By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2022 at 9:40 pm
Covid wiped out shows in 2020, 2021
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Thomas Dobri plays the lead role of Ren McCormack in Holley’s musical performance of Footloose. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday
Dobri, a senior, is grateful to be performing for a live audience after there wasn’t a show last year and in 2020 the musical was cancelled on the day of the show. Holley had prepared for about three months for High School Musical. Opening day was March 13. The cast and crew were told that afternoon the show wouldn’t go on – that night. Dobri remembers they believed they would be able to perform in about two weeks. But school never opened again for in-person learning that year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“We tried and we tried and we tried,” Dobri said about the cast and crew for High School Musical. “It’s such a relief that things have come back to normal and I get one more try.”
Last year there wasn’t a musical at Holley. This year, the production is back and is led by a new team – executive director Dustin Gardner, and music directors Samantha Heagerty and Brandon McArdell. Previous director Dan Burke retired. Kellie Burke also was the longtime musical choreographer.
Dustin Gardner, right, leads the cast in a warmup during rehearsal on Wednesday.
Gardner grew up and graduated from nearby Kendall. He said he is happy the mask mandate was lifted for indoors and students can perform with cloths covering their mouths or with shields. He didn’t want muffled voices or faces obscured.
During rehearsal on Wednesday he urged the cast to give a high-energy performance, with smiles and exaggerated movements. But he stressed to have fun – and enjoy the opportunity to be on stage.
There are 35 student sin the cast and another 15 in the stage crew.
Dobri said being in the musicals – first in seventh grade – helped him develop confidence and become much more outgoing.
“I was a very shy and reserved student in the seventh grade,” he said.
He praised the cast and crew for working hard on the show since early January.
“We’re putting a lot into it because we’re so glad to have this program back.”
Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online (click here) or at the door.
Gabe Lindsay portrays the Rev. Shaw Moore who leads a crackdown against dancing and rock-and-roll music in the rural town of Bomont. Ren and his mother Ethel just moved there from Chicago. They find the small town to be very conservative.
Grace McKeon plays Ariel Moore, the minister’s daughter. She enjoys dancing and an active social life despite her father’s disproval.
Jose-Angel Valentin plays Chuck Cranston, Ariel’s rough-edged boyfriend. He sings, “The Girl Gets Around.”
Broek Ostrom plays a slow-witted cowboy named Willard Hewitt. He is trying diffuse the wrath of principal Harry Clark (portrayed by Mason Neale) for Ren after the principal sees Ren dancing in school. The principal explains that dancing is illegal in the town of Bomont.
BrookeLynn Kruger (right) plays Rusty and Ellie Quincy is Wendy Jo while performing “Somebody’s Eyes” about how people are watching you in a small town.
Students from the Orleans and Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers were amazing at the Area 1 Regional SkillsUSA competition on March 8th!
Many of the students brought home trophies and Orleans/Niagara BOCES could not be prouder of all our competitors. Many of the students will be moving on to Syracuse to compete at the New York State competition.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We help each student excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
Students who placed at the event include:
Sawyer Braley of Albion, 1st place in Welding
Allison Dent of Roy-Hart, 1st place in Cosmetology Senior
Jeanelyz Gonzalez-Riley of Lockport, 1st place in Cosmetology Junior
Miya Goodale of Barker, 1st place in CPR & First Aid
Seth Parsonsof Starpoint, 1st place in Early Childhood Ed
Xavior Fitzgibbons of Wilson, 1st place in Employment Application Process
Mara Santoro of Lockport, 1st place in Esthetics
CJ Uptegrove of Starpoint, 1st place in Precision Heavy Equipment
Jayden Colletta of Roy-Hart, 1st place in Related Tech Math
Colby Blake of Christ the King Academy/NT, 1st place in Restaurant Services
Tyler Hutcheson of Niagara Wheatfield, 2nd place in Carpentry
Sarah Baker of North Tonawanda, 2nd place in Cosmetology Senior
Bryce Wilson of Albion, 2nd place in Diesel Mechanics
Alyson Berner of Roy-Hart, 2nd place in Early Childhood Ed
Lenora Mercurio of Niagara Wheatfield, 2nd place in Job Demo A
Brason Dobson of Niagara Falls, 2nd place in Related Tech Math
Sebastian Cribbs of Starpoint, 2nd place in Small Engine Service
Olivia Brien and Nolan Dodge of Lockport, 2nd place in TV/Video Production
Savannah Shine of North Tonawanda, 3rd place in Advertising Design
Zoeya Berning of Newfane,3rd place in Animal Careers
Charles Rickard of Roy-Hart, 3rd place in CNC
Lydia Samson of Barker, 3rd place in CPR & First Aid
Arianna Kush of Lockport, Maleah McKinney-Updegraph of Lockport and Amber Hoerner of Roy-Hart, 3rd place in CSI Team
Ava Chambers of Medina, 3rd place in Early Childhood Ed
Lorna Becker of Roy-Hart, 3rd place in Extemporaneous
Christian Lates of Roy-Hart, Ashley Stanczyk of Roy-Hart, Jack Whipple of Lyndonville and Rachel Hill of Medina, 3rd place in Health Knowledge Bowl
Madison Kelley of Roy-Hart, 3rd place in Job Interview
ALBANY – Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) joined colleagues from the Assembly Minority Conference today to call on the state to increase its investment for veterans’ services by enacting their $500 million “Invest in Vets” platform.
