‘This is not just a campaign, it’s a community building experience,’ – Nate McMurray

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nate McMurray meets supporters and customers at Tim Hortons in Batavia this morning, part of a 2-day campaign push to visit all eight counties in the 27th Congressional District. McMurray was in Medina and Albion on Saturday.

BATAVIA – Nate McMurray made campaign stops in all eight counties in the 27^th Congressional District this weekend. He was in Medina and Albion on Saturday, visiting small businesses and knocking on doors.

The sight of a vibrant downtown in Medina inspired McMurray, who said he was also impressed by Albion’s Courthouse Square and historic business district.

“This district is the best place in the world, but we need more prosperity,” McMurray said this morning at Tim Hortons in Batavia. “I got a lot of hope in Medina. We need to have more of that.”

McMurray and his big team of volunteers are making a final push to the election on Tuesday, when he attempts what seemed nearly impossible only a few months: win as a Democrat in a very Republican district against a well-funded incumbent, Chris Collins.

The race is close. Some polls give McMurray a slight edge and others show Collins with a small advantage.

McMurray likes his chances on election day. He credited volunteers for going door-to-door to get out his message that is focused on the middle class, including healthcare for everyone. “People are sick and tired of party politics,” he said this morning. “I’m for the party of the Middle Class.”

He has been going to diners, parades, homes and other venues, including driving a car in the Demolition Derby at Erie County in August, to get his “Fight Like Hell” message out and meet voters.

“I have learned from the people of this district,” he said. “People have been pessimistic and dismissive of the leadership.”

McMurray is pictured with some of his supporters this morning, before many went door to door on his behalf.

If he is elected, he said he will have a bigger burden to prove himself, especially among Republicans. He welcomes that opportunity.

If Collins is elected, McMurray sees him as a lameduck congressman stripped of power and consumed with his legal strategy after he was arrested on 11 federal charges related to insider trading. His trial is scheduled to start in February 2020. That would be a major distraction for the congressman if Collins is re-elected.

Photo courtesy of McMurray campaign: Nate McMurray said he was encouraged to see so many small businesses in downtown Medina. “I got a lot of hope in Medina,” he said today in Batavia. “We need to have more of that.”

McMurray was motivated to challenge Collins back in October 2017 after reading a report from the Office of Congressional Ethics, which said Collins may have broken rules and possibly the federal law with his advocacy for a biotech firm.

Collins was acting to benefit Innate Immunotherapeutics Limited, a biotech company he is invested in, and was sharing private information to get investments in the firm, according to the report.

“He had problems from the get-go,” McMurray said today. “I read the report and it is damning.”

Still, no charges were filed against Collins and he seemed to have smooth sailing to re-election. McMurray won the Democratic Primary and most thought he was an extreme longshot. The Democratic National Committee wasn’t interested in helping McMurray.

But things changed on Aug. 8, the day Collins was arrested in 11 federal charges related to insider trading for sharing information about Innate. Collins’ son Cameron and Cameron future father-in-law are accused of then unloading stock in the company. They are also charged as codefendants with Collins.

McMurray has picked up some support from the DNC as the race tightened, but he said it remains a grass roots effort driven by volunteers and the candidate.

“This is not just a campaign but a community building experience,” he told supporters at Tim Hortons.

Michael Plitt, the Genesee County Democratic Party chairman, said McMurray has energized the party.

“This is a people-powered campaign,” Plitt said this morning at Tm Hortons. “This is a district that no one thought a Democrat could ever win. It’s by the sheer work from Nate and people over here trying to get him to the finish line.”

There were 37 volunteers out knocking on doors for McMurray in Genesee County this weekend, which Plitt said was a record.

Those volunteers hear from some Republicans they are concerned about a growing federal deficit, and the criminal charges against Collins, Plitt said.

Photo courtesy of McMurray campaign: Nate McMurray meets volunteers with the Hands 4 Hope ministry in Medina at the Canal Basin on Saturday, including Aggie Recco, Thom Jennings, and Jack Burris (right), leader of Hands 4 Hope, a street ministry that offers food and prayers.

McMurray’s frequent visits to the rural communities, where he welcomes questions from anyone, also is  stark contrast to Collins, Plitt said.

“Nate is so accessible compared to Collins,” Plitt said. “Chris Collins will only go to controlled events.”

McMurray shares his personal story of a humble upbringing that he said makes him sensitive to Americans struggling to survive. McMurray’s father died of cancer when McMurray was 4, leaving behind seven children.

