By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 June 2022 at 7:08 am
Photos contributed: Walter Webster of Medina is shown in his high school graduation photo. Webster celebrated his 100th birthday Thursday with an open house at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and John Vogt of Lyndonville.
MEDINA – Thursday was a day to celebrate for Walter Webster of Medina.
Webster was born June 9, 1922, a son of the late Walter and Carrie Mae Webster.
On Thursday, he was honored on the occasion of his 100th birthday at an open house at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and John Vogt of Lyndonville. Dozens of friends and family stopped by to wish him well.
A lifelong resident of Medina, Webster graduated from Medina High School in 1942. He married the love of his life, Ione Rorick, on Aug, 4, 1946. Together, they raised their three children, David Webster, Gail (John) Vogt and Bruce (Molly) Webster on the family farm, where Walter farmed for 76 years.
After Ione died 14 years ago, Walter became a resident of Briarwood Manor in Lockport, until moving to the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital.
After his retirement from farming, Walter kept active. He was an avid bowler, loved playing euchre at the Senior Center and rode his bike on the towpath until he was 90.
His friends lovingly refer to him as “Wrong Way Webster,” a nickname he earned in high school after running the football 66 yards in the wrong direction.
Walter is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, as well as a big Medina Mustangs supporter. He loves mashed potatoes and oatmeal.
He said one of the reasons he has lived to be 100 is because of the dedicated staff at the North Wing.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2022 at 9:23 pm
A double rainbow spread in the sky this evening in Orleans County after it rained.
Valerie Mullen took this of the double rainbow on East Barre Road.
Jesse Cudzilo, the new executive director of the Orleans County YMCA, captured this image of the rainbow over Glenwood Lake in Ridgeway, where the Y offers kayaking and hydro-biking.
Joleen Bessel took this photo of the rainbow on Beals Road in Ridgeway.
Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers took these photos of the rainbow at Courthouse Square with the County Clerks Building in front.
The rainbow is shown near the Albion Free Methodist Church, county jail and courthouse.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district partnered with local emergency services and law enforcement agencies this morning to do a DWI simulation to show the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
The district does the DWI simulation most years right before prom. The Lyndonville prom will be this Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the White Birch. The district and first responders also want students to be extra careful with the summer graduation parties.
Lyndonville School Resource Officer Jason Barnum, an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy, organized the simulation with Deputy Ashleigh Stornelli of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Lyndonville Fire Chief Michael Heideman and members of the Lyndonville Fire Department, Medina Fire Department Ambulance, Orleans County Coroner Charles Smith and Kevin Bogan of the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home.
Students in grades 10 to 12 were invited to the simulation in the school parking lot. The event was not mandatory, but the majority of the district’s high school students attended the simulation. Some of the students in the simulation had on makeup with fake blood.
The school district was aware that the demonstration might be difficult for some students and had counselors available to provide support as needed.
MEDINA – On Monday the Medina Mustang Band Boosters hosted their 50th annual Band Banquet and awards ceremony at the Sacred Heart Club.
The dinner was catered by Zambistro. Special guests included Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent; Michael Cavanagh, the high school principal; and Board of Education members Arlene Pawlachuk, Jennifer Buondonno and Debbie Tompkins; and Jonathan Seiler, who started and funded the Steele Family Scholarship since 2016.
Booster Officers were acknowledged and recognized for their countless hours of volunteer time and dedication to help this program succeed. These include Mindy Kenward, president; Julie Granchelli, VP; Kelly Allen, treasurer; Holly Roush, secretary; Lynn Woodruff, Student Funds manager; Michelle Wright, Uniform & Chaperone chair; Kathy Dreyfus, Publicity; Shawn Callard, Transportation; and Stacey Silker & Meghan Green, delegates.
The Harry Dinkle award was established to recognize someone’s hard work and loyalty to the program and this award was given to Michelle Wright.
Instructional staff included Anna Oakes and Kara Brown as color guard instructors; Steve House and TJ Gray as percussion instructors along with Joe Guadagnino, Brian King, Mark & Leslie Rider; Rachel Trillizio, Tiffany Organisciak & Terry Steele as pit instructors; Assistant Band Director Becky Botsford and Diana Baker.
