Susan Howard appeared before me when I was Orleans County Court Judge hundreds of times over the course of two of my three decades on the bench. She was one of the most active attorneys in Orleans County.
She was consistently well prepared and professional. She handled a wide variety of cases, but her career has been mostly devoted to criminal prosecution. As first assistant to District Attorney Joseph Cardone, she handled felonies, taking them to trial whenever justice demanded. She is a fine trial attorney. Her work ethic, intelligence and knowledge of the law were always evident.
Susan has a polite and kind demeanor, but she has demonstrated great toughness when it was called for. She has dealt with some dangerous characters boldly and without fear. Is I see it, this combination is the best of all worlds.
I served as Orleans County District Attorney and I know what is required to do the job. Susan has what it takes, and I am confident that she will make a fine District Attorney. I am happy to endorse her candidacy without reservation.
She is motivated by her desire to contribute to the county she has called home her entire life. She will not let you down.
Provided photo: Gary and Doreen Wilson of Albion expect to bring this MGTD 1952 replica to the car show at the Cobblestone Museum during the Solar Eclipse weekend in April.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 January 2024 at 8:53 am
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum is ramping up activities in preparation for the much-anticipated total solar eclipse on April 8.
Orleans County is in the direct path of this historic event and a big influx of visitors is expected to the region, assistant director Sue Bonafini reported in the winter edition of the “Cobblestoner.”
“The Cobblestone Museum is hopeful that members of the Cobblestone Society, friends of the Museum and visitors from near and far will join us for some planned events between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. until the ‘main event’ concludes Monday afternoon (April 8),” Bonafini said.
The Cobblestone’s “SOLAR” weekend is an acronym of what is expected on that historic weekend, Bonafini explained.
“S” is for shopping. The Museum Gift Shop, Holiday Shoppe and used books building will be open for browsing and making purchases.
“O” is for the Olde Tyme photo opportunity that will be available, with accessories of bygone eras provided for guests to put on and create a souvenir photo. Children can also visit the “Cobbles the Mouse” photo booth.
“L” is for learning. The Cobblestone’s docents will tell the history of select campus buildings, where storytellers will share historical accounts from the past. Exhibit rooms will also be open, where guests can learn about the 19th century coverlets of Orleans County and the Victorian Mourning Art and Sundries exhibit on display. Blacksmithing demonstrations will take place at designated times in the Vagg Blacksmithing Shop.
“A” is for an auto show that will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternoon (weather permitting), featuring a variety of classic, antique and sports cars parked on the grounds, where visitors can see them up close and talk to their owners.
“R” is for the refreshments which will be sold on Monday, Solar Eclipse Day. Pizza will be sold by the slice, while popcorn, cobblestone candy and beverages will be sold individually or as part of the special SOLAR admission package rate of $25 per person.
Regular admission is $9 for adults and $6 for teens and students with a valid college ID. Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.
In addition to the special SOLAR weekend, the Cobblestone Museum is urging people to register for their February virtual lecture event, in which speaker Debra Ross will address the solar eclipse. This is scheduled at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Ross is chair of Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force and co-chair of the AAS National Solar Eclipse Task Force.
Having witnessed the 2017 Great American Eclipse in Missouri, and understanding the implications for the Rochester area, Ross started the Rochester Eclipse Task Force, which now has more than 750 members in the area.
Ross will discuss what is going to happen in our area on April 8, what makes it such a transformational experience, how to experience the eclipse safely and who everyone should prepare to craft their own eclipse story by making the most of this moment in their own personal history and in Western New York history.
“Life is about writing your own story and you want this to be a chapter that you look back on and talk about for the rest of your life,” Ross said.
MEDINA – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced on Monday that Niagara County has been added to the Iroquois Job Corps Center’s recruiting zone, a major win for the Medina center, located within NY-24.
Tenney has been a champion of the Job Corps program and the Iroquois Job Corps Center and relentlessly fought to restore full funding to the program as part of the FY24 appropriations cycle. In June, Congresswoman Tenney spoke with officials from the Department of Labor, urging them to move Niagara County into the Iroquois Job Corps Center’s recruiting zone, and just last month, Tenney was recognized as a Job Corps Champion by the National Job Corps Association.
