By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2023 at 10:26 am
$22 million overall construction work starts next week with district office the first project
ALBION – The Board of Education approved a bid for $2,567,090 on Monday from the Day Automation of Victor for access controls, which is a card swipe system that will allow the district to lock down all the doors in case of an emergency.
District personnel will have badges to unlock and lock doors as part of this project.
That brings the total construction bids to $21,866,992. Eight other bids were accepted at last month’s meeting. The board wanted more time to review the proposal from Day Automation for the access control system that will be in all classrooms throughout the district.
School district residents on Dec. 14, 2021 approved the $26.69 million capital project that includes all three schools, as well as the bus garage, and new synthetic playing surfaces for football, soccer and softball.
The other bids accepted last month include:
Site work – $6,295,082 by Diehl Development
General Trades – $5,441,000 by Javen Construction
Mechanical – $2,797,700 by T. Bell
Plumbing – $1,636,300 by Blackmon Farrell
Playground equipment – $257,027 by GameTime
Scoreboards – $124,725 by Toth
BMS (Building Management System) Controls – $339,068 by Day Automation
The first project gets started next week at the district office. District office staff will move to the E wing of the elementary school while the dstrict office is upgraded.
People visiting the district office will need to go to the main entrance of the elementary school starting on Monday.
The construction schedule for 2023 and next year includes:
Site Work – In 2023 the work includes the football field replacement, track resurfacing, multi-purpose field replacement (softball and soccer – starting June 1, 2023 and ending July 15, 2024), elementary school hot water service line, elementary school drop-off loop and sidewalks, elementary school playground fence replacement and high school hot water service line.
In 2024, the site work includes middle school hot water service line, tennis court replacement, middle school drop-off loop reconstruction, concrete sidewalk replacements, playground replacement at middle school, baseball field drainage improvements, JV softball field drainage improvements.
Construction at elementary school – In 2023, district office renovation, classroom doors and plumbing fixtures at E wing (Nov. 6 to Dec. 1), classroom doors and plumbing fixtures at D wing (Dec. 11 to Jan. 5), crawl space plumbing and hot water heaters, EIFS replacement, carbon monoxide detectors/fire alarm, and electrical abatement and replacements.
In 2024, classroom doors and plumbing fixtures at C wing (Jan. 1 to Feb. 9), classroom doors and plumbing fixtures at B wing (Feb. 19 to March 15), classroom doors and plumbing fixtures at A wing (March 25 to April 19) and classroom doors and plumbing fixtures at G wing (April 29 to May 24), emergency generator replacement, doors/hardware/security enhancements, main office windows and fire shutter, and gymnasium folding partition replacement.
Construction at middle school (basement) – In 2023, pool deck structural repairs, boiler room abatement and demolition, boiler room plumbing renovations, ad pool pumps.
In 2024, electrical room A/C and auditorium A/C.
Construction at middle school (first floor) – In 2023, domestic hot water repairs, replace insulated window panels, gymnasium renovations, pool lighting and locker room renovation, replace ANSUL system, exhaust fan and relief air work, flooring abatement, flooring installation, carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarm, and electrical service component replacements.
In 2024, doors/hardware/security enhancements and auditorium AC.
Construction at middle school (second floor) – In 2023, exhaust fan and relief air work, replace insulated window panels, flooring abatement, and flooring installation.
In 2024, convert lockers into storage rooms, electrical room A/C, auditorium A/C, and doors/hardware/security enhancements.
Construction at middle school (third floor) – In 2023, exhaust fan and relief air work.
In 2024, doors/hardware/security enhancements.
Construction at high school (first floor) – In 2023, library door reconstruction, window lintel replacements, domestic hot water heaters and carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarm.
In 2024, replace lockers (with wider units), doors/hardware/security upgrades, gym renovations and gym locker room renovations.
Construction at high school (second floor) – In 2023, library door reconstruction, window lintel replacements, domestic hot water heaters, and carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarm.
In 2024, replace lockers, doors/hardware/security upgrades, gym renovations, gym locker room renovations, gym HVAC abatement and demo, gym HVAC installation.
The New York State Association of Counties last week presented Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer with its Executive Director’s Public Service Award during the 2023 NYSAC Legislative Conference in Albany.
Charles Schumer
The NYSAC Executive Director’s Public Service Award is presented annually to leaders who make outstanding contributions to county governments in New York State. Past recipients include Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Governor George Pataki, and Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
“Thank you so much for the honor of this year’s Executive Director’s award,” said Senator Schumer. “My work wouldn’t be possible without all of you.”
