By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2023 at 11:06 am
Amy Laureano
KENDALL – The school district is mourning the loss of a beloved first grade teacher. Amy Laureano passed away unexpectedly on Sunday.
“We are saddened to share news of the unexpected loss of Kendall Elementary School Teacher Amy Laureano,” Nick Picardo, the district’s school superintendent, posted in a message to the community. “Amy was a beloved member of our community, and our thoughts are with her husband, family and friends during this difficult time.”
Laureano’s husband Justin is also a coach and teacher at Kendall. They have three children.
Several people have posted tributes to her on the website for Fowler Funeral Home in Brockport.
“She was a great teacher and I never had the honor to have her as a teacher but I had many friends say she was a great one to have she was sweet and always kind to anyone around her,” Kari Harrier wrote. “My condolences goes towards her family who lost this wonderful women.”
Audrey Dezen posted that “Miss Amy” will be deeply missed by her former students.
“You were a bright light who always saw the good in others along with their potential,” Dezen posted. “Your smile could brighten anyone’s day, no matter how miserable they felt. You were not only a wonderful teacher/tutor to our Kylie, but a beautiful human being & friend to our family that had a passion for teaching & life.”
Holley Mayor Mark Bower, a retired teacher and school principal, said Laureano was a “beautiful human being.” He posted that Laureano left a strong impression on him when she was a student in the elementary school and he was a teacher at Brockport.
“I can’t even think of one instance where Amy didn’t demonstrate kindness and respect or any time when she didn’t put forth her best effort,” Bower posted. “How ironic that she became a teacher and that she taught 1st grade, as I was her 1st grade teacher at Ginther School in Brockport … I know from colleagues in Kendall and families whose children or grandchildren had Amy, what an exemplary teacher she was.”
Adriana Passarell said she had the then Miss Parmele in first grade 17 years ago.
“She was the BEST teacher,” Passarell wrote. “Always so kind, nurturing, understanding, and fun. I distinctly remember 1st grade and I truly believe it’s because of her. She had so much love for her students and a special bond with every single one of us, which speaks right to her amazing character. Mrs. Laureano definitely left a mark on Kendall that will never be forgotten.”
Laureano’s family will receive friends on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Ave., Brockport. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Brockport Free Methodist Church, 6787 4th Section Rd, Brockport.
Donations are being accepted to the Kendall Central School District for the Amy Laureano Scholarship Fund.
ALBION – The Alumni High School Alumni Foundation awarded $136,500 in scholarships to Albion High School Class of 2023 graduates during their Class Night ceremony. These awards provide financial assistance to seniors as they continue to pursue their educational goals.
The Foundations’ scholarship committee chose recipients for 50 academic, vocational, service, leadership, arts and athletics scholarships. They poured over numerous applications and chose students that they felt best fit each scholarship’s criteria.
Several newly created scholarships were presented for the first time this year. They are:
The Betty West Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship was established in honor of Betty West, who taught 1st and 2nd grades in the Albion Primary School for 35 years, retiring in 1993. From childhood, her desire was always to become an educator. This scholarship is funded by both generous contributions and West family contributions and awarded to an Albion senior with the same passion for teaching.
Stewart New Scholarship – This scholarship was established in honor of Stuart New, who taught agriculture at Albion High School and served as the FFA supervisor. He encouraged and supported the education of students in our community who were interested in the Ag field. This scholarship, in turn, is in support of current students who have demonstrated a work ethic and goal related to an agricultural career in the local community. It is funded by Dr. Ronald and Suzanne Harling.
Dick Tower Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Richard “Dick” Tower by his family and Preston’s Landscaping. Dick was a hard worker, starting as a laborer in a textile company and advancing through the ranks to a Production Supervisor. Dick helped to mentor and train many young people entering the workforce. After he retired he helped establish and worked for Preston’s Landscaping.
The Alumni Foundation’s scholarship program continues to grow and benefit more students each and every year. Scholarship funding is made possible through memberships and gifts from AHS Alumni and community members, as well as individuals and organizations that contact the Foundation to establish a scholarship. The Foundation manages the funds and awards the scholarships annually during Albion High School’s Class Night.
The Foundation would like to thank the generous donors that work with us to create and sustain these scholarships. Our donors are helping to make a difference for a lifetime for Albion graduates. Contact Steve Hicks at steve@albionalumni.org to learn how you can create a scholarship.