The NYSFBC Scholarship was awarded to Kaylee Lacey. The Mustang Band Booster Service Scholarship was awarded to TJ Burgess. The Steele Family Award was established in January 2016 by Jonathan Seiler and is awarded to a senior who has given his or her best to the program. This year’s recipient is Emma Wagner.
The Joseph C. McKain award is given to a junior and a senior who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the band program. Mr. McKain was the band director for over 30 years and was single handedly responsible for establishing the program in 1967. This year’s recipients are TJ Burgess (Senior) and Seagan Majchrzak (Junior).
The Alfred Hartway Drum Major award was started in 1968 in loving memory of Hartway who was a school bus driver and avid supporter of the program. This award was given to Kalyee Lacey (drum major), and Assistant Drum Majors Megan Zakes and TJ Burgess.
Recognition was given to the students who participated in the 2022 Varsity Winterguard: Ava Chambers, Madison Owens, Kiana Cleveland, Kaiana Gardner, Malloree Rinker, Madelyn Lewis, Gabby Flores-Medina, Sara Swart, Kayleigh Wright, Abi Wright, Emily Chambers, Lillian Wilson, Neveah Farewell, Raelyn Baker and Olivia Kroening. Diana Baker and Anna Oakes were recognized for their long hours and hard work with the guard and Mark Rider for designing the show.
Outstanding Band Member awards were given in 3 categories: Outstanding rookie awards went to River Jones (brass), Austin Beutler (woodwinds), Emily Geiger (percussion) & MacKenzie Poynter (guard).
Most Improved went to Logan Trillizio (brass), Natalie Mahnke (woodwinds), Nick Reese (Perc) and Sara Swart (guard).
Most Valuable went to Cameron Kenward (brass), Dana DeVera (Woodwinds), Gabe Mark (perc) and Gabbie Flores-Medina (guard).
Director’s awards were given by Ms. Baker to Lillian Wilson; by Mrs. Botsford to Austin Beutler and by Mr. Steele to Kira Lake.
Each student who held a position in the 2020-2021 band was given a plaque with their name on it.
Varsity Band Letters were handed out to students who completed one season to 12 seasons. Every graduating senior was given their medallion. The Junior Prologue was given by Gabe Mark and the Senior Prologue by TJ Burgess.
The new student staff for the 2022-2023 season are: Mia Hobbs (drum major), Gabe Mark & Seagan Majchrazk (asst. drum majors), Henry Rigerman & Ella Dahlhaus (flute), Dana DeVera (clarinet), Brooke Moden (Saxophone), Seagan Majchrzak (mellophone), Michael Chisler (trumpet), Emma Herbert (low brass), Paige Dix (front end ensemble), Bailey Clare (head band manager), Band Managers – Lillian Wilson, Caiden Class & Alex Balaban; Marissa Brigham (uniforms); Kayleigh Wright (secretary librarian); Color guard managers – Abi Wright, Sara Swart; Color guard Captains – Gabbi Flores-Medina & Aries McMurray; Gabe Mark – Head of Percussion.
This was Jim Steele’s last year with the band as he will be retiring the end of June. Matt Jaeger will now be the High School Marching Band teacher/director. The 2022 Fall show is “Take to the Skies” and band camp is Aug. 15th to 19th.
Provided photo: Medina Rotary Club President Ben McPherson, left, and Ronald Jackson are shown with a bike Rotary got for Jackson to help him get around town.
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club last month received an email requesting help. The email was from Samantha Fisher, a social worker for Monroe Plan for Medical Care located in Pittsford. Ms. Fisher had a client in need of transportation.
The recipient, Ronald Jackson, was a person in desperate need of a bicycle.
“He is on a very tight income due to being disabled and is currently not living near a bus stop,” Fisher wrote. “He is hoping to purchase a bicycle to help him get back and forth to the store and around Medina.”
Fisher said she contacted the Rotary Club after checking with other organizations and they unable to assist.
After several emails back and forth the Rotary Club was able to find a bike for Jackson. On Friday, May 27th, he received his bicycle.
“Ron has been doing such a great job to keep up on appointments and maintain his apartment, and now he has his dog!!” Fisher said in an update to the Rotary Club. “He has been doing great and I want to try and contact an agency who might be able to help him take another step towards being self-sufficient. Having this bike will open up so much more for him, being able to get to stores and even the library if he wanted to. The bike was his idea to increase his mobility and community access.”