Senator Schumer accepted the award from Washington, D.C. via video. Click here to see his response.
The NYSAC Executive Director’s Public Service Award is an opportunity to recognize a New York leader who goes above and beyond the ordinary call of duty in service to the counties of New York State and the residents they serve. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario noted many examples of Senator Schumer’s support for New York’s counties, including his leadership through the Great Recession to his ongoing commitment to supporting efforts to bring new economic development opportunities to our communities.
“It’s often said that it’s easy to be a friend when times were good, but when times are hard, true friends reveal themselves,” Acquario said in presenting the award. “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we knew we could rely on Senator Schumer to be our champion in Washington. His leadership and unwavering support for New York’s counties were critical to securing the financial lifeline counties needed to fight the pandemic and provide essential services to the people of New York State. I’m proud to present Senator Schumer with this award and honored to call him a friend.”
NYSAC was established by County officials in 1925. Its mission is to foster excellence in county government and unite the voice of New York’s county leaders. NYSAC serves all 57 counties and the City of New York.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411) or by Zoom video conferencing. During the meeting, advocacy will be discussed and the election of officers will take place. Refreshments will be provided.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, child care providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members. The members of the council are encouraged to collaborate and voice their opinions to help raise concerns to better the program, and ultimately, help the children.
The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers.
For zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs for Genesee and Orleans, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced the launch of the Community Project Funding (CPF) process for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24).
The FY24 CPF process is open to local governments and non-profits. The program allows localities and non-profits to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects in New York’s 24th District.
All projects are vetted thoroughly and subject to strict oversight. They must also demonstrate strong local support. CPF is targeted and limited; this year, it is capped at .5% of federal spending.
The CPF process is an important way for members of Congress to advocate on behalf of essential projects that benefit our communities. It provides transparency, accountability, and oversight to the funding process, rather than simply relying on bureaucrats to make critical funding decisions behind closed doors without congressional input.
All CPF applications supported by Congresswoman Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility requirements, as outlined in the appropriations guidance. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate strong community support for projects as well as a clear plan to execute funds in a timely manner with strong accountability measures built in. Tenney’s office works closely with all grantees every step of the way to vet requests and ensure awarded funds are spent responsibly and for their intended purpose.
Congresswoman Tenney’s office has generally prioritized projects focused on investing in or expanding infrastructure, especially for rural communities with limited funds. This includes projects to bring clean water, broadband access, and much more to our region.
Local elected officials and non-profits interested in submitting applications for projects should visit Tenney’s website (click here) for more information.
Those with questions should contact Tenney’s Washington, DC office directly at 202-225-3665. The deadline for submissions is March 17.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 March 2023 at 7:42 am
MEDINA – The Medina Mustangs will host their annual home winterguard show on Saturday at Medina High School.
Doors will open at 3 p.m., with the show beginning at 4 p.m. Admission is $8 per person, with children under 3 admitted free.
Nineteen guards are scheduled to compete in seven classes and exhibition.
First to take the floor in the Novice class will be the Ventures at 4 p.m.
In the Cadet Class, Jamestown is scheduled at 4:07 p.m., followed by Batavia, Victor and Medina.
The RA Class will begin at 4:37 p.m., featuring the Ventures, Corry, Gates-Chili, Marcus Whitman and Corning-Painted Post.
Following an intermission from 5:20 to 6:10 p.m., the show will resume with Gates-Chili in A1 Class; and Victor, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Jamestown and Medina in Scholastic A Class.
The final performers are Gates-Chili in Independent A Class and Luminosa in the Senior Class.
A retreat and presentation of awards will take place at 7:40 p.m.
BARRE – The Heritage Wind Community Grant Program is now accepting applications for its spring 2023 grant cycle.
Counting the last grant cycle’s recipients, the grant program has awarded nearly $80,000 to community causes and non-profit organizations working to build healthy communities, increase environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and promote education, since its inception in 2020.
The previous fall grant cycle included the following community organizations: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Town of Barre, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen and Cobblestone Society and Museum.
Local organizations working in the Town of Barre, and the broader Orleans County community are encouraged to apply. Grants are typically awarded in $250 to $4,000 increments, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful impacts to the greatest number of area residents. We will be accepting applications until April 7.
The four focus areas for the community grant program are:
Building Healthy Communities – Programs that support public health or enhance the quality of life in the community.
