Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, spinners and aerial devices remain illegal in NY
Press Release, NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control
ALBANY – The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control today urged New Yorkers to take extra caution and handle sparkling devices responsibly when celebrating Independence Day this upcoming holiday weekend.
“Summertime, and especially the Fourth of July, are times of celebration and togetherness, but when fireworks and sparkling devices are added to the party, it can lead to very serious injuries for those involved,” New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. “The best way to stay safe this Fourth of July is to leave the fireworks to the professionals, but if you plan on using sparkling devices, please make sure you do so as safely as possible.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks in 2020. Two-thirds of these estimated injuries took place around the July 4th holiday.
According to the CPSC report, the bulk of injuries sustained by people using fireworks and sparkling devices are ages 25-44 (35%) and ages 15-24 (25%). The top injuries reported are hands and fingers (30%), head, face and ears (22%), and eye injuries (15%).
“We encourage New Yorkers to safely celebrate this week and be cautious around any devices emitting fire or live sparks,” said State Fire Administrator James B. Cable. “Only use legally purchased sparkling devices and follow any instructions on the packaging to ensure safe usage to protect you and those you’re celebrating with.”
New York State only allows the sale and use of a specific category of consumer fireworks known as sparkling devices. Legal ground-based or handheld sparking devices produce a shower of colored sparks or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. The devices do not launch into the air.
These devices are currently legal in all counties of the state except for Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, the City of New York, Queens, Richmond, Orange (prohibited in the cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Schenectady, Suffolk and Westchester.
All other types of consumer fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, remain illegal statewide.
Sellers, manufacturers, and distributors of sparkling devices must apply for a certificate of registration from the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, pay an annual fee and follow other rules and conditions. A list of registered sparkling device vendors is available by clicking here.
Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only occur from June 1 to July 5 and December 26 to January 1. Sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5 and December 26 to January 1.
If sparkling devices are legal to purchase in your county, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control is encouraging New Yorkers to follow these safety tips:
Purchase sparkling devices and novelty devices from New York State registered retailers only
Always follow the directions located on the packaging
Never allow children to handle sparkling devices, this includes sparklers (It is illegal for anyone under 18 years old to use sparking devices)
All sparkling devices are for outdoor use only, a minimum of 10’ away from a building or structure. Never use indoors!
Always wear eye protection and closed toed shoes when using sparkling devices
Never light more than one sparkling device at a time
Never point a sparkling device tube towards anyone or any part of your body
Keep sparkling and novelty devices in a secure, dry and safe location when not in use
Never use sparkling devices when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Always keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby when using sparkling devices
Douse malfunctioning and spent devices with water for a minimum of 15 minutes before discarding to prevent a fire
Use on a non-combustible surface, such as asphalt, concrete or cement, staying away from dry brush and grass
Do not use in a designated red flag area, this is designated by the Department of Environmental Conservation
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2022 at 8:54 am
Village will update regs to allow the signs in light industrial/industrial areas
MEDINA – The Village Board voted on Monday to allow BMP to use a temporary sign for three months to try to fill job openings at the manufacturing site on Maple Ridge Road.
BMP twice had temporary signs out but was told to remove them because they were in violation of the village code.
Pride Pak also had a temporary sign out, trying to get job applicants, and was told to remove it.
A BMP representative was at Monday’s meeting to urge the use of the sign. The company saw an uptick in applications when the sign was by the road.
Now that it is gone, people may think the company isn’t hiring, which isn’t the case. BMP needs more workers, the board was told.
“We’re just hoping for some leniency,” the BMP official told the board. “We’re trying to provide jobs right to people here in Medina.”
The village code currently only allows temporary signs for new businesses or a business in a new location that is awaiting installation of a permanent sign. In those cases, the maximum use of a portable or temporary sign is 60 days.
Trustee Owen Toale urged the board not to stand in the way of a business that is trying to grow and fill jobs in Medina.
The Village Planning Board was asked to look at regulations for temporary signs, but decided to not take action on the issue.
However, the Village Board sets policy and Trustee Tim Elliott said the temporary sign regulations should be updated at a time when businesses are hiring.
“The times are changing,” he said. “We need to adjust accordingly.”
