Photo by Tom Rivers: Some of the holiday decorations in downtown Albion are pictured on West Bank Street, including a banner about Charles W. Howard, founder of a Santa Claus School in Albion.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Orleans County, saying 8 inches of snow – possibly more – could be headed our way beginning tonight through Wednesday afternoon.

The winter storm watch includes Orleans, Niagara, Monroe, Genesee, Wayne, northern Cayuga and northern Erie counties.

The Weather Service said heavy snow and blowing snow is possible, making travel difficult.

The snowfall is forecast to 1 to 2 inches after 10 p.m. today, 1 to 3 inches on Tuesday and some additional snow on Wednesday.

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – The house owned by Dan and Rose Mawn is consumed by flames on Sunday evening. The house is located on Route 18 near the Carlton-Kendall townline.

The extensive damage of the site has made it unsafe for fire investigators to go inside and try to identify the cause of the blaze, said Dale Banker, director of Orleans County’s Emergency Management Office.

The Mawns’ insurance company will be sending out investigators and Banker said the county fire investigators will likely work with them to determine a cause. The county investigators took photos of the scene and did an outside assessment.

Eleven of the 12 fire companies in the county responded to the fire on Sunday evening, with most of those fire companies bringing tankers full of water to the scene.

Firefighters were dispatched back to the scene this morning at about 5:30 a.m. after the fire rekindled.

Firefighters set up a dump tank for water. That water was then sucked into a pumper fire truck. Hoses were connected to the pumper so the water could be sprayed by firefighters onto the house.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Santa Claus recently stopped into the cosmetology clinic at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center to spruce up for the holidays.  Teacher Anne Carnahan and her merry elves – the cosmetology students – had a great time giving Santa a makeover.

The clinic is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays, when school is in session, from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. For a fraction of the cost you can get a new look for the holidays or any time of the year.

The clinic services such as color, cut, perm, facials, manicure, pedicure and waxing and prices can be found under the Quick Links section at www.onboces.org.  The school is located at 4232 Shelby Basin Road in Medina.

“Whether you’re naughty or nice, we’ll cut your hair for the right price,” said Madison, one of the students.

Students gain valuable hours towards their license from your patronage.  To find out more, you can contact teachers Anne Carnahan at acarnahan@onboces.org or Sue Lindke at slindke@onboces.org.

The Buffalo Bills pulled off a 13-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts during blizzard-like conditions on Sunday. The win made the Bills 7-6 on the season and kept alive their chances for making the playoffs.

Several fans from Orleans County were at New Era Field in Orchard Park to cheer on the team. Bella Prest of Albion sent in the top photo. She was at the game with her father, Ricky Prest.

Bella Prest had a lot of fun at the game with her father: “It was a crazy and unforgettable experience! I’m glad I got to go and witness the wild Buffalo weather! It was really cold but 100 percent worth it!

Luann McMullen attended the Bills game and sent in this photo. She went to New Era Field with her husband, Shawn.

“We have never been to a winter game before,” Luann said in an email. “It was worth the effort! With white out conditions, the Bills red uniforms made it easy to see them out on the field. There was a lot of energy in the stands and I didn’t hear any complaints about the weather.

Shawn and Luann McMullen are pictured outside the stadium before getting hit with the big snowstorm.

“Bills fans are hardy fans!” Luann said. “People were talking of the old time games when snow like today was the norm. The players were like little kids, tossing snowballs, making snow angels and dancing on the field. They kept the crowd in the game as much as our noise did for them. There were a couple of snowmen in the nosebleed sections. The best part? Watching the Colts call a time out so they could dig a place to kick the ball from and the people on the sidelines and Bills just watching them. Those last 6 seconds and the OT really got people fired up. Fans all around us talking, cheering and celebrating a great game. So, yes it was worth it!!”

JoAnn Cary, right, of Albion attended the game with her husband Robert Cary Jr., his eldest son Robert Cary and Robert’s fiancée, Alyssa DeVault.

