BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is sponsoring an electronic waste recycling event with Sunnking on Saturday, June 25, at the parking lot of 5130 E. Main Street, next to National Grid, in the town of Batavia.
Any e-waste, including cell phones, computers, monitors, printers and more (with a limit of four televisions/monitors per car load), will be accepted for recycling at this event, though pre-registration online is required.
Those interested in attending this event must pre-register. Click here for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2022 at 8:59 am
ALBION – Early voting started Saturday and continues through June 26 for 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.
The primaries are June 28, but there will be early voting options. Early voting is at the Board of Elections office in Albion at the County Office Building, 14016 State Route 31.
The polls were open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 June 2022 at 7:28 am
Provided photo: This lass poses in her faery costume during one of Medina’s Faery Festivals.
MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership will sponsor the annual Enchanted Faery Festival on June 25, featuring mystical creatures, a costume contest, crafts and give aways, a scavenger hunt and more.
Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Medina.
There will be a costume contest, with prizes awarded for king, queen, prince and princess, and all ages are welcome to participate. Crowning and a parade will be at 1 p.m.
A scavenger hunt invites visitors to win prizes by hunting with clues to find 12 faery doors that will be hidden in various downtown businesses.
A table will be set up in Rotary Park for participants to pick up and drop off the scavenger hunt sheet, take a photo with the themed photo board, make faery dust and have their faces painted. The event flyer with scavenger hunt form will be distributed to the elementary school.
Businesses may participate by offering a make-and-take craft, have story time or provide a small give away item, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, faery-related item that may relate to their business or a coloring sheet.
It is estimated 50 to 75 children will participate in the event. Non-downtown businesses may also participate by offering something in Rotary Park.
A list of businesses offering a craft or give away item can be picked up in Rotary Park.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 June 2022 at 9:29 pm
MEDINA – Efforts to resurrect Track and Field Days for Wise Intermediate School students was a resounding success.
When the events wrapped up on Tuesday 350 students had participated, said physical education teacher Mollie Mark. She, Melissa Valley and Kristi Young planned the return of the sport, which had been discontinued since 2012.
Mark said it was Young who taught the children all the track and field events they would be competing in. She also worked with retired coach Bill Ossont at Oak Orchard School and had continued the event after he retired.
They said it gave students in grades three through six their chance to shine.
Sixth-graders Isabella Anelli, left, and Sophia Albone race to the finish line at Track and Field Days
“We are reminded every day that children have had many setbacks with the effects of more than two years of Covid,” said Kathie Valley, retired fourth-grade teacher, who offered to recruit volunteers for the days. “Quarantines and virtual learning have kept them inside with minimal physical activity.”
“Our goals are to get them on ‘track,’ to get them outside and find fun ways to challenge themselves and the opportunity to cheer on their classmates,” Mark said
Valley contacted 20 individuals asking for volunteers to record times, measure distances, rake sand or help kids keep track of where they should be. Eighteen people replied to her.
Nalanie Miller, a fourth-grader at Wise Intermediate School clears the bar in the return of Track and Field Days.
One who responded was Bill Ossont, retired coach from Medina Central School. He said he hadn’t realized the school had done away with the Track and Field Days for intermediate students. He volunteered to be a starter for this week’s events.
“I was here for 36 years and I learned an awful lot from the coaches and teachers,” Ossont said. Any time you can give back, it’s good.”
The meet was scheduled to start June 9, but heavy rains the night before made the track unusable and events were postposed until the following day. They concluded on June 14 with the awarding of trophies.
Winning teams were Mrs. Scott’s class, third grade; Mr. Gerdes’ class, fourth grade; Miss Duhow’s class, fifth grade; and Mr. Haak’s class, sixth grade.
Peyton Allen, a fifth-grader at Wise Intermediate School, is ready to cross the finish line in a relay race during Track and Field Days.
Leaders of the Track and Field Days at Wise Intermediate School are, from left, Kay VanNostrand, retired physical education teacher; Kristi Young, physical education teacher; Bill Ossont, retired coach; Melissa Valley and Mollie Mark, physical education coaches.
