By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2023 at 3:12 pm
ALBION – Construction trade students from Iroquois Job Corps Center have recently completed a project at PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion.
The students, all members of the Union Carpentry Training Program, logged 892.5 hours building a structure over the fenced-in runs for the dogs. They will be going back to build simple framing to support a roof, which will be completed by another contractor, according to Mark Bates, Career Technical Training Manager at Iroquois Job Corps.
This will basically be a “lean-to” type of structure connected to the existing building. All materials were provided by PAWS. Based on the weather, Bates estimates it will take approximately two weeks to complete the project.
This structure was built by students in the Union Carpentry Training Program at Iroquois Job Corps Center. Students will be returning to do other projects there.
Bates said he received a call from Donna Vanderlaan at PAWS, a not-for-profit organization, requesting assistance in constructing a structure over the outdoor fenced-in runs.
“The Iroquois construction team is working with PAWS to improve the shelter for the dogs waiting to be adopted,” said Mike Hannon, safety manager at Iroquois Job Corps Center. “It is a tremendous amount of work. The students have done such a nice job. We are all very proud of them for all their efforts to help.”
Robert Trautwein, carpentry instructor, said the PAWS shelter is finding more work for the Job Corps students and he is very pleased about it.
“People at the shelter treated our students wonderfully and they will be happy to return for another project,” Trautwein said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2023 at 2:29 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The driver of a delivery vehicle was taken by Monroe Ambulance this afternoon after her vehicle was knocked on its side in a collision at the intersection of routes 237 and 18.
The delivery van was headed north and failed to yield at stop sign and flashing red light at the intersection, an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy said at the scene.
The delivery van then struck a small bus that was carrying 10 workers. They are installing a new solar project on West Kendall Road. They work for LBFNY Solar which is based in Cato in central New York. None of those workers were injured, the Sheriff’s deputy said.
The accident at 12:20 p.m. kept the intersection closed to traffic for about an hour.
Kendall and Murray firefighters assisted at the scene. Two Sheriff’s deputies, a state trooper and Orleans County Emergency Management Office also responded to the call.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2023 at 12:18 pm
ALBION – The Village of Albion will kick off a new summer concert series this evening at the spot by the Erie Canal. The Albion High School Jazz Band will lead off the concert series and they will perform across from the fire hall on Platt Street.
The concert today is on a Thursday, while the ones following will move to Wednesdays.
The first five concerts will be either by the canal or on Main Street in front of the closed off bridge area. Then the six concerts shift to the amphitheater at Bullard Park beginning July 19.
The concerts at Bullard will have a beer tent and food vendor, said John Grillo, the village’s recreation director.
Anyone interested in being a vendor at the concerts can reach out to the Village Office at (585) 589-9176.
Grillo encouraged the community to attend the concerts, bring their own lawnchair and enjoy the camaraderie with other people.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council approved funding for the concerts.
The shows all start at 6:30, except for the final one on Aug. 30 which begins at 6 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2023 at 8:16 am
Mike Thaine praised for rapport with students, setting high expectations
Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion Central School Superintendent Mickey Edwards presents the district’s “Educator of the Year” award to High School band director Mike Thaine, right, during Wednesday’s night high school instrumental music spring concert.
ALBION – The school district has honored Mike Thaine as Albion’s “Educator of the Year” for the 2022-23 school year.
Thaine was praised for leading the high school band, marching band, jazz band and for conducting the high school pit orchestra for the musical.
“He has incredible rapport with students, in and out of the classroom,” said Jennifer Ashbery, the high school principal.
Her daughters are both in the band program led by Thaine.
Clara Bolton, a senior in the band, was among the nominees for Thaine to receive the award.
“Mr. Thaine is an adult everyone can trust,” she wrote.
He encourages the students to work hard and excel, she said.
The award is typically presented just before the Board of Education meeting in June, when the district also recognizes retiring teachers and other staff. Thaine was unable to attend Monday’s recognition program because he was with students at a New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo competition in Brockport.
