LYNDONVILLE – The Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 in Lyndonville will be holding a flag retirement ceremony Thursday at 6 p.m. at Lynhaven Cemetery, located behind the Presbyterian Church at 107 Main St. The location will be near the cannon next to the flagpole.

Anyone who has a worn or tattered flag is welcome to bring it to the ceremony where we will ensure it receives a dignified disposal, said Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post. Thursday is also Flag Day.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Earl Schmidt, director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County, rides in the Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday. He was promoting a medical van transport service run by the Orleans County Joint Veterans Council.

ALBION – The director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County has a new role to advocate for veterans.

Earl Schmidt on Memorial Day was sworn in as a member of the Veterans Affairs Commission for the state. He was recommended for the post by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who administered the oath to Schmidt during a Memorial Day observance at Holley.

The Commission advises staff for the State Division of Veterans’ Affairs on policies, implementing programs and coordinating services for veterans.

“This is quite an honor,” said Schmidt, who has been the county’s director of the Veterans Service Agency since December 2015. “It will give us a voice in Albany. We need to do anything that is in the right path for veterans.”

Schmidt’s term on the Commission lasts until Dec. 31, 2019, when his tenure could be extended for the voluntary position.

Schmidt served 23 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard, including combat in both the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. He retired as sergeant first class and reconnaissance platoon sergeant. He earned 17 medals including a Bronze Star.

A Ridgeway resident, he worked 3 ½ years as an accredited veterans’ service officer with the Niagara County Veterans Service Agency before coming to lead the office in Orleans County.

Volunteer will be at local libraries to help with application process

Andrew Szatkowski

Andrew Szatkowski knows personally the power of a week away at camp, a chance for fun and friends and a time to forget about challenges at home.

Szatkowski attended Camp Troutburg, a former Salvation Army camp in Kendall when he was a kid.

“I loved it,” he said. “I literally cried for weeks when I left. I missed the people. It was a Christian camp and we were shown love.”

Szatkowski wants to help other local kids have a similar experience. He has been trained by the Salvation Army to help people complete the application process for sending their kids to Long Point Camp in Penn Yan, a Salvation Army camp for children ages 6 to 12. (Click here for more on Long Point Camp.)

The camp used to accept application forms that were printed, but now it is an online application. That has proven to be a challenge for many Orleans County parents, who don’t have computers or Internet access, Szatkowski said.

He has arranged with local libraries to have application open houses. The libraries have Internet and resources to get the application done.

Szatkowski will be at the following local libraries from 4 to 7 p.m.: Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina on Thursday; Hoag Library in Albion on June 18; Yates Community Library in Lyndonville on June 19; and Community Free Library in Holley on June 25.

The camp is free, and transportation will likely be available through Community Action of Orleans Genesee.

There used to be about 15 children from Orleans County who attended the camp for a week each summer, but that number was down to four last year with the new online application process, said Michelle Figueroa, case manager for emergency services for Community Action.

Parents and guardians need to print out a Salvation Army medical form and have a doctor sign it as part of the application.

They also need to provide medical and dental insurance cards, and proof of address, which could be a utility bill. (Click here to enroll.)

Szatkowski is determined to help families get through the paperwork and submit it all online. He is concerned about local children in poverty or who have families that are affected by the drug epidemic. Those kids need a break from stressful conditions, he said.

The Orleans County kids would be part of camp on July 26-31, which has an Avenger’s theme for the week.

“This is a great environment for the kids, from the physical to the spiritual to the creative,” he said.

Figueroa also said the camp is an uplifting experience for children in Orleans County.

“The big benefit is the children learn their social skills, communication skills – they have fun,” she said. “They’re able to get out of their environment and be placed in an environment where they can do all kinds of things. They can go camping, singing and do arts and crafts. The kids absolutely love it. They seem refreshed.”

Szatkowski said people interested in applying can attend the session at the libraries or email him at aszat74@yahoo.com or call him at 585-205-0581.

Press Release, GCC

The Spring of 2018 Instructors and Students of the Semester for both the Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College have been named. Nominations from fellow teachers, students and colleagues were collected at each campus center during the semester. The selection committee, led by James Simon – Associate Dean of the Campus Centers in Albion and Medina – reviewed each nomination and selected the winning instructors and students.

Albion Campus Center

Peggy Feary-Pray

Peggy Feary-Pray has been selected as the Spring 2018 Instructor of the Semester at GCC’s Albion Campus Center. She taught classes in Human Relations and Human Services in GCC’s Albion Campus Center this semester.