Volunteers and school staff posed for a picture during the Track and Field Days Friday, Monday and Tuesday at Wise Intermediate School. From left are Tina DeSimone, retired Wise School counselor; Bill Ossont, retired track coach; Kay VanNostrand, retired physical education teacher; Jim Hancock; Pam Maryjanowski, retired Oak Orchard physical education teacher; Nick Beneditti, retired high school teacher; Kathie Valley, retired fourth-grade teacher; and Dave Boice, retired Oak Orchard teacher.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 June 2022 at 8:40 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Central Western Zone of the New York State Retired Educators’ Association awarded a grant to Dudley Gilbert, a security and law enforcement teacher at Niagara/Orleans BOCES. From left are Michael Mann, principal; Dudley Gilbert; Frank Berger, president of the Orleans County Retired Teachers Association, who made the presentation; and Nicole Goyette, assistant principal.
MEDINA – It is customary for the Central Western Zone of the Retired Educators of New York to recognize active educators who have shown exemplary service and leadership in their school and community located within the Central Western Zone.
On Thursday, Frank Berger, president of the Orleans County Retired Teachers’ Association, presented a Barrie Fleegel Memorial Active Educator Grant Award to Dudley Gilbert, security and law enforcement teacher at Niagara/Orleans BOCES.
Fleegel was a resident of the Central Western Zone who accomplished great things and also strongly believed and acted on his dreams. He was a family man who deeply loved his wife and daughters and son-in-law. He adored his grandchildren and was involved in many activities at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church.
Fleegel began his educational career as a science teach in Marion in 1955 and was also curriculum coordinator during this period. He became high school principal in 1971 and two years later, he was elevated to the position of Marion superintendent. After retiring in 1995, he immediately became a member of New York State Retired Teachers Association.
The then served as Wayne County president and Central Western Zone vice president from 1998-2000. He was elected zone president from 2000-2003, then moved to the position of NYSRTA senior vice president.
In spite of his busy involvement, Fleegel also supervised student teachers from Oswego State College until his illness in the fall of 2005.
Gilbert, a resident of Buffalo, has a bachelor’s degree in African-American studies from the University of Buffalo. He has taught security and law enforcement at BOCES for the last 4 1/2 years.
A condition of his employment requires him to take six mandatory classes. He took the first five at Buffalo State College and is completing the sixth class there.
Gilbert said he did not receive any financial aid for any of the classes. He has awards for perfect attendance and is tenured.
He has been involved in extracurricular activities at BOCES, including Skills USA, a craft fair which is a major fundraiser for the organization. He employs his student volunteers to act as traffic security officers, which he supervises on his own time.
With commuting 100 miles a day to BOCES and taking extra classes, Gilbert said he is not able at this time to be involved in community service. However, in the past, he was involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America and the African-American Heritage Corridor in Buffalo/Lewiston/Niagara Falls.
He was previously a state trooper, and upon completion of that career he wanted to do something that kept young people out of the back of a troop car, he said.
“I also wanted to teach them not only lesson in my curriculum, but also lessons for life,” Gilbert said. “Every year on the first day of school I write the number of days remaining in the year. If it is 180, I tell my seniors, ‘This is how many days you have remaining in the program. But my real job is to prepare you for day 181.’”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2022 at 11:22 am
The number of confirmed Covid cases in Orleans was up slightly from 36 during June 8 to 14 compared to 34 the previous seven days.
In Genesee County that cases dropped from 61 to 43, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
The cases have been trending down in recent weeks.
In Orleans, the cases dropped from 120 (May 18-24) to 71 (May 25-31) to 34 (June 1-7) and then were slightly up to 36 (June 8-14).
In Genesee the cases are down from 170 (May 18-24) to 85 (May 25-31) to 61 (June 1-7) to 43 (June 8-14).
Both counties are now considered at the medium level for community spread by the CDC.
Statewide the percentage of positive tests over 7 days was at 5.48 percent on Friday. The Finger Lakes, which includes Orleans and eight other counties, was below the statewide average with a 4.88 percent positivity rate.
Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the start of the 2022 “I BIRD NY” challenges for beginning and experienced birders.
Two levels of challenges provide the opportunity to identify birds and learn about birdlife and offer a chance to win birding equipment. With the launch of many New York State Birding Trail segments this year, DEC will be increasing the chances of winning if participants find birds on a New York State Birding trail site.
“No matter where you live, birdwatching is a fun, easy, affordable activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds,” said Commissioner Seggos. “This summer is a great time to start birding or take your birding skills to the next level by observing birds in the diverse variety of habitats and locations the New York State Birding Trail offers.”