Mayor Mike Sidari said he doesn’t want to see “help wanted” signs all over, especially sandwich signs in the downtown with businesses seeking employees.
The board decided to have village attorney Matthew Brooks draft a proposal for allowing temporary signs in the industrial and light industrial zoned areas. That would include part of Park Avenue and the Medina Business Park on Maple Ridge and Bates roads, the areas that include most of Medina’s manufacturing plants.
It can take two to three months for a law to be changed with public hearings, meetings and a filing and approval from the state Department of State.
In the meantime, BMP was given up to 90 days permission to have a temporary sign. If Pride Pak wants to have a sign it will need to make a request to the board.
The temporary signs can be a maximum of 30 square feet. BMP said it’s sign is about 4 by 6 feet.
“I don’t want to slow down business,” Elliott said. “Hopefully the Planning Board sees we’re trying to be progressive and not step on their toes.”
(One Medina manufacturing business has a temporary sign outside seeking employees. Brunner is on Route 31 near Bates Road. Its sign is just outside the village line in Ridgeway so it doesn’t fall under the village ordinance.)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 June 2022 at 7:55 am
HAMLIN – The spring class of the Microenterprise Assistance Program brought the number to 557 entrepreneurs who have completed the 10-week class that offers many pointers for building a successful business.
MAP is a program of Orleans Economic Development Agency. Diane Blanchard is administrator of MAP.
The graduates bring a variety of unique interests and the potential to create a thriving business in their community.
Graduates shared their goals and proposed businesses at Gallo’s Bar and Grill in Hamlin on June 14. Gallo’s is owned by Michelle and Rick Gallo, who offered to host the evening. Michelle is a graduate of the Microenterprise class and has become an instructor in the program.
Graduates and their proposed business are Delores Hansel of Albion, who owns Brush Strokes Studio in the Arnold Gregory Complex; Tiffany Allen, who wants to own a restaurant and bar; Rebecca Alexander of Albion, who is adding tailgate games and a restaurant to their existing business – Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza; Cassandra Brady, bakery; Chris Glogowski, the Coffee Joint; Erin Hills, a make-up artist; Deborah Prest, home décor; Amanda Vasquez, bakery; Jessica Skehan, an artist; Andrew LaFave, plastic recycling; and Kristen Ostrander, Bloom’s Flower Shop.
Each of the graduates shared their business plan and reasons for taking the Microenterprise Assistance Program.
Tiffany Allen shared her plans for a restaurant/bar.
Hansel purchased Brush Strokes from Tim Elliott of Medina. She enjoys ceramics and hopes to grow the business. She would like to do a summer camp for children and fused glass and eventually, pottery. She said wanted to gain a little more business acumen from the class.
“My goal is to become a full service art business for Orleans County,” she said.
Alexander and her husband already own Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza and wanted learn more about the business end of running a bar and tailgate games.
“We will be a one-stop shop for food and fun,” Alexander said.
They are ready to open a restaurant in Albion and will be open Wednesday through Sunday and offer a full menu. All baked goods can be customized and made to order. They will cater to food allergies. She also wants to have cake decorating classes for adults and children. She took the class to get help with a business plan for their new venture.
Cassandra Brady took the class to help her and her friends Chacora Abrams and Amber Moss, who are running a bakery in their home, but would like a real store in Orleans County. Their specialty is custom cakes and desserts. When they started, Abrams said they knew they needed help on how to run a business.
Amanda Vasquez also wants to open a bakery and needs a certified kitchen. She hopes to work with customers in local towns. She would like to have a store front in Medina by 2024.
Tiffany Allen has been living in Hawaii for 18 years, but recently came home and is looking for a business that fits her lifestyle, she said. Her business will be called Mommy’s Kitchen and Daddy’s Bar and will feature home cooking, a rotating menu and a local delivery option.
Deborah Prest sells home décor and crafts.
Allen is confident she can run such a business with one person in the kitchen and one in the bar. Her goal is to provide an enlightening and unique dining experience. Her staff will be encouraged to learn something from every customer, she said.