In a nomination, one of her students expressed appreciation that Ms. Feary-Pray took an interest in her and gave her opportunities to grow within her field of study stating, “She develops and creates hands-on activities that generate group discussions and realistic role-plays.”

In the course of her career she has been a clinical therapist, foster care caseworker and rape crisis coordinator. Reflecting on her varied career path, Peggy said, “I would change nothing…I am always amazed by the twists my career has taken.”

Her sage advice for new instructors: “Be prepared with more than you need for class, and make your students use their brains. You might be surprised by what they say.” She added, “Rise to the challenge, you might surprise yourself!”

Peggy shared that her most rewarding experience has been seeing her students’ ability to write a great paragraph response at the end of the semester!

Peggy graduated from Alexander Central School and continued her education at SUNY College at Brockport and University at Albany. She holds Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Welfare degrees. She lives in Corfu with her husband, three children, dog and two cats. When she isn’t in the classroom, Peggy enjoys camping and playing her flute. She is active in her community, serving on the Missions and Ministry Committee at Alexander UMC.

Summer Moore is pictured with Jim Simon, dean of the campus centers in Albion and Medina.

Summer Moore was named Spring 2018 Student of the Semester at the Albion Campus Center. An Albion native, Summer attends classes at GCC part time in pursuit of her Criminal Justice AAS degree with a concentration in Corrections Counseling.

Summer says that what she loves most about college is meeting new people and learning new things. She believes that one of her strengths as a student is her dedication to working hard and making herself accountable for her own efforts. Agreeing, her instructor said “Summer has clearly worked hard, and as a result, her writing has consistently improved throughout the semester.”

Summer offered some words of wisdom to new college students, “things may seem scary and overwhelming at first, but it gets better as long as you try!” She cites her parents as the major influences in her life, saying that they’ve always pushed her to try her hardest, and they never gave up on her.

Upon graduation from GCC, Summer plans to look for a good job that will allow her to live near a beach in Virginia. When she isn’t studying, Summer enjoys drawing, listening to music and walking nature trails. Summer resides in Albion.

Medina Campus Center

Amy Crockford

The selection committee has named Amy Crockford as the Spring 2018 Instructor of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center. Amy joined Genesee Community College as an adjunct instructor of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture in 2017. In addition to Medina, she currently teaches at GCC’s Batavia campus, The SUNY College at Brockport, Buffalo State College and Erie Community College.

Amy has her BS degree in Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology and her MS degree in Student Affairs Administration from the University at Buffalo.

Students who nominated Amy this semester collectively shared that she makes learning ASL enjoyable and relatable. One student stated that if it were not for Amy’s class, the student would have dropped out of school. Amy recalls her most rewarding teaching experience – receiving a nomination for the Presidential Academic Excellence in Teaching Award. She added that GCC’s Medina Campus Center staff have been wonderful assets to her and the college by encouraging students.

When asked for one piece of advice to a new instructor, Amy said, “Be patient with your students and it will be reflected in their work, class participation and eagerness to learn.

Married and raising two sons, Amy finds time to be an active Scout mom in Akron Cub Scouts Pack 531 and Boy Scout Troop 559. She also belongs to Deaf Access Services, The American Sign Language Teacher’s Association and the American Sign Language National Honor Society. The Crockford family resides in Lockport.

Dustin Wells

Dustin Wells of Medina has been named the Spring 2018 Student of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center. Dustin will earn his Liberal Arts & Science: General Studies AS degree and graduate from GCC in the Fall 2018. He plans to transfer to a four-year institution to play collegiate baseball and to pursue a degree in architecture.

One of the nominations stated that “Dustin regularly demonstrates not only effort, but also insight and excellence. Dustin stands out. Many people are happy with doing what is required, but few challenge themselves to be the best that they can personally be, as he does.”

Dustin was quick to cite his mother and father as the major influences in his life and education. He said his mother always strives for success in college and life and his father works hard and stays focused – no matter what. Dustin wanted new students to know that, “College is much easier if you don’t procrastinate and actually study.”

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lyndonville Central School Superintendent Jason Smith presents a check for $1,000 to second-grade teacher Shannon Arlington after she was named “Educator of the Year” during a Board of Education meeting Monday night. The money can be used for a school project she chooses. Last year’s Educator of the Year winner John Bailey used his money to purchase a composition for the band, which will premiered at a concert on Thursday.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent

LYNDONVILLE – In 2016, the Lyndonville Central School District board of education established an Educator of the Year award to recognize teachers who go above and beyond.

