Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Chief of Staff Eileen Banker drops off pizza today to Sheriff Christopher Bourke at the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today used National Pizza Day as an opportunity to show his appreciation for the work local police departments within his district have done to protect their communities by sending pizzas from local shops to numerous departments.
“Our officers put their lives on the line daily to protect us and our neighbors, and it must be said their work has only grown more challenging in the last several years,” said Hawley. “When I learned that National Pizza Day was coming up, I knew that it was a chance to give back, so it was my honor to provide some nourishment to our hard-working officers. While it is unfortunate I was not able to deliver the pizzas to the departments myself, having legislative session to attend to today, I hope our law enforcement professionals are able to find some time to enjoy a slice.”
Hawley sent pizzas to the following departments today:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2022 at 12:28 pm
Photo by Marsha Rivers: This sign is posted on the entrance at the Albion High School community entrance, leading to the gym. People will still be required to wear mask inside schools.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today that masks will not be required beginning tomorrow at businesses and many other indoor public places.
The governor said masks will still be required at schools, although she, public health and education officials will look at the data in early March and re-evaluate whether masks will be mandated in schools.
The decision to not require masks in businesses follows a big drop in Covid cases, hospitalizations and percent of positive tests from a spike in early January due to the Omicron variant.
Hochul announced the mask mandate about two months ago. The mask requirement remains in place for health care facilities, nursing homes, correctional facilities and on public transportation.
Local governments and private businesses can still require that masks be required, and people also can choose to wear them, Hochul said.
“Individuals who continue to want to wear masks can continue to wear masks,” she said.
Hochul said the mask mandate made a big difference in helping the state get through the Omicron surge.
The number of Covid cases statewide has plummeted from a high of 90,132 cases on Jan. 7 to 6,041 on Feb. 8. The percent positive is down from 23 percent on Jan. 2 to 3.67 percent on Feb. 8. The number of hospitalizations also has declined from about 12,000 on Jan. 12 to 4,600 on Feb. 8.
Hochul said schools would be provided with at-home Covid testing kits for each student to take before the February break and then again when they return. Those results will help public health and education officials decide whether masks will continue to be required in schools. Hochul said she expects to announce a decision in early March regarding masks in schools.
Rob Ortt, State Senate Republican Leader, issued this statement: “The end of the ‘business mask mandate’ is long overdue. But it is absolutely outrageous that Governor Hochul is extending her mask mandate for school children, with no established off-ramp. The public deserves to know which metrics and so-called science her administration used to make this misguided decision.
“At a time when restrictions across our country and the entire world are being dropped, New Yorkers are desperate for the same. They are desperate for leadership, desperate for checks and balances. This Governor and the Democrat-led legislature are providing NONE of the above and instead adding layers of more frustrations to New Yorkers.
“My Republican colleagues and I have fought against these mandates for years, and will continue to do so until every single unconstitutional mandate is lifted.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement: “The end of the mask mandate for businesses is a welcome development, but given what the data is telling us about the rapid decline in Covid-19 infections and what is being done in neighboring states that have otherwise maintained egregious and heavy-handed policies throughout the pandemic, it isn’t close to the announcement we would hope to hear.
“At this point it should be no question that the time for state-level mandates of any kind has come to an end and control of pandemic management should return to local governments and school districts.
“For rural communities like mine, mask mandates for healthy children in schools have done far more harm than good. Should educators and local administrators deem that such mandates aren’t needed, they should have the ability to make the best decision possible for the well-being of their students.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 February 2022 at 9:29 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Michelle Figueroa is chair of Orleans County’s Emergency Food and Shelter program board, funded by FEMA. She is shown here at her desk at Community Action, where she is the emergency services case worker.
ALBION – Organizations which provide emergency assistance to low-income or homeless individuals need to apply for funds from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program by Feb. 25 or attend the board meeting at 10 a.m. that day at Community Action.
This program, funded by FEMA, provides money to each county in the nation, but comes with strict responsibilities and requirements, according to Michelle Figueroa, who has been chair of the local board which oversees this program since 2016.
EFSP was authorized by a federal act of 1987 to aid people with non-disaster related emergencies and can be used for a broad range of services. Monies allocated to each county are determined by the unemployment rate and the poverty level of that county. A county has to have at least 300 unemployed. This year, Orleans County will receive $58,916 Figueroa said.