Economic Development – Programs that support the economic wellbeing of the community.
Environmental Sustainability – Programs that support environmental revitalization, sustainability, or empower residents to be stewards of the environment.
Promoting Education – Programs that support educational institutions, especially the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This may include curriculum development, vocational training, or literacy support.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Anna Mathes at atanna.mathes@apexcleanenergy.com or (585) 563-5137.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 March 2023 at 6:42 pm
Case-Nic also doing basket raffle as fundraiser for agency
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) From left, Mary Lou Tuohey and her sisters Laura McDonough and Amy Murray set up a window display at Case-Nic Cookies to promote a basket raffle in celebration of March as “Developmental Disabilities Month.” (Right) Nicole Tuohey, left, and her mom Mary Lou give feedback to Mary Lou’s sisters, Laura McDonough, left, in the window and Amy Murray who are helping set up a display at Case-Nic Cookies for a window basket raffle to benefit ARC Glow.
MEDINA – Case-Nic Cookies is again celebrating March as “Developmental Disabilities Month” by urging everyone to “have a heart.”
The business’s owner, Mary Lou Tuohey, wants to send a message that no one should be judged by their disabilities.
Nicole Tuohey holds a cookie which her mom’s shop, Case-Nic Cookies, is selling, along with bracelets Nicole made to benefit ARC Glow.
In support of Developmental Disabilities Month, Tuohey and her daughter Nicole are again promoting a window basket raffle to support Arc GLOW. Nicole, who was born with Triple X Syndrome, attended the Arc’s Rainbow Preschool from the age of 3 months to 5 years and currently attends Day Hab through Arc Glow.
Also in honor of the month, Case-Nic is selling heart-shaped cookies for $1 and Nicole has made bracelets, which also sell for $1. All proceeds go towards programs that assist individuals who are part of the Arc.
The window raffle will feature more than 50 items on which to take a chance, including 29 gift certificates from Medina merchants. There are also wine baskets, books, lottery tickets and Bills and Sabres memorabilia.
Mary Lou came up with the idea for a window raffle during Covid, when people couldn’t congregate. The baskets are all on display in Case-Nic’s window and a bucket is placed on a table near the doorway. When the store is closed, people can take a sheet listing all the baskets out of the bucket and purchase a sheet of tickets for $10. After indicating on the sheet how many tickets they want placed in each basket, they place their money in the envelop with the sheet and drop it into the mail slot.
The drawing will be on April 1.
Mary Lou has loaned her window out to several organizations for similar raffles since Covid, including OCALS, Beds for Brian and PAWS.
Mary Lou said the money Case-Nic Cookies has donated to the Arc GLOW enables the agency to purchase things they couldn’t otherwise afford with all the funding cuts they have received.
Mary Lou and Nicole, assisted by Mary Lou’s sisters Laura McDonough and Amy Murray, arranged the window on Saturday. When the store is closed, the bucket will be placed outside the door from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Photo and information courtesy of Albion Central School
ALBION – Middle school Science Olympiad students participated in the regional competition this past Saturday at St. John Fisher University, with many students placing in the various events.
Students who competed were Payton Babcock, Evan Love, Jaili McPhatter, Sadie Money, Tatiana Morales, Aries Webster, Brilee Seewagen, Payton Gray, Brad Pierce, Charles Warren, and Lily Allison. Mr. Petrus and Ms. Fiegl coached the students.
The following are the top results for the Albion students:
Anatomy and Physiology: Brad Pierce and Aries Webster, First Place
Green Generation: Brad Pierce and Sadie Money, First Place
Bio Process Lab: Brad Pierce and Brilee Seewagen, Second Place
Solar System: Charles Warren and Lily Allison, Fifth Place
Crave the Wave: Sadie Money and Lily Allison, Sixth Place
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a series of blood drives across the district this month in partnership with the American Red Cross.
New York state historically has very little blood banked for patients statewide, and this initiative is being held to encourage those who can donate and make all the difference to a patient in need. Hawley has done numerous drives throughout his time in the Assembly and is happy to continue this tradition.
“I’m happy to once again partner with the American Red Cross and encourage everyone who can to donate some blood,” Hawley said. “New York often has a shortage of blood in its banks, which is a big problem, because the various blood types are used in critical surgeries and life-saving operations daily. One small donation could mean the difference between life and death for another, so I encourage all willing participants to donate.”
