By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2023 at 3:12 pm
Provided photo
ALBION – These seventh-graders at Albion, Ayme Vallejo Morales (left) and Monica Thomas, hold a marble marker for the infant son Henry Austin Spencer and Carrie Spencer.
The baby hasn’t had a headstone and is buried at Mount Albion Cemetery at 508 Valley. Jason Zicari, the cemetery superintendent, will have the new headstone installed.
Students in a service-learning class taught by Tim Archer in the middle school led this effort. It ties into a booklet project they are working on about Mount Albion.
The seventh-graders in November had a historical marker installed on Chamberlain Street in honor of Henry A. Spencer, who was the first African-American student at the University of Rochester in 1885. The marker is by the childhood home of Spencer at Chamberlain St.
Spencer was a pall bearer for Frederick Douglass’s funeral, a member of Frederick Douglass Memorial Committee, and secretary for the NYS Assembly.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2023 at 9:56 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Members of the Elks Riders Motorcycle Clubs in Albion and Brockport unload a truck this morning as part of a food distribution in Albion.
The pop-up food distribution was scheduled for Monday but was moved to this morning.
The motorcycle clubs stepped up as volunteers in this morning’s freezing cold after the change in schedule.
Gloria Sammons smiles while getting ready for the distribution. She helps every month at the events, where about 200 people typically receive bags and boxes of food at the village’s municipal parking lot at 165 Platt St.
The parking lot is nearly full with vehicles at about 8:30 this morning. The volunteers parked in front right while the people waiting to be served are in the back right of this photo.
The events in Albion are run by Community Action with food delivered by Foodlink in Rochester.
The schedule through June for Albion includes March 13, March 27, April 10, May 8 and June 12.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2023 at 8:26 am
Provided photo: Orleans County legislators – Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak – are shown outside the office for U.S. Senate majority Leader Charles Schumer.
ALBION – Three Orleans County legislators spent five days in Washington, D.C. for the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. and also met with representatives of U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney and Joe Morelle, whose congressional districts include part of Orleans County.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson attended the conference with County Legislators John Fitzak and Skip Draper.
“It is critical that we come to Washington to meet face to face with our representatives and their staff. There is no better way to represent our county and make our voices heard,” Johnson said. “We are looking forward to working with our new Congresswoman, Claudia Tenney and Congressman Joe Morelle and are always grateful for the support that Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have given us.”
Johnson said she thanked Gillibrand for helping to secure $2 million towards upgrading the emergency management office, which was built in a bunker style back in 1962.
The county officials also met with staff members from Congressmen Nick Langworthy NY-23, Brandon Williams NY-22, Marc Molinaro NY-19 and Mike Lawler ‘s NY-17 offices as part of a lobbying day on Capitol Hill with county officials from across the country.
Johnson said discussions with the federal officials centered on more funding for broadband, emergency management, infrastructure, roads, Lake Ontario water levels and dredging.
The National Association of Counties Legislative Conference brought together 2,000 elected county officials to focus on federal policy issues that affect counties and their residents.
“Orleans County is pleased to have participated in this conference and represent our citizens and more importantly, to lobby Congress on their behalf,” Johnson said in a news release.
Conference focused on broadband, agricultural and rural affairs, workforce development, health care and public safety policies. The conference culminated with an address by President Joe Biden.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2023 at 7:43 am
MEDINA – The Orleans County Board of Elections is encouraging the Town of Ridgeway to consolidate its polling locations to one spot at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company on Route 104.
The BOE urged the town to no longer use the Town Hall on West Avenue as a polling location. Moving it to the fire hall would save about $500 on the cost of elections inspectors for general elections, and about $1,250 on the cost for primaries, according to the BOE.
Currently the fire hall is used as the pilling site for districts 1, 3, 6 and 7, while the town hall is used for districts 2, 4 and 5. Ridgeway is the only town in Orleans County that doesn’t have a consolidated polling location.
The Board of Elections said the fire hall has more parking spaces and more privacy inside for voters.
But Mayor Mike Sidari said it is a longer drive for voters, especially for senior citizens on what can often be cold days in early November for elections.