“I am thrilled that after tirelessly advocating for its inclusion, Niagara County was added to the Iroquois Job Corps Center’s recruiting zone,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This will allow the Iroquois Job Corps Center to help Niagara County students learn critical trades, such as bricklaying, carpentry, and electrical work. I will continue fighting for the Job Corps program and oppose efforts to eliminate their funding. The Job Corps program has helped countless individuals in NY-24 and the nation live fruitful and productive lives through skills and trades. I am grateful to have a Job Corps Center in our district and thank all the wonderful staff at the Iroquois Job Corps Center for their tremendous work.”
“The Iroquois Job Corps Center fully supports this updated and additional Niagara area in western New York for the Center to directly recruit and enroll students from, and to forge expanded partnerships with secondary and post-secondary providers as well as employer partnerships,” said Dennis Essom, Center Director, Iroquois Job Corps Center. “The Iroquois Center appreciates both the National and Boston Regional Offices of Job Corps for revising the National Enrollee Assignment Plan to include this expanded recruitment zone for the Iroquois Center.”
“The National Job Corps Association is thrilled to learn that Niagara County will now be part of the updated recruitment zone for the Iroquois Job Corps campus in Medina, thanks to Congresswoman Tenney’s advocacy on behalf of the campus and her community,” said Donna Hay, President and CEO, National Job Corps Association. “This change will ensure Iroquois can continue to serve hundreds of deserving young New Yorkers and local businesses in Niagara County. We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Tenney for her longstanding support of Iroquois Job Corps and its students and staff.”
“Niagara County is excited to re-establish working ties with Iroquois Job Corps. Logistically, this territory shift makes sense as their location is much closer for Niagara County residents to take advantage of the many different programs that they provide,” said Niagara County Legislator David Godfrey. “I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for her hard work to make this happen. The Iroquois Job Corps offers excellent opportunities for our local youth to gain life-changing skills which are so needed in today’s work environment. Qualified individuals can earn a high school diploma or equivalent at the same time they are learning the skills to be successful in a variety of careers at no cost to them.”
Photo courtesy of UConnectCare: UConnectCare’s Detox Center is located behind the Atwater Community Residence on East Main Street in Batavia.
Posted 19 January 2024 at 3:37 pm
By Mike Pettinella, UConnectCare publicist
BATAVIA – In an ongoing effort to provide the most efficient and compassionate treatment methods for those struggling with substance use disorder, UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) has expanded its residential services program.
“Professional studies show the positive impact that recovery residences have in both outpatient and inpatient settings,” said Allison Parry-Gurak, director of Residential Services at UConnectCare. “With that being said, we offer a detox center and residential settings to meet a wide range of individuals at various stages of their recovery journey.”
According to a study by the Recovery Research Institute, utilization of recovery residences, also called sober homes or halfway houses, improves substance use outcome. At UConnectCare, these residences are alcohol and drug-free living environments that provide peer support and other services for those seeking recovery from SUD.
Parry-Gurak said the local nonprofit agency provides various level of care including the conversion of Atwater House to an “820 program.”
This allows UConnectCare to offer three “elements of care” when it comes to residential services – (1) a medically supervised program for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms or, stabilization; (2) a structure and supportive community living experience that builds a foundation for recovery, or rehabilitation; (3) case management and long-term assistance through a variety of programs or, reintegration.
Additionally, UConnectCare operates supportive living, transitional safety units and permanent supportive housing programs in both Genesee and Orleans counties.
They include the following:
Atwater Community Residence in Batavia, a short-term (usually three months) home that offers 21 beds for men and women, ages 18 and older, and features in-house recovery-focused groups, individual therapy and vocational training.
A detox/stabilization center, located behind the Atwater Home, a 16-bed facility that provides shorter term medically supervised withdrawal and stabilization services for adults who are struggling with SUD. UConnectCare has an “open access” policy, starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday as well as late admission under specific guidelines, Parry-Gurak said.
Supportive living beds, 19 of them in Genesee County and five in Orleans County.
Transitional safety units, housing for six to nine months on average, with the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative program an avenue for families dealing with substance use issues.
Permanent supportive housing.
“All of these programs are under our ‘Housing with Dignity’ umbrella, which really means that we strive to provide the best care to our clients in a welcoming and safe environment,” Parry-Gurak said. “Recovery housing is a valuable part of our continuum of care that can help people transition to an independent life and improve their substance use outcomes.”
UConnectCare offers other housing opportunities, including The Reentry Program that helps connect individuals returning to the community after incarceration with services such as substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, housing, food, clothing, employment and/or job training, childcare, transportation and medical care.
