‘When I came in here, I felt like I had stepped back in time, back to when T.O. Castle was here, and this was the mecca of Millville.’ – Daniel Hurley
Photos courtesy of Historian’s Office: Daniel P. Hurley displays the sign which will mark the building at 12348 Maple Ridge Road as an officially recognized site on the National Register of Historic Places.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans, Vol. 2, No. 40
MILLVILLE – Christmas came early this year for Daniel P. Hurley, owner of the former T.O. Castle & Son General Store on Maple Ridge Road in Millville.
He was notified that his application for National Historic recognition status for the building was approved on Dec. 8, at the 190th meeting of the New York State Board for Historic Preservation, held at the New York State Museum in Albany.
Hurley, a Gaines resident, first noticed the building in 2019 while driving past the site on Route 31A.
“I was just drawn to this building, it’s hard to describe,” he said. “When I came in here, I felt like I had stepped back in time, back to when T.O. Castle was here, and this was the mecca of Millville.
“It housed the store and the post office back then,” Hurley continued. “Everybody who lived around came in here for items that they needed. This is where the news of the day was gathered and passed on: who was sick, who had died, how the crops were doing. This stove here is probably where the men gathered and talked about politics. You can feel the past in the air here.
“As the application says, this place ‘retains much of its architectural integrity.’ The floors, beams, joists, walls, ceiling, and the shelves are all as they were and that contributes to the feeling that it is a time capsule.”
He sought National Historic Registry status for the building because he felt it was worthy of recognition as an example of an enduring structure and because of the affinity he felt with the T.O. Castle era of ownership.
Built about 1849 of locally sourced stone, it was owned and operated by two generations of the Castle family between 1849 and 1933. Prominently situated at a busy crossroads, this general store served the needs of the local farming community, selling dry goods, crockery and hardware.
At that time, a harness store, tannery, carriage shop and blacksmith shop were also in operation in the vicinity and local children attended School No.7 nearby and the Millville Academy operated until 1870.
Thomas Oliver Castle was born in Parma, Monroe County on April 2, 1826, the son of Jehiel and Nancy (Willey) Castle. He taught school for two years and in 1846, moved to Shelby Center in Orleans County. He worked at the store owned by his uncle, Reuben S. Castle, and then worked in Buffalo for two years as a supervisor of salesmen at the George M. Sweeney store.
After serving in the U.S. Army during the Mexican War, he settled in Millville in 1849. He married Mary Timmerman, daughter of Catherine Timmerman, in December of 1850. He was involved in every aspect of community life. He was a notary public, judge of sessions, post-master, and served on the Millville Cemetery Board. His obituary in the Medina Daily Journal of March 30, 1910, noted that “he was widely known and esteemed.”
Hurley plans to accomplish the necessary repairs as soon as possible. He envisions minimum alterations to the interior as he would like to preserve the store’s sense of the past and operate an emporium there. The building is the second National Historic Register site in Millville – nearby Millville Cemetery was recognized in 2007.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2022 at 8:52 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Air Raising Events owner Sheryl Watts created this snowman out of balloons. She is lined up Saturday evening for “Santa’s Hometown Parade” in Albion.
The participants in the parade gathered at the Arnold Gregory parking lot on South Main Street before heading downtown.
Kaitlyn Samsel, right, helps Cole Samsel with his lighted moose costume before the parade. Kaitlyn would put on a reindeer costume decorated with lights. The family car also was lighted up for the parade.
Natasha Wasuck and her husband John Hernandez take a selfie with their float featuring a bridal gown. They are the owners of The Lockstone, which hosts weddings and other special events.
Don Greenough and his wife Amanda hold their daughter Joy. They decorated their car for the parade. Greenough also has a big lighted display at his home on Platt Street.
“My wife calls me Clark Griswold because I’m over the top,” Greenough said.
He had a cutout of Griswold, the star of the National Lampoon Vacation movies, in the front seat.
This float was ready to carry Santa into the downtown.
Jami Allport helps get the float ready for AYSAP, the youth football and cheerleading program.
COVA and Mercy Flight EMS decorated two ambulances in lights for the parade.
PAWS put lights and a white nose on this vehicle for the parade.
