North Point Chapel will have grand re-opening of closed off sanctuary on Dec. 3

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mike Outten, pastor of North Point Chapel, is pictured giving a tour of the sanctuary of the former United Methodist Church on Sunday after the North Point church service.

North Point has been holding services in former Sunday school classrooms in the building since April.

The church at 19 North Platt was the long-time home of the United Methodist Church, which now shares a building at Christ Church with the Episcopalians.

The United Methodists left their building when it faced a $1 million expense with its roof. Engineers and architects had inspected the roof and believed it needed significant structural repairs and supports.

The church was built in 1861 with an addition put on in 1914. When the addition was included, the sanctuary was reoriented. The experts who looked at the building didn’t think the trusses were properly supporting the roof. They feared the roof, without the proper supports, was causing the walls to push outward and threatening the viability of the structure.

A group from the North Point Chapel looks over the sanctuary on Sunday. The floors have been refinished and the walls painted

The building was for sale but drew little interest due to the structural issues with the roof and walls. North Point Chapel, a new church that was meeting in the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex, bought the church site for $38,000, with the deal closing in January. North Point also agreed to assume the $22,000 contract for having wooden supports to hold up the roof, in case the walls weakened.

Mike Outten, pastor of North Point, has 35 years in the construction business. He believed he had a solution for keeping the building structurally safe for years to come. Outten was planning to run steel rods from one side of the sanctuary to the other. The rods would be up high near the roof and a turnbuckle would be used to tie them together.

In September, Outten and his son Adam were investigating the best spot to place the steel support.

Adam now runs the family construction business, Northern Exteriors. Adam removed ceiling tiles near a truss in the sanctuary. On Sept. 26, he found two steel rods were already there above the truss.

This is the spot in the ceiling where North Point made a hole, looking for a location to run steel rods to prevent the exterior walls from pushing outwards. New rods aren’t needed because two rods are already in place.

Outten called the architect who had inspected the building when the United Methodists owned it. The architect inspected the roof again and deemed it safe once the steel rods had been found. The firm had missed the steel rods in previous inspections. Those rods were obscured in thick insulation.

The congregation, in 1914, “knew exactly what they were doing,” when they reoriented the sanctuary and put on the addition, Outten said.

The architect has declared the roof safe, Outten said, and Village Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti has given North Point a certificate of occupancy for the sanctuary. Vendetti had condemned the space.

The wooden support beams were removed about two weeks ago, and Outten has been working overtime to refinish the wooden floors, and paint the sanctuary interior. The off-white paint interior is now the color chrome, which is gray, blue and purple.

Outten has also met with one of the United Methodist Church leaders, to share the news. He has welcomed the congregation to return to the building and be part of the church with North Point Chapel.

Mike Outten is pictured in the sanctuary in late March. The wooden beams were in place to help support the roof. Those beams were removed about two weeks ago.

Outten said North Point bought the church as a leap of faith. North Point started two years ago with two people in a Bible study. On Sunday about 40 attended services in the Sunday school room.

This Sunday they will move from classrooms for holding their church service to the main sanctuary. Outten said they will be there for two Sundays before a grand opening service on Dec. 3. He wants the two Sundays to test the sound boards, and get the worship band ready on the new stage.

In addition to painting the inside, Outten and church volunteers have changed the sanctuary stage, adding space for the band. The organ will still be used because North Point is striving to blend traditional hymns and contemporary worship.

Outten also had to climb 26 feet high on scaffolding to replace 84 lightbulbs in the ceiling.

His son, Adam, repointed mortar for bricks on the exterior of the building.

“This is a building that was condemned,” Mike Outten said. “We are going to have a grand reopening on Dec. 3 because we want people to know that God is very much alive. This building is just a tool that God will use for a very long time to come.”

