By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2023 at 12:36 pm
Joe and Debbie Martillotta treat club to pasta and meatballs at former ‘Lions Jungle’
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Dr. Satya “Kash” Sahukar, left, is pictured with Joe and Debbie Martillotta at their home, the Greystone Manor, at 250 North Main St. The Martillottas served pasta and meatballs to the Albion Lions Club at the house on Tuesday evening.
This was the club’s first time at the site for a meeting since the mid-1970s. The building from the 1860s was purchased by the Lions Club in 1945. The Martillottas bought it in 2003.
“It is completely different,” Sahukar said. “It’s like a governor’s mansion. They have done a beautiful job.”
Sahukar is the last of the Lions who was a member when the club owned 250 North Main St. It was then known as “The Lions Jungle.” It was used for weekly Tuesday gatherings, with spaghetti and meatballs served.
The Lions Club also made the site available for many community functions and was used by senior citizens, school events and chicken barbecues. The Lions also were well known for decorating the site as a haunted house for Halloween.
About 30 people enjoyed a meal and conversation inside the Martillotta home on Tuesday evening.
Joe Martillotta grew up next door. His father, Mimi Martillotta, was a longtime Lion “who never missed a meeting,” Joe said.
Joe and Debbie have the 6,248-square-foot house up for sale. They wanted to host the Lions for a dinner before it’s sold.
Sahukar said the club appreciated the gesture by the Martillottas in hosting the meal. He praised them for their extensive renovations in bringing the house back into a single-family residence. When they bought it 20 years ago, the home had been divided into four apartments.
When the Lions Club owned it, they had two upper apartments in the house, and used the first floor for a meeting hall with a large kitchen.
The Lions Club sold the house because it was too costly and too time-consuming for the club to maintain, Sahukar said.
The Martillottas have ornamental lion figurines near the front entrance as a tribute to the site’s connection to the Lions Club. The couple gradually brought it back to a single-family residence.
Dennis Smith is another long-time Lions Club member. He joined not long after the club sold “The Lions Jungle.”
“It is very nice to see it modernized,” Smith said.
The Lions Club now meets the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge on Platt Street.
The Lions Club on Tuesday also recognized two longtime volunteers: Sue Prince, left, and her sister Phyllis Wright.
Mrs. Wright is the wife of Lions Club member Lloyd Wright. She often helps the club at their events, whether selling tickets or cooking food.
“It’s whatever they need,” she said.
Wright talked her sister into helping the club at the events.
“I enjoy it,” Prince said. “We get to spend time together.”
They were presented certificates of appreciation by Club President Ron Albertson.
The Rev. Wilfred Moss, left, also was recognized for 25 years of service to the club. He is shown with President Ron Albertson.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
(Editor’s Note: The air quality in Orleans County today is in the unhealthy range due to wildfire smoke from Canada.)
The New York State Department of Health recommends that with the reduced air quality, everyone should limit his or her outdoor activities to reduce exposure. Masks will be available to the public at the following locations in Genesee and Orleans counties during normal business hours while supplies last.
Orleans County, business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Orleans County Administration Building, 14016 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411
Genesee County- Business Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Emergency Management Office, 7690 State Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
County Building 2, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Old Courthouse, 7 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020
Office for the Aging, 2 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020
The New York State Department of Health provides the following tips to stay safe:
Limit time outdoors
Keep windows and doors closed
Avoid strenuous activities outdoors, especially for those with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory health issues
Avoid prolonged exposure outdoors, especially for those with health vulnerabilities, such as cardiovascular disease or lung disease, and those who are pregnant
For those that must be outside for a prolonged period of time, wear a tight fitting mask
Exposure to the reduced air quality can pose negative health risks, including:
Irritation to eyes, nose or throat
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Shortness of breath
Individuals with symptoms or related health concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
To monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website (click here).
To monitor the current Air Quality for your area, visit the EPA AirNow website (click here).
To access the Fire and Smoke Map, visit the AirNow website (click here).
For more information, residents can call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
Provided photos: Anthony Cercone (Lockport) celebrates receiving his gold medal in the CNC 3-Axis Milling Competition.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – SkillsUSA students from Orleans/Niagara BOCES brought home five medals from the National SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championship in Atlanta, Georgia!
The career competition events showcased the most accomplished career and technical education students in the nation. Students advanced through competitions at the local and state levels with state winners going on the national stage. The winners were announced Friday.
Congratulations go to:
• Gold medalist: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering program’s Anthony Cercone (Lockport/Orleans Career and Technical Education Center) in the CNC 3-Axis Milling Competition. His teacher is Bill Rakonczay.
