ALBION – Jami Allport is enthusiastic about her new job as director of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern.

Allport, a resident of Albion, took over the reins of the “Agency of Last Resort” after Bob Harker retired earlier this summer.

Allport was born in the Thousand Islands and has lived in Albion since her family moved there when she was in eighth grade. She graduated from Albion High School and Genesee Community College prior to entering the workforce. She is continuing to study online at Southern New Hampshire University for a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

She was working for a non-profit, driving to Lockport and Niagara Falls, when the Ministry of Concern reached out to her and asked to have a conversation about becoming director of their agency.

“The mission of the Ministry of Concern really resonates with me,” Allport said. “I believe serving your community is one of the most important things one can do.”

Allport said she saw the offer as an opportunity to be closer to home and available if her kids needed her during the day.

She has three stepchildren and two children, ranging in ages from 28 to 4. She coaches high school and junior varsity cheerleading.

She is optimistic that the Ministry of Concern is in a great place.

“We have a wonderful staff,” she said. “The drive they have is incredible. They are amazing youth advocates.”

Office Manager Nicole Brady of Medina does a great job working with youth, Allport said.

The Ministry of Concern is offering life skills classes, teaching things such as balancing a checkbook.

The agency has been working with the Albion Police Department, and just finished a very successful backpack drive.

“We provided more than 116 families with school supplies and backpacks,” Allport said.

The Ministry of Concern truly is the “agency of last resort,” she said.

“When everybody else says ‘no,’ we help,” she said. “Whether one is homeless or just out of prison,’ we welcome you with open arms. If your cup is a little short, we will fill it up.”

She added that it takes a lot of courage for someone to ask for help, and GOMOC will do everything possible to make them welcome.

They have started to put up job postings on a board in the waiting room.

“Everyone in this country could be just one instance away from being homeless or hungry,” Allport said. “We are here to give ‘a hand up, not a handout.’”

Allport is also excited to announce that the Ministry of Concern has stepped up to manage the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive at Christmas time.

“We are looking for volunteers to ring bells and help with other aspects of the program, such as greeters and emptying donation cans,” she said. “If you can’t give physical gifts, give your time.

She said often high school students need to do community service hours to graduate.

“If you have time to give, see me,” she said. “If you need to do community service, come see me.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Maggie Quackenbush, 10, and her father Carl Quackenbush were among a contingent from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company out collecting money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Western New York, which grants wishes to children battling critical illnesses. The father and daughter are on Route 63 near the 31A intersection.

The Western Battalion – East Shelby, Lyndonville, Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby – has been doing the boot drive for Make-A-Wish in recent years.

The early numbers from today’s boot drive at three intersections from 9 a.m. to noon total about $8,000.

East Shelby and Shelby were at routes 63 and 31A, with Medina firefighters at Main and Center streets. Lyndonville and Ridgeway firefighters collected money near the intersections at routes 63 and 104.

Logan Quackenbush, 12, was a friendly face for today’s boot drive. He was with his sister and father, and also Gary Lamar from the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Provided photo: This group from Lyndonville and Ridgeway collected money near the routes 63 and 104 intersection.

My private sleeper roomette – the seats convert to a bed to sleep overnight.

Let’s go on an adventure together….on the Coast Starlight Train!

My 2017 West Coast Adventure started out as a cruise and when I decided to expand it to spend more time in the San Francisco area and also somehow include Oregon and Washington State with extra time in Seattle, I had to find a way to get from San Francisco to Seattle. I thought about flying, but that would eliminate seeing any of Oregon and most of Washington. I considered renting a car in San Francisco and driving to Seattle, but found out that is a very long drive – one I wasn’t sure I was willing to do by myself. The option of taking a bus was rejected quickly – I couldn’t imagine being cramped in a seat all that way. I was just about to give up on the expanded portion of the trip when the idea of taking the train came to me in the middle of the night. I got out of bed at 2:00 am and went down to the computer to see if that was a possibility. I found that Amtrak has a Coast Starlight Train that travels from Los Angeles to Seattle and that it has a stop in San Francisco. As I read about it, I knew that was what I wanted to do. The entire Coast Starlight trip runs mostly along the coast of California between Los Angeles and the border of Oregon then travels inland through Oregon and Washington to Seattle. For this trip, I got on the train in San Francisco. Someday, I hope to do the entire route to get the full experience and see the amazing ocean views while traveling comfortably through California.

