By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 November 2022 at 8:18 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The MAAC Thrift Depot is located at 536 Orient St. Volunteers and donations are always needed.
MEDINA – The Medina Area Association of Churches, which runs a thrift store at 536 Orient St., has distributed about $20,000 to the community since May this year.
Sue Metzo, one of the leaders of the MAAC Thrift Depot, provided an update on the donations given by MAAC recently.
The Thrift Depot is run by volunteers, who organize and sell donated items from the community.
MAAC has used some of the thrift store proceeds to donate $10,000 to Community Action of Orleans to assist residents in the Medina area; $5,000 to Growing Orchard Backpack Food Program to supply food for weekends for children in need; $1,500 to His Healing Presence Veterans’ Christmas Program; $500 to each of two families who had fires during the summer; $500 to the Parade of Lights; and $250 for United Way of Orleans County’s gala fundraiser.
In addition MAAC annually gives a $1,000 scholarship to a student at Medina High School, the Orleans Christian School, or a student going into the military or a trade school.
The thrift store is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings from April through October.
In 2020, during the pandemic, MAAC gave out $20,760. In 2021, donations to various organizations and causes totaled $41,703.
At the October meeting, MAAC leaders approved gifts to help with the increased price of shipping Christmas shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, $750 for BOCES GED program and $1,000 for the veterans’ dinner sponsored by the National Honor Society at Medina High School.
Metzo said it is the generous donations of merchandise from the community and the dedication of their volunteers who make it work.
They accept donations of clean clothing and footwear, outerwear, small household items (including small appliances), linens and bedding, holiday items and games, toys, puzzles, books, CDs and DVDs.
MAAC is made up of representatives from all the Medina area churches, including Alabama Full Gospel Church, Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, Faith Bible Baptist Church, Faith Covenant Fellowship Church, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Gateway to Heaven Church, Glad Tidings Baptist Church, the Grove United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, New Life Alliance Church, Oak Orchard Assembly of God, OneChurch, St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2022 at 9:03 pm
Provided photos
BLOOMFIELD – Five students from Orleans County participated in the Jr. High Area All-State music festival on Friday and Saturday at Bloomfield Jr./Sr. High School.
Pictured form left include two Lyndonville in the Mixed Chorus: Safia Delobbe-Scott, soprano, and Greyson Romano, tenor. From Holley in the Wind Ensemble include Layla Jones, bass clarinet; Aidan Kelley, clarinet; and Harrison Flanagan, trombone.
This was the first Area All-State festival NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) zone 2 has hosted in several years because of Covid.
To be accepted into these select groups students must perform a NYSSMA solo at solo festival and receive a top score. They are selected from a pool based on their score and teacher recommendations.
Zone 2 covers schools from Lyndonville to the other side of Wayne County.
The students practice for their concert.
The band performs at the Jr. High Area All-State music festival in Bloomfield near Canandaigua.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 November 2022 at 7:09 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas of Medina has been chosen as the grand marshal of the Parade of Lights in Medina on Nov. 26. She stands here next to a poster at the English Rose Tea Shoppe advertising the parade.
MEDINA – With the first early bird entries signed up for the 2022 Parade of Lights, the committee has announced its grand marshal for the parade on Nov. 26.
Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism Committee, which sponsors the parade, said they have chosen Georgia Thomas to be this year’s grand marshal.
Thomas has done so much for the Medina and Orleans County communities, Hancock said. She has been a board member of the Medina Historical Society, where she has served as a docent many times at their local museum. She is also a board member of the Cobblestone Society and has been a docent for them. In addition, she has found time to serve as a volunteer tutor for the Orleans County Adult Learning Services.
She loves history and loves the village of Medina, promoting it at every opportunity. Most recently, she is involved in a program at the Medina Historical Museum entitled “Winter Wedding Wonderland,” with wedding dresses from as early as 1860 on display.
In addition, she fills in regularly for Cindy Robinson at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, where she loves greeting customers.