McMurray praised the public school system for giving him a chance to eventually become a lawyer. He graduated from North Tonawanda Senior High, and then took night classes at Erie Community College. He graduated from SUNY Buffalo, and then Hastings College of Law in California, cleaning toilets to help pay his bills. A Fulbright Scholar, he earned a Master’s Degree in Law from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

He decided to run for Congress when he already has a good job as a lawyer for Delaware North and also as Grand Island town supervisor.

Dorothy Avery of Bergen appreciates that McMurray is taking a chance in his run for Congress, and has made it such a close race.

“I want to have a representative who cares about every person, regardless of their registration and I really believe Nate cares,” Avery said at Tim Hortons today. “He has put everything on the line in this race.”

She met McMurray at the Batavia Tim Hortons back in February, when he was in the early stages of his campaign.

Avery, 52, has been going door to door for McMurray, even knocking on doors in Orleans and Niagara counties to help get out the votes.

McMurray gives Dorothy Avery of Bergen a hug at Tim Hortons. She has been an early and enthusiastic supporter of his campaign.

Nikki Calhoun has also been active volunteer for McMurray. Earlier she was Nicholas Stankevich’s campaign manager until he dropped out of the race. She said McMurray has united the Democrats in the eight counties in the push to unseat Collins.

“There has been a real coming together,” she said. “It’s been nice to see the entire region of communities come together for a common purpose.”

Collins has stayed in the race after suspending his campaign soon after his arrest. He has been on the campaign trail, attending Republican rallies and some other events. He said it’s critical the seat stay Republican to support President Donald Trump’s agenda.

“In Monroe & Livingston Counties today meeting with voters ahead of Tuesday’s election,” he tweeted on Saturday. “#NY27 – If you support President Trump’s agenda, you must #VoteRed on November 6 to protect our healthcare, our borders, and our fundamental right to bear arms.”

Collins’ campaign has been very active with mailers and television ads attacking McMurray, who Collins said would be part of “Nancy Pelosi’s liberal mob.”

McMurray today said he wouldn’t support Pelosi as speaker if Democrats regain control of the House.

He said his focus is ending corruption in government, pushing for healthcare for everyone, and better jobs and fair wages for middle class workers.

He told people today at Tim Hortons he isn’t just swinging by because he is campaigning. He vowed to keep returning to the small towns if he is elected.

He also said he has lost 30 pounds during the whirlwind campaign.

“It has been an opportunity of a lifetime to run for Congress,” he said today. “It’s been fun. I like people and I like going places. I could write a tour book of the 27^th district. I’ve been everywhere. With this campaign, I don’t know what else I could do.”

Courtesy of John Dieter, Cub Master of Pack 35

MEDINA – This past Saturday, Cub Scouts from Pack 35 & Pack 28 in Medina put door hangers on houses in the Village of Medina requesting donations of non-perishable foods that will be picked up next Saturday, Nov. 10, after 9 a.m.

Residents are asked to put their food donations in a grocery bag or box outside their door so Boy Scouts from Troop 35 & Troop 28 can collect the food. The collected food will be taken to one of Medina’s local food pantry to help support local residents in need.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Katrina Clare, who scored three goals including the game winner in overtime, goes by East Rochester defenders Julia Michalski and Leah Griffin during the Lady Raiders Far West Regional victory this evening at Penfield High School.

Making it three straight dramatic come-from-behind playoff victories, Barker outlasted East Rochester 4-3 in overtime in the Class C field hockey Far West Regional this evening at Penfield High School.

Katrina Clare scored her third goal of the evening with just 1:30 remaining in the first 10 minute 7 on 7 overtime period to give Barker the thrilling victory and earn the Lady Raiders a trip to the state semifinals.

“Katrina put the team on her back,” said Barker Coach Jeff Costello whose Lady Raiders had to come-from-behind twice. “They just didn’t give up. They battled back first from being two goals down and then from being one down. They just never give up.”

Barker co-captains Katrina Clare and Ciara Gregoire and Coach Jeff Costello hold up the regional championship trophy.

East Rochester jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Abby Weltman scored just six minutes in and then Emily Brock tallied with 12 minutes to go in the half.

Barker though came battling back.

The Lady Raiders first cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Kaedynce Schumacher with 7:55 to go in the first half and then pulled even on a tally by Clare just 4:35 into the second half.

East Rochester quickly regained the lead at 3-2 when Welman scored just half a minute later.

However, Barker again answered the challenge as Clare retied the suddenly wild contest at 3-3 by scoring with 17:31 remaining.

