By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2024 at 9:58 am
There are options locally for people to get out of the stifling heat.
A heat advisory is in effect for Orleans County until 8 p.m. on Thursday with heat index values as high as 103 today, followed by 97 on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Today is forecast for a high of 92 degrees followed by 89 on Thursday.
The Orleans County Emergency Management Office has advised the following locations have air-conditioning and are open today:
Community Free Library in Holley, 86 Public Square – open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hoag Library in Albion, 134 South Main St. – open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Orleans County YMCA in Medina, 306 Pearl St. – open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Yates Community Library in Lyndonville, 15 North Main St. – open from noon to 5 p.m.
YATES – The Town of Yates will hold a referendum on Thursday to decide whether the town may acquire 153.3 acres of land from NYSEG for $700,000 using grant funds for public recreational use. The site is part of a larger area referred to as the Morrison Tract, a rural lakeside property which has had a dramatic and often contentious history.
The first recorded refences to the area are to an active bootlegging operation during Prohibition which was operated by Joseph J. Winghart, his wife Mayme and brother Bernie. They supplied the Lyndonville area and made deliveries to Niagara Falls. They also operated a speakeasy at a farmhouse on the corner of Lake Road and Morrison Road in the Town of Yates.
The Prohibition era has since been romanticized, but it was a dangerous and volatile time. The Wingharts were associated with “The Black Hand Gang” of Niagara Falls, who assured them of a market and of “back-up” if the need arose.
The farmhouse later became the location of Winghart’s Grill. Following several changes of ownership, it opened as Lakeshore Villa in 1959. Owner, Joseph Perry, was killed in an automobile accident in 1960. It subsequently operated as the Park House, this was destroyed in a “spectacular blaze” on March 26, 1981.
Beginning in the 1960s, NYSEG acquired parcels of land totaling 800 acres in the Town of Yates area bounded by the Lake Ontario shoreline, Foss Road and Morrison Road. Referred to as the Morrison Road site, it was selected as a possible location for the construction of an atomic power generating station in 1972.
However, local public opposition was loud and clear. The discovery of an earthquake fault near the area caused NYSEG to abandon plans for Yates and concentrate on a location in Somerset instead.
In September 1981, William Lyman, Chairman of the Orleans County Industrial Development Authority (COIDA), announced the potential development of a shipping port at the site.
Cross-Lake Shipping, formerly Ro-Ro of Toronto, proposed to operate a truck trailer ferry service from Toronto to the Morrison Road site to import a wide variety of raw materials and products to the US, thereby avoiding the substantial fees then levied for overland cross-border transportation.
The plan was quite ambitious. Sixty workers would be employed on the construction of this $8.5 million port which would include a double pier that could accommodate barges capable of carrying 120 semi-trailers.
When fully operational, 120 workers would be employed. Housing, retail and hotels would surely follow, and the development would be beneficial for the Town of Yates tax base.
Attractive as it might have seemed, local residents balked at the prospect of several hundred tractor trailers containing unknown contents traversing rural roads and narrow canal bridges on a daily basis.
A committee of Yates residents formed to oppose COIDA’s proposal. As it transpired, Ro-Ro was unable to secure adequate financial backing and the proposed project was dropped.
Subsequently, the Morrison Road tract was one of two sites in the town considered as a possible location for a state-operated toxic and hazardous waste plant. A site in Cayuga County was chosen instead.
In 1986, a group of citizens and investors formed the Ontario Shore Land Committee which proposed to purchase the site for multi-use development: camping, flea market, a pioneering village, and senior citizen housing as well as light industrial and commercial growth.
While these development proposals highlighted the potential of the site, they also exposed the town’s vulnerability when faced with the power of state agencies. Though local opposition played a part in the dismissal of the atomic power generating station and the port proposal, ultimately other external factors determined the decisions. The success of either of these proposals would have drastically altered the rural nature of the town.
It is remarkable that such a small location should have been the site of so much discord. Some places have a strange energy. Perhaps it is not surprising that trees nearby produce shoe-fruit.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2024 at 8:48 am
Students also earned certifications from BOCES
Photos by Tom Rivers
SHELBY – Bryce Mathes gives the valedictory address on Tuesday evening during commencement at the Orleans County Christian School.
Mathes is one of four graduates at the school, which is based at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on Route 63.