“I am totally honored to have been asked to be grand marshal,” Thomas said. “I can think of so many deserving people. I love Medina and I love history. I have visited four continents and lived in North and South America, but I chose to come back home to Medina to live. Medina is the best small town anywhere, and I am honored beyond belief.”
The former Georgia Ramming, she graduated from Medina High School and married Medina native, Terry Thomas, who she followed across the world and the United States as a career Army officer.
“We are thrilled that Georgia will serve as our grand marshal this year, and encourage everyone to come out to the parade,” Hancock said.
Eleven floats have already been entered as a result of an early-bird bonus, and Hancock said many more have expressed an interest. He is hoping for 40 to 45 floats. The record number is 52 floats in the first 13 years of the parade. Entries will be accepted until Nov. 23.
This photo shows the front view of the Delusion Mouse Trap built in 1877. This device is on display at The Medina Historical Society.
KENDALL – At this time of year, it is not uncommon for mice to invite themselves into our homes in anticipation of winter.
Many inventive minds have attempted to design effective mousetraps. In 1894, Illinois native William C. Hooker patented a spring-loaded trap. Shortly thereafter, in 1898, British inventor, James Henry Atkinson invented the “Little Nipper”, which featured a wooden base, a spring trap and wire fastenings, this is still the standard version in use.
The Delusion Mousetrap, photographed in this article, has some interesting links to Orleans County as Kendall natives Claudius and David L. Jones were instrumental in its production and promotion.
They were the sons of David Jones, who was the second person to settle in Kendall. The Jones family chose to leave their home in Pembrokeshire, Wales in 1801, “having keenly felt the humiliation of their race, when Wales, through treachery and oppression was permanently united with the British Crown.” (Landmarks of Orleans County/Signor).
Jones recounted that he was poor when he settled in Kendall in 1815. He bought 400 acres of land on credit and worked for 15 years to pay off the debt. His oldest son, Claudius, was born in Kendall, on June 30, 1826. He farmed for some years, “but owing to a feeble constitution, he was compelled to leave the farm.”
He moved to Chicago in 1859 and “engaged in business.” He moved to Monmouth, Illinois in 1870 and assisted in the organization of the First National Bank. He then moved to the agricultural county of Seward in southeastern Nebraska in 1873, and established the State Bank of Nebraska, which he sold in 1879.
This photo shows an interior view of Delusion Mouse Trap.
During this time, Claudius made the acquaintance of John Morris who in 1877 had received a patent (No. 195,632) for his improved version of a unique mousetrap. As the name implies, the idea was to delude the mouse into entering the trap.
Once inside, the mouse could not exit, and the entry platform would reset for additional rodent guests. Recognizing the trap’s lucrative potential, the astute Jones bought the patent. His younger brother, David L. assisted with the business venture.
The Delusion was the first American animal trap registered as a trademark (No. 5116).
It was manufactured by the Lovell Manufacturing Company, in Erie, Pa. and claimed to have sold over 1,500,000 units. A creative employee composed a sixteen-verse poem in which the mice discuss the various traps:
“But David L. and Claudius Jones
Have got a trap that breaks no bones;
The mouse goes in to get the bait
And shuts the door by his own weight.
“And then he jumps right through a hole
And thinks he’s out; but bless his soul
He’s in a cage, somehow or other
And sets the trap to catch another.
“Then all the mice in the convention
Began to talk of this invention
And David L. and Claudius Jones
And the wonderful trap that breaks no bones”
Following the mousetrap venture, David L. returned to Kendall. He expanded the family farm to 710 acres and served as Town Supervisor in 1889 and 1890. He died in 1898. The Jones family is buried at Mt. Albion Cemetery.
Claudius remained in Seward, Nebraska. In 1883, he established the Jones National Bank which is still in operation. He was president of the bank until 1895. At the time of his death in 1896, he was one of the wealthiest men in the area. In addition to being an astute financier, he had also purchased farms in Seward and neighboring counties. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Nebraska.
A Delusion Mouse Trap is on view at the Medina Historical Society Museum.