Neither team could find the net again in regulation time though Barker put good pressure on in the final two minutes.

That set the stage for Barker’s third straight dramatic playoff win in a row when Clare scored with just 1:30 to go in the first overtime period, her 30th goal of the season.

The comeback was similar to Barker’s 3-2 win over Niagara-Orleans League rival Akron in the Section VI Class C semifinal when the Lady Raiders rallied from a 2-0 half-time deficit to nip the Lady Tigers in overtime.

Barker then needed a goal in the final 20 seconds by Natalie Bruning to nip Eden 2-1 in the Section VI Class C title contest.

Barker will now face the winner of the Long Island Regional (either Pierson of Section 11 or Carle Place of Section 8) in the state semifinals at 3 p.m. next Saturday at Williamsville North.

Barker’s Ciara Gregoire tries for a shot on goal as Lena Fazzolari supports.

Barker’s Kaedynce Schumacher tries to get around East Rochester defender Frankie Puglisi.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Hailee Mitchell, who scored the game’s lone goal, brings the ball up field against North Collins defender Rebecca Holmes during the Eagles Eagles thrilling Far West Regional victory this evening at Webster Thomas.

Relentless pressure finally paid off as Kendall scored in the final three minutes to nip North Collins 1-0 in the girls soccer Class D Far West Regional this evening at Webster Thomas High School.

Hailee Mitchell scored with just 3:48 remaining to cap off Kendall’s furious barrage of shots and propel the Lady Eagles into the state semifinals for the first time since 2003.

Kendall Coach Pam Barchett and team captains Lizzy Sutphen, Hailee Mitchell and Brianna Wakefield proudly hold the regional championship trophy high.

“We just kept pushing and pushing and pushing and didn’t give up,” said Kendall Coach Pam Barchett who was a starting defender on the Lady Eagles 2003 state semi team. “All the credit though to their goalie. She just did an outstanding job. We put some 20 shots on her but she was outstanding. We just kept putting the shots on though and finally got one in. We just kept working together.”

Kendall goalie Katherine Pearson, who made 10 saves, anchored the Lady Eagles defensive unit. She made two big saves down the stretch before the Lady Eagles scored the game winner.

Kendall peppered the North Collins net with over a dozen shots in the second half with three sailing just wide and another bouncing off the cross bar before Mitchell connected for her  team leading 27th goal of the season.

Improving to 16-5, Kendall next faces Cincinnatus from Section III in the Class D state semifinals at 12:30 p.m. next Saturday at Homer High School. Cincinnatus downed Downsville from Section IV 1-0 in the Central Regional.

Kendall advanced to the regional by defeating Hinsdale 2-0 to claim the Section V Class D title while North Collins blanked Franklinville 3-0 for the Section VI crown.

Kendall’s Brianna Wakefield looks to work around North Collins defenders Robin Hidy and Kyrstin Lehnortt.

The Kendall duo of Lizzy Woodams and Alezya Brown work to keep the ball away from North Collins’ Hailey Jasinski.

The law enforcement agencies will increase patrol on Nov. 21 in a crackdown on motorists driving while intoxicated.

The Albion Police Department is hosting the county-wide detail, which is a collaborative effort involving the Albion Police Department, Medina Police Department, Holley Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and the Orleans County Probation Department, Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni said.

Law enforcement will be aggressively enforcing vehicle and traffic violations in search for impaired and intoxicated drivers, he said.

The Albion Police Department has hosted this detail for the past five years. All officers will meet at the Albion Police Department for a short briefing and each agency will then be operating in its own jurisdiction, with the Albion Police Department supervising the detail. Albion Lt. David Mogle and Nenni will be assisting all agencies with support and logistics throughout the night.

The officers have a briefing in Albion because many officers will be teamed up with probation officers, parole officers and possibly some federal agents, Nenni said.

Previous details have involved over 150 vehicle stops resulting in several alcohol and drug-related arrests, he said.

“We have seen over the years that our efforts are working and there has been a reduction of violators,” Nenni said. “We ask that everyone be responsible throughout the year, especially during the holiday season and to find alternatives to driving after consuming alcohol or engaging in drug use. The announcement of this detail and our combined efforts will hopefully save lives, as we are committed to this cause.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: It’s time to turn your clocks to “fall back” an hour. Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday. The photo above shows the very impressive clock tower at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. This church was built from 1892 to 1894 from Medina sandstone. The four-sided clock tower is home to the only chime bells in the city of Jamestown.

Americans will “fall back” at  2 a.m. Sunday and set their clocks back one hour to standard time. Firefighters also encourage you to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

An earlier sunset and darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles. AAA said.