“It was my very first Buffalo Bills game ever, and it was definitely a great first time experience!” JoAnn said. “It didn’t matter how hard the snow came down on us Buffalo Bills fans, we were there to cheer on our team! Awesome game and I’m happy I was there to experience it!”

Stephanie Rustay of Albion sent in this photo during the first quarter. She attended the game with her daughter, Katie, and other friends.

“It was a fun atmosphere, everyone was loving the snow,” Rustay said. “You couldn’t see the score boards, at one time we could barely see the players. Which is nuts because they were wearing red.”

Amy Lewis, center, of Lyndonville enjoyed the game with her friends and family.

“It was a fun time with a super fun group, but ohhhhh so cold!” she said. “We were so bundled up, we could barely identify each other!”

Aubrey Lewis and Mackenzie Muck of Lyndonville were dressed for a cold, snowy day at the stadium.

Ryan Arnold of Medina: “Beard is normally red.”

Many fire departments battle blaze

Photos by Tom Rivers

CARLTON – A house owned by Dan and Rose Mawn is engulfed in flames this evening on Route 18. The address is near the townline for Carlton and Kendall, between Carr Road and Petersmith Road.

Numerous fire departments are at the scene. They were dispatched there at 5:24 p.m.

There isn’t public water at the site so firefighters can’t hook into fire hydrants. Many fire departments are using tankers to haul water to the location.

The Mawns were able to safely get out of the house, along with their dog.

The house was damaged in the March windstorm when a tree fell on the structure. Friends of the Mawns said renovations had been approved by the Mawns’ insurance company but the work has been held up by a bank. The Mawns were frustrated with the delays, the friends said.

Firefighters get water on the back of the house. The entire building was engulfed in flames.

KENDALL – An “Evening of Healing” is planned for Jan.16 and will include a table discussion where participants will gain knowledge of local resources to support and understand those who may be struggling with the sudden and traumatic loss of a loved one, Kendall Central School administrators said in a news release.

Discussion will address mental health issues and touch upon loss from suicide and unexpected loss, such as from accidents or unforeseen health issues.

“Sadly, so many of our families are in crisis and the holiday season can add additional stress,” said Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent.

Kendall has invited other local school districts to take part.

The event is open to anyone who wishes to attend and not limited to Kendall residents, she said.

The Evening of Healing will facilitate conversation in support of, “one another in our efforts to learn positive ways to cope with sudden, traumatic loss and to foster resiliency and mental wellness,” the release said.

Education on how to support oneself or others who may be struggling with challenges associated with sudden loss will be a part of the event as well as a panel of experts engaging in conversations on healing, support, education, hope and recovery. Those attending will also be able to familiarize themselves with available resources.

The event is appropriate for ages 12 to adult and is a collaborative effort between state, local community leaders and the Kendall Central School District. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required.  To pre-register, contact the Kendall Central Schools District Office at 659-2741 or email your intent to webmaster@kendallschools.org. Refreshments will be served.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Merchants Association has announced the winner of its window decorating contest. Serenity Tan at the corner of Main and East Bank streets won the competition.

Frontier Heating & Cooling came in a close second.

Many of the storefronts are decorated in the downtown, including the former Fischer’s News Stand. The spot was decorated by Snell Realtors.

Arnold’s Auto Parts

Krantz Furniture

Orleans Travel Bureau

Xpress Fitness

Tease

Press Release, State Police

ELBA – State Troopers responded to a collision on State Route 98 and Lockport Road in the Town of Elba today at 1:15 p.m.  Preliminary investigation reveals that a 2013 Honda Civic was traveling westbound on Lockport Road and failed to yield at the intersection of Route 98 and struck a 2004 Peterbilt tractor-trailer traveling northbound on Route 98. Both vehicles left the roadway striking a utility pole causing it to fall.

Both operators were deceased at the scene. The Honda Civic was driven by Franca C. Monachino, 45, of Hilton and the Peterbilt was operated by Jerry E. Tuttle, 29 of Kingley, PA.