Parry-Gurak, a UConnectCare employee for 5 ½ years, has been in her current position since November 2021. She reported that the agency is seeking full- and part-time professional counselors, medical staff (LPN, RN), residential aides and food service workers.
“UConnectCare has been a Best Company in New York every year since 2018 and truly is a great place to work,” she said. “The agency offers flexible scheduling that values a balance between work and family, paid time off, benefits for full-time employees and a cooperative, team atmosphere.”
For more information about UConnectCare’s residential services or employment, go to www.uconnectcare.org.
Photo courtesy of Medina Central School: Daniel Doctor, director of Community Partnership, and Julie Webber, director of Curriculum and Instruction, promote Saturday’s Tri-County College and Career Day Conference in Medina.
MEDINA – Medina Central School District is hosting a Tri-County College and Career Day Conference on Jan. 20.
This annual celebration of educational opportunity is a major event for talented, first-generation college-bound students, parents and community members in Orleans, Niagara and Genesee counties. Students, parents, community members from neighboring counties, and other educational opportunity programs are expected to be in attendance.
The purpose of College and Career Day conference is to expose anyone planning their future to a variety of careers in order to jumpstart their thinking about career paths. By preparing early, students will more likely be college and career ready after high school graduation. Students in middle, high school and adulthood may participate in the conference.
On hand there will be representatives from multiple organizations to discuss potential job opportunities and college representatives to discuss their programs. There will be opportunities to discuss over 1,300 career opportunities.
“As educators, our goal is to let students know that there is a magnificent world of possibilities out there,” says Daniel Doctor, director of Community Partnership for the school district. “Having a job, most kids can understand; but building a career is a far more elusive idea. No teenager can fully comprehend yet what it means to have a career, or professional life-path. College is just one of those possibilities that often our students don’t quite really know enough about. In a nutshell, this event is to get students jumpstarted into thinking about the future.”
The event will be held at the Medina Junior-Senior High School at 1 Mustang Drive and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working in cooperation with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has opened a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Family Resource Library.
Relatives of young people with disabilities from Genesee and Orleans counties can make appointments to investigate adaptive devices and other equipment before investing in them, and perhaps arrange a short-term loan of an item.
The Resource Library is for children and their families to be able to test and identify tools and supports that will help their child/ youth in areas such as development, emotional regulation, support with health conditions or disabilities, sensory processing, communication, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. This is a great way to try items for free, to see what works or doesn’t work before buying.
Supportive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Equipment is expensive, so this is a great way to try different items to see what works, or what does not, with no out-of-pocket expense. Some equipment available includes: sensory toys, busy books, balance seats, tools that can support occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech goals, communication tools, and much more.
Books: We have a variety of books and workbooks that support parents, children and youth of all ages.
For more information, contact April Fearby, CYSHCN Program Specialist at ILGR, at afearby@wnyil.org, or by calling 585-815-8501, extension 401.
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – GO Art! is seeking submission for an upcoming exhibit, This Art is Garbage. The exhibit provides artists an opportunity to explore the possibilities of garbage and waste as a medium for creativity.
Artists are asked to redirect items that would normally be thrown away, into works of art. Open to artists of all skill levels, we are actively seeking submissions from students, emerging artists, and professionals. Garbage is a theme that connects us all and we hope to showcase a wide variety of skill levels and perspectives.
The exhibit will be at Oliver’s Gallery, GO Art! Seymour Place, 201 E Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.
Work should be dropped off from Feb. 7-10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The work will be displayed from Feb. 14 to March 30 with an artist reception on Feb. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Guidelines:
Works of art may include: a component of garbage in the finished piece, garbage may be used in the art making process (for example, creating texture and pattern), or garbage as the subject of the piece (for example, creative photography of discarded objects). “Upcycled” items, such as painted furniture, are not accepted.
Work must not exceed 36”x 36”
Artwork must be wired and ready to hang (GO Art! reserves the right to turn away any submitted work that is not properly wired and ready to hang.)
This exhibition is organized by Leigh LeFevre and Rebecca LeFevre. Feel free to reach out with any questions or follow on instagram for updates: Leigh: leighlefevre@icloud.com, @takeastepback_podcast, and Rebecca: lefevre.studio@gmail.com, @rebeccalefevre.art.
BATAVIA – During her 4 ½ years as an employee at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), Amy Kabel has worn several hats, and she has worn them well.