New York State’s wide-ranging habitat types, from the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches to majestic Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between create a birder’s paradise that supports more than 450 different bird species throughout the year. New York offers a wide variety of options in Birding Trail locations with ongoing new sites being added, making it even easier for New Yorkers to get started with this fun activity.
The annual I BIRD NY Beginner’s Birding Challenge is open to anyone 16 years of age and younger. To complete the Beginner’s Birding Challenge, participants must identify 10 common New York bird species and submit their challenge sheet to DEC.
In addition to the Beginner’s Birding Challenge, DEC is offering the I Bird NY experienced birder challenge. To complete birders of any age must identify at least 10 different bird species found across New York State.
Entries can be submitted online or be mailed or emailed and must be received by October 14. Both entry forms are also available in Spanish. All participants in both challenges will be able to print a certificate of participation and be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win birding accessories, including binoculars and a grand prize spotting scope. All participants will also receive an extra entry for identifying half of the birds on NYS Birding Trail sites. As a bonus, the first 50 participants from either challenge will receive a special goodie bag of birding swag items.
The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017 to build on the State’s efforts to increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 June 2022 at 8:54 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Hartway Chevrolet in Medina is led by from left: Randy Klatt, managing partner; Ben Goodwin, the service manager; and George Bidleman, owner.
MEDINA – A local automobile dealership is about to undergo a major change.
George Bidleman of Medina, owner of dealerships in Medina, Albion and Auburn, has announced changes in personnel at Hartway Motors in Medina, a dealership he first became involved with two years ago.
Effective immediately, Randy Klatt, a Medina native and former sales manager at Orleans Ford, will move to Hartway Motors as a managing partner and vice president of Hartway Chevrolet. Along with Klatt, Ben Goodwin will move from Orleans Ford to Hartway Motors as service manager.
In addition to Hartway Motors and Orleans Ford, the Bidleman Auto Group includes Bidleman Chevrolet in Albion and Bidleman Ford in Auburn.
Both Klatt and Goodwin were born and raised in Medina and have decades of experience in the automotive business.
Klatt is a son of Paul and Barbara Klatt. He has worked at Orleans Ford for 17 years, and is grateful for the opportunity Bidleman has given him to move up the ladder. He first started as a salesman in 2006, then was promoted to sales manager in 2009. In 2018 he became general sales manager.
Although he has worked all of his career at the Ford dealership, Klatt said his connection to Hartway Motors goes way back to when his grandfather, who retired from Harrison’s in Lockport, bought all his cars at Hartway Motors. In fact, Klatt said Kip Lonnen, who has been a salesman at Hartway’s for 33 years, sold his grandfather all his vehicles.
Goodwin, a son of Paul and Debbie Goodwin of Medina, has worked at Ford for 18 1/2 years. His experience includes graduating from Ford’s Asset Training Program. Bidleman said Goodwin has been a top technician and an expert in diesel engines.
“I started at the bottom changing oil and emptying garbage cans,” Goodwin said.
Klatt and Goodwin say their promise is to provide the best selection of vehicles and the best service.
Hartway Motors has been doing business in Medina since 1939, when Frank Payjack started the dealership. It became Hartway Motors when Payjack’s daughter Bonnie married Charles Hartway and they took over the business. The next merger created Botsford and Hartway, which Charles and Bonnie’s children ran after Charles retired. Bidleman became a partner two years ago and recently, sole owner.
Bidleman said Hartway Motors has always been a good business.
“But we want to take it to the next level,” he said. “We want to make it great.”
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Andrew Aquino, a member of the Western New York Library Resources Council; Kelly Cousins, high school media specialist; and senior Adyn Migliore.
Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School
MIDDLEPORT – Royalton-Hartland Library Media Specialist Kelly Cousins is pleased to announce that the High School library has been awarded $500 from the Western New York Library Resources Council.
The money is from WNYLRC’s High School to College Committee’s (HS2C) Diversity in Collections Grant for 2022.
“Thanks to the efforts of our students: Evan Gerdes, JJ Johnson, Adyn Migliore, Thomas Russo and Rio Wood who identified and articulated a need for disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and cultural diversity in our library’s collection, the grant money will be used to purchase materials for our collection that address our literacy goals,” said Ms. Cousins.
The team of students used their creativity by making a 5-minute video that detailed the need for these resources in the school’s library.