(Incidentally, “musophobia” is the term for a fear of rats and mice, from the Greek “mus” for mouse.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2022 at 8:44 am
Provided photos
RIDGEWAY – The Orleans County Republican Party held their fall rally recently to support their candidates, including two running for Congressional Districts in the county.
The top photo shows La’Ron Singletary (center), a retired Rochester police chief who is seeking to represent the 25th Congressional District as a Republican against Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester. Singletary said Congress needs members with experience in law enforcement.
He said the country is short about 100,000 police officers, and that is putting communities at risk.
The 25th Congressional District includes Monroe and about half of Orleans County – the towns of Carlton, Clarendon Dist. 1, Gaines, Kendall, Murray and Yates.
Singletary is pictured with Assemblyman Steve Hawley and County Legislator Ed Morgan. Hawley is running for re-election against Jennifer Keys, a Democrat from Le Roy.
Claudia Tenney also addressed the Republicans. She is running for the 24th Congressional District against Steve Holden, a Democrat. This district includes 12 counties, going from Watertown, through the Finger Lakes region and into Niagara County. In Orleans, it includes the towns of Albion, Barre, Clarendon districts 2 and 3, Ridgeway and Shelby.
Tenney currently represents the 22nd Congressional District. She has been based in Utica but is moving to Canandaigua to be in the district.
She has been a staunch Donald Trump supporter and called for impeachment proceedings against Joe Biden in Aug. 27, 2021, claiming he failed the country with the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Tenney said she will work to reduce inflation, cut taxes, restore energy independence and fight illegal immigration at the southern border.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2022 at 5:57 pm
KENDALL – The state announced a $1,763,835 grant on Friday to assist with a new sewer facility in Kendall and Hamlin.
The money gets Kendall and Hamlin closer to moving forward with the $15 million project, but Tony Cammarata, Kendall town supervisor, said the two towns are still seeking about $4 million more in aid to make the project affordable for residents.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the $1,763,835 for the project as a Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) grant. It was among $300 million state-wide for water and sewer projects.
“Grants are crucial to helping communities undertake environmental infrastructure projects that are vital to the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, the resiliency of shoreline communities, and economic development that supports industry, businesses and homeowners,” Hochul said in a statement. “We are proud to support municipalities with a historic level of funding for water infrastructure improvements, and we’ll continue our efforts to modernize our infrastructure and provide safe, reliable water systems for generations to come.”
Kendall and Hamlin are working on a new sewer system to serve about 350 residences along the lakeshore.
The state committed to paying 95 percent of a $9,053,000 project as part of the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. However, the project has topped those estimates from 2019. Cammarata said supply-chain issues for materials have pushed the costs up significantly.
Cammarata said the cost is now about $15.6 million. The state is unwilling to increase its REDI contribution for the project and has urged Kendall and Hamlin to look for other funding sources.
“We appreciate this very much,” Cammarata said about the state grant announced on Friday.
Kendall and Hamlin were seeking about $2.8 million in the WIIA grant.
“We’re still short,” Cammarata said. “We’re going to see if there are other opportunities. We got our feelers out.”
Kendall and Hamlin could seek another WIIA grant, or a state program for infrastructure near the shoreline, he said.
He wants to keep the total amount as low as possible for the local taxpayers.
“This is the largest project Kendall has ever gone after,” he said. “This is a blue-ribbon project we’re trying to bring to fruition. This includes two towns, two counties and the Hamlin Beach State Park.”
While the towns look for additional funding, Cammarata said they will be doing surveying work and working on other government approvals for the project.
“If we can get more money that would really accelerate it,” he said about construction for the project.
By Kim Pritt, Contributor Posted 5 November 2022 at 3:00 pm
A quaint market street in the village of Valldemossa in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Let’s go on an adventure together…for the Rest of the Story
Let’s finish out the series of articles from my Mediterranean Adventure with my sixth and final post of the series. This post will focus on the last three ports on the cruise: Mallorca, Barcelona, and Corsica.
