By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2024 at 8:06 pm
BARRE – The Salmon Children’s Foundation is offering two $1,000 scholarships for high school grads pursuing a career in the trades or attending trade school
Applications are due April 15 and Jim Salmon will award the scholarships on his radio program on May 4. Salmon, a resident of Barre, has hosted the WHAM Home Repair Clinic on 1180 for 34 years.
The Salmon Foundation will award one of the scholarships for a resident of Orleans County and one more for the rest of the surrounding counties which Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Livingston.
“This is our first scholarship for the trades only,” Salmon said. “For the last 10 years we have done a general scholarship.”
Salmon shifted the focus to trades this year.
“With a commitment to empowering the next generation of skilled workers, we believe in the importance of investing in individuals who are dedicated to mastering a trade and contributing to their communities,” the Foundation states about the scholarship.
For more information on the scholarship, click here.
2 new species – Ruddy Duck and Lesser Black-backed Gull – found in annual tally
Press Release from Celeste Morien, bird count compiler
Photos courtesy of Celeste Morien, not taken on bird count day: The Lesser Black-backed Gull was spotted for the first time during the Christmas Bird Count.
SHELBY – Despite a cold snap before the Oak Orchard Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 28, the weather was unusually warm, with a low of 48 and high of 50. There was no snow cover.
Open and moving water were not frozen. Rain occurred throughout the day and was occasionally heavy with the only break at midday. Ground fog reduced visibility at times.
Perhaps due to the warm weather, the 37 count participants reported high counts of ten species, and found two new species! These dedicated volunteers found 72 species and 19,890 individual birds. Counters logged 33 hours on foot and 67.75 hours by car. Counters walked 26.5 miles and drove 577 miles by car.
Ruddy Duck and Lesser Black-backed Gull were new species, and were also seen at other locations outside the count circle during the same time period.
Species that remained in the area in greater numbers were Tundra Swan (73), Herring Gull (764), Sandhill Crane (17), Barred Owl (4), Belted Kingfisher (5), Northern Flicker (59), Merlin (2), Common Raven (6), Tufted Titmouse (39) and Eastern Bluebird (86).
Here are the numbers for species seen in the count:
Tundra Swan, 73
Trumpeter Swan, 2
Snow Goose, 1
Cackling Goose, 3
Canada Goose, 8,151
American Wigeon, 4
American Black Duck, 25
Mallard, 365
Redhead, 4
Ruddy Duck, 3
Common Goldeneye, 2
Common Merganser, 63
Ring-necked Pheasant, 1
Wild Turkey, 78
Great Blue Heron, 1
Bald Eagle, 12
Northern Harrier, 9
Cooper’s Hawk, 5
Accipiter sp., 1
Red-tailed Hawk, 42
American Kestrel, 6
Ruddy Duck is new to the Christmas Bird Count at the Oak Orchard Swamp.
One of my favorite events that I have participated in over the years here in Orleans County is the annual Father-Daughter Dance.
Sponsored by Harvest Christian Fellowship, the dance had been established long before I arrived in Albion but once I discovered it it became a cherished family tradition.
I remember the first year when it was just me and my oldest daughter Ashlyn, she was around 5 years old at the time and was more interested in chasing bubbles and eating snacks than dancing with dear old dad.
I wasn’t alone though, I connected with many other dads who were biding their time around the buffet while their girls danced in groups with their friends. It felt like middle school all over again.
Eventually though our patience would be rewarded when the lights would dim and the DJ would announce that he was slowing things down. This was the time for us dads to shine because, even if you could never quite learn the choreography to the The Electric Slide, with a slow song you simply got to hold your daughter tight as you swayed back and forth. It doesn’t sound like much but year after year I would look around and see the same look in every father’s eyes, they knew that a special memory was being made.
And so it was with myself and Ashlyn, we had decided that “Butterfly Kisses” was our song and, even after my other daughters Maddie and Jilly were old enough to join us for future dances, when that song came on I knew who I would be swaying with.
(On a side note, if you are not familiar with the song it talks about a father who one minute is snuggling with daddy’s little girl and the next he’s giving her away at her wedding. I dare any dad to listen to it and try not get teary eyed.)
Every year the dance became that much more special as my three girls and I would dress up like we were going to the prom. Even the year when my father died, and his funeral was a couple hours away, I drove back home through a blizzard so that I wouldn’t miss making more memories with my girls.
Unfortunately, that streak ended 4 years ago with the pandemic, although I was excited to see that it was coming back this year. Originally, when planning to write this article, I had hoped to include new memories and photos from that event but unfortunately my daughters were too sick to attend.