Karen Conn, a music teacher in the high school, said Thaine is highly respected by his colleagues.
“He is a calming presence and an excellent confidante,” she said.
Thaine graduated from Albion in 1986. After working at the Prattsburgh school district for eight years, Thaine came back to Albion and was an elementary music teacher from 1998 until moving to the high school in 2006.
He has been part of a music program in Albion that has won national recognition the past 16 years from the NAMM Foundation for “Best Communities for Music Education.”
Thaine told the crowd at Albion that he loves his job, working with 80 students in the high school band program.
“These guys make it so nice to come to work,” Thaine said about the students. “Kids, I love you and I tell you that all the time and I mean it.”
Thaine has worked more than three decades as a music teacher and he said he is enjoying the job now more than ever.
“I’m blessed with the nicest group of kids I’ve ever had,” he said after Wednesday’s concert.
Mike Thaine introduces the next piece of music during Wednesday’s concert. The jazz band and concert band together performed 10 songs during Wednesday’s concert.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2023 at 10:57 pm
Carlton resident plans to run 50 marathons on consecutive days, with 49th in Orleans County
Provided photos: Brett Sobieraski, a Carlton resident, is shown on June 4 entering New York State, the eighth and final state of a 1,247-mile journey on foot. He plans to complete the consecutive day streak of 50 marathons on Sunday, finishing at the Halls of Justice Courtyard in Rochester. He is making the effort to honor Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz who was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022.
BYRON – Brett Sobieraski set a very ambitious goal almost two months ago, when he set out from Florida to run a marathon every day until he made it to Rochester. It would be an 8-state trek, covering 1,247 miles on foot.
Even his closest friends told him to scale back the plan. A 26.2-mile run every day for seven weeks seemed unrealistic, almost certain failure.
But Sobieraski,a resident of Carlton in Orleans County, has pushed through pain before in an endurance challenge. He ran 175 miles along the Erie Canal to raise money for the Special Olympics. He has completed the 135-mile Badwater in California’s Death Valley, and swam 32 miles across Lake Ontario.
His new challenge would honor the memory of Rochester police officer Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz. He was killed in the line of duty on July 21, 2022.
Sobieraski felt Maz didn’t get his due after his death, and that the media was too quick to move on. Maz was barely in a one-day news cycle, in Sobieraski’s view.
He wanted Maz to be remembered and his family to be feel emotional support from the community.
“This has never been about the running,” Sobieraski said in an interview today. “It’s just honoring a fallen hero. This is about spreading awareness of Tony, and hopefully bringing some emotional support for his family.”
Mazurkiewicz was shot in the upper body on Bauman Street. He worked in RPD’s Tactical Unit 8. He would investigate many of the city’s toughest cases. Sobieraski said Maz was deeply respected in the RPD.
Tony Mazurkiewicz
Mazurkiewicz is survived by his wife of 28 years, Lynne; four grown children and three grandchildren.
“He was a fixture at the RPD,” Sobieraski said. “He was a great street cop.”
Sobieraski is very close to meeting his goal of 48 marathons in a row. Sobieraski finished his 46th straight marathon today. He began in Wyoming County near Attica and spent most of the run in Genesee County, passing through Batavia and ending at Byron.
Tomorrow (Thursday) he starts on Clinton Street Road and heads to Bergen, and then into Churchville in Monroe County, ending on Scottsville Road in Rochester, at the Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility.
Sobieraski could be done the next day, but he set a completion date for Sunday. He allowed two days of rest as part of the 50 days, in case his body or his RV broke down. Both are still in good shape. (Sobieraski ran his fastest marathon today in 3 hours, 52 minutes. He has been getting faster on the latter half of the journey, consistently around 4 hours despite some pain in the knees, hips and shins.)
So Sobieraski’s 48-marathon challenge is turning into a 50-marathon challenge and one of the extra days will be Saturday in Orleans County.
He is planning to run from his Carlton home to Albion so he can be part of the Strawberry Festival 5K race. After that he will run back home. He has finished the Albion race several times before, even dressing in a strawberry costume for the June 12, 2021 event.