Amy Kabel
Hired as a peer recovery advocate in April 2019 to assist those in recovery from substance use disorder, the Batavia resident has been promoted to the director of Grant Management position – a job that is vital to the nonprofit agency’s mission to provide a wide variety of services to those in need.
“We’re excited to announce that Amy has accepted the position of director of Grant Management,” said UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett. “Amy has excelled at every level, and the skills she has gained will make her a great addition to the management team.”
Kabel served as the lead peer at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road, a supervisory role, before accepting coordinator positions for The Recovery Station, which is under the auspices of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.
In 2021, she was promoted to assistant director of Grants & Projects, working closely with Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, the former director of Project Innovations and Expansion.
As director of Grant Management, she will oversee a team of about 10 grant-funded employees while searching for and writing grants to fund key programs.
“Fortunately, I was able to learn from Rosalie, who was a fantastic mentor,” Kabel said. “She set a high bar, and I will do my best to keep these programs going.”
Before joining UConnectCare, Kabel was employed as an aide on the surgical floor at United Memorial Medical Center and at Hope Haven, the hospital’s inpatient agency for those struggling with substance use.
She earned an associate’s degree from Genesee Community College and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Community & Health Services from SUNY Empire State College. Kabel has a daughter, Madison, a social worker in the Buffalo area.
Provided photo: Steve Goodrich (left), commander of the American Legion Houseman Tanner Post in Lyndonville, shakes hands with Jim Simon, Lyndonville Area Foundation director and Houseman Tanner Post member.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Area Foundation donated $500 to the Houseman Tanner Post to support the annual Wreaths Across America Community Brunch.
The event will be hosted at The Webber Kitchen Collaborative in Lyndonville on Dec. 16 prior to the laying of wreaths on veterans’ graves at the local cemeteries.
Wreaths Across America is a nationwide program that honors those who have served by placing Holiday Wreaths on the graves of our service members. Steve Goodrich, the Houseman Tanner Post Commander, said that this is their way to thank the volunteers that will be laying wreaths on veterans’ graves in the Lynhaven Cemetery later that day.
The American Legion Post holds fundraisers throughout the year to help raise funds to defray the cost of the brunch, where they expect to host around 50-75 people. Members of the Post and volunteers raise funds a variety of ways during the year.
This year the American Legion booth accepted donations at the Lyndonville 4th of July celebration for opportunities to win a variety of prizes donated by local artisans. Additionally, during the Town of Yates Street Dance in August, the Post sold Sunflower Bouquets donated by a local resident. The funds raised, along with donations made by local businesses, cover the cost of the event.
“Due to Legion bylaws, we cannot directly help or sponsor any organization,” Goodrich wrote in an application to the Foundation. “We can show our gratitude to those helping to remember the Fallen.”
If you are a Veteran and are interested in becoming a member of the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner Post please contact Joe Hausler at 585-967-2934 or email the Post at AmericanLegion1603@gmail.com.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A volunteer carries wreaths to be placed at veterans’ graves at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville last Dec. 17 as part of the Wreaths Across America observance. Volunteers placed 441 wreaths at veterans’ graves in Lyndonville last year. Wreaths Across America will be observed on Dec. 16 with ceremonies locally in Lyndonville, Medina and Holley.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 November 2023 at 11:32 am
Provided photo: Mike Randall will perform his solo impersonation of Charles Dickens Presents: “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 16 at Barre Center Presbyterian Church.
BARRE CENTER – Mike Randall, retired feature reporter for WKBW Channel 7, will present his critically acclaimed rendition of Charles Dickens in “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 16 at the Barre Center Presbyterian Church.
The solo performance will begin at 7 p.m. and feature Randall in what has been acclaimed as “an exquisite, moving performance.”
Randall’s appearance comes from an invitation by Albion native Charles Nesbitt, who has invited Randall to the Albion area several times in recent years to do his impersonation of Mark Twain and Dickens.
Having performed his Mark Twain show for 51 years and now the Dickens show for 16 years, Randall has been to Orleans County a number of times throughout the years.
“The first time I brought Charles Dickens to Orleans County was 2009 at the Carlton Methodist Church for two performances, with a return engagement in 2021,” Randall said.
Randall is a lover of Buffalo history and when he discovered Charles Dickens performed in Buffalo in 1868, he decided to recreate Dickens presentation of his most well-known story, “A Christmas Carol.”