Chris Glogowski opened The Coffee Joint at 59 North Main St. in Albion, with a partner, David Mogle. They will offer a variety of high-quality coffee and tea drinks. Manager of the business is Heidi Peterson. Glogowski is an Albion police officer and Mogle is the police chief.
Glogowski wanted to keep a coffee shop in downtown. In the future they plan to add smoothies, breakfast wraps, waffles and energy drinks. They also intend to have delivery and a drive-up service. Their hours will be expanded for the summer, he said.
Debbie Prest has been doing crafts and home décor for 20 years, but needed to know more about the business end, she said.
“I’m good at crafting, but not so good at the business stuff,” she said. “I knew creating a business plan was crucial to my goal.”
She has been doing a lot of sales on Facebook and at craft shows, but now will have her own brick and mortar store in back of Five Star Bank in Albion.
Erin Hills is a make-up artist who hopes to open a salon.
Jessica Skehan of Holley studied art and printing in college, but didn’t learn the business end, she said. She hopes to establish a business doing custom painting and selling prints of her original artwork online. She would like to have a store front within the next five years.
Erin Hills thought as a make-up artist she would have to live in a big city to be successful. She has discovered, however, she is in high demand in Orleans County for weddings, and has 69 booked. She also does lash extensions. She is confident she can make a six-figure income doing hair and make-up. Her goal is to have a salon by 2023 and a mobile unit after that.
Two other graduates were not able to attend the graduation. They are Kristen Ostrander, who owns Bloom’s Flower Shop in Albion, and Andrew LaFave, who plans a plastic recycling business.
Beth Miller, a former MAP graduate, returned to share her success with the class. She had lost her job with Covid hit about two years ago and took the class to prepare for opening her own business. Dorothy Daniels encouraged her to open her store Wild Flour Deli & Bakery in Albion last fall.
A $21,000 grant through MAP enabled her to build a dining room at 438 West Ave. She has since expanded and added equipment.
“In one month I made as much money as I had anticipated making in five months,” Miller said.
She said the MAP class was overwhelming at first, but turned out to be very beneficial. She was recently voted one of the top five deli-bakeries in Western New York.
Anyone interested in taking the next MAP course can contact Blanchard at dblanchard@orleansdevelopment.org or by calling (585) 589-7060.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2022 at 4:47 pm
State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, are praising a decision by a state Supreme Court judge that strikes down a law that would have allowed hundreds of thousands on non-citizen residents the right to vote in New York City.
Judge Ralph Porzio ruled the law violated the state constitution, which says that “[e]very citizen” is entitled to vote.
The City Council passed the law last December. It went into effect after both Mayor Bill de Blasio and his successor Eric Adams declined to either sign it or veto it.
The City Council passed the law last December, and it went into effect after both Mayor Bill de Blasio and his successor in January, Eric Adams, declined to either sign it or veto it. The NYC law allowed lawful permanent residents to vote in city elections, but not state or federal elections.
Ortt, the Republican leader of the State Senate, issued this statement: “Today’s decision by the state Supreme Court is a massive victory for election integrity in our state. From the start, it was obvious that the New York City Council was acting unconstitutionally when they voted to grant more than 800,000 non-citizens the ability to vote in elections.
“This pattern of behavior by One Party Rule at the City and State level continues to place their political futures above the needs and best interests of New Yorkers.
“We have already seen New Yorkers and our judicial system overwhelmingly reject these self-preservation tactics by One Party Rule, whether it’s defeating their transparently political constitutional amendments at the polls last November, or ruling their hyper-partisan gerrymander unconstitutional earlier this year.
“I commend Senate Deputy Leader Andrew Lanza and every Republican who signed onto this successful lawsuit. The Senate Republican Conference will always remain committed to upholding the integrity of our elections, upholding our constitution, and opposing hyper-partisan attacks on our democracy.”
Assemblyman Hawley issued this statement: “Today’s decision reasserts the basic principle that our elections are for citizens of our state and that they will be operated in a manner compliant with the provisions of our state constitution.
“Maintaining sensible safeguards on our electoral processes ensures our elections are fair and that their outcomes can be trusted, so I am glad the judge in this case put the law and our constitution before partisan political interests.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2022 at 4:31 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club welcomed two new members last Thursday. Matt Holland, left, is a grant writer for the United Way of Orleans County. Tracy VanSkiver is the clerk/treasurer for the Village of Albion.
