MEDINA – The Medina Central School District Board of Education would like to inform its residents of board member vacancy. Debra Tompkins resigned her position on the school board.
If you are interested in serving, submit a letter of interest by June 18 to District Clerk Julie Kuhn, jkuhn@medinacsd.org. The letter of interest must include:
Name and address
A little bit about yourself
Why you want to be a school board member
What you think are the top issues facing the district.
Candidates will be considered and possibly interviewed at a Special Board of Education meeting later in June. The Board plans to appoint the new member soon thereafter formally.
A normal term is three years. Since this is due to a resignation, the board will appoint an individual to serve until the next regular election on May 20, 2025.
Commitment?
Attend monthly board meetings, participate in board committees, be visible at district events, and review policies and documents for meetings.
What are the qualifications?
In order to be on a Board of Education in New York State, you must be:
A U.S. citizen
Able to vote in the Medina Central School District
At least 18 years old
A legal resident of the Medina Central School District for at least the last 30 days.
For further questions, please contact District Clerk Julie Kuhn at 585-798-2700 option 6 or jkuhn@medinacsd.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 10:19 pm
Kendall, Middleport churches would close in recommendation not yet finalized
Photo by Tom Rivers: St. Stephen’s Catholic Church would be closed as part of a restructuring plan announced tonight by the Diocese of Buffalo with the church merging with Holy Trinity in Medina. St. Mark’s in Kendall would merge with St. Mary’s in Holley.
The Diocese of Buffalo tonight announced its restructuring plan for churches in Orleans and Niagara counties with St. Mark’s in Kendall to close and merge with St. Mary’s in Holley, and St. Stephen’s in Middleport to close and merge with Holy Trinity in Medina.
These are recommended changes and not final, said Joe Martone, Diocese spokesman.
The plan for parishes within the Niagara/Orleans Vicariate was presented this evening to pastors and parish family officers at the Diocese of Buffalo’s Renewal meeting at Immaculate Conception in Ransomville.
Parish families have the opportunity to present alternative proposals by July 15, Martone said.
The 8-county Diocese of Buffalo announced on May 28 it will work to reduce the number of parishes by 34 percent in the eight-county region, which includes Orleans.
“The Diocese of Buffalo is facing multiple challenges including a significant priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations and ongoing financial pressures brought about by our Chapter 11 filing,” Bishop Michael Fisher said on May 28.
Some of the grim data from the Diocese includes a 49 percent decline in registered households across the 8-county region, 59 percent of parishes with a negative net operating balance, 59 percent of parishes experiencing a steady decline in baptisms, 24 percent decrease in marriages from 2020 to 2023 in the Diocese, and the average age for priests is 76, with 63 percent of the priests between the ages of 65 and 70.
Orleans County already lost a Catholic church last year when St. Joseph’s in Lyndonville was badly damaged in a Feb. 28 fire. The Diocese opted not to rebuild the church and had it torn down in November.
Diocese recommendations for Niagara/Orleans Vicariate
(Changes in italics)
Family #10
All Saints, Lockport – merge with St. John – close St. Joseph campus
Our Lady of the Rosary worship site in Wilson to close
St. John the Baptist, Lockport
Immaculate Conception, Ransomville – move to Family #34
St. Patrick, Barker – move to Family #10
St. Brendan on the Lake, Newfane
Family #11
St. Stephen, Middleport to merge with Holy Trinity in Medina
St. Mark in Kendall to merge with St. Mary’s in Holley
St. Mary, Holley
Holy Family, Albion
Holy Trinity, Medina
Family #34
St. Raphael, Niagara Falls – merge with St. Peter, Lewiston
St. Peter, Lewiston
Accept Immaculate Conception, Ransomville, into Family #34
Family #35
Divine Mercy, Niagara Falls – merge with St. Mary of the Cataract
St. John de LaSalle, Niagara Falls – merge with St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul, Niagara Falls
St. Mary of the Cataract, Niagara Falls
Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph, Niagara Falls – Our Lady of Mount Carmel site to close
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 9:12 pm
ALBION – A public will decide whether Albion and Gaines form a joint fire district. The town boards in Albion and Gaines this evening set Aug. 6 for a public referendum on the issue, with voting from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library.
Each town will have its own room for voting on that day in the library. Eligible Village of Albion residents will vote in whichever town they live in.
This is how the proposition will be listed on the ballot:
“Shall the resolution authorizing the Board of Trustees for the Village of Albion, the Town Board of the Town of Albion and the Town Board of the Town of Gaines, Orleans County, New York, dated April 30, 2024, to establish a Joint Fire District to be known as the Albion Joint Fire District, which fire district will encompass the Village of Albion, the Town of Albion and the Town of Gaines be approved?”
The two town boards set the date for the referendum after petitions were turned in to force the public vote.