The plan would provide $250 million in operational funding to programs like the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Counseling Program, AMVETS, American Legions, VFWs, and much more. Another $250 million in capital improvement funding would go toward veterans housing and other facilities that provides resources and support for veterans across the state.
“After everything New Yorkers have been through in the last couple of years, and as we look around the world right now, we are reminded that our freedoms have come at a precious cost. We have our veterans to thank for our daily ability to live in a free, safe and secure nation, and this state can afford to make sure our veterans are looked after when they come home,” Norris said. “That’s what our plan is all about. It’s about showing our appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Let’s get it enacted in this year’s budget.”
Provided photo from Hawley’s office: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) presents details of the “Invest in Vets” budget proposal alongside Americans Veterans (AMVETS) National Executive Director Joseph R. Chenelly.
UPDATE at 5:54 p.m.: Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement this afternoon: “If our state budget is going to be one of the largest in the nation, the support we offer our veterans should be among the most comprehensive in the country, but unfortunately that is not the case,” said Hawley. “Today I call on my partners across the aisle in the Legislature and Gov. Hochul to include this critical funding package within this year’s final budget to better support our veterans and help connect them to local resources in their communities.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2022 at 11:29 am
ALBION – There are five trustee positions up for election on May 2 for Hoag Library. Voting is from noon to 7 p.m. at the library.
Candidates can pick up petitions starting today at the library. Petitions are due by 7 p.m. on April 4 at the library’s circulation desk. The petitions need to be signed by at least 25 residents 18 and older in the library’s service area (towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton).
The positions up for election include a spot recently vacated with the resignation of Anitrice Bennett. The other four positions are currently filled by Linda Weller, Jim Babcock, Kevin Doherty and Debbie DiBacco.
The top three vote-getters get four-year terms, and next two get three-year terms.
Press Release, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross of Western District of New York
BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jason David Willis, 47, of Gasport pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography following a prior conviction before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in 2011, Willis was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison following his conviction on a federal child pornography charge.
On May 18, 2021, an acquaintance of Willis’ brought his iPhone to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and stated that contained child pornography. The following day, on May 19, 2021, a U.S. Probation Officer searched the iPhone and observed two videos in the “recently deleted” folder on the phone that were produced by Willis on October 24 and October 28, 2020. Both videos depicted explicit images of a 17-year-old minor female. Further review of the iPhone revealed internet history for at least one website containing child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Felicetti, and the U.S. Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 15 at 9 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) is co-sponsoring new legislation that will suspend the state’s tax on motor fuels.
Michael Norris
Norris has been a longtime supporter of alleviating the tax burden on essentials like gasoline with legislation like the Inflation Relief and Consumer Protection Plan introduced in 2021 (A.8481), but he is also now co-sponsoring a new bill (awaiting bill number) that would suspend the entire state’s share of taxes on motor fuels for the next year to combat the rising costs caused by inflation and the war in Ukraine.
“People in Western New York have no choice but to drive. Gasoline is as essential to our daily lives as the air we breathe, but with prices at over $4.40 a gallon and quickly rising, this is a cost that people just cannot afford,” said Norris. “I am particularly concerned about constituents in rural areas, seniors and low-income workers, including young families, who are already scraping by. Albany needs to hear this message and take swift action.”
Norris pointed to the $2 billion budget surplus that is available in this year’s budget negotiations as a starting point to offset the cost of any revenue loss to the state. He said the most important thing is keeping people going and keeping the economy moving.