The Rotary Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The group meets Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Cobblestone Museum’s visitors’ center.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2022 at 1:55 pm
ALBION – Orleans County officials are asking local residents to consider being foster parents. They don’t need to be perfect or have immaculate homes, said Holli Nenni, DSS commissioner.
Holli Nenni
The county currently has 30 children in foster care, but only 18 homes available.
“There is a very limited number of foster care families in Orleans County,” she told county legislators last week. “We need more.”
Children are in foster care due to abuse, neglect, parent incarceration, abandonment or death of a parent. They may be in a foster home for as a little as a week or for many months. The goal is to reunite those children with their biological families.
When there aren’t enough foster homes available locally, children are often sent to residential facilities such as Hillside Children’s Center in Rochester or New Directions Youth and Family Services in Buffalo, Nenni said.
The county DSS strives to keep siblings together, and wants to keep kids in the same school district they have been attending.
Foster parents receive a daily stipend. The county also assigns a caseworker to assist the foster parent and there is a foster care home support group.
The county would also welcome people to consider being a respite home in case of emergencies.
To be a foster parent, the county is looking for adults who are at least 21 years old, single or married; able to provide a safe and healthy home; ant to make a difference in the life of a child; and can work as part of a team with caseworkers, other community agencies, and the child’s family.
People need to pass a background check, complete trainings to be a foster parent, complete a home study with the foster home coordinator, and have a medical form completed by a doctor.
For more information, contact the DSS in Orleans County at (585) 589-3161.
To see a video about being a foster parent in Orleans County, click here.
Provided photos: The Eng Tech Team includes Alavaro Atolaguirre (Christian Academy of Western New York), Caleb Poeller (Christian Academy of Western New York) and Liam Robinson (Lewiston-Porter).
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Orleans/Niagara BOCES could not be prouder of all of their students who competed at the National SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
More than 6,500 outstanding career and technical education students – all contest winners – competed in 108 different trade, technical and leadership fields.
Four students from the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center brought home gold medals and one student from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center brought home a silver medal.
Gold Medal Winners – Caleb Poeller (Christian Academy), Liam Robinson (Lewiston-Porter) and Alvaro Altolaguirre (Christian Academy) in the Eng Tech/Design Team competition. The students are in Scott Brauer’s Project Based Engineering program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.
Travis Franke of Starpoint celebrates with his teachers, Logan Spain (left),Travis Franke and Bob Fritton.
Gold Medal Winner – Travis Franke (Starpoint) in the Industrial Motor Controls competition. He is a student of Bob Fritton and Logan Spain in the Electricity/Electronics program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.
Silver Medal Winner – Zachary Luick (Lockport) in the Electronics Technology competition. Zach is a student of Bill Leggett’s Electricity/Electronics program at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
The students competed against the state champions from all over the country and three US territories.
Teacher Bill Leggett congratulates Zachary Luick of Lockport for his silver medal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2022 at 10:54 am
After nine days of early voting at one location in Albion, the polls open at all 10 towns in the county on Tuesday for a Republican and Democratic primary.
There were 156 people who cast ballots for early voting. On Tuesday, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 11 locations in Orleans County.
Here is a list of the polling sites:
Albion – Districts 1 through 6 – Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
Barre – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Carlton – Districts 1 through 3 – Carlton Fire Co. Rec Hall, 1853 Oak Orchard Rd.
Clarendon – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 16385 Church St.
Gaines – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Rd.
Kendall – Districts 1 through 3 – Town Hall, 1873 Kendall Rd.
Murray – Districts 1 through 6 – Murray Town Hall, 3840 Fancher Rd. (Route 31)
Ridgeway – Districts 2, 4, 5 – Town Hall, 410 West Ave.
Shelby – Districts 1 through 4 – Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd.
Yates – Districts 1 and 2 – Town Hall, 8 South Main St.
There are primaries for the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor. Locally there are primaries for Republican committee representatives in Murray and Yates.