“This would be a huge hindrance to our village residents,” Sidari said about consolidating all polling sites. “It’s going to be hard for our elderly.”
The Village Board agreed to send a letter to Brian Napoli, the Ridgeway town supervisor, rging Ridgeway not to move the Town Hall polling sites to the fire hall.
Sidari and the Village Board members said they appreciated Napoli sought their opinion before making a decision.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2023 at 9:26 pm
A winter weather advisory has issued by the National Weather Service from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday for Orleans, Niagara, Genesee, Monroe and northern Erie counties.
Freezing rain and mixed precipitation expected, the Weather Service said. The forecast calls for total snow accumulations of an inch or less and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch.
“Temperatures will drop below freezing late tonight, with a period of freezing rain,” the Weather Service said. “Slippery road conditions will impact the Friday morning commute.”
The high temperature on Friday in Orleans County is forecast for 28, followed by highs of 40 on Saturday, 44 on Sunday and 41 on Monday.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that beginning March 3 to 5 this year, and annually thereafter, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in March, will be free for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers.
During this promotional weekend, the requirement to register in New York is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York’s 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails.
“With the support of local governments and snowmobile clubs, we are so glad to welcome out-of-state snowmobilers each year to New York State trails,” Governor Hochul said. “By offering this free snowmobiling weekend at the same time each year, our hope is to spur friendships, get annual trips on calendars and boost promotion of upstate tourism. Our expansive snowmobile network gives visitors and tourists an incredible opportunity to explore our state.”
Out-of-state and Canadian participants in the free snowmobiling event must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/Province and must carry any applicable insurance as required. Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the state’s trails – from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.
This year’s free snowmobiling weekend, March 3 to 5, 2023, reinforces the importance of tourism to state and local economies, and New York’s commitment to the industry in the wake of the pandemic.
New York State has made an ongoing commitment to snowmobile trail maintenance and our local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn groom and maintain the trails. The trail grants support 10,500 miles of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to safely enjoy.
A guide from I LOVE NY to snowmobile trips available in the state can be found by clicking here.
The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Snowmobile registration costs $100 but is decreased to $45 if the snowmobiler is a member of a local snowmobile club.
Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for out-of-state Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.
For information on snowmobiling, visit parks.ny.gov.
Press Release, Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
ALBION — The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold a Safety Fair for Orleans County residents from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, for those caring for loved ones with dementia. The event will take place at the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Route 31 at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
“Caring for someone with dementia and knowing how to keep them safe is a tough job,” said Chelsea Torgalski, education program manager at the WNY Chapter. “The Alzheimer’s Association, along with other community organizations, will offer resources to help with these challenges.”
In addition to safety and community information, care consultants will be on site to meet privately with caregivers if needed.
Residents may attend anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. Registration is not required but recommended at bit.ly/OCSAFETY. Anyone who registers will receive free safety tools when they attend.
The free program is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2023 at 3:27 pm
Sierra Biological has new building, growing workforce
Photos by Tom Rivers: Casey Decker recently sold his company, Sierra Biological, to Beneficial Insectary. Decker will stay on as leader of Sierra Biological on Swett Road in Ridgeway. The company distributes nematodes and other insects to control pests that can damage or destroy plants that produce vegetables, flowers, fruits and cannabis.
RIDGEWAY – A company on Swett Road in Ridgeway has built an army of tiny insects that are used for pest control to help farmers and greenhouse operators produce crops – flowers, fruits, vegetables and cannabis.
Sierra Biological moved its operations to Ridgeway in May 2016. Casey Decker, the company’s CEO, founded the company in California. He was operating it in an out building at his home with his wife Nina.
They needed more room for the business. But real estate is very expensive in California. Decker had a big client at a greenhouse in Canada just over the border from Western New York. He also had a customer in Buffalo.
Decker scouted sites in WNY and settled on a former collision shop on Swett Road in Ridgeway.
The business has steadily grown since then, and currently has 10 employees. Decker put in climate-controlled rooms and has maxed out the space.