The petitions were filed on May 30. Today was the last day for the two towns to set the referendum, Albion town attorney Jim Bell said during the Albion Town Board meeting.
Bell was joined by Albion Town Clerk Sarah Basinait and Gaines Town Clerk Janet Cheverie in a meeting today with the Orleans County Board of Elections.
Elections officials advised that the referendum can be held in one location – Hoag Library at 134 South Main St.
Each town will have four election inspectors, and there will also be one floater for both towns.
Albion and Gaines will send a postcard to all households, advising of the vote, and the referendum will be posted as a legal notice in The Daily News of Batavia, and also will be advertised in the Orleans Hub.
The deadline to receive absentee ballots will be 5 p.m. on Aug. 6.
There are about 3,600 registered voters in Albion. Bell said the ballots cost about 50 cents each. He expects a brisk turnout for the vote. He and Basinait suggested about 3,000 ballots be printed for Albion. Bell said it is better to have too many rather than not enough.
The Gaines and Albion town boards, and the Albion Village Board voted on April 30 to create the joint fire district, which was subject to a permissive referendum.
Residents had until May 30 to turn in petitions signed by at least 5 percent of the registered voters who cast ballots in the last gubernatorial election. That standard was met, with the fire district going to a public vote.
Petitions were turned in to the Gaines town clerk signed by 107 people, to the Albion town clerk signed by 95 people and to the Albion village clerk signed by 259 people.
The new district would move the fire department out of the village budget and into its own taxing jurisdiction with elected commissioners.
The two towns currently pay a fire contract to the village for fire protection. With the current budget of about $350,000 the village pays $113,456 (32 percent), the Town of Gaines contributes $120,422 (35 percent) and the Town of Albion pays $116,122 (33 percent).
Some community members have sought more information about the fire district, including a budget breakdown. During a public hearing on April 24 at the Albion High School LGI, residents were told the fire district budget would likely be $750,000 to $850,000 a year, well above the current $350,000 for the fire department. That $350,000 has left the fire department without a reserve fund for a new ladder truck at an estimated $2.2 million and another fire engine at about $1.1 million.
Deputy Chief John Papponetti provided a breakdown of a budget outline for the fire district during a meeting at the library from 6 to 8 p.m. Those numbers will be detailed in a story expected on Tuesday in the Orleans Hub.
Papponetti said five fire commissioners will ultimately set the budget, but he said the current budget leaves the fire department with no reserves for apparatus and equipment. More money will be needed to keep the fire department “on track,” Papponetti said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 June 2024 at 4:12 pm
BARKER – In addition to welcoming the Rev. Tom Gardner as their new pastor, the congregation of Faith United Methodist Church at 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker, is also planning its first live auction July 20.
The Rev. Gardner assumed his new duties June 9, succeeding former pastor Sheila Paige.
“I’m very excited to be the new pastor for Faith United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Gardner, who previously served 13 years at the First Presbyterian Church of Holley. “I look forward to serving the community in that capacity. I have deep roots in Barker, and have loved all the years coming and going to family and community events. While attending worship at Faith United recently, I was pleased with how welcoming, open and kind everyone was to me and my wife Laura. I believe this is a way of life for this congregation.”
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Rev. Tom Gardner, former pastor of Holley’s Presbyterian Church, has assumed duties as pastor of Faith United Methodist Church at 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker. The church is planning its first ever live auction on July 20 to help with the cost of a new roof.
Katie Kempf is one member who would agree with him.
“Our church has a small, but mighty following and widely opens its doors and welcomes everyone,” Kempf said.
She is a relatively new member, and when she learned her church needed money for repairs, including a new roof, she had an idea.
“This is my first attempt at a live auction, and I’m praying for a successful event,” Kempf said.
Provided photo: This wood chest is among the many items which will be included in the live auction July 20 at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker.
Doors for the live auction July 20 will open at 10 a.m., with the auction beginning at 11 a.m. Auctioneer will be Joe Reed from Gasport/Hartland.
“Our auction will have all kinds of great items,” Kempf said. “Everything from jewelry, home repair items, gifts, collectibles and art to treasures and mystery boxes, and everything in between.”
Kempf said she got the idea to have an auction because most people love a bargain.
“We wanted to do something fun for the community, while raising money for our work and church repairs,” Kempf said. “I thought a live auction would make for a fun afternoon.”
Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. During the summer they have lemonade in the library after church, but when the school year starts again, they have music by the choir and adult Bible study after church.
Kempf would welcome donations for the auction. She can arrange pickup if necessary, and asks anyone with questions or items to donate to call or text her at (716) 930-6559.
She also adds the first 100 folks to arrive on auction day will get a special gift. They also advise that payment will be cash or check only.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 3:31 pm
Orleans County highest in WNY at $3.685 a gallon
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Pembroke marching band heads down Main Street in Albion during the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday. The Crosby’s at 98 and 31 advertises a price of $3.69 for regular unleaded.
