By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 March 2024 at 9:27 am
Provided photos: David A. Harris holds the seal made at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina for his promotion to 3-Star General at Bolling Air Force Base. With him, from left, are Mark Traxler of Medina, VFW Quartermaster Mike Mowvzarczak, VFW Commander Pat Little, Harris’ great-uncle Jim Freas and Dan Anderson, former commander of the VFW, who met Harris when they served together in Germany.
MEDINA – Jim Freas is proud of his family’s military service.
Freas is a Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. His younger brother Jim was also in the Marines and an older brother served in the Army during World War II.
Now Jim has more reason to be proud.
Jim Freas posted this message on the sign in front of Medina’s VFW Lincoln Post 1483, celebrating his great-nephew David A. Harris Jr.’s promotion to 3-Star General. Harris is a member of the local VFW.
His great-nephew David A. Harris has recently been promoted to 3-Star General in the Air Force in ceremonies at Bolling Air Force Base.
Although Harris grew up outside of Philadelphia and now lives on Bolling Air Force Base with his wife Ashley, he has ties to Medina. While visiting Jim and Lynn Freas several years ago, Jim said Harris fell in love with the place and joined the Lincoln VFW Post. He is also friends with Dan Anderson, who he met while serving in Germany.
Harris has had an illustrious career in the Air Force, most recently as lieutenant general deputy chief of staff, Air Force Futures, Headquarters, United States Air Force, the Pentagon.
He is a master navigator and basic parachutist with 2,500 flying hours. Among many, many impressive assignments, he has served as vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; deputy director of operations for Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.; and director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Prior to his current position, Harris was the deputy commander, Ninth Air Force, and deputy, Combined Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia.
Harris’ major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Bronze Star medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
Attending his promotion to 3-Star General was Jim and Lynn Freas, Dan and Diana Anderson, Pat Little, Scott Little, Mike Mowvzarczak and Mark Traxler, all members of the local VFW.
Making the ceremony even more special was the fact Harris held a large metal seal of the United States Air Force, which was made for him by students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina. Jim’s granddaughter is a member of BOCES’ welding class.
Jim said Harris and his wife visit Medina two or three times a year, and he expects their next visit to be in April.
Jim Freas and his wife Lynn of Medina attended the promotion of Jim’s great-nephew to 3-Star General in February at Bolling Air Force Base. From left are Freas, Gen. David A. Harris Jr., Lynn Freas and Harris’ wife Ashley.
MEDINA – Families interested in applying for Medina’s universal prekindergarten program are invited to an information night today from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Oak Orchard Primary School.
Childcare will also be provided for children eligible for UPK next year and older. Information will be shared regarding the UPK program and procedures, registration, screening, classroom tours, and accessing county wide support for children.
To be eligible for UPK, children must be 4 years old by December 1, 2024.
ALBION – In recognition of National Sunshine Week, Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson reminded residents of some of the ways they can access information related to county government.
Sunshine Week is being celebrated this week, in concurrence with National Freedom of Information Day on March 16, to highlight the importance of open, transparent government.
“As a county Legislature, we pride ourselves in trying to make government open to our residents and encouraging their active participation,” Johnson said. “We also want to bring government to you through livestreaming our meetings and posting more information to social media.”
With that in mind, Johnson provided some useful links from Orleans County government.
Click here to file a Freedom of Information request.
Click here to access information about the Legislature, including agendas, meeting schedule, public hearing notices and a video archive of previous meetings.
Click here to learn more and sign up for TextMyGov, where you can report issues, receive county notifications and access other information.
“Technology has certainly opened up many paths for government to make information available to the public, but for those of us who prefer the traditional way to reach out, I remind you that you can contact any county department through our main phone number at 585-589-7000,” Johnson said.
Mallory Kozody, left, and MacKenzie Fiorito will represent Orleans County at the Empire Girls State program.
Two high school juniors in Orleans County have been selected for the Empire Gurls State program from June 30 to July 6 at SUNY Brockport.