To receive these funds, each county is required to convene a local board which must include the highest ranking individual in that county. In Orleans County, that is County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson. The rest of the board is made up of members from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, domestic violence support, Salvation Army and United Way. These members, in addition to Figueroa and Johnson, include Ronnie Barhite, Ann Vail, Dean Bellack, Nyla Gaylord, Kelly Kiebala, Margie Aldaco, Ken Turner, Skip Helfrich, Katrina Chaffee, Jayleen Carney, Bruce Schmidt and Carol Whalin. This committee meets semi-annually, as required.
The main purpose of this notice is to inform local organizations they must apply to the local board to receive funds, Figueroa said. Local organizations which applied in the past and/or have received funds from this program include the American Red Cross, Housing Development Council, Lyndonville-Yates Food Pantry, St. Vincent de Paul, United Way, Ministry of Concern, Community Action, Rural Opportunity, the Medina Emergency Food Pantry, Faith Bible Baptist Church, Meals on Wheels, Independent Living and Calvary Tabernacle Food Pantry.
“We have to let the community know there are funds available to provide food, temporary lodging, utility assistance, transportation costs, minor equipment repairs and efforts in an emergency to comply with building codes for people with disabilities,” Figueroa said.
Orleans County has been receiving funds from this Emergency Food and Shelter program since 2013. Figueroa again stresses that any faith-based organization which helps low income individuals or the homeless and wishes to apply for funding from the EFSP must contact her at 589-5605 by Feb. 25 so the board can compile and file its report to the Federal board by March 11. Anyone may also call her at that number for more information.
Steve Hawley of Batavia and Mike Norris of Lockport, two State Assembly members whose districts include part of Orleans County, are among 43 Assembly members who signed a letter sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul seeking to end state Covid mandates, including universal masking in schools.
The letter also went to Department of Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett and Department of Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa.
The Republican conference in the Assembly wrote the letter trying to stop permanent adoption of emergency Covid regulations that Hawley said would empower the Department of Health and Department of Education to unilaterally implement mask mandates and “other Covid-related edicts.”
Hawley said the policy would essentially return emergency powers to Gov. Hochul in perpetuity, depriving the Legislature of its authority to design and implement such orders and the ability of local health departments to cater their pandemic response toward the unique circumstances faced by their communities.
“New Yorkers in every region of the state are demanding a return to normalcy, which includes a return to representative government, rather than endless mandates and heavy-handed regulations,” according to the letter signed by the 43 Assembly members. “While neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania are finally relaxing state mandates, New York is fighting in court to keep mask requirements in place while creating new, unilateral statewide orders without legislative approval.”
The Assembly minority conference said the state mandates with Covid “greatly impact our school children, businesses and communities.” The Assembly members said the governor needs to respect the authority of the state Legislature and local governments.
“This proposal is an attempt by Hochul’s administration to feign concern for public health in order to claw power away from the people, their local governments and their elected representatives, and cannot be allowed to stand,” Hawley said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 February 2022 at 8:26 am
Provided photos
BROCKPORT – Some of the dancers at the Brockport School of Dance and Performing Arts are pictured recently. The group teamed with the National Honor Society at Brockport High School and raised $2,032 for Ben’s Back Packs at the benefit concert on Jan. 29.
These three NHS members at Brockport helped with the fundraiser on Jan. 29.
The event was held at the Brockport High School Auditorium and featured performers from the dance school.
Ben’s Back Packs provides school supplies for children in Mexico. The program is named in memory of Ben Kirby of Albion. He was 21 when he was killed in a car accident on Nov. 6, 2017, on Route 531 in the Town of Gates. Ben was a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology in his senior year majoring in software development.
His mother Wendy Kirby is now retired as a teacher at Brockport. She started the charity as a tribute to her son and also to help children in the rural area of Oaxaca, Mexico go to school by covering the costs of uniforms, books, and other school supplies – which is about $30 a year per child.
“Ben’s Backpacks is so excited to have been chosen as this year’s recipient of the proceeds,” Mrs. Kirby said. “We will use the money to provide school supplies for children to attend school in the rural Oaxaca area of Mexico.”
The Brockport School of Dance and Performing Arts has now raised more than $25,000 for different organizations since its first benefit concert in 2002.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 February 2022 at 9:43 pm
Trustees Sherman and Elliott also seeking re-election
Photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Mayor Mike Sidari tosses candy to kids along Main Street and East Center Street on May 27, 2019 during the Memorial Day parade.