The Oak Orchard Yacht Club created a float to resemble a sailboat.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Patrol Unit decorated a boat for Christmas.
This display sent a message to choose kindness over being a Grinch.
After the parade, there were music and activities in the the downtown. Michael Bonafede on drums joined the Westside Drive band in front of the Pratt and Day buildings, historic buildings owned by Bonafede and his wife Judith Koehler.
Melissa Stornelli of Last Call Cocktails served alcoholic beverages in a closed off part of Main Street between Beaver Alley and Bank Street.
Rebecca Alexander and Debbie Prest greet Santa, who took some time out for photos.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2022 at 10:09 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
BARRE – Santa Claus waves to people along Route 98 during the Barre lighted tractor parade this evening. There were more than 20 tractors, construction vehicles and other farm equipment in the parade.
Mike Van Lieshout leads off the parade with a sign proclaiming “A Barre Merry Christmas To All.”
The parade started at Van Lieshout’s farm on East Barre Road and then headed north on Route 98 to the barre Town Park.
This was the fourth Barre lighted parade. Last year’s parade was cancelled due to high winds. The event is organized by the Barre Betterment Committee.
Keeler Construction carried this sign wishing people a “Merry Christmas.”
Basinait Farms had a holiday display with a Christmas tree, Buddy the Elf and a festive M & M.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2022 at 3:31 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Wayne Downs and Ron Gaesser cook chicken dinners this afternoon outside the Masonic Lodge in Platt Street.
The Renovation Masonic Lodge and The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries prepared 2,000 chicken dinners to be given away for free.
The meals were scheduled to be available from noon to 4 p.m. but a long line formed outside the Masonic Lodge by 10 a.m. The meals were served ahead of time and by 11, 600 were gone.
Val Rush helps serve the meals in the kitchen at the Masonic Lodge. The meals also included beans, macaroni salad and a roll.
Pastor Al Wilson counts meals to be delivered in the community.
The church last year served 1,000 chicken dinners and that wasn’t enough. The Royal Body Shop decided to double the effort this time and received many donations, andfood at a discount from Save-A-Lot.
“It’s such a blessing to help meet the needs of the community,” Wilson said.
The Rev. Richard Csizmar from Holy Family Parish offered a blessing before the meals were served.
“It’s bringing the community together of all ethnic backgrounds and faiths,” Wilson said.
The downtown area has been busy today with many events as part of Albion’s Hometown Christmas. A section of the Main Street between Bank Street and Beaver Alley will be the focus for events this evening.
The “In the Square” schedule includes:
3 to 5 p.m. – Book sale for publication about Charles Howard compiled by Albion seventh-graders in 2021
3:30 to 8 p.m. – Cookies and baked goods by Pretty Sweet Bakery, and hot cocoa and drinks from the Coffee Joint
3:30 to 8 p.m. – Food booth by Albion Lions Club
5:30 – Santa’s Hometown Parade
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Santa’s Jollies (for 21 and over) by Mountain Mule Ciderhouse
6 to 8:30 p.m. – Live music and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
There will also be opportunities for the Santa Shuffle, Reindeer Games and Christmas Selfies
This group from the Downtown Browsery dressed up as “Misfit Toys.” They include, from left: Liz Groat, Paula Brooks, Dar Krull, Donna John and Diane Wight.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2022 at 12:30 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Max Bentley, a member of the Albion FFA, moves boxes of ham that were donated by the Orleans County Farm Bureau for the Albion FFA’s annual food drive.
The FFA delivered 47,236 pounds of food this morning to Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.
Community Action will share that produce with 10 local food pantries, as well as at least 200 families served by the agency for the annual holiday food boxes.
FFA members Bryce Wilson, right; FFA President Sam Basinait, second from right; Daisy Reyes, and FFA alumnus Barry Flansburg help unload the food this morning.
Basinait, a senior, has been part of the food drives since she was in sixth grade. The local chapter looks forward to working with the farm community each year to bring healthy food to people in need.
Basinait said many families feel the financial pinch during the holidays and the food will take some pressure off of them.