On Monday night during the Board of Education meeting, the award was presented to second-grade teacher Shannon Arlington.

Superintendent Jason Smith said the nomination process for the award begins in the fall, and five nominations were received this year. A committee which includes two student representatives reviews all applications.

Arlington graduated from Medina High School and received degrees from Genesee Community College and Brockport State College.

She was nominated for the award by third-grader Shannon Withey Jr. and a parent, Kristin Fonda. Support letters were received from community member Bonnie Water, retired colleague Craig Paas and student Logan Fonda.

Kristin Fonda said students of Arlington’s take great strides forward in their education.

“She is dedicated to giving each student the time and attention they need to succeed,” Fonda said.

Fonda explained this year Arlington helped to implement a new procedure for the ARC reading program, grouping students together based on their reading skill level, including those students in the same grade but in different classrooms.

“Communication with parents at home is so important in keeping the school-home connection, and Shannon excels in this area as well,” Fonda wrote. “She sends home weekly updates, which include what the students have learned, will learn and what we should be chatting about at home. When she corrects a paper or test, it’s more than a number and a sticker. She has written an encouraging message on the paper, too, or a constructive comment about what might make the paragraph better.”

Arlington is very involved as both a teacher and a parent. She has started work on getting her National Board Certification, an optional program which requires dedication and many hours of hard work. Teachers who are board certified are recognized as experts in their field and are often sought out to take on leadership positions in their schools and districts.

Parent Kristin Fonda and third-grader Shannon Withey nominated second-grade teacher Shannon Arlington for Lyndonville’s “Educator of the Year” award. They stand with her as the award was presented by School Superintendent Jason Smith during a board meeting Monday night.

Shannon Withey Jr. is a former student of Arlington ’s, who wrote in his nomination that Mrs. Arlington is one of the kindest teachers in the world.

“She is funny sometimes and will help you if you need help,” he said.

Paas wrote that Arlington truly shines in the day-to-day interaction she has with her students.

“She truly invests herself in all of her students, striving to assure their success academically, socially and as being productive members of the community,” Paas said. “Shannon is a master at observing the strengths and weaknesses of her students and then individualizing instruction for those students in order to enrich or remediate as their needs apply. The students who have been fortunate enough to be in her classroom come to school each day, not only excited about learning, but also excited about being in a classroom in which their ideas, interests and feelings are valued.”

As part of her award, Arlington was presented with a check for $1,000, which she plans to use to bring a noted author to the school.

“I feel that providing such an experience would allow students to make new rich connections to text and perhaps encourage more of a love for reading,” she said.

She recalled how author and illustrator Patience Brewster came to her elementary school and she always remembered how that was an amazing day of learning.

Arlington shared how as a child she loved and looked forward to the start of school. She has never forgotten the teachers who inspired her, from her first-grade teacher Mrs. Harmon to Mrs. Figurilli, who was her third-grade teacher during a very difficult time in her life. She was dealing with the divorce of her parents and her brother was killed in a car accident, but Mrs. Figurilli was her main support and source of constancy. Then there was her junior high Spanish teacher Mrs. Biano who always had time to talk; Mrs. Slack, who encouraged her love of literature; and Mr. Maioriana, her junior high principal, who always had a smile on his face and somehow knew every student’s name.

“He always told me, ‘Kid, you can always do more than what you believe you can,’” Arlington said.

She added she has always enjoyed working the children from her days as a little girl playing school with her friends or babysitting.

“As an educator, I believe I must always be willing to learn new things myself in order to be the best teacher I can be for my students,” she said. “I believe educators who provide a predictable, structured, safe and caring environment help all students, but especially those students who may have no structure at home.”

Rose Stephens, a retiring bus driver at Lyndonville Central School after 23 years, received a clock and flowers at Monday’s board of education meeting from Superintendent Jason Smith.

Two employees were recognized on the occasion of their retirement, school bus driver Rose Stephens and kindergarten teacher Robin Boyle.

Stephens has served 23 years as bus driver, and was commended for her history of positive evaluations and for being more than “just a bus driver.”

Smith said Stephens has been a surrogate parent, counselor, a listening ear and a cheerleader to her students, and she will be missed.

Robin Boyle receives a plaque from Lyndonville Central School Superintendent Jason Smith on the occasion of her retirement after spending 16 years in Lyndonville as a kindergarten teacher.

Boyle has been a kindergarten teacher for 30 years, 14 at Brockport and 16 in Lyndonville, her alma mater.