The first of the last three ports was Palma de Mallorca. The name originates from an old Latin phrase “insula major” that means “larger island”. The Romans and Spaniards would use this phrase in ancient times to refer to the island because Mallorca is the largest island in all of Spain. Over time, the phrase was mispronounced – the British pronounced it Majorca while the rest of the world pronounced it Mallorca, causing it to eventually have two spellings for the same island. I Googled the two spellings and read that Majorca is the Anglicized version of the Spanish spelling Mallorca. Interesting! It is actually pronounced “My-orca” and is located in the Western Mediterranean and is part of the Balearic Islands.
The shore excursion I chose was a bus tour through Palma, time exploring the village of Valldemossa, and a stop at Bellver Castle – a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape. Mallorca is famous for its pearls – both natural cultured pearls and exquisite manufactured pearls. So, it was wonderful that the free time spent in Valldemossa included access to a high quality pearl shop with some of the most stunning pearl jewelry I’ve ever seen…..and, a discount for the cruise ship passengers.
I really enjoyed our time in Valldemossa. It began with a walking tour of the most famous landmark in the village: Valldemossa Charterhouse. The original complex dates back to King James II of Mallorca who built a palace for his son, Sancho. It became known as the “Palace of the King Sancho”. In 1399, all the royal possessions of Valldemossa was yielded to Carthusian Monks and turned into a monastery. Saint Catherine of Palma – Patron Saint of Mallorca – was born at the monastery in 1533 and died there in 1574. The monks made changes and additions to the complex and resided there until 1835 when it changed to private ownership. After the Monks were expelled from the property in 1835, individual cells became available for rent. Composer Fredric Chopin and his lover, French writer Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin, better known by her pseudonym George Sand rented a three room cell with a garden in the winter of 1838-1839. Chopin composed many of his great works while living there and Sand later wrote “A Winter in Majorca”. On the drive to and from Valldemossa and Bellver Castle, we saw a lot of the beautiful country side of Palma de Mallorca – lots of olive and almond groves and mountainous landscapes. It was a lovely day.
Umbrella canopy in the “Spanish Village” in Barcelona, Spain.
The next port was Barcelona – the capital and largest city in the Catalonia community in Spain. The Port of Barcelona is a transport hub and one of Europe’s principle seaports and busiest passenger ports. It is located on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula facing the Mediterranean Sea. Sadly, I wasn’t impressed with Barcelona – but, I only have the shore excursion I chose to blame. Another perfect example of why you really need to understand what the tour includes and the importance of a good guide. The description sounded like just what I wanted – a good overview of the city with some entertainment. It was supposed to be a city bus tour with stops at some of the most iconic sites in Barcelona, time in a Spanish village, and a Flamenco show. Nice, right? Well…..the bus tour really didn’t show us much of the city – just what we saw as we drove through to our one actual stop and it didn’t venture outside the city at all. The guide didn’t talk much about what we were looking at – to be fair, he did tell us some interesting things and pointed out a few points of interest, but not like most guides who talk non-stop about their city. He did point out the location of the 1992 Summer Olympics that was held July 25 – August 9, 1992 in Barcelona.
The only stop we made on the drive through the city was La Sagrada Familia Church – STUNNING!!! We learned that it began being built in 1883 and is still not done. The city of Barcelona has the original designs and specifications and is finally working to complete it. It was gorgeous!!! So much detail – incredible. Unfortunately, our tour didn’t include going inside and it was Sunday morning, so when we got there, we could just look at it from the street.
After we left the church, we went to “A Spanish Village”. The excursion description sounded like we were going to an actual village, but it was a tourist attraction. Once inside, there were several “neighborhoods” that represented the various regions in Spain. It was actually very nice and informative, but very touristy – I would have preferred to see some of the actual places that were replicated. It was there that we saw the Flamenco show and were served chips, crackers, water, and sangria. It was a cool stop, so I tried not to be too disappointed in the touristy nature of it.
