By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 January 2022 at 9:10 am
Barre man bilked for more than $4K by men going door-to-door selling steaks
BARRE – The family of a Barre senior is going public with a recent situation in which their father was scammed out of more than $4,000.
Steve Davis is sharing his father’s story in hopes of preventing any other senior from being taken advantage of.
Steve’s father, who is 80, lives in Barre and admittedly is not as sharp-minded as he used to be.
On Dec. 22, two middle-aged men knocked on his door and claimed to be selling packages of premium steaks for $50 to $100.
“Being a very trusting person, my dad bought their steaks and gave them a signed, blank check, assuming it would be made out for $50,” Davis said. “The men came back a second time and dad bought 20 more steaks.”
Steve stopped to see his dad last week and was told the men had just been there again. They told the elderly man they wholesale televisions and could get him one cheap.
Steve and his brother Tim monitor their father’s finances, so when they checked the bank account this past Thursday, they were alarmed to see their father had written three checks, and he never writes checks, as his accounts are all set up for autopay, Steve said.
In all, their dad had written one check for more than $1,200, the second for more than $1,400 and the third for $1,800.
“Dad thought he had bought $50 to $100 worth of meat,” Steve said.
The first check was cashed with the memo on the check “meat packages.” The second check was cashed for more than $1,400.
Then the men told Mr. Davis he had won a freezer and they needed $18 to pay the tax. That was the check written for $1,800 and cashed.
It was indicated by the bank on both checks that neither men had an account there.
Steve said they contacted the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, but because their dad is able to live independently, he has to come in and file a complaint himself. They also said it might be difficult to prove the men committed a crime, as his dad had given them signed blank checks.
Steve warns seniors not to be trusting and never let a stranger in your door, no matter who they claim to be or why they want to come in. He said he and his brother still have to take inventory of their dad’s home to determine if anything was stolen while the men were in the house.
In addition to being middle-aged, Steve’s dad described the men as one being skinny and the other heavyset.
Furthermore, Steve took a package of the meat home and thawed it out to discover the meat was yellow and smelled sour.
Seniors are prime targets for scam artists in many forms. Several years ago, a Medina senior was scammed out of thousands of dollars by someone who claimed he had won a large sum of money and needed something like $8,000 for fees to get it across the border from Canada.
Recently, Orleans Hub contributor Virginia Kropf received a phone call from a young man, who called her “Grandma.” He asked if she knew who it was and assumed it could be her grandson in the Marines in North Carolina.
So she carried on a conversation with him, but all the while was trying to place the voice. After talking a few minutes, the young man asked her to promise to keep his call confidential, and finally admitted he had gotten lost that morning and went the wrong way down a one-day street, hitting and injuring a pregnant driver.
She then began to wonder why, when he was on base, would he be out driving around early in the morning. When he said he was in court and needed $2,500, she knew then the caller was a fake. When she replied she didn’t have that kind of money available, he replied, “You don’t?” And he hung up.
Lt. Todd Draper of the Medina Police Department said his department receives occasional reports of an ongoing “grandparent scam,” where elderly individuals are targeted. They may vary in presentation, but usually include the victim being called by a person claiming to be a grandchild or attorney for the grandchild.
The caller often outlines a motor vehicle accident or an arrest that occurred in a different state or country, and they need money sent immediately. The caller will ask for money in the form of a wire transfer, mobile payment app or purchasing of gift cards or money orders.
Like the call Kropf received, the caller will likely stress the need to send the money immediately, without telling anyone, or may reference a “gag order” from a court.
According to Draper, these callers may seem believable and will be very persuasive and insistent.
A senior receiving a call like this should pause and think of a question to ask the caller, which only their grandchild would know, such as a personal question about someone else in the family or the last time he visited his grandparent.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 January 2022 at 6:40 pm
ALBION – Bruce Landis of Photos by Bruce in Albion has won a First Place Merit Award by the Professional Photographers of America International for his photograph of Jacob, a Brockport High School student posing for senior portrait.
Landis entered the image, “Opening Day Ready,” in the PPofA competition. The portrait will be on display starting this weekend at the PPofA International Convention, National Harbor, MD.
