BATAVIA – There 216 students from Genesee Community College named to Provost’s List. Students honored on the Provost’s List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Provided photos: Front row from left includes Faith Baker, Taylor Frentz, Evelyn Phillips, Emma Jacobs and Jesse Cudzilo. Back row includes YMCA board member Dean Bellack, Emiliana Batista, Jacob Rissew, Dahvid Anderson, Addison Paul, Brandon Christiaansen, Henry Winters and Camryn Eick.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina students have assisted the YMCA with some projects to make the facility better for the public.
The site, the former Medina Armory, has been a YMCA since 1997. Now residents take exercise classes, use the workout room and participate in afterschool programs at the site.
Over the years the Y has replaced the roofing, lighting and the exercise rooms. They have launched capital campaigns to modernize the facility that included a handicapped accessibility ramp, a vestibule, lobby expansion for a social space, a child watch area, two unisex bathrooms and shower areas to make the space as functional as possible.
Unfortunately, there are still areas that need to be improved and reconfigured such as the women’s locker room and a basement kitchen. The locker room space is equipped with two private showers, an oak bench and lockers, some original to the building and also made out of solid oak. Sadly, some of the lockers had been sold off over time.
“This facility is so unique and we want to make it the best for our patrons,” said Jesse Cudzilo, the Y executive director. “There is damage to the floors, the showers need to be replaced and it is somewhat of an awkward layout. Since we are community partners, we decided to tap our community to see if we could get some help in the remodel.”
He reached out to Medina Junior-Senior High School Counselor Audralee Doll, who put him in touch with Technology and Engineering Education teacher Mike Lepkyj. He jumped at the opportunity to give his students a chance to use their skills.
“This is a great opportunity for my Interior Design students,” he said. “They will get some real-world experience and a chance to help out an organization that does so much for our community.”
On Feb. 16, the class showed up for their initial walk through of the space and took measurements of the room and the features that needed to be incorporated. The students seemed excited about the project.
When they got back to the classroom, they broke into groups to start their design process.
Brandon Christiaansen, front, and Jacob Rissew measure inside the YMCA.
Student Emma Jacobs says she has been a member of the Y for over a year and she is excited to put her vision into her proposal.
“When I go there, I am always thinking of what they could do to improve it,” she said. “I have a lot of ideas and I am really stoked to actually work on a project that is for something in the real world.”
Classmate Evelyn Phillips said she is enjoying the creative process. “It’s really fun and I am looking forward to reimagining the spaces and make them more practical.”
Mr. Lepkyj says the students will work on about five proposals to show Mr. Cudzilo and the Board of the YMCA. “What an amazing thing to be able to put on their resume,” said Mr. Lepkyj. “How many high school students can say they designed a space for a local organization?”
Cudzillo also contacted Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Principal Nicole Goyette. She told him that the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s Building Trades students with their teacher Matt Anastasi would love to assist with the rehab and construction of the space.
“We are very excited about the partnerships with these classes,” Mr. Cudzilo. “It will be a lot of work. We firmly believe that when kids are invested in their community it becomes a source of pride for them. I can’t wait to see their vision for the space and I think their input will be invaluable. We are hoping that this generation coming up will embrace the history of this facility and we can pass the torch to them to keep it viable for generations to come. Our goal is to leave this building better than how we found it.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2024 at 10:41 am
Social welfare examiners need extra time to get caught up
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has authorized the Department of Social Services to allow some workers to come in on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The office won’t be open to the public on Saturday, but the four hours will allow the short-staffed DSS more time to process often time-consuming applications, said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer.
The county currently has several vacancies among the social welfare examiners who process cash assistance and temporary housing cases. That has made it difficult to keep up with work during regular office hours.
These workers determine eligibility for cash assistance, temporary housing and other benefits. The temporary housing applications have seen a big increase with the rise in the homeless population, said Holli Nenni, the DSS commissioner.
The social welfare examiners are highly-skilled and knowledge-based, and determining the eligibility often is time-consuming with many referrals, she said.
