot-long billboard of the four high school singers.
Pictured form left include Nate Grammatico, Jacob Ettinger, chorus teacher Gary Simboli, Enoch Martin, Amy Sidari and Evan VanAmeron.
Sidari has been upgrading the exterior of her building at the corner of Liberty and West Bank streets. The building has been the home of her studio for 21 years. She has replaced doors, awnings and repainted the building, and will be doing new signs and exterior lighting.
Photos by Tom Rivers
She wanted to add some pizzazz to the white wall on Liberty Street. She decided to add the billboards. The Cabaret at Studio B frequently hosts musicians and other entertainers. Sidari debated whether the 5-foot by 8-foot billboard should feature one of her professional performers. She decided to focus on the Billies and Simboli, the group’s director. The photo was taken by Bruce Landis of Photos by Bruce.
“It’s marketing what we are inside those doors,” Sidari said today. “ I also wanted to recognize Gary who resists any public recognition. He does so much for our community, the children and the families.”
The two spots for the billboards used to be plain white. Those spots used to bays for a garage. Sidari ordered industrial vinyl images for the billboards and she her father, Ace Caldwell, made the black frames.
The other photo shows her senior high dancers at a recital. The photo was taken on a phone by Ally Page.
“It shows so much love and excitement,” Sidari said.
She is pushing to have all of the exterior upgrades done by Nov. 24, when she is shooting a video on Bank Street in front of the studio. The street will be closed to traffic from Main to Liberty for the video which Sidari said she wants to use to promote Albion.
Many of her alumni dancers and other community members are coming for the video, from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 24.
Sidari said she will likely rotate images in the billboards. She said she has received good feedback about how the images enliven a section of Liberty Street.
“It is a spark,” Sidari said. “It’s just celebrating the great things that we do have.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2018 at 11:44 am
Photos courtesy of Carol D’Agostino
KENDALL – The Kendall varsity girls soccer team is headed to the state soccer tournament. The team was celebrated this morning with a pep rally at the high school. The players then walked the halls of the elementary school where students cheered for them and handed them good luck posters.
The top photo shows Lizzie Sutphen, right, and Hailee Mitchell headed down the halls with very enthusiastic elementary students clapping and cheering.
“We’re so proud of our girls,” said Carol D’Agostino, the high school principal. “The team has represented the school in such a positive light. They are true ambassadors for our school.”
The soccer team gets together during the pep rally.
Kendall won the Class D Far West Regional soccer championship Saturday with a thrilling 1-0 victory over North Collins at Webster Thomas High School. Hailee Mitchell’s team leading 27th goal of the season with just 3:48 remaining earned Kendall the victory sent the Lady Eagles to the state semifinals for the first time since 2003.
Kendall will face Central Regional champion Cincinnatus High from Section III in the semis at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Homer High School near Cortland. Kendall is 16-5 and Cincinnatus 19-0-1. Cincinnatus edged Downsville (Section IV) 1-0 in the Central Regional. The other state semi will match Fort Ann (Section II) vs. Parishville-Hopinton (Section X). The state championship game will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at Thompkins Cortland Community College.
Students and staff cheer for the team during the pep rally.
Lizzie Sutphen, left, and Kiersten Rodas, right, join their team in boarding the bus.
The Kendall team includes seven freshmen, five sophomores, four juniors and only three seniors. This is Kendall’s first trip to the state semis since 2003, when coach Pam Barchett was a player.
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ALABAMA – The New York State Department of Transportation announced it will host an information session at the Alabama Fire Hall, located at 2230 Judge Rd., on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The DOT will discuss a project that includes safety enhancements at the intersection of Route 77 and Ledge Road in Alabama.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin with a short presentation from DOT representatives directly involved in designing the project, followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions regarding the project’s design and implementation.
As part of the project, a modern roundabout is proposed to be installed at the intersection. Roundabouts have been proven to be an effective treatment in reducing accidents and the severity of vehicular crashes.
NYSDOT has current information posted online regarding roundabouts, as well as downloadable brochures. Click here for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2018 at 9:14 am
Koryn and Kayla Neale are organizing effort for 5th year
File photo: Koryn (front) and Kayla Neale are shown last November with some of the items they collected for care packs for local veterans. This year their goal is 75 packs, up from 35 last year.
HOLLEY – Two sisters from Holley are collecting items for care packs to be given to local veterans.