Gas prices have fallen an average of 6 cents in the past week nationwide for regular unleaded to $3.45 today, while the average price in the state is down 3 cents to $3.62. A year ago the NY average was $3.70.
Orleans County’s average price in the highest among Western New York counties, AAA reported.
Here are the prices among WNY counties:
Orleans, $3.685
Genesee, $3.562
Wyoming, $3.675
Livingston, $3.634
Monroe, $3.628
Niagara, $3.525
Erie, $3.637
Chautauqua, $3.601
Cattaraugus, $3.533
Allegany, $3.649
AAA issued this statement about gas prices:
“According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dipped last week, meanwhile total domestic gasoline stocks jumped up. This morning, oil prices rest in the mid-70s to low 80s, dropping slightly from last Monday.
“Tepid gasoline demand, increasing supply, and falling oil costs will likely lead to the continued falling of pump prices, offering motorists some savings as we move into the unofficial start of summer.
“Diesel prices are also moving down. The national average price for diesel is $3.79, down six cents from last Monday. The New York average is $4.28, down three cents from last Monday.”
Photo and press release from Albion Central School
ALBION – Students from Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School have joined forces in an inspiring campaign for Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund.
On May 30, elementary students and staff collected $1,500.23 to donate to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund to help cancer patients and their families with the costs of medical bills, food, transportation, and living expenses.
In addition, the elementary Student Leadership Council made and donated twenty lap sized blankets that will be added to patient-care bags given by Knights Kaderli.
Melissa Knights Bertrand came to visit the students, accept the donation, and talk about the importance of continuing the efforts of the memorial fund. The event not only served as a means to raise funds but also provided valuable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and community service for the young participants. Students learned about the importance of giving back and the impact that their collective efforts can have on the lives of others.
All of the funds donated to Knights-Kaderli go to patients and families affected by cancer within Orleans County.
The annual initiative at the elementary school, organized by the school’s Student Leadership Council, has not only showcased their philanthropic spirit but also their commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Throughout the month of March, students diligently collected spare change from family, friends, and staff. Their efforts were fueled by a desire to help those in Orleans County battling cancer and to honor loved ones affected by the disease.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication,” said Angela Conway, elementary school principal. “Our students have demonstrated that even the smallest contributions can make a significant difference. Their empathy and generosity have truly shone through during this campaign.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 June 2024 at 11:41 am
MEDINA – Orleans County United Way’s annual golf tournament on Friday at Shelridge Country Club was one of the most successful in its history, with 112 golfers.
Winning teams were Dan Roesch, Jomo Modcamore, Eric Jaska and Scott Pussay (59), first; Lionel Rhim, Donnell Holloway, Tom Hungerford and Brian Cline (63), second; and Bob Hursey, Chad Hursey, Greg Poltorak and Alex Bateman (64), third. Winners received gift certificates to the pro shop.
The event was considered a sellout, and United Way’s board president Jodi Gaines, executive director Nyla Gaylord and tournament chair Dean Bellack all expressed their thanks and appreciation to sponsors, volunteers and golfers.
Gaines was the first to welcome golfers to the tournament, which this year celebrated the 60th anniversary of United Way.
“Our agency impacts thousands of people every year in Orleans County,” Gaines said.
She also stressed that every dollar raised in Orleans County stays in the county.
Gaylord explained how United Way has changed and diversified in Orleans County, especially after Covid impacted workplaces and employee donations.
“We have changed our base of funding,” Gaylord said. “We not only rely on donations, but we are pursuing grants and other means of funding.”
(Left) Dean Bellack, left, chair of United Way’s golf tournament, chats with golfer Tim Winters, CEO of WNY Energy, one of the tournament’s sponsors. (Right) Nyla Gaylord, right, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, welcomes golfers, as board president Jodi Gaines stands by after she thanked golfers, sponsors and volunteers.
The United Way golf tournament is not only a major source of funding, but a long-standing tradition. In the first years of the golf tournament, it was known as the Van Hungerford Memorial Golf Tournament, named in honor of United Way’s founder, Medina native and entrepreneur Van Hungerford.
His sons, Roger and Bill Hungerford, continue to be staunch supporters of United Way. Bill’s company, Takeform, is a major sponsor of the golf tournament, along with Baxter, Adfors St. Gobain, Curbell Plastics, H.H. Dobbins, Heritage Wind, Western New York Energy and the Mitchell Family/Cooper Funeral homes.
Both Gaines and Gaylord couldn’t stress enough the importance of these sponsorships and how much they are appreciated.
Friday morning, Shelridge club manager Brett Decker issued a warning to golfers about the possibility of rain and/or thunderstorms. He said Shelridge’s carts were equipped with a warning system, and should a thunderstorm be possible, he would sound the horn for golfers to leave the greens immediately.
