MEDINA – Austin Mosher, a Medina firefighter, is part of the new graduating class from the State’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

Austin Mosher

Mosher, 19, was hired as a career firefighter for Medina on Feb. 15, after volunteering the previous 18 months with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company.

The 86th Recruit Firefighter Training class represents graduates from 18 different fire departments across the state.

The rigorous 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all recruits will begin to serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department.

“Today’s ceremony celebrates the achievements of New York’s newest career firefighters as they begin their path in public service to protect their fellow New Yorkers,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Following the completion of the Academy’s course, these firefighters have the necessary training and are well-equipped with the knowledge to keep our communities safe from fire danger and the many emergencies they are asked to respond to day in and day out.”

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Recruit Firefighter Training Program provides basic training for recently hired career firefighters, as well as volunteer firefighters. During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings.

Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations. Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates receive national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

The graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.

The cellmate of Delmus Tanner admitted he strangled the Albion native at the Greene Correctional Facility in Coxackie near Albany on Nov. 9, 2018.

Delmus Tanner

Anthony J. Paradise, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last month on the third day of jury selection of his trial.

Paradise had been serving a 1 1/3 to 4 year sentence for three-degree robbery in Washington County. Tanner was in prison on a five-year sentence on drug charges.

Paradise and Tanner, 38, were double-bunked in the Special Housing Unit of the prison. Paradise used a torn bed sheet to strangle Tanner, Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione said, according to a report from the Hudson Valley 360.

Paradise allegedly choked two other incarcerated people while in jail and prison, the DA said. Tanner’s family has filed a lawsuit against the state.

Tanner died on Nov. 13, 2018, four days after he was taken to the Albany Medical Center and put on life support. He was taken there on a Friday. It wasn’t until the following Monday that his family was made aware of the seriousness of his condition, his ex-wife Ashley Farrell previously told the Orleans Hub.

Tanner, a father of three children, was a Medina High School graduate and looked forward to being a good citizen when he was released from prison, Farrell said.

Photo by Tom Rivers

BARRE – The Town of Barre will soon have new welcome signs at the main entrances of the community with two on Route 98 and two on Route 31A.

Terry’s Signs in Elba finished the first 5-foot-long sign that includes a barn and a message that Barre is “A Right-to-Farm Community.”

The current signs are looking worn out, said Town Supervisor Sean Pogue. Barre paid about $500 for each of the four new signs.

That doesn’t include the cost for new frames that will be built by the Highway Department.

The new signs are on a thin aluminum. They will be reflective at night with the letters of “BARRE.”

ALBION – A Kendall man was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison on Wednesday for drunk driving while exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Lazaro Botello, 31, of Kendall pleaded guilty to felony driving while intoxicated for an incident on June 20 when he was stopped in Clarendon. He was charged with unlawful fleeing from a police officer, resisting arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, speeding and DWI.

He pleaded guilty on Aug. 3 to aggravated felony drunk driving, which satisfied all other charges against him.

Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church gave Botello the maximum sentence in the plea agreement.

In other cases on Wednesday in court, Isaiah Casanova, 22, of Medina pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and violating his probation.

He faces a maximum of 2 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 11.

Casanova admitted in court on Wednesday that he driving a vehicle in August that had a 9 mm gun in the glove compartment. As a prior convicted felon, he isn’t allowed to have a gun. He also was driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.

In another case, Darius L. Jones, 30, a former inmate at Orleans Correctional Facility pleaded guilty to having dangerous contraband in the state prison. Jones sharpened plastic into an ice pick shape. He faces up to an additional 1 1/2 to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 18. He is now incarcerated at the Wende Correctional Facility in Alden.

In another recent case in county court, Dale Shawver, 60, of Albion was sentenced to six months in the Orleans County Jail and 10 years of probation.

Shawver pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, a D felony, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, which is a misdemeanor. He allegedly touched a 12-year-old girl in an intimate area. When he was charged, he turned in his weapons and a gun met the criteria for being an assault rifle under the state’s SAFE Act. The judge issued an order of protection for the victim.