Troopers were assisted by National Grid, Genesee County coroner, NYSP Commercial Enforcement Unit, NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

A section of Route 98 remained closed as of about 8 p.m.

This is still an ongoing investigation.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – There are many fun activities scheduled today in downtown Albion for the annual Hometown Holidays event organized by the Albion Merchants Association. New this year is “Coffee with a Cop” at the Village Office form 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Albion police officers Daryl Robb, left, and Karol Hughes are shown chatting with Stan Farone, a village trustee. The Albion Dunkin Donuts donated the doughnuts and coffee for the event.

There are many activities on schedule until 4 p.m., with Santa stopping by the former Swan Library from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Arianna McGurn, left, and her friend Logon Conlon are running the selfie photo station at the Village Office. They are both in ninth grade.

Lisa Stratton, owner of the Hazy Jade Gift Shop, is hosting a wine-tasting with Midgard Winery from Corfu. Michael Potoczak has several different wines available for tasting. Midgard will be back on March 3 for Albion’s annual wine tasting event.

Ariana Mateo, 12, and her sister Eva Mateo color in a Christmas-themed design at one of the stations at the Village Office.

Brushstrokes in Medina brought ornaments for children to paint. Kiri Keller, left, and Becca Lusk work on painting ornaments.

“Overlooked Orleans” – Volume 3, Issue 50

ALBION – This photograph, taken some time around the turn of the 20th century, shows the storefront of Landauer & Strouse Dry Goods on North Main Street in Albion.

Standing on the left is Simon Landauer and the young man standing on the right is his son, Jacob Landauer. A number of crates sit along the curb marked Landauer & Strouse Albion, NY, many of them coming by way of the New York Central Railroad; a young boy watches from the second-floor window as the photograph is taken.

Simon Landauer was born in Bavaria (present day Germany) in 1833, the son of a Jewish cattle farmer. He and his brother Moritz were trained in cotton weaving while living in Europe, leaving for America prior to forced conscription in the army. Although documentation of Moritz’s arrival has not been located, Simon arrived at New York City on August 21, 1852 aboard the Chancey Jerome. Along with his brother, the two young men traveled to Macon, Georgia where they opened their dry goods business, M. Landauer & Brother.

Records from 1857 show that the two men were involved in starting the United Hebrew Society of Macon, both listed on the act to incorporate filed that year. Several years later, Moritz appeared on a list to appear at the Bibb County Court House to select delegates for the purpose of seceding from the Union. The brothers also appeared in records indicating their support, albeit indirect, of the Southern cause as the Ladies’ Aid Society in Macon was purchasing flannel from Landauers to sew shirts for Confederate soldiers.

After the outbreak of the Civil War, Moritz paid $600 to send a substitute soldier in his place. By 1862, he was drafted into the Confederate Army and chose to flee north rather than render service. A November 1862 advertisement appeared in the Georgia Weekly Telegraph noting that the store of M. Landauer & Brother was available for rent, indicating that the two had left the region shortly before. Nativist ideology was gaining strength in the years leading up to the Civil War, but those ideas ultimately subsided as immigrants rendered service in the Union and Confederate armies. Jewish immigrants, many who earned their living through clothing and textile businesses, were met with the same pre-war anti-immigrant sentiment; many in the North and South felt as though Jewish immigrants were exploiting the war.

By 1863 the brothers had arrived at Albion and reestablished their partnership on North Main Street. It was in 1882, the same year that a devastating fire wiped through the northwestern corner of Albion’s business district, that the partnership dissolved with each man entering into business with his son (vol. 3, iss. 17). As a result, Moritz opened what was known locally as “Upper Landauers” in the Hart Block (now Shay’s Shamrock) while Simon opened “Lower Landauers” at the site pictured here. Eventually H. Morris Strouse, the son-in-law of Simon, entered the business which effectively transformed the operation into Landauer & Strouse.