Mr. Jackson, in a follow-up conversation, said, “Thank you so much! I love it! At my age, though, it is tough to get up large hills. I only made it three quarters of the way the first day. But I will get there!!!”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 June 2022 at 1:13 pm
MEDINA – The initial meet of Track and Field for middle school students at Wise Intermediate School has been postponed until tomorrow, because of the heavy rains during the night.
Resurrecting Track and Field Days for grades three through six is an idea of track coaches Mollie Mark and Melissa Valley.
Track and Field days began nearly 50 years ago under the leadership of physical education teachers Bill Ossont and Kay VanNostrand.
VanNostrand said she started teaching in 1964, and at that time, track and field at Oak Orchard Elementary School was only for boys in fifth and sixth grade.
“When Bill came here, he and I decided to do track and field for boys and girls,” VanNostrand said. “We eventually modified it for younger grades and included fourth- and fifth-grade students.”
Kathie Valley, Melissa’s mother, sent out a notice asking for volunteers to help with the new program, and VanNostrand responded.
“I’m excited to see it brought back,” VanNostrand said. “Kids in grades three through can shine in many events.”
Mark said parents and the community are invited to come to Wise Intermediate School Friday, Monday and Tuesday to watch the students participate. A spokesman at the school this morning said it will possibly be extended until Wednesday to make up for the lost day today.
“Each kid will be able to participate in two events, such as running the 50, 100, 200 or 400-meter dash; football and softball throw; and long jump or high jump,” Mark said.
She explained the track and field meets for elementary school children lasted until 2012. When Towne Elementary School and Oak Orchard reorganized, the meets were discontinued.
Mark, who has been teaching for 20 years, moved back to Wise Intermediate School this year and started thinking about bringing back the event, with the help of Melissa Valley, also a track coach.
“It will be good to get it started and get kids excited about running,” Mark said.
She said 90 to 100 students are involved.
“A lot of people we mentioned this to said they remember the track and field days and it was a lot of fun,” Mark said.
She encourages anyone to come and watch. On the final day, trophies will be awarded for each event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2022 at 11:32 am
ALBION – The return of the Albion Strawberry Festival will include a new 3-on-3 basketball tournament. That event will be a fundraiser towards new basketball courts at Bullard Park.
A committee working on the courts held their first 3-on-3 “Bounce for Bullard” tournament on May 28-29 on Platt Street outside Dubby’s Tailgate. That tourney raised $1,500 for the new courts and included a guest appearance from Roosevelt Bouie, a Hall of Fame basketball player at Kendall High School and then Syracuse University. He played professionally in Italy for a dozen years averaging over 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Teams are encouraged to register by Friday for Saturday’s tournament but can still sign up after the parade on Saturday. The action starts 12:30 on Saturday. The tournament is limited to junior and senior high players. Cost is $20 per team. Each team can have three or four players and is open to girls and boys.
For more information about registering, email Susan Oschmann, the tournament coordinator, at susanoschmann@gmail.com. Entry fees can be paid through Venmo @Susan-Oschmann or work out the details with her through email or in person at the tournament location. Oschmann said she will be there at Friday after 5 p.m. setting up for the tournament and the free throw area.
Bouie will serve as host of the event with courts on West Bank Street. There will be bleachers set up too to watch.
The group also is doing a free-throw shooting fundraiser near the courts. For $1 donation, people will receive a T-shirt from Syracuse University. The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation donated thousands of shirts to the Bullard Basketball court cause. Those shirts also are available for a donation to the new courts at the village park.
Kyle Radder drives to the basket during a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on May 28-29 outside Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street in Albion.
MEDINA – Sawyer Braley, a senior from Albion High School, has received the AWS (American Welding Society) Niagara Frontier Scholarship for the amount of $3,000.
Sawyer is a student at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) and is taught by Ron Jackson and Adam Zerby. He will be using his scholarship to continue his education at the Kentucky Welding Institute in Flemingsburg, Kentucky.
“It’s so exciting to get this scholarship,” he said. “I plan on becoming a certified pipe welder and this money is really going to help me out with my tuition. I have just loved being in the welding program here at BOCES. It has been great getting a hands-on education and I can’t thank Mr. Jackson and Mr. Zerby enough for helping me out and teaching me what I know.”