Adam Outten last month is shown putting new mortar between bricks on the exterior of the North Point Chapel in Albion.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Bill Bixler of Medina looks over some of the items up for bid on Saturday at the 24^th annual benefit auction for the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

There were 160 items up for bid at the auction, which was formerly known as Treasure Island. The event usually raises about $32,000 to $39,000 for the foundation. The proceeds from Saturday’s event will go towards upgrading the surgical unit at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Matt Prawel and his mother Tina Prawel of Medina check out some of the items up for bid at the Hickory Ridge Golf Resort in Holley.

A jersey of Buffalo Sabres star, Jack Eichel, was among the many desired items at the auction.

Janice Strianese considers bidding on some of the times at the auction. She is the mother-in-law of Kim Gray, head of outpatient services at the hospital.

Photos by Tom Rivers

RIDGEWAY – Jennifer Hill-Young and her father Art Hill are pictured on Saturday evening at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. They threw a party to celebration 40 years of Art Hill Excavating.

The bash was attended by long-time customers, vendors and employees. Hill and his daughter wanted to express their appreciation for the people who have made the business a success for four decades.

“This is a celebration to thank everybody,” said Hill-Young.

Art Hill was 33 when he started the business. It has diversified and grown to 14 employees. Art Hill specializes in excavation for residential and commercial properties. The company also does blacktop and paving, demolition, landscaping and other services, including storage units.

“It seems like the time has just flown by,” Mr. Hill said. “It’s been quite a ride.”

Art Hill is happy to see Bob Varley of Medina. The two worked on many projects together.

Mr. Hill’s daughter joined the business nine years ago after working a corporate job in Charlotte, NC. Hill-Young wanted to work in her hometown with her father.

“I told her she would be a woman in a man’s world,” Hill recalled. “She told me, ‘I can do this.’”

Hill-Young has impressed her father, the employees and customers.

“She has brought a total coordination of the company, from bookkeeping to scheduling of clients,” Hill said.

Jennifer Hill-Young is now the business’s owner. Art Hill Excavating is a certified Women Business Enterprise.

Art Hill is now his daughter’s employee. Art is still the first one to arrive at work, and he enjoys operating a bulldozer and managing crews, Hill-Young said.

“He still guides us,” his daughter said.

Art said many of the workers have been with the business for 30 years or more. Their dedication and talent has been critical in Art Hill Excavating’s success.

“We have many long-term dedicated employees,” Art Hill said. “I love them all.”

Provided photo

SHELBY – Firefighters from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company rescue a dog from the swamp along Route 63 at about 12:15 p.m. today.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 11:45 a.m. when a motorist saw the beagle in the swamp. Firefighters put on wets suits in went into the swap to get the dog.

The photo shows Zach Petry, Crystal Petry and Captain Scott Perry. Crystal is the one holding the dog.

The are shown in the swamp just south of Oak Orchard Ridge Road. The dog’s owner is from Rochester and was heading to Shelby to get the beagle, said Tim Petry, president of the fire company.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Members of the Holley community commemorated Veterans Day Saturday with ceremonies at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month at Jewell Buckman American Legion Post 529. Reverend Ohyer offers the benediction during Veterans Day ceremonies in Holley.

First Vice Commander Charles Eberhart of the American Legion said the day was a time both to thank and to celebrate veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who, “left the security of their homes … to defend our freedoms. Today a grateful nation says thank you,” Eberhardt said.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 62 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dee Thousand of the American Legion Post 529 Ladies Auxiliary thanked veterans for their sacrifices.  She noted dates of the formation of all U.S. Armed Forces, which she said represent 242 years of service to our country and communities.

Mark Morreall, Second Vice Commander and Post Adjutant, read a poem he had written.  He noted veterans are, “The walls of our kingdom and the fabric of our flag.”

Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said that with the current political divisions in our country, “we too often forget how wonderful and free this country is.”  He noted Americans enjoy their freedoms because, “brave young men and women voluntarily serve our country.  Thank you for your bravery and your service,” he told veterans.