Randall started performing as Mark Twain in his first year of college, just to see if he could do it. His first show was May 14, 1972 at Rosary Hill College. He celebrated his 50th anniversary of the show on May 14 last year at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.
“Mike Randall is a gifted performer who once again brings the spirit of Christmas to Orleans County,” Nesbitt said. “The beautifully decorated Barre Center Presbyterian Church is the perfect place to experience an evening immersed in Charles Dickens classic story.”
Randall said coming to Orleans County has always been special for him. He and his wife Kathy are avid campers and have a favorite spot at Golden Hill State Park.
“As a reporter for WKBW-TV I would always enjoy my trips to the country to cover stories,” Randall said. “And now I have family in the county. My son, his wife and my grandchildren live in Medina.”
In addition to his 40 years as an award-winning feature reporter on Channel 7, Randall also spent several years as chief meteorologist. He has also performed a variety of roles in theaters across the country, and spent time as the Marvelous Magical Burger King, where he perfected his abilities as a magician and live family entertainer. He is a member of the Puppeteers of America, and was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September 2017.
Tickets to see Randall as Charles Dickens at Barre Center Presbyterian Church are $20 and available at Orleans Travel Bureau at 21 East Bank St., Albion, or from church members. A limited number will be available at the door.
Honorees include Horace Clark Bird (Class of 1956), Colin Huwyler (Class of 2002), Dr. Daniel Terryberry (Class of 1980) and Toby Williams (Class of 1991)
Photo courtesy of Medina Central School: Pictured from left, first row, include Dr. Daniel Terryberry, Bobbie Huwyler (accepting for her son Colin Huwyler) and Jeff Bird (accepting for his dad, Horace Clark Bird). Back row: Medina Athletic Director Eric Valley (accepting for his friend Toby Williams) and Medina Junior/Senior High School Principal Michael Cavanagh.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina Junior/Senior High School recognized four distinguished alumni on Friday for their outstanding contributions to their community and/or their chosen career.
The award is given annually to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the school and community and to serve as an incentive for the current student body.
This year’s recipients are Mr. Horace Clark Bird (Class of 1956), Mr. Colin Huwyler (Class of 2002), Dr. Daniel Terryberry (Class of 1980) and Mr. Toby Williams (Class of 1991).
“Having worked in Medina for many years, I can definitely say that it is a blessing to be part of a community like ours,” said Michael Cavanagh, the school principal. “The people that we honor today are proof that we are all capable of achieving greatness and truly making a difference in society.”
Horace “Butch” Clark Bird graduated in 1956. After high school he attended Cornell University, playing saxophone in the Big Red Marching Band. After graduating with a B.S. and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1961, he joined the US Air Force and piloted C-130 cargo aircraft. He flew over 178 combat missions in Southeast Asia and accumulated over 4,000 flying hours out of combat areas. He was awarded seven Air Medals and earned the rank of Captain.
He and his wife Dayle met in Tachikawa, Japan and moved to Rochester, New York where they raised their three children. Butch worked as an engineer at Eastman Kodak Company. He and his colleagues held patents for the first instant camera.
After retiring in 1995, Butch started teaching English while working at Minolta in Osaka, Japan. After earning an English as a Second Language teaching certificate, he taught English and Japanese in Bangkok, Thailand. Sadly, Butch passed away January 4, 2023.
Colin Huwyler is a member of the Class of 2002. After graduating, he went on to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and also earned a certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.
While a freshman in college, Colin experimented with biofuels on his Volkswagen Jetta. These experiments led him to create a biofuel system for passenger vehicles, and over the years, this drew interest from a number of private fleets who wanted to utilize the technology to reduce the emissions of the heavy-duty trucks. This led Colin to be a veteran of the renewable fuels industry and becoming the CEO of Optimus Technologies. He also founded Fossil Free Fuel and was the Director of Research and Technology at Steel City Biofuels. He is the co-inventor on several Optimus Technologies patents.
In 2019, Colin was announced as the winner of NYSERDA’s (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) 76west Clean Energy Competition. With his prize money, he plans to establish a company in the Binghamton/Ithaca areas.
Colin has consulted and given lectures on biofuels, product development, the low-carbon economy, and a variety of other topics for non-profits, government agencies, corporations and universities.
Dr. Daniel Terryberry was a member of the Class of 1980. During his time at Medina High School, he participated in JV and Varsity Football, as well as Varsity Tennis. He was also selected as the Boys’ State representative his junior and senior years, representing the school for football in All League. He went on to Houghton College and then studied medicine at the University at Buffalo. After receiving a country-wide scholarship to encourage physicians to practice medicine in small, rural towns, he established roots in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. In a nod to his alma mater, the name of his practice is Mustang Medical!