Mallory Kozody of Albion and MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley have been picked for the program, which is run by the American Legion Auxiliary. Anna Hess from Lyndonville has been named an alternate.
Classified as an “Action Program,” Empire Girls State focuses on providing students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops highlighting the process of government, running campaigns, writing bills and other political activities.
As part of the program, participants become citizens of a fictional 51st state where they are in charge of building and establishing their own government.
According to the American Legion Auxiliary, the program “endeavors in one week to instruct the young women attending about the privileges of the vote, how political parties are formed and how leaders are chosen and elected to fill the various offices – it serves to instill in them the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of the American Citizenship as they actually participate in the process.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2024 at 3:14 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Some of the Albion Rotary Club members work on the cole slaw this morning for tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Ham Dinner.
Alex Krebs, the event chairwoman, is in front. Others in back from left include Richard Remley, Don Bishop (far back), Doug Farley and Bruce Landis.
The Rotary Club and Rotary Interact students will be serving the dinners from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, 29 East State St.
The Rotary Club and Rotary Interact students expect to serve about 300 dinners with ham, cole slaw, potatoes, rolls and dessert.
The meals are available by drive-through, take-out and dine-in. The cost is $15 per dinner. Most of the proceeds from the event will go towards an Rotary Interact project supporting students in Malawi.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2024 at 2:30 pm
Photo courtesy of Tim Archer, Albion Interact Club advisor
ROCHESTER – Albion High School Interact Club students spent the day at East High School in inner city Rochester today as part of a “cultural exchange.”
The students learned about life in their respective rural and urban schools. East High students will come to Albion next fall to experience life “in farm country.”
Interact advisor Tim Archer said it was an enriching experience for both students and staff. This is the seventh year the two schools have participated in the exchange.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2024 at 10:03 am
ALBION – A Lockport man, formerly of Rochester, was sentenced to two years in state prison today after he was found to have cocaine and crack cocaine during a traffic stop in Barre.
Corey Weathers pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree on Oct. 18.
He was given the maximum sentence as part of a plea agreement.
Weathers was stopped on Route 31A (West Lee Road) in Barre on Nov. 22, 2022. Law enforcement found two bags with a white powder that was confirmed to be cocaine, District Attorney Joe Cardone said in a previous court appearance.
Weathers is a second-felony offender. He was sentenced by County Court Judge Sanford Church.
In another case, a Medina man, 21, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sexual act in the first degree.
When the man was 15 or 16 an 8-year-old girl performed oral sex on him. The incident wasn’t disclosed by the victim until several years later, said John Sansone, assistant DA.
The man could face state prison or he could be sentenced as a youthful offender and get probation. If he is a youthful offender, his name shouldn’t be disclosed publicly.
Provided photos: Students at the Iroquois Job Corps Center learn in programs for brick masonry, carpentry, electrical, commercial painting, clinical medical assistant and certified nursing assistant.
Press Release, Iroquois Job Corps
MEDINA – The Iroquois Job Corps Center is thrilled to join more than 120 Job Corps campuses across the country in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Job Corps program. This momentous achievement is marked by millions of young people whose lives have been forever changed because of the transformative nature of the program.
Born out of the War on Poverty and signed into law as the Economic Opportunity Act on August 20, 1964, Job Corps has provided safe housing, education, career and technical training opportunities, and support services for deserving young people. The Iroquois Job Corps Center, has been a beacon of hope for countless young adults from across the Western New York and Rochester area.
“We are incredibly excited that our campus is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Job Corps and are grateful to all the students, staff, employers, and community partners who have made this possible,” said Dennis Essom the Center Director for the Iroquois Job Corps Center. “With a long track record of successfully placing our graduates into meaningful careers, we look forward to providing ongoing opportunities to young people and being a valuable member of our community for decades to come.”
The Iroquois Job Corps Center is planning several different activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the program. This includes a student essay contest, video testimonials, alumni recognition, in-person events, and much more.