Shortly after noon, rain did begin while golfers were one to two holes short of finishing the course. While most of them safely made it back to the clubhouse, some of the volunteers got drenched, including Aeddon Cayea, Gaylord’s assistant and grant writer, and photographer Abby Taylor Smith, coordinator of the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
In the clubhouse, golfers enjoyed a meal and camaraderie while the drawings went on for the basket raffle and 50/50 winners.
Steve Dollinger and Nick Gregori, employees of Adfors St. Gobain in Albion, wanted to support United Way.
“Last year I heard about the basketball courts at Bullard Park,” Gregori said. “That was a big reason for me.”
Dollinger said he has participated in the tournament for three years.
Jodi Gaines, president of the board of United Way of Orleans County, sells mulligans to Steve Dollinger and Nick Gregori, employees of St. Gobain, at United Way’s annual golf tournament Friday at Shelridge Country Club.
Western New York Energy has been an avid supporter of United Way, this year as a major sponsor. CEO Tim Winters said they decided this was a great opportunity to get a few employees out and support United Way.
Curbell Plastics of Buffalo was also a major sponsor, and Jeff Wangler and one of his employees Tim McPherson came out to golf.
“I’ve been coming here for a few years, and I’m a member here at Shelridge,” Wangler. “This is a great event.”
The public is reminded that since 2020, United Way of Orleans County has brought nearly $1.7 million in programming and services to Orleans County. Their efforts have resulted in the new Code Blue Warming Center in Albion for people without housing; new basketball courts at Bullard Park in Albion; the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative which helps people use technology and save money on their internet service; providing respite care so home-based caregivers can have a break; and creating a “Housing Action Strategy for Orleans County” to identify resources and recommendations for addressing the county’s housing crisis.
Partner agencies funded by United Way of Orleans County are Arc GLOW (Camp Rainbow and Meals on Wheels), Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Go ART!, Medina Senior Center, OCALS Learning Services, OK Kitchen, Orleans County YMCA, P‘Raising Kids, Hospice of Orleans County, UConnectCare and WNY Boy Scouts of America.
A final plea is issued to the community to consider supporting United Way of Orleans County by joining the board, becoming a volunteer or donating with a one-time gift, payroll deduction or legacy gift to their endowment fund.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recognized the Top Ten seniors during a brunch last Thursday at the White Birch Golf Course.
In a break from tradition, the Lions held a brunch in honor of the graduating Class of 2024. In previous years the Lions held an evening program to honor the ten top graduating seniors. It was proposed by the Club that a brunch-like setting might offer an improved experience for both students and club members.
The top ten seniors were individually recognized for their academic achievements by High School Principal Dr. Aaron Slack. Each student then received a $100 dollar gift card from the Lyndonville Lions in recognition of their academic excellence. The Top Ten include Maddie Baker, Daniel Barry, Katelynn Breeze, Austin Gardner, Bradley Jisa, Joselyn Mack, Hailey Skowneski, Hannah Songer, Elizabeth Whipple and Tisha Zeitz.
In addition to the Top 10, the Lions Club recognized Elizabeth Whipple, Hannah Songer, Maddison Baker and Amber Grabowski, who have served for more than three years as “Leo Club” members.
Leo Club members are high school students who are mentored by the Lyndonville Lions Club. Students are exposed to club activities and learn about community service. These students along with underclassmen Leo Club members donated their time and effort assisting the Lions with their community service projects. They were instrumental in helping with the Lions annual eyeglass clinic, the elementary eye screening program at the Lyndonville School, and donated their vocal talents signing Christmas carols at the Red Kettle campaign during the holiday season.
The Lions Club will assist Noah Fox with some of the expenses in going to Boys State. Fox is shown with Lions Club VP Eric Johnson.
Noah Fox, a junior at the Lyndonville School, was introduced at the ceremony. He is the American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 Boys State Representative for 2024. The Lions Club will sponsor Fox with travel expenses and incidentals for the week-long event this July. Boys State is held every year at SUNY Morrisville.
Young men from across the state gather to learn leadership skills, organizational planning and networking. Participants then use these new skills to establish a mock state government. The experience exposes future community leaders to the inner workings of government and expanding knowledge of cooperation and communication in achieving a common goal.
The Lions would like everyone to look for forthcoming announcements regarding the Lyndonville Lions Club 50th Anniversary July 4th Celebration.
It is expected to be the largest summer event in Orleans County this year. Numerous added events to this year’s celebration will be announced along with the introduction of this year’s parade grand marshal.
Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Chicken Barbecue tickets are now on sale for $15 at M & T Bank on Main Street Lyndonville and at White Birch Restaurant and Golf Course in Lyndonville. Tickets can be purchased during regular business hours and please specify which seating you would like, 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
The Lions would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy summer season and may God continue to bless all of us and this great nation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2024 at 8:53 am
2024 Youth Recognition Winners in Orleans County include, front row, from left: Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville and Hayli Kuellertz of Holley. Second row: Lucy Rivers of Albion and Jake Jackson of Lyndonville. Third row: Samantha Dobo of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, and Aubrey Gannon of Albion. Fourth row: Gabriel Lindsay of Holley and Hannah Brundage of Kendall. Fifth row: Lucas Jones of Kendall, Evan Levett of Kendall and Noah Cudzilo. Top row: Joseph Brueckner of Medina. Missing from photo: Makaila Adams from Kendall, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 students and three adult advocates during the 42nd Youth Recognition Awards Banquet last week at the White Birch Golf Course.
The group of honorees also heard an inspirational message from Al Wilson, pastor of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion. Wilson and his church have been very busy giving back to the community.
Royal Body teams with the Masonic Lodge to serve 2,000 chicken dinners in a December event, prepares and serves about 200 Thanksgiving meals, and organizes an Easter egg hunt with 12,000 plastic eggs with treats as well as other prizes, and even free haircuts.
The church has other ministries in Albion, filling backpacks with school supplies, offering a breakfast with Santa, running Bingo for adults and giving to the summer recreation program.
The Royal Body Shop has been very active in the Albion since starting its first ministry in March 2022 with a refrigerator stocked with food outside Arnold’s Auto Parts on West Bank Street.
“There are benefits to volunteering,” Wilson told the crowd at the banquet. “You get a sense of purpose.”
Wilson urged the group to keep serving others, even when encountering people who aren’t always nice. He said everyone has value and purpose.
The Orleans County Youth Board honored 19 youth for outstanding commitment and service to their community, school and families.
Some examples of outstanding service by youth include: Makaila Abrams, Paige Hardenbrook and Evan Levett as volunteer junior firefighter with the Kendall Fire Department; Christopher Nettles of Kendall and Joseph Brueckner of Medina for many years in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout; Jake Poler of Lyndonville for beign one of the first to help his teacher at BOCES when a windstorm knocked down his barn.
Other students are very active in their school, making music, athletic and other extracurricular programs stronger. Others take on an extraordinary role in their families, and others are active in their church.
The students recognized include: Makaila Abrams of Kendall, Joseph Brueckner of Medina, Hannah Brundage of Kendall, Noah Cudzilo of Medina, Samantha Dobo of Albion, Aubrey Gannon of Albion, Tarek Garrett of Holley, Paige Hardenbrook of Kendall, Jake Jackson of Lyndonville, Lucas Jones of Kendall, Abigail Kincaid of Albion, Hayli Kuellertz of Holley, Evan Levett of Kendall, Gabriel Lindsay of Holley, Christopher Nettles of Kendall, James Poler of Lyndonville, Lucy Rivers of Albion, Jeannette Rosario Rios of Albion, and Elizabeth Whipple of Lyndonville.
Hayli Kuellertz of Holley accepts congratulations from County Legislator Skip Draper, Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Baker, and County Legislator John Fitzak.
Samantha Dobo of Albion was nominated by the Youth Court Coordinator for her service on that court, and for volunteer work with the Albion Strawberry Festival.
The honorees all received certificates of commendation from the Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
In addition to recognizing the youth, the Youth Board honored three adults – one in a paid role and two as community volunteers – for their service to young people.
Julie Kludt, center, is pictured with Youth Board members John Grillo of Albion and Barb Flow of Kendall. Kludt received the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award for her active volunteerism in the Kendall community.
Kludt was called “a shining star in the Kendall community.” She steps up in many ways as a volunteer for Kendall, whether leading a benefit for a community member in need, bringing supplies to elementary students, being the Easter Bunny during Kendall’s egg hunt, or helping put on community events, most recently a celebration during the solar eclipse on April 8. She also leads religious education classes the past 10 years, and sponsors youth recreation teams with her husband.
Kludt said so many people give as volunteers in the community, whether as coaches, firefighters, serving at food pantries and in many other ways.
“Volunteers are the spices in the communities,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to be spicy.”
Susan Oschmann also received an Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Award. Oschmann was unable to attend the banquet. She is shown on Oct. 26 when Albion opened two full-size basketball courts at Bullard Park.
Oschmann pushed for two years to get new basketball courts at Bullard, lining up fundraising and support for the project. She rallied the community, including basketball legend Roosevelt Bouie of Kendall, in getting two new courts complete.
Oschmann had recently moved to Albion from Kendall when she was surprised to see the sorry shape of the courts at Bullard, a place where Bouie got his start when he was a kid. The previous court was back further in the park and the surface wasn’t level with asphalt heaving in sports. The hoops were missing nets and were seldom used.