View of the island of Corsica from the cruise ship. Corsica is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Our last port on the cruise was Ajaccio, Corsica. Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. It is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean and is located southeast of the mainland of France, just north of the Italian island of Sardinia. Corsica is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte – he was born there in 1769 and he became one of the most important impacts on the history of France and Europe in general. The tour I chose was cancelled, as were most of the tours for this port. Apparently, the issue of staff shortages is world-wide – we experienced it in Scotland earlier this year and again in Corsica with the tours not having enough guides and drivers to lead them. The two tours that remained were full and, frankly, not ones I was interested in. So, I chose to stay on the ship and spend the day lounging pool side.
So, that, my friends, is the end of my Mediterranean Adventure – two days in Rome and a seven day cruise. It was the thrill of a lifetime and checked so many dreams off my adventure bucket list. I am so glad I experienced it and now have so many amazing memories.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2022 at 12:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – There are more than 200 raffle items, plus 28 bigger-end items up for raffle today in a benefit for Maddox Pearl and his family.
Maddox, 5, has an incurable brain tumor. He is receiving radiation and has his treatment on Tuesday. His mother Katelyn Pearl said her son is responding well to the treatment and remains very positive.
She and her husband Ryan Pearl are very grateful for the community response to help Maddox.
“The support of the community, our friends and family have shown us we’ll never be able to repay,” Mrs. Pearl said today at the start of the benefit at Dubby’s Tailgate. “This gives us strength and hope. We are looking at every possible way to keep him happy and healthy.”
Maddox Pearl plays pinball at Dubby’s with some assistance from his grandmother Kim Achzet and aunt Riley Fitzwater.
Dubby’s on Platt Street will be hosting family fun time from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with games for children and a raffle of baskets for children. Another basket raffle and big ticket raffle will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a cornhole tournament from 5 to 9 p.m.
Maddox’s family and volunteers at the benefit are wearing “Full Steam Ahead” shirts with a train because Maddox loves trains, especially Thomas the Train Engine. His family is planning to take him on the Polar Express train ride in Medina this Christmas season.
Dick DeCarlo, left, and Cameron Heller get ready to flip chickens in an outdoor space by Dubby’s. The 750 chicken barbecue dinners are already sold out.
The chicken barbecue cooking team poses for a photo. Dan Monacelli organized the crew. Tom O’Hearn, Dick DeCarlo and Dusty DeCarlo also were key volunteers in the dinner.
Maureen Bennett, left, organized the basket raffle. She is shown with Annette Pearl, Maddox’s grandmother and a retired special education teacher at Albion. Bennett worked with Pearl for many years. Bennett said the benefit quickly outgrew space at the First Presbyterian Church and was moved to Dubby’s. She praised the community for donating so many raffle baskets, including the high-end items.
“This is pure love at its greatest visibility,” Annette Pearl said, looking at all the donated items and the people arriving for the benefit.
She said the Albion community is showing why it’s a great place to live in its support for Maddox and also with a benefit next Sunday for Byron Neal, 8. Byron also is facing cancer. That benefit will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Maison Albion.
“This community is supporting two children in this small town,” Pearl said. “There is something to be said about living in this small community.”
There are more than 200 items up for raffle at Dubby’s.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 November 2022 at 9:16 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mallory Kozody stars as Snoopy in the Albion High School Drama Department’s production of The World According to Snoopy!!!
Opening night was Friday with shows today at noon and 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. Tickets are $5 each.
Nick Andrews, left, is Linus and Zackary Baron is Charlie Brown.
The musical is based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. This is an updated musical featuring the characters from Peanuts.
Natalie Baron portrays Woodstock in the musical. In this scene she is acting out a scene being written by Snoopy for a book submission. Snoopy received several rejection letters from publishers for the material. Woodstock is quite animated in the show as Snoopy’s best friend.
Nick Andrews as Linus keeps his blanket close at all times. Here the characters are in school struggling with an essay about Edgar Allan Poe. Mallory Kozody provides the voice of the teacher, Ms. Othmar. Alexis Hand in green is Peppermint Patty and Ella Trupo is Sally at right.