If you are interested in donating to any of the scholarships you can go to our donate button on the homepage of our website (albionalumni.org) or write to us:
Albion High School Alumni Foundation
P.O. Box 345
Albion, N.Y. 14411
Rebecca Wager presents the Ronald L. Sodoma Memorial Scholarship to Ulises Ledesma. This scholarship is in honor of her father who was ACS superintendent for 18 years.
Congratulations to all 2023 scholarship recipients!
Albion High School Alumni Foundation – Natalie Baron, Javon Jones
Paul R. Haines Memorial Scholarship – S’Koi Sanders Smith
St. Gobain Adfors Scholarship – Vincent Molisani
Elizabeth Balcom Smith – Brianna Sample
Golden Performance Scholarship – Hailey Crawford
Jim & Susie Fraser Health Careers Scholarship – Miranda Gebo
Dr. Lee N. Minier Science Scholarship – Clara Bolton
Albion Alumni Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship – Nicholas Andrews
Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence – Amari Jones
Harry W. Salchak Science Scholarship – Nick Harling
A.B. Dick Eddy Service Above Self Scholarship – Audrey Pask
Nancy Elaine Lagamba Scholarship – Clara Bolton
Dr. Paul Mahany Family Scholarships – Miranda Gebo, Samantha Hand, Daisy Reyes, Natalie Bertsch
ALBION – Free fishing. Free food and drinks. Lots of prizes.
What better way to spend a Saturday.
The 27th Annual Danny Spierdowis Memorial Kids’ Fishing Derby will be from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 12 at Albion Sportsmen’s Association on Keitel Road.
The derby is open to Orleans County residents ages 16 and under, with prizes given to all entrants and special prizes awarded to the winners in all age groups and categories. Last year, 18 children won fishing poles and all entrants received mini-tackle boxes full of tackle.
The not-for-profit club provides drinks and lunch to all the children and parents.
The derby is named in honor of Danny Spierdowis, who died at age 19 in a car crash Jan. 20, 1990.
Anyone wishing to participate in the derby must register before Aug. 12 by calling or texting Scott DeSmit at 585-815-5150. You can also email him at desmitmail@yahoo.com. Please provide the names and ages of the children and the number of adults attending.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2023 at 8:36 am
ALBION – U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has pushed for years to promote the STAMP site in Alabama, just south of the Orleans County line.
He has made phone calls to top executives in the semiconductor and clean energy industries, urging them to come to STAMP. He has championed legislation to support chip manufacturing and helped secure funding for the park’s infrastructure.
Schumer, the U.S. Senate majority leader, said he is aware of a dispute between Genesee and Orleans counties about the sewer discharge from the 1,250-acre site. Orleans is contesting having up to 6 million gallons of treated wastewater from STAMP be discharged into the Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby.
“I would hope the two counties can come together,” Schumer in Albion on Tuesday when he was promoting an a plan to slow the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. by imposing economic sanctions on Mexico and China. Schumer took questions on other issues from reporters and he was asked about the STAMP sewer dispute between Genesee and Orleans.
A $9.7 million sewer line with pumps is under construction along Route 63. The 9-mile-long project needs two temporary construction easements from Shelby property owners, and Orleans has opposed those easements. The Orleans County Legislature and Orleans Economic Development Agency are concerned the wastewater from STAMP could cause erosion, flooding and hurt the water quality of the Oak Orchard, which is a world renown fishing attraction for trout and salmon.
Orleans officials also don’t want to have the creek levels rise to levels that limit Orleans from promoting its own Medina Business Park.
The attorney for STAMP, Matthew Fitzgerald, said during a July 27 public hearing the 6 million gallon discharge from STAMP would raise the creek water levels by 0.2 inch and would have a negligible impact. He said the project has undergone an extensive environmental review from state and federal agencies.
Schumer declared himself a big supporter of STAMP while he was in Albion. He has personally helped secure Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum as tenants for STAMP.
Plug Power is building a $290 million green hydrogen fuel plant at STAMP as the site’s first tenant. The company expects to have 65-70 workers at STAMP when it opens.
Edwards Vacuum has committed to building a $319 million manufacturing facility at STAMP. That new “factory of the future” will serve the semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing sectors and create approximately 343 new high-paying jobs.
A full build-out at STAMP will result in 9,000 new jobs for the region, Genesee County economic development officials said.
The sewer project along Route 63 into Orleans is critical for the full development of STAMP, officials at Genesee County Economic Development Corporation said at the July 27 hearing.