Mathes attended the school the past four years. He said he preferred the smaller class sizes over his experience at Albion.
Mathes earned a certification in computer technology at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES and he plans to enter the Air Force to be a cyber security technician.
He also was able to take many classes through Genesee Community College. He thanked his parents and the school for supporting his love of technology and for preparing him to take the next steps in his career.
The graduates toss their caps at the end of the commencement program. From left include Andrew Schmidli of Medina, Joshua Watts Jr. of Medina, Collin Peters of Medina, and Bryce Mathes of Albion.
About 75 people attended the commencement and award ceremony at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship.
The K-12 school started in 1996 and is accepting applications for enrollment until Aug. 1. This year there were 16 students.
Leaders of the school and church pray over the four grads. In back from left are Curt Strickland, Pastor Russ Peters of Alabama Full Gospel, school administrator and principal Jodi Peters, and Michael Zaidel. The grads are, from left: Bryce Mathes, Collin Peters, Josh Watts and Andrew Schmidli.
The graduates earned equivalency diplomas that are approved by Medina Central School superintendent Mark Kruzynski.
The four all completed programs at BOCES. Mathes earned a certification in computer technology. Peters earned a welding certification and will start work with Graham Manufacturing in Batavia. Watts has certification in autobody and restoration, and Schmidli completed the advanced manufacturing and engineering program.
Josh Watts is called up to accept his diploma from Jodi Peters, the school’s administrator and principal. She also teaches ELA, Bible, history and economics.
Watts joined the school in the seventh grade and he said it made a big difference for him.
“They are very accommodating and very patient,” he said.
Andrew Schmidli poses for a photo with his diploma and the Principal Jodi Peters during the ceremony. Schmidli spent four years at OCCS.
“I got the help that I needed,” he said.
Collin Peters, another graduate, has been in the school since the third grade. His mother is the principal.
“The teachers are pretty nice and helpful,” Collin said. “The students are pretty cool.”
Jodi Peters said she assured her son she wouldn’t get too emotional when presenting him with his diploma.
“He made it very clear he doesn’t want me to become unglued,” she said during the ceremony.
Collin was presented with the Triple C award from the Attorney General’s Office, an honor for a student that exemplifies character, courage, and commitment to bettering oneself and the community.
Peters, Mathes and Schmidli all were awarded $1,000 scholarships during commencement from the Medina Area Association of Churches. Mathes also was awarded a $1,500 scholarship for academic excellence.
Russ Peters, pastor of Alabama Full Gospel, served as the commencement keynote speaker.
He praised the grads for gaining skills and maturity during their time in the school. He acknowledged they are likely feeling some anxiousness over the next steps in their livers. He urged them to turn to God and keep the Lord at the center of their lives.
Peters said the grads are free to explore, learn and take risks. They will make mistakes and struggle.
“But in the struggle you will learn to be strong,” he said. “In the struggle you will learn to overcome.”
G’Ahmeer Barnes, a ninth-grader, holds the flag for the pledge of allegiance during the ceremony.
Students in grades 1 through 11 at the Orleans County Christian School sang “Friends Are Friends Forever” by Michael W. Smith.
Information from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
MIDDLEPORT – The FMC Corporation is continuing the multi-year cleanup of properties nearby and adjacent to the FMC facility at 100 Niagara Street in Middleport, Niagara County.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is overseeing the comprehensive cleanup of arsenic and other contamination by FMC that complies with requirements in the May 2013 Final Statement of Basis for Air Deposition Area #1 (2013 FSOB) and a 2019 consent order between the parties.
These documents specify the required cleanup activities, which include removal of impacted soil from residential and commercial parcels in the community, called Operable Units or OUs (OU2 and OU5), and from the Royalton-Hartland Central School District (Roy-Hart) Middleport campus (OU4).
The DEC selected remedy includes removal of arsenic in soils to levels that meet state health and environmental guidelines and, when removal is not an option, implementing actions to prevent potential public exposure.
Prior to the 2019 consent order, DEC conducted extensive cleanup activities from 2015 through 2020 through the state’s Superfund program. FMC took over implementation of the remedy for remaining properties in 2021 and will continue that work in 2024.
Cleanup activities for this season will commence in late June and continue through winter 2024/2025. Construction activities may include structural evaluation of building(s) on certain industrial/commercial parcels, as well as soil removal, soil tilling/blending, soil sampling and analyses, and restoration activities throughout the area.