Oschmann wanted kids, including her grandchildren, to have a place to shoot basketballs with friends.
Oschmann and Bouie have been friends since they were kids. Bouie was a big star at Syracuse University and he helped secure $40,000 in funding from the James and Juli Boeheim Foundation. Altogether more than $100,000 was secured to put in two full-length courts, four basketball hoops and some fencing. The courts are painted in vibrant colors.
Oschmann also has helped organize the Santa’s Hometown parade in Albion, and serves on Albion’s Recreation Committee, Strawberry Festival Committee, the Albion merchants Association and the Albion Summer Festival featuring “Rock the Park.”
“She has a passion for helping the youth in our community to be engaged and active and to have a purpose,” said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director. “She has many new ideas for more fun activities.”
Peter Anderson, an Employment & Training Counselor at Orleans County Job Development, was presented with the Helen R. Brinsmaid Professional Award which goes to a youth serving professional whose work exceeds normal expectations. Anderson was unable to attend the awards banquet.
The photo from August 2022 shows him in back left at Bullard Park in Albion during a celebration of the summer youth program. That summer 41 people, ages 14 to 20, were in the program, working in the community for 25 hours a week over five weeks.
Anderson has worked with Job Development since October 2018, exhibiting tremendous dedication to the youths and their families, the Youth Board said. He coordinates work experiences for youths and young adults. He interviews young people, provides an orientation and educates them on their responsibilities at the job sites. He also assists with administrative services, trainings for youths, and seeking out work placements.
“He has a knack for creating a good personal relationship by showing love, compassion and honesty with firm reminders when needed,” said John Grillo, the Albion recreation director and a Youth Board member. “The youths respect him and look at him as mentor. I have seen Peter go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities involved in his job description.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2024 at 5:36 pm
ALBION – There will be informational meetings about forming a joint fire district covering the towns of Albion and Gaines (as well as the Village of Albion).
The Village Board and Fire Department will have 6 p.m. public meetings at Hoag Library on Monday and then on June 17.
The two town boards and the Village Board voted to form a Joint Fire District that would take the fire department out of the village budget. The two towns currently pay the village a fire protection contract.
A joint fire district would be its own taxing entity with commissioners developing and overseeing the budget.
Fire Department leaders said the current budget of about $350,000 is too low and doesn’t set aside any money in reserves and doesn’t include bond payments for a future ladder truck and a new engine.
The Joint Fire District may need $750,000 to $850,000 to be properly funded for the future, deputy fire chief John Papponetti said during a public hearing on April 24 about the fire district.
Petitions have been turned in to try to force a public vote on whether a new Albion Joint Fire District should be created serving Albion and Gaines. The Gaines and Albion town boards are expected to meet soon to determine if and when a referendum will be set.
Cross-country journey by car included many stays in roadside cabins
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, No. 17
“Miss Helen Millis, who was accompanied by four girlfriends on a motor trip from Long Island to San Francisco and back, has returned to her home in Waterport.” – Lyndonville Enterprise, August 17,1933.
What an adventure it must have been! Helen kept a journal account of the trip, which her niece, Luann Millis Tierney, recently shared with the Orleans County Department of History. It is a charming read and offers a view of a different era of travel.
The big trip began at 5:15 a.m. on the morning of June 28, 1933, when Eve, Alice, Ann, Carle and Helen left Huntington, Long Island to the tune of “California, Here We Come.” Helen observed that New York City was very quiet, “with the exception of the milk trucks.”
On to Pennsylvania and through the Appalachian Mountains, they logged 416 miles on their first day and stayed overnight with friends in Indiana, Pa. Next day, they headed south and joined Route 40 at Pittsburgh. Also known as the Lincoln Highway, this route – which was entirely paved by 1931 – traversed the country and connected New York City to San Francisco.
They drove each day, stopped for food at roadside stands or diners, and stayed overnight at cabins with names such as Cottonwood Cabins or Al Smith’s Cabins. Automobile ownership had ballooned by the 1930s, roads had been improved and Americans were on the move. Clusters of these rustic, box-like cabins sprang up along busy routes to provide accommodation for travelers. The girls did not “book ahead” and rarely had a problem securing a place to stay at the end of the day.
From Pittsburgh, they travelled on through Columbus to Indianapolis where they visited the Indiana War Memorial and were impressed by its art and architecture. She described Indiana and Illinois as “very monotonous. The air is saturated with pigs.”
The prairie was “most interesting.” But July 8th was “the most thrilling day of the trip so far.” Helen wrote nine enthused pages about their visit to the Cave of the Winds, and the rail trip on the Cog Railroad (tickets $3.50 each) to Pike’s Peak, the sights, the exhilaration, what the guides told them. “A grand trip I shall never forget.”