Prior to this photograph, a competing dry goods business known as Bell & Phelps operated out of the northern half of this storefront (the right half of this building) until Landauers rented both sides starting in 1895. Jacob Landauer purchased this block from Diadette Brockway Day and Ferdinand Austin Day in 1910, effectively solidifying the business on Albion’s Main Street. Although Moritz closed Upper Landauers, likely sometime in the 1920s or 1930s, Lower Landauers remained in operation at this site through the middle of the 20th century.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Art Hill Excavation works on the site work at the Pride Pak vegetable processing plant in Medina in this file photo from November 2015. The EDA would like to create a database of local contractors like Art Hill that could work on some of the building projects assisted by the EDA.

ALBION – The Orleans County Economic Development Agency has launched a new website for local contractors, vendors and suppliers.

OnlyinOrleans.com is where businesses with brick and mortar operations in Orleans County can now register to be included in the economic development agency’s supplier and contractor database.

The Orleans County EDA will make the list available to companies seeking local contractors or vendors and suppliers when building or expanding operations in Orleans County, New York.

“We believe the Only in Orleans website will increase opportunities for our contractors and suppliers to be recognized and considered for future construction and development projects in Orleans County,” said Jim Whipple, Orleans EDA chief executive officer.

General, electrical and mechanical contractors and those who perform site work, masonry, roofing, paving, excavating, survey, engineering and landscaping services can review the criteria and registration form at Only in Orleans.

Vendors that also supply equipment or materials for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing or excavation projects or have lumber, computers, fixtures, furniture or greenhouses in Orleans County are also encouraged to register on the website annually.

The EDA board of directors and staff discussed Only in Orleans this morning during the EDA’s monthly board meeting. Whipple said the site isn’t a “look-up directory” that will compete with a business directory put together by the Chamber of Commerce, for example.

The Only in Orleans database instead is a resource for companies doing construction in the county that are looking to hire locally for the work.

Local contractors and suppliers are urged to sign up on the list and renew annually. There is no charge to be included on Only in Orleans.

“With this new website, our agency hopes to stimulate activity for local contractors and other Orleans County-based companies with equipment or materials that would benefit new projects down the line,” said Gabrielle Barone, EDA vice president.

Press Release, GCC

Genesee Community College’s Albion and Medina Campus Centers have named the Fall 2017 Instructors and Students of the Semester. Each semester, one instructor and one student from each campus center are recognized for their outstanding instructional and/or academic performances.

For several weeks, the campus centers collect nominations from fellow teachers, colleagues and students and a small committee led by James Simon, associate dean at Medina and Albion Campus Centers, determines the winners.

Albion Campus Center

Kristin McAdoo

Kristin McAdoo of Knowlesville has been selected as the Fall 2017 Instructor of the Semester at the Albion Campus Center. She was nominated by a student who noted, “She is one of the sweetest teachers. She has a lot of patience and is a great role model. I look up to her. She encourages us to do everything with our whole heart and not to give up.”

McAdoo graduated from Medina High School, earned her degree in Elementary and Special Education at SUNY Geneseo and went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Reading from SUNY Brockport. She is teaching Gaining Power in College Reading at GCC this semester and shared that “our campus feels like a family; everyone is supportive of each other.”

Married with four children and one grandchild, Kristin also serves as the reading specialist for the Brockport Central School District. She is active in her community, serving on the Rochester Area Literacy Council and with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. McAdoo’s hobbies include reading and being a volunteer EMT/firefighter. She noted her most rewarding teaching experiences are “when students come back to visit and tell me that they learned from, and appreciated, my class.” In reflecting on her career, McAdoo explained that she wouldn’t change a thing relative to the career choices she’s made: “I love what I do!” In offering some advice to a new instructor, she said: “Listen to your students and don’t be afraid to try a new idea.”

Brian Daluisio

Brian Daluisio of Medina has been selected as the Fall 2017 Student of the Semester at the Albion Campus of GCC. Brian is pursuing a degree in Teacher Education with intention to transfer to SUNY Brockport upon completion of his A.A.S. degree to eventually become an elementary education teacher.

Daluisio says that the thing he most enjoys about college is that it challenges him and offers him the hope of a better future. His academic strength comes through in his commitment to do whatever work is required, no matter how difficult.