FMC continues to meet with owners of affected properties, including those identified for remedial construction activities, to review and discuss their data, the proposed remedial plans and restoration activities, and to obtain their consent for the work to take place. This is consistent with the process completed in prior years.
Highlights of activities planned for 2024
These maps from the DEC show the plan for remediation work this year.
In 2024, FMC will be continuing remedial construction activities on remaining OU2 properties and OU5 properties north of the Erie Canal. DEC and the New York State Department of Health will review and approve the remedial plans prior to implementation by FMC.
A DEC field representative will inspect and oversee work being performed by FMC’s contractors and consultants to ensure it is consistent with state standards and guidelines to protect the community. OU2 consists of Air Deposition Area 1, south of the Erie Canal and west of the Niagara/Orleans County Line (See Figure 1), OU5 consists of Culvert 105 and Flood Zone (See Figure 2):
Soil sampling and remediation at one vacant residential property south of the Erie Canal on Telegraph Road.
A structural investigation for an industrial/commercial parcel previously affiliated with the Norco operation on Elizabeth and Cemetery streets to allow for remediation activities.
Soil remediation of a large vacant agricultural property northeast of the FMC facility, including subsequent remediation of the adjacent canal bank property during the winter of 2024/2025.
Excavated soils, demolition debris, and other materials removed from the properties will be disposed of at permitted disposal facilities. Truck traffic patterns are designed to minimize traffic on Village of Middleport roads, to the extent practicable, and to maintain public safety along the truck routes and within and near the work areas.
The existing construction staging area located on Telegraph Road (Route 31) will continue to be used.
Pre-design investigation activities including, but not limited to, survey and soil sampling will occur on properties in OU6.
Areas that are disturbed during cleanup will be restored as close to pre-existing conditions as reasonably practical in consultation with each property owner. All backfill materials will be tested to demonstrate that they meet DEC requirements for protection of public health and the environment prior to use.
FMC has contacted, and will continue to work with, all affected property owners regarding permissible access and information about the scope of the remedial construction activities and health and safety procedures. FMC will keep affected property owners and residents updated with respected to the schedule and scope of the work activities.
Site background
The FMC facility is at southern portion of the Village of Middleport in Niagara County. The facility is bounded by residential properties to the west (along South Vernon Street), the Roy-Hart Middleport campus and commercial and residential properties to the north, agricultural lands to the east, and commercial properties and State Highway Route 31 to the south.
The plant site was formerly used for the manufacturing of pesticides, including products containing arsenic, between the 1920s and the 1980s. In the mid-1980s, the current site operation shifted from manufacturing to only formulation of pesticide products (i.e., mixing and packaging). Arsenic containing pesticides ceased to be made at the facility in the mid-1970s. FMC started implementation of a number of environmental studies and remedial programs in the 1970s. FMC is now completing remediation of the OUs associated with the Middleport facility as required by DEC.
Community safety during construction activities
FMC is committed to preforming the remediation construction work in a manner that will ensure safety. FMC and its contractors will work with the affected property owners and residents, Village of Middleport officials, DEC and DOH to complete to remediation construction work in a safe manner that will also minimize inconvenience and disruption to the community.
Safety precautions will include installation of construction fencing and signage around work areas to restrict access to only authorized personnel; providing appropriate traffic control and/or personnel to direct residents and the public safely around work areas and equipment; and continuing open and frequent communications regarding the construction activities, including reviewing property-specific safety plans with affected owners/residents including safe ingress/egress to their homes during construction on their properties.
A Community Air Monitoring Plan approved by DEC and NYSDOH will include continuous air monitoring during ground intrusive activities as added protection to avoid the potential for any public exposure or impacts to the environment during the cleanup. Dust suppression techniques will be used whenever activities that might create airborne dust are preformed, including applying water in the work area and on the roads.
ALBION – The Genesee Community College ACE Program has recognized several Albion students with the “Outstanding Scholar” semi-finalist or finalist award.
These students have risen to the top of over 2,000 students in over 40 high schools taking ACE classes across Western New York. There were 84 students nominated for this award. The selection committee chose 44 semi-finalists and 20 finalists.