MEDINA – Three members of the Medina Village Board, including Mayor Mike Sidari, have submitted petitions to run for re-election. No other candidates submitted petitions by today’s 4 p.m. deadline. Candidates need petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in the village.
Sidari and incumbent trustees Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott are running under the independent “The Village Party” for the March 15 election.
Sidari has been mayor for nearly six years. He said Medina has a great team on the Village Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and with the community organizations.
Those groups have been able to push Medina forward with its downtown business district, industrial park and other community initiatives. He cited citizens who led efforts for a new dog park, skate park, bluebird trail, an upgraded Pine Street Park with a splash pad, and much improved Boxwood Cemetery.
“It’s working because everyone is working together – the business people, zoning and planning boards and the Village Board,” Sidari said.
The community projects improve the quality of life for local residents, Sidari said, and also play a factor in whether a business chooses to come to Medina. The business owners want to see a community with pride, and strong schools, a vibrant downtown and thriving neighborhoods, Sidari said.
The mayor, 63, is retired as the food service manager at the Orleans Correctional Facility in Albion. He wants to see through more projects, including work at the sewer plant.
He is excited about the new hotel opening in Medina’s Business Park on Maple Ridge Road, as well as other potential developments in the village.
“It has been a good experience and I am enjoying it,” Sidari said about being mayor.
The Village Board works well together without pushing personal projects, he said.
“We have a board that is in it for the village,” he said. “The agenda is the betterment of the village and community.”
He welcomes residents to get involved in the village government, by joining a committee or attending meetings.
“I don’t have a problem with anyone running for a position,” he said. “But I would recommend getting on a board, maybe the Tree Board or Planning Board. Get informed and know the issues. If you think you can do something better, by all means get a petition and run.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 February 2022 at 6:39 pm
Kevin Graham says he has financial background to help village with $7 million budget
ALBION – A third candidate for Albion mayor has emerged in the March 15 village election. Kevin Graham submitted petitions to run as an independent in the election.
Kevin Graham
He will face Angel Javier Jr. who has the Republican line and Vickie Elsenheimer who has the Democratic Party line.
Javier and Elsenheimer also submitted petitions today to run on independent lines. Javier’s independent line will be called “Better Together Albion Strong” and Elsenheimer will be on the independent “Move Albion Forward.”
Candidates on the independent line need at least 100 signatures from registered voters in the village who weren’t at the Democratic and Republican caucuses on Jan. 25. Today was the deadline to submit petitions.
Two other Democratic candidates – Sandra Walter and Joyce Riley – also submitted independent party petitions to be on the “Move Albion Forward” line.
Graham, 57, graduated from Albion in the same class with Elsenheimer. He has worked as a certified public accountant for 23 years and currently is in the finance department at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The East Avenue resident previously was the chief financial officer at the Arc of Genesee & Orleans, an organization with a $23 million budget. He was there until last April. That Arc has since merged with the Arc in Livingston and Wyoming counties.
Graham said he would bring “a fresh set of eyes” to the village government, including a $7 million village budget.
He believes that skill set with budgets would be an asset to village taxpayers and the village employees.
“I want to jump in and help out the community,” Graham said. “My qualities, I have a lot of experience I could bring to the job. Finances are my forte.”
Graham went door to door collecting signatures in the past week. He heard from residents they want a more vibrant downtown, stronger neighborhoods and more improvements in the village parks.
He praised the current Village Board for seeing through major upgrades to Bullard Park, which includes a new splash pad, amphitheater and utility building with a pavilion and bathrooms.
“They’ve done a great job with Bullard Park,” Graham said about the current board. “I’d like to continue the effort with the parks, and have more community events.”
Graham admitted he doesn’t have much political experience. He is a not affiliated with a political party.
“I am a true independent,” he said. “ I can work with anybody – Republican or Democrat.”
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Office Building
New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents.
Starting today each village hall, library and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone.
“Orleans County is still considered high for level of community transmission,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Orleans and Genesee counties. “We continue to encourage anyone who has had close contact with someone who tested positive with Covid-19 to get tested 5 days after last contact. If you are experiencing any symptoms self-isolate and test for Covid-19.”