The segment I traveled from San Francisco to Seattle took 22 hours and I loved every minute of it (the entire route from LA takes 36 hours). I boarded the train and began my adventure at 9:30 pm from the Emeryville, CA station not far from San Francisco. I reviewed all the options for tickets – the least expensive would be the coach seats, but given it was an overnight trip, I would have to sleep sitting up. There are a few different options for sleeper fares, each with pricing according to the accommodation– a roomette which includes a private room with two seats that convert to a bed and also has an upper pull down bed, a bedroom also includes an in-room toilet and shower, a bedroom suite is where two bedrooms connect and open up into one larger room, and a family bedroom which is a roomette with two extra sleeping options to accommodate two adults and two children. While reviewing the options, I also found out that sleeper fares include all meals in the dining cars and some additional perks that coach seat fares don’t have access to. I chose the roomette. I found that with three meals included and the extra perks, it would not be much more expensive in the long run than a coach seat and it would be more comfortable. I also felt that for one night, I could use the bathroom down the hall, which actually ended up being right across from my room, so a larger room at a higher price wasn’t important to me in this case. The room was very comfortable with two seats and a large window and the seats converted to a bed that was surprisingly comfortable. The sleeper cars also have conductors who are there to set up and break down the beds, be available if we need anything, and make our dining car reservations.

Observation lounge car available for travelers who book sleeper accommodations.

One of the perks of having a sleeper room is access to the exclusive observation lounge car. This car has tables, conversation areas, and swivel chairs all with large observation windows with unobstructed views of the scenery. There is also a bar with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks all included or alcoholic beverages at an additional cost. They also hosted a wine tasting event late afternoon for a small additional fee that offered tastings of some wonderful Oregon and Washington State wines. The food in the dining car was exceptional with a nice selection of options on the menu. For breakfast, I had scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, juice and tea. For lunch I had a steak burger, fries, and a coke. And, for dinner, I had a ribeye steak, baked potato, fresh veggie medley, rolls, and a glass of wine. All included and all cooked beautifully and very delicious. The whole experience was very comfortable and made me feel like a celebrity in an old-time movie when traveling by luxury train was more common. I got to move around, take in the amazing views, sit in different places – including time in my own private roomette, and during the night, I slept like a baby.

As for those amazing views: I woke up just before sunrise and we were in the final miles of California and crossed over into Oregon just about sunrise. The parts of Oregon we traveled through were breathtaking! Dense woods, streams, waterfalls, little lakes, very small rural communities and tunnel after tunnel after tunnel. At some points, we were so far up on the top of the mountains in the middle of nowhere that my ears kept popping and we didn’t have cell/internet service…and it was amazing. When we got back down out of the mountains, we saw a different kind of beauty to look at – farm land as far as the eye can see and all the little communities we passed through had “Elk Crossing” signs. I didn’t see any elk, though…..must be they chose to cross somewhere else. It is difficult to get good photos from a moving train – I took a lot and you can see many of them on my blog, but for the most part, the views are all in my memories and I love bringing them up in my mind from time to time.

Comfortable swivel chairs and large windows in the observation lounge car are perfect for watching the beauty of America go by.

When I arrived in Seattle, I spent a few days there and then flew home to end two amazing weeks all along the west coast of our great country and one of the major highlights of the trip was this train ride (which is saying something, cause the entire trip is right up there among one of my favorite trips). I highly recommend taking the Amtrak Coast Starlight Train – the whole route from LA to Seattle, if you can. You can add it on an already planned west coast trip or just fly out there to do this one adventure and come back home. Whatever you decide works for you, do it, if you ever get the chance – you won’t regret it! I see more long distance train trips in my future, too…perhaps I’ll do a cross country train ride, someday.

Visit my Coast Starlight Train blog post at https://thoughtsbykim.com/2017/05/27/coastal-starlight-train-adventure/ for more photos from this wonderful adventure.

Happy Adventuring,

Kim Pritt

Jim Punch, left, is commended by Lions Club President Jim Hancock for Punch’s service to the Medical Loan Closet.

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club on Tuesday presented the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to Roger Hungerford, who has spearheaded several businesses and community projects during his career.