Albion’s semi-finalists:
Ella Papponetti – Science
Jason Anstey & Lucy Rivers – English
Kevin He & Finn McCue – Mathematics
Jason Anstey, Kevin He, Ella Papponetti, Gina Sidari – Social Science
File photo by Tom Rivers: George Lloyd of Brockport, left, takes a turn at the radio during the Field Day event in June 2016 for the Orleans County Amateur Radio Club, which holds its event at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office in Albion. The operators will give visitors a chance to be on the air during Field Days.
ALBION – Members of the Orleans County Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the annual Amateur Radio Field Day exercise on Saturday and Sunday at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, 14064 West County House Rd.
The OCARC has been active in this Field Day exercise since 1961. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to visit from 2 p.m. on Saturday until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio.
Field Day is a showcase for how Amateur Radio works reliably under any conditions from almost any location to create an independent communications network.
“Ham radio functions completely independent of the Internet or cell phone infrastructure, can interface with laptops or smartphones, and can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. That’s the beauty of Amateur Radio during a communications outage,” says David Isgur, N1RSN, communications manager for ARRL The national association for Amateur Radio (arrl.org) which represents amateur or “HAM” radio operators across the country.
“In today’s electronic do-it-yourself (DIY) environment, ham radio remains one of the best ways for people to learn about electronics, physics, meteorology, and numerous other scientific disciplines, and is a huge asset to any community during disasters or emergencies if the standard communication infrastructure goes down,” Isgur adds.
Anyone may become a licensed amateur radio operator. There are more than 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 9 and as old as 100. And with clubs such as the Orleans County Amateur Radio Club, it’s easy for anybody to get involved right here in the Orleans County area.
For more information about Field Day or Amateur Radio, contact Bruce Sidari at (585) 820-6460.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2024 at 11:19 am
HOLLEY – The school district on Monday honored six retiring teachers and staff with 170 years of collective experience working with students.
The Board of Education also honored Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent the past six years, who is retiring on June 30.
Matt Feldman, the junior-senior high school principal, hugs Penny Cole, one of six retiring Holley teachers and staff members recognized during the Holley Board of Education meeting on Monday.
Feldman called Cole “the mom of the high school.” Cole worked 29 years for Holley as a secretary in the guidance department. She also was a highly respected cheerleading coach for Holley.
Feldman said Cole’s retirement “has been an insurmountable loss” for Holley. Students admire her so much they dedicated the yearbook to her.
“She cares for our students,” Feldman said. “She cares for our staff. She cares for our community.”
Suzanne Thornton, left, is all smiles when she is recognized during the Holley Board of Education meeting on Monday by Karri Schiavone, the elementary school principal. Schiavone praised Thornton for working at all grade levels in the elementary school, and for maintaining close ties with many of her students and their families for years after they leave her classroom.
Thornton retired at the end of last school year but has continued as a substitute teacher for Holley. She has an annual pool party at her home, where she invites students and their families.
Amie Callan, another retiring elementary teacher, was praised by Schiavone for inviting grandparents into the district for a special day to be with their grandchildren. Callan served the district for 35 years, and has a great sense of humor, Schiavone said.
Kellie Burke listens to Matt Feldman, the junior-senior high principal, share about her impact on students in the school during her 34-year career teacher and also as a leader of the drama program. Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, is at left.
Sandy Smith, a retiring special ed teacher, also was praised for her commitment to students, including as a chaperone on a trip to DC and keeping an old popcorn machine working. Smith said she will gladly hand off that popcorn machine for more years of use.
Retiring superintendent: ‘My life and career wouldn’t have been the same without Holley’
Anne Winkley, president of the Board of Education, presents a gift of appreciation to Brian Bartalo, who is retiring June 30 after six years as Holley’s district superintendent.
The district also commended Brian Bartalo for his leadership the past six years. Bartalo joined Holley after working as a principal at Hilton.
He said he was happy to return to a smaller school district. Holley’s entire student enrollment of about 1,000 is less than the 1,500 at the high school in Hilton.
Bartalo acknowledged he isn’t a big risk-taker. He said he could have finished his career in Hilton but took a chance on Holley.
“It was the best risk I’ve ever taken,” he said. “My life and career wouldn’t have been the same without Holley.”
Bartalo guided Holley through the Covid pandemic. Holley in 2019 also was identified as a “target” school district in need of improvement. The district made solid gains academically and was taken off the list of target districts by the State Education Department.