Landis has worked as a professional photographer locally since 1974. In 2017 he was honored by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 January 2022 at 5:40 pm
‘This thing is going to change what we know about the universe’ – Dirk Climenhaga
Provided photo: Dirk Climenhaga, a library assistant at Hoag Library, has created a display about the James Webb Space Telescope. Climenhaga, a former engineer at Kodak, worked on the space telescope when he was a engineer with Kodak and ITT.
ALBION – It’s been an exciting few weeks for Dirk Climenhaga with the launch and deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Climenhaga, 64, worked on the space telescope when he was an engineer at Kodak and then ITT.
Kodak and then ITT were among numerous subcontractors hired by NASA to work on the space telescope. Climenhaga was on a team at Kodak in 1994 that worked on part of the secondary mirror on the telescope.
“We made sure it was workable,” Climenhaga said.
The space telescope has proven to be workable. It was launched on Christmas. The powerful infrared telescope has a 21.3 foot primary mirror.
The observatory will study every phase of cosmic history – from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe, NASA said. It will essentially be able to look back in time at the first stars and galaxies, Climenhaga said.
“This thing is going to change what we know about the universe,” he said. “We will see the first stars from the beginning. This is so amazing to show what God has done.”
Climenhaga grew up in Medina and lives in Gaines. His wife Sandy is a biology teacher at Albion.
Climenhaga started working at Kodak in 1978 as an assembler and moved up to be a draftsman and an engineer, retiring in 2008.
Climenhaga has been working since 2013 as a library assistant in Albion at the Hoag Library. He does special programs such as 3D printing, classes for mechanical, architectural and animation. He also shares his vintage train setup and assists people with Rokenbok, educational toys that he said better than Lego.
In his latest project, he has a display up in the library about the James Webb Space Telescope. He welcomes people to stop by and ask questions.
“People in the world will be surprised by unexpected discoveries with this new technology,” he said.
Image credit: NASA GSFC/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez – An artist’s conception of the James Webb Space Telescope shows all its major elements fully deployed.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 January 2022 at 8:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – An Orleans County DPW employee clears the sidewalk on East Park Street in the Courthouse Square this morning at 8 after about a foot of snow fell last night.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. with 12 to 18 inches of snow expected.
Meghan Coyle was out early this morning shoveling at West Park Street.
Traffic moves down Main Street this morning in Albion. The National Weather Service said winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour will produce significant blowing and drifting snow, especially this afternoon and evening.
“Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commute.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2022 at 8:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Erie Canal Towpath is shown this afternoon in Albion, between the Ingersoll and Brown Street bridges, with many footprints in the snow.
A winter storm warning is in effect from 9 tonight until 7 p.m. on Monday for Orleans County and much of upstate New York.
Orleans, Niagara, Genesee and northern Erie are forecast to receive 12 to 20 inches of snow. Winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour will produce significant blowing and drifting snow Monday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service in Buffalo said.
“Travel will be very difficult or even nearly impossible with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commute Monday.”
This photo was taken from the Butts Road canal bridge, looking east this afternoon.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 January 2022 at 3:27 pm
It will be a busy week to wrap up the Niagara-Orleans League wrestling season which will conclude with the annual All-League Tournament at Albion on Saturday.
The Roy-Hart/Barker wrestling squad faces a particularly busy week. The Rams have three of their five N-O dual matches this week including makeup meets at Medina on Tuesday and at Akron on Thursday along with a home meet against front-running Newfane (4-0) on Wednesday.
The N-O boys swim season will wrap up its schedule of dual meets this week highlighted by a key boys contest which will have undefeated front-runner Roy-Hart (8-0) at runner-up Medina (7-1) on Tuesday.
N-O girls basketball action will highlight a matchup of unbeatens as defending champion Wilson (4-0) hosts rival Newfane (3-0) on Tuesday.