There are three candidates in the Democratic Party for governor – Thomas Suozzi, Kathy Hochul and Jumaane Williams.
There are four Republican candidates for governor – Rob Astorino, Andrew Giuliani, Harry Wilson and Lee Zeldin.
The Democratic lieutenant governor candidates include Ana Maria Archila, Diana Reyna and Antonio Delgado.
In Murray District 2, four people are seeking two Republican Committee positions – Michael Christopher, Daniel Seller, Gerald Rightmyer and Anthony Peone.
In Murray District 3, three people are running for two positions Republican Committee positions – Louise Passarell, Kathleen Case and Kerri Neale.
In Murray District 6, three people are vying for two spots on the Republican Committee – David Knapp, Adam Moore and Kellie Gregoire.
In Yates District 1, three are running for two positions on the Republican Committee – Steven Colon, Roger Wolfe and Russell Martino.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2022 at 10:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – One of the dance studios at Gotta Dance by Miss Amy was packed with gift baskets and people on Saturday during an event to raise money for a scholarship in memory of Kelly Ricker. There were about 80 gift baskets available.
There were also services up for auction that were offered by community members. Community members bid on many service, including catered meals, fishing trips, a bartender service, a cottage stay, a wine tour, haircut and style, photo shoot, a custom cake, plowing, kayaking and other prizes.
Reese Conley, back center, and Emily Harling paint a butterfly on the face of Mckenna, 7, of Albion.
There were many activities as part of the celebration for Ricker on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ricker passed away at age 50 on Oct. 10 after a fight with cancer. A 1989 graduate of Albion, Ricker was a lifeguard at Albion for more than 30 years and was the school’s assistant swim coach.
She was an active Girt Scout leader, assisting girls including her daughter Laiken. For 15 years she was actively involved with the board for Sandstone Park. Her son Patrick played on the team for many years. She also was very involved at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion.
Photos courtesy of Jordan Thomas
West Bank Street was closed to traffic from Main Street to Liberty Street for dance performances, food trucks and other events including a live auction.
These dancers perform during the fundraising event on Saturday.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Ricker family on June 17 presented the first scholarship in memory of Kelly Ricker to Emily Harling. The scholarship was presented at class night by Ricker’s husband Ron and their children Patrick and Laiken. Katharine Waite, the high school assistant principal, is at left.
The Ricker scholarship is for $1,250 and is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates a passion for swimming by striving to be their best through hard work and dedication to the swim team.
The Ricker family said they appreciate the community’s support on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2022 at 10:29 pm
Paul Czarnecki was popular captain out of Oak Orchard for past 20 years
Provided photos
POINT BREEZE – About 15 charter boat captains filled with people this afternoon for a memorial troll from the Oak Orchard River to Lake Ontario. The charter captains were honoring their friend, Paul Czarnecki, a charter captain the past 20 years at the Oak Orchard.
An Erie, Pa. resident, Czarnecki passed away at age 57 on April 4. He was diagnosed with multiple melanoma on May 18, 2021. He continued to work full-time as a charter captain last summer at Point Breeze, despite almost daily medical appointments for chemotherapy, blood draws and other doctor visits, his wife Christie said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Paul Czarnecki on Aug. 16, 2015 holds a 29-pound Chinook salmon that won the $4,000 grand prize at the Orleans County Fishing Derby. Czarnecki took a customer, Georgia Barkdoll of McConnellsburg, Pa., out fishing and she reeled in the 29-pound fish, which won the grand prize in the fishing derby.
To honor Czarnecki today the charter captains took their boats about 2 miles out into the lake, just north of the Oak Orchard Harbor. That is where the lake is about 80 feet deep. Czarnecki would use that spot to put the fishing line in the water. The captains today then went east about 4 miles, to a glass house that is a landmark near the Kendall town line. Czarnecki believed the best fishing was between the Oak Orchard Harbor and the 4 miles to the glass house.
Paul and Dylan Czarnecki celebrate winning the King of the Oak fishing tournament that concluded in September 2020.
The captains offered tributes to Czarnecki on a private channel.
Today was all about paying their respect to a man who loved Point Breeze and worked hard to build up the fishery to benefit other local businesses and charter captains.