Sierra Biological is set to grow more. It has a new 10,800-square-foot facility next door and last month closed a deal with Beneficial Insectary Inc., where that company now has 100 percent equity of Sierra. Decker will stay on overseeing Sierra Biological.
Tyler Palmer, manager of Sierra Biological in Ridgeway, examines aphids that are growing on oat plants. These plant with aphids that don’t harm the plant will then be introduced to parasitic wasps that will wipe out other aphids threatening the oats. Sierra Biological offers an alternative to using pesticides and other chemical sprays that Palmer said can be costly and sometimes damage the plants as well as the targeted insects.
Decker said the deal with Beneficial Insectary consolidates a long-standing and successful collaboration between the two companies, and gives Sierra Biological access to more products and technological to grow the business in Ridgeway.
“It is a logical and mutually beneficial way to give our excellent collaboration with Beneficial Insectary a more structural and permanent character,” Decker said. “I will continue to lead Sierra Biological and will further operate as an independent distributor with a regional focus in the Northeast. My clients value our quality, reliability, and personal service. The logistical and administrative benefits of a closer relationship with Beneficial Insectary will mean I can dedicate more of my time to serving their needs.”
Cliff Noorlander, CEO of Beneficial Insectary, issued this statement: “I look forward to continuing my excellent working relationship with Casey within this new setting. It consolidates our long-standing relationship with Sierra Biological.
“We’ll be able to realize many operational synergies which will allow Casey to focus even more on serving his customers,” Noorlander said. “As part of the Biobest Group, I value the independence with which Beneficial Insectary can continue to operate and grow. I firmly intend to work in the same spirit with Sierra Biological.
“In addition to operational synergies, Sierra Biological brings certain in-house production and research programs. We look forward to the opportunity to further develop these relying on the resources and know-how of the group. Sierra’s technologies include nematodes and new technologies to control cannabis pests, which we will aim to leverage as part of our offering to this important market segment.”
Casey Decker and Tyler Palmer are shown inside a new facility on Swett Road with two floors of climate-controlled rooms. The space triples the size of Sierra Biological in Ridgeway.
Decker said he is thankful for his career working to control insects to help his customers grow more vibrant crops with bigger yields.
Sierra Biological can help farmers and greenhouse operators scout pests that are damaging plants and crops, and develop a strategy to reduce or eliminate those pests, and do it in a way that is natural without any pesticides.
“It’s mentally stimulating and not mind-numbing,” Decker said. “There is something every day that is different and each problem has 20 possible solutions.”
Decker said he was fortunate when not long after moving to Ridgeway he got a knock on the door from Tyler Palmer, who was then a recent graduate of Morrisville State College with an associate’s degree in diesel technology and a bachelor’s in renewable energy.
He had worked for a wind turbine company and then Western New York Energy in Medina.
Nematodes will be introduced into these wax worms, and then released by customers to target a predator, which could be grubs. Many customers use these nematodes on their lawns in Canada. Sierra Biological has insects that will destroy thrips, spider mites, aphids and fungus gnats, as well as other plant pests.
Palmer, a Lyndonville native, welcomed the chance to help grow Sierra Biological and help the customers grow their crops in a very earth-friendly approach.
He has been a manager at Sierra Biological for six years. He likes the science behind the job.
“We replicate nature in a lab,” he said. “We’re just bringing what Mother Nature did inside.”
Sierra is sought after by organic farms and greenhouses, as well as conventional operators. They’re approach – introducing pests that prey on insects damaging plants – has saved customers from costly pesticides and sprays, and resulted in more robust yields.
“We’re an alternative to pesticides,” Palmer said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 February 2023 at 12:29 pm
MEDINA – Orleans County’s American Legion family – the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion – welcomed members and officers of the Eighth District to the Department Officers’ Testimonial dinner Wednesday night at Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club.