“It’s a problem the two counties have to get together and resolve,” Schumer said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 August 2023 at 5:07 pm
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum’s Flea Market is anticipated to be a bargain hunter’s paradise, according to organizer Sue Bonafini, assistant museum director.
The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12 on museum grounds, featuring a wide variety of merchandise. This includes mixed goods, vintage items, crafts, tools fishing and gardening items, toys and much more.
“Prices fit every budget and some sellers willingly negotiate prices to move their merchandise,” Bonafini said.
Homesteads for Hope will sell their locally grown produce, Wild Flour Deli and Bakery will sell baked goods and a Jordan Essentials skin care consultant is expected. A food tent will feature Zweigle’s grilled hot dogs and Partyka Farms’ sweet corn on the cob to satisfy hungry shoppers.
Nearly 30 booths have been reserved to date, but the museum will continue to accept vendors until Aug. 8.
Local residents might be motivated to gather up that “stuff” that has been sitting in closets, basements or attics and consider this opportunity to sell on a summer’s day, Bonafini said.
Booth space is 10’ x 10’ for $20. Chairs, tables and personal shade canopies are brought in by the sellers.
In addition to the many community vendors, the Cobblestone Society will sponsor the Holiday Shoppe (with Christmas themed items), white elephant sale (mixed goods) and used books.
“Thanks to the generous community members, we have loads of modestly priced merchandise to sell,” Bonafini said.
Contact museum staff at (585) 589-9013 with inquiries or to reserve a booth.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 August 2023 at 3:14 pm
MEDINA – When Hans and Dan Rosentreter decided to open a coffee shop in Medina, they couldn’t have hoped for a bigger success than their first year in business.
On Tuesday, the couple celebrated their first anniversary in business by cutting a ribbon to launch their second year in the Coffee Pot Cafe. Participating were Dan’s parents Daniel and Charlene Poprawski, Han’s parents Wesley and Dee Rosentreter, Hans’ grandmother Barb Albone, Barry Flansburg on behalf of Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Orleans County Legislature chair Lynne Johnson, legislators Skip Draper and John Fitzak and Shelby town clerk Darlene Rich.
Guests then gathered to enjoy cupcakes and pastries and extend good wishes.
Both Dan and Hans describe themselves as “coffee junkies,” and owning a coffee shop is something Dan dreamed of doing. When he discovered the store at 114 East Center St. was vacant, he knew he had to act.
“We both realized real fast we had to be here,” Hans said. “Dan quit his job in insurance and I quit mine at the Creekside Floral Shop and we became full time here.”
Dan had researched brands of coffee to find the very best coffee they could buy, and settled on Joe Bean Roasters out of Rochester, Dan said.
“This has always been a dream of mine to open a coffee shop,” Dan said.
Hans is a baker, so he makes all the pastries, turnovers and bagels.
(Left) Dan Rosentreter, left, and husband Hans greet customers at the Coffee Pot Café, which celebrated its one-year anniversary on Tuesday. (Right) Hans Rosentreter shows off an antique phone he installed at the Coffee Pot Café as a conversation piece. It was patented in 1901.
They opened on Aug. 1, 2022 and couldn’t be more pleased with the response. Reviews on their website are glowing and customers are at the door when they open at 6 a.m.
“We’ve been busy right from the beginning and it hasn’t slowed down,” Dan said.
Johnson shared her pleasure at seeing a thriving business in her county.
“Medina is the most growing village in Orleans County, and it excites me when a business chooses to open here,” she said. “There is no better place than Orleans County.”
The Coffee Pot Café is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday. They offer a variety of coffee flavors, including seasonal roasts, bubble tea, lemonade and frozen drinks, in addition to pastries, turnovers and bagels. They are expanding their lunch menu, which features chicken salad sandwiches and other choices and plan to add a soup and sandwich special.
“We’ve only gotten busier,” Hans said. “We realized Medina needed a coffee shop that was warm and inviting like your home. We’ve gotten to meet a lot of really nice people.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2023 at 2:26 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer speaks at a news conference in Albion on Tuesday after getting to the site behind schedule.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer was in an apologetic and thankful mood when he reached Albion on Tuesday afternoon.
The senate was in town for a news conference about bipartisan legislation passed in the Senate last week. The FEND Off Fentanyl Act would allow President Biden to place economic sanctions on China and Mexico for contributing to the fentanyl epidemic in the United States, Schumer said.