N-O boys basketball competition will have defending champion Medina (2-0) hosting Roy-Hart (2-1) on Thursday.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball – Notre Dame at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Barker at Albion, Akron at Roy-Hart, Wilson at Newfane, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Albion at Barker, Newfane at Wilson, 6 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Akron, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, Kendall at Elba, 7 p.m. Swimming – Roy-Hart at Medina, Albion at Newfane, Akron at Barker, 4:30 p.m. Wrestling – Roy-Hart at Medina, 6 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball – Oakfield-Alabama at Lyndonville, Mt. Morris at Holley, Elba at Kendall, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Akron at Medina, Wilson at Albion, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball – Newfane at Barker, 6 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Medina, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Attica at Lyndonville, Wheatland-Chili at Holley, Notre Dame at Kendall, 7 p.m. Swimming – Newfane at Medina, Albion at Akron, Barker at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m. Wrestling – Roy-Hart at Akron, Lyndonville at Alexander, 6 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Albion at Akron, 6:30 p.m.; Lyndonville at Attica, Holley at Wheatland-Chilim Kendall at Notre Dame, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Medina at Roy-Hart, Akron at Albion, Barker at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Girls Basketball – Holley at Byron-Bergen, 1 p.m. Wrestling – N-O All-League Tournament at Albion, Lyndonville Tourney
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2022 at 9:24 am
Orleans County is joining 10 other counties in the Finger Lakes in asking Gov. Kathy Hochul to reconsider a vaccine booster requirement for healthcare workers.
Gov. Kathy Hochul
Hochul announced on Jan. 7 that healthcare workers would be required to get the booster within two weeks of being eligible.
County leaders wrote in a Jan. 12 letter to Hochul that their healthcare systems are already short-staffed and overwhelmed, and the booster mandate will further strain the hospital workforce.
“Our hospital systems are facing severe staffing shortages coupled with increasing patient loads caused by the Omicron surge,” according to the letter from county officials in Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Steuben, Livingston, Schuyler, Yates, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne and Monroe. “We have significant concerns that if even a handful of healthcare workers are dismissed for their refusal to receive the booster within the designated timeframe, it could exacerbate an already tenuous situation.”
The counties tell Hochul that each county “fully supports the value of vaccinations and has worked tirelessly to administer vaccinations to our citizens.”
The coalition of counties asked Hochul to offer a test-out option on a temporary basis for vaccinated healthcare workers who don’t have the booster in the timeframe put forth by the governor. That option could just be “until the Omicron wave subsides and the hospital capacity crisis abates,” according to the letter from the counties.
“Our concerns are the potential negative impacts to an already beleaguered healthcare workforce at a time when our communities can least afford it,” the letter concludes.
‘Corduroy’ and ‘Plank’ roads, and ‘Path Setters’ were thoroughfares through community, including the swamp
This photo taken in 1898 shows the toll house which stood near the Edwin McKnight farm between Medina and Shelby. H. Justin Roberts recalled riding through this toll gate as a young boy, in a lumber wagon, with his aunt and uncle.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
Illuminating Orleans – Vol. 2, No. 3
The diary of Hosea Ballou presented in the previous two columns have led to some questions.
A reader inquires if the diarist, Hosea Ballou, was related to Major Sullivan Ballou, of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry whose poignant last letter to his wife featured prominently on The Civil War, a PBS series produced by Ken Burns. Major Ballou was killed at the Battle of Bull Run in 1861.
Sullivan and Hosea Ballou were both fifth generation descendants of James Ballou, son of Maturin Ballou (1627 – 1661), an Englishman of French descent, who was an early settler of Rhode Island. He had six children, three of whom lived to have families of their own. A family genealogy published in 1888 contains a remarkable listing of over 8,000 descendants.
In his 1851 diary, Hosea Ballou mentioned working on the roads in the Town of Carlton in the spring – this topic has also generated some discussion.
Prior to centralized government and mechanization, towns were responsible for roads. A road tax was assessed, eligible males were required provide labor or pay the tax. In addition to local labor, locally available materials: wood, stone, and later, quarried stone, were used.
H. Justin Roberts (1893-1991), a Shelby farmer, provided a very clear explanation of that system in an Oral History interview conducted by Anna Roberts Bundsuch in 1989:
“A farmer with a small farm in each town was appointed road commissioner. In addition to the road commissioner, there were path masters scattered throughout the town. Each farmer wanted to be path master because he could get the road improved past his farm. My father tried it for one year. The road past our house got a new topping.”
He explained that the road commissioner was salaried, but the path masters were not. The road commissioner would travel around the town in his horse and buggy to check the condition of the roads. Farmers would spend four or five days each year working on the roads, generally in the spring after the crops had been sown.