In addition to the at-home test kits, the GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue will be open through at least Feb. 23, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for PCR and rapid testing. Walk-ins are allowed. To make an appointment, click here.
If you need a lab-confirmed test, visit the NYS Covid-19 testing sites for lab testing locations. Home tests can be reported on the GOHealthNY.org website by clicking the red Covid-19 Testing button and clicking your county.
A maximum of 1 kit per person will be distributed at the following locations:
Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Village of Lyndonville: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed daily from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Village of Medina: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Village of Albion:Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Village of Holley:Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yates Community Library in Lyndonville: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina: Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hoag Library in Albion:Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Free Library in Holley: Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 4 to 8 p.m. ; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans.
“Residents should use at-home Covid-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with Covid-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19,” Pettit said. “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of Covid-19.”
To report a positive at-home test: Individuals can visit the GO Health website and Covid-19 Testing page and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county.
Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test.
Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result).
It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days.
If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing tight-fitting masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (Covid-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.
ROCHESTER — ESL recently provided a $161,000 grant to Arc GLOW to assist the agency in implementing a new electronic health record system.
This initiative is expected to be the first of several steps undertaken by Arc GLOW to upgrade its technology agency-wide as it continues to serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
The recent merger of the two chapters (The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans) has increased the number of people served by the merged Arc chapter to more than 2,000. Arc GLOW employs more than 1,100 people and provides services in a four-county area that includes Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
“By merging into one larger agency we are better able to adapt to the ever-changing landscape in our field,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW Chief Executive Officer. “As a larger agency we will be better positioned to invest in our staff and critical infrastructure that is necessary to continue providing high quality person centered supports and services to the people we support and their families. We will also be better able to continuously improve and innovate to ensure that we are providing services that meet the needs and interests of each person.”
The grant provided by ESL will help support the replacement of computers that are more than eight years old.
“To help our community thrive and prosper, we must ensure that our nonprofit organizations are strong both in terms of personnel and technological capabilities,” said Ajamu Kitwana, Vice President/Director, Community Impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “Organizations like Arc GLOW must have updated equipment that will allow them to provide the most efficient service to individuals and families in greatest need.”
Merger discussions between the Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans chapters started in January 2020, but the process was delayed until October because of Covid-19. The official address for Arc GLOW is 18 Main Street in Mount Morris, with offices in Batavia and Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 February 2022 at 1:51 pm
ALBION – The Strawberry Festival will be back in June after the two previous festivals were cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns and restrictions on crowd size.
The festival will be back June 10-11 and should have the full gamut of activities – parade, food court, arts and crafts, live bands and music, classic car cruise-in, 5k and 8k races, turtle race and other vendors. (Last year the 5k and 8k race returned and there was a food truck rodeo.)
The festival this year will be called the Albion Rotary Strawberry Festival to highlight Rotary as the event’s long-time sponsor. The theme for the 34th festival will be “Together We Serve” and will highlight service clubs and volunteerism in the community.
Don Bishop, logistics chairman for the festival, said the planning committee is eager to bring back the festival. He is pleased some new members have joined the committee, which is led by June Persia. The Albion Lions Club also has several members on the planning committee, Bishop said.
More volunteers are welcome to join the committee and help organize the event. Committee chairs so far include Becky Karls for the turtle race and cruise in, Persia for arts and craft vendors, Bishop for the food court, Bill Pileggi for entertainment, Athena Nichols for student art contest, and McKenna Boyer for royalty. A chairperson is needed for the parade, Bishop said.
The committee next meets on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Hoag Library. For more information, check the Strawberry Festival website.
Sheryl Watts, owner and artistic designer of Air Raising Events, made a strawberry costume out of balloons in marched in the Strawberry Festival Parade on June 8, 2019, the last time the event was held.
Todd Eick in running for ag educator of the year in NYS
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Chad Kirby (Orleans County Farm Bureau), Derek Hill (NYS FFA Cornell University), Michael Cavanagh (Junior-Senior High School Principal), Julie Webber (Director of Curriculum), Mark Kruzynski (Superintendent of Medina Central School District), Michael Southcott (Nationwide Insurance), Julia Uhrinek (NYS FFA Cornell University), Joseph Cecchini (Medina FFA Vice President), Zachary Fike (Medina FFA President) and Todd Eick (Golden Owl finalist).