Guests included David R. Riley Sr. of Rome, New York American Legion Department commander; Nancy Babis of Lockport, Auxiliary Department president; Timothy Van Patten II of East Amherst, Sons of the Legion New York State Detachment commander; Henry Link of Portland, Eighth District commander; Charles Eberhardt of Holley, Orleans County commander; James Bojanowski of Orchard Park, Seventh- and Eighth-District vice commander; Cathy Fox, Orleans County Auxiliary president; Sue Williams of Salamanca, Eighth District Auxiliary president; and Diman Smith, Eighth District SAL Detachment commander.
Also in attendance were Skip Draper of Medina, representing the Orleans County Legislature and State Senator Rob Ortt; and Barry Flansburg of Barre, respresenting Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Honored guests each spoke about their dedication to the Legion organization and shared their reason for believing in its mission.
From left, Cathy Fox of Medina, president of the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary; Nancy Babis of Lockport, the Auxiliaries’ New York State Department president; and Sue Williams, Eighth District Auxiliary president, posed for a photo prior to dinner Wednesday at the annual Department Officers’ Testimonial dinner.
Nancy Babis, a 62-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, is passionate about Honor Flight and devotes her time to raising money for the project.
“It’s my mission to put as many soldiers as I can on a plane to visit Washington, D.C. and see their memorial,” she said. “I’ve been on one and I’m going again in June on a special Honor Flight for Purple Heart recipients. I’m looking for any Purple Heart veteran from any war. They can contact me at Nyalapresident@gmail.com or call me at (716) 628-3797.”
She said in 202 there were 21,800 veterans sent to Washington on Honor flights. Another 40,000 or more are on a waiting list to go. World War II veterans get priority, but a veteran who served in any war can apply to go on a flight.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Honor Flight can send a check to American Legion Auxiliary Department of NY, 1580 Columbia Turnpike, Building 1, Suite 3, Castleton on Hudson, NY 12033.
Babis also said the membership goal in Orleans County is at 76 percent, with 11 more members needed to fill the quota. She explained two important programs – Girls’ State and the Legion’s Family College.
In his speech, Timothy Van Patten II said seven new SAL groups were started in the state last year. He is dedicated to the SAL’s mission of giving out American flags to as many people as possible. He loves history, and as the SAL’s historian, he recently submitted his history report at the national convention and came home with first place.
He also shared that $2,762,945 has been donated from the New York State Detachment to fight for legislation to assure veterans’ benefits. An active member of the Civil Air Patrol, Van Patten said the majority of search and rescue missions in the United States involve the Civil Air Patrol. A dedicated effort of the CAP is to encourage young cadets to learn to fly, hoping to help ease the pilot shortage in America.
Cathy Fox commended the Orleans County Auxiliary members who give a lot of their time and support to veterans in Orleans County.
As New York State Department commander, David R. Riley Sr. has a long list of credentials. He retired from the military as a staff sergeant E5, and has a long list of medals, including the Air Force’s Good Conduct Medal and New York State Medal of Merit. He has held positions of leadership at his post, the district and nationally. He currently instructs at the Family College. He is retired after 39 1/2 years as a corrections officer.
His reasons for belonging to the American Legion include the wonderful programs they offer and “because I have a right to.”
“What I get out of it are great friendships and the satisfaction knowing we have accomplished something; the satisfaction we are helping a veteran by getting legislation passed; the satisfaction of seeing a veteran being helped by a service officer; seeing improvement in healthcare for women veterans; putting flags in a cemetery; and the excitement of a crowd when we march by in a parade,” Riley said.
He added he gets satisfaction when he mentors someone or when he signs up a new member.
“When the community sees the good we do, we will grow,” he said.
Riley also touched on the problem of suicide among veterans, which is 50 percent higher than the national average. The American Legion is working to find resources to assist veterans and offer them support, he said. There are programs to help veterans, but often they lack adequate funding, he added. He reminded the audience that anyone contemplating suicide or knowing of anyone can call 988 and press “1” to receive help.
The evening also included a ceremony by Butts-Clark American Legion’s newly elected commander James Wells, paying tribute to POWs/MIAs.
Prior to the evening dinner and program, the guests spent the day touring Orleans County, including Lake Ontario, Mount Albion Cemetery and Oak Orchard Lighthouse.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2023 at 11:49 am
MEDINA – If the Village Board moves forward with new basketball courts at Butts Park, it could cost $166,703.