Dr. Terryberry began his medical practice in the fields of gynecology and obstetrics and then later switched his practice to family medicine. He has been voted “Best Doctor” many years and has served as Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Review Officer and Occupational Health Director throughout his career. He also managed the response to the Covid-19 crisis for the entire Vidant Hospital System.
During his career, he has completed two mission trips with Doctors Without Borders to assist patients in Belize and most recently supported a family from the Ukraine as they were fleeing their native country. Mustang Medical has also had a presence in Kabul and Mazur in Afghanistan and the embassy in Baghdad. His practice continues to support American defense contractors in Qatar, Israel and Burkina Faso.
He and his wife raised four daughters in Elizabeth City and remain a pillar of the community. He serves on several boards and his committed to youth development as he funds multiple sports camps and development programs. He is active in his church and gives back every chance he can. Dr. Terryberry supports local Mustang athletes every year by generously donating to the Boice-Ossont Scholar Athlete Scholarship, which is awarded annually at the Medina Junior/Senior High School Block M Banquet.
Toby Williams is a member of the Class of 1991. During his time at Medina High School, Toby was a member of the National Honor Society and Ski Club. He also participated in Varsity Soccer and Baseball throughout high school. Both of Toby’s parents were members of the faculty at Medina Central School District. He gives credit for his solid education foundation to his parents, along with many supportive teachers he had while at the district. He especially remembers the encouragement and support from Mr. O’Dea, who was his soccer coach.
Toby earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Houghton College, where he majored in Political Science. Afterwards, he went on to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor Degree from Ohio State University. He started his career as securities and mergers and acquisition lawyer in Washington, DC and New York.
Toby later went on to become an investment banker at Citigroup, Inc. He later became the Director of Corporate Development at Paychex, Inc where from 2006-2011 he led all mergers, acquisitions and corporate development efforts. In 2017, he joined Paylocity as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to President.
In 2022 he was named Co-CEO. Paylocity is a leading provider of cloud-based human resources and payroll software and is recognized as one of the best places to work. It has been named one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest, along with being one of the best places to work in Illinois. Toby resides in Washington, D.C.
Later this week many will be gathering together for a tryptophan-fueled feast and nothing says Thanksgiving dinner like turkey, stuffing, and a myriad of homemade pies.
To that end I took a trip up to the Abundant Harvest Pie & Gift Shop (located within the Knowlesville Fellowship Hall at 3619 Knowlesville Rd.) to meet up with Nate Johnidas, who has been volunteering there every Friday for years, as well as to purchase some pies and learn a little about their process.
For many years people would gather in the Fellowship Hall of The Church of The Abundant Harvest, previously known as Knowlesville UMC, to enjoy a delicious Fish Fry every Friday evening throughout Lent. One of the highlights of those dinners, and I can speak from personal experience here, became the large variety of homemade pies. About 9 years ago, after a number of people had asked if there was a way that they could purchase a pie outside of the dinners, a decision was made to start the shop. Since that time the dinners have unfortunately stopped but the demand for delicious homemade pies is still going.
I spoke with Ruth H., Linda B., Linda S., and Sylvia A., who are the primary pie makers, and learned that they make and sell more than 2,000 pies annually and will sell around 200 pies alone over Thanksgiving week. In fact, if you would like to order pies for this year, you can still put in an order this weekend. The cutoff date is Sunday, November 19th and you can pick your pies up any time the following Monday-Wednesday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They offer 18 different types of pie that average $4 for a 6” pie or $10 for a 9” pie. Beyond their highest selling varieties of apple, pumpkin and cherry, they also offer peach, pecan, mincemeat, chocolate peanut butter, and more. To hear a full listing or to order please contact Ruth Higgins (585) 798-4483 or Linda Baker (585) 798-3667.
You can also purchase pies at The Downtown Browsery in Medina or simply stop in at The Pie & Gift Shop between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. any Friday or Saturday. Frozen pies can be purchased anytime but if you would prefer to eat it there with a cup of coffee just call The Fellowship Hall 2 hrs. in advance (585) 798-3173 and they will be happy to bake it for you.