The new, bipartisan bill would provide nearly $0.50 per gallon in savings if enacted.
The state uses taxes collected from motor fuels to primarily fund three dedicated trust funds, with the “excess” of $511.8 million going into the state’s general use fund. Of the three dedicated trust funds, two are dedicated to mass transit—with the majority of funding going to mass transportation operating costs downstate. The third fund helps restore bridges.
As a member of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the budget process, as well as the house’s Transportation Committee, Norris said he believes enough funding already goes downstate to mass transit through separate MTA revenue streams.
“People in rural and suburban New York can’t hop on a subway,” Norris said. “We have to drive. We need immediate relief at the pump. As Gov. Hochul has pointed out, this year the state has a surplus of funding already. The MTA and downstate subway systems are already more than adequately funded, plus they also get the benefit of our Thruway tolls. Let’s find a solution to provide some relief now for the rest of New Yorkers in order to protect families and regional economies around our state.”
Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) also serves as the Chairman of the Assembly Minority Conference. He represents the 144th Assembly District which includes portions of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties. He is a member of the Assembly Ways and Means and Transportation committees.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2022 at 10:19 pm
Couple have now given $1 million to Hoag Library – Library taxes drop 10%
Photos by Tom Rivers: Hoag Library, which opened in July 2012, is shown tonight. The original $1.69 million mortgage has now been paid off, 10 years ahead of schedule.
ALBION – The mortgage for Hoag Library has been paid off after the latest big donation from Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife Courtenay. The couple sent in a check for $200,000 in October to be applied to the mortgage.
That donation puts the Hoags total giving to the library at $1 million.
The Hoags are recognized inside the library for their contributions to Albion’s public library.
The latest donation also pays off a $1.69 million mortgage from 2012. The mortgage is paid off a decade early, eliminating a $75,000 annual payment.
The reduces what the library will be seeking from taxpayers in the May budget vote by 10.3 percent, a drop from $724,260 in 2021-22 to $648,964 in 2022-23.
Linda Weller, the library board president, thanked the Hoags for generous contributions to the library.
The Hoags initially gave $25,000 in the capital campaign for the new library about a decade ago. They then gave another $225,000, bringing it to $250,000 for the naming rights to the building that opened in July 2012.
In July 2015, they sent another $100,000 check and then another $100,000 arrived on April 14, 2017. In 2018, they sent a check for $250,000, then gave another $100,000.
The Hoags have never requested a photo opportunity or press release. They send in the checks unannounced with a note from Mr. Hoag to use it to pay down the mortgage.
“Mo” Hoag said in a previous interview that a vibrantpublic library can be an equalizer for children in his hometown, a community that he said has endured too many business closings.
Hoag grew up in Albion and graduated in 1961 as valedictorian. He lived in big cities throughout the country, as well as Geneva, Switzerland during a successful 30-year career in chemical manufacturing.
Linda Weller, president of the Hoag Library Board of Trustees, cuts a cake during this evening’s board meeting to celebrate the mortgage being paid off.
Hoag would return often from his retirement home near Baltimore, Md., to see his family and his classmates. He helps plan the Class of 1961’s annual get-togethers.
Hoag spent his early years in Waterport before moving to the village of Albion during his elementary school years. His father, a farmer, was hired to manage Albion Produce on Washington Street. The job came with a house on the same street.
Hoag said Albion was an “ideal place” to grow up in the 1950s. It was “a thriving little town” with industry and small businesses. But many of the food processors, including Hunt’s and Lipton’s, left town decades ago.
After graduating from Albion, Hoag earned a degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University. He worked 30 years with Stauffer Chemical in New York City, Houston, Kansas City, North Carolina and Switzerland, before settling near Baltimore, his wife’s home town.
“The key to moving forward is education and the library is a good start for all of the kids,” Hoag said in a previous interview. “I thought it would help my hometown.”
Kevin Doherty, a library trustee and past board president, said the Hoags don’t want recognition for their donations. They did however encourage the board to have some cake to celebrate the mortgage being paid off.
The cake includes an image of the library and a note thanking Mo and Courtenay Hoag for their donations that allowed the mortgage to be paid off well ahead of schedule.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2022 at 6:44 pm
Chart from Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The number of new confirmed Covid cases continues to go down in Genesee and Orleans counties, even as mask mandates are lifted in schools and most other indoor public places.
There were 40 new cases reported in the past week, March 2-8, which was down from 74 the previous week in the two counties. That was down from 112 from Feb. 16-22, and 216 from Feb. 9-15.