“I am incredibly proud of the work these students put into something that obviously had deep meaning for them,” Cousins said. “They interviewed students and staff on camera and then edited it into a strong statement about inclusiveness. According to Andrew Aquino, member of WNYLRC High School to College Committee, and Public Services Librarian at Niagara County Community College, we were one of only a few schools who submitted a video. The committee was impressed to see student, teacher and administrative involvement.”
In a letter to Ms. Cousins, the WNYLRC said, “Your actions underscore the HS2C Committee’s goal of supporting school librarians who seek to break down some of the negative feelings and beliefs of students when they feel underrepresented in the materials they are asked to read in school. Giving children opportunities to both see themselves reflected in what they read as well as to be able to discover others not like them in these titles will help to break down some of the negative feelings and prejudicial beliefs they might otherwise have.”
ALBION – Local history matters. Many major international events may seem on the surface to have little connection to our rural communities but when the evidence is explored it becomes clear that many impactful individuals have called Orleans County home.
One such individual was Charles Moore Burrows Jr., an Albion veteran who helped shift momentum in the favor of the Allied Powers against Germany at the end of the First World War.
Charles Burrows Jr. was born on July 10th, 1895 in Albion; son of Dr. Charles Burrows Sr. and Florence Merrick. Charles and his family resided in the Village of Albion at what was “126 Main Street” at the time, which is the plot of land immediately north of the Episcopal Church on South Main Street. Charles attended Albion High School and graduated in 1915 as captain of the varsity football team and vice president of Albion High’s Student Congress.
Burrows Jr. remained in Albion for two years post-graduation before enlisting in the 106th Field Artillery Regiment of the New York Guard in July of 1917. About a week after Charles enlisted, the 106th Regiment was federalized into the United States Army with orders to report to Camp Wadsworth in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Provided photo of Charles Burrows Jr.’s grave at Mount Albion Cemetery.
After reporting in September of 1917, Burrows and the rest of the 106th Regiment practiced drills, marches, horse care and operating their artillery. After months of training in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Burrows was rewarded with a promotion to the rank of corporal and rumors began swirling throughout the 106th that they would be deployed to France in the near future.
These rumors became reality and in June of 1918, the 106th Regiment arrived in Western France with orders to remain in Bordeaux until further notice, hundreds of miles from front lines in Eastern France. Corporal Burrows remained busy that summer as he attended the Saumur Artillery School where he studied military tactics, mathematics, engineering, and the French language.
This summer vacation ended abruptly on September 7th as the 106th Regiment moved under orders from Bordeaux to the town of Bar-de-Luc, where they were stationed temporarily before moving to the front lines at Verdun, France, on the Meuse river, home of arguably the bloodiest battle of the First World War where there were hundreds of thousands of casualties resulting from trench-based warfare.
From September 23rd-25th, Cpl. Burrows and the 106th Regiment faced scattered enemy artillery fire as they established a position on a knoll near the hamlet of Chattancourt, overlooking the Meuse River in preparation to support an impending French offensive into German-held territory.
Early in the morning of September 26th, 1918, Cpl. Burrows and the 106th Regiment fired about 2,500 rounds from their position at their German targets. It is reported that the objective of the 106th Regiment during this engagement was to fire far behind enemy lines, targeting strategic German positions such as ammunition stockpiles, supply hubs and communication infrastructure. This offensive proved to be a major success with French infantry forces using the support to drive back the German army, helping shift momentum toward the Allied forces late in the war.
After this major engagement at Verdun, Cpl. Burrows and the 106th Regiment provided artillery support in several other skirmishes along the Western Front, helping liberate towns such as Reville, Eraye and Crepion, remaining in pursuit of the waning German military until their surrender on November 11th, 1918. After Germany’s surrender the 106th Regiment remained in France until March of 1919, drilling and tying up loose ends before they were sent back to the United States. A few years following his service Charles Burrows was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Field Artillery Reserves due to his graduation from training at the Saumur Artillery School while deployed in France.
Upon returning to civilian life in the United States Charles Burrows Jr. remained in Albion for a few years before moving around the Northeast United States while he worked as a traffic engineer for the American Telephone & Telegraph Company, where he remained until his retirement in 1960. Charles passed away in 1967 in Plainfield, New Jersey where he resided, leaving behind a widow and extended family. Charles is buried at Mount Albion Cemetery, where his grave can be found at 1596 Park.
Individuals such as Charles Burrows Jr. have proven over time that Orleans County has had a sizable impact on major historical events far beyond our small communities.
All resources used to create this article can be found at the Orleans County Department of History.