The time and place of the various donation sites will be:
Friday, March 10, Batavia Social Services, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, March 13, Batavia Robert Morris School, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, March 13, Pavilion Fire Department, 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14, Darien Fire Co. with PCD Kiwanis 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 16, St. Max Hall, East Pembroke. 1:00 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, March 17, Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, Stafford Fire Department, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21, Albion Elks Lodge, 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21, Batavia First UMC, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 30, Oakfield-Alabama High School, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2023 at 9:07 am
Village officials seek to upgrade facility, put on new addition
Photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Fire Department officials say the current fire hall is too small for a bigger ladder truck. Currently there is only two inches of clearance from the top of the truck to get in and out of the truck bays.
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department is inviting the community to tour the fire hall on Park Avenue to see how cramped the department is for space.
The department and the Village Board are eyeing an expansion next door with bigger truck bays to fit in bigger fire trucks.
There will be tours of the fire hall on Sunday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to noon, and then again from noon to 1 p.m. And then there will be tours offered on Wednesday, March 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“Due to the need for significant facility and equipment improvements and upgrades, the Village of Medina Fire Department is holding tours open to the public to make residents and business owners more aware of these conditions,” the department said in a news release. “Please choose one of the tours to see our deteriorating and outgrown apparatus bays as well as our aging and unsafe equipment.”
Firefighters and Village Board members will be present to answer questions. There is no need to sign up for a tour. “Just show up for the time that works best for you,” the department stated.
An engineering and design firm, Barton & Loguidice, has estimated an addition to te fire hall, plus repairs to the current building, would cost about $4.5 million.
The plan for the fire hall calls for an addition approximately 62 feet, 8 inches by 88 feet, 8 inches.
The addition would be on the current fire hall on the west side in an area that is currently a parking lot. That addition is needed to house a new ladder truck. That truck could be $1.5 million.
The village is looking to replace a ladder truck from 1996. That truck has a ladder that is 75 feet long. That truck barely has clearance in the garage. The ladder truck has a clearance of 10.4 feet but the space in the garage is 10 feet, 6 inches, Fire Chief Matt Jackson has said.
The new ladder trucks have a clearance of 13 feet. The design for the new hall addition would have bays that allow up to 14 feet.
With a new space for fire trucks, the ambulances could be moved to the current fire house. The space for the ambulances right now could be used for police cars or perhaps as a meeting area, Mayor Mike Sidari has said.
The Barton & Loguidice plan also calls for:
A new public entry, radio room/office, laundry room, EMS room, restrooms, Decon room, gear room, mechanical room, tool room, and apparatus bay with the existing apparatus bay being repurposed to house the village ambulances.
A mezzanine space will be located along the perimeter of the new apparatus bay with file storage and office space accessed from the existing building second floor hallway.
A new air and vapor barrier membrane and new exterior cladding system will be installed over the existing concrete masonry unit wall construction of the existing fire station, and the existing overhead sectional doors will be relocated and replaced allowing for adequate clearances around the ambulance apparatus bay.
The renewal of the building’s existing façade will result in creating a weather tight envelope while simultaneously allowing the cladding system of the addition to carry over creating a cohesive look to the updated facility.
The existing concrete slab in the existing ambulance apparatus bay will be replaced, including the installation of new trench drainage and epoxy floor finish.
The outdated emergency generator located south of the alley will be replaced and upgraded to accommodate the fire station and addition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2023 at 8:48 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The gas price for regular unleaded at the Crosby’s in Gaines was at $3.39 on Saturday.
The average price for a gallon of gas has dropped about 9 cents in the past week in Orleans County, from $3.46 to $3.37 today, according to AAA.
Nationally Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.41, up 4 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the price was $4.01, AAA reported.
The state-wide average is $3.43, down 2 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $4.21. (The average diesel price is at $4.999 a gallon statewide, compared to $5.053 a week ago, $5.256 a month ago and $4.785 a year ago.)
The average prices in Western NY counties today includes:
Orleans, $3.374
Genesee, $3.344
Wyoming, $3.425
Livingston, $3.397
Monroe, $3.415
Niagara, $3.294
Erie, $3.377
Chautauqua, $3.539
Cattaraugus, $3.215
Allegany, $3.521
AAA issued this statement about gas prices: “The national average for a gallon of gas is up this week while prices in New York have fallen slightly. We are seeing an increase in demand and the beginning of the switch to the summer blend of fuel, which is more expensive to refine. Oil prices have also ticked up, ranging this morning from $79 to $86 per barrel.