Provided photo: Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health, has received the President’s Plaque and the Follmer Bronze Merit Award.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the recognition of a dedicated employee by the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

On Oct. 21, HFMA presented the President’s Plaque and the Follmer Bronze Merit Award for Outstanding Service to Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health.

“I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a place to be part of a team,” said Condo, a 23-year veteran of Orleans Community Health. “This has been my second family and I am honored to work with such wonderful people.”

Condo has been active in Western New York HFMA since 2009. In 2019 she was elected secretary of the WNY chapter, which represents 150 members. In 2020, she was named president-elect, and in 2021 she became president.

“Lori is truly a dedicated member of the Orleans Community Health team, who is also active in helping to further other organizations in our region,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

Western New York Healthcare Financial Management Association, with a local office in Buffalo, is a member of the national organization which helps healthcare finance professionals meet the challenges of the modern healthcare environment.

Press Release, Royalton-Hartland Central School District

MIDDLEPORT – Next week, the Royalton-Hartland Board of Education will conclude its selection process to identify the district’s next superintendent.

The process for identifying the next superintendent commenced last month as the Board gathered to review complete application packets and identify six individuals from a field of 12 candidates submitting complete application packets.

Those six were interviewed by the Board of Education during the first week of November. Three candidates from that group have been identified to participate in the final interview process scheduled for

• Tuesday, November 15th
• Wednesday, November 16th
• Thursday, November 17th.

Each of the three candidates will spend an entire day in the district touring schools and interviewing with stakeholder groups. These focus groups will be composed of district administrators, support staff and teachers.

Each day at 5 p.m., the candidates will also interview with a community group composed of students, parents and other community stakeholders before engaging in a final interview with the Board of Education. The Board will have access to all the feedback of the stakeholder groups as part of its final deliberations to select a successful candidate.

The approach the Board will employ in this final leg of the process seeks to strike a balance between its commitment of an open, transparent search while respecting the challenges faced by the candidates participating in the final interview activities.

All community members are invited to the high school library on Nov. 15, 16 and 17 to meet the candidates and observe their participation in the community stakeholder session. Each candidate will enter the library at 4:45 p.m. and spend 15 minutes greeting and interacting with community members before beginning the actual interview with the focus group.

Community members are welcome to attend any individual interview or all three sessions.   Anyone interested is asked to enter the library by 4:45 p.m. each day. Doors will be closed to community members at 5 p.m. once the interviews begin.

The Board hopes to appoint its new superintendent in December and anticipates that person to assume his or her new duties on or about Feb. 1, 2023.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Albion Healthcare Center with an open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30.

“This is an exciting time for the center,” said Alana Palone, clinic administrator at Orleans Community Health. “We’ve seen a growing number of those in the community deciding to use our walk-in services, and it’s right as we celebrate this anniversary. Beyond this event, several exciting things are in the works for the Albion Healthcare Center. We’ll be excited to share them all soon.”

The Albion Healthcare Center originally opened as an Urgent Care Center, but wasn’t utilized that way, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Community Partners. OCH officials soon realized the site could better serve the community as a walk-in, healthcare center.

“Whether it’s primary care, a walk-in lab and radiology, physical therapy or the several other services, the Albion Healthcare Center is leading the way in providing for the Albion community,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “We couldn’t be more proud of the team and all they’re doing for the health and wellness of the surrounding communities.”

The community is invited to join in this anniversary celebration by attending the open house Nov. 30. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Albion Healthcare Center is located on Route 31, at the corner of Butts Road, just east of the Village of Albion.

‘Veteran Connection’ scheduled for Nov. 16

Press Release, GCASA

BATAVIA – Staff members at The Recovery Station are looking to make a “connection” with veterans and their families in the GLOW region.

Two events designed to show support for former and active military personnel and their families are scheduled at the social club at 5256 Clinton St. Rd. over the next week.