Holley was put on the list in January 2019 due to low scores for seventh- and eighth-graders. Bartalo praised students, parents, teachers, administrators and board of education members for committing to improvement.
Sal DeLuca, the board vice president, said Bartalo has been “a breath of fresh air” as the district leader.
“He brough enthusiasm, a desire to succeed and a desire for those around him to succeed,” DeLuca said during Monday’s board meeting.
Bartalo is known is the district as “Bart.” He was very visible at school events and quickly became part of the “Holley family,” DeLuca said.
Bartalo also commended Connie Nenni, the district clerk, for being “extraordinarily helpful” as his “right arm” in the district office.
Sharon Zacher, the district’s assistant superintendent for business, also has been a great asset to Holley and Bartalo, the retiring superintendent said. Zacher not only oversees the district’s finances, but she helps manage buildings and grounds, food service and transportation.
“She is the finest business official I’ve ever worked with,” Bartalo said.
Karri Schiavone, the elementary school principal, will succeed Bartalo on July 1. Bartalo said he is confident Schiavone and the administrative team will lead Holley to even more success.
Bartalo was picked by the senior class to give the commencement address on June 29.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2024 at 9:56 am
HOLLEY – Voters in the Village of Holley go to the polls today to elect a mayor and two trustees on the Village Board.
Mark Bower is unopposed for mayor. He is running under the “Historic Holley Party.” The trustee candidates are both incumbents. Jessica MacClaren is running under the “Four Holley Party” and John Morriss is under the “Family Party.”
Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. in the village office foyer.
Holley’s terms of office used to be for two years but this election they will be for four years. The board voted to increase the terms on Jan. 10, 2023. This is the first election it takes effect.
Bower was elected mayor in June 2022. He is a retired school administrator. MacClaren is a fourth-grade teacher in Brockport. Morriss is a retired teacher and former Murray town supervisor.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a new law requiring employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time for employees to express breast milk goes into effect on Wednesday. This mandate applies whenever employees have a reasonable need to express breast milk and extends up to three years following childbirth.
“As New York’s first mom Governor, I am fighting every day to give working parents the protections they need to keep their families strong and healthy,” Governor Hochul said. “From our nation-leading prenatal leave program to this legislation requiring employers to give breastfeeding mothers much-needed break time, our state is continuing to stand up for parents in the workplace and protect maternal and child health.”
Comprehensive information about employee rights and employer requirements regarding breast milk expression in the workplace is available on the New York State Department of Labor’s (NYSDOL) dedicated resource page (click here).
Under the new law, employees can also use existing paid break time or mealtime for any time in excess of 30 minutes. This marks a significant shift from the previous requirement, where employers were only obligated to provide reasonable unpaid break time for this purpose.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “This legislation represents a major victory for working parents across New York State. By providing paid break time for breast milk expression, we are not only supporting parents and their babies but also reinforcing the importance of family-friendly workplace policies. The Department of Labor remains committed to ensuring that all employers comply with these new standards and that all employees are aware of their rights.”
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Genesee and Orleans counties are expecting unusually hot weather this week, which will last through Friday evening, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.
“The duration of the heat will include both daytime and nighttime temperatures, with little or no relief during the overnight hours,” stated Paul Pettit, public health director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “This poses an elevated risk of causing heat-related illnesses.”
GO Health is reminding residents to take necessary precautions during this week’s extreme heat event. Follow the steps below to stay cool, hydrated, and safe:
Stay in a cool or air-conditioned building as much as possible. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Cover windows with drapes or shades.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity and find shade where you can. Limit strenuous activities and exercise. Drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
Wear appropriate clothing. Choose clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
Take a cool shower or bath using mildly warm water. Sudden temperature changes may make you feel dizzy or sick.
Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Do not leave kids, pets, or anyone else in cars. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open.
Wear sunscreen. Sunburn can impact how your body cools down and can cause you to become dehydrated.
Check on your neighbors, family and friends, especially those who are at higher risk. Those most at risk include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with disabilities, people with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers.
Keep your pets safe. Don’t keep your pets outdoors for too long, and provide them with plenty of fresh water. Avoid asphalt and dark pavement, which can be very hot.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and if it is suspected, call 911 immediately. To learn more, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2024 at 7:51 am
The National Weather Service in Buffalo says a strong thunderstorm will hit western Orleans and Niagara counties this morning through 8:30 a.m. The Weather Service issued a special weather statement about the storm at 7:33 a.m.