Koryn and Kayla Neale distributed their Care Packs to veterans.  They said they collected 1,000 items and made 38 care packs this year, exceeding their goal of 35.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Veterans at Medina Orchard Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center gathered Saturday morning to watch a gun salute in the courtyard. Veterans in the Medina and Albion VFW and American Legion were part of the ceremony at orchard Manor.

Taps was played.  The gentlemen then came indoors to greet the nursing home veterans, to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing God Bless America together.

This tradition has been going on for many years to pay tribute to Veterans at the nursing home.

Jim Freas, right, and other veterans spent part of the morning visiting residents at Orchard Manor.

Veterans were happy to shake hands and meet the nursing home residents.

Frank Berger, right, shakes hands with resident Robbie Hoffman.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – David Kusmierczak of Medina stands with the color guard during the Veterans Day observance at the County Veterans Service Agency, 13996 Route 31 West. Veterans and community members stood in the freezing cold to remember and honor the sacrifices of veterans.

The program today included short speeches by veterans who have served in wars since World War II. This photo shows Vietnam War veteran Ray Smeal at the podium.

The 105 mm howitzer in front of the Veterans Service Agency office was used in the Korean War. That cannon was dedicated at the site on July 27, 2003, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

Nancy Traxler of Waterport served 27 years in the Air Force, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. She said she enjoyed working with other soldiers on missions.  She works as a veterans service officer in Orleans County. Traxler said her current role keeps her active with veterans and connected to the “military family.”

Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, also served 10 years with the U.S. Navy as a corpsman. During Desert Storm he worked out of a Naval Hospital in South Carolina, and collected and sent 2,400 units of blood to the battlefield.

Joshua Fleck of Holley served 20 years in the military including a tour in Iraq. He said soldiers and veterans look out for each other.

“I miss it everyday,” he said about his time in the military.

Matt Passarell, right, and Mike Donahue were part of the Honor Guard at today’s ceremony in Albion.

Susan B. Anthony spoke in Orleans County, trying to rally support for women’s suffrage.

“Overlooked Orleans” – Volume 3, Issue 46

On November 6, 1917, half way across the world, the October Uprising was in full swing as the Bolsheviks led a revolution against the Tsarist government of Russia. In the United States, New York voters decided that it was time to extend suffrage to women.

Orleans County was at the center of suffragist activity and notes pertaining to Susan B. Anthony’s visits to the area can be found within the local papers. As early as October of 1859, Anthony attended a local women’s rights convention along with Frances Dana Barker Gage and Hannah Tracy Cutler, noted abolitionists and movers in the women’s suffrage movement. In a later visit on January 22, 1894, Anthony spoke at the Court House, along with Mary Seymour Howell and Mary G. Hay, on the subject of extending suffrage to women by amending law at the constitutional convention. The event led with a symposium on the subject of equal suffrage and involved a number of notable suffragists.

Leading up to the vote in 1917, a number of local women formed committees in Albion, Medina, and Holley to operate Suffrage Schools. On March 5th and 6th, Holley hosted a school followed by Albion’s school at the Swan Library on the 7th and 8th. The following week, Medina hosted their school in the rooms of the Grand Army of the Republic. These Suffrage Schools held lectures on topics such as “Women in Relation to Community Problems,” “The Legal Status of Women,” “Parliamentary Law,” and public speaking. Prominent women from across Western New York attended and taught “classes” for local women in preparation for the anticipated victory in November.

It was believed that Medina’s school received additional interest as an announcement guaranteeing the suffrage bill as part of the November 6th election was made shortly before the event. Mrs. Carl Breed was appointed to chair a committee of fifty women tasked with planning the important program. The event attracted considerable attention as Mrs. Mary Grace White, wife of local attorney David White, opened the program by attacking Sen. Elon Brown for his claims that the birth control movement was an off-shoot of the suffrage movement.