“There was no department – there was just the commissioner who worked with the path masters. When a road needed repair, the farmers along the road worked their highway taxes. They didn’t have anything to use but gravel. A farmer would be assessed so much money for road work. He’d take a dump wagon and haul for so many days to pay his taxes. A man who didn’t have horses would do the shoveling and use a pick. The gravel had to be shoveled onto the wagons.
Two or three big farms in a town, their assessment would be quite high, and they would put two teams and two wagons on.
The dump trucks were an ingenious affair. The bottom was made up of 4 x 4’s, there were side boards and end boards. The wagon would be filled up with gravel and then there would be a man on the road to assist in the unloading. He’d grab a crowbar and lift up the first 4 x 4; then as the wagon moved along, the gravel would fall out.
There were two gravel pits in the Town of Shelby. The town would pay the owner of the pit a little something for the gravel.”
He continued and explained the term “corduroy road”:
“I used to hear my father tell this story. In the early days, the road south of Medina was impassible through the swamp. So, they cut trees along the right of way: cut logs and laid them side by side all the way through. You bumped over each log and that is why they called it a corduroy road.”
Many of the early roads were called Plank Road, for example the Alabama Plank Road which led to the Sour Springs Hotel. Medina’s Main Street was originally referred to as Plank Road.
Mr. Roberts also described winter road work:
“In the winter, sleighs were used, but wherever snowbanks crossed the road, the snow was shoveled by hand. Mostly the farmers took care of their own roads. Farmers had 50 gallon kettles to heat water and maybe to boil beans to feed the hogs. They’d put a chain around one of those kettles and hitch it behind the bobsleigh and get a big heavy man to ride in the kettle. They’d drag that down one side of the road and the other side coming back to make a track.”
Since bone-chilling temperatures are forecast, another Oral History account from the Orleans County History Dept. Collection may be of interest. In an interview with Clifford Wise in 1969, Mrs. Minnie Allis described how one kept warm when traveling on a sleigh or cutter in winter:
“They had soap stones and these big buffalo robes to put on your lap; they had heavy underwear and top buttoned shoes and they put overshoes on and bundled your head up; fur mittens; they used to carry ear muffs to put your hands in.”
Burt Dunlap of Shelby, in a cutter, c1908. From the Scott Dunlap Collection, Medina Historical Society
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 January 2022 at 12:04 pm
Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday nine testing sites will open on SUNY and community college campuses across New York State, including close by to Orleans County at Niagara County Community College and Monroe Community College.
“Through our winter surge plan we are building on our ongoing efforts to make testing more widely available, and that includes utilizing our SUNY campus facilities that are equipped to distribute more tests to New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “Expanded access to testing will ensure those who are positive with the virus can isolate to limit spread and keep others in their communities well. Get tested and stay home if you are sick – we are not powerless.”
The site at NCCC opens on Jan. 18 and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Friday at Building G, 3111 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn.
The site at MCC starts on Jan. 20 and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Gillman Lounge, Building 3, Rm. 114, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Parking Lot N in Rochester.
Other colleges that will start as community Covid testing sites next week include Rockland Community College, SUNY Sullivan, Alfred State, Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, Finger Lakes Community College, SUNY Ulster, and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 January 2022 at 10:13 am
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are committed to helping people get vaccinated, including those who are homebound and cannot easily leave their residences.
The G-O Health Departments have vaccinated 35 homebound residents in Orleans and 50 in Genesee so far. The Health Department will bring the Covid vaccine to homebound residents as staff are able to schedule giving the shots, said paul pettit, public health director for the two counties.
Homebound residents can call either Orleans and Genesee to set an appointment, and they can pick from any of the vaccines – Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson.
To be put on the homebound vaccine list, call the Health Department in Orleans at (585) 589-3278 and in Genesee at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555.
GAINES – For a number of years this oil painting on canvas, measuring 22 by 36 inches, in its original frame, has hung in the back of the Cobblestone Church under the organ loft. It is correctly entitled, “The Parting of Ruth and Naomi,” and was undoubtedly done by a “Sunday Painter,” around 1890.