Hungerford was joined by his wife Heather Farnsworth and their daughter Isabell in accepting the recognition from the club.

The Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, established in 1993, honors an outstanding Lion, non-Lion, or organization who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to service to the community and embodies the ideals of the Lions Motto, “We serve.”

Hungerford was given this distinguished service award for outstanding service to the Medina community and surrounding areas, the club said.

He is known for quietly and unassumingly assisting many projects in our ever-improving community. He shared some of his coming plans for housing, technology and community service with our group at the meeting, which was attended by 46 club members.

In addition, past President James Punch received recognition for his service to the Medina Lions and our community as past president and co-chair of the Medina Lions Medical Loan Closet.

We are honored to have these men in our community, along with the outstanding work of the Medina Lions Club. If you want more information about the Medina Lions Club, check out our Facebook page or our new website, www.medinalionsny.org.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will celebrate the life and legend of Charles W. Howard with a special program by Ken McPherson of Medina, a friend of the Howard family and a graduate of Howard’s Santa Claus School.

The program on “Charlie Howard, the Santa Claus School and Christmas Park” will take place at 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at the historic Cobblestone Church on Route 104.

McPherson said he was “roped in” to being Santa by Dave Green when he was dating Green’s daughter Lisa.

“I stopped at their house one day when Dave was getting dressed to be Santa at the Millville Church,” McPherson said. “I was a junior in high school then. The more I learned about Charlie Howard, the more interested I got.”

In 1981 McPherson bought his first Santa suit from Elizabeth Babcock of Albion. Babcock lived just down the street from Christmas Park and made the Santa suits for Howard.

“Then I became friends with Charlie’s daughter and family, Gail Bergeman, a friendship which continues today,” McPherson said.

He graduated from the Santa Claus School and has continued in his Santa role ever since. He hopes his presentation at the Cobblestone Museum will spark a lot of interest.

“Charlie Howard and his love of Christmas should never be forgotten,” McPherson said. “I hope everyone gets bitten by the same bug and carries on the tradition.”

It was in the late 1930s when Howard realized how shabby and unprofessional some Santas looked, and he wanted to do something about that. He started to convert three large barns on his farm into what became Christmas Park and the world’s first Santa Claus School. This small attraction became well-known and brought visitors from all over the Northeastern United States.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Ken McPherson, a Santa portrayer, visited the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina on Nov. 30, 2018 for a pajama storytime. There were about 75 kids in attendance, who shared their Christmas wish list with Santa.

Part of Howard’s concept with Christmas Park was to give his Santa Claus School a working campus with a classroom, dressing rooms and extensive props to better educate the Santa students.

In 1948, Howard became Santa for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, which he continued until 1965. His Santa career led to appearances on television, in magazines and newspapers, including “What’s my Line,” “To Tell the Truth,” “The Tonight Show,” Life Magazine and The Saturday Evening Post.” He also contributed to “Miracle on 34th Street.”

McPherson will be showing memorabilia he has collected over the years, some from the late Mildred Baker of Medina. The former Mildred Wilson, she lived in a cobblestone house next to the Ward House for many years. She was a friend of Howard’s and ran the gift shop for him at Christmas Park.

The Cobblestone Museum also has a guest book signed by thousands of visitors to Christmas Park, which can be viewed during the presentation.

The event is free, but a free-will offering will be taken. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The bleachers for Albion’s side were near capacity for the debut of Albion’s new turf football field under the lights at Spierdowis Field on Friday night. Albion battled the Roy-Hart-Barker team and the Purple Eagles won the game, 36-14.

The ribbon-cutting included the varsity team sprinting through a ribbon held by Wayne Wadhams, president of the Board of Education. The team was led on the field by Blake Preston(2) and Auston Johnson (4).

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion coaches, district leaders, Board of Education members and representatives from the construction and design companies also were on the field for the ribbon cutting.

District Superintendent Mickey Edwards, a 1985 Albion graduate, played defensive back for the varsity teams in 1983 and ’84. The ’83 team won Sectionals and played at Rich Stadium.

Edwards said the turf field allows the team to practice on it, and not just be used for games. The players can better familiarize themselves with the lines and hash tags on the field.

“We don’t have to worry about the rain and the mud,” Edwards said.