Scott Oldenburg, Albion FFA advisor, said the chapter has a dedicated team of leadership that made calls to local farms and organized the food drive. Two of the members, Thomas Bentley and Bryce Wilson, picked up many of the boxes from local farms.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, right, has been a reliable volunteer for many of the food drives. The FFA started the food drive in 2010 and there were 3,000 pounds the first year. In recent years, the total has consistently topped 40,000 pounds.
David Bertsch, parent of FFA member Natalie Bertsch, helps in lugging some of the heavy boxes of eggs donated by Kreher Farms. FFA members Daisy Reyes, center, and Adele Mathes.
William Plummer, front, works with Oliver Beach to unload a pallet of canned vegetables.
FFA members and Community Action staff and volunteers pose for a quick photo before unloading a truck and trailers of food.
The donations from local farms include:
Torrey Farms, 500 pounds of onions and potatoes
Intergrow Greenhouses, 1,600 pounds of tomatoes
My-T Acres, 3,500 pounds of cabbage and potatoes
Kludt Brothers Farm, 5,000 pounds of butternut squash
Orleans Poverty Hill Farm, 36 pounds of cheese
Starowitz Farms, 7,300 pounds of onions, potatoes, cabbage and squash
Orchard Dale Fruit Company, 5,000 pounds of apples
Kast Farms, 2,000 pounds of apples
Orleans County Farm Bureau/Save-A-Lot, 1,000 pounds of ham
Triple G Farms, 4,000 pounds of onions and potatoes
Nesbitt Farms, 4,000 pounds of apples
Lynn-Ette & Sons, 500 pounds of cabbage
Root Brothers, 4,000 pounds of cabbage
Panek Farms, 3,400 pounds of squash
Martin Farms, 3,000 pounds of squash
Kreher’s, 1,350 pounds of eggs
Stymus Farms, 50 pounds of potatoes
Lake Ontario Fruit also donated boxes and plastic to wrap the boxes
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2022 at 11:57 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputy Savannah Tackley joins Violet Schening and her mother Julie Schening of Albion this morning for “Shop with a Cop” at the Albion Walmart.
The store contributed a $4,000 grant to the Sheriff’s Department for the program that paired Sheriff’s employees with children and their families to pick out items to help their families or be given as gifts for a family member.
“It’s very nice and kind for them to help out,” Julie Schening said. “It’s sweet and I hope I can help out next year.”
Sgt. Don Draper, in front, and Lt. Steve Fox head to the check out lane with two of the children this morning.
Brandon Langmaid of Albion and his twin 8-year-old sons, Nayden and Nolan, check out after going shopping. Langmaid said he appreciated being part of “Shop with a Cop.” Deputy Shannon Brett is at left.
Sheriff Chris Bourke and Deputy Shannon Tackley pose with Santa Claus. Sheriff Bourke thanked Walmart for supporting the event the past several years.
The Orleans County Office of Child and Family Services also assists in the event.
Dawn Basinait, first class sergeant at the Orleans County Jail, shopped with June Moore of Albion.
Deputy George Barton joined a young shopper in looking for Christmas presents.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2022 at 10:00 pm
ALBION – A man drowned after falling into the Erie Canal this evening.
The man was walking on the southside of the canal along a sidewalk when he fell into the water near the Ingersoll Street lift bridge.
Police and firefighters were dispatched to the site at 7:26 p.m.
The man, whose name is not being released pending notification of family, was recovered 35 minutes later by a Carlton firefighter.
Medics from Mercy Flight EMS attempted CPR and transported the man to Medina Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a coroner. The medical examiner’s office will make the final determination on cause of death, said Albion Police Chief Dave Mogle.
Mogle said the man is Hispanic and the police department is working to contact his family.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2022 at 4:34 pm
ALBION – 39 Problems is back on Main Street in Albion.
Randy Ruhlman, owner of the Fitzgibbons Public House, has reopened the Albion business after it closed on July 6, 2020.
Previous owners, Adam and Tina Johnson, closed the business after Covid restrictions proved to be the final problem that was too much to withstand. The Johnsons named the business 39 Problems because it was very challenging to rehabilitate a historic building and launch the restaurant and bar.
Ruhlman bought the business in November 2020. He retired as facilities manager for Bausch & Lomb in Rochester on Aug. 26.
He did that job while running Fitzgibbons and getting the Albion business ready.
