By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:47 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board approved allowing use of the parking lot at the Medina Senior Center at 615 West Ave. as the new home for a car show.
The vote came after several people spoke in favor of keeping the car show at the Canal basin where there is plenty of shade and room for car owners to relax in chairs by the Erie Canal.
The car show in the Canal Basin for nearly 30 years was organized by former Orleans County Sheriff David Green. He retired from the role of car show organizer after last year. The events often drew 80 to 100 cars.
Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder have offered to organize the shows this year, but Hellner said the costs would be less at the senior center. He owns The Walsh, a bar and restaurant across from the parking lot. He said he can extend his insurance to include the car shows, and also car enthusiasts could also use the bathrooms at The Walsh or nearby Poler’s Pub so port-a-potties wouldn’t need to be rented.
“I want to blow this out of the water,” Hellner said about drawing big crowds for the car show. “I want people to come see our village and beautiful Main Street. It’s going to take the community to make this great.”
Hellner said there are about 80 parking spaces for classic cars when the show moves to the senior center.
Staying at the Canal Basin likely won’t be an option in the near future anyway because Hellner said the state is planning to reconfigure the lot, taking away some parking to add more green space. The state hasn’t announced if and when the project will occur. It is among the proposals for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.
John Pratt, one of the classic car owners, was among the speakers who said he would prefer the Canal Basin.
“We’ve got a park-like setting,” he said about the Canal Basin. “Everybody likes it down there. It’s user-friendly with the shade and the water. There are a lot of other places they can go and sit in a land old parking lot.”
With the change to the senior center approved, Pratt asked the board to consider closing part of Park Avenue. That would make more space to park classic cars, and provide spots for the owners and their guests to sit in grass with some shade. That suggestion will be considered before the new car show season starts on May 31.
Hellner and Snyder said they are planning 12 car shows until Aug. 30. Two weeks ago they asked that the Super Cruise be on a Friday, with part of Main Street blocked off for about 200 cars. But they have relented from that and agreed to keep the Super Cruise on a Wednesday – Aug. 28.
Village officials don’t want to see Main Street closed on a Friday, which is a busy night for the restaurants.
Marguerite Sherman, the deputy mayor, cast the lone vote against the senior center parking lot for the car show. She wanted to do a walk-through of the parking lot to see how Hellner and Snyder planned to position the cars, to maximize the space. She wanted more time to consider the change, but the other board members agreed to allow use of the lot, with Hellner and Snyder to work out the particular details of how to best host the car shows.
Trustee Tim Elliott made the motion to allow use of the parking lot. He said Hellner and Snyder are eager to start promoting the event.
“The car show in the Canal Basin ended in August,” Elliott said. “This is a brand new car show. It’s their hard work going into this. It’s their money going into it.”
ROCHESTER – Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by local leaders today to announce the full implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
All veterans exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military are now eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare, years ahead of schedule.
“We passed the Honoring Our PACT Act in Congress because our nation’s heroes shouldn’t have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the healthcare benefits they have rightfully earned from their courageous service,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m thrilled the provisions of our legislation have been implemented ahead of schedule, opening the door to life-saving care for millions of veterans. I am grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their swift action and look forward to our continued work together to ensure our veterans have the full benefits they deserve when they return home.”
The bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act, which Congressman Morelle voted to pass in 2022, expanded VA healthcare to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service including burn pits and airborne hazards; created presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans; and streamlined internal processes so more veterans can receive the help and support they need in a timely manner.
As of March 5, 2024, the VA has fully implemented the provisions of the Honoring Our PACT Act by making all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in our armed forces—whether at home or abroad—eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. While the Honoring Our PACT Act mandates veterans become eligible increments between 2022 and 2032, this decision waives the phase-in approach and makes every veteran eligible for care immediately.
To see if you, your family, or someone you know is eligible for care under the Honoring Our PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT. To learn more about how to register for healthcare through the VA, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 10:12 am
ALBANY – Two Village of Medina trustees traveled to the State Capital in Albany last week to seek more state funding for the village.