When that happened in a game, the grass field was often torn up, and took a lot of work and expense to get back up to par.

“I’m excited for our kids to play on a field like they play on in Sectionals,” Edwards said. “It will be the same for our soccer and softball teams.”

Contractors are working to bring turf to those fields. If the weather allows, the softball field could be ready for the spring season. Soccer will be able to play on the new field in the fall 2023.

Albion coaches, District Superintendent Mickey Edwards (second from left), contractors and the Board of Education check out the soft new turf on the field.

Kirk Narburgh, CEO & managing partner at King & King Architects, worked on the design of the field and many of the recent Albion school construction projects. Narburgh is a 1982 Albion graduate and also played football for the Purple Eagles.

He said the turf field is nearly 100 percent maintenance field. The turf should last 12 to 15 years. It doesn’t need to be mowed, fertilized or have fresh paint for the lines.

“It gives you more play-ability,” Narburgh said. “You can get on it sooner in the spring. With the grass field you couldn’t get on it after it rained.”

Narburgh said the baseball team could practice on the field in the spring and get outside more in getting ready for its season.

The district had been considering a turf field for about 25 years, Narburgh said.

Air Raising Events added balloons for the festive game, including this décor in one of the end zone corners.

The Albion district welcomed representatives from the contractors that worked on the field, including Diehl Development, sitework; Blackmon/Farrell, electrical; Chenango Contracting, turf installers; and the Campus Construction Management Group.

Players from the Roy-Hart/Barker team are lined up in the Albion end zone after the national anthem.

Sarah Dumrese, great-granddaughter of Michael Spierdowis, was part of the ceremonial coin flip with her sons, Isaac and Ezra, and her nephew, Ben Allen. All three are the great-great-grandsons of Spierdowis.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The Spierdowis great-great-grandkids were part of the ceremonial coin flip just before the game.

Albion students dressed up neon construction outfits and had fun in the “De-Construction Zone.” The turf field is part of a major construction project throughout the school district.

Cheerleaders support the team during the season home-opener. They are standing in a spot where a new track will soon be installed.

Grants available for up to $5,000 for concerts, cultural programs

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Thaine, director of the Albion High School Jazz Band, speaks during the group’s concert by the Erie Canal on June 8. It was the beginning of a concert series in Albion that received state arts funding administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council

BATAVIA – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is now accepting applications for 2024 Statewide Community Regrant Program.

Artists, nonprofits, and municipalities seeking funding for arts related projects, programming, and events in Genesee and Orleans counties are encouraged to apply to the program through GO Art!

Applications are due by Nov. 1. Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 in the categories of Community Arts and Arts Education, and $2,500 for Individual Artist Commissions.

Eligibility:

• Genesee and Orleans County nonprofit organizations, NYS incorporated nonprofits, agencies of local government (not New York State agencies), individual artists, groups or collectives, and unincorporated entities are eligible to apply.
• Individual artists, groups or collectives, and unincorporated entities applying for the Reach (Community) and Spark (Education) grants must have a Fiscal Sponsor or Community Partner
• Applicant, Community Partner, or Fiscal Sponsor must have a permanent address in the same county the project is taking place
• Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of submission and may not be enrolled in a full-time degree program

Applicants are required to attend an informational seminar prior to applying. 2023 grantees are exempt from the seminar requirement but are encouraged to attend.

Upcoming Seminars: Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. (virtual, Zoom) and Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. (in person, GO Art! 201 E Main St, Batavia).

Peer Review Panel: Grantees are chosen by a peer review panel comprised of community members who live and/or work in Genesee or Orleans counties and are familiar with the arts, local cultural activities, and the community.

About SCR Program: Through a partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), GO Art! administers the program as part of a mandate in 1977, by NYS Legislature, that there be a greater local involvement in funding decisions, affecting local non-profit organizations, offering artistic or cultural services and programs, and to ensure New York State’s cultural funding reaches every part of the State.

SCR has since become one of NYSCA’s most effective means of making arts support available to geographically, economically, and ethnically diverse segments of the state’s population. NYSCA embraces the widest spectrum of cultural expression and artistic pluralism and encourages funded organizations to demonstrate a holistic and comprehensive commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access).