Smith called Boyle a highly successful teacher. He said he had visited her room often and kids were always engaged.

“She is so proud of the progress they make, especially with their Steps in the American Reading program,” Smith said. “Her warmth, caring and compassion are the hallmarks of her teaching career.”

Boyle said she hated to leave Brockport, but once she started at Lyndonville it became very apparent to her this was where she was supposed to be.

“I spent my whole childhood here and eventually moved back to live in my childhood home,” Boyle said. “I have worked under several superintendents and principals, and pride myself on my rapport with the students and their families. When you are a kindergarten teacher, for some you are the child’s first experience to school.”

She shared her thrill at having the school gymnasium dedicated to her father, and said it says a lot that many of the teachers, bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria staff are Lyndonville alumni.

HOLLEY – A local teen-ager is leading an effort  to create a pollinator meadow where bees will be encouraged to flourish.

Amelia Sidonio, 15, and a group of local 4-Hers spread wildflower seed on Thursday for the new meadow which is about a half mile from Hurd Orchards, which is owned by Amelia’s family.

Bayer, which has an agricultural products division, provided a $2,500 grant for the project. Bayer is paying for pollinator meadows in all 50 states, part of an effort to encourage native bee populations.

Amelia Sidonio distributes seeds to Grace Gregoire, Sadie Gregoire and Luke Gregoire prior to planting.

The colony collapse disorder and other diseases have decimated the honey bee population, making the fruit industry vulnerable because bees are needed to pollinate crops for them to grow. The new meadows will provide pollen for native bees and honey bees.

“I’m just really happy to have the opportunity to work with Bayer and start the movement of wildflower plantings,” Amelia said.

She is a sophomore at the Harley School in Rochester. She has been involved with the Orleans County 4-H program since she was 5, starting as a Cloverbud with the rabbit program.

During a 4-H public presentation, she researched the crisis with the declining bee population and presented that report. She wanted to do something to help bees, and learned about the funding opportunity through Bayer.

Her mother, Amy Machamer, was honored in 2016 by Bayer with a farming innovation award. Machamer was recognized by Bayer welcoming the public on their farm to learn about agriculture. Hurd Orchards hosts luncheons and dinners that teach about growing fruit. Machamer also teaches people how to prepare dishes with ingredients grown from the Hurd farm.

A 4-Her holds a handful of seed. Wildflower seed planted included red poppies, yarrow, milkweed, oxeye and painted daisies.

The first pollinator meadow is about a half mile from the market at Hurd Orchards. Machamer and her daughter want to add another meadow closer to the market. That was the plan last year but it was too rainy to get the meadow started.

A group of Orleans County 4-Hers met in a small field on Hurd Road in Murray on Thursday to plant a pollinator meadow. Amelia reached out to her 4-H friends who filled pails with wildflower seeds and scattered the seed in the newly tilled meadow.

“It’s important to get the community involved,” Amelia said. “It’s good to connect to different kinds of agriculture.”

Orleans County 4-Hers are pictured after the planting. They are, from left: Luke Gregoire, John Gabalski, Amelia Sidonio, Grace Gregoire, Joan-Marie Gabalski and Sadie Gregoire.

She wants to raise more public awareness of the issue affecting bees. She said the wildflowers also have the added benefit of beautifying the countryside.

The plants will germinate this year and some may flower. Next year the planting will really take hold and provide blooms for many years to come.

“That field will be absolutely gorgeous,” Machamer said. “It will be really pretty. It will be really beautiful. It will provide beauty and a pollinator meadow, and raise consciousness.”

For more on the Bayer program to help bees, click here.

Provided photos: The spring Holley trap shooting team includes, front row, from left: Coach Jaime Almeter, Coach Ted Major, Kyle Surowy,  Rayelle Bonacci, Evan Press, Joe Silpoch, Jakob  Silpoch, Coach John Waldron, Coach Doug Baker and Coach Butch Moy. Back row: Hunter Cleveland, Triston McFadden, Alexis Clemens, Kelsie Johnstone, Brandon Dillenbeck, Alexis Penna and Max Hollister.

HOLLEY – The Holley trap team just finished its third season in the NYS High School Clay Target League. Holley was third in its conference out of six teams in the Spring 2018.  Holley also competed in Spring 2017 and Fall 2017.

The schools are broken into conferences based on the size of the trap team. Holley with its 17 members competed in Class 1A in Conference 4. Kendall also had a team this spring for the first time and came in seventh out of seven teams in Conference 1.