The examiners check very stringent eligibility standards, Nenni said. The potential recipients are screened for drug use and a domestic violence history. The staff check employment. If the applicants aren’t working, the staff need medical information on why the applicants may be unable to work. There could be other factors why an applicant can’t work, too, requiring further assessment.
DSS has to meet deadlines from the state on how quickly cases can be determined, Nenni said.
“This is only temporary until we get caught up,” she said about the Saturday hours.
The current social welfare examiners won’t be mandated to work on Saturdays. The regular work weeks are 37.5 hours. They will get their regular hourly rate for 2.5 hours and then overtime for hours beyond 40 in a week.
Nenni said she appreciates the staff willing to come in for the four hours on Saturdays.
“It says a lot to their dedication to their clients and their job,” she said.
ALBION – This past weekend, members of Albion Central School’s 6th-9th grade Science Olympiad team traveled to St. John Fisher University in Rochester to compete in a regional competition.
The team includes Brad Pierce, Payton Babcock, Charles Warren, Jalil McPhatter, Sophie Markle and William Fisher.
Purple Eagles placed in the following events:
Anatomy and Physiology – Brad Pierce and Payton Babcock, 6th place
Ecology – William Fisher and Brad Pierce, 4th place
Experimental Design – Charles Warren and Brad Pierce, 3rd place
Fossils – William Fisher and Charles Warren, 6th place
Mr. Petrus and Miss. Messmer want to thank everyone on the team for a nice season and a fun learning experience.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 March 2024 at 7:56 am
ALBION – Orleans County is working to develop a 4-acre solar array on the south end of the Emergency Management Office property at 14074 West County House Rd.
The project would have a capacity for 500 kilowatts of power. It would be sold to National Grid.
The county is pushing for the project partly to maintain its good credit rating. That overall rating not only factors in financial data, but municipalities lose some standing if they don’t have a renewable energy project in their portfolio, said Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer.
The county has been discussing the solar project for about two years, Welch said. The County Legislature has hired Wendel, LLC to apply for a utility interconnection with National Grid. The county also is working with GreenSpark, which is designing the solar farm and will do the construction.
The Legislature during last month’s meeting approved executing the documents for the interconnection and other permit application forms.
Legislator Don Allport, R-Gaines, opposed moving forward with the project, calling solar “dirty and inefficient power.” He said the nation is better served with a steady-producing power, not the “modulating and demodulating” power sources with solar and wind energy.
The project is part of a $1.3 million energy performance contract. Allport said the projected return on the solar investment was initially 15 years, but now could be 20 years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2024 at 6:39 pm
Gas prices went up 9 cents nationally in the past week while they dropped an average of 1.5 cents in Orleans County, according to AAA.
Nationally the average price is at $3.35 for regular unleaded. In Orleans, the average is at $3.345 today, compared to $3.360 a week ago.
The average price state-wide is up 2 cents to $$3.32 a gallon.
Here are the average prices today among counties in Western New York:
Orleans, $3.345
Genesee, $3.248
Wyoming, $3.351
Livingston, $3.376
Monroe, $3.283
Niagara, $3.242
Erie, $3.320
Chautauqua, $3.390
Cattaraugus, $3.258
Allegany, $3.381
AAA issued this statement: “This past week, we saw the national average for a gallon of gasoline jump up by 9 cents. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for Spring Break season.
“Historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises. With milder temperatures comes more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today highlighted her 2024 State of the Union guest, Western New Yorker, Anna Corbett.
Ryan Corbett, a husband, father, and Western New Yorker has been wrongfully detained by the Taliban since August 10, 2022. Anna has been tirelessly fighting for her husband’s release, who is being held in a basement cell without regular access to a bathroom, sunlight, or medical care. Other Westerners who have been released from the prison where Ryan is being held report that he is in deteriorating health.