Since the start GO ART!’s partnership with NYSCA over 40 years ago, the organization has awarded more than $1.5 million to local artists and nonprofits. In 2023, through the SCR program, 50 applicants were awarded a total of $210,000 which funded over 70 projects, programs, and events in Genesee and Orleans counties.

For more information, to view guidelines, apply, sign up for a workshop, or nominate a panelist visit: www.goart.org/grants. For questions contact Mary Jo Whitman at mjwhitman@goart.org or Jodi Fisher at jfisher@goart.org.

Initiative includes $55 million for law enforcement, prevention efforts

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a series of targeted actions to combat the high number of car thefts, particularly of certain Kia and Hyundai model vehicles, in counties across New York State called the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy, CARS.

The Governor made the announcement with elected officials, local law enforcement, and state Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder at the Public Safety Building in the city of Rochester.

As violent crime continues to fall statewide, these actions will provide significant support to reduce car thefts in Monroe, Erie, Niagara, and other counties that continue to experience this problem and streamline support for local law enforcement.

These actions include fast-tracking $50 million for law enforcement technology and equipment, $5 million to enhance youth justice alternatives and diversion programming for teenagers and young adults, directing the State Police and Division of Criminal Justice Services to implement new enforcement efforts, supporting local district attorneys in the prosecution of car thefts and other crimes, and the launch of a public engagement campaign targeting vulnerable car owners.

“I want all the car thieves out there to know: You’ve reached the end of the road,” Governor Hochul said. “My top priority has always been keeping New Yorkers safe and today we are launching a new, comprehensive strategy to combat a surge in car thefts. Too many New Yorkers have experienced the shock of waking up to an empty driveway or the heartbreak of seeing one of their most valuable possessions disappear, that is why we are supporting local law enforcement to prosecute and prevent these thefts, and ensuring car owners are taking appropriate steps to safeguard their vehicles.”

During the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, two crimes increased in the nation: murders linked to gun violence (+35 percent) and car thefts (+101 percent). Through targeted and evidence-driven legislative, policy, and budgetary strategies rooted in strong federal, state, and local partnerships, New York State has driven down murders and gun violence to the historic lows reported in 2017 through 2019.

Shootings in New York City are down 26 percent year over year, and in the state-funded Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative jurisdictions, shootings declined 25 percent and fatal shootings decreased 35 percent through mid-August of this year compared to the same period of 2022.

Car thefts, however, have continued to rise, initially driven by the rise in catalytic converter thefts. In October 2022, Governor Hochul announced actions to crack down on those thefts, which have been on the decline. This year, car thefts have been fueled in select counties – Erie, Monroe and Niagara, as well as parts of New York City – by viral social media posts showing young people how to steal Kias and Hyundais.

In the first seven months of 2023, car theft in Monroe County increased 345 percent, which is the largest increase in the nation, and in Erie County, 213 percent, when compared to the same timeframe last year. These two counties account for approximately two-thirds of car thefts outside of New York City, with most of them occurring in the cities of Rochester (+829 percent) and Buffalo (+488 percent).

To address these unprecedented increases, Governor Hochul has announced the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy (CARS) to provide significant support to local law enforcement:

$50 Million in Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment

Last fall, Governor Hochul announced an initial commitment of $20 million for law enforcement technology and equipment to help prevent, reduce, and solve crime, as well as build trust within communities. DCJS administered a request for information (RFI) to obtain feedback from police departments and sheriffs’ offices on the types of technologies they need to improve public safety within their communities.

DCJS received more than $44 million in requests for equipment, including license plate readers, mobile and fixed public camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems and communication software, among other public safety equipment and technology.

Funding will be disbursed on a rolling basis and prioritized for agencies within counties with the greatest proportions of car thefts and other crimes. Based on an analysis of initial requests from law enforcement agencies, the counties that are experiencing significant increases in car theft this year — Erie, Monroe, and Niagara – could receive up to $10 million for new technology and equipment.

$5 million to Enhance Youth Justice Alternatives and Diversion Programming

Car thefts have reportedly been fueled by viral videos posted to social media, like TikTok, showing young people how to steal certain vehicle models, but also due to persistent disruptions that the pandemic created for criminal justice response and prevention efforts. Law enforcement agencies in communities experiencing the greatest increases report that teenagers and young adults ranging from 13 to 24 are most often arrested in connection with these thefts.