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – The New York FFA and Nationwide today honored Todd Eick, an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Medina High School, as a finalist for the 2021-2022 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
As a finalist, Mr. Eick was presented with a $500 cash prize and plaque in front of administrators, fellow teachers and students. He has a chance to be named New York’s Ag Educator of the Year in May 2022 and receive $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.
Mr. Eick was selected as one of 11 finalists by New York FFA and Nationwide from dozens of nominations across the state.
The Golden Owl Award recognizes agriculture educators and the critical role they play in preparing future generations for success. Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support them with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. This is Mr. Eick’s second consecutive Golden Owl award.
The New York FFA will select one winner from all the nominees in New York State for the grand prize of $3,000 from Nationwide to support the development of the program, the Golden Owl Award Trophy and name them the Ag Educator of the Year.
“As a company with deep roots in agriculture, Nationwide recognizes the essential role agricultural teachers play in their communities and for the future of the industry,” said Brad Liggett, President of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re proud to work with the state FFAs to recognize these selfless public servants for their many contributions to help prepare the next generation of leaders.”
Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the New York State FFA Leadership Training Foundation, in conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education. Mr. Eick said he is truly humbled to receive the award.
“This is a real honor to be a recipient again,” he said. “This particular award is very meaningful to me because it comes from colleagues, students and the community.”
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – In an effort to keep our roadways safer during Super Bowl weekend, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke announced that local law enforcement agencies will actively participate in the STOP-DWI Super Bowl High Visibility Enforcement Campaign from Feb. 11-14.
As the anticipation of attending gatherings to celebrate the big game, local law enforcement will be out to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving and to have a Sober Plan while traveling to prevent injuries and save lives, said Bourke, who is the county’s STOP-DWI coordinator.
Although STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol related fatalities, there are still too many.
You can help save lives – don’t drive and drive – have a sober plan!
Plan a safe way to get home.
Call for a ride from a sober friend, family member, taxi or Uber.
The STOP-DWI Crackdowns are promoted by New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 February 2022 at 7:54 am
GASPORT – A Medina High School junior has achieved a goal not many can claim, and he did it in spite of tremendous odds.
David Vanderwalker, son of Todd and Alicia Vanderwalker of Middleport, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 5. During his Eagle Scout ceremony Saturday at Hartland Bible Church, his mother shared their journey and the challenges they faced along the way.
The Vanderwalker family of Middleport pose at Hartland Bible Church, where David received his Eagle Scout badge on Saturday. From left are dad Todd Vanderwalker, David, mom Alicia and sister FaithAnn.
“Roughly 12 years ago, we sat in a doctor’s office and listened as he told us he wanted to prepare us that David would probably never graduate high school and that he would have severe limitations throughout his life,” Alicia said. “Thankfully, we serve a God that does not believe in labels or limitations on what He can do in and through those who believe in Him. We left the office that day with two options – (1) just accept that our son had no hope for a future and allow his disability to be an excuse, or (2) with faith, support and a lot of work we could focus on his abilities and provide him with opportunities to learn and overcome his challenges.”
Shortly after, they enrolled David in Cub Scouts with the hope he would have the opportunity to form connections and gain social skills. His Tiger year was not easy, but they persevered, Alicia said. After attending summer camp with his dad and then going to an Eagle Scout ceremony, David set his heart on becoming an Eagle Scout.
“If I am being honest, at that time I felt there was no way, given the level of behaviors and lack of social emotional abilities,” Alicia continued. “But as those who know my kids know, when you tell them they can’t do something, it is a challenge and they will do all they can to prove you wrong.”
David’s desire to succeed meant the family quickly became very involved in Scouting. Scouts became part of their day-to-day life and their mission field, not only for David, but for the rest of the boys in the Pack and Troop, who became like family. David’s life plan became the Scout law. His goals were to be able to follow the Scout law in his day-to-day life.
The Scout Law says a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
David not only worked extremely hard over the last 12 years in Scouting, but in life and in his own personal growth, his mother said. Crossing into Boy Scouts, David became a member of Tim Miller’s Troop 28 in Medina and the entire Miller family became an extension of the Vanderwalker family, Alicia said.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: This is the pavilion at Hartland Bible Church which David Vanderwalker built for his Eagle Scout project. He received his Eagle Scout badge Saturday at the church.
Two other Scouts who later earned their Eagle badges, Aaron Miller and Christian Hahn, became mentors to David.