Koryn and Kayla Neale are collecting the care packs with health/hygiene/comfort items. This is the fifth year they have led the effort. They have set a goal of 75 packs, which is up from 35 last year and 25 in 2016.
The two girls will pack the items at the Community Free Library in Holley today at 4 p.m. They will collect items on Saturday night at the Holley VFW Marine Corps birthday party, Sunday morning at the American Legion Jewell-Buckman Post, and Monday night at the Holley Falls Bar & Grill.
Items can also be dropped off at Wiley’s Ark today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and their willingness to help us succeed in thanking and caring for veterans,” said Krista Wiley-Neale, the girls’ mother.
Right now the care packs are short on deodorants, sugar free candy, calendars, Sudoku books, socks, wash cloths, winter hats, and snack cracker packs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2018 at 7:16 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Veterans Section at Mount Albion Cemetery is shown on Tuesday.
ALBION – Veterans Day will be observed on Sunday with several events, including a new 5K in Medina that is a benefit for the Warrior House, which has a hunting treating for wounded veterans and their families.
The “Operation Honor” 5K starts at 11 a.m. at the Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club on 3875 Bates Rd. There is a $25 entry fee and participants can register right up until the start of the race. Organizers will be there at 9 a.m. to take registrations. So far, 35 people have signed up, said Jennifer Thom, one of the organizers. Click here for the race’s Facebook page.
Members of the Medina Honor Guard will continue a Veterans Day recognition that has been going on for many years. The Honor Guard will start at 8 a.,. to go to the cemeteries in the Medina area for 21-gun salute in honor of the veterans who are buried at each cemetery.
The Albion High School Chorus, which has about 150 members, sings the “Star Spangled Banner” to start a Veterans Day concert on Thursday.
In Albion, the Elks Lodge will hold a veterans breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday. The breakfast is free for veterans. There is a charge for others.
The First Presbyterian Church of Albion will hold a blessing of veterans, and also for first responders from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. That church is located at the Courthouse Square at 29 East State St.
In Holley, the American Legion will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday.
In Medina, the American Legion will have a free breakfast for veterans from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and the VFW will serve lunch for veterans.
The high school band performed three songs during the concert and joined the chorus for “From Sea to Shining Sea” during the concert at the Middle School Auditorium.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2018 at 4:46 pm
Photo courtesy of Lisa Stenshorn: June Seager, left, was recognized today as the Orleans County Employee of the Year. She is congratulated by Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature.
ALBION – June Seager was honored today as the Orleans County Employee of the Year during a recognition program at Tillman’s Village Inn.
Seager has worked the past 15 years as a caseworker for the county, including the past three as an adult protective caseworker with residents 18 and older.
Most of the cases involve elderly residents at risk. They may be financially exploited, or suffer from a physical disability or mental health issue.
“I love my job,” Seager said today. “It’s rewarding knowing that you’re helping someone else who would otherwise be alone.”
The Employee Assistance Program through the county government workforce recognizes an Employee of the Month. An Employee of the Year is then picked from those 12 exceptional workers.
“This employee provides assistance with those that are neglected by others, self-neglected, financially exploited and homeless,” said Jack Welch, the county’s personnel director. “This employee has been able to connect with the adults, assisting them with whatever they need, advocating for their needs and truly improve the lives of some of the hardest to serve in Orleans County.”
He praised Seager for exuding kindness and compassion.
“She has the ability to handle tough conversations with the clientele when needed,” Welch said.
Seager spent her first five years working for the county in the Child Protective Unit of Child and Family Services. She was then a school-based caseworker in Holley.
Seager then transferred to the county’s Foster Care unit and continued to work with children and families. In that role she provided needed services, including transportation, casework counseling, networking with county agencies, court representation, supervising and modeling proper supervision during visitation.
The employees of the months for the past year were:
October 2017 – June Seager (Social Services),
November 2017 – Brian Marsceill (Sheriff)
December 2017 – Cathy Williams (Social Services),
January 2018 – Samantha Koons (Office for the Aging)
February 2018 – Pamela Chatt (Job Development)
March 2018 – Cynthia Troy (Public Defender)
April 2018 – Michael Schultz (Sheriff)
May 2018 – Marc Petrin (Buildings & Grounds)
June 2018 – Katrina Rodriguez-Paeth (Public Health)
File photos by Tom Rivers: Karen Watt, chairwoman of Oak Orchard Health, is pictured inside the center’s Albion facility on Route 31.