The recent caseloads are a steep drop from the Covid peak in early January when there 2,703 cases in the two counties from Jan. 5-11.
The 40 new cases the past week include 15 in Orleans and 25 in Genesee. In the past six weeks in Orleans the cases have dropped from 255 from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 157 from Feb. 2-8, 84 from Feb. 9-15, 41 from Feb. 16-22, 29 on Feb. 23 to March 1, and 15 from March 2-8.
The local health department is reporting a Genesee County resident passed away from Covid in the past week. That brings the total Covid-related deaths during the two years of the pandemic to 184 in Genesee and 112 in Orleans.
Statewide, Gov. Kathy Hochul reported today there were 1,060 new Covid cases out of 67,714 tests, for a positivity of 1.57 percent. That is the 12th straight day the state is under 2 percent for positive tests.The 7-day average of positive tests is at 1.51 percent.
“Thanks to New Yorkers stepping up, we continue to see numbers trending in the right direction,” Hochul said. “But we must remain vigilant in order to continue the progress we have made against Covid-19. Parents and guardians, please talk to your pediatrician or health care provider about getting your children vaccinated and boosted. The vaccine is safe, effective and the best way to keep our communities safe from this virus.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2022 at 2:08 pm
ALBION – A series of six workshops will start on Tuesdays beginning March 22 with a goal of instilling positive life skills to promote healthy relationships in a safe environment.
It’s part of a program called Lilypad being offered by the Orleans County Department of Social Services.
Lilypad is designed to reach children and older teens (12 to 18) who have been trafficked, sexually exploited, or who are at risk of victimization and to meet identified service needs of these youth, said Cyndi Stumer, deputy social services commissioner for the county.
Each week there will be a different presenter to educate adolescents and parents on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
DSS encourages anyone with an adolescent in the county to sign their teen up and encourage them to share with their friends. All adolescents must have a permission slip on file to attend. Anyone interested should contact Sharon Nenni at 585-589-3136 or sharon.nenni@orleanscountyny.gov for a required permission slip.
The workshops will be at Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St. in Albion from 4 to 6 p.m. on March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19 and April 26.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 March 2022 at 1:52 pm
ALBION – Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church sentenced two people to incarceration today in County Court.
Gary Ettinger, 35, of Albion was sentenced to a year in state prison and a year of post-release supervision for attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.
Ettinger allegedly sold Suboxone to an undercover officer on the Major Felony Crime Task Force. Ettinger also missed several court appearances.
He needs to pay $60 in restitution to the Task Force, a $300 court surcharge and $25 crime victims fee.
Spencer Burton, 20, of Albion was sentenced to six months in the county jail and 10 years of probation for second-degree rape. He forced a 13-year-old female to have sex when Burton was 19.
Burton apologized to the victim in court today.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he told Judge Church. “I knew they were wrong.”
District Attorney Joe Cardone said the crime has had “a tremendous ripple effect on the victim’s family and his (Burton’s) family.”
The DA asked the judge to sentence Burton to time in jail and on probation.
In addition to the jail and probation, Burton must also pay a $1,000 sexual offender victim fee, $300 court surcharge, $50 crime victim’s fee and $50 DNA fee.
He also will likely be on the sex offender registry. There will be a hearing on May 18 to determine if he will be on the sex offender registry and at what level.
In another case in county court recently, a jury found Dino Callara, 54, guilty on Feb. 22 of one count of 4th degree grand larceny and two counts of petit larceny. He will be sentenced on April 20 and faces a maximum of 4 years in prison.
Callara is being held without bail until sentencing because he attempted to contact a juror after both sides rested in the trial, but before deliberations. Anthony Bruce of Orchard Park served as special prosecutor in the case.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) delivered a floor speech last night calling for the White House to reverse its anti-American production policies and allow for the domestic energy industry to be unleashed.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the millions of Americans who are facing pain at the pump around our nation.
On his first day in office, President Biden signaled to the world that American energy independence was no longer a priority. He canceled the Keystone XL pipeline.
He made regulatory changes to make new domestic production incredibly punitive. And he put a moratorium on new drilling on federal lands.
The President’s actions set the high prices we are seeing today in motion. Long before Russia invaded Ukraine, Americans were getting squeezed by the inflationary tax caused by careless and unrealistic policymaking.
In fact, the national average for a gallon of gasoline had risen over a dollar in the year before Russia took this malign action. International events have sent prices higher in the past week, but the administration cannot hide from the fact their policies have amplified this financial pain.