Since I had not called ahead, and didn’t feel like baking, I chose a few 6” pies that only needed to be thawed. I had tried the peanut butter and pumpkin previously, so I already knew that they would be good, but I was intrigued by the one I was not familiar with—pineapple cream. Truth be told it became my new favorite as it was light and the flavor reminded me of ambrosia salad. My buddy Dave Good agreed.
Beyond the homemade pies the shop also has a large variety of gifts, of which many are also handmade, and they do other events such as their Mystery Box Sale on Dec. 2 where you can purchase a Mystery Box for either $1 or $5 and a light lunch of soup and sandwich for $5 of which the proceeds will go to benefit The Church of The Abundant Harvest.
They also offer Free Alzheimer’s Respite Care. Knowing how hard it can be to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease the volunteers offer families a chance to take a much-needed break and bring their loved one by every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. While there the volunteers will care for your loved one by doing activities with them and feeding them lunch. There are some requirements which you can call the Fellowship Hall to inquire about in advance.
And now, before I say goodbye, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am truly thankful for so many things this year including you dear readers. It warms my heart when I get greeted as Refill with Randy out in the community and I do appreciate the positive feedback that I have received. I don’t know how much longer I will continue this column, but I will always be glad to share a cup of coffee with a friend whether old or new.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I will see you again in 2 weeks!
Photos courtesy of Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Program Coordinator: (Left) Jackson McGrath, 13, of Medina prepares his “One Pot Chili Mac” recipe. Jackson said the skills he learns through participating in the event are helpful both for cooking and for presenting in front of an audience. (Right) 12-year-old Robin Botsford of Lyndonville works on her “Fresh Custardy French Toast” recipe. She made fresh whipped cream to top her creation and said the event went well for her, even though she had to work through some early equipment issues.
Posted 13 November 2023 at 4:38 pm
Press Release, Orleans County 4-H Program
KNOWLESVILLE – What do Fresh Custardy French Toast, Cherry Crumble and Double Layer Crunch Tacos have in common? They are all recipes that feature items grown or produced in New York and were among prepared recipes at this year’s Orleans County 4-H Produced in New York Contest held Nov. 4 at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
“Produced in New York is a silent cooking competition that celebrates NY State agriculture and promotes nutritious locally grown foods,” said Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Program coordinator. “We hold our event the first Saturday in November each year, which is a great time to get inspiration for holiday cooking.”
The contest is open to all 4-Hers, including Cloverbuds, who are 5-7 years old. Volunteers evaluate each participant on their demonstration (cooking skills) as well as the taste and nutritional value of the finished product. Participants can move on to demonstrate their recipe in the 4-H Youth Building at the New York State Fair in August, Gabalski said. Twelve youth participated in this year’s event.
Thirteen-year-old Jackson McGrath of Medina says the event gives him an opportunity to show-off his cooking skills.
“I’m really competitive,” he said. Jackson made “One Pot Chili Mac” which featured produced in New York ingredients beef, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese. He said he learned about cooking noodles this year.
“It can take forever,” he observed. “I’ve used meat before, but not noodles.”
McKenna Richardson, 8, of Barre is already an experienced Produced in New York participant. She created “Your Corny Casserole” for this year’s event, which featured sweet corn, sour cream, cheese and butter.
Robin Botsford of Lyndonville is 12. She created Fresh Custardy French Toast which featured produced in New York ingredients, eggs, milk, cream, honey, and maple syrup for topping. Robin said she gained many new skills with this year’s recipe including using a skillet and the proper way to crack eggs, “I had to crack seven eggs for the French toast and separate them,” she said.
Evaluators applauded participants for the variety of techniques utilized and the many different flavors featured in the recipes.
Ginny Hughes of Lyndonville commended 4-Hers for the nutritional and menu planning information they provided with their entries, especially how they made each recipe their own, “and the beautiful presentation of the dishes,” she said.
Photos courtesy of Zach Busch, Holley Jr.-Sr. High School band director: The Junior High Band, led by Dr. Adam Brennan, performs during the NYSSMA Zone 2 Area All-State Festival at Batavia High School. Brennan has taught for 29 years at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. Students in the ensemble performed a variety of music from standards in the Concert Band repertoire, contemporary music, to the World Premier of Dr. Brennan’s newest work entitled “Whimsy,” which was composed for this year’s band.
Posted 5 November 2023 at 6:00 pm
Information courtesy of Zach Busch, Holley Jr.-Sr. High School band director
BATAVIA – Seven students from Orleans County – four form Holley and three from Lyndonville –performed at the Zone 2 Area All-State festival this weekend at Batavia High School.