But Schumer almost didn’t get to the press conference. His plane was set to land at the Genesee County Airport in Batavia. But another plane was stuck on the runway with a flat tire.
Schumer’s pilot looked for another option nearby. Pine Hill Airport in Barre has a paved runway. That proved good enough to land the small propeller plane carrying Schumer.
The situation put Schumer about 45 minutes behind schedule. He apologized to a room of reporters, law enforcement leaders and other local officials who were left patiently waiting.
Schumer said his unplanned landing at Pine Hill was likely the first time a U.S. senator used the airport in rural Barre.
As his press conference wrapped up, Schumer said his team was concerned the runway at Pine Hill might be too short to take off. The other plane at the Batavia airport also had been tended to so Schumer drove to Batavia for his departure.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2023 at 2:12 pm
MEDINA – Hospice of Orleans is looking to top the $8,000 raised from last year’s Toast to Hospice.
The event is set for a 6 p.m. start on Aug. 19 at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. The tickets are $50 and include dinner catered by Zambistro, live entertainment by Shane Gambrill, a Toast to Hospice wine glass and a glass of wine.
Proceeds from the event go directly to patient care at Hospice, said Julia Alt, development director at Hospice.
“Toast to Hospice has been a summer tradition at Hospice and we are so excited to celebrate with everyone,” Alt said. “We are extremely thankful for the many local businesses who are donating gift baskets and gift certificates for our raffle and silent auction.”
Tickets can be purchased in the Admin Building at Hospice of Orleans in Albion as well as the Tasting Room at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road in Medina. Or they can be purchased by calling Hospice at (585) 589-0809 or by online (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2023 at 12:15 pm
ALBION – A Medina man pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree and admitted to taking saw blades and other merchandise from Ace Hardware in Albion that is valued at $1,190.40.
Brett Holt, 32, is a second felony offender and will face 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 25. The charge for a second felony offender carries a 2- to 4-year sentence. With the plea, Holt will get some leniency in the sentencing.
If Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church insists on the 2- to 4-year sentence, Holt can rescind his plea and go to trial.
Holt is currently in Niagara County Jail. He faces other more serious charges in Niagara County after allegedly stealing a car which was recovered in April by the Medina Police Department at Pride Pak in Medina.
In other cases in Orleans County Court today:
• Travis Bloom, 30, of Medina was sentenced to weekends in jail over 364 days for criminal contempt in the first degree. Bloom called a person eight times when he was in the county jail and that person had an order of protection from him.
• Terrance Hare, 55, of Medina was arraigned on felony driving while intoxicated. He was charged on June 9 in Ridgeway.
• Kaila Rivera, 34, of Rochester was arraigned on third-degree and fourth-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing a 2003 pickup truck and construction tools valued at $6,500. She is currently in the Monroe County Jail.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2023 at 11:38 am
Press Release, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
WATERFORD – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its 18th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Images should convey people enjoying activities on the waterway and Canalway Trail or show the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities.
Winning photos will be featured in the 2024 Erie Canalway calendar. Entries must be postmarked by August 25, 2023.
Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions.
Submitted images must be horizontal format and taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities.
Click here to download official contest rules and an entry form.
About the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves New York’s extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2023 at 8:13 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Treyden Rhim of Medina throws a ball at the dunk tank target. Mayor Mike Sidari was sent plunging into the water several times during National Night Out on Tuesday evening outside Clifford Wise Intermediate School on Gwinn Street.
At least 500 people attended the event that allowed residents to connect with law enforcement, other first responders, and community organizations.
The event for the first time included a dunk tank. The lineup of people in the dunk tank included Eli Howard, Fire Chief Matt Jackson, Aidyn Jackson, Police Chief Todd Draper, Pastor Russ Peters, Mayor Mike Sidari, Donnell Holloway, Pastor Jovannie Canales, Heather Jackson, Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers, Villages trustees Jess Marciano and Diana Baker, and Assistant DA Susan Howard.
Corey Frasier of Medina stays close to his daughter, Leona, as she rides around obstacle at the bicycle rodeo set up by the Medina Police Department. The department gave away many bike helmets.
These kids meet The Safety Pup. Medina hosted National Night Out for the second time. The event was initially at Bullard Park in Albion before being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions and concerns.
Nathaniel Staines, an Albion police officer and K-9 handler, and Badger, the APD’s K-9, do a demonstration on Wednesday. Badger is a Belgian Malinois that joined the Albion Police Department in June 2020.