ALBION – Karen Watt, chairwoman of the board of directors for Oak Orchard Health, has been honored by the Community Health Care Association of New York State.
During that group’s annual conference on Oct. 21, Watt was presented with the Rosemarie Forstner Award. Each year, CHCANYS honors its trailblazers and those who are working today to ensure access to high quality health care for all. The Rosemarie Forstner Award honors exemplary health center staff or board members who show a distinctive level of excellence and consistent participation in the center’s operations for at least three years.
Oak Orchard Health nominated Watt because of her inspiring passion and understanding of the issues facing health centers, and most importantly, their patients. A member of the Board of Directors for 19 years, she is a true advocate and champion for the mission of community health centers, especially Oak Orchard. Karen is very well versed in how a good community health center operates in order to take the best possible care of its patients.
She is deeply committed to the health care of the migrant farmworker population – the very people Oak Orchard was created to serve. She embodies their core values of excellence, collaboration, compassion and innovation and is a true supporter of the mission, which is to cultivate health and wellness by providing engaged and innovative medical, dental, and vision care for our community.
Karen Watt and her grandson Evan lead a walk to raise funding for local cancer patients at Watt Farms on Oct. 29, 2016. The farm for 11 years hosted a walk that raised about $350,000.
Watt is the co-owner of Watt Farms in Albion. She has served as president of the Orleans County Farm Bureau and as a director on the New York Farm Bureau board of directors, advocating for the fruit industry and direct markets.
In addition to her advocacy for migrant farm worker health as a board member of Oak Orchard Health, she has served on the National Advisory Council on Migrant Health, including a year as its chairwoman. She is currently Vice Chair of the board of the National Center of Farm-Worker Health and received the 2013 Outstanding Migrant Health Center Board Member Award from NACHC, the National Association of Community Health Centers.
Watt is also an advocate for breast cancer research and organized the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Orchard Walk at Watt Farms each fall from 2005-2017. For 11 years, the event raised over $350,000 for the American Cancer Society and in 2016-17 raised money for the local Genesee-Orleans Cancer Services Program.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2018 at 10:23 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: State Sen. Robert Ortt speaks on Oct. 25 during the Orleans County Fall Republican Rally.
The state government’s leadership is dominated by Democrats in all the state-wide elected positions including the governor and the State Assembly is solid Democrat control. The 63-member Senate has been the lone Republican-led chamber.
But starting Jan. 1, Democrats will take the reins of the Senate following Tuesday’s election that gives Democrats 39 of the seats.
That has many Republicans concerned that there will be no backstop for more progressive policies that may not fit in conservative-leaning and economically challenged Upstate New York.
“A Democratic majority is a setback and is not a positive development for Western New York,” said State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda.
The Senate, under Republican control, was a staunch advocate for rural New York and upstate, Ortt said.
Now the state government will be fully led by leaders from downstate and urban areas.
“There are larger policy implications,” Ortt said on Wednesday. “From a rural perspective, funding for upstate schools and infrastructure, and gun rights are in jeopardy or are at risk of being put on the back burner.”
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Westchester County Democrat, is likely to become the majority leader in January.
The all-Democrat leadership in the state government has a 100-day plan to adopt left-leaning policies. The Democrats want to expand immigrant rights, expand abortion access, legalize recreational marijuana and do away with connecting teacher evaluations to student test scores.
During the Orleans County Fall Republican Rally on Oct. 25, Ortt said he worries a Democrat-led State Senate would push for more gun control and restrictions in a “SAFE Act 2.0.”
In recent years the Assembly has passed a farm labor bill that would give farmworkers overtime wages and the right to collective bargaining. The bill, which is strongly opposed by New York Farm Bureau, was fought by the Senate and never became law.
“Agriculture will be doomed if the Senate becomes Democratic,” Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, said at the Republican rally.
Ortt on Wednesday said he will remain an advocate for agriculture and other upstate interests.
“I’m not a big sulker,” he said. “I still have a job to do.”
He and other Republican senators will no longer lead committees in the Senate. And Ortt said the Republicans may have less funding to direct to their districts.
He has secured funds in recent years for hospitals, museums, libraries and municipalities.
“I don’t expect the same attention financially,” he said. “It’s possible there will be less funding. The upstate not-for-profits will have to do a reassessment if they have been counting on the money in their budgets.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 November 2018 at 9:33 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Madison Jacob and her Lady Eagles teammates will face Cincinnatus High in the Class D girls soccer state semifinals at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Homer High School.