In order to participate for this festival, the students need to complete a NYSSMA Solo Festival performance in the spring, achieve a high score, and have their teacher complete a rigorous application and recommendation.
A committee then selects the very best students from Orleans, Genesee-Wyoming, Monroe, Genesee-Valley, Ontario, and Wayne counties.
Representing Holley Jr./Sr. High in the Band were, from left: Harrison Flanagan, Trombone – 9th grade; Cameron Kelley, Clarinet – 7th grade; Aidan Kelley, Clarinet – 9th grade; and Rosa Scroope, Horn – 7th grade.
Representing Lyndonville Jr./Sr. High were, from left: Sarah Corser, Treble Choir – 9th grade; Aurora Avery, Treble Choir – 8th grade; and Gavyn Draper, Mixed Choir – 8th grade.
The Jr. High Area All-State Treble Choir was conducted by Sarah Christy who has been a high school choir director since 2008, and currently teaches at Averill Park High School near New York’s Capital District. The Treble Choir performed a variety of works including Jim Papoulis’ “Eneza Upendo” which encourages listeners to spread love.
The Jr. High Area All-State Mixed Choir was conducted by Kent Knappenberger who has been a music educator at the Westfield Academy since 1989. Mr. Knappenberger is most well-known for winning the inaugural Grammy for Music Educator of the year. The Mixed Choir performed four selections including Steve Zegree’s “Mas Que Nada,” which featured electric bass and drum set accompaniment to provide a Latin-jazz feel.
Photo courtesy of Preservation League of NYS: The Bent’s Opera House is shown following a major restoration effort in downtown Medina.
Posted 1 November 2023 at 2:07 pm
Press Release, Preservation League of New York State
MEDINA — Bent’s Opera House has received a 2023 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS.
Since 1984, the League’s annual Excellence Awards program has shined a light on the people who are using historic preservation to make all our lives better — through exemplary restoration projects, indispensable publications, individual action, and organizational distinction. This year’s Award winners will be recognized at a public reception at the Century Association in NYC on Monday, December 4. Click here for more information.
“It was an honor to work with Talis Equity on the restoration of Bent’s Opera House,” said Jeff Panza, regional operations manager for LeChase Construction Services. “At LeChase, we take great pride in projects that have a positive impact within their communities, and this historic restoration has given new life to an important cornerstone of Medina’s downtown business district.”
Built over 150 years ago, Bent’s Opera House once hosted speakers like Frederick Douglass and entertainers like Buffalo Bill Cody. After the theater closed, the building served the community in a variety of ways until the 1990s.
Bent’s was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, but by 2010 it was abandoned and in imminent danger of collapsing. Local developers Talis Equity, led by Roger Hunderford, had a vision to give Bent’s new life.
They collaborated with LeChase Construction Services and Kideney Architects to rehabilitate the historic building into a modern destination. Today, the facility includes an upscale, farm-to-table restaurant and bar, a boutique hotel with 10 uniquely themed rooms, and a beautifully restored theater for private and public gatherings.
“The 2023 Excellence Award winners span the state, from Olean to Brooklyn,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “They represent how historic preservation addresses critical issues, from climate action to affordable housing, from spurring economic development to uplifting underrepresented histories. We are honored to recognize the incredible work each Award winner has done for their communities and beyond.”
The rehabilitation of Bent’s Opera House was funded in part through New York State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The project team included Talis Equity, LeChase Construction Services, and Kideney Architects.
2023 Awardees – Olean’s First National Bank & Siegel’s Shoes Revitalization in Olean, Cattaraugus County; Nash Lofts in Buffalo, Erie County; Claudette Brady in Brooklyn, Kings County; Bridge to Crafts Careers Program in Brooklyn and the Bronx; The Rehabilitation of Pier 57 in New York City; Bent’s Opera House in Medina, Orleans County; Julie Nucci in Owego, Tioga County; Kingston City Land Bank in Kingston, Ulster County.
About the Preservation League of New York State – Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time.
The Preservation League of New York State invests in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state.
By Randy LeBaron
They also offer Free Alzheimer’s Respite Care. Knowing how hard it can be to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease the volunteers offer families a chance to take a much-needed break and bring their loved one by every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. While there the volunteers will care for your loved one by doing activities with them and feeding them lunch. There are some requirements which you can call the Fellowship Hall to inquire about in advance.