To address this rise in youth-involved property crime, Governor Hochul is dedicating up to $5 million to enhance youth justice alternatives and diversion programs and services. Funding will be prioritized for the counties and adjacent counties that have reported increases in young people involved in motor vehicle theft and other property crime, such as Erie, Monroe, and Niagara.

Implement a Robust Public Engagement Campaign and Work Dealers to Inform Hyundai and Kia Owners

Governor Hochul is launching a public engagement campaign targeting owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles most susceptible to theft, encouraging them to take precautions and to install anti-theft measures. This will include the state Department of Motor Vehicles contacting car owners directly and encouraging them to receive new software upgrades to their vehicles free of charge; read that letter by clicking here. Additionally, Governor Hochul has written to Auto Dealers associations, asking them to prioritize the repair and remediation of vulnerable vehicles across the state.

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “While we are far from declaring victory on the issue of gun violence, the focused leadership that Governor Hochul has brought to this issue is producing the kind of results that show us our strategies are working. So it is welcome news to see the Governor direct that kind of leadership to the issue of auto thefts, and I have no doubt it will be just as effective. I am grateful for her support on this critical issue, which is helping us create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.”

Organization wants to help meet literacy needs in community

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Pam Schuner, president of OCALS board, shows the cake served at their annual dinner Wednesday night at Medina’s United Methodist Church at the Grove.

MEDINA – Orleans County Adult Learning Services, more familiarly known as OCALS, celebrated continued growth and a new focus at its annual dinner Wednesday night at the United Methodist Church at the Grove.

President Pam Schuner welcomed guests, introduced the board and thanked them and staff for their service.

Board members in attendance were Don Colquhoun, Carolyn Wagner, Julie Keller, Jennifer Bansbach, Cathy Hooker and Kathy Punch. Not able to attend were Mary Lee Knights, Nicole Goodrich, Marie Snyder and Jackie Keller.

Schuner explained the annual dinner celebrated a new focus as a fundraiser and the agency’s need to “reboot.”

The effects of the pandemic were debilitating to OCALS and the services they provide, Schuner said.

“As our organization works directly in one-on-one and small group settings with individuals, schools and childcare agencies, the inability to provide our service during this time was devastating,” she said. “We were unable to enter schools or child care centers, and many of our tutors had reservations about tutoring again when the pandemic was coming to an end. Our funding was decreased and we were barely holding on. We decided we needed to turn the page, ‘reboot,’ and start over. We did just that.”

Schuner said they worked hard to become more visible and build new partnerships with county agencies. They hired Kathy Punch as Community Engagement Coordinator, and she is working to let agencies, schools, child care centers and other local organizations know about OCALS and what the organization has to offer. An added benefit is Punch’s ability to speak Spanish.

“Her work has been invaluable this year,” Schuner said. “We have grown our board of directors and the number of tutors we have, and we are rebuilding our school programs. We undertook a number of fundraising efforts, including book sales at Medina’s Community Yard Sale and the Orleans County 4H Fair; we had a basket raffle at Case-Nic Cookies; and we received funds from donations and Author’s Note book sale. As we prepare for 2024, we’re excited about our developing partnerships and new ideas.”

The program continued with two special recognitions.

Orleans Hub writer Ginny Kropf was recognized in a “Friends of OCALS Spotlight” for being a supporter of OCALS from its very start. She has been on the board of United Way of Orleans County for 25 years, serving as its secretary for 10 years. She wrote the first articles when OCALS was formed in 2006, describing the agency, its mission and the services it provides. She has followed its growth, as well as the difficulties suffered during the Covid pandemic. She has been an outspoken advocate for literacy in Orleans County, and is a true friend of the agency, Schuner said.

The second recognition was a “Lighting the Way to Learning Award” presented to charter board member Mary Lee Knights, who was unable to attend. Knights has been a die-hard supporter of OCALS throughout the years, serving as past president, tutor, tutor trainer, GED tester, evaluator and more.

Several supporters of OCALS were noted, including United Way of Orleans County. They are Lyndonville Foundation, Medina Sandstone Society, Author’s Note and Case-Nic Cookies.

The evening’s program ended by singing Happy Birthday to Allan Kropf, who was 90 on Sunday.