“He believed this was the best fishing on the lake,” said David Bonnell, who worked for Czarnecki for the previous five years.
Czarnecki came up from Erie and had his 33-foot-long boat – “Free Spirit” – in the water on April 1. He fished the month of May out of Wilson before shifting the Oak Orchard from June 1 to just after Labor Day.
His customers came back year after year, including some from 35 years ago.
“Paul literally knew everybody,” Bonnell said. “He was the wittiest person.”
Czarnecki made sure his customers had a good time on the boat – and caught big salmon and trout. He would extend the charter and stay out later in the lake to make sure they caught fish, Bonnell said.
Czarnecki and his son Dylan won the “King of the Oak” fishing tournament in 2020. That competition is based on four series with points for the number of fish and their weight. Czarnecki accumulated the most points in taking the title. He and his son, now 12, celebrated by wearing Burger King hats.
Today, Dylan steered his dad’s boat during the memorial troll. Dylan is 12. His younger sister Piper is 8.
Czarnecki was well regarded among his peers for sharing his knowledge and for being a “straight shooter.”
“He was full of knowledge but he didn’t stretch the truth,” one the captains said this evening during a cookout at Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina.
Czarnecki was built like a lineman. He was 6 foot, 3 inches, a big presence.
“But he was full of heart,” Bonnell said.
Czarnecki was fishing out of Erie but tried the Point Breeze area after salmon and cohoes weren’t being stocked in Erie.
At Point Breeze, he found a fishery that lasted for months with Chinook salmon, steelhead (rainbow trout), brown trout and lake trout. He also discovered a friendly community among the charter boat captains and other local businesses.
“He fished at many places but he really thought this was the best place in the world,” Bonnell said.
The charter boat captains are out lake remembering their friend.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2022 at 1:38 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Holley graduates toss their caps by the flag pole in front of the junior-senior high school after commencement on Saturday.
Holley graduated 60 students in the Class of 2022.
The graduates follow a processional inside the auditorium for the 73rd annual commencement program.
Libbie Pecora, the class president, gave a welcome message and led the group in reciting the pledge of allegiance. She urged her classmates “to not let the fear of failure hold you back.” Behind Pecora are District Superintendent Brian Bartalo and High School Principal Sue Cory.
Class Vice President Breanna Girangaya announced the class gift. The Class of 2022 will give some of its remaining class funds to the other high schools classes that have been hampered in fundraising due to Covid cancellations and restrictions. The Class of 2022 also set aside money for the buildings and grounds staff to treat themselves for all of their extra hard work with cleaning the buildings in the pandemic.
Grace McKeon sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Salutatorian Adriana Botello delivers her speech. She said the class wouldn’t be derailed by Covid. They pushed to get their school work done and still be involved at school. She said she is fortunate to be at a school with “beautiful souls” who are kind.
“We are lucky we are such a small class where we could watch each other grow,” she said.
Valedictorian Cora Bennage wrote her speech almost entirely from favorite quotes collected from her classmates to give them a voice in the ceremony. Her speech also featured a section in Spanish for the native speakers in the audience.
She quoted from the Kung Fu Panda movie when she reminded them that each day is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.
Kirsstin Althoff stands to be recognized as one of the scholarship winners. About $35,000 in local scholarships were announced during the commencement program.
Thomas Dobri stands after being recognized as a scholarship winner.
Retired Holley biology teacher Dan Burke gave the commencement address. Burke retired a year ago after more than 30 years at Holley. In addition to teaching biology, he was a baseball coach and musical director. He was picked by the class to give the speech.
In retirement Burke has followed a lifetime passion by studying history at Arizona State University. Burke said he wanted to major in history right out of high school but was swayed by his father who didn’t think there would be good job prospects with that major. Burke had a career selling pharmaceuticals before starting a teaching career at Holley.
He urged the grads to never give up learning and to “embrace the uncertainty of your future.”
He didn’t expect to become a teacher. But he answered an ad about a job in Holley. He wanted a more meaningful career, even though he took a big pay cut.
He said he is so grateful for his time in Holley. When he retired a year ago, he received 1,200 messages from former students, thanking him for being their teacher, coach and director.