“The Strawberry Festival is such a great race,” Sobieraski said. “I love the feel of the race. It’s near and dear to my heart, and I want to do it because it’s in Orleans County.”
His other “extra” marathon is planned for Friday in Webster with 26 laps around a 1-mile track.
Brett Sobieraski wears a shirt honoring Anthony “Maz” Mazurkiewicz at the start of a marathon on June 3, beginning in Custer City, Pa.
Sunday will be a big day. More than 700 people have signed up to run the last stretch of the marathon with Sobieraski. A big crowd will join him for the last 3 miles from Genesee Valley Park to Halls of Justice Courtyard in Rochester. (Click here for more information about the last 3 miles of the journey.)
Sobieraski said he has been encouraged by people all along the journey through eight states – Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York.
He is often greeted by police officers when he enters a new state. There were 24 waiting for him when he crossed into New York State.
Many people have struck up conversations and donated to the Mazurkiewicz family. Sobieraski is trying to raise $100,000 for the family and is currently at about $75,000.
He said in many ways the journey has become “a humanity tour.” Many people of humble means have surprised him with their donations and kind words.
Sobieraski often carries an American flag on the marathon runs. He said he feels the love from so many people. But he believes those strong emotions are ultimately directed to Mazurkiewicz, who died trying to protect a city he was devoted to serving.
“I’m just a conduit,” Sobieraski said. “These people are out there for Tony Mazurkiewicz.”
Lynn Mazurkiewicz, Tony’s wife, posted this message on Facebook today: “I have to say… every step Brett Sobieraski has taken I have been in awe… and just told him again today how thankful I am that he is showing us all Tony’s memory lives on.
“While I know Tony is shaking his head and declaring Brett crazy – he would be absolutely humbled and thankful just as my children and I are – we love you Brett!”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The New York State Department of Health recommends that with the reduced air quality, everyone should limit their outdoor activities to reduce exposure.
Masks will be available to the public at the following locations in Genesee and Orleans counties on Thursday, June 8, during normal business hours until 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 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Emergency Management Office, 7690 State Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Old Courthouse, 7 Main 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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2023 at 4:33 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – Albion firefighters Paul Urquhart, right, and Vincent Tarricone were among the first to respond and get water on a brush fire that spread to the tree line at a farm on Gaines Road (Route 279).
Firefighters were dispatched to 2887 Gaines Rd. at 2:37 p.m. Jim Kirby, a fruit and grain farmer, was burning brush and the fire spread into trees. It appeared about 50 trees were scorched from the flames.
The NYS burn ban ended on May 14.
Albion was first to the scene, followed by Carlton with assistance from firefighters from Barre, Ridgeway and Kendall.
Matt Francis of Albion works on stopping the flames from spreading on the south end of the fire.
Several fire departments used deck guns to shoot water at the trees.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
KNOWLESVILLE – The Air Quality Index for Orleans County is now listed as “Very Unhealthy.” At this level, everyone may experience more serious health issues when they are outside.
Conditions may continue to deteriorate before they improve, so the Orleans County Health Department has cancelled the Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic that was going to be held this evening from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.
The anti-rabies clinic will be rescheduled as soon as possible and a press release will be issued.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2023 at 1:11 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The First Baptist Church in Holley was nominated for the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame in 2018. The church is shown in March.
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, seeking to recognize prominent buildings made of Medina Sandstone that are well-maintained and architecturally significant.
Since the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame was created in 2013, the society has inducted churches, public structures, private buildings and other civic sites, such as the Civil War Memorial at Mount Albion Cemetery. There have now been 35 inductees.
The inductees last year included the Erie Canal Culvert in the Town of Ridgeway, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion (including the parish’s lyceum and cemetery chapel), and the Ryan Quarry home owned by Robert and Maureen Christian on South Holley Road in Clarendon.
This year’s class could include nominations from previous years not already selected, and any new nominations received by June 30.