The public is invited today to join employees of The Recovery Station, a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, on a Mission 22 Walk starting from the Ellicott Trail at the DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street.

The walk is set for 2:30 p.m.  A cookout will follow at The Recovery Station.

“This is an opportunity to shine a light on statistics that show that 22 veterans take their lives by suicide every day,” said Harry Rascoe, director of The Recovery Station.

On Nov. 16, The Recovery Station will host a “Veteran Connection” gathering from 5 to 7 p.m.

Veterans from Genesee and surrounding counties will be able to network with various veteran and local service organizations and take a tour of the facility. This is being conducted in partnership with the GOW Pathway to Hope coalitions.

For more information, call Rascoe at 585-813-6050.

Monroe will be paid $8K by Barre, with 7 towns together paying $200K in one-year contract

BARRE – The Barre Town Board this evening unanimously approved a one-year contract with Monroe Ambulance to provide ambulance services in the community.

Barre will pay Monroe $8,000 in 2023 as part of the contract that is being negotiated from seven towns in central and eastern Orleans – Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall and Murray.

The contract calls for the seven towns to collectively pay Monroe $200,000 for its service. Monroe will station an ambulance in Albion and Holley, said Sean Pogue, Barre town supervisor.

The share for each town is based on percentage of call volume. Towns with more calls will pay more in the contract with Monroe. The contract includes the following compensation from the towns: Albion, $84,400; Barre, $8,000; Carlton, $14,800; Clarendon, $18,800; Gaines, $24,600; Kendall, $18,000; and Murray, $30,600.

The new contract starts on Jan. 1 and Monroe is to receive its municipal payment by Feb. 15.

Monroe will still bill patients and insurance companies for services. The Rochester-based company currently is the main ambulance provider in Kendall, Clarendon and Murray, but Monroe doesn’t typically station an ambulance in Orleans County.

The seven towns have been meeting with Monroe regularly for at least two months, trying to secure an ambulance provider with COVA in Albion on the verge of going out of business.

COVA officials want Mercy Flight EMS to take over the service area. Mercy Flight said it would keep COVA medics and staff, and would work out of the COVA base.

Pogue said that situation with Mercy Flight is happening fast and Town Board isn’t sure of the details of a Mercy Flight takeover and the level of service to the community.

“There are too many changing factors,” Pogue said at this evening’s Town Board meeting. “There is too much unknown with Mercy Flight and COVA right now.”

The Town Board in a 5-0 vote approved a one-year agreement with Monroe Ambulance. The contract, which needs approval by all seven towns, will give the community a chance to see whether Monroe can provide satisfactory service to the seven towns. Mercy Flight could remain an option for mutual aid in 2023, and could be the main provider after that if the towns aren’t happy with Monroe, Pogue said.

“Let’s see how Monroe and Mercy Flight EMS do with their response times,” Pogue said. “Monroe is not going to have a monopoly.”

Town Councilman Dave Waters asked which ambulance provider will be called to a scene if both are operating in the town. Pogue said that will be up to a 911 dispatcher to see which ambulance can respond the fastest.

Barre is the first Town Board to approve the contract. Pogue said the other towns will meet this week and next week to vote on the agreement.

Local community theater group doing first full-scale musical since Covid hit

Photos by Tom Rivers

MIDDLEPORT – Three long-time close friends – in front from left: Rosie (Eden Villanueva), Donna (Jennifer Neroni-Trupo) and Tanya (Sarah Geer) – perform “Super Trouper” during rehearsal on Monday evening for Mamma Mia!

The Lake Plains Players will be performing the musical 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The shows are at the Roy-Hart High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Click here for more information on tickets.

Heather Rutherford is making her director debut for the Players with this show. She also is the choreographer.

She said the show is nearly all music in the ’70s style.

“Almost everything is upbeat,” Rutherford said. “Hopefully everyone leaves happy.”