It is, of course, a copy of a famous painting from the late 19th century by Philip Hermogenes Calderon (1833-1898) who began his training in painting in London in 1850 and also studied in Paris in 1851, inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites. Throughout his career, his subjects were often historical, biblical or literary in theme.
This is a close-up picture of the painting in the Cobblestone Church.
We may ask, “How did this painting become so famous and popular back in the day?” Perhaps that question is answered by the accompanying chromo advertising card measuring 5×6 inches. The front shown here is what our Sunday Painter copied.
But it is the obverse side (back) that tells the story. Yes it was Charles E. Hires of Root Beer fame who truly brought this image into public recognition at the time. Every reproduction that Hires had printed carried the biblical quote from Ruth 1:16 (Old Testament):
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God…”
Shown above is a second chromo lithographic advertising card. In fine print, at the lower left on the front of the card, it states: J. Ottmann Lith. Co. NY.” The earlier card shows “Donaldson Brothers Lith. NY.” The color scheme varies quite differently between the two printers. We also note that the obverse side of the second example, while carrying the same information as the first, is in its own format. We believe the colors in our first two examples are more true to the original painting by Calderon.
The framed print shown here is one of those 15×20 inch souvenirs. “Donaldson Brothers, NY” were the printers. Framing of this piece appears to be original from the 1890s. Credit on the print is: “Published and copyrighted by Charles E. Hires Company.” You may wonder, “Why does this picture hang in the Cobblestone Church?”
It was just fifty years ago that Bill Lattin, the first director of the Cobblestone Museum, made an inquiry. He noticed regularly placed nails in the church walls centered between windows and doorways. He asked Homer Brown, then in his eighties, “Why are those nails there?” Homer’s answer was, “There were pictures there.”
Now it seems Homer had attended the church as a child, prior to the Universalist Church being built at Albion in 1894. Those missing pictures and other furnishings were sold at an auction in 1934. Consequently, over the years, to make the interior of the Cobblestone Church more authentic in appearance, prints and this painting of appropriate subject matter for a Universalist Church have been acquired by the Cobblestone Museum.
The biblical quote on the print of Ruth and Naomi is sometimes used as a reading during wedding ceremonies. Therefore, our Sunday Painter’s work fits well for the Cobblestone Church which is often the scene for weddings, as shown above.
We include here a copy of one of Calderon’s most noteworthy and well-known paintings. It was completed in 1856 and is entitled, “Broken Vows.” It appears the beautiful young woman behind a fence, shown wearing a wedding band, overhears a tryst between her mate and another woman. We see obvious tension in the genre story. Likewise, in our painting of Ruth and Naomi, we also see some tension between them. Another similarity with these paintings is Calderon’s desire to show women wearing rich, silky clothing. “Broken Vows” is in the extensive art collection of the Tate Gallery in London.
The theme of Ruth and Naomi was a very popular subject matter, especially during the second half of the 19th century. We show a couple examples below From Bill Lattin’s antique collection.
This 10” tall pitcher with a salt glaze and pewter cover perhaps dates to the 1860s. It depicts Ruth clinging to Naomi while Orpah rests on the ground. The pitcher is marked on the bottom: “Naomi and her Daughters-in-Law.”
In this beautiful Parian-ware rendition we see Naomi, Ruth and Orpah. On the base it is entitled, “Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law.” This figurine measures 13” tall and was published circa 1860. It is not uncommon in antiquing today to find images of just Ruth alone. This particular piece of statuary would have been a focal point in someone’s parlor 150 years ago.
Let us end with a more updated story concerning our subject. We are all familiar with the well-known celebrity, Oprah Winfrey. Allegedly, Oprah’s name was supposed to be Orpah, after the daughter-in-law of the biblical Ruth, but her doctor mixed up the letters and spelled the name Oprah when filling out her birth certificate. It was never corrected, so Oprah it is!
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 January 2022 at 7:00 pm
Provided photos: Laura Kemler stands in her store at 45 North Main St., Albion, Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired Goods. Her business was boosted by a $20,000 grant through the Microenterprise Assistance Program.
ALBION – Nine graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, who received special grants of $10,000 to $20,000, celebrated at lunch Tuesday at The Lockstone in Albion.
Lockstone’s owner, Natasha Wasuck, was one of the graduates and grant recipients. She said buying the site of The Lockstone, a former automotive and carpet store, has proven to be quite a venture.