They headed south to New Mexico and visited Taos, the Painted Desert, and the Petrified Forest. Their first view of the Grand Canyon was from Yavapai Point. She wrote:
“Had I looked at its beauty many more minutes, I should have been overcome by its magnetic power.”
They traversed west on Route 66 and negotiated the intimidating Oatman Hill. Of the hairpin bends she wrote:
“You almost met your spare tire going around some of them.”
They arrived in Southern California on July 14, the 17th day of the trip. On to Long Beach where they rented an apartment for a few days to explore the area. Having rested, they set off to Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Giant Sequoias, and through the terrifying Tioga Pass. Carson City, Reno, Salt Lake City, Pocatello, Yellowstone National Park, Casper, Cheyenne where they enjoyed some rodeos, and then to Omaha, Nebraska. They motored on to Chicago and spent two days visiting the World’s Fair exhibits. Through Sandusky, Ohio finally to Buffalo on August 6th.
“Cleopatra” as they named the car, served them well. Helen did not specify the make or model but referred to bringing it to a Chrysler dealer for repairs. They frequently had the car “greased.” They had one flat tire, ran out of gas once, and had some carburetor problems towards the end of the trip. The “freewheeling” problem that Cleopatra experienced as they were descending the Oatman Pass was the most dangerous. Luckily, a truck driver attached chains to the back of the car and prevented them from descending too quickly.
Cleopatra sported a “rumble seat,” which was basically the trunk lid reversed to provide extra seats. It was open to the elements and probably had little or no suspension. Helen was invariably a rumble seat passenger when it rained. On a few rainy occasions, they simply pulled off the road and into a farmer’s barn to wait for the rain to pass.
In the era before cell phones and pay phones, the girls communicated their travel progress to their families at home by postcard. On several occasions, Helen refers to “picking up mail” – their families wrote letters to them and mailed them to certain prearranged cities. Not as instant as texting, but it worked.
These girls were independent and confident. Then in their early 20s, they enjoyed dances and rodeos along the way. Helen mentions just one occasion when they felt uncomfortable, but they just brazened it out.
Helen lived to be 104 years old. Born in 1909, she was the daughter of Carl A. and Cora Miller Millis of Waterport. The family resided at the Breezy Ridge Fruit Farm on what is now Fuller Road. One of eight siblings, Helen graduated from Waterport High School, Geneseo Normal and Training School, and Syracuse University. She married Beryl Livingston. An elementary school teacher, she taught on Long Island and later the Fayetteville-Manlius Elementary School, Syracuse. She retired in 1977 and passed away in 2014.
She ended her travel journal:
“Lockport, Gasport, Middleport, Medina, Albion, and I was almost home. Uncle Richard, Dad, Sally, Jack, and Roger met me about 6:30. It surely seemed good to be home again. And it was a grand trip!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 8:08 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mike and Faith Smith get a ride in Brad Shelp’s Bell Air convertible from 1954. The Smiths were grand marshals in the parade for Albion’s Strawberry Festival.
The Smiths lead the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen at Harvest Christian Fellowship on Route 31. The kitchen has served about 45,000 meals in its first two years, and served just over 800 on Thursday.
The weather for most of today’s festival had sunshine with temperatures around 70 in the afternoon, following a soggy start to the two-day festival on Friday.
Some of the dancers from Dance Reflections by Miss Heather greet people around the parade route, which started at the high school driveway off Route 31, headed west on 31 and then north on Main Street to Bank Street. From left include Ava Woolston, Violet Rivera and Julianna Newbould.
There were 54 different units in the parade, which lasted over an hour and was a highlight of the 36th annual Strawberry Festival.
Jeff Gifaldi, a chief deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, wears the Safety Pup costume in the parade. His daughter Anna is next to him.
Safety Pup will be attending other community events around the county and visiting schools next year.
Jason Tarnowski served as emcee of the parade and Becky Karls headed the Strawberry Festival Committee. They are on a stand on Main Street near State Street. They saw many familiar faces in the parade and in the crowd.
Drum Major Jason Anstey took a short break from leading the band to playing his trumpet. Anstey is one of several seniors who performed with the marching band for the last time as a student today.
Dawn Spencer of the Eye of Oden tosses glitter into the air on Main Street. Spencer and about a dozen people from Eye of Oden walked with dogs in the parade.
Abigail Kinkaid walks with her mother Jami Allport, right, who is director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. They had an inflatable alien with their float. The theme for the festival was “Out of this World.” The festival committee wanted to highlight the recent solar eclipse on April 8.
The queens of the festival, Lucy Rivers (left) and Julia Button, enjoy a ride in style in the parade.
One girl snags some candy in the parade. She is in front of Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events, who created a bird out of balloons. Watts has made several characters for recent parades in Albion for the Strawberry Festival and near Christmas.