It was a bummer to be sure but at least I will not have to wait a whole year to dance with them since my daughter Ashlyn’s wedding is this coming June. And yes, “Butterfly Kisses” will be playing and yes, I am getting teary eyed just thinking about it.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 February 2024 at 12:51 pm
The warm February will continue this week in Orleans County with a high of 44 today, followed by a high of 46 on Monday, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
Then the temperature reaches 65 on Tuesday and 64 on Wednesday before plunging to a low of 21 on Thursday with a high of 29.
Friday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 45, followed by a sunny Saturday with a high near 56, according to the Weather Service.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 February 2024 at 11:38 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Vassilious Bitsas, left, and his dad Jim hold a pizza ready for the oven at Cusimano’s. The family, who also owns Country Club Restaurant in Medina and pizzerias in Lockport and Brockport, believe in supporting their community. They regularly donate pizzas to Little League teams and gift cards for benefits and charitable organizations.
MEDINA – If there is one thing the Bitsas family believes, it is in feeding the hand that feeds them.
The Bitsas’ story began in 1980 when Bill Bitsas and his family immigrated from Greece to Toronto, and then to Rochester. The trip from Toronto, through Orleans County, would set the stage for the success that was to come.
Bill worked at a restaurant in Rochester, owned by his maternal grandparents, but when he started looking for an opportunity to expand, he remembered his drive through Medina.
In 1972, with his wife Frances, he opened the Country Club Restaurant on Main Street. Twenty-two years ago, his son Jim and his wife Mindy took it over.
“Our son Michael loves pizza, and we started thinking about opening a pizzeria here,” Mindy said.
The building on Maple Ridge Road, at the corner of West Avenue Extension, was available, and Jim and Mark Massaro bought it. They opened Cusimano’s Pizzeria in 2017, the year son Vassilious graduated from Medina High School.
The pizzeria was named after Massaro’s late mother, Jim said.
When Covid hit in the spring 2020, Cusimano’s donated food regularly to workers at Medina Memorial Hospital, firefighters and policemen.
“We wanted to support the first responders and emergency personnel who had to be on the job every day,” Mindy said. “We continue to donate to them.”
They provide free pizzas to Little League teams after games and to other sporting events. They support benefits and fundraisers with gift cards. This summer Vassilious wants to do something for Little League softball and baseball. They will rotate teams to invite in for free pizza after each game.
The Bitsas family also owns Cusimano’s pizzeria in Lockport and Brockport, as well as the Olive Leaf in Lockport. In Brockport, they support a reading program at the school, where students who complete their reading assignments can come in get free pizza.
In addition to Vassilious, 24, Jim and Mindy have a son Michael, 21, and daughter Elaina, 17, all of whom come in and work in the restaurants.
Bill, who is retired, spends six months in Medina and six months in his home country of Greece.
“We love taking care of our customers and showing the community we appreciate all the customers we’ve had over the years,” Jim said. “Many of them have become good friends.”
Jim said they want their restaurants to feel like home, and for customers to feel comfortable.
The Country Club, at 535 Main St., is a full service restaurant, open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cusimano’s sells, pizza, wings, salads, subs, wraps and newly-introduced beef-on-weck. Dessert options include cannoli, ice cream, cheesecake and brownies. Specials are made daily. They are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Scott Horsington, clarinet; Darren Pulley, oboe; Kae Wilbert, bassoon; Maggie Warren (not pictured), French horn; (pictured on French horn Heather Melnick), and Susan Walders, flute.
Press Release, Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville Presbyterian Church will present the third in our musical series on March 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. with music from Native American composers arranged for wind instruments and performed by the E-YAH-Pah-Hah Wind Quintet, led by Kae Wilbert of Albion.
Their name means town crier, and the group was born out of the desire to bring the message of classical Native American composers to the public and especially to youth.
Formed in 2023, the quintet first performed at Camp Asbury in Perry, a United Methodist Camp where the group began realizing their goal of exposing youth to Native music. The gift of their lyrical name came from 82-year-old Rosalie Jones, a nationally acclaimed choreographer of Native American Contemporary dance from Cree lineage.
Ms. Jones collaborated with Dr. Ballard, a Cherokee composer of one of the pieces, and with the quintet to choreograph a dance piece. This work was premiered at a performance at Ganondagan Seneca Art and Culture Center.