Wasuck, who is also a realtor, took the MAP class in 2019 because she wanted to educate herself in all aspects of business, she said. Her business is a wedding and event venue, with an ice cream parlor during the summer.
Her $12,000 grant enabled her to buy a bar cooler and furniture for her wedding venue. She called the MAP an asset to the community.
“A lot of small businesses which might have struggled have been able to start up, because of MAP,” she said.
Margie Steffen, who owns Studio 11 Hair Salon at 11 East Bank St., Albion, has been in business for 22 years, but still found she learned how to better her busienss in taking the MAP class.
“I had also taken it eight years ago and took it again in April last year, because I still thought I could benefit from it,” she said. “I wanted to refresh my business skills and find out if there were any new opportunities available. I learned having a business plan is essential.”
One of those opportunities available to graduates was applying for the state GOSC/OCR grant. Steffen received $15,000, which enabled her to give her shop a facelift and buy new barbering and spa equipment.
John Woodams, who owns a hops farm with his wife Kim in Kendall, attended the MAP class in 2021. With their $15,000 grant, they were able to buy 2,500 more hops plants, bringing their total to 8,000.
John said the class was a big help to them.
“Learning how to develop a business plan was the most beneficial,” Kim said.
Sarah Ebbs has been baking with her grandmother and mother since she was 13, so having her own bakery is a dream come true. Her mom Pam Jenks first started the bakery and it really took off after they opened Pretty Sweet Bakery in 2019 at 117 North Main St.
Ebbs took the MAP spring class in 2021. With her $15,000 grant she was able to revamp the bakery, purchase new equipment and inventory and create seating options for customers. She said the MAP and grant availability were great opportunities for a new business.
Sarah Ebbs, one of the graduates of the Microenterprise Assistance Program, has been approved for a state grant to expand her business, Pretty Sweet Bakery, at 117 North Main St., Albion.
Nickie Poler Girardo is a mixologist who runs a mobile bar tending service. She will create a personalized menu for any event, including weddings, holiday parties, private gatherings or corporate events. She will create signature cocktails, and brings staff and all supplies with her.
“I take the guesswork out of bar service for an event,” she said.
Her $15,000 grant enabled her to purchase a new enclosed trailer, new equipment, beverage refrigerators and a generator for the trailer.
Jenna Chevier of Kendall Road, Holley, has put her knowledge of event planning and digital marketing to work to form her business, Eventageous Media Marketing.
“I wanted to take the things I enjoy most and do them for other people,” she said.
She has taken some courses, but most of what she knows she learned from experience, including website design. In event planning, she caters small to medium size weddings and entertainment conventions.
With her $12,000 grant, she was able to buy equipment to facilitate her marketing for small businesses.
Jackie Chinn took two things she is passionate about and turned them into her business, Lyric and Lizzy Boutique, located at 335 North Main St., Medina. Her store sells clothing for children from infant to size 12 and treats, toys and accessories for dogs and cats
She recently added a new feature, Lincoln Bear and Buddy, where children 3 and older can made their own bear in the store. She has also introduced a Book and Bear concept for parents or grandparents who want a unique gift for their child. It includes a book, tee shirt, craft, stickers and a toy.
Chinn took the MAP class in 2019, before opening her business in 2020. Her $15,000 grant enabled her to buy new merchandise and shelving for her store.
Lynn Palmer’s $15,000 grant enabled her to increase her inventory and purchase new shelving for her store, Upscale Overstock, at 50 North Main St., Albion. At the recent MAP graduation, she shared her story of rising from poverty to becoming a self-sufficient, successful businesswoman.
The last recipient, and one of the most successful MAP graduates, is Laura Kemler, who owns Laura Loxley Vintage Inspired Goods at 45 North Main St., Albion.
She produces unique handmade and hand dyed fabric goods. A $20,000 grant enabled her to purchase inventory and equipment. She has returned several times to talk to MAP graduates about what the program has done for her.
Two Microenterprise Assistance Program classes are held annually. The next one is scheduled April 5 to June 14 at the Arnold Gregory Building. Anyone wishing to enroll may contact coordinator Diane Blanchard at (585) 589-7060.