His teachers could not be prouder of Sawyer. “He is a phenomenal kid,” said Mr. Jackson. “He is a hard worker, very likeable and makes us look good.”
Mr. Zerby said it makes him feel good to see Sawyer follow in his own career path of pipe welding.
“He is self-motivated and very career oriented,” Mr. Zerby said. “He is a very impressive person and I am sure in five years’ time, he will be running his own company.”
Joseph Schmidt, an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Welding at Niagara County Community College and Steven Frey, a Welding Educator/Inspector at NCCC , were on the committee to determine the winner of the scholarship.
“We were very impressed with Sawyer’s commitment to welding, his great grades, his outside commitments to the Boy Scouts and giving back to his community,” said Mr. Schmidt. “Not to mention he won our Weld-Off and took third place at the New York State SkillsUSA competition. He is just an outstanding student.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2022 at 8:27 am
HOLLEY – The June 21 village election has two people running for mayor, including John Kenney, a former Holley mayor, and Mark Bower, a retired Hilton elementary school principal and director of staff development.
Kenney is a retired Holley math teacher. He served several terms as mayor and trustee until June 2016 when he stepped away from public office. Bower currently is on the board as a village trustee.
Kevin Lynch, the current mayor, isn’t running for the position.
There are two trustee positions open, but only Connie Nenni, an incumbent, is seeking a two-term term. The other trustee will be elected by a write-in vote.
Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. in the main entrance (ground level) of the Village Office at 1 Wright St., which is the former Holley High School.
Kenney is running under The Dove Party, with Bower under the Historic Holley Party, and Nenni with The Peoples Party.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2022 at 10:31 pm
‘Protecting Our Kids Act’ raises age to buy an AR-15 from 18 to 21
Congressman Chris Jacobs was one of five Republicans to break party ranks today and vote with Democrats in approving the “Protecting Our Kids Act,” which strengthens gun laws, including raising the age to legally buy an AR-15 from 18 to 21.
Chris Jacobs
The legislation is expected to face a tougher road in the Senate.
The House voted 223-204 to pass the package of gun control legislation. Other measures include establishing new federal offenses for gun trafficking and for selling large-capacity magazines, and allow local governments to compensate individuals who surrender such magazines through a buyback program.
There would be a new tax incentive for retail sales of safe storage devices and criminal penalties for breaking new requirements regulating firearm storage on residential premises.
The “Protecting Our Kids Act” also strengthens existing federal regulations on bump stocks and ghost guns.
“It’s sickening that our children are forced to live in this constant fear,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the Floor of the House of Representatives. “And make no mistake, these gunmen who choose to shoot innocent children are desecrating, again, our culture, a culture where all of us, all of our kids must and should feel safe — whether at school, church, the movies or any other place. Protecting our children can and must be a unifying mission for our nation, because they are, as I said, our national treasure.”
Jacobs has faced strong opposition since stating his support for the gun control measures after 10 people were gunned down at a Tops store in Buffalo and 19 children and two teachers were shot to death at a Texas elementary school.
Jacobs, facing Republican pushback for his stance, decided against running for election to a newly drawn 23rd Congressional District after many party leaders withdrew their endorsements.
Orleans County would be split up in redistricting. Rep. Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester, voted for the gun control legislation today.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican from near Utica, is seeking to represent the 24th Congressional District that would include part of Orleans County. She voted against the gun control package.
She issued this statement:
“The recent shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Tulsa are senseless acts of pure evil. Our nation grieves for those lives lost. As a mother, I can only imagine the pain and frustration families are experiencing as they cope with the loss of a son, daughter, mother, father, brother, or sister.
“In the face of these tragedies, the question is not whether we should respond, but rather how we can respond effectively and responsibly to address rising crime in our communities. Unfortunately, House Democrats once again missed the mark. They failed to acknowledge the root causes of these tragedies. From the breakdown in our society and the fraying of the very social networks that once bound us together to criminal justice reforms that have demonized police while celebrating criminals, our country needs a serious course correction.