The late Lance Anderson, the former president and director for the Players, purchased the rights for Mamma Mia! in 2019. The group was planning to do the musical in the fall 2020 but there wasn’t a show that time because of Covid.

Zoe Cusson of Albion stars as Sophie in Mamma Mia! Cusson, 18, graduated from Albion last June and was in many of Albion’s school musicals.

As Sophie, she is about to get married. She looks through her mother’s old diaries and finds three men could be her father. She invites all of them to her wedding, including Sam Carmichael, played by Joe Kusmierczak in back left.

Cusson, a student at Genesee Community College, is grateful to have the community theater available locally.

“It’s been a fun experience,” she said about working with the cast and production team. “It’s a whole mix of different ages. They are all super supportive.”

There are 56 people in the cast, with most from Orleans and Niagara counties, and some others from Monroe, Erie and Genesee counties. The group has been rehearsing since mid-August.

The three men who might be Sophie’s father arrive for the wedding on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. They are at the taverna run by Sophie’s mother, Donna.

From left include Sam Carmichael (played by Joe Kusmierczak), Harry Bright (Brian Wilson) and Bill Austin (Matthew Barry).

Sam Carmichael is a wealthy architect while Harry Bright is a London banker and Bill Austin is a well-known travel writer.

Sophie thinks she knows who is her father, but ends up uncertain on who he really is.

Kusmierczak, a Medina native, now lives in Rochester and teaches science in Le Roy and co-directs the school musicals there. He makes the long drive to Middleport for rehearsals. He has been doing it for about 12 years to be in the Lake Plains Players shows.

“There is something about this group that makes it all worth it,” he said. “It’s for the love of theater and for this group of people that I love so much.”

Kusmierczak, 45, said this performance of Mamma Mia! is done partly in memory of Lance Anderson, who was a great friend to many of the cast members and production team, as well as a mentor.

Kusmierczak, as he gets older, joked that he is transitioning from the roles of younger leading man “to playing the dad.”

Sky, left, is played by Ethan Bowie of Lyndonville. Sky is engaged to Sophie. Here his friends are taking him to his bachelor’s party. Evan Steier of Albion, second from left, is Eddie and Qasim Huzair of Lyndonville, is Pepper. The trio were part of the Lake Plains summer theater camp for children for several shows when they were in high school.

Qasim Huzair, 18, of Lyndonville is a theater major at Genesee Community College. He was in the Lyndonville-Medina production of Mamma Mia! in the spring on 2020 when the show was stopped two weeks before opening night due to Covid-19.

“It feels like redemption,” Huzair said about getting a second chance to do Mamma Mia! He prefers his role in this show, the fun-loving Pepper instead of Sam, who Sophie believes could be her father.

Huzair said the community is fortunate to have the Lake Plains Players, which have been performing theater for about 40 years.

“I like the opportunity that it gives people,” Huzair said. “It’s a good community of people, kind of like a family.”

Jennifer Trupo-Neroni plays Donna, center, who explains to her two close friends the awkward situation that three men who could be Sophie’s father are all at her daughter’s wedding.

Tanya is played by Sarah Geer and Rosie is Eden Villanueva. They are singing “Chiquitita” to try to cheer Donna up.

Trupo-Neroni is the Lyndonville school music director and a music teacher. She directed the Mamma Mia! when it was cancelled in the spring 2020 when schools shut down from Covid. Several of her students from that show are in the Lake Plains Players production this time.

“It is kind of bittersweet,” she said about getting another try at the musical.

She has been part of the Lake Plains Players since she was in high school in the mid-1990s.

“I really love performing and love performing with this group of people,” she said.

Sophie’s best friends celebrate with her at her bachelorette party. Myles Miller, left, plays the role of Lisa and Madison Pratt, right, is Ali.

Sky (Ethan Bowie) is ambushed by his friends and they take him to his bachelor party.

Dr. Richard Elman, director of Orleans Community Health’s Emergency Department and honorary chair of Treasure Island, welcomes the crowd to the annual fundraiser Saturday night at Shelby Fire Hall.