Looking to keep an outstanding postseason run going Kendall’s underclassmen dominated girls soccer squad will take on Cincinnatus High (Section III) in the state Class D semifinals at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Homer High School near Cortland.
Kendall, whose lineup includes seven freshmen, five sophomores, four juniors and only three seniors, advanced to the state semis for the first time since 2003 by nipping North Collins 1-0 in the Far West Regional. The Lady Eagles earned the narrow win on junior Hailee Mitchell’s team leading 27th goal of the season with just 3:48 remaining.
The Lady Eagles, who have given up only two goals and five playoff games, reached the regional by nipping Fillmore 2-1 for the Class D1 title contest and then by downing Hinsdale 2-0 in the Section V Class D state qualifier.
“Getting to the state semi finals is a testament to the drive and passion that this young Kendall team possesses,” said Coach Pam Barchett. “Achieving this level of success really shows my athletes that they can accomplish their goals through hard work and team work, which obviously extends beyond the soccer field.”
In addition to Mitchell’s 27 goals, the Lady Eagles also have freshman Grace Levett with 11, sophomore Brianna Wakefield and freshman Alezya Brown both with 9 and sophomore Lizzy Woodams with 6.
Goalie Katherine Pearson and center defender Lizzie Sutphen, both juniors, anchor the Lady Eagles defense.
Kendall brings a 16-5 record into the semis.
Undefeated Cincinnatus, which has a near perfect 19-0-1 record, defeated Downsville (Section IV) 1-0 in the Central Regional. Cncinnatus has registered 14 shutouts and has allowed a total of just six goals this season.
Senior Delaney Rutan leads the Lady Lions in scoring with 41 goals as eighth grader Kyla Sustad has 21 and senior Montana Wolf 12.
“We’re very optimistic entering this weekend’s State Tournament; we definitely will have to step up our level of play to compete with teams like Cincinnatus (who has only allowed 6 goals all season),” said Barchett. “We are continuing to push our possession game, focusing on creating space by using the width of the field. Hopefully this attacking strategy will pay off for us. Defensively, we’re continuing to refine our game plan and make sure we stay organized in the back field.”
Kendall’s only other appearance in the state semis was in 2003 when the Lady Eagles dropped a narrow 3-2 decision to Elmira Notre Dame. Interestingly, Barchett was a junior starting defender on that team.
The victor will face the winner of the Fort Ann (Section II) vs. Eldred (Section IX) semi in the championship game at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Thompkins Cortland Community College.
LYNDONVILLE – These three Lyndonville students were the top three in a recent Lions Club Peace Poster Contest. Lorelei Dillenbeck, left, placed first with Grace Russo, center, and Haley Shaffer taking second and third, respectively.
Forty students from Lyndonville Middle High School participated in the contest with the theme of Kindness Matters. The local Lions Club members voted on 10 of the posters and the top three were chosen.
The top three students were presented with certificates by Anne Marie Holland, Lyndonville Lions Club President.
Dillenbeck’s poster will move on to the district-level competition at the district convention held in Brockport. One International Grand Prize Winner will receive a $5,000 and an award and 23 merit winners will receive $500 and a certificate of achievement.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 November 2018 at 7:13 am
Skip Draper of Medina, left, an Orleans County legislator and member of Orleans Economic Development’s board, and Paul Hendel of Murray, chairman of the EDA board, watch as Diane Blanchard cuts the cake during the MAP graduation.
CHILDS – The Microenterprise Assistance Program graduated its latest class Tuesday night at Tillman’s Village Inn.
The 10 who received their diplomas brings the total of budding entrepreneurs to 495 who have gone through the program since its inception in 1999, said MAP manager Diane Blanchard.
“Taking the Microenterprise Class enables new start-ups to access expert consultants from the start of their business to when they open and thereafter to keep their business going,” Blanchard said. “The course covers all aspects of operating a small business, including going into business, taxes/financial statements, legal/business law, budgeting/record keeping and marketing.”
The program is run through the Orleans Economic Development Agency. Consultants help MAP students develop a business plan. Those consultants include John Costello with SCORE, Sam Campanella with the Small Business Development Center in Brockport, and Dick Petitte, an adviser with the SBDC and teacher of small business management and entrepreneurship at Brockport State College.
MAP sponsors two 10-week classes per year, and the ideas for new businesses never ceases to amaze Blanchard, she said.