“Instead of knee-jerk reactions that undermine due process and infringe on our Second Amendment, there are commonsense steps Congress can take now to address the problem. First, we should improve the existing background check system to make sure it works as intended. In Congress, I support legislation such as the 21st Century NICS Act, which would close the so-called, ‘Charleston Loophole.’ This measure could have prevented the tragic 2015 shooting in Charleston. Second, we need to invest in mental health care and services. I am honored to have recently joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the REACHING Improved Mental Health Outcomes for Patients Act. This bill would go a long way in improving mental health resources for Americans and law enforcement. Third, we must harden our schools by taking steps to increase teacher training and enhance facility security.
“These shootings are a tragic symptom of a far more systemic deterioration of our society and institutions. Infringing further on the Constitutional rights and due process of law-abiding Americans is not the answer, and it will not solve the problem.”
ALBION – Albion Central School District recognized its retiring employees and announced the 2021-2022 Educator of the Year at its annual reception held prior to the Board of Education meeting on Monday.
The ceremony started with recognition of board president Kathy Harling. She resigned effective on Tuesday. (Linda Weller will serve as acting president until June 30. The new board terms start on July 1.)
Brad Nickerson was honored as the district’s “Educator of the Year.”
Twelve district employees were then honored for their dedication to the school district. Serving all three schools and countless events, Kevin Smith Jr. is retiring as AV Equipment Technician after 22 years of service.
From the elementary school, five retirees combined for 105 years of service. Those employees include Dawn Arnold (kindergarten teacher, 30 years), Patricia Levandowski (first grade teacher, 17 years), Joan Adduci (monitor, 25 years), Eileen Whiting (monitor, 12 years) and Tracy Barrile (monitor, 21 years).
The middle school says goodbye to Jodi Shaffer (library media specialist, 31 years), Julie Norman (typist, 30 years) and Dawn Brower (teacher aide, 17 years).
High school retirees for this year are Bradford Nickerson, Jr. (Spanish teacher, 31 years), Kim Nesbitt (art teacher, 18 years) and Linda Lewis (secretary, 30 years).
All twelve retirees filled the building halls with kindness, compassion and care and will be sorely missed. The district wishes all a long and happy retirement.
The Educator of the Year also was recognized at the June reception. Retiree Nickerson, commonly referred to as señor, was honored with the distinction. He wrote in his application to teach in Albion that, “I strive to keep learning Spanish fun. My classes are creative and well-organized.”
Anyone who has had the privilege to see his classes in action knows that he fills students with creative lessons and he deeply cares for all. In addition to his regular classes, Nickerson advises the high school Spanish Club, has served as Language Department Chair and has chaperoned numerous trips around the globe.
The annual reception was held in-person with honorees, families, friends, administrators and board members. All retirees received a gift and a book to be dedicated in their name to one of the school’s libraries.
Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, congratulates Kathy Harling on her service to the district, including the past three years as board president.
Margy Brown, a member of the Albion Board of Education, hugs retiring art teacher Kim Nesbitt. Other board members in the photo include John Kast and Linda Weller.
Photo from Niagara County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff’s deputies will carry Epi-Pen in their vehicles to help people having severe allergic reactions.
Press Release, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti
LOCKPORT – Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti, in partnership with the Niagara County Legislature, is pleased to announce the acquisition and deployment of epinephrine auto-injector devices, also known as Epi-Pen.
Epi-Pen is a life-saving medication used when someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Earlier this year, deputies received instruction on Epi-Pen usage as a part of their annual first aid training. Once that was completed, funding was approved by the Niagara County Legislature and the devices were purchased.
“It is vitally important that first responders are equipped with life-saving measures necessary for the care of the community we serve,” said Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti. “I am pleased that every Niagara County Sheriff patrol car will now be equipped with Epi-Pen as a part of their medical response capabilities.”
“The Niagara County Legislature recognizes the importance of providing our Sheriff’s Office with the tools they need to do their job and keep the public safe,” said Becky Wydysh, chairman of the Legislature. “That’s why we supported funding to put an Epi-Pen in every patrol car since sheriff deputies are often the first to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency. We appreciate that Sheriff Filicetti is always looking for ways to better meet the needs of the public.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2022 at 3:25 pm
Photo provided by Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
Two members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office – Investigator Devin Pahuta and Deputy Jeff Ashbery – have completed a firearms instructor course at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy.