SHELBY – Orleans Community Health has announced its annual Treasure Island, held Saturday night at Shelby Fire Hall, was a resounding success, with a profit of more than $40,000.

Nearly 175 guests attended the gala to support Orleans Community Health’s campaign to replace its IV pumps.

A highlight of the evening was a speech from the event’s honorary chairman, Dr. Richard Elman, director of OCH’s Emergency Department. Elman addressed the community as a whole, saying, “Thank you for joining us tonight and supporting the IV Pump Replacement Campaign. It is an important need in our community. We are working to replace 60 pumps throughout Orleans Community Health, impacting more than 5,000 patients a year. These pumps are used to distribute medications and fluids in our two dialysis locations, the emergency room, the operating and recovery rooms, in radiology, in our long-term care unit and on our patient care floors.”

Dr. Elman was selected as honorary chair by the Treasure Island Steering Committee for his dedication to Orleans Community Health, his patients and the community, according to Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, which sponsors the event.

The evening included a buffet dinner catered by Zambistro, a live auction, an online silent auction for attendees and at-home bidders, a Lucky Cork wine pull, a reverse cash raffle and a spin-to-win game. Executive director Megan Johnson, DJ Eli Howard and guest auctioneer John Boardway kept everyone up-to-date throughout the evening on how the bidding was going.

There was an assortment of more than 140 gift baskets and certificates donated by the community, hospital departments and area businesses. Some featured items were a trip to Myrtle Beach, overnight stay at local and regional hotels. Dinner gift certificates, memberships to are golf courses, a Lake Ontario fishing charter, coach purses, an assortment of furniture and an Alaskan Frontier trip.

The Treasure Island committee extends its thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, participants and donors.

“It is because of your generosity that this event was a success, and we are grateful for your continued dedication to the services we provide here at Orleans Community Health,” Johnson said.

She added a special thank-you to Shelby Fire Company for donating the hall, John and Darlene Boardway for donating their auctioneering services, Howard for his DJ services and to all their corporate sponsors, which included Independent Health, Junior Wilson Sportsman Club, Lawley Insurance, Niagara Veterinary Properties, OCH medical staff and Takeform.

Johnson said they have about $40,000 yet to raise to reach their goal of $150,000.

Megan Johnson, left, new director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation, and former director and event committee member Heather Smith track the evening’s proceeds during Treasure Island. A near-record $40,000 was raised toward replacing the hospital’s IV pumps.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Congressman Lee Zeldin, right, walks with Paul Lauricella, left, to a garage on Lauricella’s property on Route 18 in the Town of Yates during a campaign stop on May 28, 2021. Lauricella is the chairman of the Orleans County Conservative Party.

Press Release, Lee Zeldin campaign

NEW YORK – Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), the Republican Party and Conservative Party nominee for governor, issued the following statement on the election results:

“I would like to congratulate New York Governor Kathy Hochul on her election to a full four-year term.

“This race was a once in a generation campaign, with a very close margin in the bluest of blue states. The unrelenting passion and hard work of our grassroots volunteers and supporters made this incredibly close race possible and helped us win at least 49 of New York’s 62 counties. Republicans, Democrats and Independents united as New Yorkers, pouring their heart and soul into this campaign.

“Those controlling Albany should take note. New Yorkers of all walks of life are sick of the attacks on their wallets, their safety, their freedoms and the quality of their kids’ education and are hitting their breaking point, as proven by these results.

“As they take office in January, Governor Kathy Hochul and those controlling Albany must address the grave concerns voiced by the voters. While this campaign has come to a close, the rescue mission to Save Our State continues.”

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

MEDINA – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the bridge carrying State Route 63 over the Erie Canal in the Village of Medina will close on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 7 a.m. to accommodate bridge repair activities. The bridge is anticipated to reopen by 4 p.m. later that day.

Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions. Motorists may experience delays during this time and are advised to seek an alternate route.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.