There are 17 students in the cast, including from left Khalil Thompkins as Floyd, McKenzie Olmstead as Frieda and Charlie Allen as Eudora. There are 38 students total involved in the production.
Charlie Brown (Zack Baron) seeks help from Lucy (Mallory Ashbery). Charlie Brown struggles with feelings of being a misfit. Lucy doesn’t offer much to make him feel better. Mike Thaine, the high school band teacher in back right, played Charlie Brown in an Albion show in 1985.
In this scene Snoopy (Mallory Kozody) sings about being “The Big Bow Wow” and becoming the “head beagle.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2022 at 4:07 pm
AAA has safety tips for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists
It’s almost time to turn the clocks back. On Saturday night clocks should be moved an hour as we moved from daylight saving time to standard time.
The change begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, with the time going back an hour.
That means an extra hour of sleep and more light in the morning. However, it will get darker earlier in the day.
AAA issued the following tips as Americans “fall back” and face an earlier sunset. That darkness can lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by vehicles, AAA said.
Drivers, pedestrians, joggers, walkers and bicyclists are urged to use safety measures, so they are seen on the roads.
AAA advises motorists and pedestrians to remember the following tips to stay safe:
Tips for Motorists
Always watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots or driveways. Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible.
Leave more following room. In the morning, when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Use sunglasses and your sun visor.
Be mindful of children and others who are outdoors in the afternoon and evening as it gets dark earlier.
Remember to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
Pay attention and eliminate all distractions including cell phones and car clocks that are off by an hour.
Scan the road for wild animals, mainly deer. There were 34,064 animal-related crashes in New York in 2021, often outside of daylight hours.
Car Care
With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, a low-cost headlight cleaning and restoration to boost the safety of driving after dark.
Headlights can show signs of deterioration after three years but most commonly by year five.
AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops, including AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
Tips for Pedestrians
Cross only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right and left again, and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk or cross between parked cars.
Evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street.
Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
See and be seen. Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing and/or accessories.
While walking, pocket the cell phone and avoid listening to headphones at a volume that prohibits you from hearing approaching danger.
The clock at Rotary Park in Medina is a local landmark in the historic downtown.
Press Release, St. Joseph Regional School in Batavia
BATAVIA – St. Joseph Regional School in Batavia is proud to announce the launch of the “Distinguished Alumni Award” for Catholic Schools in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) region.
St. Joseph’s has educated generations of students in the GLOW region since 1849 and is excited to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves through their work, community service and/or outstanding character.
Having served the St. Joseph community for 27 years as a teacher and administrator, Principal Karen Green shares the inspiration for this new alumni award.
“Any educator will tell you that one of the greatest joys is to hear from former students how they are making an impact in the world,” she said. “This award recognizes and celebrates the impact and accomplishments of not only St. Joe’s alumni—but Catholic School alumni from the entire GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming) region.”
Asked why this award is open to all Catholic School alumni in the region and not just St. Joe’s alumni, Green explained, “We know it’s very difficult when one’s alma mater is no longer operating, so St. Joseph’s felt it was important to welcome nominations from across the four counties. St. Joe’s is honored to establish the Hall of Fame and looks forward to showcasing distinguished alumni each year.”
Created to recognize individuals who are creating a positive impact in their personal and professional lives, nominations are being sought from the community-at-large. Candidates are not eligible for this honor until at least 10 years following the date of graduation from High School.
Criteria for award candidates may include:
Demonstration of ongoing dedication to the betterment of society through partnership, support, and service.
Examples may include but are not limited to: active volunteerism; service on a committee, board or advisory; serving as a coach or mentor to youth; philanthropic support; commitment to one’s parish; demonstration of leadership in one’s community.
Service as a role model in the community and commitment to lifelong learning
Nomination Process: Community representatives, families, and alumni are encouraged to nominate themselves or other alumni who serve as exemplary citizens having distinguished themselves in their community, through their profession, or service to others. All nominations and supporting documents must be submitted online. Click here for more information.
Award recipients will be selected by a community panel in mid-December.