Therefore, drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists will need to use safety measures so they are seen on the roads. AAA advises motorists and pedestrians to remember the following tips to stay safe:

AAA Tips for Motorists

Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible.

Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.

Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.

Remember to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.

Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.

AAA Tips for Pedestrians

Cross only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right and left again and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk or cross between parked cars.

Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.

Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

See and be seen. Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing and/or accessories.

While walking, pocket the cell phone and avoid listening to headphones at a volume that prohibits you from hearing approaching danger.

Daylight saving time begins on March 10, 2019.

Photos courtesy of Eric Maxon: The cobblestone building next to the Kendall fire hall has new windows paid for by donations to the fire department.

KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department would like to thank the Kendall community for its financial support from a recent fund drive, said Eric Maxon, treasurer for the Fire Department.

About 300 people responded to a May letter campaign. Those donations allowed the department to do $9,400 worth of improvement projects.

That includes new windows at the cobblestone meeting hall by the fire department and new windows in the kitchen. The window project cost about $4,600, Maxon said. The department is also getting quotes for new cement on the cobblestone on the front that building.

Kendall also a put new cap and sliding floor on the back of the 1981 pickup truck to carry more equipment. Kendall uses this vehicle for smaller calls. The truck repairs for $4,800 were also funded with donations, Maxon said.

Donations for the ambulance went for a $2,400 engine repair and for supplies and general upkeep on the ambulance.

Maxon said the department welcomes more volunteers for the ambulance squad. Kendall is one of the few non-charging ambulances in the county. Anyone with interest in being a medic can check the department website for more information. An application can be downloaded. Or people can call the firehall at 585-659-8082 and leave a message

Maxon said the department will likely send out another letter seeking donations in May. The firefighters appreciate the support which allows them to maintain the firehall and equipment.

“We live in a very giving community,” Maxon said.

“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 4, No. 43

William Jennings Bryan, c. 1896

Amidst the Gilded Age, American workers experience a spike in perceived prosperity as average wages rose above those in Europe and immigrants flooded into the United States. Yet, as the name suggests, the Gilded Age provided the outward appearance of growth and success while a run on currency, closing banks, and overextended industry led to a severe economic crisis extending from 1893 to 1897.

The appointment of receivers for the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad on the advent of President Grover Cleveland’s inauguration indicated a serious and extended financial situation looming on the horizon.

The issues facing many Americans, circulating around questionable capitalist practices, produced an environment in which political candidates such as William Jennings Bryan could rise to prominence. Born in Salem, Illinois to Silas and Mariah Jennings Bryan, young William became familiar with politics at a young age, his father aligning himself with Jacksonian Democrats and serving several terms as an Illinois Senator.

Bryan spent his post-law school years campaigning for Democrats such as Julius Morton and Grover Cleveland, but his interest in standing on the periphery waned and he turned to his skills as a respected orator to run for Congress in 1890. Facing the incumbent Republican candidate, William Connell, Bryan successfully ran on a platform that included reduced tariffs, limitations on trusts, and currency backed by gold and silver. He ran again in 1892, earning support from Populist candidates as Cleveland defeated Benjamin Harrison for the presidency.

During his second term in Congress and amidst the financial uncertainty of the Panic of 1893, the once crazy idea of “free silver” that Bryan promoted during his first campaign began to take root with many Americans. The result was his decision to forego a third congressional campaign in 1894 in favor of a bid for the presidency in 1896. During his pursuit of the Democratic nomination, he strategically sought to cultivate relationships with Populist leaders in an effort to prevent the nomination of a rival pro-silver candidate. He was relatively unknown in national politics, lacking large coffers to run an expansive campaign, and worked to remain in the periphery as to not draw attention from prominent political leaders.

On July 9, 1896, Bryan delivered his fiery “Cross of Gold” speech, relying upon his reputation as an accomplished and respected orator and becoming the first candidate the press the silver issue at the Democratic National Convention; “You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns; you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.” The following day he was officially selected as the Democratic nominee and set the date of August 12, 1896 as the date in which he would formally accept the nomination at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

On his return trip through Upstate New York, Bryan made a number of stops including a day trip to Orleans County on Friday, August 28th. At the annual picnic of Orleans County farmers, the great orator and “Silverite” was scheduled to address a crowd of several thousand people. The day’s festivities were to start at 9:30 a.m. with a band concert followed by an address by Gen. A. C. Fisk of New York City. Bryan’s 1 o’clock address was the featured event and the evening was to conclude with a concert at 7 o’clock.