Before and after dinner, catered by Chap’s Diner in Elba, entertainment was provided by Indie/Folk singer, songwriter and guitarist Adrianna Noone, a Rochester native.

The evening concluded with a drawing for numerous gift cards from Case-Nic Cookies and Author’s Note bookstore, followed by cake and cookies from Case-Nic.

OCALS came into existence as a dream of Rose and Don Ruck, then residents of Clarendon. Rose had been involved with Literacy Genesee and Literacy Orleans, when the Orleans County branch ran into difficulty and was forced to close its local office.

The Rucks knew the importance of a literacy organization and were convinced Orleans County had a need for its own local literacy service.

“Orleans County has the highest illiteracy rates and so many adults, families and children who are struggling with basic literacy skills,” Schuner added.

In its early years, OCALS existed solely with an all-volunteer staff and minimal donations, in addition to financial support from the Ruck’s daughters.

Their first official funding was a minimal allocation from United Way of Western Orleans, when the county was served by Western and Eastern United Ways. Since that time, United Way of Orleans County has continued to provide much-needed funds to OCALS, one of 17 causes the agency supports in Orleans County.

OCALS services include family literacy, basic literacy, workplace literacy, TASC/GED and English as a second language. They have been welcomed into Lyndonville and Albion schools, as well as Intergrow in Childs.

Schuner added her thanks to those who support OCALS financially.

“Without you we would not be able to do the work we set out to do,” she said.

It is Schuner’s hope that every time someone attends a meeting, talks with someone at the grocery store or engages with family and friends that they keep OCALS in mind.

“Let others know we are here and we will support any and all of their literacy needs,” she said. “And whenever possible, encourage others to become volunteer board members or tutors. While we have accomplished a lot, we still have a lot more to do.”

OCALS welcomes donations and any volunteer interested in becoming a tutor. For literacy services or to become a volunteer, call (585) 590-1292 or e-mail ocals2006@gmail.com.  All literacy services are free charge to anyone who needs them.

Provided photos

ALBION – Bullard Park on Saturday hosted the 10^th annual car show to benefit Hospice of Orleans County.

Becky Karls is the lead organizer of the event, which attracted about 50 cars. That was down from the turnout in recent years. The threat of rain kept some car owners away.

Karls said she still expects to present a check for about $2,000 to Hospice. Some donations are still coming in from the event.

Becky Karls, left, congratulates Ed Doran as the “Hospice Choice Winner.” Doran of Medina brought a 1968 Chevy Pickup that he has painted and decorated as a tribute to the 343 firefighters who were killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Julia Alt, director of development for Hospice of Orleans, is at right.

Doran used to be a firefighter for Medina, Shelby and East Shelby. Mark Weld, an Middleport artist, did the artwork on the truck.

The car show included several hearses or the vehicles for the “last responder.” Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes is a major sponsor of the car show benefitting Hospice.

Not all of the vehicles were cars or trucks. This old farm tractor has been well cared for.

Provided photos

SHELBY – Dell Stork’s “Drumfire” jacket from 1958 when he was a member of the Shelby Drum Corps is now framed and on display in the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Mr. Stork passed away at age 90 on Jan. 17. He carried the American flag for the Drum Corps in 1958. Stork was a Medina firefighter from 1959 to 1969 and then Medina’s fire chief for 20 years until 1989. He then volunteered for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for 30 years.

Stork’s son Ron donated the jacket on behalf of his father. Ron, second from right, is shaking hands with Tim Petry, president of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Ron’s wife Cherie is at far right and Scott Petry, the deputy fire chief, also were there for the jacket unveiling on Monday evening at the fire hall.

“The Shelby Fire Company would like to thank the Stork family for this donation to the Shelby Fire Company,” Tim Petry said. “It will remain a great memorabilia in our archives.”

This photo shows the Shelby Drum Corps in 1958 when they were pictured in front of the Albion grammar school on East Academy Street.

The drum corps performed in many local parades. Dell Stork is at far left with the American flag.

His jacket from 1958 is believed to be the only jacket remaining from that group. Mr. Stork asked his son Ron to give the jacket to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

“The community was very important to him, as well as the fire department and the surrounding areas,” Ron Stork said. “I got my love of history and the community from my dad.”