The course is an extensive and rigorous program for 80 hours over two weeks, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.
The course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to instruct police and peace officers in the use of firearms in law enforcement. Deputy Ashbery is also a field training officer and general topics instructor. Investigator Pahuta also is a general topics instructor and evidence room technician.
Bourke said he and Undersheriff Jeff Gifaldi remain committed to the training and development of Sheriff’s Office personnel.
One project is from Le Roy to Batavia, other from Batavia to just past Pembroke
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $46 million investment for two pavement improvement projects on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Genesee County and part of eastern Erie County.
The two projects include resurfacing of more than 100 lane miles of the Thruway between exit 47 (Rochester – LeRoy – I-490 – NY Route 19) to beyond exit 48A (Pembroke – Medina – NY Route 77).
“As the gateway to Western New York, this 26-mile section of the Thruway is a vital corridor for commuters, tourists, and commercial traffic and is an engine for local economies,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “New York is building back stronger from the pandemic and delivering a state-of-the-art, 21st century infrastructure worthy of New Yorkers and domestic and international guests”
• A $23.4 million pavement improvement project on the Thruway (I-90) in Genesee County is underway on a 15.5-mile stretch between exit 47 (Rochester – LeRoy – I-490 – NY Route 19) to exit 48 (Batavia – NY Route 98). Approximately 39,000 motorists travel on this section of I-90 every day.
The project includes full and partial depth repairs as well as full pavement resurfacing. Additionally, pavement resurfacing work will take place at the on- and off-ramps at exit 47 and exit 48, as well as the exit 47 Commuter Park and Ride lot. Reflective line striping for enhanced safety will also be applied.
Cold Spring Construction Company of Akron is the contractor for the project. Work is expected to be complete in summer 2023.
• A $22.9 million pavement improvement project on I-90 in Genesee and Erie Counties in both directions is scheduled to begin this month on an 11-mile stretch between exit 48 (Batavia – NY Route 98) to just beyond exit 48A (Pembroke – Medina – NY Route 77). Approximately 40,000 motorists travel on this section of I-90 every day.
The project includes full depth repairs and resurfacing on I-90 in both directions including the ramps at exit 48A. Vertical clearance improvements will also be made along I-90 at milepost 397.67 eastbound.
Oakgrove Construction of Elma is the contractor for the project. Work is expected to be complete in fall 2023.
Drivers may encounter lane shifts and lane closures during construction. Variable Message Signs will advise motorists of the construction work. The work is weather dependent and subject to change.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, “The Thruway Authority is continuously and strategically reinvesting toll dollars to enhance safety, reliability, and improve roads and bridges to create a modern transportation artery. These two projects totaling $46 million are just a portion of the more than $397 million the Thruway will award for projects statewide this year alone.”
Assemblymember Steve Hawley said, “Our economy runs through our roads, so it is a great development that these vital roadways will be made safer and more efficient for travel thanks to these resurfacing projects. The improvement of these segments of highway in Genesee County and Erie County will certainly help make our communities safer places to live and work for all who utilize them to enjoy everything they have to offer.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2022 at 12:11 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Kim Remley and Robert Golden are members of the Community Coalition for Justice, which is sponsoring a talk on “Our Democracy/Republic, Where Does it Stand?” June 14 at Hoag Library.
ALBION – A professor at Brockport State College will be the featured speaker at an evening on democracy June 14 at Hoag Library, sponsored by the Community Coalition for Justice.
Steven Jurek, chair of the Department of Political Science and International Studies at Brockport, will address “U.S. Democracy/Republic” appropriately on Flag Day, said Robert Golden, chair of the Community Coalition for Justice. The discussion, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will address the state of our democracy and the challenges it currently faces.
Included in his talk will be the definition of democracy, its strengths and weaknesses and how they are measured; American democracy in a comparative context; 21st century technology’s impact on democracy (24/7 news, the Internet and social media); the challenges of information literacy; and the road ahead.
Jurek has a masters and PhD in political science from the University of Buffalo.
A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. For more information Golden may be contacted at (585) 682-4821 or goldenjazz59@gmail.com.
The Community Coalition for Justice includes members from Hoag Library, Albion Betterment Committee, Pullman Universalist Church, People Embracing Diversity (a joint committee of local church members) and the Social Justice Committee.