Fervor surrounding the impending vote increased exponentially as November neared. Attorney John J. Ryan led efforts to enlist the support of men throughout the county in favor of the suffrage movement. On November 1, 1917, a lengthy article appeared in the Orleans American highlighting the importance of the approaching vote. “If you have a son or a brother who has been drafted for the war for democracy, don’t spoil your family record by voting against democracy in New York State.” The author went on to write, “Don’t be too sure, when you are making the woman suffrage amendment that men can represent women. The women may after all have ideas of their own.”

As the day passed, the papers reported that the “election in Orleans County passed off quietly. There was no excitement anywhere in the county.” The vote to extend suffrage to women in Orleans County was defeated by a vote of 2,134 for, to 3,024 against, but news quickly spread of downstate carrying the amendment through. It was quickly reported that Albion would be one of the first locations to provide the opportunity for women to vote as village elections were slated for February 26, 1918. When it came time to elect new members to the Albion Board of Education, Mrs. Lorinda Lasher was nominated as the first woman for public office in the village, unopposed to replace Alfred Wood. Mrs. Ruth Williams nominated Dr. Cora Billings Lattin to run against Thomas A. Kirby, but was defeated 230 to 110.

Perhaps one of the oft-overlooked tidbits of local suffragist history relates to Gilbert Turner Mason, the son of Albert J. Mason of Albion. Mason, the chief clerk at the Clum & Atkins Company in Rochester, married the young Miss Anna Elizabeth Dann in the home of Susan B. Anthony on Madison Street in 1902. Dann was the housekeeper and personal secretary to Anthony, assisting in the preparation of Anthony’s biography. In a 1906 letter to Anna Mason, Anthony’s niece Lucy wrote, “I think you know…that we all love you for your own sake…but we love you even more because dear Aunt Susan was so fond of you.” Susan was so fond of her that she stood by Anna’s side as she was married to Gilbert by the Rev. Anna Howard Shaw. The Masons are buried at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BARRE – A barn on West Barre Road burns in a fire tonight. The barn is owned by Ken Vivlamore 14028 West Barre Rd. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 7:45 p.m.

Vivlamore had just started a fire in a wood stove in the barn for his dog, Nell. His dog didn’t survive the fire.

Vivlamore said he recently put new piping in the stove and it seemed to be working really well. He also lost many tools in the blaze.

The fire was contained to the smaller barn. Albion and Barre firefighters are shown in this photo, as well as Deputy S. Fox of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Barre Fire Chief James Neal said fire investigators would look for the cause of the fire.

Barre firefighters get water on the hot spots.

The winner of the 2017 Orleans County Tourism Photo Contest has been announced. Peggy Barringer of Albion took the winning photo this year – “When the Sun Goes Down…at the Point” – on Sept. 21 at Point Breeze, showing a fisherman and a sailboat in silhouette at sunrise.

Barringer also won the contest in 2016 with a photo of lilacs in bloom at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Dennis Button of Albion came in second with “Memorial Day Cemetery” at Mount Albion. Elizabeth Carpenter of Waterport was third with a photo from the top of the tower at Mount Albion, looking above the tree line towards the county courthouse in Albion. “

Judging was tough as there were 25 photographers who submitted 85 images that captured the essence of Orleans County – from rainbows & sunsets to waterways & wildlife, said Lynne Menz, the county’s tourism director.

A jury of 15 was asked to rank their top 10 picks with the following criteria to consider:

• Does the subject have a Tourism draw?Is this an interesting attraction worth travelling to? Is it current?

• Quality: Is the photographer skilled in using interesting design elements such as depth-of-field, perspective, texture, symmetry or contrast? Is this image “Magazine Cover Worthy”?

• “Only in the OC”: Is the image iconic to Orleans County or could this picture be taken anywhere?  Does it represent Orleans County’s character?

• The WOW Factor: Does the image spark a positive emotion in you?

• The I-GOT-IT! Factor: Was the photographer in the right place at the right time?