Criteria for consideration shall include age, beauty, longevity, structural soundness, and architectural uniqueness. If possible nomination information should have full background and documentation, and, at the very least, should give a name and phone number to be contacted for further information or a website.
Congressman Joe Morelle announced he is introducing legislation to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to New York’s agricultural economy.
“The Finger Lakes region is famous for our production of apples and wine grapes, which fuel both our economy and tourism sectors. But these crops—and the livelihoods of farmers who produce them—are being threatened by the invasive spotted lanternfly,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Without action, these insects will devastate our region’s agricultural economy. I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to invest in critical mitigation efforts and stop this destruction before it is too late.”
Morelle has authored and will soon be introducing the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which designates the spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species so we can find creative solutions to stop the spread before New York’s cash crops are further decimated. This is the latest in a series of actions Morelle has taken to combat the spread of the spotted lanternfly, including securing $4 million for eradication efforts through the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021.
“I’m grateful for Congressman Morelle’s leadership on this critical legislation,” said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “As New York’s Land-Grant institution, we’re committed to developing science-based solutions to manage invasive species like SLF, posing wide-ranging threats to our agricultural and residential communities alike. I applaud this effort to help our research and extension efforts scale to meet the growing need.”
“The spotted lanternfly poses great risk to New York’s vineyards, fruit orchards, hops production and forestry as the invasive species moves north through the state,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President. “Research and education will be the best options to mitigate the spread and diminish its impacts. New York Farm Bureau thanks Rep. Morelle for prioritizing funding in the next Farm Bill through the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act that will expedite grants to learn more about combatting the pest.”
“As the spotted lanternfly increases its range, we are seeing greater impacts caused by this new invasive species,” said Brian Eshenaur, Invasive Species and Spotted Lanternfly outreach Specialist with Cornell’s Integrated Pest Management Program. “Since the effects on Agriculture were unknown before it arrived in the US, research is vital at this time to help producers mitigate damage. We’re grateful that Congressman Morelle recognizes the threat and is introducing this important new legislation.”
How you can help stop the spread:
Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly.
Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.
If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.
Report sightings by completing this form (click here).
If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it.
Morelle said he is also fighting to provide relief for farmers whose crop has been impacted by frost and severe weather by urging USDA to prepare for a disaster declaration and make funds available for growers who suffer extensive damage.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2023 at 9:32 am
ALBION – A new fundraiser for three local service clubs also will test the skills of players in a range of backyard games and arcade challenges.
The 1st annual Rotary Tailgate Scramble is scheduled for June 17 at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 Platt St. Teams of four will compete in seven games – cornhole, Big Cup Hunter, ladder golf, washer toss, Skee-Ball, darts and fowling.
There is room for up to 100 teams at $60 for each foursome. The scoring system will rank the teams on how they do in each event, and the team with the cumulative best score will win a $500 grand prize. There will also be awards for best team costume and funniest costume.
Ladder golf, left, and Skee-Ball are among the games in the Tailgate Scramble.
Peter Bartula of the Medina Rotary has been the driving force behind the competition. He plays in the Wednesday evening cornhole league at Dubby’s. He saw the other games offered at the site, and wanted to try a tournament that would connect the three Rotary clubs in the county.
“It’s a great venue here with great food,” Bartula said at Dubby’s. “So many people play these games while they are camping or picnicking.”
Peter Bartula winds up to throw a football at a set of bowling pins. Fowling is one of the games in the scramble.
Bartula said while most of the games are familiar, most people may not have tried fowling. That’s where the players throw a football at bowling pins. They get five tries to knock them all down.
For scoring with this game, the point total is how many pins knocked down the first throw multiplied by 5, then how many on then second throw multiplied by 4, working down to the fifth throw where it’s how many pins knocked down multiplied by 1.
Bartula credited Dubby’s owner Brian Alexander for being a wizard in planning the Dubby’s layout and coming up with a scoring system for the tournament.