Today is the soft opening. Ruhlman said the restaurant is starting with a smaller menu but will add more selections in early 2023. He also expects to have live music and other events in the new year.
He sees 39 Problems and Fitzgibbons as sites that add energy to the downtowns, offering quality food without being too fancy.
“We are looking to promote more events in both villages,” Ruhlman said today. “There are a lot of good things in both villages but people tend to focus on the negatives.”
Melissa Stornelli and Kent Bane both worked at 39 Problems before it closed and are happy to be back.
Melissa Stornelli worked at 39 Problems before and is back on staff.
“I’m glad he bought it and is doing something with it,” Stornelli said about Ruhlman. “He has a lot of good ideas.”
Ruhlman also reached out to Kent Bane, the site’s previous chef, to come back and Bane was eager to join the new team at 39 Problems.
“It’s good for the community because this brings a lot of action on the street,” Bane said. “There hasn’t been anywhere to dine in and have a drink.”
Keith Sidari is one of the restaurant’s new employees. Sidari went to culinary school at Johnson & Wales in Providence 10 years ago and was working as a chef at a resort in Bershire County, Massachusetts.
Sidari, the son of Amy and David, welcomed the chance to come home and be near his family.
He said 39 Problems will be developing specials and a longer menu as it sees what is popular with customers.
MEDINA – David Bellavia will sign copies of his new book at 7 p.m. on Monday at Author’s Note in Medina.
David Bellavia
Bellavia, a Lyndonville graduate, is a Medal of Honor recipient and radio personality. His new book is Remember the Ramrods, which details the history of Bellavia’s Army unit that fought together in Iraq, including where their lives took them after they returned home from war, and how reuniting when one of them received the Medal of Honor helped heal some of their still-present if less visible wounds of war.
In 2004, Bellavia’s Army unit, an infantry battalion known as the Ramrods—2nd Battalion 2nd infantry regiment, 1st Infantry Division—fought and helped win the Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest episode of the Iraq War.
On Nov. 10, 2004, Bellavia cleared a fortified enemy position that had pinned down a squad from his platoon. Fourteen years later, Bellavia got a call from the president of the United States: he had been awarded a Medal of Honor and would receive America’s highest award for bravery in combat in a ceremony at the White House.
The news was not welcome. Bellavia had put the war behind him, created a quiet life for himself in rural western New York, and lost touch with most of his fellow Ramrods, who were once like brothers to him.
Their first gathering as a unit after the war was at Bellavia’s medal ceremony, for six days in Washington, DC. As they revisited what they had seen and done in battle and revealed to each other their journeys back into civilian life, they discovered that the bonds had not been broken by time. A decoration for one became a healing event for all.
Bellavia is the first and only living Iraq veteran to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, America’s highest military honor, for active duty in the Iraq War. The medal commends his heroic efforts on Nov. 10, 2004, during the Second Battle in Fallujah — dramatic efforts that saved the lives of his unit members.
He served three military campaigns: Kosovo 2003 and Operation Iraqi Freedom I and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He returned to Iraq as an embedded reporter covering heavy fighting in 2006 and 2008, and in 2007 wrote and published House to House, a book detailing his experiences in Fallujah.
Bellavia now serves as a radio presenter and public speaker nationwide.
The Monday evening signing at Author’s Note is free and open to the public. Bellavia will only sign books purchased at Author’s Note. Given the anticipated turnout, purchasing and reserving books in advance is recommended.
Those unable to attend may also purchase books in advance to be personalized. Signed books can be ordered at authorsnote.com or by calling (585) 798-3642.
MEDINA – Building Trades students in Matt Anastasi’s class recently took on a big project.
Nicole Goyette, principal at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, asked them to make an Adirondack chair set for the front of the school.
Mr. Anastasi and his senior class decided to take it a step further and make an oversized chair to really stand out and give the students in the Early Childhood Education program’s preschool and the Orleans Learning Center students something fun to pose on.
“I brought in one my Adirondack chairs and one of my students, Alex Krieger, calculated the dimensions using his own measuring device to cut the wood,” Mr. Anastasi said. “He did an incredible job cutting the wood precisely and he and some of his classmates put it together. My juniors volunteered to paint it and now it is in front of the school and looks great! I am really proud of the students using their skills to make this and give our students on this campus something fun to look at when they come in to school each day.”