Watts is just ahead of a big group of Little Leaguers.
Lucas Jones leads the Holley-Kendall Marching Band as drum major. The band performed “Decades of Pop” during the parade. The band will close out its season 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Holley at the Hawk Stadium.
A group from Arc GLOW marched in the parade with signs celebrating diversity and people with disabilities.
Santa enjoys a sweet ride in the back of a classic truck from Panek Farms.
Bradeen Erakare waves and holds the banner for Cycling Without Age in Orleans County. Her mother, Susan Walders, is the pilot for a tri-shaw, a three-wheeled bike. Her passengers are Kae Wilbert and Walders’ mother, Janet Ridley, left.
Walders started Cycling Without Age last year. She and other pilots give rides to residents at nursing homes and other care facilities.
Girl Scouts in Troops 82007 and 82261 embraced the “Out of this World” theme. One of the troop leaders, Pauline Kehlenbeck Bachorski, walks with the scouts.
Panek’s Pickin’ Patch celebrated their “Stellar Strawberries” and passed out treats along the parade route.
Both sides of Main Street were lined with people from the Route 98 intersection to Bank Street.
Brian Payne, left, of Medina and Jeremy Weakland of Barker both head to the finish in this morning’s Strawberry Festival 5k/8k. The two carried the America flag for the longer 8K race. They said they are both proud veterans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2024 at 5:00 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Turtles are off on a brisk pace in the Amazing Turtle Race this afternoon in the Erie Canal during the Strawberry Festival. The windy weather had 1,000 turtles on the move much quicker than in the past.
The event is a fundraiser for the festival, raising about $3,500 with another $1,025 distributed in prizes. The turtles are all numbered. It costs $5 to get one turtle and five are $20.
The top five finishers win money. The winners include: first place, $500 for Deb Boyer; second place, $300 for Charlene Walsh; third place, $100 for Jarred Saj; fourth place, $75 for Kathy Fantasia; fifth place, $50 for Deb Boyer.
The turtles are dumped into the canal from the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat. The turtles are usually launched from the Main Street lift bridge, but the bridge has been closed and under repair since November 2022.
The launchers include, from left: Albion Police Chief David Mogle, marine patrol deputy Shawn O’Mara in back, County Legislator John Fitzak, top ticket seller Jarred Saj, Albion Mayor Angel Javier Jr., and Mickey Edwards, superintendent of Albion Central School.
Jarred Saj of Medina is congratulated by festival chairwoman Becky Karls on setting a new record for most turtle tickets sold. Saj sold 400 of the tickets, breaking his previous record of 345.
Saj started selling the tickets in February to family and friends. When he was selling some of the tickets, other people decided they wanted to take a chance at winning some of the money and also support the festival.
Saj said he is now gearing up to sell taste of Hospice tickets for an event in August.
He is holding a certificate of merit from State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, in recognition of Saj “for his continuing support and dedication to the Albion Strawberry Festival. Jarred has continuously been the top seller of the Turtle Race tickets.”
Jay Kovaleski, an Albion physical education teacher and the swim coach, helps collect the turtles after they reached the end of a chute in the water. Clara Bolton also helped corral the turtles.
In the final hours of the 2024 State Legislative Session, bipartisan majorities of the Assembly and Senate adopted key pieces of legislation supported by the New York State Association of Counties that will strengthen local Emergency Medical Services and enable counties to collect sales tax and hotel/motel occupancy tax (outside of New York City) from short-term rental companies like Airbnb and VRBO.
Both pieces of legislation were among NYSAC’s top priorities for this year’s Legislative Session. One bill, S.8486-A (Hinchey)/A.9102-A (Kelles) authorizes EMS providers to receive reimbursement for treating patients at the point of emergency and transporting patients to non-hospital healthcare facilities. The legislation was part of NYSAC’s “Rescue EMS” legislative package.
“This is a significant step forward for EMS systems struggling to stay solvent amid rising costs and outdated funding formulas that impose a ‘one-size-fits-all’ requirement for ambulances to transport patients to a hospital,” said NYSAC President and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Counties commend Assembly Speaker Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Kelles, and Senator Hinchey for their leadership and commitment to ensuring EMS providers are fairly compensated for providing patients with the care they need.”
Another bill, S.885-B (Hinchey) / A.4130-A (Fahy), requires short-term home rental agencies, such as VRBO, Airbnb, and others collect sales tax and hotel/motel occupancy tax (outside of New York City).
“By working constructively with our partners in the State Legislature, we’ve been able to achieve significant progress on measures that will provide a critical lifeline to local EMS and establish a fair system for short-term rentals that will directly benefit local communities by funding essential services, such as public safety, social services, and infrastructure improvements,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “We applaud Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and members in both chambers, for their commitment to working with counties to find bipartisan and common-sense solutions to the challenges facing local governments.”