The solution to this crisis is clear – American production and energy independence are the best protections we have at our disposal. The President must reverse the course of his administration immediately – and allow for the full force of the US energy industry to be unleashed in Americans’ time of need.
Banning Russian oil imports out of principle is one thing, but it rings of hypocrisy when the administration turns around and immediately begins negotiating with vile dictators in Iran and Venezuela.
This solution is no better, and simply expands our dependence on hostile foreign nations for our economic and national security.
Mr. Speaker – perhaps the administration does not want to admit their early anti-energy moves were wrong – but American energy and financial security cannot hinge on the egos of the President and his staff.
It’s time to get out of the way of American production, allow our producers to increase capacity, and deliver affordable energy to the American people free of malign influence.
Photos courtesy of GCC: These students get a robot ready for Tech Wars in 2019.
Press Release, Genesee Community College
BATAVIA – After a long 2-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the 13th GLOW Region Tech Wars will finally commence!
The event will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all 24 of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) region’s school districts together in teams to work collaboratively to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.
Each year, with a forward vision and new developments in technology, Tech Wars introduces new events. 2022 is no different. This year’s competitors (students) have chosen from close to 30 available competitions to showcase – and put to the test – some basic and some extremely intricate and innovative technology. Regardless of the event, all of the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition. Tech Wars event details, rules and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.
Tech Wars 2022 events brings back some favorites such as: Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull and Trebuchet; and will introduce the all new, Lumber Labyrinth.
In addition to Lumber Labyrinth, Tech Wars 2022 also introduces Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers as well as other legacy events such as Catapult; Paper Airplane; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.
Students compete in the regatta competition during Tech Wars in 2019.
For the second year, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for 3rd to 5th grade students from GLOW region schools. Over 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2022 competitions.
Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the art facilities and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers’ cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers’ Cohort.
Focused on local economic development, the newly established Regional Tech Teachers’ Cohort collaboratively cultivates relationships between the schools and local professionals to provide information sessions, field trips, school to work opportunities, and more to enhance student learning experiences. Through these experiences and relationships students begin to form goals and a vision for their own futures.
The efforts of programs like Tech Wars, STEAM Jam and the Cohorts are already making a difference with many thanks to community support. Tech Wars 2022 has been continually supported and presented with a record number of sponsors. Gold Sponsors: GCEDC/Glow with Your Hands, Liberty Pumps, Northeast Industrial Tech Inc., Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Graham Corporation, Amada Tool America Inc., and I.B.E.W. Local Union 86 . Silver and Bronze Sponsors: LandPro Equipment, Oxbo International, Takeform, L&M Specialty Fabricating LLC, DWB Enterprises and the Varysburg Lions Club.
“The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none,” said Ann Valento, ACE program specialist. “Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible. Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community.”
Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) program. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately-equipped environment to showcase the students’ technological skills and creativity.
Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program’s Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 March 2022 at 8:23 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: These pictures of distinctive women employees who formerly worked at Medina Memorial Hospital honor them with a display during Women in History Month during March. At upper left is Mary Williams, seated, and Jane Punch. Below is Jeanne Crane, who was supervisor of nurses. At right is the late Nancy Albanese, who spent 40 years as a recovery room nurse.
MEDINA – In the spirit of Women’s History Month during March, Orleans Community Health is highlighting women from the past and present who have held important positions there.
“A number of people currently working here have had mothers, grandmothers and aunts who came before them, and well over a majority of our leadership is female,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.
Three of those women shared their stories on Tuesday.
Nancy Callara, who is director of patient financial services; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Kate Brauen, director of the pharmacy all have relatives who worked at the hospital, and all said it was their family member’s dedication which influenced them to work at the hospital.
Callara is a daughter of Jean Wetherbee, who has been a volunteer at the hospital for more than 20 years.
“She started volunteering because she needed something to do, and she loved working in human resources,” Callara said.
Callara started there in 1987 in medical records and has since worked in quality assurance, payroll, IT and revenue cycle before taking her current position in billing.
Kate Brauen, pharmacy director at Orleans Community Health; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Nancy Callara, director of patient financial services; look at pictures of women who have held positions of distinction in the hospital during past years. A display of women employees’ pictures in the Foundation office is in observation of Women in History Month.
Gray is a daughter of Rosemary Pegelow, who was secretary of surgery for 20 years. Her great-aunt Ceil Spada worked in the hospital for more than 40 years and was an aide in the maternity ward. She also lived in house where the hospital first started.