Jess Marciano and Diana Baker joined about 50 other municipal officials from around the state in Albany for a lobbying day. The event was organized by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.
Marciano and Baker met with other officials from the state and then went to see the local state legislators, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
The village trustees had a list for the two state legislators. The trustees noted the village government has about 50 full-time employees serving a community with a high-poverty rate.
The employees are in the fire department (21 staff), police department (13 employees), Department of Public Works (12 workers), Clerk’s Office (4 staff) and one code enforcement officer.
The Medina trustees pressed the legislators to push for a sizable increase in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) for Medina.
Marciano and Baker presented a chart showing Medina’s meager AIM amount of $45,523 for a village of 6,047 – for $7.53 a person. Smaller cities get more than $100 a person and this is unrestricted aid, to be spent at the discretion of the municipality. (The city of Salamanca, which is similar in size to both the villages of Medina and Albion, collects $928,131 in AIM funding or $156 per person for its 5,929 residents.)
NYCOM also is making more AIM a legislative focus, saying the $715 million total for cities, towns and villages hasn’t been increased in 15 years. NYCOM is seeking a 43 percent increase or another $309 million in AIM.
Jess Marciano, left, and Diana Baker met with Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Marciano and Baker also said Medina needs more state funding for water and sewer upgrades, and for road maintenance.
“We’re about to go into another incredibly difficult budget year,” Marciano said. “We have to figure out a way to get more money in the village.”
Marciano said Medina isn’t just looking for a state handout. The village has been trying to convince the County Legislature to share more of the local sales tax. The Legislature hasn’t increased the sales tax to towns and village since 2001. It’s been stuck at $1,366,671 for 10 towns and four villages. Medina gets $160,160 of that total.
The local sales tax for the county totalled $23.1 million in 2023. Medina gets less than 1 percent of the total.
The village also is trying to rein in expenses without putting off long overdue projects such as a ladder truck replacement and need to expand the fire hall.
Baker said the discussions with Hawley and Ortt were “very enlightening” as they shared about so many factions in a diverse state, all pushing their own agendas. The smaller towns in rural communities often are overwhelmed by the larger cities and their needs.
Ortt was asked specifically to push legislation that would help the village. Medina has tried for years to have state legislation pass that would allow for a 2 percent occupancy tax for room rentals in the village.
Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.
Hawley has agreed to introduce legislation in the Assembly. Ortt has sponsored the legislation before in the State Senate but now said he is reluctant to back bills that result in a tax increase.
He told Marciano and Baker the “the circumstances have to be right” for him to push the bill in the Senate. He would have to give up something to make a deal with the Democratic Party majority. Right now, he said the Medina legislation benefits so few. But he told Marciano and Baker he isn’t giving up on the legislation.
Baker and Marciano appreciated that both Hawley and Ortt met with the Medina representatives without an appointment. Baker and Marciano said they will schedule more appointments next year so they present Medina’s challenges to more state officials.
“We had very good luck that both were available,” Marciano said about Hawley and Ortt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:44 am
The average price for a gallon regular gasoline went up an average of 6 cents nationally and in New York State in the past week. The national price today is at $3.53, while the statewide average is $3.43.
However, in Orleans County, the average price went up less than a cent, from $3.370 a week ago to $3.376 today, AAA reported.
Here are the prices today among Western New York counties:
Orleans, $3.376
Genesee, $3.314
Wyoming, $3.393
Livingston, $3.397
Monroe, $3.357
Niagara, $3.298
Erie, $3.364
Chautauqua, $3.522
Cattaraugus, $3.431
Allegany, $3.432
“While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped to push pump prices higher,” AAA said in a statement. “Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures, rising with the arrival of spring. The demand for gasoline increasing during spring break also pushes pump prices higher.
“The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.”
AAA also reported diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up a cent from last Monday, while the New York average is $4.40, also up a cent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 8:13 am
Provided photos
MEDINA – Three Cub Scouts in pack 28 in Medina on Saturday “crossed over” and became Boy Scouts. The new Boy Scouts include, from left: William Mojeski, Jace Campisano and Sidney Mack.