On his journey to an Eagle Scout, David earned more than 40 merit badges, assumed various leadership roles in his Troop and volunteered hundreds of hours of community service.
Two summers ago while helping carry picnic tables up the hill for a church event, David said it would be nice to have a place up there to store them and have shelter from the weather. That’s when he knew what he wanted to do to earn his Eagle Scout badge.
Although everyone told him it was too big a big project and too expensive, David carried on. He brought the idea to his church congregation. He approached businesses and individuals, asking for donations and help. The result is a completed 24 by 40-foot pavilion with a 24 by 16-foot enclosed storage area with overhead door. His project took 18 months to complete, with more than 800 volunteer hours and a cost of $19,200. He has named it the Legacy Pavilion, in memory of deceased loved ones who were honored by donations to the project.
Photo by Alicia Vanderwalker: David Vanderwalker, left, lights a candle for each of the 12 points of the Scout law, while Christian Hahn and Aaron Miller share what they each stand for. Christian and Aaron were mentors to David during his years in Scouting.
During his Eagle Scout ceremony, David received recognitions from Congressman Chris Jacobs, Senator Rob Ortt’s office, Assemblyman Mike Norris and Niagara County Sheriff Mike Filicetti. David also presented Mentor pins to Scoutmasters Tim and Steve Miller and his parents for their support along his journey. Also acknowledged was the support of Heather Jackson, Committee chair of Troop 28, and Craig and Dale Brittin from Hartland Bible Church and their pastor Jon Goodwin. All have supported and encouraged David throughout the years, his mother said.
David’s sister FaithAnn shared some of the letters of congratulations from people all over the country, including those in multiple branches of government from senators to presidents, movie stars, members of the military and more.
David and his family also thank more than a dozen local businesses who either donated materials or gave them discounts for the pavilion. They include Ace Hardware in Medina, All Metal Works, American Concrete, Brigham Concrete, Big East Timber, Hi-Tech concrete workers, Lakeshore Metal, B & L Wholesale, Shelby Crushed Stone, Newfane Lumber, Stanton Signs, Sunrise Door and Window, Wargo Enterprises and Vanderwalker’s Sawmill.
David is now attending BOCES building trades program and hopes to run his own construction company after he graduates from high school next year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 February 2022 at 3:58 pm
Trellis Pore leads ‘judgement free’ congregation
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Rev. Trellis Pore was voted in on Nov. 21 to serve as pastor of Shiloh Church at 3286 Crandall Rd. in Albion. Pore became a licensed ministerial candidate at age 19 at Shiloh. He returned to Shiloh after 13 years as the associate and youth pastor at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Batavia. The church services are at 11 a.m. on Sunday, with Sunday school at 10 a.m.
ALBION – Step into Shiloh Church and Trellis Pore says it will feel much different than what many people may expect to experience inside a church.
Pore said atmosphere is overwhelmingly welcoming, a “judgement free” environment where the past isn’t a focus, but rather the present and future.
“The atmosphere is very relaxed and uplifting,” said the Rev. Pore, who was voted in as pastor at Shiloh on Nov. 21. “So many people have encountered ‘church hurt.’ People shouldn’t feel beat down if they go to church.”
Pore, 38, sees Shiloh as a hospital, a place to help people get better and to see how to live better.
“My ministry is unlike any other,” he said. “We’re focused on the overlooked and those who made mistakes. Your past is your past. We’re more concerned about your future.”
Since he was a young boy, Pore said he has felt very close with God, and a call to help others feel God’s presence in their lives.
Pore grew up in the church, and in what he said is a very spiritual family with lots of prayer and praise for God, even during times of trial and pain.
Pore at about age 5 sang publicly with his family in the Cooper Family Gospel Singers. They performed all over Western New York. He continues a music ministry with the Trellis Cooper Band that performs in the community – often outside of a church.
Photo courtesy of Jesse Colmenero: Trellis Pore is part of the worship band at Shiloh. He looks forward to Shiloh hosting gospel concerts. For many years Pore has performed in the Trellis Cooper Band. He also has been a part of the Cooper Family Gospel Singers since he was a kid.
Since started as pastor at Shiloh , he has brought many of his musician friends to be part of the worship band.
“We have one of the most amazing and anointed music departments you can find,” he said.
The music is a big part of church as Shiloh, and so are the sermons from Pore, and his determination to connect with everyone.