Since meeting with the Corbett family and hearing their story, Congresswoman Tenney has advocated for Ryan’s release and well-being. This includes working to get Ryan officially designated as a wrongful detainee by the U.S. Department of State on October 10, 2023, and introducing H.Res. 965, a resolution calling for the immediate release of Ryan, which has 70 bipartisan co-sponsors.
“Anna Corbett has been bravely advocating for Ryan’s release for nearly 600 days, sharing her family’s story and bringing attention to her husband’s unjust detention and the brutal conditions of his captivity,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I am pleased to have Anna as my State of the Union guest, and hope that her presence will increase attention to Ryan’s case and the urgency to bring Ryan home to his family.”
“This is my ninth trip to D.C. since this nightmare began,” said Anna Corbett. “And while I am weary – the trauma of the daily uncertainties that my teen-age children and I face daily is exhausting – I know that I cannot give up, or Ryan may never make it home alive. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Tenney for her ongoing efforts to help bring Ryan home before it’s too late.”
Members of Congress are allowed to invite one guest to join them for the address, which will take place on Thursday, March 7th, at 9 p.m.
‘Do not be mistaken, I have not sat back idly while rural communities are hurting.’
Legislative column from Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Throughout my time in the state Assembly, I’ve taken great pride in uplifting small-town communities like the one I grew up in.
Steve Hawley
I’ve seen rural New York as a veteran, farmer and businessman. I’ve served in numerous positions in local government from the county legislature to the Planning Board. I’ve spent my career fighting against downstate special interests in the state Assembly and creating jobs for rural New Yorkers in the private sector.
Because of this, I understand firsthand the immense impact that Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) has on small-town communities.
Increasing AIM funding for rural communities like those in Orleans County has been one of my top priorities as an assemblyman. Every year, I hear testimonies from local leaders saying we need to increase funding for this program.
Unfortunately, AIM funding has stayed essentially stagnant for over 10 years. Even worse, the state comptroller has said AIM funding has actually decreased in value due to inflation. This lack of action from the Majority limits the impact of this vital program and deprives localities of the funds they desperately need. But do not be mistaken, I have not sat back idly while rural communities are hurting.
I continue to push legislation that I had a number of years ago that would change the formula on how AIM is distributed to small cities, towns and villages. My proposal would create 2 Tiers:
“Tier 1” would include a town with a population equal to fifteen thousand or less, a village with a population equal to ten thousand or less and a city with a population twenty thousand or less receiving 80% of the total AIM funding.
“Tier 2” would include the remainder of the towns, villages and cities, receiving the remaining 20%. This is not the only example of my colleagues and I pushing for increases in AIM funding. Each year, my minority colleagues in the Assembly and Senate propose boosting other types of funding as well for localities.
But why do downstate politicians fight so hard against increasing AIM funding? The answer is simple, upstate communities do not get the same priority the city does. We’ve had this same issue when it comes to funds for local roads.
If we were talking about increasing funding for New York City, we would’ve had AIM increased 12 years ago. I’ve spent my time in Albany fighting for Western New York’s way of life and that starts with making sure our small towns and villages get the funding they need.
New York is more than just one city or region. We’re a collection of diverse and complex localities that form the backbone of our state. It’s about time the Majority recognizes this and provides the long overdue increases to AIM funding for our upstate communities.
Editor’s Note: Hawley’s column was in response to an Orleans Hub editorial, “Where is outrage over state shafting villages, towns with AIM funding?”
Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
ALBION – A 33 year old inmate attacked a female officer inside the bathroom of the medium-security Albion Correctional Facility last Friday and injured three other officers who came to the her assistance.
On Feb. 20, the inmate became irate and created a disturbance while in the intake area waiting to give a urine sample. The officer attempted to deescalate the situation by ordering the inmate away from other inmates and into the bathroom.
Initially, the inmate complied and entered the bathroom with the officer following her. Inside the bathroom, the inmate suddenly turned and punched the officer multiple times in the face. The officer immediately grabbed the inmate in a body hold as a second officer entered the bathroom.