The trio is shown with other Boy Scouts after they earned their “Arrow of Light,” the highest award in Cub Scouts (under 11 years old). They “crossed over” on a ceremonial bridge into Boy Scouts (11 to 18 years old).
These Cub Scouts on Feb. 17 participated in the Pinewood Derby last month. Jace Campisano came in first place with William Mojeski in second.
“We’ve got many fun activities coming up like Buffalo Bisons Baseball Scout Night, Bowl-a-Rama, and summer camp,” said Todd Draper, one of the leaders.
Anyone interested in the program and leave a message with the Scout’s charter organization, The Grove United Methodist Church. A message can be left by contacting Pastor Paul Adell at (585) 798-2142 or by email at medinaumc1@gmail.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2024 at 8:09 pm
ALBION – Hoag Library has two trustee positions up for election on May 6.
People interested in serving as a trustee need to live in the library service area (central Orleans towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton).
Petitions needs to be signed by at least 25 adults in the service area. Petitions have been available at the library service desk since March 14. They are due by 5 p.m. on April 5.
The election will be from noon to 7 p.m. with results announced that night during the library’s annual meeting.
Both Medina JV and Varsity Winterguards travelled to Liverpool, near Syracuse, to compete in a Mid-York Color Guard Circuit competition on Saturday.
The Mid-York Circuit is comprised of winterguard programs from Central and Eastern New York, while the North East Color Guard Circuit encompasses those in Western New York. The trip gave the Medina guards the chance to experience other winterguard programs and thus expand their knowledge and awareness of the artform across the state.
There were 34 guards in a class structure that was somewhat different from those in the NECGC. Medina JV guard remained in the Cadet class and competed against Laurens JV, East Syracuse Minoa JV, Cicero North Syracuse JV2, the Black Knights JV (Rome, NY), and Central Square JV. Scores ranged from 75.85 for Laurens to Medina’s 65.05.
The SA (Scholastic A) class was divided into three levels with the Medina Varsity competing in the SA2 class against the Laurens Jaguars, Baldwinsville Varsity, East Syracuse Minoa Varsity, and Cicero North Syracuse JV1. Scores ranged from a high of 88.20 for Laurens to 71.22 for Medina.
Medina is gearing up for the North East Color Guard Circuit championships on April 6 at Gates Chili High School.
Judging by the price of gas, this photograph of Narby’s Superette was taken in 2001.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Vol. 4, No.12
CARLTON – For over one hundred and forty years, a general store has operated from the location which until recently housed the now closed Narby’s Superette at The Bridges in Carlton.
Several photographs from the Orleans County Department of History collection document this history.
This photograph, dated 1887, shows two adjoining businesses – that of G.W. Root on the left and G.D. Fowler’s general store on the right. A hotel, later destroyed by fire, had originally been built on this location.
Two men are standing on the left of the building. Peering closely, we can see two young children wearing white shirts peeking out from either side of what appears to be a tub.
The man standing on the left on the front porch is identified as George Root, who was a Civil War veteran of 8th NY Heavy Artillery. To the right, the man leaning against the pillar is identified as Ed, but his last name in not readable, while the man to his right is identified as G. D. Fowler.
This photograph, dated 1888, shows G.D. Fowler’s’ General Merchandise delivery wagon. Canned goods and fabric may be seen on the back of the wagon. The body language captured in the interchange between the three people shown here is classic. The salesman, identified as A.J. Small, is obviously pitching a sale for his goods. The older lady in the middle appears skeptical, while the young lady on the left is almost convinced, but still a little uncertain.
Fowler’s store also housed the Post Office. Benjamin and Gifford Fowler alternated as Postmasters from 1877 -1915 with a brief interruption from 1894-1897 when the post was held by James J. Waldron. Postal service to The Bridges was discontinued in 1915, when the mail was sent to Kent. Benjamin Fowler was one of the directors of the Albion-Carlton Telephone Company formed in 1880 and his store was among the first to provide telephone service in the area.
Fowler’s store was later purchased by Benjamin Bamber. A listing in the 1903 Orleans County Directory noted that Bamber was a general merchant who sold dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, drugs and medicines, hardware, crockery, paints, and oils. The store was also identified as a “Telephone Pay Station.”