“Diesel prices continue to fall. The national average price for a gallon of diesel is $4.38, down 3 cents from a week ago. Here in New York the current average for diesel is $5.00, down 5 cents from last week.
“According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose slightly from 8.91 million to 9.11 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by nearly 1 million bbl to 239.2 million bbl last week. If gas demand rises amid falling domestic stocks, New York drivers may also see an end to future pump price drops.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 March 2023 at 7:55 am
Provided photo: East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor and her husband Jeff, captain, pose with the fire department’s newest piece of equipment, a UTV for off-the-road rescues.
EAST SHELBY – The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company has added a new piece of equipment to its fleet – a utility vehicle for off-road rescues or brush fires.
Fire Chief Debbie Taylor said her husband Jeff works with a friend who is a member of the Frontier Fire Department in Niagara County. The friend mentioned recently his fire department had purchased the vehicle in 2021 but decided they didn’t need it.
East Shelby Fire Company officials thought with their location close to the swamps, a vehicle such as this would be handy to have in case of a lost hunter or someone stranded in the swamps, so they agreed to purchase it.
The Taylors and their son Devin made arrangements to go get it and brought it to East Shelby a week ago. It only had 64 miles on it, Debbie said, and came with all the accessories, including a trailer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2023 at 7:47 am
Provided photo
HOLLEY – Holley Police Chief Bob Barton swears in Steve Mesiti on Friday as a new part-time police officer for the Holley Police Department. Mesiti is joined by his two children during the swearing in.
Mesiti worked 20 years for the Brockport Police Department, retiring as lieutenant.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 March 2023 at 9:22 pm
Kirk Zinkievich named ‘Firefighter of the Year’
Provided photos: Kirk Zinkievich accepts the award for “Firefighter of the Year” at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s annual banquet on Saturday. In addition to a plaque, he was presented with a statue of a firefighter holding a rescued child.
EAST SHELBY – East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company celebrated a milestone at its annual installation and awards banquet Saturday night.
The occasion was the 70th Platinum Jubilee of the fire company, founded by 13 charter members in 1953. The last surviving charter member was Laverne “Jiggs” Green, who died last year.
Dave Green emcees the 70th Platinum Jubilee celebration Saturday night.
Dave Green, a 63-year member of the fire company, was master of ceremonies. In honor of the 70th anniversary, guests received a commemorative drinking cup with straw and cover.
The evening began with welcoming remarks by fire company president Mike Fuller and ladies’ auxiliary president Bronwyn Green.
After introduction of guests, officers of the fire company were installed by Justin Niederhofer, Orleans 1. They are Mike Fuller, president; Joe Newton, vice president; Karen Bracey, secretary; Allen Turner, treasurer; and Norm Behrend, Gordon Reigle and Alan Lonnen, trustees; and Dave Green, steward. Line officers are Deb Taylor, chief; Devin Taylor, 1st assistant chief; Andy Beach, 2nd assistant chief; Dennis MacDonald, 3rd assistant chief; Jeff Taylor, captain; Laura Fields, fire police chief; Sue Behrend and Mike Fulller, EMS officers; and Todd Ralph, safety/training officer.
Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary, installed by Shelby Town Clerk Darlene Rich are Bronwyn Green, president; Deb Green, vice president; Sawyer Green, secretary; Sharlene Pratt, treasurer; Cassidy Oliver, Shirley Printup and Sue Green, trustees; and Rosie Allen, chaplain.
Members of the East Shelby Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary who received Certificates of Appreciation Saturday night are, from left, Rosie Allen, Judy Allen, Lisa Russo, Jessie Green, Sawyer Green and Paige Green.
Mike Fuller presented the President’s Award to Joe Newton. Newton is a long-time dedicated member of the fire company, who has been hospitalized for a year, first in Erie, Pa. and now in Ohio with a rare infection that required a ventilator and now dialysis. He is slowly improving and continues to keep track of the fire company on Facebook.
Gerry Zinkievich, right, is presented with the Auxiliary President’s Award from Bronwyn Green.
The Chief’s Award was presented by Debbie Taylor to Rusty Hoffmeister, a person she said she could always count on. He volunteers any time a work crew is needed and always sells a ton of tickets to fire company events. He responds to calls any time he is available. Not only is he an important asset to the fire company, but to his community, as well.