James Hanlon of Medina was placed in charge of arranging the program and set the location of the picnic at “Slawson’s Grove” just north of Knowlesville. The location, also known as Lewis’ Grove, was situated upon the farm of Otis Lewis who lived on Eagle Harbor-Knowlesville Road just east of Knowlesville Road. The grove consisted of approximately 25 acres and sloped towards the center forming a natural amphitheater. Despite the logical placement of the event, Medina Democrats were infuriated that such a monumental visit would take place outside of the village.

The grove was arranged in a way that would provide adequate gathering space for over 10,000 people who would arrive from Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Rochester by train or canal boat. Lines from Rochester ran at ½ rates and made frequent stops at hamlets to accommodate the influx of travelers. Various reports claimed that Bryan arrived at Medina while others stated that Knowlesville’s station would provide a shorter trip to the grove. Regardless, an open carriage drawn by a team of four white horses was ready for the orator’s arrival. James Hanlon, Medina Mayor Seeley Cook, and Charles Hart of Albion accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Bryan to Knowlesville, “…and with the bands ahead and a barouche following, in which was carried a banner bearing the most horrible portrait of the free silver candidate yet shown…”

The carriage stopped for lunch with Mrs. Eugene Woodford, a sister of Mrs. T. Morey Hodgeman who was a neighbor of the Bryans from Lincoln, Nebraska. The late arrival of Bryan’s train and the lunch delayed his arrival to Slawson’s Grove by nearly an hour, while a crowd of around 8,000 impatiently waited for the candidate. Upon his arrival, Bryan was met by an anxious crowd that quickly swelled to over 10,000 people as he approached the platform.

As one local paper reported, “Mr. Bryan was introduced by Mark Phillips, the Hulberton man who has enjoyed all the offices that he could probably ever get through the Republican Party and is now posing as a shining example of conversion to free silver. The people didn’t want to hear him, though, and after he had tried to speak a little he gave it up and introduced Mr. Bryan.” He quickly mounted a reporter’s table so the massive crowd could catch a glimpse, and his hoarse and weakened voice was a far cry from his great oration at Chicago the month prior.

The fervor of the crowd was likely reminiscent of Andrew Jackson’s 1829 inauguration party, where 10,000 to 20,000 people mobbed the Capitol as part of a massive celebration. One paper reported, “It was probably the roughest crowd [Bryan] has been in since Jersey City, and he was hustled and jammed about on his way over the uneven pathway in a most unpleasant way. Once the candidate was nearly run into a tree, but he avoided it in time. At another he stubbed his toe on a root and nearly went down, but was caught in time by one of his bodyguards.”

The attentive and preoccupied crowd became a draw for pickpockets as well. The cries of one poor farmer who lost his wallet and $700 within grabbed the attention of a group of onlookers who quickly apprehended the thief. In 1912, John Craddock was reported to have cut down a tree in Slawson’s Grove revealing a wad of cash, likely stashed by a pickpocket during Bryan’s visit.

Although residents from across the county traveled to see Bryan at Knowlesville, even leaving Hulberton as a virtual ghost town for a period of time, not everyone supported his platform. On the evening before Bryan’s arrival in Orleans County, a ratification meeting was held at Albion and chaired by Marcus Phillips of Hulberton. “The meeting was not a large one and little enthusiasm was shown…small boys blew horns in the gallery which the speaker disapproved of.”

Press Release, Niagara County Public Information Office

New York State Office of the Attorney General, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) have made funding available across New York State for newly formed Land Banks.

Enterprise is now dedicating additional funding to support Land Banks, with funds coming from a bank settlement negotiated by the New York State Office of the Attorney General. Enterprise selected the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation (NORLIC) as a recipient for a $500,000 grant.

Many of the neighborhoods targeted through the Land Bank are transitioning neighborhoods, that through proper selection of properties and investments, can be strengthened to reverse trends.  Revitalization may include acquisition, rehabilitation and demolition of derelict properties.

Orleans County Legislature Chairperson Lynne M. Johnson said, “with this vital funding the Land Bank can begin the important work of breathing new life into struggling areas of our region.”

“The Land Bank has already had the sale of its first property in North Tonawanda in the short time it has been formed,” said Niagara County Chairman W. Keith McNall. “This money will assist in our intervention with abandoned properties by developing and implementing a long term plan for the revitalization of our stressed neighborhoods.”

“The Land Bank is a forward thinking tool that combats blight in our cities and seeks to preserve and enhance the value of its land assets,” said Niagara County Legislator Richard Andres.