He was struck by how successful and happy the Holley graduates were in their careers and family lives. They have excelled as teachers, lawyers, doctors, mechanics and skilled tradespeople.
“I was struck by what good and decent people they all are,” he said. This is a wonderful place. This is a wonderful school.”
Burke gave the grads a final message: “Give more than you take from this world.”
Zander Carpenter takes a selfie with Principal Sue Cory. This was Cory’s last commencement as principal. She is retiring.
She said the graduates lived up to this year’s theme at the school district of “family.” She thanked the students for being passionate, caring, opinionated and compassionate.
“You are a special group that rallies and supports others,” she said.
Emily Webster is congratulated by the Board of Education members after getting her diploma. James Tette poses for a photo with Principal Cory.
Kayla Pagano celebrates getting her diploma and is congratulated by the Board of Education.
A sign outside the school near the flag pole praises the Class of 2022 for their graduation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2022 at 9:33 pm
Photos courtesy of Tricia Croce, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The 52 members of Lyndonville’s Class of 2022 celebrated their commencement on Friday. After the ceremony they tossed their graduation caps.
Board of Education President Ted Lewis presents a graduate with her diploma. District Superintendent Sharon Smith is at right and also congratulated the new graduates during the ceremony. Valedictorian Jack Whipple is at left and Salutatorian Maddox Stirk is at far right, cheering on their classmates.
Erin Townsend, a professional photographer from Middleport, assists two graduates in prepping for portraits.
Jack Whipple delivers the valedictory address in the Stroyan Auditorium at Lyndonville Central School. There are 52 graduates in the Class of 2022.
Maddox Stirk gives the salutatory speech during commencement.
David Cook presents scholarships on behalf of the Lyndonville Area Foundation, including one in memory of his son Trevor Cook.
The class stands together and is acknowledged on the Stroyan stage.
Many of the graduates decorated their caps with messages for the occasion.
Troutburg’s popular Ontario House Hotel is shown in the late 1800s.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans – Vol. 2, No. 23
KENDALL – The cooling breezes off Lake Ontario are refreshing on hot summer days. In the years after the Civil War, shoreline resorts sprang up to accommodate the “summer people.” Constricted by layers of clothing and lacking air conditioning, it is not surprising that city and suburban residents sought relief from the heat.
Troutburg, on the eastern end of the Town of Kendall, was a popular destination for several decades after the Civil War. Named for its once abundant trout supply, this hamlet which straddles the Orleans/Monroe County line was the site of a fishing station in the 1840s, with a pier for fishing boats. Trout and sturgeon were packed in ice and shipped to New York City. Hiram Redmond ran a fishing station and built a hotel for fishermen.
Mrs. Sara J. Lee developed the first resort area in Troutburg in the 1860s. Originally known as The Lee House or “Mrs. Lee’s Hotel” and later, the Ontario House, it comprised a large house, picnic grounds and a stable large enough for sixty horses. The following notice published in the Saturday, July 7, 1888, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle described its attractions:
The Ontario House was destroyed by fire in November 1890. A much larger hotel of the same name, which included a dance pavilion, was ready to welcome guests by June 1891.
Crowds flocked to the area. The Cady House on the east side of County Line Road also catered to guests. Summer cottages were built in the vicinity. The Democrat and Chronicle of August 13, 1898, reported that the season at Troutburg was unusually lively. All the hotels and a score of the cottages were occupied, and the population had swelled to 2,000.
Troutburg guests were hearty eaters. In September 1895, members of the Ontario Gun Club attended a clam bake at the Ontario House, following a day of contests. Though the crowd was smaller than anticipated, they nevertheless consumed ten bushels of clams, ten bushels of corn, sweet potatoes, chicken and blue-fish “which were cooked in the big box with steam from a ten-horsepower threshing engine.” (D&C, 9/20/1895)
Dance parties were popular in the 1920s but the effects of the Depression led to a decline in business. The Ontario House was again destroyed by fire on May 4, 1943, and the location of so much jollity is now well underwater due to lakeshore erosion.
The former Ontario House Hotel in Troutburg. The structure was ruined by fire.