Lydia Samson
• Silver medalist: Health Occupations Technician program’s Lydia Samson (Barker/Orleans Career and Technical Education Center) who brought home silver in the Basic Health Care Competition. Her teacher is Courtney Slack.
• Silver medalist: Electricity/Electronics program’s Zachary Luick (Lockport/Orleans Career and Technical Education Center) in the Electronic Technology Competition. His teacher is Bill Leggett.
• Silver medalist: Project Based Engineering program’s Robert Dutton (Lewiston-Porter/Niagara Career and Technical Education Center), Jarod Gajewski (Wilson/Niagara Career and Technical Education Center) and Brian Zatkos (Niagara Wheatfield/Niagara Career and Technical Education Center) in Engineering Technology Design Team Competition. Their teacher is Scott Brauer.
Nathaniel Wolf
• Bronze medalist: Computer Technology program’s Nathaniel Wolf (Royalton-Hartland/Orleans Career and Technology Center) in the Internet of Things Competition. His teacher is Paul Herrmann.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of these students and the instructional staff who have worked with them,” said Dr. Michael Weyrauch, director of Adult Education, CTE & Instructional Services at O/N BOCES. “To be given an opportunity to showcase one’s passion and determination in a career field of their choosing is what Career & Technical Education (CTE) is all about. O/N BOCES is pleased to have been a part of these students’ amazing journey and wish them the very best with what’s next in their futures. Congratulations to all!”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2023 at 9:20 am
Mike Mele
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday appointed Mike Mele to succeed Kathy Case as an elections commissioner, representing the Republican Party.
Case is retiring on July 8. Mele in August 2021 retired as undersheriff in the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. He worked 22 years in law enforcement.
He also is a member of the Murray Town Board, and vice chairman of the Orleans County Republican Party.
The salary for the part-time position is $21,664 in 2023 and $22,097 in 2024.
Case served in the position for about seven years. That included the advent of early voting for primaries and the general election, and the challenges of the 2021 election season, when the board of elections had to mail out 24,000 ballots to registered voters in the county.
“She has been a great employee who has given the county many years of service,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2023 at 8:54 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: During the Orleans County Legislature meeting on Tuesday, Sarah Osborne was introduced as the county’s new probation director.
ALBION – Sarah Osborne, a supervisor in the Orleans County Probation Department, has been named the department’s new director. She will succeed Luci Taylor-Welch who is retiring on July 10 after 33 years with the department.
Osborne has worked with probation the past decade. She started as a probation officer and for nine years supervised sex offenders. The past year she has been a supervisor for probation.
Lynne Johnson, the Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, on Tuesday welcomed Osborne to the county’s team of department heads. Osborne’s appointment was approved by the Legislature on Tuesday.
Johnson commended Taylor-Welch for her career in probation.
“She has been an incredible asset to Orleans County,” Johnson said.
Osborne said Taylor-Welch has been a strong leader for probation, which currently includes the director, a supervisor and six probation officers.
“She has a passion for community supervision,” Osborne said. “Probation is an alternative to incarceration. It’s necessary in a community for growth and as an opportunity for rehabilitation of offenders.”
The Orleans County Legislature also issued a proclamation on Tuesday recognizing July 16-22 as “National Pre-trial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.”
Legislators said community corrections is an essential part of the justice system.
“Community corrections professionals are responsible for supervising adult and juvenile offenders in the community,” the proclamation states. “Community corrections professionals are trained professionals who provide services and referrals for offenders.”
Those working in probation often connect those on probation to other services in the community. Those workers also provide services, support and protection for victims of crimes, and advocate for restorative justice, legislators said.
Pictured at the Legislature meeting on Tuesday includes, from left: Officer Matthew Quider, Officer Katie Vick, Senior Officer Casey Gearing, Officer Karen Krug, Probation Assistant Michelle Coots, Officer Christian Burns and Supervisor Sarah Osborne.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2023 at 10:20 pm
Pogue fends off challenger in Barre; Root wins in Shelby
Republicans voted in primaries in four Orleans County towns today, as well as nine previous days of early voting.
In Barre, Sean Pogue was victorious over challenger Scott Burnside for town supervisor, 165-115.
Dale Brooks also fended off a challenge from Bert Mathes for highway superintendent, 157-120.
In Kendall, long-time highway superintendent Warren Kruger lost to Eric Maxon, a motor equipment operator for the town, 142-117.
In Murray, incumbent Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio lost the primary to Gerry Rightmyer, 350-237.
Incumbent Town Board members, Lloyd Christ and Randy Bower, also topped challenger Eric Collyer. Bower received 319 votes, and Christ 314, to Collyer’s 274.
In Shelby, three candidates sought two positions on the Town Board. Linda Limina received 322 votes and Jeff Schiffer received 238. They were victorious over Justin Gray, 202 votes.