There could be wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour that could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. The storm will also produce heavy rainfall which may result in localized flooding, the Weather Service said.
Locations impacted include Niagara Falls, Lockport, Medina, Newfane, Lewiston, Youngstown, Middleport, Fort Niagara State Park, Sanborn, Shelby, Wilson, Barker, Cambria Center, Olcott, Pendleton Center, Ransomville, Gasport, Model City, Appleton, and Rapids.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2024 at 10:12 pm
Leigha Walker, ‘our angel,’ praised for doing compressions on man who had heart attack
Photos by Tom Rivers: Holley school district leaders present “Soaring to New Heights” awards to Leigha Walker, a Holley senior, and teacher Renee Wolf. From left include district superintendent Brian Bartalo and Board of Education President Anne Winkley. Walker performed compressions on a man who went into cardiac arrest and crashed into a pole outside the Brockport Subway where she works. Walker received training in CPR at Holley in a class taught by Wolf.
HOLLEY – The school district this evening presented a “Soaring to New Heights” award to Leigha Walker, a Holley senior who rendered aid to a man who had a heart attack.
The district also recognized Renee Wolf, teacher of the class where students learn CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and first aid.
The wife and two sisters of Jack Brennan also attended the Board of Education meeting in Holley to show their appreciation for Leigha and her teacher. Brennan, 67, of Brockport is the man who had a heart attack and became unconscious on June 9. He crashed into a pole outside the Brockport Subway where Leigha was working.
She heard the crash and immediately called 911 at about 10 a.m. Leigha grabbed a wooden rod so a bystander could break the passenger window of Brennan’s pickup truck and then unlock the vehicle.
Leigha and co-worker got Brennan out of the truck and onto the ground. Leigha checked his vital signs. When the Brockport Fire District ambulance pulled up, a medic urged someone to start CPR.
Leigha did more than 30 compressions to keep Brennan’s blood moving. Then the Brockport ambulance personnel used an AED to get Brennan’s heart restarted. He was then transported by ambulance to a hospital.
It was an intense 12 minutes or so. Then Leigha went back to work for four more hours.
“Leigha is our angel,” said Kathy Conner, one of Brennan’s sisters.
Leigha Walker is joined by the family of Jack Brennan, a man she provided aid to on June 9. From left include Brennan’s wife Caroline Rodriguez, and Brennan’s sisters Maureen Close and Kathy Conner. They attended an award presentation for Walker at the Board of Education meeting this evening.
Brennan is now in stable condition and will have open-heart bypass surgery tomorrow.
His wife, Caroline Rodriguez, said Brennan is very fit. He works out, runs regularly, and stays busy in retirement, sealing driveways and painting. For the past 25 years he has been a softball umpire in Section 5, and has done games where Leigha was the catcher for Holley, with Brennan only a few inches behind her, calling balls and strikes. He also is a volleyball referee.
Brennan has run many marathons. He had already knocked out a 1 ½-mile run the morning of June 9 before he was stricken with a heart attack.
Rodriguez said Leigha’s actions and those of other bystanders saved precious minutes for the medics who arrived later.
“They got him out of the truck, set up and she started CPR,” Rodriguez said. “Those were critical moments when every second counts.”
Leigha has been featured in the media in the past week, including the Orleans Hub, Rochester television stations and has been widely praised on social media.
She prefers to keep a low-profile, said Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent.
“Leigha is a very humble and kind person,” Bartalo said this evening, in presenting her with an award from the district. “I know she doesn’t want this type of attention.”
Provided photo: Leigha Walker is the catcher for Holley’s varsity softball game. In this photo Jack Brennan is the umpire.
The district also presented an award to Renee Wolf, teacher of the Sports, Safety and Fitness class where students learn CPR and other first aid.
Leigha was one of 15 Holley students to take the class last year and become certified in CPR.
Wolf learned CPR when she was 15. But she has never needed to use it. Wolf is also Leigha’s soccer coach on a team that won Sectionals and advanced to the state tournament.
“Leigha is a great young woman,” Wolf said. “I’m super proud of her. She doesn’t want the attention. She just thinks it’s something anybody would do.”
Bartalo said the elective class led by Wolf will stay in Holley, “so more kids can help their community.”