On October 8, 2023, the quintet performed the pieces at Ganondagan during Indigenous People Day’s Weekend. The Ganondagon Seneca Art and Cultural Center brings programing about the Seneca people to the greater Rochester community. E-YAH-Pah-Hah has now performed at other venues including the annual Democratic Party dinner in Albion.
We are blessed to bring you this unique performance with regional musicians. Help us spread the message and embrace sharing Native American culture and music with our communities. Please join us for an hour of rare entertainment. Admission is $10 at the door, and proceeds go to the church’s capital drive.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 February 2024 at 9:59 am
Angela Waldriff has offered guidance to about 250 businesses, including Diago Russell of Home Town Lawn Care
Photos by Tom Rivers: Angela Waldriff has owned Ashlee’s Place in downtown Medina for 33 years, withstanding pressure from Walmart, Big Box stores and the online marketplace.
MEDINA – Angela Waldriff opened a clothing store for women 33 years ago in downtown Medina. She has defied intense business competition over years, from Walmart, other Big Box stores and the online marketplace.
Waldriff said she strives to connect with her customers, sending them birthday cards, newsletters and letting them know they are valued. Waldriff sends about 100 birthday cards a month with hand-written notes.
She was at a meeting 12 years ago with the Medina Business Association when two SCORE volunteers – Jon Costello and Jim Hancock – said the community could use more SCORE mentors who offer advice and guidance to small business owners in Orleans County. Costello tends to focus on banking and financing, while Hancock connects businesses to services in the community to make the businesses stronger.
Waldriff has been committed the past 12 years to volunteering as a SCORE counselor through the U.S. Small Business Administration., focusing on marketing and building the business’s brand.
“It is satisfying to being able to help someone with their business,” she said. “It’s bouncing off ideas.”
Angela Waldriff works with Diago Russell of Home Town Lawn Care, a business Russell started about two years ago. Russell is a long-time friend of Waldriff’s son, Tanner. They both graduated in Medina’s Class of 2019.
Waldriff gives people suggestions for advertising and getting the word out about their business, often through social media and being an active participant in the community.
Keys to long-term success come from being reliable, offering a quality service or a product, and showing customers they are cared about, Waldriff said.
She has adapted her business when she sees opportunities. The women’s-only clothing store sells shoes and accessories. Ashlee’s also rents out tuxedos.
“You have to know who your customer is,” she said.
Waldriff also suggests using colors to help make the business stand out. She uses pink in her storefront, in her newsletter, and even with the color envelopes she sends out.
Waldriff has been working with Diago Russell, a lawn care business owner she has known since he was a young kid. Russell, 22, graduated with Waldriff’s son Tanner in Medina’s Class of 2019.
She knows Russell is a hard worker. He has been a personal trainer at the Orleans County YMCA the past three years. He started Home Town Lawn Care about two years ago. His first job was with Zambistro, starting as a dishwasher at age 16 and working up to the salad and service line.
Diago Russell is ready for the busy spring season in the lawncare business. He would like to expand services to have a year-round business.
Russell runs an active Facebook page showing some of the jobs he’s done with lawn care and landscape. He completed the Microenterprise Assistance Program and used a grant through MAP to add equipment including zero-turn mowers, a leaf blower and weed wackers.
Russell will start the busy spring season with one employee and expects to add more. He has run the business with four workers at its peak.
Home Town Lawn Care does lawn mowing, landscape, hedge trimming, power washing, edging, flower bed installation and other tasks.
Russell said he is looking to send out newsletters to connect with customers. He already has a sense of what some customers prefer with their lawn. Home Town Lawn Care has a Google business page and he puts out yard signs when he completes a job.
He enjoys helping people keep their properties looking neat. Most of the customers are in the Medina and Lyndonville area, but Russell said he is willing to drive farther if needed.
“With Home Town Lawn Care, I wanted to produce something here that would stay,” Russell said. “I’m a reliable person and someone you can trust.”
Number of ag teachers has grown by 75 percent in NYS since 2016
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
During National FFA Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced significant growth in New York State’s agriculture education and FFA Programs. Since 2016, the number of agricultural teachers has grown to 412 in 2023, a more than 75 percent increase from 2016.
In addition, New York’s FFA chapters and membership continue to grow, with 36 new FFA chapters created since 2022 and 89 since 2016, making for a total of 200 FFA chapters established across New York today. The Governor’s 2024 State of the State and FY 2025 Budget both prioritize agricultural education, with the creation of a youth agriculture leadership conference and the dedication of $1.25 million to support the FFA, an increase of $250,000 from last year.