A few of the Center’s upcoming events are our School Staff & Counselor Day on March 14 where high school staff are invited to visit the Center and learn about Job Corps as a next step for their graduating students; a Workforce Council Meeting to discuss, promote, and strengthen local workforce connections on March 21; a Next Step Transition Fair open to our students and local high school seniors on April 10 partnering with local employers, military and college recruiters, and more; and Community Open House Celebrations held on April 18 and 19.
“The 60th anniversary of Job Corps is an incredible milestone and one that is rightfully being celebrated across the country. Throughout its history, Job Corps has made a difference not only in the lives of our students and their families, but in the lives of Americans reliant upon the work Job Corps alumni have been trained to do,” said Donna Hay, President and CEO of National Job Corps Association. “We congratulate the Iroquois Job Corps Center, its students, staff and community partners and thank them for all their hard work and dedication.”
The Iroquois Job Corps Center has the capacity to serve 225 students aged 16-24 in areas such as Brick Masonry, Carpentry, Electrical, Commercial Painting, Clinical Medical Assistant, & Certified Nursing Assistant. In addition, the campus works directly with local and national employers to help them fill in-demand and well-paying positions.
The Iroquois Job Corps campus has immediate availability to safely house, feed, and educate qualified applicants and help place them directly into employment, higher education, or military enlistment post-graduation. It is managed and operated by Education and Training Resources (www.ETRky.com).
Who is eligible for Job Corps? Low-income, 16-24-year-old men and women who are U.S. citizens, legal residents, or authorized to work in the U.S.
For additional information on the program, upcoming events, and/or Job Corps program Admissions, contact: Luke Kantor, Admissions & Career Transition Services Manager at 585-344-3401 or by email at Kantor.Luke@JobCorps.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2024 at 8:48 am
Provided photos courtesy of Rainey Losee
HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board on Tuesday presented certificates to the Holley girls varsity soccer team which went 19-4 this fall and advanced to the state tournament.
The Holley team had an outstanding season as Genesee Region Division 1 Champions, Class C Sectional Champions, Class C Regional Champions and advanced to the NYS Section V Semi-Finals.
Mayor Mark Bower was joined by village trustees Jessica MacClaren, John Morriss and Rochelle Moroz in presenting certificates to the team at the village offices in the former Holley High School.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Joe Morelle on Tuesday participated in a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation titled “Addressing Real Harm Done by Deepfakes.”
During the hearing, Rep. Morelle highlighted his legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, and urged its immediate passage into law.
“Today’s hearing underscored what I have long believed: deepfake pornography is dangerous, abusive, and requires our urgent action,” Morelle said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join today’s hearing and highlight my legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which would establish both criminal and civil penalties for those who produce deepfakes—creating a strong deterrent to this horrific practice. I look forward to following up on what was discussed today and working with my colleagues to pass the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act into law.”
H.R. 3106, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act will prohibit the non-consensual disclosure of digitally altered intimate images. The legislation makes the sharing of these images a criminal offense and creates a right of private action for victims to seek relief. The bipartisan legislation currently has 52 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.
The hearing on Tuesday featured witness testimony from Dorota Mani, mother of Francesca Mani, who has worked alongside Congressman Morelle to advocate for the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act after their difficulty finding help when Francesca and her classmates were the target of deepfakes at a New Jersey High School. Watch the hearing in full by clicking here.
To learn more about the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act and Rep. Morelle’s continued work to combat deepfake pornography, click here.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Rollin Hellner, left, and Tom Snyder speak with the Village Board on Monday to discuss moving the Friday evening classic car shows from the Canal Basin to the senior center parking lot.
By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A new team has stepped up to run the cruise-in nights in Medina, which typically bring in 80 to 100 classic cars.
Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder presented an expanded lineup for the events, with many themed shows from the opening day of May 31 to the season-ending event on Aug. 30. They also want to shift the cruise-ins from the Canal Basin to the senior center parking lot on West Avenue.