That is the low estimate from contractors who submitted quotes for the project. American Paving and Excavating, Inc. of Clarence Center has the low estimate so far for the project. Other contractors submitted bids for different pieces of the project. American paving was the only company that said it would take charge of the entire project.
The bid includes an area 94 feet by 115 feet and covers excavation, paving, striping, sealing and four basketball posts, backboards and nets.
Melissa Valley from the Medina Mustang Boosters is leading the effort to get new courts at Butts Park on South Main Street. Currently there aren’t outdoor courts in Medina.
The Village Board wants the new courts but isn’t willing to pay the full cost out of the village budget. The village hasn’t determined how much it can pay towards the project. The board is looking to use some of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds towards the project.
Mayor Mike Sidari said he would like to see if grants could help with the new courts, and if the Mustang Boosters can help with fundraising.
The estimate from American Paving includes excavating an area 94 feet by 115 feet and going down 10 inches. The company would remove all sod, topsoil, dirt and clay and dispose of it offsite.
It would then install 8 inches of 2-inch crush run limestone and compact with a 7-ton vibratory roller. It would grade the stone to form a true and level surface, and then install a 2-inch course of type-3 dense binder. It would then put a 1-inch course of 1AC fine topping.
Valley encouraged the board to push forward with the project, which she said has been talked about for a few years now.
The two courts would by an 84-by-50 foot area. There would be 5 feet between the courts with a 5-foot perimeter runoff. There would be two hoops at each court, one at each end.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2023 at 8:24 am
Construction costs have soared, grants haven’t kept pace to put in new waterlines
Photo by Tom Rivers: Shar Pratt speaks during Monday’s Shelby Town Board meeting and asks the Town Board to push for public water for many of the residents suffering from too little water in their wells. “This is 2023,” she said. “It’s a health and safety priority.”
SHELBY – Town residents, many of them desperate for public water, won’t have a quick or cheap fix for getting a public waterline by their homes, residents were told on Monday.
Construction costs have soared since the start of the pandemic about three years ago – by 2 to 2.5 times. And grant amounts from the state and federal governments haven’t kept up with the rising costs.
Shelby has about 70,000 linear feet without public waterlines – nearly 14 miles. To bring an 8-inch waterline to all of the spots would be about $12 million, said Jason Foote, an engineer and project manager with Clark Patterson Lee.
The town would need about $10 million in state and federal grants to make that project affordable for residents. The state comptroller sets a threshold for affordability for public water projects at $1,040 in annual expense to residents. Shelby residents pay an average of $478 for their water bills. That leaves about $552 left for the debt for a water district to under the state comptroller threshold.
The construction estimates are currently about $125 per linear foot, which is much higher than a few years ago, Foote said.
“There is high demand for contractors and low supply (for materials) – which is the direct opposite of what you need for low pricing,” he said.
Three town residents spoke during the meeting and urged the board to try to bring public water to residents. They said their wells have been nearly depleted. One woman said her family limits showers to 2 minutes and hauls in water.
“It’s horrible,” said Karrie Cronkhite of Wheeler Road. “In 2023, people shouldn’t have to live this way.”
She said her well has progressively worsened in the past three years. She estimated she is spending $100 a month on buying water in jugs and about $25 a week at the laundromat.
Shar Pratt of Martin Road said her well has largely dried up since last August. Her husband John, a member of the Town Board, has to lug water to the house. They put in auxiliary tanks for water so they can keep flushing their toilets, doing dishes and laundry at home. But it’s a lot of work to haul water two to three times a week.
“This is 2023,” Pratt said. “We shouldn’t have to live like this. It’s a health and safety priority.”
Andrea Walton of Maple Ridge Road said she is one of six homes on Maple Ridge without public water access. They have been asking the town the past three years to find a way to bring public water to that area.
Foote, the engineer, suggested the town try to break the project in multiple water districts to try to maximize the state and federal grants. He broke the areas without water into three potential projects (which could be modified).