The Medina Police Department’s K-9 team includes Jacob Reeves and Phoenix, a Belgian Malinois.
Both Albion and Medina K-9 units are certified in patrols and narcotics detection.
A law enforcement team competed in the Battle of Belts where the four team members rotate in the four car seats and have to fasten their seatbelts. Pictured include State Trooper Doug Rich, Sheriff’s Deputy James White and Medina police officer Felecia Holtz. Albion police officer Chris Glogowski also was on the team. Todd Draper, Medina police chief, served as the official in back.
The law enforcement team completed the challenge in 1 minute, 14.93 seconds.
Medina firefighter Austin Mosher helps Demetri Gordon hit targets with a water hose in one of the activities at National Night Out.
Paris Gordon, 8, of Medina takes a turn aiming the hose at the targets. Paul Urquhart, a Medina firefighter, is in back.
Emma Slack, 8, throws the ball at the dunk tank bull’s eye. She tried to get Medina Police Chief Todd Draper in the water.
The Medina PD set up the bike rodeo for kids to test their riding skills.
Madaline Bloom, 7, of Albion showed her bike-riding skills on the course.
Scouts and volunteers with Troop 28 in Medina served about 500 hot dogs, chips and bottles of water for free at NNO. Pictured, from front to back, include Brandon Buckner, a Scout; Scoutmaster Tim Miller, and Nate Miller, a Scout. The hot dogs and water were donated by the Albion Walmart.
These members of the National Night Out Committee race to complete the Battle of the Belts. Jovannie Canales is in front with Jacquie Chinn in back. Other team members include Jess Marciano and Diana Baker. They finished in 1:00.25.
A team of Scouts in Troop 28 was the fastest overall in 56.93 seconds.
The Jackson family was the fastest family in 1 minute, 2.87 seconds.
The Orleans County Christian School attended NNO to share about the grades K-12 school. Pictured form left is Jodi Peters, the school’s administrator and principal. Laura Kemler, right, is the school’s art teacher. Peters said there are four students scheduled to graduate in 2024. The school meets at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on Route 63 in Medina.
The school was one of 42 community organization at National Night Out.
Tyler Draper reacts in disbelief after hitting the target to send his father into the dunk tank. Except Tyler’s throw wasn’t quite hard enough. Tyler then ran up and pushed the button.
Medina Police Chief Todd Draper falls into the water after his son pushed the target on the dunk tank.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 August 2023 at 4:47 pm
ALBION – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said a new weapon against “the scourge of fentanyl” is almost ready to be deployed. It just needs final passage from the House of Representatives.
The Senate last week approved the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. It would allow President Biden to place economic sanctions on China and Mexico for contributing to the fentanyl epidemic in the United States, Schumer said as a press conference in Albion today.
“We need to stop the flow of this awful, awful drug,” Schumer said. “We have to protect our country and our kids from these deadly drugs, which are getting deadlier and deadlier.”
In Orleans County there have been 23 fatal drug overdoses since 2019 and Genesee County has 53 fatal opioid overdoses during that time. Of those overdoses, 64 of the 76 or 84 percent involve fentanyl, said Paul Pettit, director of the public health departments in Orleans and Genesee counties.
“Orleans County has seen the devastation that fentanyl can cause,” Schumer said.
He noted that $9 million in illegal drugs have been seized in Orleans County by law enforcement, including 114 fentanyl pills.
Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone said the federal government needs to lead the effort to stop fentanyl from getting into the country.
District Attorney Joe Cardone said law enforcement efforts are not enough to stop fentanyl and illegal drugs. The federal government needs to lead the fight against stopping the problem at the source, before it gets into the U.S., Cardone said.
“This is the worst crisis we have in the country today,” Cardone said.
The country lost 106,000 people to fatal drug overdoses in 2021. Cardone said the drug epidemic is robbing the country of its youth.
“On a local level it’s impossible to defeat this problem,” Cardone said. “We need federal action to stop the flow into our country.”
Schumer said the drug epidemic hits every community in the country. He wants to declare international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency.
“From Buffalo to Rochester to right here in Orleans County, fentanyl continues to take the lives of far too many New Yorkers each and every day,” Schumer said. “We must make getting this deadly drug off of our streets and out of the U.S. a top priority, and the just passed Senate defense bill provides a rare window of opportunity to do just that.”