View the Top 15 entries by clicking here.

Provided photo

MEDINA – Roger Hungerford met with the Medina Lions Club on Tuesday to discuss the renovation projects at the Bent’s Opera House and the former Medina High School. Hungerford was invited by Lions Club member Dave Belluci to share about the projects.

Hungerford, CEO and founder of Talis Equity, discussed “Impact Restoration,” an initiative to build on the momentum in the community and the string of recent development projects in Medina’s historic downtown district. Impact Restoration focuses on restoring buildings of community and cultural significance to positively impact the surrounding area.

Some of the current projects include the restoration of the Bent’s Opera House and the old high school in Medina. Contingent upon approvals from the state and village, the buildings will be restored and renovated, over the next 18-24 months, with intentions to bring it back to its original luster for modern day use.

This rendering shows how Bent’s will look after renovations.

Plans for the old Medina high school include adapting it into a loft community known as Mustang City. Built in 1922, the building is solid and full of unique details, including hundreds of beautiful windows, wood floors found in the classrooms and interesting staircases throughout. Mustang City presents an opportunity to build apartments with amenities currently not offered in the area.

Bent’s Opera House is remarkably well preserved and will be brought back to its original luster. While the third floor will be restored faithfully into one of the most unique wedding and event venues in New York State, the first and second floors will experience a dramatic redesign into a restaurant and modern boutique hotel space. The building next door, also included in the redesign, will be home to a market serving healthy options.

Readapting historic buildings to preserve rich history and redesigning the space into meaningful use is one aspect. The Impact Restoration developments compliment the area’s overall resurgence. Bent 360°, a component of the Bent Opera House project, spotlights interesting places and authentic experiences in a charming small town.

This is an exciting time in Medina’s story. Impact Restoration is proud to contribute to the many influences elevating the area, Hungerford told the Lions Club.

Press Release, AAA Western and Central New York

While Western and Central New Yorkers enjoyed warmer temperatures for longer than usual this year, snow and cold temperatures are now in the forecast and AAA Western and Central New York wants to make sure drivers are prepared for the cold weather.

Last week, the National Weather Service promoted Winter Weather Awareness Week, full of tips for battling through harsh weather. The most staggering statistic – 70 percent of injuries related to ice and snow occur in vehicles. Not surprisingly, 24 percent of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy roads.

AAA WCNY’s top three winter driving tips include slowing down, increasing the space between yourself and other vehicles, and braking THEN turning.

Additional important notes: Stay with your car and remain calm should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Don’t hesitate to call 911.

If you haven’t done so already, AAA advises drivers to have their car battery checked, in addition to packing up an emergency kit to include the following:

• Car charger for the mobile phone
• Water/Snacks
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel/Ice scraper/brush
• Blankets/Warm clothing/Gloves, hats, scarves
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Winter window washer solvent
• Jumper cables
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Photos courtesy of Sue Starkweather Miller: Haden Button enters the assembly on Thursday to a cheering crowd.

Alanna Holman, left, and Lily Allison are buddies.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – The Albion Central School District’s annual Empire Games for the Physically Challenged Awards Ceremony took place on Thursday The middle school band played musical selections as student athletes entered the elementary school gym to a cheering audience of over 1,000 students, staff, and family members.

The elementary school chorus sang several musical selections.  Students watched to a video presentation of the athletes participating in the Games at SUNY Brockport. Principals distributed ribbons and medals to each student athlete. After the ceremony, the athletes and their families celebrated with cookies and milk.

The Empire Games for the Physically Challenged takes place in October at SUNY Brockport. School districts from all across the region participate in many events on the Brockport campus.

Albion student athletes participated in: long jump, club throw, precision throw, distance kick, 40 meter race, 60 meter race, 100 meter race, slalom and the soft discus. Each athlete had a high school “buddy” who attended the Games and assisted them through the day as they moved through events.