In the race for Shelby highway superintendent, incumbent Dale Root won with 265 votes over William Wolter with 169.
Some of the candidates in the primary secured other lines for the November general election. Sidonio has the Conservative line and Rightmyer has the independent “Community Party” line.
Burnside will be back in November under the Conservative Party. Pogue, and Town Board candidates Margaret Swan and Kirk Mathes are running under the independent “Future for Barre” line while current Councilwoman Kerri Richardson is under the Conservative line. Brooks also will be running in Barre under the “Working for a Better Barre” party.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2023 at 3:54 pm
HOLLEY – Three people were elected to Holley Village Board during the village election on June 20, including incumbents Rochelle Moroz with 74 votes and James DeFilipps with 78. They both were elected to two-year terms.
Voters also elected Jessica MacClaren to a one-year term. She received 36 write-in votes. No one submitted a petition to the village office to run for the one-year term which left it to the top write-in candidate. MacClaren will fill the remaining year for a trustee position vacated by Connie Nenni.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2023 at 1:08 pm
LYNDONVILLE – The school district celebrated the Class of 2023 during commencement on Friday evening at the school’s Stroyan Auditorium.
There are 42 members in this year’s class, including Shelby Boring, Mackenzie Boyle, Tessa Davis, Lorelei Dillenbeck, Samuel Doolan, Josie Dusett, Harley Edkin, Alex Farrell, Camryn Fischer, Annabelle Follman, Christian Garver, Elizabeth Giarla, Rubie Godfrey, Payton Grabowski, Meagan Hardner, Allan Heideman, Nikki Holmes, Madison Kain, Brianna Krisher, Ian Mank, Owen Mank, Shaeleigh Miller, Matthew Miner, Christopher Mondoux, Trenton Muck, Mason Nicholson, Sheelah Pickle, Kylie Reisman, Mallory Robertson, MacKenzie Rutherford, Tyler Schnepf, Haley Shaffer, Parker Silversmith, Peyton Silversmith, Joshua Slingerland, Brianna Smith, Calista Stinson, Chyenne Tackley III, Kevin Travis, Dominic Twiss, Jacob Wilson and Mariah Wittkop.
Photos courtesy of Amanda Dedie on behalf of Lyndonville Central School: The class is shown on stage during commencement on Friday.
Valedictorian Lorelei Dillenbeck, left, and salutatorian Meagan Harder both addressed their classmates.
Chyenne Tackley is presented his diploma by Sharon Smith, the district superintendent.
Brianna Krisher receives a $4,000 Frank B. Housel Jr. Scholarship from David Cook, representing the Lyndonville Area Foundation. The Foundation presented $47,000 in scholarships on Friday.
The Lyndonville Area Foundation scholarship winners include:
Mabel I. Stroyan Memorial Scholarship ($5,000) to Lorelei Dillenbeck
Josie P. Gracey Scholarship ($5,000) to Parker Silversmith
Frank B. Housel, Jr. Scholarship (3 for $4,000 each) to Annabelle Follman, Haley Shaffer and Brianna Krisher
Foundation Directors’ Scholarship ($5,000) to Chyenne Tackley III
The Skinner-Wilson Scholarship ($5,000) to Meagan Hardner
Foundations Choice Scholarship (2 for $2,500 each) to Calista Stinson and Samuel Doolan
Trevor Cook Memorial Scholarship (4 for $2,500 each) to Annabelle Follman, Josie Dusett, Payton Grabowski and Trenton Muck
Tyler Schnepf and Mackenzie Boyle decorated their graduation caps with dinosaurs.
Kristin Nicholson, a member of the Board of Education, hugs her son Mason after presenting him with his diploma. Ted Lewis, the board president, is in back to the right of Nicholson.
Seniors in the chorus sing, “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars.
The seniors move the tassels on their caps to signify their graduation from Lyndonville.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to swiftly approve any New York Disaster Declarations in response to the May 18 frost that caused significant damage and loss to crops across large portions of New York’s Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions.
Additional co-signers of the letter include Reps Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Marcus Molinaro (NY-19), and Brandon Williams (NY-22).
On May 18, a late-season frost swept through much of Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley, inflicting substantial damage on various agricultural products. The unseasonably warm April caused grape vines and stone fruit trees to exit their winter dormancy early, making them exceptionally vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
While the full extent of damage to the apple and stone fruit crop is still unknown, in some parts of the Finger Lakes region, vineyards are estimated to have incurred losses of up to 90% of their crops, potentially requiring the replacement of damaged vines. An especially hard-hit area is the region around Keuka Lake and southern Seneca Lake, where there have been reports that many grape growers have seen a 50-90% loss of their vines. The New York State Department of Agriculture expects to gain a clearer assessment later this summer.