The teams will be staggered at about 25 per hour. The tournament runs from 1 to 5 p.m. if there are a full 100 teams.
Players will throw darts and compete in the Washer Toss.
Teams can begin practicing at noon that day. Dubby’s also is letting teams that are preregistered to stop by the site days ahead of time to try the different games and practice for free as long as they show their registration confirmation. Dubby’s is open Wednesday through Saturday.
During the event, players will get warmup tosses or shots, and then they each get five to eight tries each, depending on the event. The scores are tallied and the teams ranked from top to bottom for each event. The cumulative scores for all seven events will determine the overall ranking.
Bartula encouraged people to give the games a try and enjoy an afternoon of fun. Dubby’s will have food and beverages available.
For more information about registering, click here.
These teams practice before cornhole last week at Dubby’s, which hosts a Wednesday evening tournament. The scramble will include cornhole.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 June 2023 at 8:25 am
ALBION – Thirty-five local senior girls will be looking like queens for their proms, without breaking their budgets, thanks to the efforts of Cassie Eagle, manager of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store.
In late winter, Eagle got the idea to offer free prom dresses to local girls who might not be able to afford one. The store had received an entire shipment of assorted styles and sizes of dresses last summer, and Eagle offered them to seniors who needed them.
Employees of Community Action’s Facilities Department load prom dresses to take to the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, where 13 girls chose a free gown.
The community stepped in to help, with volunteers offering to do makeup and hair, hair stylists offering their services, Orleans-Niagara BOCES cosmetology students coming in to do makeup and the MAAC Thrift Shop in Medina donating makeup and hair products.
In all, 35 girls received free prom dresses, including 13 students at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia. Community Action’s executive assistant Melinda Daniels arranged to have the facilities employees load the gowns in a truck and take them to the School for the Blind on May 23. This is the first time Community Action has taken their services to the client, said Katrina Chaffee, director of community services and reporting.
Three more events took place prior to prom night – two at the Main Street store and a joint event at Albion High School where Orleans-Niagara BOCES cosmetology students demonstrated makeup tips. The Albion prom will be celebrated this Friday at Hickory Ridge in Murray.
Community Action hopes to make the prom dress giveaway an annual event, Chaffee said. They are in the process of creating a room at their store to house the dresses year-round. This will allow someone in need of a formal dress to purchase one for $30. The Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store will continue to accept donations of dresses, suits, makeup and hair products throughout the year.
Special thanks is given to Julia Alt, Rose Freidl, Kristin Grose, Katie Oakes and Girl Scout Kinzie Rickner for volunteering at the store events. Appreciation is also expressed for the MAAC Thrift Store for their huge donations of hair products and makeup.
MIDDLEPORT – Movie nights for residents of Absolut Care of Gasport, an 83-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, will now be more enjoyable, as FMC’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport recently donated a brand new popcorn machine to the facility.
Pictured with a newly donated popcorn machine include from left: Joshua Walker, FMC Maintenance and Site Services Manager; Katie McFadden, FMC Plant Manager; Joyce Kinney, Absolut Care resident; Kevin Kennedy, Absolut Care Administrator; Doreen Cruz, Absolut Care resident; Destiny Fry, Absolut Care Activity Aide; and Victoria Kazmierczak, FMC Lab Analyst and Chief Union Steward for Local 1180 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
The New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC) has issued an air quality health advisory for Wednesday for Genesee and Orleans counties due to fine particulate matter. According to the Air Quality Index, the outdoor air quality for both counties may be near 123. The higher the air quality index value is, the greater the health concern.
The New York State Department of Health recommends that when air quality conditions are elevated, individuals should limit their time outdoors and avoid outdoor strenuous physical activity to reduce adverse health effects. Children, older adults and people with respiratory health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and asthma should especially be careful while the air quality conditions are elevated.
Individuals may want to keep their windows and doors closed to limit the amount of outside air entering their home. Anyone with symptoms or related health concerns, may want to contact their healthcare provider.
To monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website (click here). Residents can also call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345 for more information.