(Editor’s Note: Eric Neace is a 2017 graduate of Lyndonville High School. He attended SUNY Cortland and is graduate student in History and Social Studies Education at Brockport.)
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 June 2022 at 4:36 pm
MEDINA – For generations, the village of Medina has been known for decking out the town at Christmas in spectacular style.
Across the historic downtown to State Street Park and throughout the village, Medina’s holiday trimmings are among the best in the region, said Chris Busch, forestry coordinator for the village.
“They beckon locals, expatriates and visitors alike to annually experience a real hometown Christmas,” he said.
“It’s what we do,” said Kathy Blackburn, head of the Releaf Medina committee. “Christmas in Medina is magical.”
Blackburn is involved in many Medina initiatives, including Medina’s annual Christmas celebration. In addition to being active with Releaf Medina, she is chair of Medina’s Tree Board, which has a plan that figures into the future of Christmas in Medina, Busch said.
“One of the most magnificent focal points of our holiday display are the two ‘Village Christmas trees’ in State Street Park,” Blackburn said. “They’re breathtaking and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without them.”
These trees are more than 60 feet tall, aging, and while they’re in no immediate danger, sodden soil and a strong wind could bring them down, according to Busch. .
“The time to replace them is now – not when they’re laying on the ground,” Blackburn said.
Courtesy of Chris Busch: This is the site plan for the new trees which will replace two aging trees in State Street Park.
Large conifers have a shallow root system, Busch explained. When they reach the height of the Medina trees, the right combination of heavy rain, waterlogged soil and wind could bring them down. To address the concerns, Medina’s Tree Board started formulating a plan before Covid struck more than two years ago.
Busch has developed a plan that is now in motion.
“We have engaged Draves Tree Service of Darien Center as a consultant and contractor,” Busch said. “Tom Draves is one of the most respected and experienced arborists in Western New York. With his help, we have decided on two 12-foot Black Hills spruce.”
The Black Hills spruce is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader, Busch said. It has a distinctive and refined pyramidal form and is highly tolerant of urban pollution. The tree is also drought tolerant and can live for nearly 100 years.
“The trees will have to be dug and installed after August,” Busch said. “The cost to dig, ship, plant and stake two trees with a one-year guarantee is $4,000. To do this, we need community Christmas support. As soon as we’ve raised the funds, the Tree Board will finalize the purchase and plans for a late summer/fall installation.”
The plan provides for leaving the two current trees as they are.
“Of course, we’re hoping these two magnificent trees will be around many more years, but to insure we’ll always have two ‘Village Christmas trees’ in the future, we’re looking to plant two new trees this fall,” Blackburn said.
Blackburn, Busch and the Tree Board are counting on Medina’s love of trees and all things Christmas to carry the day and fund this initiative.
“To accomplish this, Releaf Medina is launching the State Street Park Christmas Tree Fund Drive,” Blackburn said. “Every donation helps and all donors will be listed on a donors’ plaque that will be on display in Medina’s Christmas headquarters – the Santa House in Rotary Park.”
Blackburn also explained the connection between Releaf Medina and the Medina Tree Board. Because the Tree Board is a department of the village it cannot legally solicit money. Releaf Medina was formed as an agency to accept donations.
Blackburn said donations may be made as a general donation, in memory of someone or as an anonymous donation. Donations are also tax-deductible.
Donation tiers include Santa’s Helper – $25 to $199; Jingle Bell Benefactor – $200 to $299; Rudolf Reward – $300 to $499; and Kris Kringle – $500 and up.
“Year after year, people come from miles around to experience a real, old-fashioned, hometown Christmas in Medina,” Blackburn said. “Please help us insure that a Hallmark Christmas will continue for years to come in State Street Park.”
People who wish to donate can download the State Street Park Christmas Tree Fund brochure on the village website at www.villagemedina.org or send a check to Medina Releaf Fund, payable to ORG/Medina Releaf Society, in care of ORG, P.O. box 543, Medina.
MEDINA – The Medina school district wants students and their families to keep on reading all summer long. Students in pre-kindergarten through grade five all received a summer reading bag to take home. These bags contain not only books but other items that support the science of reading approach in learning to read.
“For the past two years, we have partnered with The Reading League to educate our teachers on how to approach reading instruction based on brain research,” said Julie Webber, Medina’s director of Curriculum and Instruction. “We want our students to be successful in all content areas and this requires them to be proficient readers. This investment in staff professional learning will take time but we expect to see our students’ reading proficiency increase and therefore have higher achievement in math, science, social studies and many other areas.”