The team for the first time was able to give a $500 scholarship. Steve Markle, a supporter of the program, donated the $500. He presents the scholarship last week to Brandon Dillenbeck for his high shooting and academic success.

Markle took up trap shooting himself two years ago at the Holley Rod & Gun Club, where the team practices and holds many of its matches. Markle said the sport teaches discipline and focus.

He said his two daughters were fortunate to get scholarships when they graduated from high school.

“I was looking for a way to give back,” Markle said. “I wanted to know what I could do to help the team out.”

Provided photos

LYNDONVILLE – Megan Dix’s family attended the dedication for the school yearbook at today’s Awards Ceremony at Lyndonville Central School.

The 2018 senior class unanimously selected Megan Dix for the dedication. Dix was 33 when she fatally shot last Aug. 25 while taking her lunch break at a small parking lot near Lowe’s, where she worked in Brockport.

Megan is the youngest of eight siblings. She and her husband, Chris, have an 8-year-old son, CJ, who is a student at Lyndonville.

Megan was a 2002 graduate from Lyndonville Central School. Her husband graduated in 2003.

The dedication page in the yearbook shows Megan with her husband Chris and their son, CJ.

Here is the written dedication in the yearbook:

On September 2nd, 1983 the world welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Megan Eleen Duncanson. As Megan grew she became an active member of the Lyndonville Central School. She had much love and pride for Lyndonville. Participating in many extracurriculars such as Soccer, Cheerleading, Softball, Band, Chorus, Yearbook, Prom Committee and Varsity Club to name a few of the many activities Megan enjoyed, throughout her youth and high school career.

While in high school Megan also met her future husband Christopher Dix. On August 19th 2002, Christopher asked Megan to be his girlfriend and the rest was history. The two high school sweethearts were inseparable and created a lifetime of memories together. Memories such as; graduation, Megan in 2002 and Christopher in 2003 both from Lyndonville. The two created a life with the birth of their son, C.J. on July 22nd, 2009 and became husband and wife on June 19th, 2010.

Megan enjoyed spending time with family and friends every chance she was given. A creative spirit, Megan also enjoyed adult coloring books, needlepoint, crocheting and was an avid reader. Her husband Christopher described Megan as perfect in every sense of the word. She strived to make everyone happy and always put others first. Megan truly was a darling daughter, caring mother, loving wife and compassionate friend. The world lost a beautiful person but gained an amazing angel.

ALBION – A Medina man was sentenced to 4 ½ years in state prison and 5 years of post-release supervision after he pled guilty to attempted burglary in the second-degree.

Jerry Gray, 45, was arrested on July 26 and charged with eight counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, burglary in the second degree, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree.

District Attorney Joe Cardone said Gray entered the house of an elderly couple during the night and took a television, purse and other belongings.

He accepted a plea deal for attempted burglary in the second degree. Gray has five prior felonies, five failures to appear in court and has had his probation and parole revoked. Because he has prior felonies, the prison maximum was up to 5 years.

His attorney, Jon Ross Wilson, said Gray’s criminal history has been driven by drug and mental health issues. Gray had a drug relapse and stole items to buy drugs, Wilson said.

Gray apologized for the crime and said he takes responsibility for it and looks forward to getting help in prison. While in the county jail he completed a drug treatment program through the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Judge Sara Sheldon gave Gray a slight break in the sentence at 4 ½ years.

In other cases in County Court today:

• Judge Sheldon said a trial will start on June 18 for the case involving Gerardo Quiros, 31, of Medina. He allegedly held a woman against her will for several weeks, while physically and sexually assaulting her.

Quiros is facing 24 counts, including seven counts of first-degree rape, 10 counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree, one count of third-degree assault, one count of both criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third and fifth degrees, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Quiros remains in the county jail after his bail was revoked in January by Judge Sheldon. Jurors will be picked on Monday, Sheldon said.

• Jason Schmeer, 37, of Brockport was to be sentenced for fourth-degree grand larceny for taking a credit card. He has agreed to pay $485 in restitution. However, he failed to appear during sentencing. Judge Sheldon issued a warrant for his arrest.

He faces a split sentenced of up to six months in jail and five years of probation when he is sentenced.

• The judge set bail at $50,000 cash and $250,000 bond for Robert Tetrault, 37, of Albion. He faces charges of predatory sexual assault against a child after he allegedly had sexual intercourse and committed another sex act against a child.

Tetrault allegedly committed the crimes against a child, ages 9 to 10, from January to July 2012.