Juniors with the big chair include, from left: Ian Ausman (Royalton-Hartland), Matthew Goodwin (Barker), Anthony Marullo (Lockport), Tytus Wedekind (Barker), Aidan Mescall (Barker), Maximus Raines (Lyndonville) and Seth McMurray (Albion).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 December 2022 at 9:30 am
Town boards at 2 towns meet next week to vote on ambulance contract
Photos by Tom Rivers: Members of the Carlton and Gaines town boards met briefly on Thursday evening at the Carlton Rec Hall to discuss proposals for ambulance services in the two towns. Pictured from left include Carlton Town Councilman Josh Narburgh, Gaines Town Supervisor Tyler Allport, Carlton Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery, Carlton Town Councilwoman Deborah Yockel, Carlton Town Councilman Dana Woolston, Gaines Town Councilman Jim Kirby and Gaines Town Councilman Ron Mannella.
CARLTON – The town supervisors in Gaines and Carlton both said they favor Monroe Ambulance in a contract for EMS services in the two towns.
However, they said their town boards both meet early next week and those five-member boards could reach a different decision in the contract for ambulance services.
Gaines and Carlton are the last of seven towns in central and eastern Orleans to make a decision on ambulance services for 2023.
“I would like to join with the other towns for the position of bargaining,” Gaines Town Supervisor Tyler Allport said about why he favors Monroe Ambulance.
Carlton Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery agreed, saying the two remaining towns would have more “leverage” in negotiations as part of block with more towns.
Tyler Allport of Gaines and Gayle Ashbery said they prefer joining four other towns in Orleans in a contract with Monroe Ambulance, saying there is “bargaining power” as a block of six towns.
Monroe Ambulance and Mercy Flight EMS are both seeking the contract. The towns of Albion, Barre, Clarendon and Murray have already chosen Monroe, while Kendall has opted against paying either of them because the two fire districts in Kendall already had an arrangement in place. The Kendall Fire District has a contract with Monroe Ambulance while the Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District includes has an agreement with Mercy Flight.
Allport, the Gaines town supervisor, and Ashbery, the Carlton town supervisor, said the community’s needs will be met for ambulance services with the new contract, whether it’s Mercy Flight or Monroe.
COVA in Albion and Hamlin ceased operations last month and Mercy Flight EMS took over for COVA, keeping more than 40 of those employees. Mercy Flight is operating out of COVA’s base in Albion and at Lake Road in Hamlin.
Mercy Flight proposed serving Gaines for $18,000 and Carlton for $17,000 in 2023 and would commit to at least one advanced life support ambulance 24-7. There would also be a basic life support ambulance to be shared with Hamlin 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mercy Flight would initially keep the ambulance at the COVA base in Albion, but would look for a site in Gaines or Carlton, according to a proposal from Scott Wooton, executive vice president and treasurer for Mercy Flight.
Monroe, in its contract proposal, proposes keeping two ambulances in the county, with a unit based in Albion and the Albion Fire Department and in Holley at the Holley Fire Department.
Monroe is seeking $24,600 from Gaines and $14,800 from Carlton. That is part of $181,200 to be shared from the six towns with the amount based on the percentage of calls with the six towns. The other towns will pay: $84,400 in Albion, $8,000 in Barre, $18,800 in Clarendon and $30,600 in Murray. (Kendall was asked to pay $18,000 when it was a seven-town contract.)
The meeting was less than a half hour on Thursday between Gaines and Carlton town boards. That disappointed some in the crowd who wanted to hear more details and also offer their opinions.
David Bertsch of Carlton said Monroe is covering many of its own calls in Monroe.
Jennifer Stilwell, the COVA president, said COVA’s Albion and Hamlin crews provided mutual aid for 162 calls so far in 2022 in eastern Orleans County.
Allport and Ashbery said the meeting Thursday was a workshop and no public comments would be taken. When Bertsch tried to ask a second question, Allport got up and left.
Allport and Ashbery both said the public can ask questions during each town’s respective board meetings. Gaines meets 7 p.m. on Monday at the Gaines Town Hall and Carlton meets 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Carlton Town Hall.