Both officers forced the inmate to the floor where she remained combative. Two other officers responded and assisted in applying handcuffs to the inmate. Once in handcuffs, she became compliant. She was brought to her feet and escorted out of the bathroom.
Three officers who responded to the attack sustained shoulder and knee injuries while subduing the inmate. They were treated by medical staff at the facility and remained on duty.
The officer who was initially assaulted, sustained bruising and swelling to her eye lid, cheek and jaw. She also sustained scratches to both arms. After being treated at the facility, she sought outside further medical treatment only to find out her wrist was broken, and still has not returned to duty.
The inmate, who was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd in Cayuga County in 2022, was placed in a Special Housing Unit after the attack. She was arrested in 2022 after firing a gun in downtown Auburn. She is serving a five-year sentence for gun and drug possession,
“The public forgets that the females that are incarcerated in our state prisons are just as dangerous as their male counterparts,” said Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President for NYSCOPBA. “This incident should be charged as a felony assault. This officer, like many other that are assaulted, works many hours of mandatory overtime, consistently being treated like crap, and feel like they became punching bags for the inmates and the legislators that only care about coddling convicts!”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is 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 (CDC), about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
“Getting screened plays a big role in savings lives by preventing cancer and slowing its progression when it is found,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
“In recent decades, screening rates among older adults has significantly increased which is great news,” stated Laura Paolucci, Public Health Administrator for the Wyoming County Health Department. “However, current data indicates that individuals lacking health insurance or a primary care provider are undergoing screening procedures less frequently.”
For eligible men and women, the Cancer Services Program offers free screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer. To learn more, call 716-278-4898. If you live in New York State and need health insurance, you can contact the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace by phone at 1-855-355-5777 or online.
The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45. Residents are also encouraged to increase their physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco.
Although more research is needed to understand why, the incidence of colorectal cancer is growing among people younger than 50. If you have concerns about this, speak with your healthcare provider.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2024 at 8:28 am
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans has set a goal to sell 1,500 bouquets of flowers, and 150 popcorn bags during the Annual Spring Bouquet Sale from March 11-15.
There will be 10-stem or 30-stem bouquets for sale. Della’s Chocolates in Medina is collaborating to make a chocolate-drizzled popcorn treat.
“This event is very important for our patients as all proceeds go directly toward patient care,” said Julia Alt, director of advancement at Hospice of Orleans. “We continue to appreciate the outpouring of community support year after year during our Spring Bouquet Sale.”
Numerous sites around the county have the flowers for sale. (Check the Hospice website or Facebook page for locations.)
Patrons have the option to pre-order their bouquets and popcorn online or by calling 585-589-0809. Alt said about half of the bouquets have already been sold.
There will also be two “Make & Take Bouquet” events March 15 and a third event on March 16. Also available this year is an option to purchase and donate a bouquet to a Hospice of Orleans patient or a veteran, said Alt.
“Our care team will personally deliver beautiful bouquets to our patients and veterans,” she said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 March 2024 at 8:13 am
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has finalized plans for four days of celebration April 5-8 in observance of the solar eclipse.
“SOLAR” weekend at the Cobblestone complex encompasses Shopping, Old Tyme Photos, Learning, Auto show and Refreshments.
Beginning on Friday (April 5), and continuing through Monday, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shopping in the gift shop, Holiday Shoppe and used books building.
Visitors are invited to get decked out with accessories from the past and pose for a historic photo at the Cobble the Mouse photo booth.
Docents will be on hand throughout the weekend to share some history. Current exhibits will be open, with the blacksmith will be working at the forge and a storyteller will be on hand to entertain.
On Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, antique, classic and sports cars will be motoring to the museum grounds.
On Monday, the actual eclipse day, refreshments will be available at the museum. Visitors are invited to enjoy pizza, popcorn, cobblestone candy and more, while listening to musical entertainment.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2024 at 8:01 am
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club is trying another new fundraiser for the club with a meat raffle on Saturday at the Ridgeway fire hall, 11392 Ridge Rd.