2022-2023 Awards Timeline:
December 1: Nominations close
December 12-16: Inductees are selected by a community panel
December 19-22: Inductees are contacted and announced via press release and social media
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2023: Recognition of all nominees and induction of the 2023 cohort in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week
All nominees will receive a congratulatory letter from St. Joseph’s Alumni in Action and be listed on the Alumni in Action website.
Provided photos: Orleans County Employee of the Year Jerry Bentley is congratulated by Director of Personnel Katie Harvey.
ALBION – An Orleans County dispatcher has been named the county “employee of the year” for his work helping with an at-home birth on Feb. 4.
Jerry Bentley received the 911 call at about 4 a.m. Bentley followed emergency medical dispatcher cards (EMDs) to offer instructions to the pregnant woman’s husband and two firefighters. Bentley was on the phone for an hour.
“It was a difficult birth for the mother as the infant’s shoulders were caught, causing a great deal of physical and emotional pain,” said Katie Harvey, the county’s personnel director. “The employee remained calm during the situation, continuing to provide instructions while his partner gave updates to the responding ambulance and EMS responders.”
The baby boy wasn’t breathing on his own when he was delivered and Bentley provided further instructions before the paramedics arrived.
“It was very stressful for all involved, listening until the relief of knowing that the baby finally took his first breaths,” Harvey said.
Bentley has worked with the county for eight years, starting in a part-time position in 2014 before going full time in 2017.
He has helped with two baby deliveries as a dispatcher during his career.
“Helping bring a baby into the world outside of a medical environment is one of the greatest tasks a dispatcher can do, and luckily is not a task that is faced often,” Harvey said.
Bentley has respect from his co-workers and the public for his daily interactions on the job, Harvey said.
The county’s employee recognition program was on Thursday at Maison Albion.
The county’s Employee Assistance Program Committee is tasked to recognize employees of the month. The EAP Committee receives nominations from fellow employees and department directors and then the nominations are reviewed and discussed by the committee and a selection is made.
The employees of the months for the past year were:
October 2021 – Alyssa Hancock (Mental Health)
November 2021 – Elizabeth Jubenville (Social Services)
February 2022 – Sarah Dale (Department of Public Works)
March 2022 – Jerry Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch)
April 2022 – Alisha Richardson (Treasurer)
May 2022 – Sherri Bensley (Public Health)
June 2022 – Tisha Drought (Mental Health)
July 2022 – Scott Snook (Computer Services)
August 2022 – Eileen Ryan (Office for the Aging)
From this pool of candidates, a Department Head can make a recommendation to a separate committee to determine the Employee of the Year, Harvey said. The committee takes into consideration the service that an employee has performed in choosing the Employee of the Year.
Employee of the Month attendees at Thursday’s awards program include Eileen Ryan (Office for the Aging), Scott Snook (Computer Services), Sherri Bensley (Public Health), Jerry Bentley (Sheriff-Dispatch), Sarah Dale (Department of Public Works), Marjorie Beecher (Social Services), Danielle Champeney (Social Services), Danielle Kickbush (Social Services), Elizabeth Jubenville (Social Services) and Alisha Richardson (Treasurer’s Office).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2022 at 9:16 am
ALBION – The former Apollo restaurant on Route 31 has a new purpose: the training site for a growing number of young wrestlers.
The Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy received its certificate of occupancy on Monday to run wrestling programs at the former Apollo at 13939 NY 31. The academy will have open houses today and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The academy already has 71 wrestlers in the program, including 15 girls. It is open to wrestlers from age 4 right through high school. Right now the oldest kids in the program are seventh- and eighth-graders.
Girls wrestling is also an emerging sport with several colleges running programs for female wrestlers. Sanders expects it will be offered in the not-so-distance future at Albion. The wrestling academy will help to get girls ready so Albion can field a competitive team.
Some of the wrestlers in the academy gather for a photo on Wednesday evening. The coaches pictured include Jared Moreland, front left; Mike Sanders, back left; Kyle Piccirilli, front right; and Jeff Lutes, back right. B.J. Aina and Brian Schomske also volunteer as coaches with the program. The wrestling mat used to be owned by the Albion school district for its wrestling program. It was purchased by the Wrestling Academy when the school got a new mat.