Following Benjamin Bamber’s death in 1921, the store was run by his son Ward and was later acquired by Floyd Burns. The left half of the building was torn off many years ago.
Sharon and William Narburgh, Jr. acquired the business in the mid 1960s. Sharon continued the operation following the death of Mr. Narburgh in 1992. Upon her recent retirement, she calculated that she had worked at the store for a remarkable 58 years.
Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!
This Sunday (Palm Sunday) is the beginning of Holy Week which caps off Lent, leads into Easter, and focuses on the the passion of the Christ. I know that not everyone celebrates Easter, some are preparing for Passover which is only a month away, but for me as a Christian pastor this is the climax of the Christian calendar. It is also, as I have found, a great time to connect with others in the community.
Over the past 6 weeks I have enjoyed gathering with others from different churches and different backgrounds at the Lenten Lunches offered in Albion and Medina. Not only do I like to fellowship with others in the community who I do not get a chance to see on a regular basis, but it is the one time of year that I am pretty much guaranteed to get a delicious egg salad sandwich. Even if you don’t celebrate Lent you have probably partaken of a Friday Night Fish Fry with friends or family. Even as I write this, I am realizing how much this season of fasting is actually centered around food, but I digress.
The point I am trying to make is that there are plenty of opportunities for people to come together during this time and it only multiplies during holy week. Most churches will have their own Palm Sunday and Easter morning services, we meet @10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Medina in case you are looking for somewhere to go, but there are other occasions to connect with those outside of your immediate circle on Good Friday and Easter morning.
Last year I participated for the first time in the MAAC Cross Walk where I was one of many who took turns carrying a cross around Medina while pausing at different spots to read the Scriptural account of Jesus’ journey to Golgotha. It was interesting last year because just before we were about to start a fire broke out filling the area with smoke which caused us to reroute. Thankfully the first responders on scene did a good job containing it so after praying for the safety of all involved we began our walk. If you are interested, we will be doing it again at noon this Good Friday starting at the Medina City Hall.
Good Friday is also a great time to gather with other churches and denominations in order to reflect on the cross and look ahead to the empty tomb. For the past decade I have been a part of the P.A.C.T. Good Friday Service where hundreds come together to worship and share in Communion. Personally, this is one of my favorite and most anticipated events each year. If you would like to join us it is at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church @ 6:30 p.m. on March 29.
Lastly, another thing I was able to experience for the first time last year was Easter Sunrise Service at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina. A little over 40 of us joined together on a cold, windy day to sing a few songs and hear a short message in what turned out to be a beautiful, serene setting. If you are an early bird we will be gathering there again at 7 a.m. this Easter morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 5:51 pm
About 75 participate in Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Runners gather at the start line in front of a new inflatable resembling a colon this morning in the parking lot at the Albion Elementary School.
There were 56 finishers in the race, and several others who walked part of the 3.3-mile distance.
Photos by Marsha Rivers: Alex Zirkelbach of Olney, Maryland is out in front in today’s
Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion. Alex won the race in a time of 19:45.
Jody Lynn Musolino of North Tonawanda was the first female, crossing the finish line in a time of 23:36.
The course was changed from the usual route along Route 31, from the elementary school to Mount Albion Cemetery and back after heavy snowfall last night.
The state Department of Transportation deemed the shoulders of 31 off limits after the snowfall.
Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisports considered cancelling the race, but Albion school officials agreed to be out early and have the parking lots and walkways plowed.
The course ended up being three loops of 1.1-mile each in the elementary and high schools.
The Cayea brothers of Medina take off fast at the start of the race. Arian Cayea, second from left, was second overall in 19:46 and his brother Aeddon, left, was sixth overall in 22:35.
The course was longer than a typical 5K by about 0.2 mile.
Photos by Tom Rivers: A runner heads to the finish line, the inflatable of a colon. Wolfpack Multisports recently acquired the inflatable for the Burlison 5K, which is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.
Wayne’s wife Lisa and son Adam attended the event today.
Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisport encourages people to get checked for colon cancer, starting at 45.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.
Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use
Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:
A change in bowel habits
Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
Unintended weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 2:20 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mallory Ashbery, center, is Marmee March, the mother of four daughters in Little Women. Marmee’s husband and the girls’ father is away in the Civil War, serving as a Union Army chaplain.
The girls include, from left: Danielle Wyant as Meg, Lily Brigham as Amy, Ella Trupo as Beth and Mallory Kozody as Josephine “Jo” March. They are at home in Concord, Mass. Mr. March sends a letter that he has contacted pneumonia. His wife prepares to go see him in Washington.
Albion performed the musical with shows on Friday at 7 p.m., and today at noon and 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.
The show is co-directed by Elliott Michki, Kailey Winans and Kathy Winans.
Jo (Mallory Kozody) acts out one of her novels, “An Operatic Tragedy,” while sister Meg (Danielle Wyant) chimes in.
Jo aspires to be a great novelist. Her stories entertain her family but so far have been rejected by 22 publishers.
James Ruiz plays Mr. Laurence and Zackary Baron is Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. Mr. Laurence is upset that Jo cut down one of his trees.
Laurie becomes friends with the March sisters. He first proposes to Jo and is rejected, and later marries Amy, the youngest sister.
Sawyer Brigham plays Sir Braxton and acts out a scene Jo’s operatic tragedy, with Clarissa, played by Keira Zambito. She is fleeing Sir Braxton and is heroine of Jo’s operatic tragedy. Julia Button, right, is in the ensemble.
Jo (Mallory Kozody) comforts her sister Beth (Ella Trupo) who has been stricken by scarlet fever and would die from the illness, causing a great sadness in her family.
Gideon Pask plays Professor Bhaer, a German professor who falls in love with Jo. The two become engaged with plans of opening their own school. Pask sings “Small Umbrella In The Rain.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 8:38 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
BATAVIA – Medina firefighters Tiffany Petry and Dustin Pahura show students how to do CPR. The two firefighters were among many stations on Friday at Genesee Community College in Batavia, which hosted the second annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.
There were 575 students from 31 school districts in the four rural GLOW counties, including the Orleans County school districts of Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.
This group from Holley includes, from left: Mya Brown, Haidynn Mullins, Mia Thom and Isaiah Johnson.
The Holley students said the day at GCC connecting with healthcare organizations was very helpful as they consider careers. Johnson wants to work in EMS, while the three girls are considering careers in psychology.
“There are many different options,” Mya Brown said about careers in healthcare.
They are at a table for the Livingston County Health Department, which showed candy and medicine, and also cleaning products. People were asked if they could tell the difference from cady and pills that could be potentially harmful to them. The exercise was intended to show the value of having a medicine lock box to make sure people, especially young children, didn’t accidentally confuse prescription pills with candy.
GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare started in 2023 and connected students to over 200 representatives from 57 companies, municipal agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions.
The healthcare event and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing attract over 1,500 students annually with the goal of empowering youth in the four counties to seek success in careers.
“With GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing, we are seeing a generation of students that are engaging with careers with great opportunities in our region,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair and Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce. “Meeting the healthcare needs of our communities is a challenge that we are proactively addressing through the support of our participating organizations, sponsors, and volunteers.”
These students are in a vet tech workshop where they could simulate hearing the heartbeats for small dogs.
Every student participated in a pair of self-selected workshops with a variety of healthcare careers led by healthcare and emergency response professionals.
Sessions covered careers in EMS, pharmacy, healthcare administration, physical therapy, healthy living, physicians/residents, holistic medicine, radiology/sonography/ultrasound, mental health and social work, research science, nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner, surgery and vet technician.
Students put bandages on these stuffed dogs as part of the vet tech workshop.
Hospice of Orleans was among many organizations at the event. The agency was represented by Julia Alt, right, the director of advancement, and Kelli Birch, the volunteer coordinator.
Hospice is looking to fill positions for home health aide, social worker and registered nurse, and the agency welcomes more volunteers, Alt said.
Students were able to learn about Hospice, and also had a chance to fill out a greeting card for hospice patients.