North Tonawanda Legislator, Randy Bradt applauded the efforts of the NORLIC staff and Board of Directors to obtain this grant.

“It’s a way we can support our community in reviving our residential and commercial spaces,” Bradt said. “The renaissance along our canal corridor and Webster Street needs to continue into the Oliver Street areas; this funding allows us to take a huge step in that direction. We’re dedicated to making sure Oliver Street becomes the prosperous community it once was.”

Press Release and photos, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – National PTA has recognized Lyndonville Elementary School and Lyndonville Centralized PTSA as a 2018-2020 School of Excellence for their commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming school community where all families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.

“Research shows that when families and schools work together, students do better in school and schools improve,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “Lyndonville Elementary School and Lyndonville Centralized PTSA have worked hard to strengthen their family-school partnership and create an environment where all families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success. We are pleased to recognize them as a National PTA School of Excellence.”

National PTA’s School of Excellence program helps PTAs become partners in identifying and implementing school improvement initiatives based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Schools that exhibit improvement at the end of the school year are honored as a National PTA School of Excellence, a distinction that spans two years.

Lyndonville Elementary School and Lyndonville Centralized PTSA are one of only 278 PTAs and schools nationwide recognized as a 2018-2020 School of Excellence.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our families and the community,” said Dr. Elissa Smith, PreK-6 principal at Lyndonville. “I am truly thankful for the collaboration between our PTSA and our school. We are very fortunate that we have so many involved families, staff members and community members.”

With the help of staff and parent support, Lyndonville Elementary School hosted a February Boost and nearly 100 students attended school on the Wednesday over February Break. Staff members worked with students on a variety of hands on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) based projects.

Through the Lyndonville PTSA, we began a Watch DOGS program at school, which is designed to increase positive male role models at school. Mr. Vern Fonda, Lyndonville Centralized PTSA President, was instrumental in getting this program up and running, helping the PTSA to host Donuts With Dads and Pizza Party events to get male volunteers to take an active role at school.

Extra-curricular activities were also increased at Lyndonville Elementary last school year, through the support of our PTSA, community and staff.  The elementary school showcased a K-2 mini-musical, 3rd & 4th grade chorus, soccer club, Minecraft Club, Taekwondo Club, 4H, storytelling and extended ages for After School Reading Program! Special thanks to Cornell Cooperative Extension, Yates Community Library, the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, OCALS and Kwandran’s Taekwondo for their help with these initiatives!

To celebrate their achievements, National PTA presented Lyndonville Elementary School and Lyndonville Centralized PTSA with a National PTA School of Excellence banner. For more information about the National PTA School of Excellence program, visit PTA.org/Excellence.

Cobblestone Museum presents 1,186 petitions, asks developer to look at site across from Town Hall on 104

This is a rendering of the design for the new store proposed on Route 104.

GAINES – The developers working on a controversial new Dollar General store that would in a historic commercial district say Dollar General wants to stay at a site that would be across from a cobblestone schoolhouse built in 1849.

Two officials from the Zaremba Group traveled from Cleveland to meet with Cobblestone Museum leaders and supporters on Thursday to go over the plan for the new 9,100-square-foot store.

Zaremba builds about 40 Dollar General stores a year. Zaremba buys the land, builds the store and leases the site to Dollar General.

The proposed site for the Gaines store is in a wooded area, just east of the routes 98 and 104 intersection. It is a high traffic area, and is the preferred location for Dollar General, which does the market analysis for its stores, said Gary Hough, senior director of development for Zaremba.

“This is the location they believe in,” Hough told about 50 people at the meeting inside the Cobblestone Universalist Church, a building constructed in 1834. “They have charged us to move forward.”

Doug Farley, the museum director, presented 1,186 petitions against the Dollar General’s proposed site in the historic district. Farley handed the petitions to Hough and Mary Ann Wervey, vice president of Retail Development for the Zaremba Group.

Farley said the project should have never been considered by the Gaines Zoning Board of Appeals. A zoning misinterpretation has, unfortunately, allowed Zaremba to spend money on a site that shouldn’t be developed for a commercial chain store, Farley said.

“It was a very bad decision by the Zoning Board to allow it to get to this point,” he said. “We are clearly an interested party and we’ve been ignored.”

About 50 people attended the 4 p.m. meeting to hear about the proposed Dollar General.

The historic commercial district allows convenience stores, such as Crosby’s. However, the district doesn’t allow a general store.