Covis sentenced for petit larceny for ‘double dipping’

ALBION – A former Orleans County sheriff’s deputy was sentenced this afternoon for petit larceny and falsifying business records. Dean Covis won’t have to go to jail or be on probation. He also can’t work again as a police officer, Sara Sheldon, an interim County Court judge, said today during sentencing.

Dean Covis

Dean Covis last July was indicted on felony grand larceny in the third degree he and another deputy, Tom Marano, were accused of falsifying time sheets when they were hired for security by Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners, which operates a hydroelectric plant in Waterport.

Covis and Marano on Feb. 26 both pleaded guilty to petit larceny and falsifying business records. Marano will be sentenced next Monday.

Covis, 53, admitted to filing false time sheets for about 690 hours at Brookfield from approximately Nov. 26, 2013 to Jan. 3, 2015. Covis has paid $12,915 in restitution.

Covis in court today said he has been committed to the community his whole life. Besides working as a law enforcement officer, he has been an active firefighter, and was a former volunteer fire chief for Albion.

“I’m a hometown guy,” Covis told Judge Sheldon. “I love the county. I’ve tried to help others.”

Covis said he is highly trained in law enforcement and “went above and beyond.” He was promoted to the level of sergeant in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

He is currently working a part-time job at minimum wage. He told the judge he looks forward to working full-time to get caught up on his bills and to take care of his family.

Lawrence Friedman, the district attorney in Genesee County, served as special prosecutor for the case. He noted probation and the state police investigator didn’t request jail or probation for Covis. Friedman, however, asked for jail and also that Covis not work again in law enforcement. Friedman said he agreed with a letter submitted to the court from Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer, who said Covis had violated a “public trust” with the crime.

Judge Sheldon didn’t believe jail or probation was necessary, but she said Covis will have to find a new career outside of law enforcement.

“When you’re a police officer you’re held to a higher standard,” she said. “You were caught double-dipping, which is a crime. I don’t think you should return to being a police officer because you have disgraced that organization, as well as yourself.”

Provided photo: A camper uses the swimming pool at Camp Rainbow, which was founded in 1970 and is open to all children in Orleans County.

LYNDONVILLE – The Arc of Genesee Orleans has scholarships for children to attend Camp Rainbow this summer.

The camp is located on Townline Road in Ridgeway. Children can participate in swimming, special events, music, arts and crafts, nature study, sign language, cooperative games and athletics.

The Shenberger family donated property for Camp Rainbow on Townline Road in Lyndonville to offer children with disabilities the opportunity for fun with other children. (The camp is open to children without disabilities as well.) Volunteers spent hundreds of hours clearing the land and building facilities.

Camp Rainbow is a free or low-cost fun summer option for kids in Orleans County. Camp Rainbow is still taking applications for the summer. There a number of week-long scholarships still available that include the cost of tuition, meals and transportation for a week of camp. Campers can come for a week, multiple weeks, or the entire five weeks. However, scholarships are for one week only in order to give as many kids as possible the camp experience. Regular cost for camp is $18 a day for tuition and $15 a day for transportation. Parents can also provide their own transportation to and from camp. Transportation and scholarships are limited so it is important to get applications in soon.

Applications are due June 15, 2018. Campers of all abilities ages 5 and up (must have finished kindergarten) are welcome to apply. Camp runs July 9 to Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch is provided to all campers with the support of the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

If parents would like help completing a camp application, there will be a camp sign-up event on Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Arc of Genesee Orleans, 122 Caroline St. Albion NY. For more information and an application contact: Arc of Genesee Orleans, at (585) 589-6054 x 2226.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Town of Shelby employees working on the town’s 200th anniversary celebration Saturday stand next to a sign created for them by TakeForm Architectural Graphics. From left are Candy Koch, Town Clerk Darlene Rich, Lori Myhill, Hannah Forder and Town Historian Alice Zacher.

Shelby Town Historian Alice Zacher shows a bathing suit from the 1800s, with leggings, cap and an umbrella, which will be modeled at the fashion show Saturday commemorating the town of Shelby’s 200th anniversary.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent

MEDINA – A committee formed more than a year ago has been making plans for a special celebration June 16 in observance of the Town of Shelby’s bicentennial.

Heading the committee are Town Historian Alice Zacher, Town Clerk Darlene Rich and Medina native and history buff Georgia Thomas, with help from town employees Hannah Forder, Miranda Bennett, Candy Koch and Lori Myhill.

The celebration will kick off at 9 a.m. at Shelby Town Hall with what Thomas calls an “awesome slide show.” There will be treats, such as old fashioned candy, cookies, scones and popcorn.