Provided photo: David Fisher (left), NY Farm Bureau President, presents Jim Bittner with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
Press Release
BUFFALO – At New York Farm Bureau’s annual convention in Buffalo, Appleton fruit farmer Jim Bittner Received their highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
NY Farm Bureau President David Fisher spoke about Bittner’s numerous ways he’s been involved in Farm Bureau and other organizations. In addition to working on the resolutions committee and participating in the annual grassroots policy making discussions, he has served on the labor committee and fruit committees on both the state and national levels.
In addition, he served as Niagara County President twice, the second time for 12 years. Bittner has aided Farm Bureau efforts with lobbying both in Albany and Washington DC, participated in numerous media interviews and helped with Grow NY.
However, Bittner’s involvement isn’t limited to Farm Bureau. He served on the New York Farm Viability Board, New York Apple Association, and the New York Horticulture Society Board. Currently, he is the director for the New York Horticulture Society, and serves on the Cornell University Ag and Life Sciences Dean’s Advisory Committee, Niagara County Soil and Water Board and is treasurer of the Barker Lions Club.
Local farmer Pete Russell praised Bittner for his thoughtful leadership, big picture thinking, and cooperative nature.
“His office door is always open for a discussion, is willing to loan equipment, and sometimes even his sons to run the equipment,” Russell said.
Niagara County Farm Bureau President Kevin Bittner talked about how much he’s learned from his father.
“He encourages us to grow, to be involved with the community, to use all our skills to improve our farm and help those around us,” Kevin said. “Those values he instilled in us are inspiring.”
While thanking the group for this honor, Bittner credited his parents for their encouragement, his wife for her support and all those who work to improve agriculture.
SPENCERPORT – Joshua Padlick has been named a winner of the 2022 Carl J. Schaefer Memorial CTE Teacher Candidate Award presented by the NOCTI Board of Trustees. Padlick is a Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES career and technical education (CTE) welding teacher.
This award recognizes an outstanding CTE teacher or CTE teacher candidate. Criteria for the award includes an application describing personal goals, work experience, awards/honors received, professional memberships and leadership and community service activities.
Padlick has served as a welding instructor at WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center in Spencerport for the past eight years. He has also offered his expertise as a Subject Matter Expert for NOCTI’s welding micro- credentials over the past two years.
In addition to teaching, Padlick is a SkillsUSA advisor, a chair for the department’s shared decision making team and the president for the Rochester American Welding Society (AWS) chapter. Since taking the AWS role, he has expanded both the chapter’s board and overall membership.
“Josh is an outstanding teacher who is active both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Theresa Alampi-Cortez, WEMOCO assistant principal and nominator. “Since he came onboard at our school, the welding program has grown significantly. Josh’s students enjoy his energy and sense of humor and learn greatly from his expertise and feedback. Josh forges great, lasting relationships with his students and he always gives 100% effort to whatever he is doing.”
Padlick received a personalized award and $500 to be used toward tuition, room and board, books, or any other educational-related expense.
The Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award was established in 2013 to honor Dr. Carl J. Schaefer. As a lifelong champion in CTE, he gained national recognition as a CTE educator and author. He was also one of NOCTI’s founding fathers. This memorial award is a tribute to Dr. Schaefer’s memory.
NOCTI is the nation’s largest provider of industry partner certifications and industry-based credentials for career and technical education programs.
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today informed local fire departments about grant money being offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA has $90 million to award prior to the end of the year. The application period for these awards will begin between Jan. 6-9 and will continue for 6 weeks, subject to change.
For more information, contact the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program at 866-274-0960 or firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.
“This is an opportunity for those who tirelessly protect our communities to receive a significant amount of grant money,” Hawley said. “Our emergency employees are vital to our communities. I am proud of their hard work to keep us all safe and secure. Their valiant efforts to maintain safety in my district and throughout New York state should not go unnoticed.”
Hurley, a Gaines resident, first noticed the building in 2019 while driving past the site on Route 31A.
Their first gathering as a unit after the war was at Bellavia’s medal ceremony, for six days in Washington, DC. As they revisited what they had seen and done in battle and revealed to each other their journeys back into civilian life, they discovered that the bonds had not been broken by time. A decoration for one became a healing event for all.