Gray first started working at the hospital in 2003 as a medical/surgical nurse for a year, then became a surgical nurse for 11 years. She was director of surgery for six years until taking her current position as chief nursing officer.
Brauen grew up in Lockport and attended Royalton-Hartland High School, however she followed her mother’s footsteps in coming to work at Medina Memorial Hospital in 2002 as a pharmacist right out of college. She spent 12 years in the clinical staff pharmacist role and now is director of pharmacy.
Her mother, Mary Williams, worked at the hospital for 50 years, holding positions as an aide, registered nurse, supervisor of risk and quality assurance and assistant director of nursing. She retired last year as vice president of human resources.
In observance of Women in History Month, Heather Smith, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, has arranged a display of photos of women who held prominent positions in the hospital in the past. These include long-time employee Jeanne Crane, who was nursing supervisor and is currently president of the hospital’s TWIG Association; the late Nancy Albanese, a 40-year recovery room nurse; the late Mary Jane Szczechowiak, who started her nursing career at Medina Memorial Hospital in 1953 and retired in 1988 as assistant director of nursing; Jane Punch, who was director of nursing; and Dawn Meland, who is still actively involved with the hospital as a member and former president of the Hospital Board. Meland was also actively involved with the TWIG Association as a member and past president.
Robinson said to end out the week, he hopes to get all the women employees together for a group picture.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2022 at 10:16 pm
Candle lighting at Maison Albion pays tribute to young woman
Photos courtesy of Faye Conley
ALBION – People light candles outside Maison Albion this evening in a tribute to Theresa Karlak on what would have been her 19th birthday.
Theresa was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle while she was walking on New Year’s Day in Eagle Harbor.
Theresa was home-schooled and one of 10 children in her family.
Her mother, Janece Karlak, said the community’s response since the accident has been overwhelming. Her daughter was a popular employee at Tim Hortons and that restaurant sold 3,500 as a fundraiser for Theresa’s family on Jan. 4-5.
“We didn’t realize how much everyone loved her,” Janece said this evening during the benefit at Maison Albion. “Having so many people say such nice things about her has helped make it a little better.”
People join together during a ceremonial candle lighting in memory of Theresa Karlak.
Janece said Theresa loved going to work at Tim Hortons, even the very early morning shift at 3:30 a.m.
Sarah Karlak, Theresa’s sister, said the family appreciates that “people care so much.”
She said her sister is deeply missed.
“She was a hard worker and a very friendly person,” Sarah said.
Theresa loved cats and wanted to be a veterinarian, her sister said. Theresa also loved the Japanese culture and its emphasis on kindness. She wanted to travel to Japan to experience the culture up close.
The family thanked Cole and Kerri Glover, owners of Maison Albion, for putting on the event on Tuesday.
“It was definitely a blessing and hugely comforting to know she hasn’t been forgotten and she had such a positive impact on the community,” Sarah said. “We were definitely overwhelmed by the amount of people who showed up throughout the day and businesses who donated baskets.”
Theresa was remembered as a high-energy person who was very friendly to others.
“It brought tears in our eyes when everyone went out in the cold for the candle-lighting ceremony at the end of the day,” Sarah Karlak said. “It means so much to know that everyone came out to help us remember Theresa in this way.”
Photos by Tom Rivers
Nick Russo (left), a Maison Albion employee, helps serve food and beverages during the benefit.
There were 27 gift baskets up for raffle.
The benefit raised nearly $3,000 for the Karlak family with 19 percent of those proceeds to be donated to a local animal shelter on Theresa’s behalf.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) called on Gov. Hochul and the Legislature today to increase funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), Pave-NY, and the Extreme Winter Recovery Program.
Steve Hawley
Hawley and other advocates supporting a funding increase argue that even though funding was increased for these programs last year, there is still much work to be done to ensure New York’s roads are safe for those who travel on them, and supply chains are able to keep moving as efficiently as possible.
“The well-being of our roads relates directly to the strength of our state’s economy and the safety of all who travel throughout it,” Hawley said. “This is especially important to consider when first responders are transporting patients and minutes matter. In these times, we must also bear in mind that by improving our roads, we will strengthen our supply chains–the slowing of which has weighed heavily on the wallets of our residents.
“Fixing potholes and making travel safe is something I believe lawmakers of all parties can come together to support. I’m hopeful we can get it done in this year’s budget.”
Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.