That follows the club’s first corn hole tournament in January with 87 two-person vying for $5,250 in prizes, including $1,500 to the top team.
Medina Rotary commemorated its 100th anniversary last year. While Rotary is an international organization, its local mission is to serve the Orleans County community, said Peter Bartula, the club president.
The local club supports the food pantry of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, providing families with Thanksgiving Day meals, Christmas gifts, or the comfort of new beds to those in need, as well as backing other community efforts.
Stephanie Mason and Liz Landis are Medina Rotarians on the Meat Raffle Committee. They said there can be up to 350 people in the Ridgeway firehall — and they are hoping to “sell the house.”
There is more than meat at the event. Local businesses donated baskets for a Chinese auction. There will be side raffles and the door prize which includes a 36” Blackstone grill package.
“I’ve personally been involved in a number of meat raffles,” Mason said. “It’s a great evening out with family and friends. They bring communities together to have fun while raising money for much needed causes throughout the community.”
Premier sponsors include Dockside Canvas, Halstead’s Heating and Plumbing, Jennifer Mason with Keller Williams Realty, and Orleans Ford.
Landis said the club’s goal is to raise $5,000 for the community.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first spin is at 7. Tickets are available at the door and include beer, pop, wine and entry into the door prize drawing. To secure tickets in advance, visit their Eventbrite page titled “Medina Rotary Club’s Meat Raffle,” contact Rotary via email Medinanyrotary@gmail.com or by phone 716-445-3872.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2024 at 10:11 pm
SHELBY – The warm winter will continue this week, with Monday’s high of 71 the hot day of the week.
That will be followed by highs of 67 on Tuesday, 49 on Wednesday and 43 on Thursday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
The week end with a high of 46 on Friday and 48 on Saturday.
The Weather Service said this year’s winter so far has been the warmest ever for the Rochester with a 34.9-degree average breaking the record from 1931-’32. It was the second-warmest December, January and February ever for Buffalo with the 34.5 average temperature nearly topping the 34.6-degree record in 1931-’32.
The first day of spring is on March 19.
It was a foggy morning on Route 63 in Shelby this morning near the wildlife refuge.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 March 2024 at 7:34 pm
EAST SHELBY – Saturday was an evening to celebrate for the East Shelby Fire Department, who held their annual Installation and Awards Banquet at the East Shelby Firemen’s Recreation Hall.
Dave Green welcomed guests and served as emcee for the evening. Guests were also welcomed by fire company president Mike Fuller and auxiliary president Shirley Printup, followed by an invocation by Rosie Allen, who called for a moment of silence in memory of Joe Newton, a longstanding member of the fire company who died last year.
The first order of business was swearing in of Ladies’ Auxiliary officers by Elaine Watts from Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. New officers are Shirley Printup, president; Sawyer Green, vice president; Deb Green, secretary; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Bronwyn Green, Sue Green and Cassidy Oliver, trustees; and Rosie Allen, chaplain.
Elaine Watts from Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, right, swears in members of the East Shelby Ladies Auxiliary at their banquet Saturday night. From left are Shirley Printup, president; Sawyer Green, vice president; Debbie Green, secretary; Bronwyn Green, trustee; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Cassidy Oliver and Sue Green, trustees; and Rosie Allen, chaplain.
Administrative officers, sworn in by Orleans 2 Scott Buffin are Mike Fuller, president; Kirk Zinkievich, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; Ken Printup, Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen, trustees; and Dave Green, steward.
Line officers are Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, 3rd assistant chief; Jared Zinkievich, captain; Matt Grimes, lieutenant; Steve Wolters, fire police chief; Sue Behrend/Mike Fuller, EMS officers; and Todd Ralph, safety/training officer.
Service awards were given to members for their years of service. These included Joe Meyer, Julie Taylor and Bill Bacon, 10 years; Dennis MacDonald, 15 years; Alan Lonnen, 20 years; Dave Allen, 35 years; Gordon Reigle, 60 years, and a special recognition for Ron Sanders for 50 years.