His nominating instructor said that Daluisio stands out from the crowd because he is consistently diligent, reliable and steady in his work. “Brian is the kind of person who, I believe, will go far in life simply doing his work thoughtfully, faithfully and thoroughly. Brian’s focus and determination are clear.”

Outside of the classroom, Daluisio enjoys water skiing, hiking, swimming and snow -boarding. He cites his family, and especially his grandparents, as the major influences in his life.

Medina Campus Center

Karen Krieger

Karen Krieger has been selected as Medina Campus Center’s Instructor of the Fall 2017 Semester. She teaches Foundations of Academic Success in Medina and in the past has also taught Career and Education Planning. Krieger currently serves as an academic advisor at the Medina Campus.

She earned her B.S. in Sociology from Buffalo State College and her M.S. in Education from D’Youville College. She enjoys reading, yoga, and walking outdoors. Krieger was a special education teacher for grades 1-5 at Medina Central School District prior to coming to GCC, and served as a college supervisor for the Department of Education at SUNY Brockport from 2013-2014.

Krieger resides in Albion and is married with two children, a golden retriever and two tiger tabbies. Students appreciate that “she is so willing to go above and beyond for everyone.”

Krieger said, “Watching students grow and obtain their educational and career goals have been among the most rewarding teaching experiences for me.”

Her one piece of advice to new instructors is to “Take the time to get to know your students and listen to them.” When asked about GCC’s Medina Campus Center, she said, “GCC Medina Campus Center is a learning environment and opportunity close to home, where education is nurtured and faculty and staff go above and beyond to encourage and support our students.” Krieger is exactly that, a dedicated educator who offers unconditional support and encouragement landing her the title of Instructor of the Semester.

Autumn Salatka

Autumn Salatka of Medina has been named Medina’s Fall 2017 Student of the Semester. Her major is Liberal Arts and Science: Teacher Education Transfer, with a concentration in English. She is a full-time, first semester student at GCC and is expected to graduate in 2020. She is currently undecided where she will complete her next degrees and NYS teaching certifications.

When asked why she decided to attend GCC, Salatka shared that she wanted to build confidence within herself and become better educated. She enjoys being a college student, and appreciates how different it is from high school. Instructors who nominated her expressed that her work ethic shines through in all aspects of her class work and participation.

Salatka approaches every assignment with an infectious energy and is always eager to assist her peers. She demonstrates leadership skills and has certainly made a lasting impression during her first semester. She shared that her parents, siblings, and her nephew Elijah, are major influences and inspirations in her life. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at PAWS Animal Shelter, as well as assisting foster/adoptive groups that her family belongs to.

When asked what advice she had for new students, she said “It’s OK to be nervous. I still get nervous, but that’s the feeling we get when we leave our comfort zones. You’ll learn that leaving your comfort zone is the only way you can grow as a person.”

Provided photo

ALBION – Albion police officers rang the bell for the Red Kettle today at the Tops Market. Proceeds from the Red Kettle go to Community Action to assist families in Orleans County.

Pictured from left include: Lt. Dave Mogle, Sgt. Brandon Annable, Officer Karol Hughes, Sgt. Gary VanWycke and Officer Daryl Robb.

The officers are members of the Albion Police Benevolent Association. They volunteered their time to assist the Red Kettle Campaign.

“The Albion Police Department and Albion Police P.B.A. hope that in some way they have helped a person in need,” said Roland Nenni, Albion police chief. “The job of police officers is to serve and protect. The term serve to a police officer can have many meanings. The Albion Police P.B.A. feels that to serve goes farther than just enforcing the law.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

More than a hundred rocks, all decorated with Christmas messages and themes, were delivered today to residents of the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albion.

Volunteers painted the rocks. Residents have been painting “kindness rocks” for the past six months, leaving them around Albion, hoping to lift the spirits of people who find them. The finders are urged to post photos of the rocks on the Albion NY Rocks Facebook page and then rehide the rocks somewhere else in the community.