They also are proposing the biggest cruise in of the season, the Super Cruise, be held on a Friday. That event has been on a Wednesday with more than 200 cars and special entertainment from Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald.
Hellner said he and Snyder are trying to build on the success from long-time organizer David Green, who stepped down from the role at the end of last season.
“It’s already great,” Hellner said. “People love it.”
Hellner owns The Walsh across from the senior center. He said classic car owners are welcome to use the bathrooms at The Walsh. The restaurant and bar also could provide an overflow lot if the senior center gets maxed out.
Moving up to the senior center would free up parking spaces at the Canal Basin and on Main Street on Friday evenings. Some of the business owners have said the car shows draw a crowd, but have a downside in consuming many parking spots.
“This should ease some of the pressure on Main Street,” Hellner said about the shift to the senior center.
One of the classic car enthusiasts, John Pratt, told the Village Board the car owners like the ambiance by the Canal Basin, being by the water of the Erie Canal and sitting under the trees for shade.
Village Board members said they want to consider the change in location for the car show. Board members said they expect to make a decision during the next meeting on March 25.
Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said the Super Cruise on a Friday on a busy Main Street would be tough for the community if that street is closed to traffic. He suggested the car show shift a street away to West Avenue if it’s on a Friday.
Village Trustee Tim Elliott said having the show on Main Street makes it a better destination for the car owners and enthusiasts. He would like the car show to stay on Main Street as a once-a-year event.
The board said they appreciate Hellner and Snyder for taking the reins for the car show this year.
“Thank you for stepping up and taking this on,” said Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman. “A lot of people have been worried about it.”
Green, who organized the shows for nearly three decades, is glad the shows will go on, even with some uncertainty right now about the location. He coordinated the shows, starting 28 years ago with Donna Bushover and Donna Mruczek.
“I will still come to cruise nights, but I’m 81 now and it was time to let it go,” Green said. “I couldn’t have done it without all the help I had. It was a lot of work – a lot of walking that night and a lot of time spent going around and getting sponsors for door prizes and the DJ.”
The proceeds from 50/50 tickets went to the Orleans County United Way, which carried insurance for the cruise-ins.
Both Hellner and Snyder own vintage cars. They said Medina has one of the best-attended cruise-ins in the area.
“I’m happy to be involved with cruise nights,” Snyder said. “I remember back when they started and I don’t want to see them go away.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2024 at 10:44 am
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board on Monday approved joining a resolution and letter already signed by at least 370 leaders of cities and villages in the state, seeking an increase in AIM funding from the state.
The state Legislature and governor haven’t increased Aids and Incentives to Municipalities for 15 years. During that time inflation is up 45 percent and the state has imposed a tax cap of 2 percent on municipalities, according to the letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
“This neglect from state government has led to rising municipal tax burdens and harmful disinvestment in essential municipal services and staff,” the letter states.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari will join elected and appointed officials around the state in calling on an increase in AIM. Holley Mayor Mark Bower and Teri Woodworth, Lyndonville’s clerk-treasurer, also have signed on to the letter, which has been circulated by NYCOM – New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.
The state sets aside $715 million in AIM. Cities get 90.5 percent of this money, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.
Most small cities are getting $100 to $150 per capita in aid. Medina, population 6,047, gets only $45,523 in AIM, while Albion with 5,637 residents, gets even less at $38,811. That is a per capita of less than $8 for Orleans County’s two largest villages.
The letter that the Medina Village Board agreed to sign on calls for a general overall increase in AIM, but doesn’t address the disparity to the villages.
Medina trustees Jess Marciano and Diana Baker said they will be traveling to Albany on March 20 for NYCOM’s lobby day where they may be a better opportunity to press the tiny AIM funds directed to villages.
The letter approved by city and village leaders around the state urges an increase in Aim to help pay for public safety and make communities more affordable.
“Every community has public safety needs and for many local budgets, it is the largest cost driver,” the letter states. “If the State truly wants to ensure affordability and public safety for all New Yorkers, now is the time for an increase in AIM funding for cities, villages and towns.”