The Dollar General was deemed suitable in the zoning by Gaines ZBA officials, who said it is a convenience store. However, the Cobblestone Museum said the Dollar General, at a proposed 9,100 square feet, should be considered a general store, and thus not allowed in the historic district.

Farley said the presence of the Dollar General would have a damaging effect on the Cobblestone Museum and the historic district, an impact that couldn’t be reversed once the store was built.

Museum supporters worry that the Dollar General would also bring more chain stores to the district. Zaremba is developing about 1 acre for the store, but 4 other undeveloped acres are next to the site.

The developer says the store would be shielded with vegetation.

There are already five Dollar General stores in Orleans County – Albion, Holley, Kendall, Medina and Ridgeway. That seems to be more than enough, the Zaremba officials were told.

However, Hough said Dollar General sees more opportunity in the county with the store in Gaines.

“It’s a new trade area they feel they are serving,” he said about Gaines. “They find this to be a new location they are not serving.”

Farley asked Zaremba to hold off on pushing for the store for at least six months because Gaines is looking to update its comprehensive plan and possibly expand the commercial district on Route 104.

Hough said the developer is limited right now where a commercial building can go in Gaines on Route 104. The commercial district is limited to historic area of Gaines.

Farley also asked the company to look at undeveloped land across from the Gaines Town Hall. That would be a prime spot for the Dollar General, he said.

Hough and Wervey said they would share the concerns from the museum with Dollar General.

Hough also said the company has some screening in the plan for the building, should it go across the street from the historic schoolhouse. The store also will have an upgraded look from many of the stores, he said.

(Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers is a member of the Cobblestone Museum’s board of trustees.)

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion High School drama program kicks off a new season today and Saturday with the performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical.”

Emma Tower portrays Grace Bradley, who is tasked with leading a church Christmas pageant. It is a daunting challenge due to the presence of six unruly children from the Herdman family.

Show times are 7 p.m. today at the Albion Middle School, and noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available at the door.

Enoch Martin, center, plays Ralph Herdman, the oldest of the Herdsman kids. They enter the church looking for dessert and decide to try out for the Christmas pageant, wanting all of the lead roles.

The church kids aren’t too happy about sharing the stage with the Herdmans.

Emma Tower is frazzled trying to put together the Christmas pageant.

Kate Krieger plays Alice Wendleken, a know-it-all who is upset the Herdmans are in the pageant.

Sophia Zambito, Arella Ives and Emily Mergler play three sassy ladies in the show.

Aubrey Boyer is Helen Armstrong, who usually leads the pageants but is sidelined due to a broken leg. That forces Grace to step in to direct the show.

Nick Rodriguez (center) is Teddi Shoemaker, a kid who asks too many questions, and Zach Kilner (right) is Elmer Hopkins, a preacher’s kid who needs to behave and be nice.

Hannah VanEpps (center) plays Imogene Herdman, the leader of the siblings. She is loud, bossy and crafty. She is shown with Kaylyn Holman (left) who is Luella McKlusky, and Annalise Steier, who is Betsy Cathcart.

The Herdmans rejuvenate the Christmas story with their energy and unexpected sincerity.

Gary Simboli and Kathy Winans are directors of the show. Simboli said the musical has a message of not judging people based on how they look or their circumstances.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendal players and coaches, shown here after Tuesday’s state qualifier victory, will next take on North Collins in the Far West Regional on Saturday.

Entering state level competition for the first time in 15 years, Section V Class D champion Kendall will take on Section VI champion North Collins in the girls soccer Far West Regionals at Webster Thomas High School at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Kendall, which earned a state berth for the first time since 2003 by blanking Hinsdale 2-0 Tuesday in the Section V Class D qualifier at Fillmore. North Collins downed Franklinville 3-0 to claim the Section VI Class D title.

“We are so excited that we won our State Qualifier Match. This is the 1st time in 15 years that Kendall has reached this point.” said Coach Pam Barchet   “This team is so young and driven. It is such a joy to be working with this group of athletes.   We started the season 1-3, and we decided that was not how the rest of our season was going to go.  The team knew that they would have their work cut out for them (especially being so young), but their positive energy and work ethic has really propelled them to surpass all of our expectations for the season!”

Interestingly, Barchet was a starting defender as a junior on Kendall’s 2003 team which defeated Allegany-Limestone from Section VI 3-1 in the Far West Regional but then lost 3-2 to Elmira Notre Dame from sEction IV in the state semifinals.