Audra Fisher, a secretary with the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, and Justin McAdoo of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company show students how to “stop the bleed” and put on tourniquets.
These students try a stethoscope on a baby mannequin “Luna” at a station for the nursing program at Genesee Community College. The students could listen to the heart beat, the sound of the lungs and the abdomen.
GCC has about 100 students complete an associate’s degree in nursing each year. The graduates go into careers with high demand, said Deborah Penoyer, director of the nursing program.
Jennifer Kula, back left in blue, is a current student in the program. She has done clinicals at local hospitals and a long-term care facility.
“The science and learning are awesome,” said Kula, a Batavia resident. “I love the opportunity to serve people in the community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2024 at 7:45 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: This portrait of Wayne Burlison was displayed on a tree along the course at Mount Albion Cemetery during the 2016 race.
ALBION – A big snow overnight has necessitated a course change for this morning’s 5-kilometer race in Albion.
The Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.
The route usually starts on Clarendon Road by the elementary school and heads east on Route 31 to Mount Albion Cemetery for a loop there and then heads back on 31 to the school parking lot.
But with about a half foot of snow on the ground, the state Department of Transportation advised race director Bert Gallmon that Route 31 would be off limits for the race.
He was informed of the change Friday when the forecast called for significant snow. Gallmon and Albion school officials have come up with a modified course that includes three loops of about a mile in the school parking lots.
The race starts at 10 a.m. Participants can sign up this morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. inside the elementary school in the cafeteria. A post-race gathering with food will be at Dubby’s Tailgate.
Provided photo: Building Trades teacher Matt Anastasi, left, welcomed back recent grads Alayna Trautman and Tyler Currie to talk with students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
MEDINA – The teachers at the career and technical education center at Orleans/Niagara BOCES love hearing from former students about where their education took them in their lives after graduation.
Recently Alayna Trautman, a graduate from Bill Leggett’s Electricity/Electronics program, and Tyler Currie, a graduate from Matt Anastasi’s Building Trades program, came in to talk to students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Both the graduates wanted to pay it forward and talk with current students how Orleans/Niagara BOCES set them on their path towards a career and attending Alfred State College of Technology. Both students shared how their career and technical education classes made them candidates for several scholarships that are helping put them through college with little or no debt in the Construction Management Program.
Trautman, a Royalton-Hartland graduate, has such drive, focus and passion for the construction field, she is graduating a year ahead of time and has already completed paid internships at a couple of large construction firms specializing in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and general construction. She already has several job offers from companies when she graduates in May.
Currie, a graduate from Lockport, is currently doing his internship with Danforth, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Northeast that focuses on Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Plumbing Systems. The company is allowing him to work as an assistant project manager on some very large projects already. He told the students that taking the Building Trades program at BOCES gave him a strong learning trajectory and how happy he is with his career choice.
Mr. Anastasi says he and his seniors were very thankful for the time Alayna and Tyler spent with them.
“They both reflected on their pathways, gave incredible guidance, offered mentoring, and were very excited to share their success stories for my students to hopefully choose to emulate,” Anastasi said. “Seeing how these former students have become so focused, career driven, and passionate to want to guide current students really makes teaching rewarding.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2024 at 3:39 pm
Winter weather started sooner than expected today. This morning, an advisory said the snow would go from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
But the snow came sooner.
The National Weather Service tweaked a winter weather advisory to start at 11:30 a.m., 5 1/2 hours earlier than initially reported. The advisory continues until 8 a.m. Saturday with 2 to 6 inches of snow expected in Orleans, Niagara, northern Erie and Genesee counties.
Last year I participated for the first time in the MAAC Cross Walk where I was one of many who took turns carrying a cross around Medina while pausing at different spots to read the Scriptural account of Jesus’ journey to Golgotha. It was interesting last year because just before we were about to start a fire broke out filling the area with smoke which caused us to reroute. Thankfully the first responders on scene did a good job containing it so after praying for the safety of all involved we began our walk. If you are interested, we will be doing it again at noon this Good Friday starting at the Medina City Hall.