“During the blizzard of 2022, he spent long hours with little sleep helping neighboring departments clearing the roadways for emergency calls and personal needs,” Taylor said. “He even assisted with one of our calls for lift assistance with a dementia patient. I give credit where credit is due from this blizzard. I always thought it would be neat to just once be a snow plow driver, but after that storm and being in it, well, curiosity sure killed the cat. I give town guys credit for what they went through, but I can only give one of them this award.”
Taylor also presented the “Firefighter of the Year Award,” this year choosing a person who’s been in the department for many years, and also served as a past chief.
In announcing Kirk Zinkievich as her choice, she said, “He is a big asset. He shows up for calls when he can and is another big ticket seller. He always helps at events and doesn’t slow down, even with the medical issues he’s endured. He has a great personality and is very well liked. The one quality that stands out with him is that he always puts others before himself. You think he had a big heart, but since his rebuilt/remanufactured heart, it’s even bigger as he continues to put his family, friends and the fire company before him.”
The EMS Award was presented by Mike Fuller to Nick Boyle, a new member who took the initiative to complete the courses necessary to become an EMT.
(Left) East Shelby Fire chief Debbie Taylor, left, and president Mike Fuller look at the plaque he was presented Saturday night for 50 years of membership in the fire company. (Right) Mike Fuller is shown with his daughters, Amy Fuller (left) and Katie Crooks.
A highlight of the evening was honoring Mike Fuller for 50 years of membership in the fire company.
“It doesn’t seem like that long,” he said.
He first became interested in the fire company when, at the age of 14, he started working on the Zinkievich farm. They were dedicated firefighters and whenever there was a call, they dropped everything to respond, and Fuller would tag along. He couldn’t join back then until he was 18.
Fuller’s daughters Amy Fuller and Katie Crooks gave a presentation titled “Through the Years” about life in their home with a dedicated firefighter. It didn’t matter what they were doing, if there was a fire call, Mike was gone.
Both his daughters are firefighters and EMTs.
“I never pushed them,” he said. “They wanted to do it.”
Mike has held every line position in the fire department. He has been chief on two occasions – from 1981 to 1985 and again in 2005, when he served for 10 years. He has served as president for five years. He will be 69 in April and is still an active EMT.
Mike was presented with proclamations from representatives of Town of Shelby, Orleans County Legislature, State Sen. Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.
(Left) Nick Boyle received an EMS award. (Center) Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green commends Judy Allen, 50 years, and Jessie Green, 60 years, for their long-term commitment to the organization. (Right) Patrick Holman, a magician from Medina, entertained the crowd.
Awards from the Ladies Auxiliary included certificates of appreciation presented to Rosie Allen, Judy Allen, Lisa Russo, Jessie Green, Sawyer Green and Paige Green. Judy Allen was recognized for 50 years of membership in the Auxiliary. Jessie Green is a 60-year member.
Auxiliary president Bronwyn Green presented a check to the firemen for $8,000 to help with their purchase of new pagers. Green said the Auxiliary is a big supporter of the fire company, always participating in any function they have.
A final ceremony paid tribute to a member Richard Pitcher, who passed away last August.
The fire company reported new members were Nick Boyle and Dylan Taylor. The Auxiliary also had two new members, Leona Weese and Pat Vadar.
The evening concluded with entertainment by magician Pat Holman of Medina.
The family of Richard Pitcher Sr. pose in front of the memorial wall at East Shelby fire Hall. The firefighter, who died Aug. 12, 2022, was a longtime member of the department and held many positions. From left is daughter Sara Pitcher-Szatkowski, his widow Linda Pitcher, and sons Rich Pitcher Jr. and Brian Pitcher. Fire chief Debbie Taylor paid tribute to Rich Sr. during the annual banquet Saturday night.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Boosters
LANCASTER – The Lancaster school district hosted their winter guard show on Saturday with 14 guard units performed in competition. This was Medina’s 4th competition.
In the Scholastic A class Medina came in 4th place with a score of 66.98. In that class Victor earned 1st with a score of 74.47, followed by Orchard Park in 2nd at 74.45 and Lancaster in 3rd with 72.77.
In the Cadet class Victor earned 1st place with 63.34 followed by Medina JV in 2nd with 58.39.
In RA class Gates earned 1st place with 66.92.
In the A1 class Greece came in 1st at 67.92. In the Senior class Luminosa was the only competitor at 80.98.
The next opportunity to see both of Medina’s guards perform is Saturday, March 11, at our home show. After that the guard travels to Jamestown on March 25 and the Championships on April 1 at Gates.
The JV winter guard was second in the Cadet division.