Mike Sanders pushed to start the wrestling academy four years ago. The first season there were 44 wrestlers and they used Cafeteria B in the high school. Twice a week, Sanders and the volunteers moved 90 chairs and 15 tables to set up for practices. The season was abruptly cut short because of Covid-19 restrictions in mid-March 2020.
The second year, the program was based out of Sanders’ garage. He had 35 wrestlers in the academy, coming to his garage from Monday through Friday for training.
Last year, in the third season, the program shifted to the Pratt Theater on Main Street with 60 wrestlers.
Sanders said the program is grateful for its new home. It has two large open rooms with mats, lockers for the wrestlers and a big opportunity to grow. The building is owned by Rick Stacey. It was last operated as the Apollo about two decades ago.
The former Apollo on Route 31 is owned by Rick Stacey. He has renovated the site and given it a much different look.
The location gives the program a place year-round. Sanders said there will be wrestling camps and clinics as well as practices.
“We can make our own schedule,” he said. “At the school we were limited to two days.”
The academy will be available for training Monday through Thursday, with live wrestling on Friday.
It costs $50 a month to be in the academy or $200 for the five-month season from November through March. The facility will be available year-round.
The Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy is a non-profit organization. Sanders is president/treasurer and Moreland is vice president/financial advisor. Brian Schomske is secretary/financial advisor. Ashley Sanders is the team coordinator, with Jennifer Moreland the parent liaison, Cassie Schomske the fundraising manager and Justin Mengs, Rocky Sidari and Zach Gillette as at-large members.
Mike Sanders gives instructions to the young wrestlers. Sanders is a former Section VI champ for Albion in 2004 at 130 pounds. He is the varsity coach at Albion this year.
Sanders, 36, won the Section 6 wrestling title in 2004 in the 130-pound weight class. He returned to the area as an English teacher four years ago. He and his wife Ashley have four children.
Sanders went to Gannon and was an All-American wrestler in the 133-pound class. After graduation he taught and coached for five years in Florida and then five years in Virginia before coming home to Albion in 2018. He works in the Albion Middle School.
Sanders said the skills he learned in wrestling, especially the mental approach, have been critical in his life. He wants to share that knowledge with a new generation.
“I want to give back to them,” Sanders said. “It’s mental skills and controlling your emotions. It’s showing up every day and facing challenges.”
Sanders is serving as the Albion varsity wrestling coach for the first time this season, after four years as the assistant coach. He knows the youth wrestling program is a key to building a strong high school program.
When he was a kid, he wrestled in youth programs in Kendall and Holley. The Purple Eagles Wrestling Academy is open to young wrestlers outside of Albion, too. Sanders wants to grow the sport locally, and repay the welcome he received from Kendall and Holley.
These wrestlers get in a cool-down run around one of the big mats. There are two large rooms for training.
The wrestling academy will compete in tournaments in 14 different weight classes through the Niagara Frontier Youth Wrestling League. That competitive team will be called the Purple Eagle Wrestling Academy Team Gold Force. That name is a tribute to the Gold Force Wrestling Club that was led by Hall of Fame coach John Grillo in Holley.
Sanders is assisted in running the program by coaches Jared Moreland, Kyle Piccirilli, Jeff Lutes, B.J. Aina and Brian Schomske.
Moreland is also a sectional champ from when he was at wrestling powerhouse Spencerport. He wrestled at 119 pounds. He is now a sergeant at the Orleans Correctional Facility. Like Sanders, he wants to give back to the sport of wrestling.
“Wrestling is a sport unlike any other in high school,” Moreland said. “It takes a lot of sacrifice and discipline.”
Moreland said the wrestling academy will help other Albion sports programs. He expects to see the wrestlers playing on the football, basketball, baseball, track and other sports teams.
“It will help them to be a gritty tough kid who can handle a challenge,” Moreland said.