“The 2003 team was a more experienced group, comprised of mostly juniors and seniors.   Although this year’s team is younger, they make up for their limited experience in their passion for the game and their unwillingness to give up.” said Barchet  “As an athlete in 2003, I don’t think I really acknowledged the accomplishment of making it to the State tournament; we were just a bunch of girls doing what we loved.  Now, as a coach, I really want the girls to see how much they have achieved and how far they can go.  They are still young athletes, doing what they love, but I want them to be proud of all they have accomplished because it really is quite an achievement!”

Junior Hailee Mitchell has led the Kendall attack with 26 goals as freshman Grace Levett has 11, sophomore Brianna Wakefield and freshman Alezya Brown 9 each and sophomore Lizzy Woodams 6.

“In looking forward to our next match (Far West Regional Match). We definitely need to continue to push the pace in our possession game,” said Barchet  “We play our best soccer when we are possessing the ball and connecting short passes and work up the field together.  Our game yesterday was a really good showing of our possession game.   A key for our success on Saturday will be scoring early (as we have done in the past 2 games) and finishing on our scoring opportunities.  We had many chances in the first 20 minutes in the Class D play-down match, but we had a hard time finishing.”

Junior goalie Katherine Pearson, who had 14 saves in the shutout win over Hinsdale and center defender junior Lizzy Sutphen anchor the defense for Kendall which has allowed only two goals in four playoff games.

“Defensively, I’m very happy with the way my team has continued to minimize the attacking presences of our opponents.” said Barchet.  “Central Defender Lizzie Sutphen and Goalie Katie Pearson do an excellent job of organizing the team and making sure that everyone is marked in the defensive end of the field.   As long as the defense stays organized and communicate with one another, they will have the best chance of shutting down the other team’s attack.”

North Collins, which is 6-10-1, has been led in scoring by senior Emily Winter with 10 goals as senior Destiny Neamon has 7 and junior Rebecca Holmes 5.

The victor will advance to the state semifinals on November 10 at Homer, N.Y. near Cortland.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Emilie Barleben (center), president of the FFA in 2016-17, and Rylie Lear, and Garrett Derisley move 50-pound bags of cabbage off the truck during the Albion FFA’s food drive in 2016. The FFA collected 35,000 pounds of food that was delivered to Community Action on East State Street in Albion last year, which was a new record. The 35,000 pounds passed the 33,000 pounds donated by farmers in 2016.

Press Release, NY Department of Agriculture and Markets

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball reminded farmers that their donations to emergency food programs can earn them refundable tax credits starting in the next tax year.  The tax credit program, launched by Governor Cuomo in January 2018, is expected to save farmers $10 million annually.

“As the fall harvest winds down, I want to remind farmers that they can help those in need while offsetting their costs by donating to qualified food banks, pantries and emergency food programs,” Commissioner Ball said. “It’s a win-win, helping to feed those in need and providing a boost to those who produce our abundant and nutritious farm foods and beverages. We appreciate Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for taking this important step to support the generosity of farmers, who have donated at record rates for years.”

The tax credit, which is supported by the New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy, can be claimed on donations of fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat and some dairy products to qualified food pantries, food banks and other emergency food programs. Last year, New York State farmers donated more than 10 million pounds of food through the Harvest for All Feeding America Program.

Donations need to meet quality and labeling standards. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of qualified donations, with a maximum benefit of $5,000 per year. An eligible farmer who makes qualified donations, with a fair market value of $12,000 this year would be allowed a 25 percent credit, equaling $3,000.

New York State Tax & Finance Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said, “We’re proud to administer this beneficial tax credit to support our farmers and those who rely on food banks and pantries for healthful, locally grown meals.”

Those eligible to claim the refundable tax credit include business owners subject to New York State income tax, whose incomes are primarily from farming activity. Corporate franchise tax-payers and farmers who are in partnerships or are shareholders of a New York State corporation can also claim the credit.

To claim the credit, the taxpayer must receive proof of the donation in the form of a receipt or written acknowledgment from the eligible food program. More information on the guidelines and record-keeping requirements for farm donations to food pantries can be found by clicking here.

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “New York’s farmers have historically been generous with their food donations. The tax credit will help offset a portion of the costs to pick, package and deliver the fresh produce to regional food banks and pantries. We encourage farmers to take advantage of the credit, available for the first time this year, and to always think about their local food banks as an opportunity to increase the availability of healthy, local food to New Yorkers in need.”

The tax credit builds on other steps the state has taken to encourage growth and profitability for New York’s farmers, including the Farm Workforce Retention Credit, which is estimated to save another $14 million annually.