Rachel Hefner of Albion holds one of the 37 rocks she painted with a Christmas theme for nursing home residents. She said she has painted 150 rocks since the summer and given them all away.

“I wanted to see somebody smile because I knew it would brighten their day,” she said.

This group delivered kindness rocks and also Christmas cards to residents of The of Villages today. They include, from left: Eli and Carly Gminski. Back row: Renee Ebbs, Rachel Hefner, Faye Smith, Lori Laine, Patti Mitchell and Jenny Gminski.

Gminski and her two children brought 120 cards to give to residents. They have also left about 200 rocks in the Holley area.

Patti Mitchell of Kent estimates she has painted 500 of the rocks since the summer. She also hides many of the rock in the community for other people who paint them.

“I’m the official rock hider,” she said.

She painted about 40 of the Christmas rocks for nursing home residents.

“It’s such an easy thing to do and it makes people so happy,” she said.

One of the rocks included the Grinch.

Lori Laine pushes a stroller full of rocks. Laine has been the lead organizer of the rock-painting effort in Albion.

She wants to keep it going in the winter, and would like to deliver more rocks to nursing homes and the VA.

“I’m just loving this,” she said about the popularity of the kindness rocks.

She handed many of the rocks to nursing home residents today and wished the residents a Merry Christmas.

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – Now in its fifth year, Genesee Community College and the Orleans Hub are proud to continue the Orleans County Heritage Heroes Awards which recognize the dedication and hard work of dedicated citizens who strive to protect and preserve local history. They are now seeking nominations for the awards. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, February 19, 2018.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of living in Orleans County is the many people who share a vested interest in our local heritage,” said Jim Simon, associate dean of GCC’s Orleans County Campus Centers in Medina and Albion. “Now in our fifth consecutive year, we recognize the time and investment of individuals who work tirelessly to preserve and protect our local history-be it oral or written histories, as well as the people, places, artifacts, buildings or landmarks in our homeland.”

Nominees for Heritage Heroes Awards can be any age but posthumous nominations will not be accepted. History professionals and GCC employees are also not eligible for the award, nor are those who serve on the awards selection committees. Nominees must be Orleans County residents.

The six winners honored last year included: Jim Hancock, Ken McPherson, Richard and Shirley Nellist, Gretchen Sepik, and Alice Zacher received the special C.W. “Bill” Lattin Award for Excellence in Municipal History. Because nominations are not retained for future consideration, residents who made previous nominations are encouraged to re-submit a nominee again for this coming year.

“The Heritage Heroes Awards program recognizes the members of our community who are dedicated to preserving the local treasures that add to the quality of life and character of our community,” said Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub editor. “These residents are from all over the county and they work hard on restoring historic houses and protecting numerous community assets such as museums, churches, monuments and numerous buildings that make up our unique landscape.”

To nominate someone for the Heritage Heroes Awards, write up a brief statement outlining the person’s contributions, projects and community affiliations. Anyone sending in a nomination should provide their name (anonymous nomination packages will not be accepted), address, phone number and email address. The more in-depth the detail provided in the nomination, the stronger the submission. Submit the nomination to:

ATTENTION: Heritage Heroes Committee

Genesee Community College / Medina Campus Center

11470 Maple Ridge Rd.Medina, NY 14103-9675

Nominations may also be emailed to Jim Simon at jsimon@genesee.edu. Please write Heritage Heroes Nomination in the subject line.

A screening committee made up of community members, history professionals and GCC students will review the nominations and select finalists. From those finalists, a committee including GCC Associate Dean Jim Simon, Associate Professor Derek Maxfield and Orleans Hub Editor Tom Rivers will choose the Heritage Heroes.

“The Heritage Heroes Awards is a point of pride in our community, and the ceremony is always a highlight of my year,” Prof. Maxfield said. “Recognizing the unsung heroes who work hard to ensure local history survives into the next generations is vitally important to the cultural life of our community.”

The Heritage Heroes will be recognized during a ceremony at Genesee Community College in Medina in April 2018.