“As a former 4-H kid, I know firsthand how important agricultural education is to developing a generation of leaders that understand where our food comes from, value the work of our farmers, and are committed to supporting our agricultural communities,” Governor Hochul said. “There are endless opportunities for our students to build a career in agriculture, from farming to food science, bio-technology, engineering, veterinary medicine, and so much more. New York will continue supporting our passionate educators and grow these critical programs across the state.”
The increase in agricultural teachers, through programs such as Cornell University’s Agriculture Education and Outreach Program, New York Agriculture in the Classroom, and the New York State FFA Association, is allowing more schools and students to participate in a formal agricultural curriculum, providing a direct boost to the pipeline of students who will go on to enter into the agricultural industry as a future career.
Alongside this growth in teachers, the number of FFA charters and members has also increased. With 200 chapters established in 53 of New York’s 62 counties, there are now nearly 12,000 FFA members in New York State, an increase from 9,300 in 2022. In 2016, State Agriculture Commissioner challenged the FFA to increase its number of charters across the State by 100; the FFA is nearing that goal with 89 created since then.
Albion FFA students march in Medina’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 25.
The New York FFA Association is a youth organization that helps middle and high school students become leaders in a variety of career fields, including agriculture. In the FY 2024 Budget, $2 million was invested to support the New York FFA, Association of Agricultural Educations, and New York Agriculture in the Classroom, and $50,000 was allocated to support the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) program.
The Governor’s 2024 State of the State address and FY 2025 Budget builds on this work, with the Governor continuing to prioritize investments in agricultural education to support workforce development and ensure that agriculture remains a viable industry in New York State.
She has proposed a youth agriculture leadership conference, increased support for the FFA in the Executive Budget by $250,000 for a total of $1.25 million and dedicated $1 million to support the New York Agriculture in the Classroom program and increase the number of certified agricultural educators in the state. In addition, $250,000 is included in the Executive Budget in support of Urban Agricultural Education and $50,000 for the MANRRS program. Together, these programs help meet the growing demand for agricultural education across New York.
National FFA Week, which is celebrated from February 17 – 24, honors the positive impact that FFA and agricultural education programs have on students across New York and the nation.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our agricultural teachers and FFA leadership are so passionate about building the future of this industry. They are the driving force behind these powerful programs that are helping our young people to learn about the industry and obtain the skills they need to be successful in agriculture and its related industries. When I look at our schools’ ag programs and our FFA students, I’m optimistic and excited about the future of our industry. I want to thank our existing ag teachers and FFA leaders for their dedication and welcome our newest teachers, who are embarking on this significant work of educating our young people. I also want to thank our Governor, and our Legislature, for their continued support of these critical programs that are making a lasting impact on agriculture and will continue to for generations to come.”
The Medina FFA also had a float in Medina’s big lighted parade.
New York State FFA Director Juleah Tolosky said, “Whether it’s chapters starting in new communities or students starting their journey toward relevant, personal success, the story of New York FFA is growth. I am so proud of the work of our teachers to cultivate environments where students have the opportunity to thrive. We know just how much work it takes to go beyond the classroom and beyond the school year to move our communities forward through agriculture.”
New York State FFA President Ella Underberg said, “In New York FFA, we are offered the opportunity to witness so much growth within our members, communities, and chapters. FFA has helped me see new perspectives on what it means to lead and truly be passionate.”
About NY FFA
Administered by Cornell University, NY FFA develops premier leadership, personal growth and career success through activities and opportunities nationwide. FFA was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They showed that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art.
SPENCERPORT – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) attended a press conference on Thursday to call for greater state investments in local roads, bridges and culverts.
Hawley was joined by his colleagues in both the state Senate and Assembly in response to the governor’s proposal to cut CHIPS aid by $60 million in the next fiscal year. The group argued local roads and bridges must be the foundation for any state infrastructure plan moving forward.
Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of New York state roads, and more than half of its bridges. Additionally, 48 percent of the vehicle miles traveled in New York are on local roads, yet less than 12 percent of the taxes and fees paid to the state by these drivers go toward the maintenance and upkeep of these crucial roadways.
Because of this, Hawley and his colleagues are calling on state lawmakers to increase funding for the CHIPS program by $160 million to a total of $698.1 million annually to help boost the quality of transportation infrastructure across the state. Hawley believes this proposal will help to improve road conditions for residents of Western New York and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
“Local roads are the foundation of our infrastructure here in New York state,” Hawley said. “Despite this, however, the governor has year in and year out neglected to give these vital roadways the funds they need for basic upkeep and maintenance in the state budget. I’ve talked to numerous highway superintendents and board members over the years, and they all tell me the same thing: we need more funding for our local roads.