“This recent frost event is one of the most severe experienced in our community in decades, making it imperative our growers receive the aid they need,” Tenney said. “Our growers play a vital role in our region’s agricultural sector and are integral to our local economy. New York’s 24th District is home to the Finger Lakes region, the heart of New York’s wine industry, which was significantly impacted by this frost. I urge the USDA to promptly prepare for and respond to any disaster declaration requested by New York in order to facilitate the speedy recovery of impacted farmers and communities affected by this devastating event.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2023 at 9:28 am
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will be getting a new ladder fire truck, but it might be another 2 ½ years before the truck is in service.
The Village Board voted on Monday evening to accept the bid for $1,698,995 from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc. to build the new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder.
The truck will replace a 27-year-old ladder truck with a 75-foot ladder. The new truck will have a 300-gallon tank, which is less than the 400 gallons on the current truck. That will make more space on the truck for cabinets and also for the longer ladder.
The current truck from 1996 has “continuous mechanical problems” and is sometimes out of service or unreliable, said Fire Chief Matt Jackson.
He said the lead time for receiving the new truck is about 27 to 30 months. The new truck could be ready around Christmas 2025, he told the Village Board.
The bid is about $100,000 less than the $1.8 million estimate. The board in April authorized a bond resolution for up to $1,990,000 towards the cost of a new ladder truck.
Medina officials will be pursuing grants and low-interest financing that should result in a smaller bond.
The new ladder truck is too big to fit in the current fire hall. The Village Board is planning for an addition on the fire hall to accommodate the larger truck.
The Barton & Loguidice firm has proposed an addition to the fire hall that would be approximately 62 feet, 8 inches by 88 feet, 8 inches. That expansion, plus repairs to the existing fire hall, would be about $4.5 million, according to a report from the Barton & Loguidice.
ALBION – The Board of Directors of Hospice of Orleans is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Anne Fischer, RN, to the Board of Directors.
Fischer served as Executive Director of the organization from 1992 to 2016. Her leadership and vision made the Martin Linsin Residence a reality, which continues to provide comfort and care to patients and their loved ones in a dedicated residential setting.
A long-time resident of Albion, Fischer resides with her husband, Michael. Her passion for hospice, organizational knowledge and commitment to her community will add exceptional value and a unique skillset to the Board of Directors and organization.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2023 at 7:31 am
Republicans will vote for candidates in Barre, Kendall, Murray and Shelby
Republicans in four towns can vote today in a town primary from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In Barre, there are two candidates for town supervisor: incumbent Sean Pogue and Scott Burnside, and two candidates for highway superintendent, incumbent Dale Brooks and Bert Mathes. Voting is at the Barre Town Hall, 14317 W Barre Rd.
In Kendall, Warren Kruger, the incumbent highway superintendent, is challenged by Eric Maxon. Voting is at the Kendall Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
In Murray, there are two candidates for town supervisor: incumbent Joe Sidonio and Town Board member Gerald Rightmyer. There are three candidates for two positions as town councilmen, with Eric Collyer on the ballot with incumbents Lloyd Christ Jr. and Randall Bower. Voting is at the Murray Town Hall, 3840 Fancher Rd.
In Shelby, three candidates are running for the Town Board, including Justin Gray, Linda Limina and incumbent Jeff Schiffer. Two candidates are running for highway superintendent, William Wolter and incumbent Dale Root. Voting is at the Shelby Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
There have already been 143 votes cast today through nine days of early voting from June 17 to June 25. That represents 3.1 percent of the 4,446 registered Republicans in the four towns. Barre has 711, Kendall 902, Murray 1,464 and Shelby has 1,369 registered Republicans, according to the Board of Elections in Orleans County.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2023 at 10:16 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Police Chief Todd Draper, left, administers the oath of office to four new members of the Medina Police Department. The officers taking the oath, include from left: Miles Erickson, Brandon Clouser, Felicia Holtz and Kyle Daly.
The four officers are currently in the police academy. Erickson, Clouser and Holtz are in the academy in Niagara County and will graduate in August while Daly is in Monroe County’s academy and is scheduled to graduate in October.
The officers also have to do three to four months of field training with a Medina police officer.
As part of the oath, the officers promised to support and uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of New York.
“I pledge to promote and protect the mission, goals and policies of the Medina Police Department, through integrity, loyalty and respect,” the officers said in the oath. “I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and trust. I will at all times, through my words and actions, work to build and maintain that trust.”
Chief Todd Draper congratulates Kyle Daly and gives him a pin for the Medina Police Department.
Draper said it’s unusual to have four new officers in the academy and joining the department at about the same time.
“We look forward to getting the new hires on the road,” Draper said.