The town has been divided into four routes and maps will be provided to all visitors, who are encouraged to use the maps and go on a driving tour at their own pace.

A highlight of the celebration will be a fashion show at Oak Orchard Elementary School auditorium, featuring apparel from 1818 to 2018. Also at the school, local dignitaries will present proclamations to the town.

Both Shelby and East Shelby fire companies are planning special activities. Each will have an open house, with tours of their fire halls and refreshments.

At East Shelby, David Green is organizing a car show, featuring a vehicle from each decade, starting with the 1930s. Their event will run from 9:30 to 1 p.m.

Provided photo: The 2018-2019 student staff (for the Medina Marching Band includes: Drum Major – Maisie Griffin; Assistant Drum Majors – Alissa Blount & Ray Paul; Flute Section Leaders – Rebecca Lunden & Sarah Cochrane; Clarinet – Jessica Granchelli; Saxophone – Emma Baldwin; Mellophone – Lily Kiebala & Maisie Griffin; Trumpet – Erin Dunham; Trombone/Baritone – Kody Leno; Tuba – JP Pietrafesa; Front Ensemble – Jada Draper; Head Band Manager – Ray Paul; Band Managers – Travis Gotts, Shelby Martin, Dan Squire, Margaret Klotzbach & Dawson Brown; Uniforms – Libby Cook & Mary Flores; Secretary/Librarian/Attendance – Kali Schrader & Sophia Cardone;  Color Guard Captain – Kaela Grosslinger; Color Guard Managers – Sarah Goodin, McKenna Callard & Talishiona Feitshans; Head of Percussion – Ben Zakes.

Courtesy of Medina Marching Bnad

MEDINA – The 48th annual Medina Mustang Band Banquet & Awards ceremony was held Saturday at the Ridgeway Fire Hall.

It was an evening of awards and reflection on the many accomplishments in the 2017-2018 school year. Special guests included Mark Kruzynski, school district superintendent; Kevin Lasky, Assistant High School Principal; Wendi Pencille, Board of Education member; and Jonathan Seiler who started and funded the Steele Family Scholarship in 2016.

The Booster Organization was credited for its continued dedication and commitment to the band. Outgoing officers were recognized and thanked for their help as well as the incoming officers.

Instructional staff were recognized: Drill & Music – Jeanette Sheliga;  Color Guard Instructor – Katie Granchelli; Percussion – Jeff Pask, T.J. Gray and Brian King; Pit – Terry Steele and David Stacey; Color Guard Design and Instruction – Vinnie Monacelli,  Kristen Costa and Diana Baker; Assistant Band Directors – Becky Botsford and Diana Baker.  Joe Organisciak – Music Arranger; Percussion Instructors – Joe Guadagnino.

The Harry Dinkle Award was established to recognize someone who is not a Booster Officer but who volunteers a great deal of personal time and effort to the  program. This year’s recipient is Shawn Callard.

The NYS Field Band Conference scholarship was given to Shelby Green. The Mustang Band Service Scholarship was established in honor of past boosters who gave countless hours of volunteer time. The scholarship was established by donations received in memory of deceased boosters. This year’s recipient is Madison Kenward.

The Steele Family Award was established in 2016 by Jonathan Seiler and given to a senior who has given their best throughout their years in the band program. This year’s recipient is Madison Kenward.

The Joseph C. McKain award is given to a junior and a senior in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the band. This year’s recipients are Ben Zakes, a junior, and Christian Hahn, a senior.

The Alfred Hartway Drum Major award was established in 1968 in loving memory of a man who was a bus driver and avid supporter of the band program. This year’s recipients are Shelby Green (Drum Major), and Madison Kenward and Brigid Keller (Assistant Drum Majors).  Their names will be engraved on the plaque that is displayed in the high school.

Recognition was given to the Winter Guard program. This year Medina sponsored 3 WG units. Our newest guard, the Pony Cadets, consisted of 10 new sixth-graders who performed “Then & Now” featuring the music of Michael Jackson & Bruno Mars. They placed 4th in their class at the championships. The second guard unit, the Mustang Cadets, consisted of 13 students in grades 7 and 8 performing “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and won gold at the championships. The third guard unit, Medina’s Varsity Guard, consisted of 16 girls in grades 9-12 performing “24 Hours” and winning gold at the championships. Each girl received recognition along with a medal and patch.