Tuesday’s graduates included Courtney Allchin of Albion, who got the idea for a clothing boutique as a stay-at-home mom; Ashley Casanova of Lyndonville, who has purchased Fastan in Medina; Katrina Chaffee of Lyndonville, who plans to open an Early Head Start child care program; Heather Colella of Clarendon, who with her family operates a hauling and excavating business; Gabrielle Gugino of Brockport, who plans to open a drop-in child day care facility; Laura Kemler of Albion, whose business is Vintage Inspired Gifts; Will King of Medina, a personal trainer who hopes to attract teens, young professionals and families with children to his business; Julie Sanford of Albion, who sells custom vintage lamps; Tiffany Smith of Albion, who operates the only local gym which offers 24-hour fitness; and William Young of Albion, who runs a machine shop.
Ashley Casanova and her husband Jose of Lyndonville sit at the Microenterprise Program graduation, where Ashley shared her plan for success after purchasing Fastan Tanning Salon in Medina.
The graduates shared their business plan and why they chose that particular business.
Heather Colella, who has owned DC Hauling and Excavating with her husband for eight years, said they were both unemployed and running out of options when they decided to invest their last $3,500 to go into business for themselves. They started out doing snow plowing, and within seven months, made a profit.
Heather Colella of Clarendon shared her success story during the MAP graduation.
Four years ago, she got her woman-owned business certification, and this year they are on track to do $1.5 million in revenue.
This month they will hire their first year-round, full-time employee. They plan to use a $25,000 loan from Economic Development to buy a 10-wheel dump truck to be able to operate more efficiently.
Rick and Michelle Gallo, who graduated from MAP in the June class, returned to tell their success story to the class. She had been working for Dunkin’ Donuts and helped open their stores in Medina and Albion when they decided to go into business for themselves. Their idea was to develop a business their kids would some day take over.
They began by towing cars and collecting scrap metal. As their business progressed, they had to rent two storage locations, one in Orleans County and one out of the county. They are working to obtain contracts with AAA and Onstar.
“Your mentor in this class is everything,” Michelle said. “I call him two or three times a week.”
She also said the connections made through the class are priceless.
“You meet new people and bounce ideas off each other all the time,” she said. “Having a mentor and relationship with EDA is invaluable.”
“This EDA is the big brother you always wished you had,” Rick said.
Graduates from MAP are eligible to apply for grants when they are available, Blanchard said.
“I love that the program makes dreams come true for these entrepreneurs,” she said.
Press Release, Monthly Report for October 2018, from Sheriff Randy Bower
Provided photo: Correction officers Dixie Woodworth, Eric Brett and Dawn Basinait work in the jail, which processed in 76 inmates in October.
ALBION – In the month of October, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department 911 Dispatch Center processed 2,147 police incidents, including 834 events for Sheriff’s Road Patrol, 178 for the New York State Police and 1,135 calls for the Village police agencies of Lyndonville, Medina, Albion, and Holley. There were 518 Fire/EMS related calls dispatched countywide with 377 of those emergency medical in nature and a total of 6 drug overdoses.
Sheriff’s Department Road Patrol Deputies handled 50 automobile accidents, including 9 with injury and 36 car-deer collisions. Road patrol also made 127 service attempts and successfully served 44 subpoenas, civil, or court papers.
The Marine Patrol handled 6 calls for service including boaters in distress, reckless operation, and marine vessel inspections on Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, as well as the Erie Canal.
On October 27, the Sheriff’s Department took part in The National Drug Take Back Day. The intent is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs so that they do not end up in the wrong hands. Deputies and Corrections Officers manned locations in Medina, Albion, and Holley taking in 597 pounds of medication. This program has taken in over 3 tons of drugs since its inception in 2012.
The Orleans County Jail processed 76 inmates and handled 41 prisoner transports to court appearances.
The Sheriff’s Animal Control Division handled 106 incidents including 34 stray dogs, 4 animal bite complaints, 8 neighbor dog problems, and several other miscellaneous animal calls. In addition, 15 animals were taken in to shelter on voluntary surrenders.
This photograph, from a collection donated to the Department of History from Ruth Webster Howard, shows the rear side of the Administrative Building at the Western House of Refuge in Albion. The structure sat at the west end of the main walk and served as the residence for the superintendent, assistant superintendent, marshal, parole officer, purchasing agent, and housekeeper, and housed offices for the institution.