Webber would like family and community members to be a part of students’ efforts in learning to read.
“Humans are born with the natural abilities to hear and speak,” she said. “Reading must be explicitly taught – what does a letter look like, sound like, how to write it, etc. The more students can hear and speak language in storytelling and conversations, the more connections they will be able to make when they learn to read. We can all support early readers by simply having meaningful conversations with them and reading to them.”
Bags contain books, alphabet sound practice, family activity ideas, white boards, markers and a Mighty Mustang Reader bookmark.
The summer reading bags were assembled by high school students before their final day of class. Included in the bag is a Mighty Mustang Reader bookmark that contains a QR code to access a website with district students and staff reading their favorite books. Webber said this is just another way that students can build their vocabulary knowledge by listening to stories from some familiar people. (The district website also has links to the books read by students and staff.)
The district also recently hosted a Mustang Parent Academy session for parents, grandparents and caregivers on how to support their child’s reading efforts. Another session will be offered in the fall about the Science of Reading approach.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 June 2022 at 11:26 am
MEDINA – First-grade students from Oak Orchard Elementary School paid a visit to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, where they visited the Food Pantry and donated food items.
First-grade teacher Allison Woodburn said this has become a tradition for the students. One of the first things they learn in first grade is how to count money, so at the beginning of the school year students are asked to bring in small change from home. Throughout the year, students learn about needs and wants.
Sofia, a first-grader at Oak Orchard Elementary School, gives a food item to Robert Torres of Medina.
At Christmas they use some of the money to help people. Last year they bought hats and gloves for the food pantry and for residents of the nursing home. Then they bought toys for a little boy in Middleport who has cancer.
Being children, when they are asked what they want to do with their money. They often name their wants, not needs, Woodburn said.
“We teach them when you show kindness to others, they will be kind to you,” the teacher said. “This year, when we counted the money, we had $51. We made a list of needs and wants and I went shopping. I was able to buy all the needs and had a little extra for their wants.”
There was also money to buy food items, which the children carried in their backpack to the church.
After the students arrived at the church, Robin Dubai, who heads the Food Pantry, handed each child a flag in honor of Flag Day. The flags were provided by local veteran Dave Kusmierczak, a member of the local American Legion and VFW.
Then they went into the church to visit the Food Pantry, where they got to meet a customer, Robert Torres. Several children offered Torres an item from the shelves.
Each child had food items to donate in his backpack, and one-by-one, they took out their items and offered them to Torres. He accepted canned vegetables, a cake mix, juice and applesauce. The rest of the donations went on the shelves, ready to be given to other less fortunate families.
Woodburn said they call their activity the “Kindness Counts Project.”
Before they left to return to school, Dubai gave each child a popsicle.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2022 at 10:48 am
‘It’s definitely bright, bold and beautiful’
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Neveya Barnes, an eighth-grader at Albion Middle School, puts a finishing touch on a flower-themed mural on the back of the former bathrooms at Bullard Park.
That building is now used for storage after new bathrooms opened last year.
Neveya and 12 other middle schoolers have been painting the back side of the building since Wednesday.
The students are giving the back of the building a bold and colorful look. The wall is 36 feet long and 8 feet high. It will be visible to people using the new walking trail and also to motorists from Clarendon Street.
Mary Delamarter, the village’s deputy clerk-treasurer, reached out to the middle in late April about a mural. Village officials wanted to paint the building as part of the Day of Caring on April 27, but it was too chilly that day.
Rather than just paint it one color, Delamarter and DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura thought a mural painted by students would be a welcome addition on the west end of the park.
Shayla Higgins works on painting a flower this morning.
Students incorporated flower designs into the larger mural. They teamed with their art teachers, Kamie Feder and Tina Burgett, to block out the design on Wednesday. They have ben painting the last three days and will complete the project today.
Ayme Vallejo Morales, a sixth grader, works on the mural today. “It’s been really fun to paint and we get to hang out with our friends,” Ayme said.
Drake Schomske works on some fine lines to give the mural an added dimension.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the start of the 2022 “I BIRD NY” challenges for beginning and experienced birders.
ALBION – Local history matters. Many major international events may seem on the surface to have little connection to our rural communities but when the evidence is explored it becomes clear that many impactful individuals have called Orleans County home.