Student athletes included: Lily Allison, Asad Bacht, Morgan Brower, Hayden Button, Dejeanna Conner, Brook Drake, Ethan Ferchen, Analiah Figueroa-Fuentes, Kaitlynn Figueroa-Fuentes, Rebecca Fugate, Nick Garcia, Taneisha Jackson, Keira Lemcke, Tatiana Morales, Misty Dawn Mullins, Gabrielle Payne, Adriana Pellegrino, Emily Richardson, Shaekwon Robinson, Alannah Snitzel and Jacob Sunday

Adriana Pelligrino receives medals from Elementary School Principal Rachel Curtin.

Varsity cheerleaders and Eagle lead a cheer for the audience.

Nick Garcia receives his medals from High School Assistant Principal Katharine Waite.

The Middle School Band performs during the assembly.

Emily Richardson receives her medals from Middle School Principal Bradley Pritchard.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

HOLLEY – Students at Holley Elementary School on Thursday afternoon honored local veterans with an assembly to acknowledge “our real life heroes.”

Holley Elementary Students spell out “Veterans Day” by noting the noble characteristics of those who served the United States in the armed forces.

One hallway featured photos of relatives of students and faculty/staff who have served in the military.

Members of local Scout troops led the pledge to the flag.

Local veterans attending the ceremonies salute during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sally Martin directs the Elementary Chorus as they sing, “Everyday in America” in honor of local veterans.

Many Holley Elementary students dressed in patriotic colors for the Veterans Day observance.

Members of the Pre-K class performed a special song, recognizing veterans for their strength and bravery and thanking them for their service.

Patriotic artwork by students filled hallways at the school. These three-dimensional cards thanked veterans for protecting freedoms enjoyed by Americans. One card said: “Thank you for serving our country. Thank you for keeping us safe. Thank you for helping our country. Thank you for keeping us free.”

Holley Elementary security guard Christopher Vigliotti, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and retired member of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, was guest speaker. He explained the purpose and importance of Veterans Day to the students and said he is proud to be a part of the Holley community which, “stands firmly and proudly behind service men and women.”  Vigliotti reminded students that veterans should be appreciated every day.

Provided photos: Kelly Cousins (left), the Lyndonville Lions Club 1st Vice President and Membership Chairperson, inducts  Susan Hrovat of Lyndonville into the Lions Club on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course.

LYNDONVILLE – Members of the Leo Club were guests of the Lyndonville Lions for a Thanksgiving themed dinner at the White Birch. As a part of the swearing in of new members it is mentioned that membership in a Leo club is a privilege. The Leo program extends throughout the world. It began in 1967 as an official activity of Lions Clubs International.

Leo goals include high moral standards, personal responsibility, an attitude of cheerfulness and understanding, and in addition, extending a helping hand to those in need. Two new members joined the Leo Club, Emalee Houseman and Brandon Baun.

The Leo Club students in the photo include: Front row – Sawyer Wilson,  Allyson Deslatte, Savannah Poler, Shantel Benedict and Faith Chaffee. Back Row – Jacob Kalson, Leah Gerety, Brandon Baun and Tyler Coyle. Absent:  Tamara Huzair and Emalee Houseman.

Leo club officers were also installed. Officers include:  Tamara Huzair – President; Shantel Benedict – Vice President, Faith Chaffee – Secretary; Sawyer Wilson – Treasurer.

Leo Club advisor, Mrs. Aimee Chaffee, shared that the Leo Club performs numerous service projects in school and in the community. They assist Lions with events such as the Pumpkin Carving contest and Christmas in Lyndonville and they hope to revive the Lions Club Bike Rodeo in the spring of 2018. They also have a holiday card campaign for soldiers, a pet supply drive to benefit the Orleans County Animal Shelter and they serve seniors in the community through numerous Silver Tiger events at the school.

During the meeting the Lions’ Club members in attendance along with the Leo members, stuffed envelopes for the annual Sight Campaign.