“Without an increase in programs like CHIPS, these roadways will deteriorate due to the rising costs of materials and repairs,” Hawley said. “This is completely unacceptable. If these were downstate roads we were talking about, we would have no problem getting these funds. Gov. Hochul needs to remember her Western New York roots and give upstate roads the attention and funding they deserve.”
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans Health Departments
ALBION – The Orleans County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on Wednesday, February 21, around 8 p.m.
The incident occurred in a yard on Holley Road near Riches Corners Road. After the incident, the dog was seen heading south towards East County House Road.
The dog was medium-sized, similar in size to a Labrador, and had large patches of black and white on its fur.
The Health Department is trying to avoid unnecessary medical treatment for the victim, so it is important to locate the dog to determine whether or not it is current on its rabies vaccination. If the vaccination status of the dog cannot be identified, post-exposure rabies shots will be recommended to the victim.
If you have information about the location of the dog and its owner, please contact the Orleans County Health Department at 585-589-3278.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2024 at 11:10 am
Zoning change recommended for truck terminal in Shelby
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board is recommending the Town of Ridgeway approve a business that stores and rents trailers for road use.
Reginald Cichocki wants to park and store empty trailers at 12620 Ridge Rd. in a general business district. Cichocki could have up to 100 empty trailers on the site.
He also will have a 6-foot-high chain link fence along the roadside that would be 350 feet long with a 30-foot sliding gate.
The fence will provide a barrier for safety and offer some privacy from the surrounding area and passing vehicles, county planners said.
In another referral, the Planning Board on Thursday recommended the Town of Shelby change the zoning at 11697 Sanderson Rd. from agricultural/residential to general commercial.
This 6.3-acre property has been a truck terminal for at least 50 years, planners said. The property should have been zoned for business many years ago but Dan Wolfe, the Shelby code enforcement officer, said the town appears to have made an oversight.
Planners were concerned the change could be seen as “spot zoning” but the property is near the ethanol plant on Route 31A and touches a light industrial district.
“It should be rezoned general business,” Wolfe said about the property that is listed for sale. “It gives more options to prospective businesses.”
Planners also voted to keep Brian Napoli of Ridgeway as the board’s chairman and Dan Strong of Carlton as the vice chairman.
‘These grants are particularly focused on post-prom and graduation activities that provide students with a place to go where they can have fun without the presence of any alcohol or drugs.’
Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau, on behalf of Orleans County STOP-DWI, today announced it is accepting applications for funding in support of safe and structured school activities in alcohol-and drug-free environments.
Any student or school personnel from an Orleans County school district can submit an application.
“These grants are particularly focused on post-prom and graduation activities that provide students with a place to go where they can have fun without the presence of any alcohol or drugs,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative office of Orleans County. “Grants can be used in support of things like hiring a DJ, renting a speaker system or purchasing supplies to create an entertaining event. Our goal is to promote a safe and healthy prom and graduation season.”
Grant awards will be based on availability of funds and school districts can only receive one grant per year. All grant applications are due by March 29.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of community members. Awardees will be notified by the middle of April. A copy of the application can be found by clicking here. Those with questions can email the Youth Bureau at OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleanscountyNY.gov.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced that her office is accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition from high school students in New York’s 24th District.
Since 1982, high school students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have been invited by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to participate in this esteemed nationwide art competition. Over the years, this competition has provided a platform for over 10,000 works of art to be exhibited and celebrated.
The contest winner will have their artwork displayed in the prestigious halls of the United States Capitol for an entire year. Additionally, they will be given the exciting opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to witness their masterpiece showcased at the Capitol. Southwest Airlines is donating two round-trip tickets for the winner and a guest to attend this year’s celebration on June 27.
All submissions must be delivered to one of Tenney’s district offices by the close of business on Friday, April 19. Additional information about the competition, including guidelines and student release forms required to participate, can be found by clicking here or by calling Tenney’s District office at (716) 514-5130.
By Randy LeBaron
(On a side note, if you are not familiar with the song it talks about a father who one minute is snuggling with daddy’s little girl and the next he’s giving her away at her wedding. I dare any dad to listen to it and try not get teary eyed.) 
ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau, on behalf of Orleans County STOP-DWI, today announced it is accepting applications for funding in support of safe and structured school activities in alcohol-and drug-free environments.