In honor of his 50 years as a member of the East Shelby Fire Department, Ron Sanders, left, is presented with this plaque by fire chief Deb Taylor and president Mike Fuller.
Local officials line up to present proclamations to Ron Sanders, left, for achieving 50 years as a member of the East Shelby Fire Department. From left are Sanders, fire company president Mike Fuller; Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Skip Draper, on behalf of Senator Rob Ortt; Richard Silvaroli from FASNY; Bill Eick from the Orleans County Legislature; and Scott Wengewicz, supervisor of the town of Shelby. Seated at the head table are Sawyer Green and Ken and Shirly Printup.
East Shelby Fire Company president Mike Fuller, right watches as fire chief Deb Taylor kisses Gordie Reigle after recognizing him for 60 years of membership in the department.
Fuller chose Dennis MacDonald as recipient of his President’s Award, for always being a tremendous help, whether on the fire side or business side. He always goes above and beyond, Fuller said.
The EMS award was presented to fire chief Deb Taylor, who Fuller said responds to all the calls she can, is a big part of teaching others and keeps the trucks stocked with the right supplies.
Bronwyn Green handed out awards for years of service to Fonda Carr and Shelby Green, 5 years; Ariel George, 10 years; Elaine Newton, 25 years; Wanda Dingman, 30 years; Bronwyn Green, 35 years; Mary Zelazny and Louise Covey, 40 years.
Printup also recognized outgoing officers, vice president Debbie Green, president Bronwyn Green and secretary Sawyer Green.
Printup presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of the Auxiliary to Fuller for the fire company.
(Left) Bronwyn Green, right, trustee and outgoing president of the East Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, recognized Sharlene Pratt for her humor, advice and support. (Right) East Shelby fire company president Mike Fuller chose Dennis MacDonald as the recipient of his President’s Award.
Bronwyn’s President’s Award went to Sharlene Pratt, who was credited with always being there with her humor and advice.
Bronwyn also acknowledged Jessie Green, who was unable to attend, for being the Sunshine lady for 55 years.
Dave Green, a longtime steward of the department, presented the Steward’s Award to Leona Weese for being a big supporter and always helping the firefighters in any way she can.
Fire chief Taylor recapped the department’s achievements in 2023, which included the purchase of an off-road UTV, for which they have since invested in tracks for use in heavy mud and snow.
With a DEC grant they secured, the department has purchased equipment to either replace or provide additional equipment for the off-road and brush truck. They also purchased 20 new pagers for members last year.
One member, Jared Zinkievich, completed BEFO/IFO training, and three members will be starting their BEFO class Monday. They are Victor Jeffords, Josh Fuller and Dylan Taylor.
New last year was a Comedy Night, put on by Eli Howard. It was such a success, the fire company is planning to do another one this year.
Others who were commended by Taylor for taking charge of special events were Bill Bacon, meat raffle; and Ryan McPherson, Wrestling Night.
“I am very thankful and appreciative of every member who makes the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company a successful and thriving company,” Taylor said. “We have a great turn-out of people for every call, and I can say the same for our events. Many members’ spouses or significant others help setting up, selling tickets and cleaning up after events.
“Our Ladies Auxiliary also deserves credit for preparing meals for these events and helping us with our needs,” Taylor said. “And thank you to everyone outside our department who has shown support. There’s a reason why we’ve been in service for 71 years.”
Taylor presented the final awards of the evening, the first to Jared Zinkievich, a fourth-generation member of the fire company, who is in his first year of line officer training.
“We are proud to have him in the department,” Taylor said.
Taylor chose Josh Fuller, grandson of the late Jim Fuller, as “Firefighter of the Year.” Josh, who joined last year, shows up every Tuesday and is eager to learn as much as he can, Taylor said.
Her final award was a “thank-you plaque” to Dennis MacDonald, whom she called her “double O7.”
East Shelby fire chief Deb Taylor was presented with the EMS award from Mike Fuller for her support.