Outstanding Band Member awards were given in three categories.  Outstanding Rookies went to Will Roush (brass), Kaylee Lacey (woodwinds), Jaxon Phillips (percussion) and Ava Chambers (guard),  Most improved went to Erin Dunham (brass), Kayleigh Wright (ww), August Pietrafesa (percussion) and Kiana Cleveland (guard). Most valuable  went to Chris Woodroe (brass), Brigid Keller (ww), Ben Zakes (percussion) and Kaela Grosslinger (guard).

Director’s Award was given by Ms. Baker to Phallon Rivera; given by Mrs. Botsford to Shelby Martin; given by Mr. Steele to Sara Goodin.

Attendance awards are given to students who had perfect attendance in Fall, Spring and both. Service awards are given to students who have between 1 to 14 seasons of participation. Graduating seniors are given the medallions. Each student who held a staff position this past season was given a plaque. The Junior Prologue was given by Alissa Blount and the Senior Epilogue by Shelby Green. A slide show of the year’s events was prepared by Katie Granchelli and Diana Baker.

The 2018 Fall show is entitled “Together As One” and practices begin June 12 for the various musical sections and a full band rehearsal starting June 19. Band Camp runs August 6-10.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Dan Doctor, director of community outreach for Medina Central School, was keynote speaker at a “moving forward” service Sunday evening for Medina’s Class of 2018. The service was like a baccalaureate with a religious message and blessing.

Doctor wore his collar as an ordained elder for Ephesus Ministries in Buffalo. He said God has been a big part of his life since he was in seventh grade. He praised his mother, now 92, for being so devoted in her prayer life, lifting up her nine children.

Doctor urged students to have a prayer life, even if it is a whisper.

Doctor needed some students and teacher Lisa Roeseler to help illustrate his message about the life of Moses, who led the Israelites against an unjust Egyptian Pharaoh. Moses demanded the Israelites be released from slavery, according to the Book of Exodus. After God sent 10 plagues, Moses led the people across the Red Sea to Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments.

Doctor said Moses kept moving forward, pushing for a better land, despite the natural inclination to want to stay put with what’s familiar. Moses pushed the people to keep moving forward, even when they were grumbling and unsure if he was taking them in the right direction.

Doctor said God will use challenges to get people’s attention.

“Sometimes God has to give us a plague for us to hear Him,” Doctor said.

Shelby Green, the Student Association president, gives the welcome message.

Sunday’s service was the first baccalaureate at Medina in at least two decades. The Medina Area Association of Churches reached out to the high school about bringing the service back. A group of students decided to take the lead in working with the MAAC on the “moving forward” celebration.

About a quarter of the class’s 122 members attended the service. Shelby Green, the Student Association president, said that is a good start to what she hopes will become an annual tradition for the senior class.

“It’s another event to honor the seniors,” she said.

Three students shared reflections during the service. Jack Hill, pictured, spoke about “Upward.” He encouraged his classmates to develop habits that will help them make good decisions and be prepared for the future. Madison Kenward spoke about “Forward” and Jacob Bensley shared about “Upward.” Bensley told his classmates that God loves them despite their flaws and mistakes.

Alissa Blount, the incoming Student Association president, thanked the senior class for their dedication to the school. She said the current juniors have a tough challenge in following the seniors.

Russ Peters, pastor of the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, was among the clergy leaders to address the students.

Local clergy leaders also shared reflections and prayed a blessing on the Class of 2018 as they soon finish their high school careers. Michael Stephenson is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Medina, while Vince Iorio leads the Calvary Tabernacle Church, Dan Thurber is pastor of Oak Orchard Assembly of God, Russ Peters leads the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, and Tony Hipes is pastor of the Medina United Methodist Church.

Iorio thanked the students and school for allowing the “moving forward” service. He said the student speakers are an “amazing group.”

Peters added to Doctor’s message about Moses. Peters said Moses resisted unjust laws and an unjust pharaoh.

“I wonder if there are any young Moseses here?” Peters said. “Are there people here who will stand up for people who don’t have voices here?”

Peters shared a famous quote attributed to Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Stephenson, the First Baptist pastor, told the students that the churches wanted to give them a “spiritually-focused sendoff.”

He also wanted them to know that God wants to be part of their journey in life.

“It sounds cliché but God loves each and every one of you,” Stephenson said. “He loves each of you and all of you.”

Lisa Roeseler directs the A’Capella Ensemble in “A Parting Blessing.”

Lisa Roeseler leads the A’Capella Ensemble. She is retiring after this school year.

Christian Hahn, a senior at Medina, offers a closing benediction at the “moving forward” service.