“When he says he loves you he truly means that,” said Ocie Bennett, a deacon at the church since 2003 and the Sunday school leader. “He is trying to do great things in our community and bring our community together.”
The church attendance has already jumped from about 10 on Sunday mornings to about 100 – in the past six weeks.
Trellis Pore is shown in the pastor’s study at Shiloh Church. Pore also works full-time as a corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility and is a member of the Albion Board of Education.
Pore leads the push for a “judgement free” environment that Bennett said has brought many people to church who hadn’t been inside a church building in years.
“We don’t look at people’s past because we all have a past,” Bennett said. “No one is perfect. We all need help. We’re one big family at Shiloh.”
The church is located at a former one-room school house at the corner of Densmore and Crandall roads. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church started in 1966. It has been a predominantly African-American congregation.
The church is dropping Missionary Baptist from its name to de-emphasize a denomination. Pore wants everyone to feel welcome. “Heaven doesn’t have denominations,” he said.
Pore works full-time as a corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility. He also is a firearms instructor, chemical agent instructor, and CPR and first aid instructor for the Department of Corrections.
He worked downstate his first three years as a corrections officer and has been at Albion Correctional the past 17 years.
Pore also is a member of the Albion Board of Education, in addition to leading the Shiloh church. He and his wife have two kids, ages 4 and 9.
Pore acknowledged he is busy, but he said he feels energized, especially with the new role leading a church in Albion.
“I’d rather wear out than rust out,” he said. “I’m grateful to be back in my own community.”
For the previous 13 years he worked as an associate and youth pastor in Batavia at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Pore has felt a calling since he was a young boy to ministry. He became a licensed minister at age 19 at Shiloh, where his late father, Jimmy Pore, was a deacon. Trellis grew up attending the St. Paul Baptist Church on Ingersoll Street in Albion where his late grandfather, Willie D. Cooper, was a deacon.
Pore’s grandfather proved a great mentor for Pore in a life of faith.
“He taught me how to pray, to sing hymns and he shared his pastoral handbook,” Pore said. “I’ve been very blessed and thankful.”
Trellis Pore gave the keynote address on June 2, 2019 during the Albion baccalaureate service at the First Baptist Church, a voluntary service for soon-to-graduate high school seniors. Pore, a 2001 Albion graduate, shared about David and Goliath, how David beat a much larger warrior, a shocking defeat for the giant, which is described in 1 Samuel in the Bible. The graduates will face many Goliaths in their lives, Pore said. There will be self doubt after a failure, grief, financial stress and lots of “haters,” people who are jealous and don’t want the grads to reach their dreams. “You will face multiple Goliaths in life,” Pore said. “You will get through one and then there will be another.” Pore urged them to not run from their Goliaths. He shared the verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Pore for the past two decades preached at some local churches on pulpit supply when the pastors were on vacation. Those preaching opportunities increased in recent years at the Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Albion and the First Baptist Church in Albion.
The Albion Ministerium in 2019 picked Pore to give the keynote address at baccalaureate, a religious service for high school seniors who would graduate later that month.
The Rev. Sue Thaine, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, has had Pore preach for her when she is on vacation. The congregation has been very responsive to his messages.
“He’s dynamic,” Thaine said. “His faith is very alive. He is also a people-person. He comes with all these gifts and abilities, but he is accessible.”
She sees Pore energizing the local Christian community.
“He is amazing partner in ministry,” Thaine said. “I look forward to seeing what God will do through him. The people who encounter Trellis want to be near him. Everybody loves him. He uses his music, in cooperation with the word he is preaching.”
Pore found a larger audience in the community through Facebook. When the Covid-19 pandemic closed churches to in-person services in mid-March 2020, Pore started delivering sermons on Facebook – from his dining room.
“We turned Facebook into ‘Faithbook,’” Pore said.
There were several hundred views on those sermons, and Pore believes those messages helped make church more accessible to many in the community.
He is pleased that Shiloh is already nearing capacity, and may need to expand the building in the near future. Shiloh also will bring back popular church barbecues, and Pore wants to host gospel concerts.
But even more importantly, he wants people to be drawn closer to God when they are at Shiloh.
“I feel honored to be a pastor in my hometown,” he said. “I’ve always tried to treat people fairly, and as Christ would treat them.”
New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home Covid-19 test kits to distribute to residents.