For part 1 he suggested part of Maple Ridge Road (between Salt Works Road and Charles Street), Sanderson Road, Waterworks Road, Munzel Road and Martin Road. That includes 36 equivalent dwelling units on about 26,000 linear feet. Foote said the estimated construction would be about $4.5 million and would need $3.6 million to $3.8 million in grants to be affordable to residents.
Part 2 would be as $3.3 million project with 32 EDUs over about 20,000 linear feet and include Wheeler Road, Hemlock Ridge Road and Townline Road.
Part 3 would be about $4.2 million with 18 EDUs with part of Martin Road, Townline Road (including in Barre), Barber Road and Smith Road in Barre.
Foote stressed that no district boundaries are set, and those areas identified in his proposal could be shifted to make a district larger or smaller.
“I think it’s going to be smaller projects,” Foote said about the size of the water districts. “You need to prioritize the areas.”
One of the funding agencies, the federal Rural Development, wants to spread out its grants to many communities so it’s unlikely it would give Shelby a massive grant to cover the entire town currently without public water, Foote said.
He presented an option for three different phases, but he said it could be reworked to two phases, or even four phases.
He urged the town to start working on grants and other government assistance.
Scott Wengewicz, the town supervisor, said he supports pursuing as many avenues as possible for grant funding.
“The Fog” by Julie Lambert-Coleman was the 2022 winner of the Art of the Rural exhibition.
BATAVIA – GO ART! announces a call for artwork for its sixth annual juried exhibition, Art of the Rural.
The exhibition is open to all artists. All work must be original, created by the submitting artist, and not previously exhibited at GO ART! All media is accepted. Artwork must be ready to hang, and no larger than 36” x 36.”
GO ART! members may submit up to five works for $30, $5 for each additional work. Non-members may submit up to three works for $30, $5 for each additional work.
Artists can drop off submissions at GO ART! located in Seymour Place, 201 East Main Street, Batavia between March 22 and April 1, during regular business hours. No entries will be accepted after April 1.
“The Art of the Rural is one of my favorite exhibitions,” said Mary Jo Whitman, GO ART! education director. “It is so exciting to see all of the talent that comes out of our region. It really is a fabulous opportunity for artists of every level to showcase their talents while exploring the theme: rural.”
Art of the Rural will be on display from April 5 to June 5. The winners will be announced at the artist reception, April 20, from 5 to 8 p.m.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is excited to announce the model tryouts for its 42nd annual fashion show, “Ageless”. The tryouts will be Feb. 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Feb. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the College’s Forum.
The “Ageless” fashion show celebrates fashion in all its forms and highlights the diversity of style across generations. As such, the tryouts are open to all ages, genders, ethnicities and sizes. Anyone who has a passion for fashion and wants to be a part of this exciting event is encouraged to attend the tryouts.
This year’s show will pay tribute to fashion trends throughout the decades from the 1920s to today and beyond, showcasing the talent and creativity and interpretation of GCC’s fashion students. The show will be held in the Richard C. Call Arena’s 24,000-square-foot indoor field house, which will accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
“I am incredibly excited for our students to showcase their talents and creativity through this year’s fashion show,” said GCC’s fashion instructor, Laura Taylor. “Ageless is a truly immersive production, featuring pre-show interviews, photo-ops with coordinators, and a post-show party and vendor market. Our students have put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to make this year’s show a truly unforgettable experience.”
To register for the model tryouts, interested individuals should email fashionshow@genesee.edu or Laura Taylor, assistant professor of Fashion Business at ljtaylor@genesee.edu.
As it has in the past, the Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email Izzie Lanasa at ilanasa@my.genesee.edu. Tables are only $25.
This year’s fashion show offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting the GCC fashion program. For more information, please contact Laura Taylor at ljtaylor@genesee.edu. Don’t miss out on this exciting event, celebrating the timelessness of fashion and the talent of GCC’s fashion students.
Ticket information for “Ageless” will be released soon. To stay updated on the latest developments, follow @gccfashionprogram on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter. The show will also be live-streamed globally, making it accessible to a wider audience. To view GCC’s 2022 fashion show, click here.
